Home Sellers Archives - Page 5 of 10 -

May 15, 2022December 20, 2024

Inflation and Home Values

Key Takeaways:

Home values are rising faster than inflation, making homes a prized asset
This housing market offers unique opportunities for buyers and sellers
Contact us today to secure your assets and safeguard your future!

The state of real estate and inflation

As inflation soars to near 40-year highs and raises the cost of everything, many are looking for innovative ways to secure their assets against inflationary losses. Additionally, given the housing market’s recent volatility (primarily driven by historic low levels of housing inventory that have caused an imbalance between supply and demand), it’s understandable that many might consider real estate to be a wrong or risky move right now. But the great news is that nothing could be further from the truth. Let’s explore how and why buying or selling a home can safeguard you against inflation.

The housing market can protect you from inflation

Image of homes and a graph representing housing market and inflation.

Real estate remains a stable area for investment and profit realization because a home’s value does not increase in relation to currency; it increases based on demand. So if you’ve been holding back from buying because of today’s market pressures, consider that inflation is up even more than mortgage interest rates, making it a smart move. Similarly, if you’re considering selling, the demand for housing has never been greater, which is terrific news for anyone looking to cash out their equity to hedge against inflation.

Buying a home: by the numbers

Let’s take a look at some numbers. Experts estimate that Americans face an annualized inflation rate of around 15%. Considering that, the current 5% mortgage rate is a bargain for homebuyers in the short term. Moreover, you’re securing an asset that, over time, will increase. And, as you pay down your mortgage, even at 5%, your equity will continue to grow.

Selling a home: by the numbers

Senior Adult Couple in Front of Sold Home For Sale Real Estate Sign and Beautiful House.

It’s no secret to homeowners that their home equity values have grown over the last couple of years. According to research firm Black Knight, at the end of 2021, Americans were sitting on record-high home equity levels of approximately $9.9 million. So if you’ve noticed homes in your neighborhood selling above their listing price and you’ve been on the fence about selling yourself, now may be a good time to cash in on this opportunity.

Both buyers and sellers can make tremendous gains

Happy family with children moving with boxes in a new house.

In a hot housing market where home inventory is low, competition is fierce, and home equity values are at all-time highs, buyers and sellers can start to feel overwhelmed. But don’t despair: an increase in mortgage rates isn’t stopping homes from selling quickly, nor is it preventing home equities from appreciating. For example, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), properties remained on the market for just 17 days in March, with many going for over the asking price!

With more buyers than sellers today, current homeowners looking to sell to fight inflation have the advantage of likely bidding wars, resulting in greater profits and fast-moving homes that don’t stay on the market for very long. For those looking towards homeownership to protect their assets against inflation, reassurance comes from knowing that demand is expected to outpace supply for the foreseeable future, meaning that home equities will continue to rise. And if inflation continues, fixed-rate interest rates will drop again, creating the perfect opportunity to refinance your loan.

Get Ready to Make Your Move

The first step to buying and selling is crunching the numbers. Our team will help you find the real, up-to-the-minute value of your home using the latest microdata and neighborhood trends. Then, we’ll work with you to figure out the best strategy to shelter your investments and assets from inflation. Contact us today!

March 1, 2022June 19, 2024

Home Sellers: When Should You Reduce Your Listing Price?

Key Takeaways

Even in a seller’s market, you may still need to reduce your price
Consider if you’ve tried everything else before a price reduction
Make sure to seek the advice of your trusted realtor–we’ve seen it all before!

Even in a competitive seller’s market like the one we’re in right now, listing your home for the right price is key. Don’t count on a bidding war happening to get the price you want! Let’s take a look at what you should do before listing your home, indicators that your home is priced too high, and the strategies you can use to make the price right.

How Do I Figure Out the Right Price?

When home prices are rising quickly, low appraisals can affect your listing price. With year-over-year home prices up 17% on average nationwide in 2021—with some markets seeing as much as 35% increases—the appraisal you receive may not reflect other recent asking prices in your area.

Your experienced real estate agent will use data from the local MLS and consider other homes in your neighborhood and what they sold for recently. They’ll also consider tax data, your property’s previous sale price, and even micro market trends. Working with an agent in such a fluid, dynamic market is essential to getting the price right.

Since your largest pool of buyers often finds your home within the first 21 days of listing, try to list your home at the right price from the start. If you’re not seeing the offers you thought you would, make an adjustment quickly before the initial interest fades away.

If the first week of listing your home isn’t resulting in offers, especially in a market this hot, that’s a red flag your home is overpriced. However, if you’re getting offers, and they just aren’t meeting your listing price, it’s a good sign you’re in line with the market and may need a small decrease.

How Do I Know When to Lower the Price?

Image of a couple working with a real estate agent.

It’s exciting to list your home in such a historic market, but moving too fast and forgetting the basics can hurt your chances of success. Work with your real estate agent to market your home. This includes cleaning and decluttering your home, staging rooms, taking attractive photos, and communicating the value of the property in the listing.

Rely on the most recent data to find the sweet spot for price. You’ll want to consider homes recently sold within a mile or two of your home, especially ones with the same number of bedrooms and bathrooms and square footage within 20% of your home that closed within the last 90 days.

If all of that is said and done and you’re not receiving any offers, you may need to lower the price. Even in a seller’s market, selling over asking or enjoying a bidding war for a higher price is not guaranteed. Make sure you know the lowest price you’re willing to accept before you list your home, so making a change won’t feel like taking a loss.

When it comes to finding the new price, there are a few things to consider. While the general advice is to lower anywhere from 0.5% to upwards of 3%, you also want to pay attention to your price bracket and what buyers are searching for. If lowering your price brings you down from $410,000 to $398,000, that will open up your home to a new pool of buyers searching for homes under $400,000.

Price Your Home Right from the Start

Real estate is a continual learning process, and it takes effort to figure out the right price. That’s why you should work with our experienced, trusted team to get started out right! Contact us today to find the true value of your home based on the most recent, up-to-date, micro-economic data available. Our team is here to help you sell your home for top dollar.

February 15, 2022June 19, 2024

The three most common questions first-time sellers ask our real estate team.

It’s common to be overwhelmed by the number of questions you inevitably run into when you’re selling your home. Does the doorbell work? Are the exterior colors suitable for today’s market? Am I getting what my home is worth? From marketing the house to negotiating a fair market price and making repairs, here are some of the most common questions sellers ask us and some helpful strategies you can utilize when selling your home.

Question 1: How do I know what my home is worth?

Image of a wooden home and a stack of cash representing home value.

Ultimately, a home is worth what someone will pay for it. However, there are three values attributed to any home currently on the market:

What the seller thinks it’s worth.
What the buyer assumes it’s worth.
What a professional appraiser will think it’s worth.

One of the most critical aspects of selling your home is quickly getting those three numbers to align. Most real estate agents freely perform a comparative market analysis of home values to establish a property’s value to determine a selling price. They look at factors such as square footage, construction quality, condition of the home and neighborhood, design, and floor plan, plus all of the neighborhood’s features, like transportation availability, nearby shopping, and area schools.

Question 2: How do I get my home ready to sell?

Image of a couple painting the walls in their home.

Nearly all home purchase contracts include an inspection clause. This term is a buyer contingency that allows buyers to back out of the deal if numerous defects present themselves or negotiate their repair.

The trick to getting your home ready for the market is not to overspend on pre-sale improvements, especially if few houses are on the market with many buyers willing to pay almost any price. On the other hand, making such investments is the only way to stage and sell your house, even in a market that favors sellers.

Here are some quick highlights of expected home improvements and staging tips that every homeowner should have on their checklist going into negotiations:

Make sure that your roof is up-to-date; this will get you the highest return on your investment.
Fix any maintenance issues, such as leaks, plumbing problems, drafts, rusty areas, squeaky floorboards, mold, or mildew well before buyers can find them.
Applying a fresh coat of paint will make rooms look brand-new!
Polishing lighting fixtures and upgrading light bulbs is an inexpensive way to make a home look newer and brighter.
Less clutter helps a home look larger inside, so remove extra objects or furniture to give your home a more spacious feel.

Question 3: How do I pick the right offer on my home?

Image of a woman considering her home selling options with an agent.

While seeing a bid over-asking price will make your heart race, it’s best to take a deep breath and consider the whole picture. Buyers include contingencies, like inspection, financing, and appraisal, in their offers. The fewer contingencies, the better it is for the seller.

You can consider an all-cash offer to eliminate the risk of contingencies. Anywhere from a quarter to a third of home sales now are cash offers, depending on the market, so this is more common than you may think!

What’s your next step after your home sells? The closing timeline can influence choosing your best offer—perhaps you’re in a hurry to move into your new place, or you need some extra time to finish packing. There’s always a lot to consider, and each seller’s needs are different.

The ultimate question: what are my net proceeds?

Because the real estate market is continually changing, and market fluctuations affect property values, your list price, sale price, and closing costs must be based on the most recent comparable sales in your neighborhood. To find out the current value of your home, contact our team today! Selling your home is a team effort that yields more success with the help of the most qualified and skilled realtors.

January 15, 2022June 19, 2024

The Top Color Palettes to Help Sell Your Home in 2022

Key Takeaways:

Even in a seller’s market, it pays more to be mindful of how you present your home—and color is a key component!
This year is all about earthy greens, fun pastel blues and yellows, and smart neutrals to really create a sense of comfort.
Have fun with DIY projects and go hunting for unique antiques to transform traditional rooms into flexible spaces!

Home Buyers Are Searching for Comfort and Versatility

Even though 2022 is predicted to remain a seller’s market, a little effort upfront will go a long way towards closing. You don’t need to do a major renovation to bring modern trends and styles into your home, regardless of its age. Clean, neat, and orderly homes certainly help, but the right color palette can really add some extra oomph.

Here are three of the leading staging trends and top color palettes that can help add value to your home and bring in bids.

Invite the outside in through shades of green

Color palette showing greens and oranges with home decor featuring plants.

After a tumultuous few years, 2022’s trends are focused on self-care and comfort, which are reflected in soothing color schemes. The right colors can bring a sense of belonging into your home. With an overall emphasis on wellness, it’s no surprise that homeowners are falling for hues that are reminiscent of the outdoors.

Earthy, organic palettes provide balance and a breath of fresh air. Green is easy on the eyes, inspiring, and provides a sense of security and belonging. Colorful kitchen cabinets are a relatively quick paint project and very on-trend for 2022. Herbaceous colors such as sage, mint, and thyme tie in perfectly to the gastronomic heart of a home.

Potted plants bring a sense of vitality into a space, and certain varieties help clean the air so prospective buyers will truly breathe easy. To break up the green, try a soft peach or light apricot. They’re calm, straightforward colors that evoke shelter and stability. Bonus: green plants pop when paired with these more subtle shades of orange.

Bright blue and yellow pastels are perfect for flexible spaces

Color palette showing blues and yellows with people working from home.

3 bedrooms, 3 baths and…where’s the office? The classroom? The gym? COVID-19 has changed how we live, work, and play—and what we look for in a home. Gone are the stringent definitions of a room’s purpose according to the blueprint. Extra bedrooms are now learning centers, the dining room is for quality time with friends, and the basement is the best hot yoga studio in town.

With homes becoming more functional spaces, the colors need to be comfortable and calm. Warm, soft yellows add a sense of sunshine to any room. To avoid veering into neon highlighter territory, go for pastel shades of chamomile or buttermilk to bring optimism and cheer without any glare.

The home isn’t quite as intimate as it once was now that we invite everyone from coworkers to teachers into our homes via video call—so now, you can create a space that shows buyers you understand their need to impress. While dark blues are the trademark of the corporate world, lighter hues like mist and sky reign over the residential realm.

Reclaimed materials stand out against strong neutrals

Color palette showing traditional neutrals with reclaimed furniture.

With the world so different from what we’ve previously known, there’s a newfound value in nostalgia. Luckily, second-hand furniture not only evokes warm feelings of remembrance but also ties into the movement to go green.

With supply chain complications still affecting the marketplace, there’s a resurgence of interest in using reclaimed materials as an anchor piece. Many second-hand stores offer refurbished pieces, painting over lackluster patinas with bold color palettes, geometric patterns, or ombre. You can always go the DIY route, too—but with more than enough to do to get your home ready, buying rehabbed pieces is a huge time-saver.

Go with neutrals for the rest of the room to show off a bold find. Beige may sound boring, but it brings connotations of dependability. In these ever-changing times, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to go back to basics once in a while. Plus, with varieties such as ecru, stone, and taupe, there’s nothing basic about this perennial staple.

Use Our Staging Tips for a Top-Dollar Home Sale

It takes thought and effort to bring your home to its full potential, so you can sell at the highest possible price. We’re ready to do a walkthrough and offer suggestions on how you can get prepared to sell. We have the experience and know what buyers want. Contact us today and let us know how we can help prepare your home for a top-dollar sale!

December 15, 2021June 19, 2024

What to Expect in the 2022 Real Estate Market

Key Takeaways:

Many of the dynamics seen in 2021 will carry through into next year’s housing market, but at a much less frenzied pace.
As remote work becomes a more permanent, widespread option, Millennials are taking advantage and entering the real estate market.
We’re ready for another seller’s market. Like last year, there isn’t time to waste—contact us to start planning now!

What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know About the 2022 Housing Market

In the final few weeks of 2021, both home buyers and sellers look forward to what lies ahead in 2022. We can help build your strategy to stay competitive! Don’t wait for the real estate market to heat up during the spring and summer. Here’s what you need to know to get ahead of the competition next year.

First-time home buyers can overcome the challenging market

Recent real estate forecasts suggest that competitive will be the defining characteristic of the housing market throughout 2022. That will be especially true for first-time home buyers.

Competing levels of low inventory supply and high buyer demand will continue to hold housing market values at, or above, asking prices. Total inventory will increase by the end of 2022, but it will not be enough to slow the seller’s market.

For first-time home buyers to secure their house, they need to start early and expect competition. On a positive note, low interest rates can help new homeowners build equity faster.

Millennials are working remotely and finally buying homes

A lot has changed in these last two years. Buzzwords like “the new normal” were everywhere, along with speculations about how people lived, worked, and commuted were going to change. As we enter into 2022, we now have data reports and are beginning to see how these changes affect the housing market.

The ability to work remotely is helping the more than 45 million Millennials that make up the fastest growing segment of buyers. After an uphill battle, they’re entering the prime first-time home buying age range of 26 – 35, and changing the real estate landscape.

Millennials are leaving the glamor of big city life to take advantage of more affordable housing markets in suburbs and rural areas. As long as they have internet access, their salary remains the same. And unsurprisingly, 99% of them use technology to research the home buying market.

With 90% of managers and employees reporting that they’re happy working from home, and productivity increasing by as much as 47%, remote work is here to stay. The new normal will also create new investment opportunities as companies seek to reduce their office sizes.

Low inventory stretches into the new year

After years of underbuilding, housing supply shortages will continue to be a dominant feature of the market next year. One of the most significant factors that will carry over immediately from last year is low inventory supply.

Available housing will remain tight throughout the year. While that will generate some stress, it will also drive home values higher. Estimates of continued home sales growth will be 6.6%.

While housing inventory levels will remain lower than their pre-pandemic levels throughout 2022, a modest 0.3% growth in inventory should be enough to keep market prices from spiraling even further upward.

Sellers remain in control of the market

As we look ahead to 2022, some clear realities for the housing market begin to appear: it will remain a seller’s market. Interest rates continue to hover around a record-low 3%, providing incentives for sellers to upgrade to a larger home for a lower monthly payment.

After the refinance boom in 2020, homeowners are still in an advantageous position. With home sales expected to hit their highest level in 16 years due to Millennials entering the housing market, sellers sit in a very good position to profit. If accurately priced and, more importantly, if houses are in great condition with upgrades throughout, the real estate market will continue to be a boon for sellers.

Be Prepared for a Competitive Year

The new normal in 2022 turns out to be an old adage: the early bird gets the worm. We have the experience and can move quickly to make sure you stay competitive, regardless of whether you’re buying or selling. Contact us today to make your plan for the new year!

December 1, 2021June 19, 2024

Buying or Selling in 2022? Look for an Agent with These 10 Qualities

Key Takeaways:

In today’s hot market, it’s more important than ever to choose the right agent to help you buy or sell a home.
Real estate agents don’t just offer local expertise—their insider knowledge and marketing prowess come in handy, too.
Thinking about making a move in the new year? Contact us to start planning now!

Here Are the Top 10 Qualities Every Successful Real Estate Agent Should Have

Did you know that 75% of buyers and sellers work with the first agent they meet? It’s true—but that doesn’t mean it’s the best decision. If you want to come out on top in today’s competitive market, experts often recommend interviewing a few candidates before settling on the right real estate professional for the job. And if you’re not sure where to start, we’ve outlined 10 qualities of a highly successful agent.

They keep up with the latest sold data

Whether you’re buying or selling a home, you’ll want to keep up with the latest sold data for your neighborhood of choice. Sold data reports consist of homes that recently sold in your area, as well as their final prices. Not only do these numbers help sellers determine an accurate list price, but they can also be used by buyers to gauge an area’s affordability. A top-notch agent should be willing to provide you with up-to-date data every step of the way.

They know what’s happening in the real estate market

It’s hard to know what the real estate market will look like next year. But with careful forecasting, a local agent should be able to provide some valuable insight. Agents can educate buyers and sellers on everything from price fluctuations to mortgage rates—just make sure they’re using accurate data to back up their predictions.

They’re social media savvy

Nowadays, home-buying and selling primarily happens on the internet. According to recent research, over 95% of buyers start searching for properties online, which makes it imperative that agents maintain an active presence on their social platforms. Be sure to ask your agent about the virtual tools they offer buyers and sellers, such as access to the MLS, social media promotion, and paid advertising. Bonus points if they have their own website, too!

They have a network of contacts

When it comes to buying or selling a home, it truly takes a village. A well-connected agent can refer you to their network of local contacts, such as plumbers, landscapers, lawyers, and so much more. You’ll rest easy knowing that you can trust their recommendations for local service providers!

Their referrals are positive

If an agent provides legendary customer service, their past clients are more than willing to leave positive feedback—or even refer them to their loved ones! Ask your potential agent about their reviews, or take a look online to see what previous buyers and sellers have to say about working with them.

They’re punctual

This one should be a given! The current real estate market moves faster than ever before, which makes punctuality an even more important quality than usual. If your agent is on-time (or early!) to your appointments, you’ll know they’re treating you like a priority.

It’s easy to get in touch

Scheduling an appointment with a real estate agent

Keeping in touch is key when it comes to real estate, so you’ll want to share the same method of communication as your agent. Tell your agent from the beginning whether you prefer to text, email, or talk on the phone. Not responding in a timely manner is a big red flag.

They’re shrewd negotiators

Buyers and sellers alike should look for an agent with top-notch negotiation skills to get them the best possible price. And if you want to evaluate a real estate agent’s prowess, just ask yourself this question: how well did they negotiate with you to win your business?

They’ve built their own brand

Buyers getting the keys to their new home

Real estate agents don’t just help you buy or sell a home—they need to be expert marketers on both sides of the transaction. Solid branding can help agents rise to the top of the competition and build a reputation that people rely on, trust, and recognize. Exploring an agent’s social media and website can give you a good idea of their personal branding strategies.

You get along with them

When you’re trusting someone with one of your biggest investments, it’s crucial to get along on both a professional and personal level. If you can’t have difficult conversations with your agent—or if you don’t get along with them—consider going with another candidate. Personality can sometimes trump experience!

Find the Right Agent for Your Move

Ready to start planning your 2022 move? Now is the time to find the perfect agent for the job! Contact us today to learn more about what we bring to the table, or explore our other resources to get a head start on buying or selling. We’re always here to offer superior service throughout every step of the transaction!

November 15, 2021December 20, 2024

From Boomers to Zoomers

Looking for advice? We’re here to offer some savvy real estate tips for every generation, from Gen Z to Baby Boomer.

Key Takeaways:

Buyers throughout all walks of life are wondering how to navigate today’s competitive housing market.
Whether you’re a Gen Z first-time buyer or a Baby Boomer looking to downsize, you should consider making a move to lock in your real estate goals.
Have questions about buying or selling? Contact us for personalized advice!

What Every Generation Should Know About Buying a Home

As older members of Gen Z reach home-buying age and Millennials make up the largest share of the housing market, buyers from every generation are wondering if now is the right time to make a move. Buying a home at any stage in life comes with its own unique challenges, so it’s crucial to consider your future and factor finances into your decision.

Gen Z: The New Buyers on the Block

If you’re part of Generation Z, you were probably born after 1997—and the oldest “Zoomers” are just now buying their first homes at 24 and 25. Even though most members of Gen Z aren’t quite ready to tackle homeownership, this socially conscious and highly educated generation is setting goals for themselves when it comes to real estate.

According to a new survey by Homes.com, over 85% of Gen Z plans to buy a home before turning 35. So if you’re a Zoomer, now is the perfect time to begin saving and paying off any debt. Start researching the home-buying process, learning about different loan options, and setting aside as much extra cash as possible to build up your down payment (spoiler alert: it doesn’t have to be the traditional 20%). And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to speak with an agent…it’s okay if you aren’t quite ready to buy!

Millennials: The Market Trendsetters

Millennials—known for their love of pets and avocado toast—comprise a whopping 37% of today’s total home-buyers. And after witnessing the 2008 market crash, a pandemic, and now record-low interest rates, they’re finally ready to buy.

Compared to other generations, Millennials waited longer to buy their first homes. This surprising shift can be attributed to rising student debt, the Great Recession, as well as a dip in marriage and fertility rates. However, if you’re one of the many Millennials looking to ditch renting and start build equity, it’s worth doing a deep dive on mortgages before beginning your search. Even if you don’t have a traditional 20% down payment saved up, you could take advantage of government backed loans or assistance programs. Remember—knowing exactly what you can afford and getting pre-approved will up your chances of securing your perfect place.

Millennials aren’t just first-time buyers, either—many have also stepped into the role of first-time sellers. If you’re selling a home without much experience, it’s more important than ever to work with the right agent. Don’t be afraid to shop around and interview a few candidates before settling on “the one!”

Gen X: Making a Comeback

Gen X—classified as anyone born between 1965 and 1979—makes up around a quarter of today’s total buyers. And while they may not have the same momentum as Millennials, members of Gen X typically aren’t buying their first homes. In fact, many are looking to upgrade and purchase a home at a higher price point than any other generation.

Per a new survey by the National Association of Realtors, Gen X is the highest earning generation, and they tend to buy larger and more expensive homes to accommodate growing households. If you’re one of the many Gen Xers eager to upsize—perhaps even into a multigenerational home—you’ll want to take advantage of the equity you have in your current place. The right agent will be able to help you sell for top dollar and find a new house that checks all your boxes!

Baby Boomers: Downsizing…and Investing!

A Baby Boomer born between 1946 and 1964 now faces the reality of retiring and downsizing. This exciting season of life can come with a few challenges, as well as some unexpected opportunities! If you’re a Boomer considering a move to a smaller home, it’s crucial to examine the equity you have in your current property. The average Baby Boomer has stayed in the same home for around 15 years—and in that timeframe, home values have risen by 50% or far more depending on your area.

So, what should you do with all that extra money once you downsize to a more manageable house? Consider paying all cash for your new place, especially if you want sellers to notice (and accept!) your offer. And as you adjust to retirement, using that leftover equity to purchase an investment property could be an easy way to generate extra income.

Take Advantage of Today’s Once-in-a-Generation Market

No matter where you are in the home-buying process, it pays to work with the right agent. We’d love to help you achieve your buying and selling goals, or just answer any questions you have about today’s hot real estate market. Home prices are on the rise, mortgage rates remain low, and there’s never been a better time to make a move!

To focus in on another generation, read up on millennial buyers in our article: Unlocking the Power of Millennial Buyers.

October 1, 2021December 20, 2024

Are Renovations Worth Risking Your Top-Dollar Home Sale?

Many sellers are wondering whether they should sell their homes as-is (without any improvements) or delay listing their properties to complete some renovations. With the upcoming market shift, it’s important for sellers to consider which improvements are worth spending additional time on before listing. And while there is no surefire answer, we always recommend relying on your listing agent’s expertise to navigate the home-selling process.

Key Takeaways:

As a seller, you have to consider which home renovations are worth spending the additional time and money on before you list.
The local market is starting to shift towards buyers, so now is the time to sell your home before prices flatten out.
Lean on our expertise to determine which projects will increase your return on investment—we have the seller resources you need to enhance your home sale.

Does Your Home’s Right Buyer Want a Move-in Ready Home?

Your listing agent should have insight into the right buyers for your particular home, so consult with them to ensure your property is catering to its target market. According to Rocket Mortgage, the average price of a move-in ready property is $250,495, compared to the discounted $199,819 price tag of the average fixer-upper. So if you’re a homeowner wondering if renovations will attract more buyers, the answer is that it really depends on how much time and effort you want to put in. And while we can’t predict what every buyer’s preference will be, we do have some strategies to determine if certain projects are worth the selling delay.

Return on investment should be top of mind

When it comes to selling homes, we always have the same top priority—earning you top dollar. Selling your home for the best possible price should be your ultimate goal; so you have to ask yourself how you’re going to accomplish that. When in doubt, here are two things to consider: which improvements will be worth the additional costs, and which projects will gain the greatest return on your investment.

To put it plainly, some renovations simply aren’t worth the additional costs. You have to be strategic when deciding which renovations to make—and on the flip side, you also have to consider what buyers want. For instance, a home’s kitchen is always a huge selling point, so that may be a good place to implement some changes.

Minimal upgrades may be the way to go

As a seller, you have to consider both your budget and timeline before you list. If you want to sell your home quickly, then you probably shouldn’t tackle a full-fledged kitchen remodel. However, if you’re determined to earn an extra dime by doing a long list of renovations, then you just have to be okay with the selling delay.

Throughout our years of successful home sales, we’ve noticed a common theme: minor upgrades have huge earning potential. Completing a few short-term projects, such as painting interior walls or sprucing up your landscaping, won’t take long. However, they’ll certainly amp up your home’s appearance. Plus, a few tweaks here and there—replacing door knobs, updating light fixtures, or fixing leaky faucets—will take your home from a work in progress to a move-in ready masterpiece.

Sell now before the market shifts

You may be wondering, what’s the big rush? Well, real estate experts are predicting a market shift—so by waiting to sell your home, you could lose out on thousands of dollars of equity. Increased housing inventory and slower price appreciation are just two indicators of the upcoming shift. As new inventory begins to increase, now is the time to list your home before prices level out.

Put Success on Your Side

In today’s shifting market, you have to move quickly towards what you want. If you’re unsure of what steps to take next, our team is prepared to walk you through the home-selling process—and we’re here to ensure you receive the highest return on your investment. Contact us to learn more about listing your home, or you can always come to us with any selling questions!

September 15, 2021June 19, 2024

How to Choose a Seasoned Agent for Your Home Sale

Key Takeaways:

Selling your home is a chance to maximize your equity, so you owe it to yourself to find the perfect listing agent.
Searching for a listing agent is just as important as your home search, so make sure to meet with at least three candidates before making a decision.
We’re telling you the must-ask questions to track down a listing agent—and now, you can put our team to the test when you list your home with us!

Home Sellers, Don’t Settle For Second Best

Many sellers are under the impression that any listing agent can sell their home instantly for the best possible price—but that’s simply not the case. Did you know that 77% of home sellers only contact one agent before listing their home? When it comes to trusting someone with your biggest investment, it’s crucial to do plenty of research to find the right fit. And you should never settle for second, which is why we recommend meeting with at least three agents before making your decision. We’ve outlined some must-ask questions to help you track down the perfect listing agent!

What’s your marketing plan?

The best way to sell your home is to expose it to as many prospective buyers as possible, which requires a strategic marketing plan. Ask potential agents about their specific marketing tactics, and you can even have them provide examples from past clients. Just listing your home online and scheduling an open house shouldn’t be the extent of an agent’s marketing plan. As agents who have crafted masterful marketing plans ourselves, we have the data to target your home’s most likely buyers—and even more importantly, we know exactly how to reach them.

How long have you been working in real estate in my area?

Almost every agent can boast “decades of combined experience” when it comes to their team’s time working in the real estate industry—but what about selling homes in your specific area? Real estate isn’t the same everywhere, which is why you should choose an agent who is local to your area. This way, you can be confident knowing that your home will be competitively listed in comparison to other properties in the area. And if your agent happens to also work with buyers in the area, then they may be able to direct them to your listing!

How many active clients do you work with at one time?

One of the most important things to analyze about your potential agent is their availability. When asking about an agent’s active clients, you want their answer to fall within a sweet spot range—not having many clients can be a red flag, while trying to sell too many properties at once may mean they can’t provide the personalized experience that you deserve. Working with around 10 to 15 clients at once is pretty standard and should still allow for plenty of one-on-one time between you and your potential agent.

Tell me more about your pricing strategies

As a seller, you want to choose an agent who can deliver a top-dollar home sale. A seasoned agent can determine the value of your home in a snap—during your first meeting, go ahead and give them details about your property and ask them for a competitive list price. By doing this, you’ll be able to gauge the agent’s pricing expertise on the spot and ensure they give you a realistic amount. A qualified agent will take into consideration other recently sold homes in the area and ask about any renovations you’ve completed.

And finally…what’s your specialty?

While many listing agents have ample experience across the board, many also specialize in certain types of real estate. Whether it be new construction or luxury properties, it’s crucial to see whether an agent’s specific skill set aligns with the features of your home. And don’t be shy about requesting a sold portfolio—this way, you can see if any of the agent’s sold listings are similar to your property.

Use Our Local Expertise—List Your Home With Us

When it comes to selling your home, choosing the right agent matters more than you think. If you want to work with professionals who know the local market better than anyone else, then you should contact one of our listing agents. We have a wealth of cutting-edge seller resources, in addition to our unparalleled passion for earning our clients top dollar on their home sales. We’ve clued you in on all the tough questions to ask, and we’re more than ready to share our expertise with you!

August 15, 2021June 19, 2024

Here’s How Shopping Small Can Earn You Big Profits

Key Takeaways:

When it comes to selling your home, supporting local businesses is one of the most profitable decisions you can make.
Local businesses love to give back to their communities, which can increase your home’s value over time.
We’ve worked with the most reputable businesses around—contact us today, and we’ll pass along our professional recommendations!

Use Local Businesses as Your Home-Selling Sidekicks

When it comes to selling your home, supporting local businesses can be one of the most profitable decisions you make. Instead of calling upon big-name chains, you can utilize homegrown service providers to save money and make sure the job gets done right. Investing in local businesses has been proven to increase a community’s real estate values—besides, there’s no better return on your investment than a genuine “thank you” from a neighbor!

For every $100 spent at small businesses, this much stays in the community…

Small businesses tend to reinvest in their local economies more than chains do, which is great news for homeowners and potential sellers. Plus, small business owners typically work, play, and live in the same communities as their storefronts—so they care more about seeing their hometowns thrive.

The Business Alliance for Local Living Economies found that communities with successful small businesses see property values increase by 50 percent on average. And with home prices appreciating, neighborhoods can benefit from attracting new business investments to spark economic growth. According to research done by The Alliance, $68 stays in the community for every $100 spent at local businesses.

Shopping small provides hyper-local services

Think of shopping local like a community-wide networking event—you strengthen your connections by spreading the word about your positive experiences at businesses in the area. And if you want to know the best providers around, you can just ask your real estate agent. Your local agent doubles as your go-to reference for the most reputable nearby businesses.

Selling your home is a hyper-local experience, one in which you can benefit from partnering with the most convenient local business of them all: your real estate agent. As a small business ourselves, we understand the importance of supporting local and giving back to the community, which is why we only recommend our best business partners to our clients.

Here’s why hiring local service providers is the strategic choice

When you decide to list your property, there’s most likely going to be some projects that need to be completed—things like renovations and repairs, staging for showings, and general maintenance should all be at the top of your to-do list. Hiring homegrown service providers is the strategic choice when it comes to selling your home. Not only will you be guaranteed great service, but you may even receive discounted rates. When real estate agents repeatedly refer their clients to local businesses, companies sometimes provide lower rates in return.

Invest in small businesses to increase your home value

Wondering which local businesses you should take advantage of when listing your home? Hire a landscaper to spruce up your curb appeal, use a local painter to incorporate a more neutral color palette, or contact a local handyman for repairs. Want to get the inside of your home showing-ready? Your agent can recommend a top-notch florist for a bouquet of local blooms. That’s the thing about shopping small—the owners have local expertise and will go the extra mile to make sure their clients are happy!

Want to Increase Your Home Value?

It’s simple—when you invest in local businesses, those companies turn back around and invest in your community, which increases your home value! It’s hard to fully understand the positive impact of shopping local, but it becomes easier when you see your property value rise over time.

We’ve worked with the best businesses in our community, and we know they would love to play a part in your real estate dreams. Just tell us what services you need, and we’ll send our professional recommendations your way!