The calendar pages are quickly flying by, and as each day passes, we are reminded that we need to start focusing on our plans for the rest of the year.
Maybe you’ve been thinking about moving to a new home, doing a renovation or going on a major vacation.
Whatever you may be planning for the coming months, now is the right time to get a head start.
Not only will planning ahead relieve stress later; it will also give you the chance to consider options, do your research and even save money. Plus, the sooner you start, the sooner you’ll start to get excited about all your plans.
If I can be of any assistance in moving your plans forward, please don’t hesitate to call.
January 2019 National Housing Report
HOME SALES YEAR-OVER-YEAR DIFFERENCE -11%
January 2018 to January 2019
MEDIAN SALES PRICE JANUARY 2019 $234,000
+4.6% from January 2018
AVERAGE OF 59 DAYS ON THE MARKET
-1 day from January 2018
*** Average of 54 metro areas.
A Bird’s Eye View of Selling Your Home
If you haven’t sold a home before, the process can seem complex and even intimidating. It really isn’t. In fact, the steps to selling your property – quickly and for the best price – are straightforward, although not necessarily easy.
Here’s a bird’s-eye view of the steps to expect:
- Determine what your property will likely sell for on today’s market. This is referred to as the Current Market Value.
- Decide on a list price. Doing this properly is crucial. If you set the price too high, you’ll discourage buyers from seeing your home. On the other hand, if the price is too low, you may be leaving thousands of dollars on the table.
- Prepare your home for sale. This involves cleaning, de-cluttering, fixing and staging so that your property wows potential buyers.
- Market and promote the property to the marketplace. This needs to be done effectively to maximize the number of qualified buyers who find out about and become interested in your listing.
- Show your property to buyers interested in seeing it.
- Negotiate offers effectively so that you sell your property for the best price and conditions.
- Make a deal and begin the transaction paperwork!
Of course, you don’t have to do it all alone! As your real estate sales associate, I will do most of the heavy-lifting for you. I’ll be by your side throughout the process, helping ensure your home sale is trouble-free and successful.
Worried You Won’t Find the Home You Want?
If you’re thinking of selling your home, you may be concerned that you won’t be able to find the kind of property you’re looking to buy. After all, getting into a more desirable home is the main reason many people move in the first place.
Should you be concerned?
There are a couple of things to consider:
First, think about the last time you purchased a car. You probably had a price range in mind and a general idea of the kind of vehicle you wanted. After visiting a few dealerships – or shopping online – you probably discovered seven or eight models that fit your criteria.
Even with that limited selection, you were likely able to pick one that was right for you.
Well, that’s good news. In the real estate market, there are probably dozens of properties available that meet many or all of your criteria. So, the odds are in your favor that you’ll find a property you love.
Secondly, new properties come on the market all the time. As your real estate sales associate, I will keep an eye out on your behalf and quickly alert you to new listings that match your needs and wishes.
Is it possible that you still won’t find a home that’s absolutely perfect for you in every way? Of course, it is. However, there is an excellent chance you’ll get into a property that has everything you need and most, if not all, of what you want.
That’s not just encouraging. It’s exciting!
The Housing Market Will “Spring Forward” This Year!
Just like our clocks this weekend, in the majority of the country, the housing market will soon “spring forward!” Similar to tension in a spring, the lack of inventory available for sale has been holding back the market.
Many potential sellers believe that waiting until Spring is in their best interest. Traditionally, they would have been right.
Buyer demand has seasonality to it. Usually, this falls off in the winter months, especially in areas of the country impacted by arctic conditions.
That hasn’t happened this year.
Demand for housing has remained strong as mortgage rates have remained near historic lows. Even with an increase in rates forecasted for 2019, buyers are still able to lock in an affordable monthly payment. Buyers are increasingly jumping off the fence and into the market to secure a lower rate.
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) recently reported that in 2018 the top 10 dates sellers listed their homes all fell in April, May, or June.
Those who act quickly and list now, before a flood of increased competition, will benefit from additional exposure to buyers.
Bottom Line
If you are planning on selling your home in 2019, give me a call so we can evaluate the opportunities in your market at 804-629-9673.
Featured Referral From February
“The highest compliment anyone can give me is to recommend me to a friend. If you know of anyone with a real estate need, I would appreciate your referral, and promise to take good care of them”.
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