Unparalleled Trust Before Listing Your House

Posted on by Andrea T. Fowler

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You and your family have decided to sell your house. It is now time to choose a real estate professional to help with the process. One of the major attributes this agent must possess is trustworthiness. To what degree do you need to trust them?

You must have enough trust in them that you feel comfortable they will accomplish all four things below: 

1. Sell possibly the largest asset your family owns

In many cases, a home is the largest asset a family has. Studies have shown that the equity many families have in their home is the largest percentage of that family’s overall wealth. 

2. Set the correct market value on that asset

Pricing is crucial even in the best of markets. You want to get the best price for your home without putting your house at a value that buyers will have little interest in.

3. Set the time schedule for the liquidation of that asset

Your family probably has a certain timetable for the sale of your house and the move into your next home. Coordinating the home selling process to meet certain schedules can be tricky.

4. Set a fair fee for the services required to liquidate that asset

You will need to pay a commission to an agent for selling the home and coordinating all elements of the selling transaction, including possible future negotiations (ex. with a home inspector or appraiser).

That’s a lot of trust. Make sure you pick a true professional to help with the sale of your home. Contact me to discuss the New Avenue Realty of Keller Williams way of listing your home and our unique marketing concepts to get your home SOLD.

4 Reasons to Move Up to Your Dream Home This Spring/Summer

Posted on by Andrea T. Fowler

4 Reasons to Move up

 

Spring is in full force; the summer months are right around the corner. If you are debating moving up to your dream home, here are four great reasons to consider listing your current home and moving up to your dream home now, instead of waiting.

1. Buyer Demand is High & Inventory is Low

Recent numbers show that buyer demand is at the highest peak experienced in years, and inventory for sale is at a 2-3 month supply, which is still markedly lower than the 6 months needed for a historically normal market.

Demand in many markets is far exceeding the supply, and more properties in March sold in less than 30 days (42%) than in any month since last July.

Listing your home today can greatly increase exposure to buyers who are out in force and ready to act.

2. Prices Will Continue to Rise

CoreLogic recently released their latest Home Price Index in which they predict that national home values will appreciate by 5.3% by this time next year.

The bottom in home prices has come and gone. Home values will continue to appreciate for years. Waiting for your current home’s value to increase before selling could price you out of your new home if you aren’t careful.

3. Mortgage Interest Rates Are Still Near Record Lows

Interest rates have remained below 4% for some time now and are substantially lower than the rate previous generations paid when getting a mortgage.

The Mortgage Bankers Association, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac & the National Association of Realtors are in unison projecting that rates will rise over the next 12 months.

An increase in rates will impact YOUR monthly mortgage payment. Even an increase of half a percentage point can put a dent in your family’s net worth. Whether you are moving up or buying your first home, your housing expense will be more a year from now if a mortgage is necessary to purchase your home.

4. It’s Time to Move On with Your Life

The ‘cost’ of a home is determined by two major components: the price of the home and the current mortgage rate. It appears that both are on the rise. But, what if they weren’t? Would you wait?

Look at the actual reason you are buying and decide whether it is worth waiting. Have you always wanted to live in a certain neighborhood? Would a climate change be just what the doctor ordered? Would you like to be closer to your family?

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Bottom Line

If the right thing for you and your family is to move up to the home of your dreams this year, buying sooner rather than later could lead to substantial savings. For more information about what your home could sell for today, contact New Avenue Realty at Keller Williams Dallas Preston Road at 972-813-9788 or atfowler@kw.com. #YourNewAvenueAwaitsYou #SelltheThrone #CrowningHomeowners

Should You Buy A New Construction Home or a Resale?

Posted on by Andrea T. Fowler

The choices are endless…should you buy new or buy a resale?  Purchasing a new construction home is very different from buying a resale home.  According to a survey by Trulia, twice as many people prefer new homes to existing homes.  Let’s look at the differences.

 

Why Buy a New Home?

It’s exciting to design your own home.  You can customize the paint colors, cabinets, lighting, plumbing fixtures, and flooring etc.  Everything is new and shiny.

New homes are built with the latest new materials and appliances so less maintenance is required. This includes aluminum siding, vinyl windows and wood decks that resist rot and insects.  They are more energy efficient with better windows, insulation, and HVAC systems.  That means lower utility bills.

They more often have more safety features and fewer health hazards because they have to conform to current building codes.

Many homebuilders offer warranties in case certain problems arise over a period of time.  Major appliances and systems also have manufacturer warranties.

New homes feature the latest designs that today’s lifestyle demands: open, eat-in kitchens and master bedroom suites, large master baths, walk-in closets and more storage space.

Also, many homebuilders give incentives to purchase a home from them such as monetary amount toward upgrades.

Most new homes are wired with the latest technologies including high-speed Internet connections, alarm systems, extra cable outlets, and thermostats.  They also can be wired for speaker systems and extra phone-lines.  This can save time and money, and holes in the walls.

Why Buy a Resale Home?

If you are looking for an established neighborhood, with mature tree-lined streets and homes with traditional features and character, buying a resale might be the way to go.

Resale homes provide more opportunity for home improvements.

These homes typically have more traditional floorplans with formal living rooms and dining rooms.  Also, new homes are built on smaller lots than many older homes.

Resale homes tend to be initially less expensive than new homes and usually come complete with items that cost extra in a new home, such as blinds, landscaping, built-ins, or even a pool or spa.

Buyers of new homes many times are required to pay for the local bonds that are associated with a new development for schools, parks and road improvements.

Buyers have more room for negotiating the price of a resale home rather than a new home.

Remember, you are not just buying a house – you’re buying a home, lifestyle and a neighborhood!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Find new construction homes by clicking here

Find resale homes by clicking here