Benefits of Hiring a Realtor in the Buying & Selling Process

You’re not required to hire a real estate agent in order to buy or sell your home, but there are several advantages to doing so. Unless you consider yourself an expert at the buying or selling process, you’re taking a considerable risk if you handle these types of transactions yourself.

These are some of the most important benefits of hiring a Realtor if you’re selling:

• A more accurate listing price. Real estate agents are familiar with the market, as well as local homes for sale or ones that have sold recently. They will take all of this information into consideration when determining the best listing price for your home.
• Valuable services. Real estate agents provide sellers with a long list of services, including increased online exposure, expertise in negotiating and making counter offers, high-quality marketing materials, referrals for home inspectors and contractors and feedback from interested buyers.
• Help selling in a buyer’s market. When you’re attempting to sell a home in a buyer’s market, having a real estate agent at your side can boost your chances of selling your home at a good price.

Here are a few benefits of hiring a Realtor if you’re a buyer:

• Early notice about available homes. Real estate agents can give you a heads up about properties that are available before they are publicly listed.
• Valuable information. Real estate agents can provide you with important information that can be hard to come by on your own, such as comprehensive property profiles, MLS sales data, a home’s historical records and annual local facts and trends.
• Negotiating skills. Your agent can come up with a solid offer for the seller and help negotiate a competitive price for the home.

Ready to hire a Realtor? Contact me today!

Why Home Investment for Millennials is Crucial & Saves Money

Buying a home is one of the best investments you can make, especially if you’re a Millennial. It allows you to build up equity over a number of years, which you can use to purchase a larger home at some point in the future. There are also several other benefits of owning a home.

Here is some valuable homeownership and real estate advice for Millennials to consider:

• Paying a mortgage is more financially desirable than paying rent. When you rent, your money goes to a landlord rather than going toward paying off a home loan. When you own a home, you’ll eventually own that home once it’s paid off and you won’t owe any more payments at that point. When you rent, you’ll always have to write out a rent check every month.
• Owning a home comes with considerable tax benefits. Homeowners are eligible for big tax breaks, thanks to deductions on property taxes and mortgage interest payments. This lowers their tax bills and boosts their chances of getting a hefty tax refund.
• Owning a home protects you from inflation. When you buy a home, you don’t have to worry about inflation affecting housing costs, since you’re already locked into a mortgage. When you rent, you do have to worry about rent prices going up in order to keep up with inflation.
• Being a homeowner can help you become more financially responsible. If you’re not used to setting aside money on a regular basis, owning a home could force you to do so. You’ll need to have money on hand in case your home needs unexpected repairs or maintenance.

Need more homeownership and real estate advice for Millennials and other home buyers? Visit me at www.destineddwellings.com !

Key Options Homebuyers Want in Their New Homes

When you’re determining how much you should list your home for, it’s important to consider what will appeal to home buyers. Certain features are more desirable than others, and buyers are often willing to pay more money for a home that has one or more of these.

These are some of the options home buyers look for the most:

• Stainless steel appliances. These appliances provide aesthetic appeal in kitchens. While buyers with small children might not necessarily want these, roughly 41 percent of buyers are willing to pay around $1,850 more for a home with stainless steel appliances.
• Central air conditioning. Roughly 69 percent of buyers will pay around $2,520 more for a home with central air. This type of cooling system makes homes more comfortable, especially those in warmer climates.
• Walk-in closet in the master bedroom. Around 60 percent of buyers are willing to pay an extra $1,350 for a home with a huge closet in the master bedroom. Big closets are a major draw for many buyers, especially those who are between 35 and 54 years old.  A walk-in closet provides additional storage space and serves as a status symbol.
• Hardwood floors. Roughly 54 percent of buyers will pay $2,080 more for a home with hardwood floors. This is especially true for buyers who are under 55 years old, while older buyers generally prefer carpeted floors. Buyers usually want hardwood floors because they’re more convenient to clean and look nicer if they've been well-maintained.

If your home has any of the options home buyers look for, make sure you draw attention to those in the listing information. Doing so will make it easier to attract buyers.

Need help selling your home? Contact me and let's get started!

Buying a Home? Understanding the Real Estate Market Before Purchasing

Buying a home is a complex process that can seem overwhelming, especially for first-time home buyers. Knowing more about what to expect can make the process seem a bit clearer, which can ease buyers’ concerns.

Here are some of the basics to keep in mind for understanding the real estate market:

• Get a pre-approval letter. This piece of paper indicates that you’re financially ready to buy a home and lets you know the estimated amount you can expect to borrow. This letter comes from a lender, who will verify all of the information you give them.
• Know the lingo. The real estate market has its own lingo that can be confusing to buyers. Commonly used terms include “closing costs,” which are the expenses the buyer and seller pay when completing the deal, and “listing,” which refers to the buyer’s agreement to let the real estate broker market the home and take care of selling it.
• Choose the right mortgage. There are several types of home loans available, including fixed rate, adjustable rate and special loans for first-time home buyers. You should choose a home loan that fits your financial situation and helps you afford a home that’s within your budget.

Want more help understanding the real estate market? Contact me today!