Whether it is a buyers or sellers market – now and in the near future – will be the topic of conversation for anyone buying a new home or selling their current home. The real estate market is an ever-changing landscape that can shift between favoring buyers or sellers at different times. Understanding whether it’s currently a buyers’ market or sellers’ market is crucial for both home buyers and sellers. Let’s dive into the definitions of buyers and sellers markets. Then we will look at some helpful tips for sellers in a buyers market and buyers in a sellers market. Finally let’s discuss important questions to ask your agent in each scenario.
Category: Selling a House
What is Residential Real Estate?
Residential real estate is an industry word that describes what most of us are doing – buying new homes and selling our previous homes. It’s the default. Most real estate agents deal with residential real estate, so it’s a term that describes 73% of the market (according to the National Association of Realtors). What are residential properties and what makes them different? What makes them special?
Sellers Market | Is it a Sellers Market Right Now?
A sellers market is a situation in which the housing demand exceeds the number of homes available for sale. While that’s the simple definition, there is nothing simple about getting the best price for your home in a seller’s market. This kind of market creates an environment in which home sellers have the upper hand, as they can set higher prices and receive multiple offers on their properties. If you’re considering selling your home in a seller’s market, there are some important things to keep in mind.
Read More “Sellers Market | Is it a Sellers Market Right Now?”
How to Choose a Real Estate Agent
How to choose a real estate agent may seem like a simple question, but it’s really two questions. First, we will look at how to find a real estate agent using the tools that are out there. Second, we will look at finding the right fit between you and an agent.
Should I Downsize My Home?
“Should I downsize my home?” is a question retired Baby Boomers are asking with increasing frequency. It’s not, however, just for retirees. Downsizing your home can work for you for a lot of reasons. If you are simplifying your life, looking to enhance your income, or just taking a break from your current trajectory, a small home and downsized lifestyle might be for you.
What is Radon Testing and What is a Safe Radon Level?
If you are asking yourself “what is radon testing?” followed by “what is a safe radon level?”, you are probably in the final stages of selling your home (or buying one). Radon testing has become a standard for all home inspections, so if you are the seller, you’re going to need to pass this test. If you are a buyer, pay close attention to the results because it could affect negotiations with the seller.
Read More “What is Radon Testing and What is a Safe Radon Level?”
Good Questions to Ask Real Estate Agents | Quality Working Relationship
The difference between the right questions to ask real estate agents and the wrong questions to ask a REALTOR® can make all the difference in your outcome – whether buying or selling a home. Ideally you are going to be working very closely with this individual throughout the buying or selling process, so good communication will be one of the primary characteristics you will want to foster early in the relationship. One of the best ways to open up the communication channels is to ask them questions, answer their questions and keep everything as clear as possible. Read on for tips about things to discuss with your agent.
Read More “Good Questions to Ask Real Estate Agents | Quality Working Relationship”
Home Stagers | What to Consider Before Hiring a Home Stager
Staging a house to sell is one of the best ways to increase the sale price of your home, so it may be worth hiring professional home stagers to impress potential buyers. Home staging companies cost money so it would be an investment toward receiving that extra $5,000-$10,000 on a purchase offer from a potential buyer who really wants your home. That means choosing a staging company that has the right services and products to match your home and your budget. Here’s how to find talented home stagers to maximize your home value.
Read More “Home Stagers | What to Consider Before Hiring a Home Stager”
Questions to Ask to Get the Most Value from a Home Inspection
There are a lot of steps to buying a house, and while they are all important, some are just more valuable than others. Writing an earnest money check, for example, is necessary, but it doesn’t do much for you as a buyer. A home inspection, on the other hand, can be extremely valuable, potentially helping you save money when you negotiate the home price or keeping you from buying a total lemon.
Getting the keys to your new home is a monumental moment after a long waiting period. The inspection report can give you up-to-date information relating to the nature and location of any defects (if there are any). However, to get the most value out of your home inspection, you need to ask the right questions.
Read More “Questions to Ask to Get the Most Value from a Home Inspection”
How Accurate is an Online Home Value Estimate?
Whether you’re looking to buy or sell a home, major real estate sites like Zillow and Redfin make it easy to get a home value estimate. The information is listed prominently when you look up any address or use their search tools. But housing markets are in constant flux and there are countless variables that factor into a home’s true value. So, just how accurate and reliable are these estimates? To help you make the most of online resources and get the best possible price for your home, here’s a look at how online calculators determine home values and how you can use that information to your advantage.