Weekly guidance concerning the real estate landscape in Oregon. From Salem to Portland to Bend and the coast, this is the show for you if you want to know the 411 on the real estate market throughout the Willamette Valley.
A recent Zillow survey finds that three out of four home buyers report having at least one regret about the home that they purchased. So what we're going to do on today's show is explore some of the top triggers of buyer's remorse and look at ways that you can avoid having that feeling the next time you purchase a home. Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Intro 2:00 – Too much maintenance 4:42 – Home too small 6:14 – Wrong location 9:10 – Older home needing repair 10:35 – Total environment 11:12 – Not enough research 12:01 – Our experience with this Get in touch with Benson Broker Group: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/ Find out how much your home is worth: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/home_value Watch our show & see featured listings on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3uGMsBW
When it comes to deciding where to live in retirement, many Baby Boomers are choosing to downsize their home. There are many benefits to going this direction, but there are also several challenges that we often see. Here's what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 - Intro 1:41 – Why downsize? 3:47 – Emotional concerns 6:20 – Health issues 9:50 – Financial considerations 11:32 – Market conditions 13:10 – Role the agent plays Get in touch with Benson Broker Group: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/ Find out how much your home is worth: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/home_value Watch our show & see featured listings on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3uGMsBW
Our feature listing this week is a wonderful home in Waldport, Oregon. We'll tell you all about it in this video and share some pictures of the home on Edgewater Drive. Plus, we'll answer a question form Bill that covers a topic we get asked about all the time. Is it difficult to buy and sell a home at the same time? If you're going through that experience for the first time, we'll tell you what you need to know because it can be a little difficult trying to navigate on your own. Join us as we share the steps and some tips to help you through that process. Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 - Intro 0:57 – Listing of the week 7:32 – Buying & selling a home at same time See the featured listing here: https://www.bensonbrokergroup.com/homes-for-sale/OR/waldport/97394/875-sw-edgewater-dr/bid-394-24-278 Get in touch with Benson Broker Group: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/ Find out how much your home is worth: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/home_value Watch our show & see featured listings on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3uGMsBW
Every seller who decides to put their home on the market wants to get as much as they can at the closing table. It's not uncommon for that person to have a price in their head before meeting with a real estate agent and then they find out it might not be that valuable. Today we want to talk through this scenario thanks to a question we received from someone recently. Here it is: I have spoken with a couple of realtors about selling my home and can't seem to agree with any of them on a listing price. They all think I should price it lower, but I really think I can get a higher value for the home. How should I handle the situation of a disagreement over listing price with a realtor? Find out how Colleen handles the price discussion with sellers and learn more about a great event coming up in the Salem area on this episode.
On this episode, we're zooming in on how national real estate trends are directly affecting your local market. Are sellers in your area more open to concessions? How have recent shifts in interest rates influenced the local real estate scene? And has the rise in remote work been a boon or a drag for your local housing market? Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 - Intro 2:27 – More seller concessions 4:29 – Interest rates 6:10 – Low existing home sales 7:31 – Realtor concerns 10:00 – Remote work impact Get in touch with Benson Broker Group: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/ Find out how much your home is worth: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/home_value Watch our show & see featured listings on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3uGMsBW
On this episode, we're zooming in on how national real estate trends actually differ from what we are seeing around Oregon to start 2024. While many of the headlines are full of doom and gloom, Salem and surrounding areas have had a great start to the year. We're going to highlight a few of the key stats that capture this positive momentum and then share a great story from the closing table about a multigenerational home we worked on last month. Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Intro 0:46 – Market update 4:06 – Local perspective 6:00 – Closing Recap Get in touch with Benson Broker Group: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/ Find out how much your home is worth: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/home_value Watch our show & see featured listings on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3uGMsBW
We're excited to bring our podcast to YouTube so that we can expand the show by sharing photos of the homes we feature on the show. To kick it off, we have two great homes to showcase in this episode. The first is a 3br/2ba home in Dallas, Oregon that is listed for $530,000. It features a large flat driveway with an RV parking pad and some beautiful touches throughout the home. The second home is a cute home in West Salem, Oregon that you'll find for under $400,000. It's a new home, built in 2015, with a very manageable lot. Check out the listings below: https://wvmls.paragonrels.com/paragonls/publink/view.mvc/?GUID=a453f22b-271e-49e0-a3ac-0a4fa0dfedd1&Report=Yes https://www.bensonbrokergroup.com/homes-for-sale/OR/salem/97304/909-limelight-ave-nw/bid-178-813059 Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 - Intro 1:10 – Home in Dallas, Oregon 4:57 – Home in Salem, Oregon Get in touch with Benson Broker Group: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/ Find out how much your home is worth: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/home_value Watch our show & see featured listings on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3uGMsBW
We all like to get a good deal, especially when it comes to a major purchase like buying a home. Today, we talk through an older article with tips and tricks on how to find a bargain-priced home. Colleen shares which of these pointers she agrees with and which ones she feels have changed over time. Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: Homes on the market for more than 30 days may open up a bargain. Stay away from turnkey and fixer-upper homes. Should you shop for alternatives to single-family homes? Seek out less desirable or outdated homes. Find foreclosure options…if they exist. Get in touch with Benson Broker Group: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/ Find out how much your home is worth: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/home_value
You may have heard some recent buzz about real estate commissions in the news. Following a lawsuit in Missouri, we discuss some potential shifts and perspectives regarding commission structures. Right now, buyers don't pay a realtor fee and the sellers do. How could this potentially impact homebuyers? Colleen shares what she foresees happening and how much to be concerned about it. Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: How standard real estate commissions work. What changes could buyers face? Will first-time homebuyers have a harder time? Get in touch with Benson Broker Group: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/ Find out how much your home is worth: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/home_value
It can be tempting to sell your house on your own and avoid paying commission. But did you know that more often than not, sellers end up losing more when doing it on their own instead of working with a realtor? We talk through the common pitfalls faced when doing a for sale by owner on today's show. Then you can decide for yourself if it's still worth the risk. Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: The hidden costs of inexperience get exposed. There are safety and security concerns. Navigating the negotiations adds to profitability and ease of the sale. Lost opportunities mean less business. You'll want to know how to sort through the serious buyers. Get in touch with Benson Broker Group: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/ Find out how much your home is worth: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/home_value
Have you heard the news? We talk about some of the national headlines making the rounds about real estate and find out from Colleen if it rings true locally. According to recent studies, 8 out of 10 Americans think it's a bad time to buy a home. Is that really true? While the mortgage rates are high, Colleen thinks it's actually a great time to buy. Buyers have plenty of time to do inspections or voice concerns in a way they haven't in the past few years. Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: Is it a bad time to buy a home? Will prices of homes drop anytime soon? Homebuilder confidence is declining Last minute cancellations are a major fear among sellers Get in touch with Benson Broker Group: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/ Find out how much your home is worth: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/home_value
It's spooky season! Colleen and Walter kick off the episode by sharing some of their feelings about Halloween scares and haunted houses before they share the top fears that many homebuyers and sellers face. Before you cover your eyes or run away in fear, don't worry! Listen in as Colleen advises on how to overcome these fears and navigate your home buying or selling process with ease. Here are some of the top fears we discuss today: Hidden issues and needed repairs after the purchase scare potential buyers. The fear of missing out can cause some people to overspend. The unknown may be scariest of all! No seller wants to accidentally underprice their home. The idea of getting no offers at all can cause anxiety. Unqualified buyers can make for a scary situation when it's time to close. Get in touch with Benson Broker Group: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/ Find out how much your home is worth: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/home_value
Football is back, the air is getting crisp, and the holidays are on the horizon. But what about real estate? Is fall a good time to buy a home? In this episode, we talk about what you need to know if you're looking for a home this fall and how the seasons may (or may not) change your home buying strategy. Listen in as Colleen shares her expert insights and valuable tips on how to make the most out of your home buying journey in the fall of 2023. We'll uncover some hidden benefits to purchasing a home this time of year and much more! Here are the tips we discuss today: Don't stress over trying to time the market. Check your credit score for accuracy. You have time to consider the home after touring. Pre-approvals are important to do first. Don't ignore new construction as an option. Use an experienced real estate agent. Let the rain highlight potential issues. Get in touch with Benson Broker Group: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/ Find out how much your home is worth: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/home_value
Have you ever wondered how house shows like Love it or List It or House Hunters compare to reality? Whether you watch them for entertainment or find it educational, they can be fun to watch from time to time. On today's show, we peel back the layers a bit to find out what's fact and what's fiction on these popular TV shows. We also cover five takeaways you can learn from house shows like these. As you go on your own home search, make sure to remember reality is a little more complicated than it looks on TV! Here's what we cover on today's podcast: Why are real estate TV shows so popular? Do these shows provide educational value? The budget is part of the process. Compromise always happens. Understand what the real value of renovation is. Location, location, location! Teamwork is vital. Thankfully, there isn't that much office drama as on the show! Get in touch with Benson Broker Group: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/ Find out how much your home is worth: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/home_value
Ever wondered what "cozy" truly implies in a real estate listing, or why "rustic" can be a tricky term? If you've ever skimmed through a real estate listing, chances are you've come across some puzzling terminology. On this week's episode, we pull back the curtain on the coded language of real estate listings. We unpack the meaning behind terms like "fixer upper", "handyman special", and "motivated seller", and discuss how these phrases impact your perception as a buyer. With technology shaking up the traditional real estate market, we also explore how AI is reshaping the language of listings and what new words we might expect in the future. Here are some of the things we'll tackle on today's show: What should you expect when a home is listed as a ‘fixer-upper'? Does motivated seller mean you can get a better deal? Cozy might be a nicer way of describing a home on the smaller size. What ‘as is' means and why it's not as bad of a thing as it used to be. What questions get raised when you see a ‘cash only' home? Get in touch with Benson Broker Group: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/ Find out how much your home is worth: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/home_value
If you're in the real estate market, it's crucial to keep up with the ever-changing trends and tactics. In today's digital age, old-school strategies are rapidly losing their effectiveness, and the need to adapt to more modern methods is becoming increasingly clear. Here are some of the things we'll tackle on today's show: Why you don't want to list at a higher price to give yourself room to negotiate. Are open houses still used as a primary selling tool? Is it still a good idea to buy the worst house in the best neighborhood? Why you don't have to save 20% for a down payment before buying a home. Get in touch with Benson Broker Group: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/ Find out how much your home is worth: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/home_value
We're getting creative today and applying some of Johnny Carson's quotes to real estate to see what we can learn. Colleen takes each quote and talks through how she sees it play out in the day-to-day amongst clients as well as real estate agents. Find out how these quotes relate to real estate: “I never analyze, I just go out and do it.” “People will pay more to be entertained than be educated.” “If life was fair, Elvis would be alive and all the impersonators would be dead.” “For three days after death, hair and fingernails continue to grow but phone calls taper off.” “I know a man who…gave up all the fun stuff in life and it was for nothing at the end.” Get in touch with Benson Broker Group: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/ Find out how much your home is worth: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/home_value
Get ready to demystify the process of buying and selling a home with the help of technology. We're going to play a little game today by having Google fill in the blank to help us unravel the most common real estate queries, ensuring you're informed and empowered on your property journey. Here are some of the questions we'll tackle on today's show: Who pays the realtor? (2:47) When buying a home, who pays for the inspection? (2:56) When is the down payment due? (5:50) What does contingent mean? (7:39) What does an inspector look for? (10:10) When selling a home, what happens to your mortgage? (13:31) Get in touch with Benson Broker Group: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/ Find out how much your home is worth: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/home_value
You want your home to be show ready and in the best light possible when you go to sell. From the first impression photos online to accommodating a last-minute showing, you want your home to shine with potential buyers. If your home isn't selling right away, make sure you work with your real estate agent to understand why. Is it priced realistically? Are you willing to compromise? Here are seven home-selling habits we discuss on today's show: Make sure your house is in good condition. (0:59) Price it realistically. (2:47) Focus on that curb appeal. (4:24) Accommodate showings. (5:44) Be transparent and honest. (8:30) Be willing to compromise. (10:30) Choose your real estate agent with care. (11:13) What would Colleen add to the list? (12:07) Get in touch with Benson Broker Group: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/ Find out how much your home is worth: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/home_value
Join us as we delve into the exciting possibilities of artificial intelligence (AI) in the real estate industry. We asked ChatGPT, a popular AI chatbot, how it thinks AI will impact the future of real estate. Colleen shares her thoughts on its answers in today's episode. Tune in as we talk about the exciting possibilities of AI and how to find the right balance of technology and human interaction in the world of real estate! Get in touch with Benson Broker Group: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/ Find out how much your home is worth: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/home_value
In this episode, Colleen will share a few tips for improving the appearance of your home before it goes to market. Plus, we'll update you on the state of the rental market, share some HOA pros and cons, and talk about why you probably need to take out at least $100,000 on a mortgage. Here's what we'll discuss in this episode: Some easy things you can do to your home before listing it. (0:40) What is the state of the rental market in our area right now? (2:17) How can you find more information about how a property is zoned? (5:01) Why it's harder to get a mortgage for $25,000 to 50,000. (8:05) Understanding the pros and cons of HOAs. (9:39) Get in touch with Benson Broker Group: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/ Find out how much your home is worth: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/home_value
When you meet with an agent, you might hear different statements and opinions. But are they positive signs that you've chosen the right person or red flags that you should turn and run? You want to make sure you have a good relationship with your real estate agent and can trust their advice. Today we'll share some good and bad things to look out for when working with a real estate professional. Here's what we'll discuss in this episode: Should you put a stuffed tiger in each room to make the home go viral? (1:08) Is it OK if your real estate agent only responds during business hours? (2:42) Does Zillow always get your home price right? (5:24) Get in touch with Benson Broker Group: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/ Find out how much your home is worth: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/home_value
It's time for another mailbag episode! We have an exciting lineup of topics to discuss today. Listen in as we tackle some questions from our listeners, and you'll likely gain some invaluable insights to help you make informed housing decisions. In this episode, we will discuss some popular housing areas with promising appreciation potential in the next 5 to 10 years. We'll also discuss where to look for rental property and more! Whether you're buying or selling, tune in to this episode for some practical tips and expert guidance from Colleen Benson. Here's what we'll discuss in this episode: Where will we see the most appreciation? (0:31) Where should I buy a rental property? (2:00) Where can I live with access to public transportation? (4:03) Get in touch with Benson Broker Group: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/ Find out how much your home is worth: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/home_value
Today we're going to take a look at some of the top things people do that tend to frustrate real estate agents. Now, this list is certainly not intended to make anyone feel bad, but being aware of these frustrations and traits can lead to a more seamless home-buying experience. Here's what we'll discuss in this episode: Working with a client who is not serious. (1:14) Having no trust in your agent. (3:25) Having unrealistic expectations in the home-buying process. (5:33) How bad communication can be frustrating for both agents and clients. (8:13) How Colleen matches clients up with the most suitable agent based on their personality. (10:29) Get in touch with Benson Broker Group: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/ Find out how much your home is worth: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/home_value
Whether you are looking to sell your home soon or simply want to enhance its curb appeal, we have some budget-friendly tips and helpful advice to share with you today. In this episode, Colleen will provide expert advice on sprucing up your outdoor space to maximize its potential for future buyers. She'll also share her thoughts on the right time to tackle DIY home renovations versus when to seek professional help. Here's some of what you'll learn in this episode: Tips for sprucing up your curb appeal on a budget. (0:37) A rule of thumb to keep in mind before renovating yourself. (3:50) What's the typical timeline for closing on a property in Albany? (6:27) Should I wait for price corrections before I make an offer on a property? (7:31) Get in touch with Benson Broker Group: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/ Find out how much your home is worth: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/home_value
On this week's podcast, we're going to the mailbag to find out what our listeners have questions about. Colleen will tackle five different topics ranging from new inventory coming onto the market, how long houses will take to sell this spring, why an agent will provide a better home search than Zillow, and more. Here's some of what you'll learn in this episode: What is the average price point in the Keizer area? (0:35) Listener question on new builds coming onto the market. (2:41) How long will it take to sell my home this spring? (4:10) What are the basic steps to buying a home? (5:37) What's better about organizing a home search through an agent instead of Zillow? (7:35) Get in touch with Benson Broker Group: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/ Find out how much your home is worth: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/home_value
One of the questions we hear a lot from buyers is whether they should look for an existing home or new construction. It's an ongoing debate that is often up to personal preference, but there are some myths out there about buying a new home that need to be cleared up. Here's some of what you'll learn in this episode: The one homebuyer mistake people are making today is trying to time the market. (0:33) Myth – New homes are more expensive than existing homes. (4:02) Myth – You'll have to wait a long time to move in. (5:30) Myth – It's hard to finance a new home. (6:44) Myth – You can't inspect a new home. (8:10) Myth – Do new homes lack character? (9:19) Myth – New construction homes are poorer quality. (12:09) Get in touch with Benson Broker Group: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/ Find out how much your home is worth: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/home_value
In this episode, we have five mailbag questions we want to run by Colleen, and three of those are asking about real estate investing. The great thing about the discuss today is that we'll touch on Airbnb properties but also ways to get involved without actually becoming a landlord. Here's some of what you'll learn in this episode: Is it okay to have two different realtors if they're separated geographically? (0:36) What are some easy ways to make my home more attractive to potential buyers as we prepare to sell? (3:04) Can I legally rent out my home for short-term rentals? (4:28) Is there a way to invest in real estate without becoming a landlord? (6:19) Is there a way to search for duplex or triplex properties for sale? (8:05) Get in touch with Benson Broker Group: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/ Find out how much your home is worth: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/home_value
How do you know if the home you're interested in actually has good bones underneath all the cosmetic improvements that were made? We posed that question to Colleen today along with a few others from the mailbag to find out what buyers should be paying attention to. Here's some of what you'll learn in this episode: What are your options when you're underwater in your mortgage? (0:36) Where's a good place to look for land in the area? (3:10) Do you need to keep utilities on once you've vacated your home? (6:13) How can you tell if a home has good bones? (7:36) Get in touch with Benson Broker Group: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/ Find out how much your home is worth: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/home_value
In this episode, Colleen will answer 10 of the most important questions that come up during the process. This might not cover everything, but it should help provide answers to a lot of the initial topics we discuss with clients. Here's some of what you'll learn in this episode: What's the best way to prepare your house before selling it? (0:56) How much earnest money should you expect to pay? (7:08) Can you back out of buying a house? What happens then? (9:49) The average days on market for a listing varies on market but here's what we pay attention to. (10:34) How often should the agent and buyer/seller be communicating during the process. (14:15) Get in touch with Benson Broker Group: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/ Find out how much your home is worth: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/home_value
As the market changes, a lot of information and opinions get thrown out into the world. In this episode, we will be taking a fun approach to sharing our thoughts by playing a game of “True or False”. Listen to learn questions you may want to ask your realtor, what you should know about home appraisals, shifts that may be coming to the housing market, and more! Here are some of the key points Colleen covers: Are home prices still high? (0:51) Is the work-from-home revolution over and will its effect on the housing market normalize? (1:49) Is it still a seller's market? (3:04) Will you likely need to make renovations to sell your home now? (3:23) See our listings and connect with us here: http://bensonbrokergroup.com
The housing market has shifted quite a bit. Active inventory has gone up 55% over last November and today we will be answering some great questions from sellers. Listen to find out more about home inspections, finding the right realtor, and more! Here are some of the key points Colleen covers: Should you budget for a home inspection before selling? (0:42) How long would it take to sell your home if you sold it in the next few weeks? (3:34) Which home assessment tools should you use? (5:19) See our listings and connect with us here: http://bensonbrokergroup.com
It's time for another mailbag episode, and we bet these questions (and our answers) will help many of you as well. This episode could really help if you're looking to buy a home in the future or work with an agent. We will discuss whether it's better to buy a newer home or build one and if you should sign a contract with your agent. Listen to hear some of the questions our other listeners have and maybe you'll gain some valuable knowledge from our answers! Here are some of the key points Colleen covers: Is it better to buy a newer home or build a new one? (0:34) Does every agent require a contract? (2:41) How many homes should an agent sell each month? (5:35) See our listings and connect with us here: http://bensonbrokergroup.com
We love answering your questions, so we are back with another mailbag episode. This episode could really help if you're someone looking to buy a home in the future. We will discuss different ways to achieve purchasing a home, from contingent offers, low bids, rent-to-own properties, and more. Listen to hear some of the questions our other listeners have and maybe you'll gain some valuable knowledge from our answers! Here are some of the key points Colleen covers: How you can make an offer, contingent on the sale of your home. (0:31) Why Colleen is not a fan of rent-to-own home buying options. (2:54) Should you always bid low when you make an offer? (5:00) See our listings and connect with us here: http://bensonbrokergroup.com
Bold headlines catch the attention of many, but how much weight do they really hold? In today's episode, we are going to discuss some recent articles and see if we agree with the content. As the market is fluctuating, a lot of potentially scary words are thrown around like “depression”, “recession”, and more. Let's pick apart some of these topics in relation to housing prices and homebuyers, so you know what to look out for. Here are some of the key points Colleen covers: Colleen's thoughts on a Wallstreet article claiming we are going to see the second biggest home price decline. (1:00) com wrote an article about reasons homebuyer deals fall through. (5:44) What to know for buyers that wrack up too much debt. (10:12) See our listings and connect with us here: http://bensonbrokergroup.com
Realtor.com recently wrote an article sharing five ways to increase the value of your home without spending money on upgrades. In this episode, we will be going over these five suggestions and see if we agree. Are you looking for some fresh marketing suggestions? Look no further. We also share the inside scoop about our effective marketing tactics and how you can think like a buyer. Here are some of the key points Colleen covers: How you can price your home competitively. (0:56) How you can strategize your listing price to get it in front of more buyers. (1:53) Here is how we utilize effective digital marketing. (3:46) We believe in thinking like a buyer. Learn how you can too. (5:24) See our listings and connect with us here: http://bensonbrokergroup.com
Today we will be answering mailbag questions! The mailbag series helps us stay in touch with the topics you want to know as buyers. You might find some clarity as you hear the answers to questions you may have had yourself! Listen to learn more about home pricing, spotting a lemon, down payments in a competitive market, and more! Here are some of the key points Colleen covers: How to tell if the house you want to purchase is overpriced. (0:30) How much of a down payment should I put down on a house to win the bid? (4:35) How to help buyers spot red flags in flipped homes. (6:49) How quickly do I need to react when a new home hits the market? (8:31) See our listings and connect with us here: http://bensonbrokergroup.com
With the real estate market cooling off a bit, buyers are starting to find some reduced prices on homes. If you're currently searching for a good deal, are these reduced homes a good place to look? On today's episode, Colleen will answer that question that came into the show recently and she'll also tackle a few others. As always, this mailbag edition is a great way to learn more about a handful of different topics that people are curious about right now. Here are some of the key points Colleen covers: What's the best way to find good value properties on the market? (0:43) Colleen's suggestions on good spots for retirees to live. (2:13) Is it reasonable to expect sellers to cover some closing costs now? (3:25) How you determine square footage for homes with mother-in-law suites? (4:13) See our listings and connect with us here: http://bensonbrokergroup.com
Today's episode is broken into two parts as we take a look at some recent real estate headlines. First, spoiler alert! The housing market is not going to crash. That's at least the opinion of Dave Ramsey's team published an article recently that breaks down the reasons he thinks the housing market is not in for a big price crash. Their main point is that simple supply and demand still rules the day. Current inventory is half of what it was in 2007 and that's still driving the issue. They also point to a stat that indicates there are 12 million more households wanting to own a home (using 2020 numbers) compared to 2007. So, there's your demand. Hear Colleen's opinion about this article and if she thinks this mentality is true for Oregon by listening to the show. 2:22 The second half of this episode covers a recent article from HomeLight that found 70% of buyers have at least one regret about their homebuying experience. Here are some of the key points Colleen covers. The top regrets were tied at 22%. Feeling that you overpaid for a home and underestimating how much maintenance would be required. 5:20 20% said they decided which home to buy too quickly. 7:04 12% wish the home was in a more central location and another 12% regret buying in an area with a different political climate than what they prefer. 9:49 See our listings and learn more: https://www.bensonbrokergroup.com/
Whether you're new to real estate or a seasoned veteran, it's never a bad thing to revisit the basics to make sure you have a clear understanding when it comes to buying and selling a home. On this episode, we'll open the real estate dictionary to look at some of the key terms you might see or hear during the process. We'll look at a few on both the buying and selling side and get Colleen's breakdown of each. Here are some of the things you'll learn on this episode: Why should the average buyer be aware of ‘days on market' and why it's important. (1:08) The different types of mortgage loans and how they work. (4:44) What's important during the due diligence process for the buyers and sellers. (9:26) What do sellers need to know about contingencies. (12:20) What are iBuyers?(14:48) See our listings and learn more: https://www.bensonbrokergroup.com/
With the housing market changing, but still doing strong, what kind of questions are buyers and sellers asking? On today's episode, we're opening up the mailbag to answer your questions on flipping old homes, new construction versus aged homes, and much more. Listen to the episode to learn the answers to these questions and more: Felix is wondering where he can find old homes suited in order to flip? (0:41) Will is wondering if new construction is easier to buy than an aged home that needs remodeling? (4:33) Bruce just bought a new home and the previous owners left behind some junk. Does he now own this stuff? Does he have to get rid of it and incur the cost of doing so? (7:26) Learn more: https://www.bensonbrokergroup.com/blog
Let's open up the mailbag to answer some of your questions on buying, selling, and everything in between. What you'll learn on today's episode: “We are thinking of leaving some personal items behind when we sell our home. Can we negotiate with personal items when a buyer asks for a discount because of needed repairs?” (0:36) “I have been outpriced out of South Salem. What are some alternative neighborhoods that have the same appeal but are more budget-friendly?” (3:56) “I have heard of home prices dropping, we are finally getting ready to sell. Now we are worried we're going to miss out on all of the value growth our house had over the past several years. What do we do?” (5:28) “I have smart tech throughout my home. Do these things really add value?” (7:39) “Should I still expect to get above the asking price for my home?” (10:29) “My dad says a two-bedroom house is harder to sell in the future. Should I focus only on three-bedroom houses?” (12:10) Learn more: https://www.bensonbrokergroup.com/blog
We're answering some of your questions on today's show! Allie, a listener in North East Salem, wrote in saying her father wants to help with her down payment so she can afford her first home. Are there any limits she should know about? Ben, asks where he can put his money to improve the value of his house? Paint and landscape are really important for a first impression, but things like a new roof can be a negotiation point. And should you be worried if buyers start asking for discounts? Let's explore these questions and more. Key Points: 0:32 – Can my family help with my down payment? 1:11 – Where should I put money to improve the value of my home? 2:46 – I'm worried buyers will ask for a discount because of repairs 7:31 – How do you know when you're emotionally ready to sell? Learn more: https://www.bensonbrokergroup.com/blog
A recent Realtor.com article outlines a few signs you'll hate your home after the initial excitement of a new house wears off. Does Colleen agree? A front door that opens into a wall might not seem like a big deal when you tour the home, but after a while, it may start to feel cramped. Long hallways are classic for some of us, but the newest style is an open landing area. A dead-end living room, with one way in and out, can certainly feel smaller than you'd like after a while. Join us today as we explore 7 things that you may or may not hate after a while in your new home. Key Points: 1:18 – Front door that opens into a wall 2:57 – Front door that faces the stairs 4:43 – Unnecessarily long hallways 5:25 – Guest bathroom at the entrance of the home 6:06 – Not having two sinks in the bathroom 8:06 – A dead-end living room 9:01 – Adjoining bedrooms 9:57 – “Male” centered features 10:48 – Bi-folded doors Learn more: https://www.bensonbrokergroup.com/blog
Let's answer some questions from buyers and sellers in the area! Brent is thinking of using an adjustable-rate mortgage to buy his home, but he knows they became a big issue in 2008 and the rate may go up in the future. How does Colleen advise those interested in ARMs? Colleen recommends meeting with a lender and wants to remind you that we're not in the same position as we were in 2008. Dan in Salem just sold his home with a different realtor and is having some seller's regret: his house took 3-weeks to sell and sold below value. What did he do wrong? This could happen for various reasons including the agent's workload or the presentation of the home. Join us today as Collen explores these questions and more! Key Points: 0:37 – What is your advice on adjustable-rate mortgages? 3:28 – Our house sold below value what did we do wrong? 6:14 – What home upgrades could increase the value of our home? 10:22 – Should I try to buy again with the rental market just as competitive? Learn more: https://www.bensonbrokergroup.com/blog
We are answering some of your questions on today's show about buying and selling your home. In this market is a 20% down payment enough? Definitely! While it may be harder to win certain bids 20% is usually more than enough. Mary wrote in that her loan approval was for $700,000 and with all the houses selling above asking value she is wondering if she should look at houses more in the $600,000 range to leave some wiggle room? It might be smart to look a little below your maximum budget, but it's going to depend on your lender and a few other factors. Join us today as we explore these questions and more on rent-back situations and selling privately. Key Points: 0:30 – Should we be leaving wiggle room on the houses we are looking at? 2:46 – Is a 20% down payment enough in this market? 4:03 – Can I rent back my home to a buyer and when do I negotiate this? 7:28 – Would we miss out on selling privately? Learn more: https://www.bensonbrokergroup.com/blog
Today we're opening up the mailbag again to find out what you're most interested in when it comes to buying and selling a home and we have some great questions to dive into. We'll cover the foreclosure market and whether we'll see that increase around Oregon. Then we'll talk about the pros and cons of hiring experts to do the work around your home. Next we'll cover a question about trying to navigate the sales process during a divorce. And finally, we'll wrap it all up with the benefits of undertaking a kitchen remodel. Key Points: 0:31 – Mailbag question on foreclosure opportunities 4:35 – Mailbag comment on hiring experts 9:24 – Mailbag question on coordinating sale during divorce 11:28 – Mailbag question on kitchen remodels Learn more: https://www.bensonbrokergroup.com/blog
Let's open up the mailbag and answer some of your questions about buying and selling your home. Stella says her neighbors are also planning on selling their home soon. Should she list before, after, or at the same time as them? With interest rates rising and a changing market, we recommend getting listed as soon as possible. Dean asks how detailed he can get while touring a home. Can he check things like the crawl space and electricity? If you are the only person viewing, we want our clients to look to their heart's content, but within reason. Join us today as we explore these questions and two more on due diligence and rent back setups. See our listings: https://bit.ly/3z49gcL What we discuss on this episode: 0:33 – “Do we need to list before or after our neighbors?” 2:38 – “Are you finding any issues with a rent back set up?” 3:43 – “What's the current expectation with due diligence?” 6:00 – “How detailed can I get when viewing a home?” Learn more: https://www.bensonbrokergroup.com/blog
With a lot of investors buying up more and more properties in the past few years, there have been a lot of flipped houses coming onto the market. When you are in the search for your next home, how can you be sure what you're looking at isn't a cheap flip? If you're looking at a home without building permits, but it appears major changes have been made to the property, be wary. This can bite you when you go to sell as well. With mismatched plumbing or wiring you want to be careful you won't run into future problems with these structural issues. Join us today as we explore some common things to look out for when looking at a flipped home. See our listings: https://bit.ly/3z49gcL What we discuss on this episode: 0:53 – No building permits, but major changes 1:37 – Fresh paint in certain areas 2:51 – Mismatched plumbing or mismatched wiring 4:32 – Is it helpful to have a contractor? 6:00 – Cabinets and drawers not opening-up 6:32 – Flooring and door inconsistency Learn more: https://www.bensonbrokergroup.com/blog
Kathy saw someone on the news recently list their home extremely below market price and it generated a lot of buzz. What does Colleen think of this strategy? This is a great question; most sellers want to price high and go from there. This strategy can generate a lot of bids on your home and end up getting you more money. Bud is wondering if he has to make his home inspection public to buyers? Not necessarily, but if problems come up you have to legally disclose them. On today's episode, Colleen answers these mailbag questions and two more on where to look for condos and the best strategy for listing pictures. See our listings: https://bit.ly/3z49gcL What we discuss on this episode: 0:31 – “Should I list my home really low to generate buzz?” 3:50 – “Do I have to make the inspection of my home public?” 5:27 – “Where should I look for a condo or townhome?” 6:14 – “Can we list now with pictures from the summertime?” Learn more: https://www.bensonbrokergroup.com/blog
True or false? It's impossible to buy right now without overpaying. You might feel like you are overpaying for homes on the market right now, but keep in mind your equity is also going up once you own that home. So, Colleen doesn't really see it as overpaying. True or false? You're most likely going to end up in a bidding war if you buy right now… True! Join us today as we play a round of true or false when it comes to various housing market statements. Colleen will share her expertise on down payments, curb appeal, mortgage rates, and more. See our listings: https://bit.ly/3z49gcL What we discuss on this episode: 0:45 – “It's impossible to buy right now without overpaying” 1:34 – “You're most likely going to be in a bidding war” 2:34 – “Down payments must be between 5 and 20%” 4:05 – “Curb appeal can make or break a sell” 5:40 – “It's not a big deal if mortgage rate increases by 1%” 7:20 – “You won't be able to compete with cash buyers” 8:47 – “Zillow home buying estimates are usually correct” 10:12 – What is a CMA? Learn more: https://www.bensonbrokergroup.com/blog
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