“2020 will be known for a lot of things, and a record-breaking year for real estate will certainly be one of its more unexpected legacies,” prominent economist Daryl Fairweather said. And he’s right. Most of us would have expected the housing market to suffer from circumstances like a global pandemic and historic inventory shortages. Instead, we’re experiencing a strong seller’s market.
Continue reading A Strong Seller’s Market: The New Normal?
We’re in the midst of the longest economic expansion in U.S. history, and the real estate forecast says there’s still room to grow. A recent survey by the National Association for Business Economics found that experts believe the U.S. economy will remain positive throughout 2020.
Still, given that recessions are a natural (and necessary) part of a business cycle, we know this period of growth will inevitably end. So you may be wondering, how will an eventual recession impact the real estate market?
Continue reading Real Estate Market Forecast 2020
The U.S. unemployment rate is at a 50-year low, and consumer confidence remains high. In fact, the University of Michigan’s latest Surveys of Consumers found that Americans have their most positive personal finance outlook since 2003.
However, if you follow national news, you’ve probably heard speculation that we could be headed toward a recession. Global trade tensions and a slowdown in the GDP growth rate have sparked volatility in the stock market, leading to economic uncertainty.
Given these differing signals, you may be wondering: How has the real estate market been impacted? Where is it headed? And more importantly, what does it mean for me?
Continue reading How’s the Real Estate Market?
In our bigger is better culture, there’s an expectation that each home should be larger and grander than the last. But life changes like divorce, kids leaving for college, or even the simple act of growing older can prompt us to find a smaller home that better suits our shifting needs and lifestyle.
In fact, the advantages of downsizing are being increasingly recognized. A tiny house movement has gained passionate advocates who appreciate the benefits of living simply at any age and stage of life. Not only does a smaller home typically cost less, it also takes less time and effort to maintain.
Whatever your reasons are for downsizing, the process can seem overwhelming. That’s why I’ve outlined five steps to guide you on your journey. And in the end, I hope you’ll find that less can be more, more comfort, more security, and more time and energy to spend on the activities and the people that you love.
Continue reading Downsizing Your Home
When it comes to selling your home, it’s not just about “keeping up with the Joneses.” It’s about outshining them at every opportunity! Serious about selling? Then make sure your home crushes the competition.
If you’re looking to sell your home fast and for the most money possible, you’ll need a strategy to set it apart from all the other listings competing for buyers in your area. That’s why I’ve outlined my proven, five-step plan for serious sellers.
Use these five tactics to help your listing get noticed, win over buyers, and net a higher sales price than your neighbors!
Continue reading Serious About Selling?
It’s easy to look up how much money you have in your savings account or the real-time value of your stock investments. But determining the dollar value of a home is trickier.
As a seller, knowing what your home’s worth helps you price it correctly when you put it up for sale. If you price it too high, it may sit on the market. But price it too low and you may be losing out on a good chunk of money. For buyers, it’s important to know a home’s worth before you make an offer. You want your offer to be competitive, but you don’t want to overpay for the property.
Continue reading What’s Your Home Actually Worth?
Here are the top 5 essential amenities home buyers are looking for according to a survey by Porch. When showing homes, I see these same issues come up frequently.
Continue reading Home Buyers’ Top 5 Essential Amenities
If you use your garage as storage space, you’re not alone. Unfortunately, because the space isn’t climate controlled, it’s best to keep these items elsewhere and avoid these storage mistakes according to Realtor.com:
Pollutants, moisture and heat can quickly destroy your photos. You should digitize all of yours. If that’s not an option for you, keep printed copies in a dry area inside your home.
Continue reading 7 Garage Storage Mistakes
According to the National Association of Realtors, staging a home prior to listing it can result in a faster and more profitable sale. In fact, the Real Estate Staging Association estimates that professionally staged properties spend 73 percent less time on the market, receive more foot traffic, and typically sell for more money.
Continue reading 10 Staging Secrets for a Quick Sale
A couple is planning to tour the United States in a travel trailer during their first few years of retirement. They are going to sell their current home now and purchase another home when they finish their travels.
An interesting exercise is to determine the optimum time for selling the home: now or when they’re ready to buy their replacement home.
Continue reading Optimum Time for Selling