A few years ago, homes were flying off the shelves and getting multiple offers well over their asking price. It felt like you could name your price and still have buyers lined up at the door.But today’s housing market is different. Buyers are getting more selective now that inventory has grown. Homes are sitting a little longer. And more sellers are having to cut their prices.So, how do you still come out on top? It all starts with one thing, pricing your house right from the start. Today, that matters more than … [Read more...]
You Could Use Some of Your Equity To Give Your Children the Gift of Home
If you’re a homeowner, chances are you’ve built up a lot of wealth – just by living in your house and watching its value grow over time. And that equity? It’s something that could help change your child’s life.Since affordability is still a challenge, a lot of first-time buyers are struggling to buy a home in today’s market. Even if they have a stable job and a solid plan, buying can still feel out of reach. But that’s where your equity could make all the difference.To give you an idea, the average homeowner with a … [Read more...]
Why Would I Move with a 3% Mortgage Rate?
If you have a 3% mortgage rate, you’re probably pretty hesitant to let that go. And even if you’ve toyed with the idea of moving, this nagging thought may be holding you back: “why would I give that up?”But when you ask that question, you may be putting your needs on the back burner without realizing it. Most people don’t move because of their mortgage rate. They move because they want or need to. So, let’s flip the script and ask this instead: What are the chances you’ll still be in your current house 5 years from … [Read more...]
Home Projects That Boost Value
Whether you’re planning to move soon or not, it’s smart to be strategic about which home projects you take on. Your time, energy, and money matter – and not all upgrades offer the payoff you might expect. As U.S. News Real Estate explains:". . . not every home renovation project will increase the resale value of a home. Before you invest in a swimming pool or new addition, you should consider whether the project will pay itself off by getting prospective buyers in the door when it’s time to sell."That’s why, before … [Read more...]
Why Some Homes Sell Faster Than Others
As you think ahead to your own move, you may have noticed some houses sell within days, while others linger. But why is that? As Redfin says:“. . . today’s housing market has been topsy-turvy since the pandemic. Low inventory (though rising) and high prices have created a strange mix: Some homes are flying off the market, while others sit for weeks.”That may leave you wondering what you should expect when you sell. Let’s break it down and give you some actionable tips on how to make sure your house is one that … [Read more...]
Your Home Equity Could Make Moving Possible
Some HighlightsThanks to recent home price appreciation, homeowners have near record amounts of equity – and you may too. On average, homeowners have $311K worth of equity.Once you sell, you can use it to fund your down payment on your next home or maybe even to buy a smaller house in cash. If you want to find out how much equity you have, connect with an agent. Because it may make a move a lot more feasible than you'd think. … [Read more...]
A Tale of Two Housing Markets
For a long time, the housing market was all sunshine for sellers. Homes were flying off the shelves, and buyers had to compete like crazy. But lately, things are starting to shift. Some areas are still super competitive for buyers, while others are seeing more homes sit on the market, giving buyers a bit more breathing room.In other words, it’s a tale of two markets, and knowing which one you’re in makes a huge difference when you move.What Is a Buyer’s Market vs. a Seller’s Market?In a buyer’s market, there are a … [Read more...]
What’s Your House Worth Now? The Answer May Surprise You
Let’s talk about something you might not check nearly as often as your bank account – and that’s how much your home is worth. But when it comes to your financial situation, it’s an important thing to remember. When’s the last time you had a professional show you the value of your home?Think about it. For most people, your house is probably the biggest asset you have. And if you’ve owned your home for a few years (or longer), chances are it’s been quietly building wealth for you in the background. And honestly? You … [Read more...]
If the Asking Price Isn’t Compelling, It’s Not Selling
Some HighlightsUnfortunately, a lot of sellers today are setting their asking price too high. That’s leading to an uptick in price cuts.Some of the most common reasons this is happening are that they’re not paying attention to current market conditions or they’re trying to leave room for negotiation.The best way to avoid this mistake? Connect with an agent to make sure your house is priced to pull people in, not push them away. … [Read more...]
The #1 Thing Sellers Need To Know About Their Asking Price
When you put your house on the market, you want to sell it quickly and for the best price possible; that's generally the goal. But too many sellers are shooting too high right now. They don’t realize the market has shifted as inventory has grown. The side effect? Price cuts are on the rise, but they really don’t have to be. Here’s why.According to data from Realtor.com, in February, price cuts were the highest they’ve been in any other February since 2019 (see graph below):If you consider that 2019 was the last … [Read more...]
