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Dave's Real Estate Blog
Staging a Home Helps Sellers Get Top Dollar
In today's real estate market, sellers are in the driver's seat, but that doesn't mean they should cut corners when it comes to presenting their homes in the best light possible. One way to ensure you get top dollar for your property is by staging it effectively. Home staging is the process of arranging furniture, decor, and other items in a way that showcases a home's best features and creates an inviting atmosphere for potential buyers. Even in this sellers' market, first impressions are crucial, and a well-staged home can make all the difference. According to recent real estate news, homes that are staged before going on the market sell faster and for a higher price than homes that are not staged. In fact, studies show that homes that undergo staging typically sell for anywhere from 5% to 10% more than homes that are not staged. So why does staging make such a big difference? For one, it helps potential buyers envision themselves living in the space. When a home is staged, it creates a sense of warmth and comfort that can be hard to achieve when a space is empty or cluttered with personal belongings. Staging also helps highlight a home's best features while downplaying any flaws. For example, if your home has a small living room, a professional stager might use furniture and decor to create the illusion of more space. They might also use lighting to draw attention to architectural details or other standout features. Of course, staging does require an investment of time and money, but it's important to remember that this investment can pay off in the form of a higher sales price and a faster sale. Additionally, many sellers find that staging helps them sell their homes more easily and with less stress since they don't have to worry about keeping their home show-ready at all times. If you're considering staging your home, it's important to work with a professional stager who can help you create a cohesive and inviting space that will appeal to a wide range of potential buyers. A stager will evaluate your home's layout and features and provide recommendations on furniture, decor, and other items that will help showcase your home's best qualities. If you want to get top dollar for your home in today's real estate market, staging is a smart investment. By creating an inviting and well-designed space, you can help potential buyers envision themselves living in your home and create a positive first impression that will help your home stand out from the competition. Reach out to me for referrals to excellent, professional stagers.
Financing Options Help Home Buyers
As a home buyer, financing options can be overwhelming and confusing. However, understanding the different financing options available can help you make the best decision for your unique situation. In this blog, I'll discuss various financing options and how they can help home buyers. One popular option is the two-one buy down. This option allows buyers to lower their interest rate for the first two years of their mortgage. The first year, the interest rate is lowered by 2%, and the second year it is lowered by 1%. This option can be appealing to buyers who want a lower monthly payment at the beginning of their mortgage term. Another way to lower your interest rate is by buying it down. This option allows you to pay upfront points to lower your interest rate. The amount you pay upfront will depend on how much you want to lower your interest rate and the length of your mortgage term. This option can be beneficial for buyers who plan on staying in their home for a long time and want to save money on interest in the long run. Stated income loans are another financing option available to home buyers. These loans are designed for self employed buyers who have a difficult time providing traditional income verification. Instead of providing tax returns and pay stubs, buyers can state their income and assets to qualify for the loan. However, these loans typically come with a higher interest rate and require a larger down payment. It's important to note that there are many other financing options available, and it's crucial to work with a trusted lender who can guide you through the process. Additionally, it's essential to understand the terms and conditions of each option and how they will affect your long-term financial goals. So, financing options can help home buyers achieve their dream of homeownership. From two-one buy down options to stated income loans, it's essential to understand the different options available to make the best financial decision for your situation. Working with a trusted lender and staying up-to-date on real estate news can help you navigate this complex process with confidence. Reach out to me for referrals to trusted, experienced lenders.
What Do Past Years Tell Us About Today's Real Estate Market?
What Do Past Years Tell Us About Today’s Real Estate Market? As you follow the news, you’re likely seeing headlines discussing what’s going on in today’s housing market. Chances are high that some of the more recent storylines you’ve come across mention terms like cooling or slowing when talking about where the market is headed. But what do these terms mean? The housing market today is anything but normal, and it’s still an incredibly strong sellers’ market, especially when compared to the few years leading up to the pandemic. With that in mind, what can previous years tell us about today’s real estate market and if it’s truly slowing? We’re Still Seeing an Above Average Number of Sales You may see headlines about a drop in home sales. But are those headlines telling the full story? The most recent Existing Home Sales Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) does show a drop of about 2% from July to August. But the month-over-month decline doesn’t provide the full picture (see graph below):As the graph shows, historical context is key. Today’s home sales are well ahead of some of the more normal years that led up to the health crisis. That means buyers are still in the market, which is great news if you’re planning to list your home. Houses Are Selling Faster Than Usual When headlines mention the market is slowing, sellers may naturally wonder if their house will sell as quickly as they’d like. According to the most recent Realtors Confidence Index from NAR, homes are still selling at record speed (see graph below):Again, if we look back at data from previous years, we can see the average time on market – 17 days – means homes are selling faster than a normal pace. Bidding Wars Are Still the Norm The Realtors Confidence Index from NAR also shows a drop in the average number of offers homes are receiving in August, and many headlines may simply focus there without providing the important context (see graph below):Again, it’s important to compare today’s market to trends from recent years. Currently, the average number of offers per listing is higher than 39 of the previous 45 months. That means the likelihood of a bidding war on your home is still high. And the number of offers your house receives can have a major influence on the final sale price. So, Is the Market Slowing Down? While there are slight declines in various month-to-month data, it’s important to keep historical context in mind when determining what’s happening in today’s market. Odeta Kushi, Deputy Chief Economist at First American, put it best recently, saying: “It's not the white-hot market from earlier in the year & it's not the 2020 market benefiting from a wave of pent-up demand but make no mistake this is still a hot housing market.” Bottom Line Don’t let headlines make you rethink listing your home this fall. Selling today means you can still take advantage of high buyer demand, multiple offers, and a quick sale. If you’re thinking of selling your house, let’s connect and discuss why this fall is the perfect time to do so.
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Staging a Home Helps Sellers Get Top Dollar
In today's real estate market, sellers are in the driver's seat, but that doesn't mean they should cut corners when it comes to presenting their homes in the best light possible. One way to ensure you get top dollar for your property is by staging it effectively. Home staging is the process of arranging furniture, decor, and other items in a way that showcases a home's best features and creates an inviting atmosphere for potential buyers. Even in this sellers' market, first impressions are crucial, and a well-staged home can make all the difference. According to recent real estate news, homes that are staged before going on the market sell faster and for a higher price than homes that are not staged. In fact, studies show that homes that undergo staging typically sell for anywhere from 5% to 10% more than homes that are not staged. So why does staging make such a big difference? For one, it helps potential buyers envision themselves living in the space. When a home is staged, it creates a sense of warmth and comfort that can be hard to achieve when a space is empty or cluttered with personal belongings. Staging also helps highlight a home's best features while downplaying any flaws. For example, if your home has a small living room, a professional stager might use furniture and decor to create the illusion of more space. They might also use lighting to draw attention to architectural details or other standout features. Of course, staging does require an investment of time and money, but it's important to remember that this investment can pay off in the form of a higher sales price and a faster sale. Additionally, many sellers find that staging helps them sell their homes more easily and with less stress since they don't have to worry about keeping their home show-ready at all times. If you're considering staging your home, it's important to work with a professional stager who can help you create a cohesive and inviting space that will appeal to a wide range of potential buyers. A stager will evaluate your home's layout and features and provide recommendations on furniture, decor, and other items that will help showcase your home's best qualities. If you want to get top dollar for your home in today's real estate market, staging is a smart investment. By creating an inviting and well-designed space, you can help potential buyers envision themselves living in your home and create a positive first impression that will help your home stand out from the competition. Reach out to me for referrals to excellent, professional stagers.
Financing Options Help Home Buyers
As a home buyer, financing options can be overwhelming and confusing. However, understanding the different financing options available can help you make the best decision for your unique situation. In this blog, I'll discuss various financing options and how they can help home buyers. One popular option is the two-one buy down. This option allows buyers to lower their interest rate for the first two years of their mortgage. The first year, the interest rate is lowered by 2%, and the second year it is lowered by 1%. This option can be appealing to buyers who want a lower monthly payment at the beginning of their mortgage term. Another way to lower your interest rate is by buying it down. This option allows you to pay upfront points to lower your interest rate. The amount you pay upfront will depend on how much you want to lower your interest rate and the length of your mortgage term. This option can be beneficial for buyers who plan on staying in their home for a long time and want to save money on interest in the long run. Stated income loans are another financing option available to home buyers. These loans are designed for self employed buyers who have a difficult time providing traditional income verification. Instead of providing tax returns and pay stubs, buyers can state their income and assets to qualify for the loan. However, these loans typically come with a higher interest rate and require a larger down payment. It's important to note that there are many other financing options available, and it's crucial to work with a trusted lender who can guide you through the process. Additionally, it's essential to understand the terms and conditions of each option and how they will affect your long-term financial goals. So, financing options can help home buyers achieve their dream of homeownership. From two-one buy down options to stated income loans, it's essential to understand the different options available to make the best financial decision for your situation. Working with a trusted lender and staying up-to-date on real estate news can help you navigate this complex process with confidence. Reach out to me for referrals to trusted, experienced lenders.
What Do Past Years Tell Us About Today's Real Estate Market?
What Do Past Years Tell Us About Today’s Real Estate Market? As you follow the news, you’re likely seeing headlines discussing what’s going on in today’s housing market. Chances are high that some of the more recent storylines you’ve come across mention terms like cooling or slowing when talking about where the market is headed. But what do these terms mean? The housing market today is anything but normal, and it’s still an incredibly strong sellers’ market, especially when compared to the few years leading up to the pandemic. With that in mind, what can previous years tell us about today’s real estate market and if it’s truly slowing? We’re Still Seeing an Above Average Number of Sales You may see headlines about a drop in home sales. But are those headlines telling the full story? The most recent Existing Home Sales Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) does show a drop of about 2% from July to August. But the month-over-month decline doesn’t provide the full picture (see graph below):As the graph shows, historical context is key. Today’s home sales are well ahead of some of the more normal years that led up to the health crisis. That means buyers are still in the market, which is great news if you’re planning to list your home. Houses Are Selling Faster Than Usual When headlines mention the market is slowing, sellers may naturally wonder if their house will sell as quickly as they’d like. According to the most recent Realtors Confidence Index from NAR, homes are still selling at record speed (see graph below):Again, if we look back at data from previous years, we can see the average time on market – 17 days – means homes are selling faster than a normal pace. Bidding Wars Are Still the Norm The Realtors Confidence Index from NAR also shows a drop in the average number of offers homes are receiving in August, and many headlines may simply focus there without providing the important context (see graph below):Again, it’s important to compare today’s market to trends from recent years. Currently, the average number of offers per listing is higher than 39 of the previous 45 months. That means the likelihood of a bidding war on your home is still high. And the number of offers your house receives can have a major influence on the final sale price. So, Is the Market Slowing Down? While there are slight declines in various month-to-month data, it’s important to keep historical context in mind when determining what’s happening in today’s market. Odeta Kushi, Deputy Chief Economist at First American, put it best recently, saying: “It's not the white-hot market from earlier in the year & it's not the 2020 market benefiting from a wave of pent-up demand but make no mistake this is still a hot housing market.” Bottom Line Don’t let headlines make you rethink listing your home this fall. Selling today means you can still take advantage of high buyer demand, multiple offers, and a quick sale. If you’re thinking of selling your house, let’s connect and discuss why this fall is the perfect time to do so.
Elena Monetti
Dave was aggressive in helping us find a great deal for our first townhome purchase. He approached a seller who was putting his home on the market. The next day, Dave called the seller’s realtor and negotiated a great deal before the townhome was even available to the general public. We saved nearly $12,000 because of his efforts! Over the years we have become friends and we can’t recommend Dave highly enough!! P.S. Dave actually saved our expensive fish after we had a minor emergency our first night. He drove over with an extension cord and saved the day! :)