Baird & Warner Naperville
bill@billwhitehomes.com

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Sep
13

6 Tips for Making Your Investment Property Appeal to Renters

After your first investment property purchase, you may be eager to get it on the market and available to rent. However, you will benefit from taking the time to make the necessary changes that will add value to the home and the renter’s experience. Consider these tips to make your property appeal to more renters.

Ready to purchase a Naperville investment property? Reach out to Bill White Homes for exceptional real estate service!

1. Prioritize Repairs
Most homes need at least a few small repairs after purchase. Even a simple paint job can make the entire place look different. You can DIY something that simple, but don’t be apprehensive about hiring someone to do repairs properly. It’s much easier to get them done before someone moves in. You can also avoid complaints and costly maintenance requests if you get the job done right the first time around.

2. Make Valuable Renovations
Think about changes you can make to the home that will add value and allow you to increase the monthly rent. For example, research shows that outdoor living space, open floor plans, and green appliances are among the top things renters look for in a home. Take the time to make the outdoor area as nice as the inside. You can add a simple patio to the backyard with plenty of space for furniture. Upgrade the kitchen appliances and remodel the bathroom to include more modern fixtures. Even small changes, such as replacing the carpet can add significant value.

3. Market Effectively
Marketing is an important component for any real estate investor. One simple thing you can do is create a PDF to showcase your property and use it to email interested renters. You can even use a PDF editor online to make changes to documents and drawings as you make upgrades. Just upload the file to the website and make the changes. Then you can download and share. Hire a professional web developer to create a website for your company as well. That way you can show all your properties in one place. After your first investment property purchase, you may be eager to get it on the market and available to rent. However, you will benefit from taking the time to make the necessary changes that will add value to the home and the renter’s experience. Consider these tips to make your property appeal to more renters.

4. Register Your Business
As a rental property owner, your business now is to cater to the needs of the property and the tenant. However, things can go wrong. Protect yourself and your assets from possible liability lawsuits by registering your company as a limited liability company. An LLC provides liability protection, and you can use the company name on the deed for your property. Hire a lawyer to complete the registration process for you, or you can do it online at a significantly lower price.

5. Hire a Property Manager
A good property manager will handle all the tasks a landlord would handle. They will ensure you have well-vetted tenants, make all the arrangements for rent collection, handle any issues with default payments, and schedule maintenance staff. Be sure to find someone you trust, or you can hire an established company to act as a property manager for you.

6. Focus on Amenities
You can add value to the rent by including amenities. It can be as big as installing a swimming pool or as small as including a microwave. If your property is in a high-demand area for business travelers, consider furnishing the apartment. Then you can market it to corporations.

Once you have the home ready and the renters are moved in, your job changes. Being a good landlord requires patience and sometimes empathy. Treat your tenants with respect, and they will likely return the favor.

Jun
16

Useful tips for buying and selling a house at the same time

When it comes to buying and selling a house, the process can be daunting. Attempting both at the same time adds a new level of difficulty. As a buyer and a seller, you’ll have to negotiate in a seller’s market that’s particularly hot. The process of purchasing or selling a home cannot be completely predicted. However, planning your preferred strategy can make the ups and downs a little easier to navigate. Because of this, it’s essential to think ahead to avoid any problems that may develop. Here are a few pointers to help answer some of your most pressing issues about purchasing and selling a home at once.

1. Presentation is key

For the sake of the potential purchasers that walk through your door, you want your property to look its utmost best. Home staging can help with that. When you put your property on the market, you want buyers to visualize what it would be like to live there. When done correctly, selling a home quickly should not be an issue. One of the critical goals of home staging is to assist potential buyers in seeing the space as their potential home. The best method is to start with a completely blank canvas. You want your house to have a specific look and feel, but you don’t want it to have any personal touches. Keeping everything super clean is a no-brainer when selling your house. You should also provide as much natural light as possible.

2. Make sure you work with a seasoned real estate agent

The process of buying and selling a home at the same time can be complicated, which is why it is best to work with a professional. Additionally, an experienced local realtor can advise you on the best time to sell your home, in addition to assisting you in determining its market value. As well as designing a strategy, they can also help you with the negotiation of different components of the process.

3. Pay attention to the neighborhood

Most individuals prefer to live near the necessities of daily living, such as places to shop, parks, and places to eat. There are many other things to consider, such as accessibility, proximity to public transport, schools, and of course, healthcare. This is very important both when buying and selling a property because it will give you an idea of the right price. Make sure you always scout out the amenities in the area.

4. Consider a short-term loan

A “bridge loan” is an option if you don’t have enough money for a down payment. It’s a short-term loan that takes advantage of the equity in your present home to make the down payment you need to buy a new property. Taking on two mortgage payments for up to six months or a year, which is the standard duration for bridge loans, is the only way to go about this.

5. Pay attention to the price

Your home’s selling price is one of the few elements that you have control over during the process. If you undervalue your property, you will have less money towards your next down payment. However, if you price your home too expensive, you risk the buyers passing on your property. For the best chance of receiving multiple offers, you can attempt selling the home at or slightly below market value and then selecting the most attractive offer among them.

6. Consider your leasing options

A “back rent” agreement with the buyer of your present house is a possibility you might want to consider. Homeowners frequently require additional time after closing to either relocate or find a new residence. Moving into a rental property before making a final decision is another possibility. For those going to a new city, this technique is typical because they don’t have much time to buy a house first. It’s best to find a single-family home if you can sign a month-to-month lease. It’s best to advise your landlord or leasing agency upfront if you plan to vacate the property after a certain period. As a result, your options may be limited, and the monthly charge may be increased. It’s better than breaking a 12-month lease and incurring fees.

7. Prepare for the move

You’ll have a long checklist for your residential move when buying and selling a house at the same time. With a bit of forethought and organization, you’ll be able to do everything and still have time to unwind. Make sure you list everything you need to do and take one step at a time to avoid unnecessary stress. You might also want to do a pre-move and post-move checklist. Detailed planning can make all the difference! If you organize your move well, you won’t be too stressed out to enjoy this huge step in your life.

8. Mind the curb

Everyone, including potential homebuyers, will want to see what’s inside if the outside creates a good first impression. On a day, week or month, you can make significant changes. One of the most effective methods to improve the look of your home’s exterior is to add some lush greenery. Plant some flowers and trim the grass in front of your house. Paint your fence, replace the shabby mailbox with a shiny new one, and make your home look pristine from the outside! This is a failproof way of attracting potential buyers to your property.

Closing words

Buying and selling a house should always be a very gratifying experience, even if it is a challenging process. If you work with reputable professionals, it will be easier to do this with less risk and difficulties. Check to see that you are well-prepared and have lots of patience. And remember to keep a positive attitude! Best of luck with your relocation!
Meta description: Buying and selling a house at the same time can be a hard and scary process. These tips will help you to skip the stress and get right to success!

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May
03

Turning Your Home’s Garage into the Ideal Home Office in 5 Easy and Creative Steps

If you’re a remote worker needing a dedicated space to get your work done, you may be able to create your ideal home office in an unexpected space – your garage! Although your garage might be the last place that crossed your mind to use as an office, the fact of the matter is you can easily adapt your current garage for your work needs. Whether you’re based in Naperville, Illinois, or Bakersfield, California, you can adjust your garage in just five quick steps.

1. Make Sure Your Space Contains Functional Storage and a Practical Work Area
One of the first steps to take when converting your garage into an office is making sure it’s functional for your work. This generally means establishing a designated work area and installing storage space.

For example, you could build shelves into the wall to keep materials organized. You may also want to place your desk and work supplies in a well-lit corner.

2. Insulate the Garage Properly and Bring in Natural Light for Your Own Comfort
According to one study, getting enough natural light during the workday is the key to avoiding stress, frustration, and work-related headaches. If you have the budget for it, you may want to renovate your garage to ensure it’s a comfortable and supportive physical environment. For instance, you may wish to:
• Install larger windows
• Insulate the garage to keep out the heat or cold
• Install air conditioning or central heating

3. Spruce Up Your Garage’s Wall Space to Add an Aesthetic and Practical Touch
Although your main focus when converting the garage may not be on what to do with the empty wall space, sprucing up your walls can make a major difference for both the aesthetics of the garage and even its practical value. For instance, you could paint the walls for a quick visual overhaul. You could also hang up practical charts relating to your job, or other helpful visuals, such as a world map, to create a more https://www.bestar.ca/enhance-office-experience-8-ways-create-inviting-office/professional feel.

One easy option you shouldn’t overlook is putting up wallpaper. This route can be easily customized, and wallpaper may be surprisingly durable, classy, and attractive in its design. If you’ve never worked with wallpaper before, you may want to go the peel-and-stick route. This unique wallpaper type is repositionable and can even be taken down with minimal effort. If you want to up the stakes and create a luxurious feel in your office, opt for grasscloth wallpaper for your home for a rich, elegant look and a pleasing texture.

4. Create a High-Tech Workspace by Upgrading to a Few Modern Amenities
For a true home office feel, having some high-tech, modern workplace amenities is essential. Depending on what your budget will allow, you may wish to rewire your garage to include a few pieces of tech. These could include:
• A built-in webcam
• Dual monitors
• A standing desk
• Built-in loudspeakers

5. Keep Your Garage Clean by Decluttering at Least Once a Month
Lastly, if you’re like most people, there’s a good chance that your garage is currently mostly used as storage space. A once-monthly cleaning and decluttering session can help you maintain a professional office feel. You should:
• Dust off your office furniture
• Clean up clutter from the floors
• Run the vacuum

If you work at home and you need dedicated office space, look no further than your own garage. This unlikely space could be transformed into the ideal home office in just a few easy and creative steps.

Feb
11

Want Top Dollar for your home? List now!

When you’re selling any item, you usually want to sell it for the greatest profit possible. That happens when there’s a strong demand and a limited supply for that item. In the real estate market, that time is right now. If you’re thinking of selling your house this year, here are two reasons why now’s the time to list.

1. Demand Is Very Strong This Winter
A recent article in Inman News explains:

“Spring, the hottest time of year for homebuyers and sellers, has started early, according to economists. . . . ‘Home shopping season appears to already be in full swing!’”

And they aren’t the only ones saying buyers are already out in full force. That claim is backed up with data released last week by ShowingTime. The ShowingTime Showing Index tracks the average number of monthly buyer showings on active residential properties, which is a highly reliable leading indicator of current and future trends for buyer demand. The latest index reveals this December was the most active December in five years.

As the data indicates, buyers are very active this winter. Last December saw even more showings than December of 2020, which was already a stronger-than-usual winter. And remember – you want to sell something when there’s a strong demand for that item. That time is now.

2. Housing Supply Is Extremely Low
Each month, realtor.com releases data on the number of active residential real estate listings (listings currently for sale). Their most recent report reveals the latest monthly number is the lowest we’ve seen in any January since 2017.

And don’t forget, the best time to sell an item is when there’s a limited supply of it available. This graph clearly shows how extremely low housing supply is today.

Even Though Supply Is at a Historic Low, Home Sales Are at a 15-Year High
According to the latest Existing Home Sales Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), existing-home sales totaled 6.12 million in 2021 – the highest annual level since 2006. This means the market is hot and homeowners are in a great place to sell now while sales are so strong.

NAR also reports available listings by calculating the current months’ supply of inventory. They explain:

“Months’ supply refers to the number of months it would take for the current inventory of homes on the market to sell given the current sales pace.”

The current 1.8-months’ supply is the lowest ever reported.

The ratio of buyers to sellers favors homeowners right now to a greater degree than at any other time in history. Buyer demand is high, and supply is low. That gives sellers like you an incredible opportunity.

Bottom Line
If you agree the best time to sell anything is when demand is high and supply is low, contact to discuss listing your house today.

Feb
03

Home Staging Tips for Sellers in Naperville

Intend to put your Naperville home up for sale soon? You probably want to sell it quickly and at a reasonable price. Alongside the incentives that drive homeowners to sell, we can’t ignore the marketing and financial benefits of home staging. First, staging your home allows you to showcase your home in the best possible light. The goal is to impress the buyers and show them what your home has to offer. Not to mention staged homes perform considerably better in terms of pricing and raising interest. So much so that around 50% of buyers’ real estate agents in the US note that staging has a massive impact on buyer’s perception of the home. Hence, we will put forward a few home staging tips for sellers in Naperville to help you out!

Home staging isn’t decorating

A common misconception that sellers make is to assume that home staging is essentially the same as redecorating. There are a few reasons why this line of thinking is detrimental. First of all, good staging can be done with a lot less than what you would need to redecorate the home. The point is to highlight the advantages of the house and obscure the flaws. It is not necessary to invest too much money into home staging. After all, you are probably more eager to update the home you are moving into rather than your old home.

Fix the home first, then embellish

It is better to focus your budget and energy on fixing structural flaws and other maintenance projects. Rather than invest money into pure aesthetic updates, it makes more sense to improve or eliminate anything that the buyer might have to fix on their own. They will undoubtedly deduce the cost of the repairs from the asking price. So, it makes sense to think ahead and spruce up the property before the showings.

You don’t need to stage the entire home

According to some estimates, the room staged most frequently is the living room, followed by the kitchen, and then the bedroom. And this makes perfect sense. These rooms comprise the area where the buyer is likely to spend most of the time. If your staging budget is limited, you should invest in fixing these rooms.

One of the important home staging tips for sellers in Naperville is to start in the living room and kitchen.

As for the rest of the property, you can organize a thorough cleaning spree to make up for the fact they are not staged. Likewise, if you don’t have enough money to purchase new appliances, make sure they are squeaky clean and, thus, presentable, if not new.

Home staging should be depersonalized

As much as it might seem counterintuitive, observing home staging as akin to decorating might lead to another mistake – making decorative choices guided by your preferences. On the contrary – you should aim to appeal to the broadest possible number of people. And that is achieved most easily if you stick to universally attractive, tasteful decorative choices. So, as much as you like quirky artwork or something like hunting memorabilia, your buyers might find it tacky or even insulting.

Remember – the point of home staging is to give the buyer an idea about what living in the home is like. So, the buyer needs to visualize themselves and what their life may look like in that home. As many as 82% of buyers report that staging promotes this kind of visualization.

The purpose of staging is to help the buyers visualize themselves in the home.

Hence, it would be best to avoid staging that involves colors, decoration, or furniture that is too distinctive or creative. Unfortunately, the buyer might associate negative feelings with your home only because they didn’t like something irrelevant such as a painting or a carpet. That is why you use neutral colors, minimalist furniture pieces, and interesting but still universally appealing decoration.

A thorough declutter can be very helpful for sellers in Naperville

Decluttering and selling off your old belongings can be a step towards a well-staged home. Having too many things on your property can obscure your home’s good assets and features. Instead, the sheer number of things might even create a chaotic, messy vibe. Not to mention the rooms might appear to be much smaller than they actually are. All of this definitely does not work in your favor when selling.

Fewer items make the home appear more spacious.

Decluttering is also a great way to downsize your belongings to an amount that you can easily move. Managing a long-distance relocation in a state such as Illinois after you finally sell your home should go very smoothly if you have fewer things to pack and move. Of course, an experienced moving crew is more than enough to transfer household items quickly. Still, a thorough declutter is undoubtedly an excellent way to reduce the workload that awaits when you start planning your relocation.

Home staging tips for sellers in Naperville – delivered

Even if your home fits into the lower price range category, home staging has the power to ensure more exposure. It can even give your home a head start if it lacks some of the qualities that buyers look for in a home. Sometimes, sellers are reluctant to invest the money necessary to stage the home despite this fact. The reason is that inexperienced sellers sometimes fail to observe the home’s potential.

As much as organizing home updates and furniture necessary to stage the home might seem like a waste of time and money, the benefits you will reap from it will make that effort worthwhile. That is why it makes sense to apply some of these home staging tips for sellers in Naperville!

Jan
25

Downsizing as a Single Parent: General Tips and Tech to Help

After deciding to downsize to a smaller home, there is a lot to think about. You must get your home ready for a quick sale. You have to find the right home for your family to move to and make a smooth transition. This process requires many small tasks that can overwhelm even the most easygoing going of us. And when you’re a single parent, things can get even more intense!

Fear not—Bill White Homes is here with some tips and resources to help you plan for a fast, painless downsize!

Prep Your Home
First of all, you will want to diligently prep your home for a quick and profitable sale.

● Pare down your belongings, selling or donating any items you will not take with you to the new home.
● Stage your home to impress potential buyers, which might include rearranging furniture, upgrading the decor, and depersonalizing each space.
● Look into the various websites and mobile apps that provide design ideas for your upgrades.
● Consider hiring a professional interior designer or home stager to transform your home before you put it on the market.

Find a New Home
When it comes time to zero in on the ideal home for your family, keep these tips in mind:

● Assess the layout of any home you’re considering to ensure it will meet the needs of your family.
● Also, research the neighborhood to get a feel for the safety and convenience it can add to your life.
● Use real estate sites to browse the housing market, which will allow you to see the home prices and features available in the area.
● Work with an expert realty team like Bill White Homes to make your entire home selling and buying process less stressful!

Move Smoothly
On moving day, you’ll be glad you took the time to put the pieces in place for a smooth transition!

● Start packing up your old home as early as possible, and pack all of your items so that you can efficiently unpack them in your new home.
● Use software to merge PDF files to have fewer paper documents to take with you.
● Arrange for professional movers to transport your possessions from A to B.
● Consider hiring a babysitter if you need help keeping your children safe and occupied on moving day. There are lots of excellent apps for finding reputable local babysitters!

Who says that a single parent has to go through the downsizing process overwhelmed? By planning out your steps beforehand, you can set yourself and your family up for a smooth experience. Keep the tips above in mind as you get your home ready to sell, look for a new home, and arrange the moving day details. You and your kids will be settling comfortably into your new home and life together in no time!

Are you looking for an experienced realty team in Naperville? Contact Bill White Homes today!

Nov
22

7 Neighborhood Amenities to Look for when Buying a Home

There’s a lot to consider when you’re looking for your new home. You should probably decide in advance how many bedrooms or bathrooms you’re looking for. However, that doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker because you can always remodel a home or add more rooms. What you can’t change about your new home, though, is the neighborhood. The neighborhood in which you buy a house affects not just your capacity to enjoy it but also your potential to watch its value increase over time. Whether your property is in the most desirable neighborhood in the region or one that is expected to improve in the coming years, it’s critical to keep an eye on the features of the area that indicate you’ll have interested buyers when the time comes to sell. So, in this article, we will go over some of the neighborhood amenities you need to look for when buying a home.

How To Find A Good Neighborhood

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of finding a home that fulfills all of your desires. However, real estate experts say it’s more vital to pay attention to the neighborhood. After all, you can remodel and repair a house, but you can’t change its location. That means you also can’t change your neighbors or the community’s feel. So, it all comes down to one thing when determining which neighborhood to pick: research. You can rely on your real estate agent to point out essential features and learn about homeowners’ association laws, but you can’t rely on them for everything. To get the best information, you’ll need to put in the work yourself.

Shops

First of the many neighborhood amenities to look for when buying a home is the proximity of grocery stores and other markets. Unless you get your groceries delivered regularly, you’ll undoubtedly go to the market at least once a week. Having access to good food is a desirable bonus for most homeowners, and it may impact the value of your property. Moreover, a neighborhood’s accessibility to retail businesses might be an indicator of future growth.

Schools

Even if you don’t have children, purchasing a home in a neighborhood with excellent schools might be a wise investment. This is because schools have a significant impact on a home’s resale value. Moreover, just because you don’t have kids right now doesn’t mean you never will. If you’re a first-time buyer, it might be wise to think a few years into the future and plan ahead. An easy way to research school quality is to go to the local school district’s site and download the report cards for all nearby schools.

Parks & Green Spaces

Parks and green areas are another amenity to search for in a neighborhood. These are wonderful areas for kids to play, exercise, and learn about nature. Since the start of the pandemic, they’ve become even more crucial, allowing individuals to safely leave the house and get some fresh air.

Fitness Centers

Are there any fitness facilities near the house you wish to buy? If you care about your fitness, you should look into local gyms, especially if you don’t want to work out outside. When it comes time to sell, being close to a state-of-the-art gym might be quite appealing to many purchasers. Furthermore, being close to great local gyms might inspire you to start working out more.

Entertainment & Leisure Facilities

Is there a movie theater, a bar, a museum, a sports field, or a swimming pool near your potential future home? Entertainment facilities, particularly for young people, bring a community to life. However, this isn’t only important to the younger crowd. Everyone needs time away from their hectic activities to unwind and enjoy themselves with their family and friends. So, if you’re thinking of buying a retirement home, this is also something you should look into. Living near facilities such as these will keep you active over the years.

Healthcare Facilities

Access to a hospital is crucial when choosing a house to buy. All people, but especially children and seniors, require quick access to medical care. In the event of an emergency, you need to know that you can get medical help swiftly.

Public Transportation

Most people commute from one location to another every day. That’s why access to public transportation is very important to some buyers. Public transportation is a crucial enhancement for every community, from commuting students to employees who wish to get from home to work. Furthermore, as more individuals choose sustainable lives, demand for nearby public transportation has increased in the past few years. This is because, in order to save money and reduce pollution, more individuals are leaving their own cars in favor of trains and buses.

Renovating A House In A Good Neighborhood

Like we said before, while the location is very important, the house itself can be changed over time to better suit your needs. Many people prefer buying a fixer-upper in a good neighborhood and renovating it after their wishes. This can be a better, more profitable solution. However, it can also be a challenge if you live in the house while you’re renovating. All your stuff can get in the way, and you might have to move it around the house to finish all the work. Luckily for you, there is a solution for items in your way. You can always rent out a storage unit to store your excess items during the renovation.

In Conclusion

When you buy a home, you are purchasing more than just the structure of a house. You’re also picking the neighborhood in which you’ll spend the next few years of your life. Your neighborhood has a significant influence on both your quality of life and the value of your house. That’s why it’s crucial to know what neighborhood amenities to look for when buying a home. Even if you don’t plan on using all those amenities, it’s good to have them in mind.

May
04

4 Big Incentives for Homeowners to Sell Now

The housing market keeps sailing along. The only headwind that could take it off course is the lack of inventory for sale. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reports that there were 410,000 fewer single-family homes for sale this March than in March of 2020. The key to continued success in the residential housing market is for more listings to come on the market. However, many homeowners are concerned that selling their homes could be challenging for several reasons.

Recently, Homes.com released the findings of a survey that identified these concerns, as well as what it will take for homeowners to feel comfortable selling their houses. Here are the four major homeowner concerns and a quick explanation of what’s actually happening in the housing market today.

1. Homeowners don’t know if they’ll be able to secure their next home before selling.
In negotiations, leverage is the power that one side may have to influence the other side while moving closer to their negotiating position. A party’s leverage is based on the ability to award benefits or eliminate costs on the other side.

In today’s market, buyers have compelling reasons to purchase a home now:

To own a home of their own
To buy before prices continue to appreciate
To secure a mortgage at a historically low rate, while they last
These buyer needs give the seller tremendous leverage. Most already realize this leverage enables the homeowner to sell at a good price. However, this leverage may also be used to negotiate time to find their next home. The homeowner could sell their home to the buyer at today’s price, which will enable the purchaser to take advantage of current mortgage rates. In return, the buyer might lease the house back to the seller for a pre-determined length of time while the seller finds a new home or has one built.

This gives the buyer what they want while also giving the seller what they need. It’s a true win-win negotiation.

2. Homeowners don’t know if their current home will sell for the asking price or top market price.
This is the perfect time to maximize profits while selling a house. NAR just released a study showing that bidding wars are at an all-time high. The study reveals that when comparing the first quarter of last year to the first quarter of this year, the number of offers on homes for sale doubled from an average of 2.4 to 4.8 offers.

Whenever there’s a bidding war, the price of the item for sale escalates. Bloomberg recently reported:

“For the first time ever, the average U.S. home is selling for above its list price.”

If a seller is looking for a top-dollar sale, there’s no better time to sell than right now.

3. Homeowners don’t know if they will get an offer without their home requiring work or updates.
Again, leverage is the greatest strength a seller has in this market. Due to the lack of homes for sale, many buyers are more willing to take on home improvement projects themselves in order to get the home they’re after.

A recent post on whether or not to renovate before selling notes:

“It may be wise to let future homeowners remodel the bathroom or the kitchen to make design decisions that are best for their specific taste and lifestyle. As a seller, your dollars and time might be better spent working on small cosmetic updates, like refreshing some paint and power washing the exterior. Instead of over-investing in your home with upgrades that the buyers may change anyway, work with a real estate professional to determine the key projects that will maximize your listing, without overdoing it.”

If a seller is worried about doing work or updates on their home, they must realize that today’s historically low inventory likely renders these projects less critical to the sale of the house.

4. Homeowners don’t know if they can have a quick closing process.
When speed is important, there are two points sellers should look at:

The time it takes to find a buyer for the home
The time it takes to close the transaction
In the latest Existing Home Sales Report, NAR explains:

“Properties typically remained on the market for 18 days in March, down from 20 days in February and from 29 days in March 2020. Eighty-three percent of the homes sold in March 2021 were on the market for less than a month.”

Eighteen days is fast, and it’s a new record. Here are the days the average house is on the market in each state:
4 Big Incentives for Homeowners to Sell Now | Keeping Current Matters
Regarding the time it will take to close the transaction, all-cash sales accounted for 23% of all home purchase transactions in March. All-cash sales can usually be closed in thirty days.

If a mortgage is necessary, the most recent Origination Insight Report from Ellie Mae shows:

“Time to close all loans decreased in March. The average time to close a purchase fell to 51 days, down from 53 the month prior.”

If you’re looking for a quick closing process, there’s never been a market in which the two-step process (finding a buyer and closing the deal) has taken less time.

Bottom Line
Selling your house can be daunting, especially in a fast-paced market. However, the fact that we’re in such a strong sellers’ market clearly eliminates many common concerns. Contact a real estate professional today to learn more about the opportunities for homeowners who are ready to sell.

Jan
05

Why not to wait until spring to make a move

The housing market recovery coming into the new year has been nothing short of remarkable. Many experts agree the turnaround from the nation’s economic pause is playing out extremely well for real estate, and the current market conditions are truly making this winter an ideal time to make a move. Here’s a dive into some of the biggest wins for homebuyers this season.

1. Mortgage Rates Are Historically Low
In 2020, mortgage rates hit all-time lows 16 times. Continued low rates have set buyers up for significant long-term gains. In fact, realtor.com notes:

“Given this means homes could cost potentially tens of thousands less over the lifetime of the loan.”

Essentially, it’s less expensive to borrow money for a home loan today than it has been in years past. Although mortgage rates are expected to remain relatively low in 2021, even the slightest increase can make a big difference in your payments over the lifetime of a home loan. So, this is a huge opportunity to capitalize on right now before mortgage rates start to rise.

2. Equity Is Growing
According to John Burns Consulting, 58.7% of homes in the U.S. have at least 60% equity, and 42.1% of all homes in this country are mortgage-free, meaning they’re owned free and clear.

In addition, CoreLogic notes the average equity homeowners gained since last year is $17,000. That’s a tremendous amount of forced savings for homeowners, and an opportunity to use this increasing equity to make a move into a home that fits your changing needs this season.

3. Home Prices Are Appreciating
According to leading experts, home prices are forecasted to continue appreciating. Today, many experts are projecting more moderate home price growth than last year, but still moving in an upward direction through 2021.

Knowing home values are increasing while mortgage rates are so low should help you feel confident that buying a home before prices rise even higher is a strong long-term investment.

4. There Are Not Enough Homes for Sale
With today’s low inventory of homes on the market, which is contributing to this home price appreciation, sellers are in the driver’s seat. The competition is high among buyers, so homes are selling quickly.

Making a move while so many buyers are looking for homes to purchase may mean your house rises to the top of the buyer pool. Selling your house before more listings come to the market in the traditionally busy spring market might be your best chance to shine.

Bottom Line
If you’re considering making a move, this may be your moment, especially with today’s low mortgage rates and limited inventory. Reach out to us today to get set up for homebuying success in the new year.

Oct
11

Downsize? Here are some easy ways to find the right pro!

Does the idea of making phone call after phone call to screen real estate agents, moving companies, and contractors fill you with dread? Screening moving professionals by phone isn’t just tedious work, it’s also risky. Without the ability to compare pros side-by-side, read reviews, and solicit quotes in a no-pressure setting, you’re more likely to make a hire you’ll ultimately regret. Instead of searching for pros the old-fashioned way, use these websites and smartphone apps to hire trustworthy, talented pros for your downsize.

 

General Downsizing Resources

 

Downsizing isn’t an “easy” process for anyone, but there are ways to make it less challenging. Learn different ways to plug technology into the process to help you streamline and reduce your stress levels:

 

Your Move Simplified: The 9 Best Apps for Moving

Useful apps to help streamline each part of the moving process.

https://rismedia.com/2017/07/12/your-move-simplified-9-best-apps-moving/

 

Sell, Digitize, Organize, and Clean Up Your Junk with These Apps

Declutter your living space before putting your home on the market.

https://www.popsci.com/best-decluttering-apps/

 

Websites & Apps to Sell Stuff in Your Neighborhood

Learn where you can sell your stuff locally, and which websites charge commission and which don’t.

https://moneypantry.com/apps-to-sell-stuff-locally/#neighborhood

 

5 Steps to Prepare Your House for Sale

You want to sell your home for the best price; use this checklist to help make that happen. Don’t forget to plan each project in advance to give yourself time to complete (use your phone’s calendar and reminders to help keep to-dos on your radar).

https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/prepare-house-for-sale/

 

How to Take Real Estate Photos Worthy of a Magazine Spread

Learn tricks of the photography trade to ensure the photos of your home encourage (not discourage) potential buyers.

https://www.homelight.com/blog/how-to-take-real-estate-photos/

 

How to Sell Your House Online

Online visibility for your property is key since that’s the first place buyers look; learn about your options when it comes to selling your home online.

https://www.redfin.com/resources/how-to-sell-a-house-online

 

Senior-Specific Selling Resources

 

The downsizing process for seniors can be especially tricky, as it involves both physical and emotional challenges. Below, find resources specific to seniors going through the moving process.

 

How to Make Moving Easier for Seniors

Learn how to approach the moving process with sensitivity to ease the emotional tension involved.

https://www.angieslist.com/articles/how-make-moving-easier-seniors.htm

 

How Technology Can Help Seniors

While some seniors embrace technology, others may run from it. Either way, technology can help during the move – plus, it can have many other benefits as well.

https://thriveglobal.com/stories/how-technology-can-help-seniors/

 

Relocation Technology: How the Modern Moving Process Works for You

This resource illustrates how modern technology can make the tasks involved with moving more of a minor inconvenience rather than a massive hurdle.

https://www.moving.org/relocation-technology-how-the-modern-moving-process-works-for-you/

 

Best Cell Phones, Plans, and Accessories for Seniors

If a technology purchase or upgrade is necessary for your senior, find out what phones, plans, and accessories are best suited.

https://www.verizonwireless.com/articles/best-cell-phones-plans-and-accessories-for-senior/

 

8 Assisted Living Search Mistakes to Avoid

If your loved one is downsizing to an assisted living facility, it’s important to prepare for the transition. Here you can learn from mistakes others made to ensure you don’t fall prey to the same issues.

https://www.aplaceformom.com/blog/assisted-living-search-top-mistakes-to-avoid-1-22-13/

 

 

Regardless of whether you’re downsizing during your 20s or 60s, when you hire downsizing professionals, you entrust them with your home, your belongings, and your money. As such, shouldn’t you feel confident you’re hiring the right person for the job? Instead of choosing your hires based on proximity or price, use the above tools to find the best pros for your needs, budget, and vision. When you team up with the right moving and real estate professionals, you’ll waste no time selling your old house and settling into a downsized home.

 

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