Area Real Estate News & Market Trends

You’ll find our blog to be a wealth of information, covering everything from local market statistics and home values to community happenings. That’s because we care about the community and want to help you find your place in it. Please reach out if you have any questions at all. We’d love to talk with you!

May 16, 2019

Make Buyers Feel at Home and Sell Faster

There's never been a better time to sell a home.

Millennials are ready for homeownership and renters are seeing consistent rent increases. This means more buyers than ever are on the market for a home like yours.

Home equity is also at all-time highs, which makes now the perfect time to sell and get more cash to put toward your next home.

Considering listing your home? Let's start with the proven ways to maximize your returns:

1. Clear the clutter. Crammed closets and overfilled garages can give buyers the impression your property is short on space. Declutter aggressively to accentuate the storage possibilities buyers get excited about.

2. Maximize the possibilities. A potential home should be a blank slate - a space buyers can imagine making their own. Keep personal items to a minimum and aim for a neutral look.

Pro Tip: Set the dinner table so buyers can visualize coming home after a long day.

3. Brighten it up. Expose as much natural light as possible. For darker or interior rooms, use high-wattage bulbs in light fixtures.

4. Rearrange the furniture. Can people move around without bumping into furniture? Does the layout invite guests to sit down and relax?

Pro Tip: To invite conversation, don't make a TV the focal point of any room.

5. Outside views matter. Exteriors make a critical first impression. Ace yours by repainting your entry door and polishing the door handle. Potted plants on patios or balconies also make the outside of your home feel welcoming.

Pro Tip: Colorful flowers on window sills look great indoors and add to the outside appeal.

Do you need help staging your home? Or maybe you have budget concerns about upgrades needed before you list. Reach out today. Let's make sure we maximize the appeal of your home, simply and cost-effectively.

Posted in Seller Tips
March 12, 2019

How can a tax refund lower your interest rate?

Who doesn't love getting a tax refund?

It's exciting to know that your bank balance will get a boost. But remember, a refund isn't a bonus -- it's your hard-earned money, which is why you should make the most of it.

If you're thinking of buying a new home this year -- whether it's your first home or the one you plan to retire in -- financial planning is critical.

Expecting a refund? Make a bigger impact on your home purchase with these tips:

1. Lower Your Mortgage Rate: Did you know you can pay "points" up front to lower the interest rate of your mortgage? If you plan to stay in your home for a long time, this could result in significant savings over the life of your loan.

2. Pay Closing Costs: Closing costs average about 2 to 5 percent of the purchase price. Many buyers roll it into their mortgage and pay it off over the life of the loan. But you could use your refund to pay it up front and avoid paying interest.

3. Save for a Down Payment: In some cases, your refund could cover your entire down payment. Some loans only require 3 percent down, so this is more realistic than you might think.

4. Boost Your Credit Score: Paying down your debt can have a significant impact on your credit score and the mortgage rate you'll qualify for.

5. Rennovate or Update Appliances: Many buyers are tempted to open a line of credit to pay for these purchases, but that could negatively impact your mortgage loan. Using your refund is the smarter move.

Remember, a tax refund is only one factor to consider in your homebuying budget. Get in touch today for a referral to a financial planner or mortgage lender if you need help preparing your budget. Let's work together to plan your path to home ownership.

Posted in Financial
Jan. 22, 2019

2019's Trendiest Colors for Your Home

Colors have the ability to evoke emotions and change our attitudes. They can inspire and motivate us to try something new and bold. They can alter our moods and appetites, or even make a room feel small and cramped.

If you plan to redecorate a few rooms in the new year, the right color choices can make all the difference in the feeling you're trying to achieve. Better yet, it's one of the simplest and most affordable decor changes you can make. Not sure which colors to choose? Here's 2019's best color palettes for home interiors, according to the Pantone Color Institute:

Meanderings

This palette is a mix of leisurely, rich shades like Island Green, Aurora Red and Wild Orchid. Pulled from diverse cultures, they tell the story of world travel and are great for spaces where you'll be entertaining guests.

Proximity

Proximity shows the connection between technology and nature and speaks to the challenges of modern life. These vivid blue-greens, green-blues and silver-grays are perfect for rooms with abundant natural light.

Cravings

These culinary-inspired hues call to mind delicious tastes and exotic cuisines with colors like Cappuccino, Chili Pepper and Cayenne. This sensory experience is ideal for dining rooms or quiet spaces like reading nooks.

Cherish

These soothing pastels evoke calm and serenity and are the epitome of comfort. The soft, nostalgic floral tones would be great in a powder room or master bedroom.

Are you planning a new look for your home? Think of these palettes as a focused road map for capturing your desired style.

If you'd like some guidance for a more substantial home renovation, or you're interested in finding a new home this year, please reach out today.

July 31, 2017

Curious About Local Real Estate?

Receive the Latest Local Market Stats

Curious about local real estate? So are we! Every month we review trends in our real estate market and consider the number of homes on the market in each price tier, the amount of time particular homes have been listed for sale, specific neighborhood trends, the median price and square footage of each home sold and so much more. We’d love to invite you to do the same!

Get Local Market Reports Sent Directly to You

You can sign up here to receive your own market report, delivered as often as you like! It contains current information on pending, active and just sold properties so you can see actual homes in your neighborhood. You can review your area on a larger scale, as well, by refining your search to include properties across the city or county. As you notice price and size trends, please contact us for clarification or to have any questions answered.

We can definitely fill you in on details that are not listed on the report and help you determine the best home for you. If you are wondering if now is the time to sell, please try out our INSTANT home value tool. You’ll get an estimate on the value of your property in today’s market. Either way, we hope to hear from you soon as you get to know our neighborhoods and local real estate market better.

Posted in Market Updates