Selling
Will Home Values Sink?
With the current uncertainty about the economy triggered by a potential trade war, some people are waiting to purchase their first home or move-up to their dream house because they think or hope home prices will drop over the next few years. However, the experts disagree with this perspective. Here is a table showing the…
Read More5 Reason to Sell This Fall
Below are 5 compelling reasons listing your home for sale this fall makes sense. 1. Demand Is Strong The latest Buyer Traffic Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows that buyer demand remains strong throughout the vast majority of the country. These buyers are ready, willing, and able to purchase…and are in the market right now. More…
Read MoreWhat to Expect in 2019
Welcome to 2019! A lot has happened over the last few years in the real estate market and many of us are still comparing it to the market crash over ten years ago, creating trepidation and fear. Should we be fearful of where the real estate market is going? I don’t believe we should be; let’s look…
Read MoreHow New Mortgage Standards are Helping to Stabilize the Market
Real estate is shifting to a more normal market; the days of national home appreciation topping 6% annually are ending and inventories are increasing, which is causing bidding wars to almost disappear. Some see these as signs that the market will soon come tumbling down as it did in 2008. I disagree. As it becomes…
Read MoreWhere Are Interest Rates Headed in 2019?
The interest rate you pay on your home mortgage has a direct impact on your monthly payment. The higher the rate, the greater the payment will be. That is why it is important to know where rates are headed when deciding to start your home search. Below is a chart created using Freddie Mac’s U.S. Economic…
Read MoreWhat to Negotiate When Buying a House
Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned veteran, the negotiation part of the transaction can be a little daunting and stressful. However, it is necessary to ensure you are getting the best possible deal for your money. So, what should you negotiate when buying a home? Closing costs. Your closing costs are determined…
Read MoreWhy Has Housing Supply Increased as Sales Have Slowed Down?
According to the latest Existing Home Sales Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the inventory of homes for sale this year compared to last year has increased for the last four months, all while sales of existing homes have slowed compared to last year’s numbers. For over three years leading up to this point, the exact opposite…
Read More5 Things That Make Us Happy With Our Homes
According to a recent survey conducted by houzz.com, here are five things that consistently make people happy with their homes. 1. Big windows and comfortable furniture: Nearly 75 percent of respondents listed these two items as major difference-makers. It’s a no-brainer—people like lots of light and a good place to relax. 2. A big-screen TV:…
Read More5 NEGOTIATING TACTICS THAT KILL A SALE
Negotiation is a subtle art in real estate, but skilled negotiators can usually find some common ground that satisfies all parties. On the other hand, using the wrong negotiation tactics can sink a deal pretty quickly. Here are some negotiation tactics buyers (and real estate professionals) should avoid: Lowball offers:Going far below market value when…
Read MoreIs the Real Estate Market Finally Getting Back to Normal
The housing market has been anything but normal for the last eleven years. In a normal real estate market, home prices appreciate 3.7% annually. Below, however, are the price swings since 2007 according to the latest Home Price Expectation Survey: After the bubble burst in June 2007, values depreciated 6.1% annually until February 2012. From March 2012 to…
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