...And The 3-4 Things that you absolutely need to know before you interview an agent about selling your home are you trying to time out the market ? waiting until after the holidays? waiting for interest rates to go down ? Interestingly enough - the things that cause sellers wait to sell can work for them and against them at the same time there are less homes on the market in December than in January almost every year while there are less buyers in December they are much more motivated buyers that are planning trips for January to see homes are looking at homes available now and for those that need to sell it makes sense to be visible in December today we go super deep on what you need to know

... can be financially difficult in the current real estate envirnoment Many home owners are dealing with unplanned sales of their homes For those that purchased in the last year or 2 and financed their purchase with a low down payment program Such as a VA or FHA Mortgage There may be very little equity in their home And if there were also some of the buyers closing costs paid by the seller Then its a good possiblity that their equity is even lower Factor into the equation that home values are no longer rapidly appreciating And you begin to see the problem unfold The closings costs and commissions at closing Take a big bite out the sellers proceeds and create a scenario where the check they receive at the table is smaller than they had been anticipating and there is real possibility that some may need to write a check to cover a shortfall if their equity isn't sufficient to pay of the loan balance which means that some sellers will need to get creative to make it work

... is behaving somewhat normally as we head towards the end of the year

The dustup regarding Buyer Brokerage Agreements back in August

didn't destroy the market as some had predicted

Home buyers quickly adjusted to the new forms and for most its a non-issue

I find it interesting that the most asked questions now aren't about BBA

Home values are the real topic right now

Researching "whats my home worth" is the precursor to selling a home

and its becoming very clear that many people are getting ready to make a move

deciding when it's the right time to sell a home

and buy a new one is on the minds of more people than most realize

there is pent up demand that is coming to the surface

and its not just individuals and families

investors and flippers are also back in the market

things are shifting and there is a noticeable increase in activity

which suggests that the market is about to make a move

... is once again upon us the annual flock of people looking to escape the colder weather start to descend upon southern coastal areas such as Florida seeking sun, sand and warmer temperatures the locals will notice that populations will rise during these seasonal times initially most snowbirds will stick their toes in the sand for short periods such as a week or perhaps a month eventually increasing the lenght of their stay to a few months typically starting after the holidays and new year manufactured homes and mobile homes can be an inexpensive way to test it out condos are popular for those that are looking at 2nd homes/investment properties condotels are popular with cash buyers that also want rental income beach bungalows are a personal favorite of mine some love it so much that they make the BIG MOVE and become permanent residents for these travelers - this is "the most wonderful time of the year"

...While Mortgage Interest rates zagged

Most people were expecting

that when the Fed dropped interest rates

home mortgage interest rates would do the same

and yet that isn't how things have played out recently

recent drops of .5% and .25% at the Fed

lead to...

wait for it...

INCREASES in mortgage rates by similar amount

it is believed to be temporary and not unnatural

there are many other factors in play at the moment

inflation, job reports, and banks pricing rates in advance of Fed movement

should home buyers wait it out?

I share some suggestions for home buyers who are uncertain of their next move

The direction of the market is beginning to take shape

There is increased activity

which isn't shocking

the election is over

the Fed dropped interest rates last week

inflation is lowering

and sellers that have held off going on the market

are taking action as we speak

it is shaping up to be an interesting end to the year

Home Builders are making deals to stimulate sales

todays show gives you all the details that you will need to be informed

The builder reps are out in the field and visiting real estate offices

bringing some tastey treats and marketing materials

for anyone that has even a little interest in moving this year

its absolutely worth a look at a move in ready new home

be sure to research the lot premium

investigate closing cost credits and incentives

if the home you are interested in

is the last one available in a subdivision that is closing out

you may be able to negotiate the ever elusive sale price reduction

We are on the cusp of a significant increase in real estate activity

A large number of people that have been "watching and waiting"

Will be jumping back into the market to buy and sell properties

The elections will be over soon

The Federal Reserve will have 2 more meetings this year

November 6-7 and December 17-18

It wouldn't be surprising to have at least 1 interest rate decrease

cheap $ fuels investments for cashflow reasons

Inflation numbers are trending downward

Investors sell properties as part of their end of year tax strategies

Stock market investors also do the same and reallocate into real estate

the short term rental dynamics are changing as well

get ready for a Rocket Ride

Not in the way that you are thinking...

Home prices have gone up after every election but 1 in recent memory

Even if this was not an election year

Market conditions suggest that prices would go up

A few of the leading indicators that I am paying attention to are

Inflation - which is trending lower

Interest Rates - which are also trending lower

Available homes for sale - slowly increasing but not a balanced market yet

Investors Make Moves at the end of the year for tax purposes

There is a real possibility of a holiday surge this year

Keep in mind that investors have 3 possible wins in every property

cash flow - depreciation for tax purposes - increased property value

....we take a deep dive on things most people aren't aware of and discuss some of the ways that you can protect your home and family and what you need to know when you repair the damages in your home to reduce the risk of health concerns in the future whether it was a roof leak, wind driven rain, or rising waters that caused your home to flood there a number of things that you want to consider when your are choosing the right repairs and contractors removal - remediation - abatement may all be on the table drywall may need to be removed cabinets and doors may need to be detached floors may need to be ripped out mold spores may be present and if so using fans may not be advisable in older homes you may have asbestos or lead based paint in some cases there may be buried kerosene or fuel oil tanks any of these things that mix in with the water in your home could present some big concerns and need specialized treatement