How’s the Market?

Posted on by Andrea T. Fowler
Mila Floorplan Model Home by TriPointe Homes in Little Elm.

When asked about the market as a REALTOR®️, I’m honest on what it is whether it is a potential seller or buyer asking.

As of today, our #DFW market is still pretty strong. Inventory is ⬆️, which gives buyers more options. However, as a seller, you’ll think the market is crap. As a buyer, you’ll think the same too. Understanding where the local market is and where you can get the best bang for your buck, helps you weather it.

Solutions for both:
Sellers – Today’s market IS NOT the market from the spring. You have to put your home in the best light to get it sold if you want top dollar. No longer will just listing it and waiting for the crowd to appear work. Determine if you want top dollar. If you do, you’ll have to do things to get top dollar in today’s market. That includes pricing it right off the bat, great curb appeal, staging, professional photos, and keeping the home clean and organized. I highly recommend staging for today’s market.

Buyers – Be realistic and understand your local market. I know you’re hearing “rates this and rates that”. What really matters is what you can realistically afford. Rent is at 100% interest that isn’t written off during tax season. This IS NOT 2008 at all. Buy a home you can afford and that fits your lifestyle for the timeframe you want it to be. Understand what you want and what you can afford may be two different things. Find where the two areas collide or adjust based on where you want to be.

Bottom Line: Yes, people are still buying and selling. People will continue to buy and sell because LIFE happens through all the ebbs and flows whether good or bad. The key is to understand what is happening in your local market with a trusted expert.

Save this post for future reference. If you’re ready to chat about homeownership in #DFW, book a consultation with me at calendly.com/newaverealty.

Does Your Home Have What Buyers Are Looking For?

Posted on by Andrea T. Fowler

There’s great opportunity for today’s homeowners to sell their houses and make a move, yet due to the impact of the ongoing health crisis, some sellers are taking their time coming back to the market. According to Javier Vivas, Director of Economic Research at realtor.com:

“Sellers continue returning to the market at a cautious pace and further improvement could be constrained by lingering coronavirus concerns, economic uncertainty, and civil unrest.”

For homeowners who need a little nudge of motivation to get back in the game, it’s good to know that buyers are ready to purchase this season. After spending several months at home and re-evaluating what they truly want and need in their space, buyers are ready and they’re in the market now. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR) explains:

“A number of potential buyers noted stalled plans due to the pandemic and that has led to more urgency and a pent-up demand to buy…After being home for months on end – in a home they already wanted to leave – buyers are reminded how much their current home may lack certain desired features or amenities.”

The latest Market Recovery Survey from NAR shares some of the features and amenities buyers are looking for, especially since the health crisis has shifted many buyer priorities. The most common home features cited as increasingly important are home offices and space to accommodate family members new to the residence (See graph below):The survey results also show that among buyers who indicate they would now like to live in a different area due to COVID-19, 47% have an interest in purchasing in the suburbs, 39% cite rural areas, and 25% indicate a desire to be in small towns.
As we can see, buyers are eager to find a new home, but there’s a big challenge in the market: a lack of homes available to purchase. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at realtor.com explains:

“The realtor.com June Housing Trends Report showed that buyers still outnumber sellers which is causing the gap in time on market to shrink, prices to grow at a faster pace than pre-COVID, and the number of homes available for sale to decrease by more than last month. These trends play out similarly in the most recent week’s data with the change in time on market being most notable. In the most recent week homes sat on the market just 7 days longer than last year whereas the rest of June saw homes sit 2 weeks or more longer than last year.”

In essence, home sales are picking up speed and buyers are purchasing them at a faster rate than they’re coming to the market. Hale continues to say:

“The housing market has plenty of buyers who would benefit from a few more sellers. If the virus can be contained and home prices continue to grow, this may help bring sellers back to the housing market.”

Bottom Line

If you’re considering selling and your current house has some of the features today’s buyers are looking for, reach out to us at NewAvenueRealty.com. You’ll likely be able to sell at the best price, in the least amount of time, and will be able to take advantage of the low interest rates available right now when buying your new home.

Keepingcurrentmatters.com

7 Easy Ways to Increase Your Curb Appeal

Posted on by Andrea T. Fowler

If you’re preparing to sell your home, curb appeal should be a priority. When someone is walking by or coming to your open house, the outside of your home is the first thing they will see. If there is no curb appeal, potential buyers may never even set foot in your home. Instead of ignoring your home’s outdoor appearance, consider making some budget-friendly changes that can add appeal to your home without breaking the bank. 

1. Landscape Your Walkway

Create a smooth transition from the street to your front door. A clear path will allow a potential buyer’s eye to look straight to your home, rather than stopping to concentrate on unkept landscaping. Clean your walkway and create groupings of mid-size shrubby and florals close to the road and by your front door.

2. Hang a Wreath

Adding a wreath to your front door is a simple way to make your home look more welcoming. Consider a DIY wreath that is easy to create and cost-friendly.

3. Treat Your Lawn Better

Consistent upkeep is the best way to save money when it comes to your front lawn. You should apply a weed-and-feed treatment to your lawn as often as needed to supply the necessary nutrients while also killing off any weeds. Be sure to provide proper maintenance to your lawn mower and keep your mower blade sharp.

4. Add Porch Appeal

If you have a front porch, add an affordable outdoor furniture set. This can create an inviting space that will make potential buyers want to try it out!

5. Consider Color Accents

If your door or shutters need a fresh paint job, consider finding an accent color that will help your house pop. It doesn’t have to be extreme, just enough to catch the eye of a potential buyer. Be sure to test your paint color alongside your siding or brick before fully committing.

6. Restore Your Driveway

Your driveway can be a major eyesore if it isn’t taken care of. Fill any holes or cracks in your asphalt and apply a fresh sealer. A driveway that looks new is sure to help your curb appeal.

7. Power Wash Your Home

Sometimes, all your home needs is a good cleaning. If you don’t own power washer, rent one from your local home improvement store and take a weekend to power wash your entire exterior. Even if your home is relatively new, a deep cleaning can make it look like a new build.