5 Reasons to Sell This Fall

1. Demand Is Strong
The latest Buyer Traffic Report from the National
Association of Realtors (NAR) shows that buyer demand
remains strong throughout the vast majority of the country.
These buyers are ready, willing, and able to purchase…and
are in the market right now.

2. There Is Less Competition Now
Housing inventory is still below the 6-month supply that
indicates a normal market. In some cases, homeowners have
been reluctant to list their homes during the last few years,
fearing they would not find a replacement home. For now,
there are not enough homes to satisfy the number of buyers,
and buyers are competing for available homes.
As home values continue to appreciate, more homeowners
are seeing their home equity increase, and gaining confidence
to make a move. When these homeowners decide to sell, the
inventory of available homes will increase. Buyers will have a
larger selection of homes from which to choose and sellers
will be competing for these buyers.

3. The Process Will Be Quicker
Today’s competitive environment has forced buyers to
strengthen their negotiating position by obtaining preapproval
for their mortgage financing. Buyers know what
they can afford before shopping for a home. According to
Ellie Mae’s latest Origination Insights Report, the average
time needed to close a loan is 43 days.

4. It’s a Good Time to Move Up
There are buyers looking for their starter home, just as you
may be considering a move up. If you’re considering a larger
or upgraded home purchase, you will find increased
inventory for sale at higher price ranges. As prices continue
to escalate, delaying the purchase of your next home may
require a larger down payment and higher mortgage.

5. It’s Time to Move on with Your Life
Look at the reason you decided to sell in the first place. Is it
worth waiting for more money or is it more important to
have the freedom to go on with your life? Only you know the
answers to these questions. Perhaps the time has come for
you and your family to move on and start living the life you
desire.

Housing Market Predictions

The year has so far been a promising one for would-be home
buyers as home prices started to level off and mortgage rates
dipped to unexpected lows. While first-time buyers can expect less competition than last
year, it’s still very much a seller’s market in most places. But
overall, it’s a good time to move forward with a home
purchase. Here’s what industry experts predict for the remainder of
2019 and beyond.

Millennials will drive the market.
Consider it the year of the first-time home buyer.
More than half of all mortgages originated by Fannie
Mae and Freddie Mac went to first-time buyers last
year, and with Millennials hitting their prime
home buying years, those numbers are only
going to grow.

Inventory will improve –but not by much.
Total housing stock is well below
the nation’s pre-recession
volumes. Although recent data
shows that inventory is rising for starter homes and trade-up
properties, it’s likely not enough to satisfy demand. Housing
supply has increased compared to last year, but overall
inventory levels are still quite low, especially in the lower
price ranges.

Home prices are headed up.
Prices have been on the rise since 2012, outstripping their
pre-recession peaks early last year. The slowdown in price
appreciation and the escalation of wage growth is helping to
improve affordability for many would-be buyers. Still,
experts warn that home prices aren’t done rising yet.
Increasing demand and the limited inventory of homes for
sale suggests continued price appreciation.

Mortgage rates will stay low.
Mortgage rates recently hit their lowest point in three years,
averaging 3.80%, according to Freddie Mac, causing a surge
of refinancing. Experts expect that rates could go even lower.
Experts predict that the 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage rate will finish
out the year between 3.9% and 4.1% – lower than 2018’s full-year
average of 4.54%.

Buyers can take their time.
Despite an influx of younger buyers,
competition isn’t going to be as stiff as in years
past. National data shows that just 15% of offers
in April sparked a bidding war – down dramatically
from 60% in April, 2018. Nationally, the overall inventory of available homes is
expected to remain stable this year, so buyers shouldn’t feel
as pressured to move quickly.

Some markets are better than others.
Overall, the signs aren’t overwhelmingly pro-buyer or proseller.
Industry experts don’t foresee an extreme dip or a
major spike in prices or rates. And at the end of the day,
housing conditions vary by market.
Give me a call to discuss our local market conditions and
your plans to buy or sell!

Source: Aly J Hale, contributing writer for Forbes

10 Tips For A Smooth Move

1. In home survey — A reputable moving company will
take inventory of all your belongings, including items in
storage areas like cabinets and garages. They will ask
what goes on the truck and what stays behind to
determine the bulk and weight of your move.
2. Don’t pay a large deposit — You should only pay upon
delivery. If you pay in advance, you have no control over
when you will see your belongings again.
3. Licenses — Confirm that your interstate moving
company holds a valid operating authority with the
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
4. Get references — Ask your friends, family and work
colleagues. Check online resources such as
www.moving.org. Ask the mover for names of recent
customers in your area and contact them.
5. Unexpected packing costs — Watch for inflated prices
for boxes and packing materials. Make sure that labor
costs are in your estimate.
6. Beware of extra fees — Ask if there are extra charges for
the movers having to negotiate stairs and elevators,
navigate narrow streets, and other additional fees that
may apply to your situation.
7. Never sign a blank moving contract — Get everything
in writing including the estimate, extra fees, and your
pick-up and delivery dates. Read your contract and
inventory form to make sure all of your belongings are
listed.
8. Don’t accept the “guaranteed” quote — There are
three kinds of moving contracts: 1) A binding estimate
specifies in advance the precise
cost of the move based on the
services you request. 2) A
non-binding estimate is
prepared in advance to give
you a general idea of the cost
of your move, but the exact
cost is not determined until
your shipment is loaded on
the truck and weighed. 3) A
non-binding to exceed estimate
insures that the estimate is the
maximum you’ll be required
to pay for any services
rendered.
9. Report any problems —
On moving day, open
boxes and check for
damage. Note any
problems on the mover’s
bill of lading before signing it.
10. Valuation protection — Full (Replacement) Value
Protection: Under this comprehensive plan, an article that
is lost, destroyed or damaged while in your mover’s
custody will be repaired or replaced according to the
protection you have selected. Minimum Liability: The
mover assumes liability for no more than 60 cents per
pound per article.
When it’s time to move, contact me for a free guide with
Answers to Questions about Moving!
Source www.moving.com

6 Reasons Why Selling a House in the Winter May Be the Best Decision Ever

Spring is generally the most popular time of year to sell a house, with hordes of buyers looking to move into a new place before the school year begins. But if you decide to sell your home during the winter, experts say you could reap a reward in cold, hard cash.

“I have personally had my best months in real estate during the holiday season, so the idea that the markets are very tough to sell in the winter might be a myth,” says Emil Hartoonian, managing partner of The Agency in Beverly Hills, CA.

He’s not the only one who believes selling in the winter can make you a real estate winner. Read on for the top reasons why you should consider unloading when the temperatures drop.

1. Low inventory = less competition

Since spring is the most popular home-selling season, the housing market is ultracrowded with options at that time of year. And if you paid attention during Econ 101, you understand the law of supply and demand.

“Most sellers still think they need to sell in the spring, but that means there is more competition for buyers’ attention,” says Matt Van Winkle, founder of Re/Max Northwest in Seattle.

But in the winter, there are fewer homes for sale. That competition over low inventory can make winter an ideal time to sell your home.

“In the Atlanta market, January is one of the strongest months for homes to go under contract,” says Ally May of Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s.

2. You get to show your home’s winter-readiness

Selling in the winter also gives you the opportunity to show that a home is designed to handle the harsh elements.

“Sellers in places like Lake Tahoe can show off features like a south-facing driveway to speed up snow melting, how snow will fall off of a roof, a short driveway that will minimize shoveling or plowing, heat tape on the north side of the roof to avoid snow accumulation, and how recently the roof and furnace have been replaced,” says Sandy Soli, regional manager at Engel & Volkers in Lake Tahoe, NV.

Plus, during winter months, homes with features like fireplaces and hot tubs are certainly more appealing.

3. New parents may be looking to upgrade

The baby boom in September may lead to more buyers later in the year. According to data from the Center for Health Statistics and the Social Security Administration, there are more birthdays in the month of September than any other time of the year. Therefore, there’s likely to be a crop of growing families looking to buy a larger house.

“Once baby is home and settled, these parents may want to start the year in a new, and more spacious, family home,” according to Melissa Temple, real estate adviser and partner at Engel & Volkers in Aspen, CO.

4. Winter brings out the serious buyers

News flash: Not everyone looking at houses intends to make a purchase. Some people are contemplating moving and may just want to see what’s on the market. Since more homes tend to go on the market in spring and fall, this is also when window shoppers are likely to be out looking.

However, these looky-loos tend to be scarce during winter months, according to Jennifer Baldinger, licensed associate real estate broker at Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s international Realty in Scarsdale, NY.

“When I have buyers looking for homes in January and February, they’re real buyers looking to make a purchase–especially if it’s a great house. They don’t want to take the chance of waiting until spring and losing out on the home,” Baldinger says.

“There may be less people at these open houses, but I would rather have 10 real buyers come through than 20 people who are just curious,” she says.

5. Year-end financial bonuses and payouts

As a seller, year-end performance reviews could mean that more people have money to spend on a home.

“End-of-year financial bonuses or workers retiring with large payouts could mean opportunities for these buyers to upgrade their living situations or for first-time buyers to enter the housing market,” according to Temple.

6. Corporate relocation

You could also encounter buyers who are relocating for a job.

“One of the biggest months for corporate relocation is January/February, so those buyers, who need to move quickly, are out in full force looking for new homes,” Baldinger says.

Relocators typically have a limited amount of time to uproot their families and, as a result, don’t have the luxury of spending a lot of time looking at properties. The kids need to get settled into school, and dealing with selling their old home can add another level of urgency and stress. So it’s likely that once they find a home that meets their requirements, these buyers will be ready to sign on the dotted line.

Source: Terri Williams | www.realtor.com

If you’re looking to buy or sell a home this holiday season, give us a call at 970-221-5995!

Easy DIY Mudroom Ideas to Organize Winter Gear

Leaving wet winter gear on the ground can be harmful to your floors and cause unsightly clutter. Here are some winter organization hacks to help your household stay dry and tidy all season long! Have you ever taken a step too close to your entryway in the winter? Unwillingly, you step into a small puddle, draining from somewhere near the mountain of snow-covered coats and shoes. We all know that feeling — there is nothing worse than a wet sock. That’s why we came up with these easy DIY Mudroom Ideas to organize your winter gear!

Store Boots Underneath a Bench

With a smallish entryway and no real back door, this homeowner had to get creative when it came to dealing with winter gear, especially boots. The solution: a combo bench and boot rack that keeps drippy footwear off the floor. The bench is perfect for changing into or out of boots, and a cloth mat catches excess water before it can hit the floor.

Use a Shoe Organizer

A simple over-the-door shoe organizer ($13 to $25) is great for storing (and organizing) hats and gloves. Get clear plastic so everyone can see what’s what at a glance. Also perfect for stashing orphaned mittens until a mate finally appears.

Create a Drainage Station

A plastic tray filled with a layer of black river rocks ($3 for 28-ounce bag at craft stores) lets boots drip dry inside without messing up floors. Got some four-legged friends? Leave space on the tray for dog booties ($12 for a pack of 12) that’ll keep paws dry and warm your heart.

Create a Rack for Tools

Got your long-handled tools stashed all jangled up in a corner of the garage? Get straightened out with a homemade tool rack. Holes for pole-type handles; slots for tools with D-ring handles. Put the rack inside your garage to keep snowshovels and ice scrapers close at hand.

Use a Bucket to Store Your De-Icer

Stash your deicing salts right where you need them – outside by your front door. A stainless steel or galvanized steel bucket ($15 to $20) and big metal scoop (60 to 85 ounce; $10) make attractive helpmates; a fat ribbon keeps everything festive.

Store Boots Upside Down

Keep messes and drips outside with a homemade boot rack. This rustic version features trimmed tree branches, complete with bark. Upright branches are screwed in place from underneath the long support. Parking your boots (or wellies, if you’re English Canadian or a Brit) upside down ensures good drainage and prevents snow and other precipitation from getting inside.

Store Summer Tires Overhead

In many parts of the country, winter weather means changing out tires – and a dilemma: What to do with your summer tires? They’re big, awkward, and heavy. This Ohio homeowner built an out-of-the-way tire rack using 2-inch-by-6-inch lumber. Metal joist hangers add strength, and the rack is suspended from screw hooks driven into ceiling joists. Don’t forget to give yourself enough room so that tires fit between the rack and ceiling when loading and unloading.

Source: www.houselogic.com