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The Quest for Your Dream Home: How to Choose the Right REALTOR®
Hey there, future homeowners! Are you ready to embark on the thrilling adventure of finding your dream home? Well, buckle up because today, we’re diving into one of the most crucial steps of your journey: choosing the right REALTOR®. Yep, that’s the superhero who’ll swoop in and guide you through the twists and turns of the real estate realm. So, grab a comfy seat and let’s unravel the mystery of finding your perfect match!
Now, I get it—choosing a REALTOR® might seem like a daunting task. After all, there are plenty of fish in the real estate sea. But fear not! With a little know-how and a dash of intuition, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect partner in home-buying crime.
First things first, let’s talk compatibility. Finding the right REALTOR® is a bit like dating—you want someone who gets you, who shares your vision, and who’s in it for the long haul. So, take some time to reflect on what you’re looking for in a real estate agent. Are you a first-time buyer seeking guidance every step of the way? Or maybe you’re a seasoned pro looking for someone who knows the market inside and out. Whatever your needs, finding a REALTOR® who vibes with your style and personality is key.
Next up, experience matters. When it comes to navigating the real estate jungle, you want someone with the wisdom and expertise to steer you in the right direction. Look for REALTORS® who have a proven track record of success in your desired area and who are well-versed in the intricacies of buying and selling homes. A seasoned pro will anticipate potential hurdles before they arise and will have the skills to negotiate on your behalf, ensuring a smooth and successful transaction.
But hey, it’s not just about the numbers and accolades. Personality plays a big role too! You want a REALTOR® who’s not only knowledgeable but also someone you genuinely enjoy spending time with. After all, you’ll be embarking on this adventure together, so why not make it fun? Look for someone who’s personable, communicative, and who genuinely cares about your needs and desires. Trust me, a little chemistry goes a long way in making the home-buying process a breeze.
Now, let’s talk communication. In the fast-paced world of real estate, clear and timely communication is key. You want a REALTOR® who’s responsive, who keeps you in the loop every step of the way, and who’s readily available to answer your burning questions (even if they’re about paint colors or the best local pizza joint). So, don’t be afraid to test the waters before committing. Give your potential REALTOR® a call, shoot them an email, or slide into their DMs—whatever floats your boat. Pay attention to how they respond and how they make you feel. If it feels like a match made in real estate heaven, then you’re on the right track!
And let’s not forget about trust. At the end of the day, buying or selling a home is a big deal—it’s not just a financial transaction, it’s an emotional journey. You want a REALTOR® who has your back, who’s honest and transparent, and who you can trust to always have your best interests at heart. So, do your homework, read reviews, and ask for referrals from friends and family. A little peace of mind goes a long way when embarking on the adventure of a lifetime.
Last but not least, don’t be afraid to go with your gut. Sometimes, you just know when you’ve found the one. So, trust your instincts and choose the REALTOR® who feels like the perfect fit for you. Remember, this is your journey, and you deserve to have someone by your side who’s as passionate about finding your dream home as you are.
So, there you have it, folks—the ultimate guide to choosing the right REALTOR® for your home-buying adventure. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned pro, finding the perfect match is all about compatibility, experience, communication, trust, and a little sprinkle of intuition. So, go forth, dear homebuyers, and may you find the REALTOR® of your dreams!
Embrace the Freedom: The Perks of Downsizing for Retirees
Hey there, fellow adventurers in the world of real estate! Today, let’s cozy up and chat about a topic that’s close to the hearts of many retirees: downsizing. Yep, we’re diving into why scaling down your living space can be one of the most liberating moves you’ll make in your golden years. So, grab a cuppa, settle in, and let’s explore the wonderful world of downsizing!
First off, let’s address the big question: why downsize? Well, picture this: you’ve spent decades accumulating stuff—furniture, knick-knacks, maybe even a few too many pairs of shoes (no judgment here!). But now that you’re entering retirement, you’re craving simplicity. Downsizing means shedding the excess and embracing a more streamlined lifestyle. And trust me, it’s like a breath of fresh air!
One of the most immediate perks of downsizing is the financial freedom it brings. Think about it: smaller home, smaller mortgage or rent, smaller utility bills—the savings add up fast! Plus, if you’re sitting on a hefty chunk of equity in your current home, downsizing can free up that cash to fund your retirement dreams. Whether it’s traveling the world, spoiling the grandkids, or finally mastering gourmet cooking, downsizing can make those dreams a reality.
But it’s not just about the money. Downsizing also offers a newfound sense of freedom and flexibility. Say goodbye to spending your weekends mowing lawns, cleaning gutters, or tackling never-ending home improvement projects. Instead, imagine leisurely mornings sipping coffee on your patio or exploring new hobbies without the weight of homeownership holding you back. With less space to maintain, you’ll have more time to do the things you love.
And let’s not forget about the joy of decluttering! Downsizing forces you to confront the clutter and pare down your belongings to the essentials. Sure, it can be daunting at first, but trust me, it’s incredibly cathartic. You’ll rediscover treasures you forgot you had and create a living space that’s truly yours, curated with intention and purpose.
Now, I know what you might be thinking: downsizing means sacrificing space. But here’s the thing—it’s not about the size of your home, it’s about how you use it. Downsizing encourages you to prioritize what truly matters and get creative with your space. With clever storage solutions and strategic design choices, you can make even the coziest of spaces feel like a palace.
And let’s talk about location, baby! Downsizing opens up a world of possibilities when it comes to where you want to live. Maybe you’ve always dreamed of retiring near the beach, or perhaps you want to be closer to family. Whatever your heart desires, downsizing gives you the freedom to choose a location that suits your lifestyle and preferences.
But perhaps the greatest perk of downsizing is the peace of mind it brings. Gone are the days of worrying about maintaining a large home or struggling to keep up with expenses. Instead, you can focus on living your best life, surrounded by the people and things you love. It’s about simplifying your surroundings and maximizing your happiness.
So, if you’re nearing retirement and craving a change of pace, why not consider downsizing? It’s a chance to embrace a new chapter of life with open arms and discover the joy of living light. And hey, if you need a helping hand navigating the world of downsizing, your friendly neighborhood real estate agent is here to guide you every step of the way.
Ready to embark on the downsizing adventure of a lifetime? Let’s chat! Together, we’ll find the perfect place to kick back, relax, and soak in all the perks that retirement has to offer. Cheers to the next chapter—it’s going to be amazing!
Choose the Right Realtor (Video)
Discover the essential questions to ask when hiring a realtor. Bob DeVore offers expertise, personalized guidance, and a strategy to achieve your real estate goals.
The Perks of Downsizing for Retirees (Video)
Just retired or about to soon? Let’s talk about your goals and explore the latest options that fit your changing needs.
The Perks of Downsizing When You Retire
Some Highlights
- If you’re about to retire, or just did, downsizing can be a good way to try to cut down on some of your expenses.
- Smaller homes typically have lower energy and maintenance costs. Plus, you may have enough equity built up to fuel your move.
- If you’re thinking about moving to a smaller home, let’s go over your goals and look at your options in our local market.
Discover Your Dream Home (Video)
Join Bob DeVore on a virtual tour of homes with unique architectural styles. Explore the history and characteristics of each style. Find your perfect match at bobmovesyou.com! 🏡✨
Builders Are Building Smaller Homes
There’s no arguing it, affordability is still tight. And if you’re trying to buy a home, that may mean you need to look at smaller houses to find one that’s still in your budget. But there is a silver lining: builders are focused on building these smaller homes right now and they’re offering incentives. And that can help give you more options that fit the bill.
Newly Built Homes Are Trending Smaller
During the pandemic, homebuyers wanted (and could afford) larger homes – and builders delivered. They focused on homes that were bigger, so people had more space for things like working from home, having a home gym, bonus rooms for virtual school, and more.
But with the affordability challenges buyers are facing today, builders are increasingly shifting their attention to bringing smaller single-family homes to the market. The graph below uses data from the Census to show how this trend has evolved over the last few years:
So, why the shift to less square footage? It’s simple. Builders want to build what they know will sell. Basically, they focus on where the demand is strongest. And once mortgage rates started climbing and consumers felt the challenges of affordability creeping in, it became clear there was (and is) a very real need for smaller homes. As the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) explains:
“After a brief increase during the post-covid building boom, home size is trending lower and will likely continue to do so as housing affordability remains constrained.”
A recent article in the Real Deal says this about how this helps buyers:
“Even a slightly smaller home can be thousands of dollars cheaper — for both builders and buyers. . . In response to affordability challenges, major homebuilders are shifting priorities away from the big ticket homes and towards the cheaper set.”
What This Means for You
If you’re having a hard time finding something in your budget, it may help to look at smaller homes. And, if you consider new builds specifically, you may find a few other fringe benefits that can help on the affordability front – like price reductions or mortgage rate buy-downs. As NAHB says:
“More than one-third of builders cut home prices in 2023. NAHB expects builders to continue offering smaller homes and more affordable designs as housing affordability remains a barrier to homeownership.”
As Charlie Bilello, Chief Market Strategist, at Creative Planning, explains:
“Homebuilders are adapting to the lowest affordability on record by building smaller homes and offering more incentives/price cuts. The median square footage of a new single-family home in the US has moved down to its lowest level since 2010.”
If you explore these options, you’ll also get brand new everything, enjoy a house with fewer maintenance needs, and some of the latest features available. That’s worth looking into, right?
Bottom Line
Builders building smaller homes can give you more affordable options at a time when you may really need it. If you’re hoping to buy a home soon, let’s connect to look at what’s available in our area.
Should I Move with Today’s Mortgage Rates?
When mortgage rates spiked up over the last few years, some homeowners put their plans to move on pause. Maybe you did too because you didn’t want to sell and take on a higher mortgage rate for your next home. But is that still the right strategy for you?
In today’s market, data shows more homeowners are getting used to where rates are and thinking it may be time to move. As Mark Zandi, Chief Economist at Moody’s Analytics, explains:
“Listings are up a bit as life events and job changes are putting increasing pressure on locked-in homeowners to sell their homes. Homeowners may also be slowly coming to the realization that mortgage rates aren’t going back anywhere near the rate on their existing mortgage.”
A recent study from Bank of America sheds light on some of the things homeowners say would make them sell, even with rates where they are right now (see visual below):
What Would Motivate You To Move?
Now that you know why other people would move, take a minute to think about what would make a move worth it for you. Is it time to take a chance and go for your dream job, even though it’s not local? Are you looking for a neighborhood that has more to offer and a close-knit sense of community? Maybe you just need more space, you’re looking for your next great adventure, or you want a house that opens up rental opportunities to pad your income.
And here’s something else to consider. Mortgage rates are still expected to go down over the course of the year. And once that happens, there’s going to be a big rush of buyers jumping back into the market. While you could delay your plans until rates drop, you’ll only have more competition with those buyers if you do.
So, does that mean it’s worth it to move now, even with rates where they are? The answer is: that it depends.
You’ll want to consider today’s mortgage rates, where they’re expected to go from here, and what would prompt you to want to make a change as you decide on your next steps. An expert can help with that.
Bottom Line
Other homeowners are getting used to rates and deciding to move. Let’s chat to go over what matters most to you and if it’s time for you to jump back into the market too.
The Top 5 Reasons You Need a Real Estate Agent when Buying a Home
You may have heard headlines in the news lately about agents in the real estate industry and discussions about their commissions. And if you’re following along, it can be pretty confusing. But here’s the thing you really need to know – expert advice from a trusted real estate agent is priceless, now more than ever. And here’s why.
A real estate agent does a lot more than you may realize.
Your agent is the person who will guide you through every step when buying a home and look out for your best interests along the way. They smooth out a complex process and take away the bulk of the stress of what’s likely your largest purchase ever. And that’s exactly what you want and deserve.
This is at least a part of the reason why a recent survey from Bright MLS found an overwhelming majority of people agree an agent is a key part of the homebuying process (see visual below):
To give you a better idea of just a few of the top ways agents add value, check out this list.
1. Deliver Industry Experience
The right agent – the professional – will coach you through everything from start to finish. With professional training and expertise, agents know the ins and outs of the buying process. And in today’s complex market, the way real estate transactions are executed is constantly changing, so having the best advice on your side is essential.
2. Provide Expert Local Knowledge
In a world that’s powered by data, a great agent can clarify what it all means, separate fact from fiction, and help you understand how current market trends apply to your unique search. From how quickly homes are selling to the latest listings you don’t want to miss, they can explain what’s happening in your specific local market so you can make a confident decision.
3. Explain Pricing and Market Value
Agents help you understand the latest pricing trends in your area. What’s a home valued at in your market? What should you think about when you’re making an offer? Is this a house that might have issues you can’t see on the surface? No one wants to overpay, so having an expert who really gets true market value for individual neighborhoods is priceless. An offer that’s both fair and competitive in today’s housing market is essential, and a local expert knows how to help you hit the mark.
4. Review Contracts and Fine Print
In a fast-moving and heavily regulated process, agents help you make sense of the necessary disclosures and documents, so you know what you’re signing. Having a professional that’s trained to explain the details could make or break your transaction, and is certainly something you don’t want to try to figure out on your own.
5. Bring Negotiation Expertise
From offer to counteroffer and inspection to closing, there are a lot of stakeholders involved in a real estate transaction. Having someone on your side who knows you and the process makes a world of difference. An agent will advocate for you as they work with each party. It’s a big deal, and you need a partner at every turn to land the best possible outcome.
Bottom Line
Real estate agents are specialists, educators, and negotiators. They adjust to market changes and keep you informed. And keep in mind, every time you make a big decision in your life, especially a financial one, you need an expert on your side.
Expert advice from a trusted professional is priceless. Let’s connect today.
