Don't Wait: Why Home Buyers Shouldn't Stall for Lower Interest Rates
In the realm of real estate, timing is often a pivotal factor for prospective homebuyers. The anticipation of lower interest rates can be enticing, prompting many to delay their purchasing decisions. However, there's a lesser-known truth that awaits those who procrastinate: the perils of increased competition and diminished inventory.
What to Expect From a Listing Agent
Hiring a listing agent isn't just about placing a lockbox and sign; they're your advocate, guiding you through negotiations, working behind the scenes, and ensuring a smooth, profitable transaction.
“Date the Rate and Marry the House”- Is This Still a Good Idea?
You’ve heard the old expression, “Date the Rate but Marry the House.” The idea is that you can always refinance the loan, but the right house may not come around again. But with rising interest rates and falling home inventory, many buyers are wondering if this mantra still rings true. Should you marry the house at whatever interest rate is available?
How to Use Comps to Price Your Home Correctly
The most important aspect of listing your home for sale is the asking price. Unlike many other items we purchase, home prices are based on what a willing and able buyer would pay for the property. Sounds complicated, right? This is why real estate agents bring comps (short for comparable properties) information with them to the discussion. Yet are you using the right comps to successfully sell your home?
Homeownership Is a Great Hedge Against Inflation
Over the past couple of months, the news of rising inflation is fueling concern across the country. Currently, inflation is at a 40-year high. This is impacting household budgets the most as families try to make ends meet with less buying power. For potential home buyers, rising interest rates may cause worry that you will not be able to afford the home you want.
While these are all valid concerns, for those that are still able to finance a home, homeownership is one of the best hedges against inflation and may be worth stretching your budget to do so.
5 Tips for Writing a Winning Offer in this Market
Everyone recognizes that this is a difficult housing market for homebuyers. With inventory shortages and low interest rates, buyers have seen a fast-paced market with strong growth in home prices. As interest rates begin to rise, the pressure for buyers to settle on a new home and lock in their rate is even stronger. With so many buyers vying for the same property, it’s important to write the best offer right up front. Here are 5 tips to help you write a strong offer.
Additional Criteria When Hiring a Listing Agent
Most sellers spend a long time considering whether they should sell their home. These same people who have considered all the financial and personal pros and cons of moving hire the first real estate agent they like. While certainly it’s important to find an agent you can communicate with, the right agent brings more than a pleasant demeanor to the transaction and it’s critical to choose the right one.
2022 Color Trends
Did you know that each year paint and pigment companies work hard to predict the hottest trends in colors? They choose the “Color of the Year” and home designers love to infuse new tones and hues into their designs. For 2022, Shades of Green will be all the rage.
What Stays with the Home?
More than one seller has been surprised to find that their favorite chandelier is not theirs to take when they move. First-time home sellers might be especially confused when confronted with an exclusion form presented by their agent, but understanding what is, and is not included in the sale by statute is important to avoid disappointment on both sides.
Pricing Strategies
Real estate markets across the country are experiencing a strong seller’s market right now. For potential sellers, this may be a golden opportunity to get top value for their property. While it may be tempting to aim for the sky when setting the listing price, that may not be your best option.
House Hunting Tips
House hunting has become a contact sport over the past year. The idealized vision of a leisurely Saturday morning reviewing open houses and plotting the day’s tours over lattes and croissants is a thing of the past.
Kitchen Remodel, Do’s/Don’ts
Kitchen remodels are the most popular project among homeowners. Who hasn’t dreamed of the perfect kitchen? …