Podcasts about find a real estate agent

Measuring square footage gives you control over listing accuracy, allowing you to prevent misrepresentation and improve buyer confidence. Every detail matters when buying or selling a home. However, one of the most important yet often overlooked details is the square footage. You might be surprised to learn that the square footage listed for a home could be completely off if you did not check it thoroughly. Accurate square footage is crucial for both buyers and sellers, and getting it wrong can cause a lot of headaches. The problem with inaccurate square footage. You might think the square footage listed on a real estate website or MLS is spot on, but that's not always the case. Discrepancies happen more often than you might think. Sometimes, county records or old listings have outdated or incorrect numbers. National websites may pull their data from estimates, which can miss key details, like unfinished rooms or spaces that aren't part of the livable area. This can lead to confusion or even problems down the road. For example, if square footage is misrepresented, it could cause issues with pricing or even legal disputes. That's why it's essential for agents to take their own measurements when listing a home. Why should agents measure square footage themselves? As a real estate agent, relying on existing data isn't always enough. There's a lot of information out there, like builder specs and blueprints, but they can vary. A builder's floor plan might include areas that aren't actually finished living space, and you can't always trust that the numbers are correct. “Accurate square footage protects sellers from potential complaints or disputes.” Homes built between 1997 and 2008 often have the biggest discrepancies. Many of these homes had two-story great rooms or vaulted ceilings, and back then, builders sometimes included that upper-level airspace as finished square footage. But when listing a home on the MLS, we have to report only the true livable space. That means any airspace needs to be excluded from the total square footage. Accuracy matters. The best way to avoid these issues is simple: measure the space yourself. By doing this, you ensure the square footage you're providing is accurate and transparent. This benefits both the seller and the buyer. It eliminates confusion and builds trust between everyone involved. For sellers, accurate square footage protects them from any future complaints or pricing problems. And for buyers, knowing exactly what they're getting in terms of space helps them make informed decisions.The next time you're listing a home, don't rely solely on old records or estimates. Take the time to measure the space yourself. It's a small step that can make a big difference in your real estate transactions. If you have any questions, feel free to call or text us at 952-212-3597 or email us at ChadandSara@edinarealty.com. We'll be happy to help you out.

Learn three key strategies to buy your next home before selling your current one—without the stress of double mortgages. In an ideal world, the sale of your old home would line up perfectly with the purchase of your new one. But in reality, real estate transactions don't always go that smoothly. You might find your dream home before your current one sells—or worse, sell your home and have nowhere to go. So, can you buy a new home before selling your current one? The short answer is yes, but it requires careful planning. Let's explore your options. 1. Sale contingencies and delayed closings. One option is adding a sale contingency to your contract, meaning your new home purchase depends on selling your current home first. This protects you from being stuck with two mortgages, but in a competitive market, sellers may prefer non-contingent offers. Another approach is negotiating a delayed closing, giving you extra time to sell while still securing your new home. Your agent can help structure this to your advantage. 2. Bridge loans and rent-back agreements. If you need financial flexibility, a bridge loan can cover the gap between buying and selling, allowing you to make a strong, non-contingent offer. Just keep in mind that bridge loans usually come with higher interest rates and shorter terms. Another strategy is a rent-back agreement, where you sell your current home but stay in it temporarily, paying rent to the new owner while you finalize your next move. “Buying before selling works with planning, smart financing, and the right strategy.” 3. Explore alternative solutions. If those options don't work, there are other creative ways to make the transition smoother. Companies like Flyhomes, Orchard, and Knock offer programs that help you buy before you sell. You could also consider renting out your current home for passive income or selling to an iBuyer for a fast, cash transaction. However, keep in mind that convenience often comes at a lower sale price. While buying before selling can be convenient, it's not always the best financial move. Carrying two mortgages at once or relying on a quick home sale can be risky. That's why working with an experienced real estate agent is crucial—they can help you navigate the market and find the best approach for your situation. If you're considering buying a new home before selling your current one, let's talk. I'll walk you through your options and help you make the best decision based on your unique situation. Schedule a call today, and let's create a strategy that works for you!

We're answering the top three most-asked questions from sellers on pricing, pre-listing preparations, and more. Selling your home is a big decision, and it often comes with a lot of uncertainty. Whether you're relocating, upgrading, or downsizing, the process can feel overwhelming. To help you navigate through it, we'll share the three most common questions we get from sellers so you know exactly what to expect. Question #1: What do I need to do to get my house ready to sell? When preparing your home for sale, the goal is to make it as appealing as possible to potential buyers. Right now, homes that are selling are clean, well-maintained, and staged thoughtfully. You don't need to do major renovations, but small updates can make a big difference. Freshly painted high-traffic areas and replacing worn fixtures or finishes can have a huge impact. These simple steps can help your home stand out and attract serious buyers. Question #2: What is my home's worth? Knowing your home's current value is one of the most important steps in selling. Right now, it's a strong market for sellers, but market conditions can change. Pricing your home correctly is key. Factors like your home's condition, local market trends, and buyer demand all play a role in determining its value. Getting an accurate, up-to-date market analysis can help you understand your home's worth and guide your pricing strategy. “Access to off-market listings gives you an edge in finding your next home.” Question #3: Do you know any homes that meet what I'm looking for? Finding your next home is just as important as selling your current one. The market can make it challenging to find the right property, especially with low inventory. However, there is a solution: off-market properties. These homes haven't been listed yet but might meet your needs. Having access to off-market listings gives you an advantage by letting you explore options other buyers don't know about yet. Additional question: Do you know anyone looking to purchase my home? Sellers often ask if it's possible to find a buyer before listing their property. With the right connections, it's possible to find a buyer even before your home hits the market. Access to a broad network of potential buyers can help you sell your home quickly without waiting. This can be a great option for those looking for a faster, smoother sale. As you move forward with selling your home, keep these questions in mind. Understanding how to prepare your home, determine its value, and find your next place will help you make informed decisions. If you have any questions about the selling process or want to discuss your options further, feel free to call or text us at 952-212-3597 or email us at ChadandSara@edinarealty.com. We're here to guide and support you every step of the way.

Learn three key strategies to respond to lowball offers and negotiate a better deal on your home sale. Dear friends and clients, Getting a lowball offer on a home can feel like a punch in the gut, but before rejecting it outright, it is important to consider a strategic approach. The housing market in 2025 has seen some shifts, with home prices still high and interest rates hovering around 7%. So, how should a seller respond to a low offer while still maximizing their sale? Let's explore your options. 1. Recheck the market comps. Before you react, double-check that the offer is actually low. The market moves fast, and home values can shift in just a few weeks. Some experts predict a 5% price increase this spring, so make sure your pricing is still accurate. You should also look at recent sales of comparable homes in your area. You can also ask the buyer's agent where they got their numbers—sometimes, they're just misinformed. If you can show them stronger comps, they may be willing to adjust their offer without much negotiation. 2. (Almost) Always counteroffer. Once you've confirmed your home's value, don't walk away too fast. It's usually worth countering unless the buyer isn't serious. Some buyers start low just to see if they can get a deal. If they refuse to negotiate or immediately shut down your counter, they probably weren't serious to begin with. But in most cases, a counteroffer keeps the conversation going and gets you closer to your goal. “Rechecking comparable sales in your area can help determine if an offer is truly low.” 3. Find a middle ground with better terms. Price isn't the only thing up for negotiation. Some buyers submit low offers because they're short on cash, not because they're trying to take advantage of you. Instead of lowering your price, consider asking for better terms—like a shorter inspection period, a rent-back agreement, or fewer contingencies. If price is the sticking point, offering to cover some closing costs or buying down their interest rate might help bridge the gap without sacrificing your bottom line. Lowball offers aren't fun, but they don't have to be deal-breakers. If you're selling this spring and want expert advice on pricing, negotiating, or market trends, let's talk. Call or email me today—I'm here to help you get the best deal possible!

Learn how to find out your home's true value, from simple solutions like online valuations to more involved strategies like comparative market analysis. Ever wonder how much your home is actually worth? Whether you're thinking about selling, refinancing, or just curious, knowing your home's true value is essential. But here's the issue—many homeowners rely on the wrong sources and leave money on the table. Most people turn to quick online estimates, but those tools can be off by tens of thousands of dollars. If your home is priced too high, buyers may overlook it. Price it too low, and you're walking away from potential profit. And when refinancing, an inaccurate valuation could mean missing out on thousands in equity. So, how do you ensure you're working with the right number? Having helped countless homeowners maximize their home's value, I can tell you this: understanding your home's worth isn't just about numbers—it's about making informed financial decisions. There are three key ways to determine your home's true value: 1. Comparative market analysis. This is a professional assessment done by a real estate expert—like me! A CMA compares your home to similar recently sold homes in your area, factoring in size, features, location, and market trends. It's free and far more accurate than online tools. Websites like Zillow and Redfin provide quick estimates, but you shouldn't rely on them alone. 2. Professional appraisal. A licensed appraiser provides an unbiased valuation, often required for refinancing or loans. They assess your home's condition, upgrades, and market comps. It's the most precise method but comes at a cost of a few hundred dollars. 3. Online valuation tools and research. Websites like Zillow and Redfin provide quick estimates, but you shouldn't rely on them alone. Cross-check multiple sources and look at recently sold homes that closely match yours for a more accurate picture. Which is the best option for you? If you're selling, a CMA gives you an accurate market value. If you're refinancing, an appraisal is necessary. And if you're just curious, online tools can be a starting point—but always verify with expert insight. If you're thinking of selling or refinancing and want a precise, expert-backed valuation, let's talk. I offer a free, no-obligation home valuation to help you make the best decision. Just call or email me to get started.  

Get prepared to buy or sell with two essential tips that cover financing, competition, market timing, and how to make your home ready for sale. Are you thinking about buying or selling a home? The real estate market is heating up, and you need to be prepared. Whether you're buying or selling, here are the key tips to know. Let's start with the tips for buyers: For buyers, here are two expert tips to ensure a smooth home-buying process: Get your finances ready. Before you start looking at homes, make sure your financing is in place. Talk to a local lender and get pre-approved for a loan. A pre-approval shows sellers that you're serious and gives you a clear budget. Your lender should be available when you need them, especially on weekends. Homes are selling fast, so being able to act quickly is crucial. Be prepared to compete. The market is competitive, even though it's not as crazy as it was a few years ago. Buyers can still find themselves in bidding wars. To compete, you need to be ready to make a quick offer. A lender who's available at any time can help you stand out in a competitive market. If you're planning to sell your home, timing and preparation are just as important. Here are a few tips to help you succeed in today's market. “It's essential for buyers and sellers to prepare in advance to get the most out of their home purchase or sale.” For sellers, these two expert tips will help you maximize your home sale: Understand the spring market. Spring market starts earlier than you think. It's not just April and May. Listings in February and March close in April and May. If you're waiting for warmer weather, you could miss out on the best timing. Get your home ready to sell. When selling, your home must be clean, staged, and in good condition. Small updates, like new paint or carpet, can make a big difference. If your home isn't updated, make sure it's priced competitively. Homes that are well-priced and in good condition sell faster, but overpricing could keep buyers away. Whether you're buying or selling, the key to success is preparation. Get your financing ready, be prepared to compete, and make sure your home is in good shape. If you have questions or need help, you can call or text me at 952-212-3597. I'm here to guide you through every step of the process.

Keep homebuyers committed by avoiding lengthy negotiations and maintaining clear, consistent communication. Why are buyers suddenly backing out of home deals? In my 21 years in this business, I've never seen so many buyers who start strong but second-guess themselves and back out of deals. It's happening more now than ever, leaving sellers scratching their heads. So, if you're selling your home, I'll share three tips to help you “bulletproof” your transactions and keep those buyers excited about closing day: 1. Don't drag out negotiations. When a buyer writes an offer, they're at their most excited. But time kills deals, and if negotiations drag on too long, that excitement can fade fast. You might be waiting for a better offer, or maybe you're taking your time, thinking it's a seller's market and you have the advantage. The thing is, that better offer might not come, and buyers don't like to feel ignored or disrespected. If you take too long to respond, you risk upsetting them and losing the deal. The fix? Communicate clearly and quickly. Set expectations upfront, stay responsive, and keep both the buyer and their agent informed. Keep the buyer locked in by keeping everyone in the loop. “Time kills deals. Keep negotiations smooth, responsive, and transparent to keep buyers engaged.” 2. Get ahead of inspection issues. A bad inspection can derail a sale. A buyer might love your house until they see a long list of unexpected issues, making them question their choice and potentially backing out. Being proactive helps. While I think having a full pre-inspection is too much, one of the things I'm excited about with our team is our partnerships and vendor relationships. We have contractors who can come out during the listing appointment to walk through the property and identify visible issues that may need attention. Fixing these or having a plan in place can boost buyer confidence. If buyers feel you're upfront and honest, they're less likely to feel blindsided later, which reduces the chances of them walking away. 3. Combat buyer's remorse. Even the best buyers can get cold feet after signing on the dotted line, as it's natural to overthink big decisions like buying a house. While we can't control buyers' feelings, we can ask the right questions to understand their commitment. Check with their agent about how many offers they've made, how long they've been searching, and how many homes they've seen. This information can give you a sense of whether they're ready to commit. Encouraging second or third showings is also a smart move. It may seem like extra effort, but it helps buyers feel 100% sure about their choice, and happy buyers are more likely to stick around. In the end, sellers want two things: the best price with favorable terms and a high chance of closing. Achieving this requires an experienced agent who communicates well and builds strong relationships with other agents. That's where I come in. Whether you're buying or selling, I'm here to help you strategize and succeed. You can contact me at (503) 522-0090 or sarita@asksarita.com. You can also visit our website, AskSarita.com. I look forward to hearing from you!

I'll teach you how to convert online buyer leads into appointments using simple strategies that build trust, add value, and drive results. Successfully converting online buyer leads into appointments is a crucial skill for any real estate agent. So, how can you make the most of those calls and turn more leads into valuable appointments? In today's digital age, the internet has become the primary way buyers start their real estate journey. Capturing and converting online buyer leads into appointments can transform your business and help you stand out in a crowded market. In this video, I'll share three proven strategies to help you secure those crucial appointments: lead research, crafting compelling scripts, and building strong rapport: 1. Do your homework. Before making the call, preparation is everything. Research your lead's interests, potential needs, and browsing history if available. Familiarize yourself with the latest market trends, local property data, and relevant listings that match their preferences. Demonstrating your knowledge and tailoring your conversation to their specific needs shows professionalism and genuine interest, setting the stage for a productive call. 2. Craft a winning script. While adaptability is essential, having a structured script ensures you stay focused and persuasive. Start with a friendly, engaging introduction that captures their attention. Present a clear value proposition—what you can uniquely offer them—and seamlessly lead into a call-to-action. Remember to actively listen and personalize your responses to build trust and show that you're genuinely invested in their journey. “Preparation is key to converting leads into clients.” 3. Build genuine connections. Building rapport is the heart of a successful call. Begin with open-ended questions to learn about their preferences, timelines, and goals. Acknowledge their concerns and show empathy to make them feel understood. This isn't just about booking an appointment—it's about establishing a relationship that makes them excited to work with you. If you're ready to take your lead conversion skills to the next level or need help crafting a winning approach, reach out to me by phone or email. Let's work together to elevate your business and secure more appointments.

Going over everything you need to disclose when selling your home, from location-specific information, material defects, and more. Are you selling your home this year? If so, you've probably wondered what exactly you need to disclose to potential buyers. Seller disclosures are more important than ever in 2025, and understanding them is key to avoiding legal headaches and closing deals quickly. Transparency isn't just a courtesy—it's a necessity if you want to be legally protected. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know about seller disclosures to ensure a smooth and successful home sale: 1. Material defects. As a seller, you're required to disclose any known material defects that could impact your property's value or safety. This includes issues like foundational cracks, roof leaks, or pest infestations. Even if you've repaired these problems, it's essential to disclose them. Buyers need a full picture of the property's history so they can make informed decisions. Transparency builds trust with buyers and helps prevent disputes later on. If they discover hidden issues after the sale, it could lead to legal challenges that no one wants. 2. Repairs and property condition. Whether it's structural problems, plumbing repairs, or past flooding, sellers must document and disclose these issues even if they've already been resolved. Buyers have a right to know what they're walking into. By being upfront about the property's condition and repair history, you're not just protecting yourself from future complications; you're also showing buyers that you've taken proper care of the home. Honesty here can go a long way in building trust and confidence. “The golden rule of seller disclosures is simple: when in doubt, disclose.” 3. Environmental and neighborhood factors. Disclosures go beyond your home's four walls. Sellers are also responsible for sharing information about the surrounding environment. This could include things like being in a flood zone, nearby industrial activity, or contaminated soil. It's also a good idea to let buyers know about neighborhood-specific concerns. Providing this context allows buyers to make an informed decision and shows that you're committed to transparency, which can set the tone for a positive and cooperative transaction. The golden rule of seller disclosures is simple: when in doubt, disclose. Failing to do so could result in costly legal issues that are both time-consuming and stressful. If you're unsure about what needs to be disclosed or have other questions about selling your home, I'm here to help. Feel free to reach out by phone or email to make your selling process smooth and stress-free. Transparency is the foundation of a successful sale, and I'm here to guide you every step of the way.

A simple name search could reveal refunds or lost funds you didn't know about. I got an email the other day about taxes. I almost ignored it, but something caught my attention. It was a list of state tax department websites. Sounds boring, right? That's what I thought until I clicked on Montana's site and found something unexpected. There's a section on the Montana Department of Revenue's website called “Find Unclaimed Property.” It lets you search for money the state might be holding under your name. I typed in mine, but nothing came up. Then I tried my wife's. Boom—she had unclaimed money waiting for her. I checked a few team members, and some of them had money, too. This isn't just a Montana thing. Every state holds unclaimed money for people who haven't collected it. It could be from an old paycheck, a forgotten bank account, an insurance refund, or a utility deposit. If a company can't reach you, the money gets sent to the state. Most people have no idea this happens, and their money just sits there. Most people have no idea this happens, and their money just sits there. The good news is it's easy to check. Just go to your state's unclaimed property website, enter your name, and see if anything comes up. Try different versions of your name, maiden names, middle names, or even past addresses. If you find something, follow the steps to claim it. It's free, and the state won't charge you to get your own money. I had no idea this was a thing until I stumbled upon it. And I'm guessing most people don't know either. Imagine finding a few hundred, or even a few thousand dollars just sitting there, waiting for you to claim it. It's quick, it's easy, and it could put money back in your pocket. Take five minutes to check. Look up your name, your family's names, even your friends' names. If you find something, don't wait; claim it. And if you end up with a great story, I'd love to hear about it. You can reach me at 406-837-5531 or email me at ScottHollingerMT@gmail.com. Go check now—you might have money waiting for you.

Going over everything you need to disclose when selling your home, from location-specific information, material defects, and more. Are you selling your home this year? If so, you've probably wondered what exactly you need to disclose to potential buyers. Seller disclosures are more important than ever in 2025, and understanding them is key to avoiding legal headaches and closing deals quickly. Transparency isn't just a courtesy—it's a necessity if you want to be legally protected. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know about seller disclosures to ensure a smooth and successful home sale: 1. Material defects. As a seller, you're required to disclose any known material defects that could impact your property's value or safety. This includes issues like foundational cracks, roof leaks, or pest infestations. Even if you've repaired these problems, it's essential to disclose them. Buyers need a full picture of the property's history so they can make informed decisions. Transparency builds trust with buyers and helps prevent disputes later on. If they discover hidden issues after the sale, it could lead to legal challenges that no one wants. 2. Repairs and property condition. Whether it's structural problems, plumbing repairs, or past flooding, sellers must document and disclose these issues even if they've already been resolved. Buyers have a right to know what they're walking into. By being upfront about the property's condition and repair history, you're not just protecting yourself from future complications; you're also showing buyers that you've taken proper care of the home. Honesty here can go a long way in building trust and confidence. “The golden rule of seller disclosures is simple: when in doubt, disclose.” 3. Environmental and neighborhood factors. Disclosures go beyond your home's four walls. Sellers are also responsible for sharing information about the surrounding environment. This could include things like being in a flood zone, nearby industrial activity, or contaminated soil. It's also a good idea to let buyers know about neighborhood-specific concerns. Providing this context allows buyers to make an informed decision and shows that you're committed to transparency, which can set the tone for a positive and cooperative transaction. The golden rule of seller disclosures is simple: when in doubt, disclose. Failing to do so could result in costly legal issues that are both time-consuming and stressful. If you're unsure about what needs to be disclosed or have other questions about selling your home, I'm here to help. Feel free to reach out by phone or email to make your selling process smooth and stress-free. Transparency is the foundation of a successful sale, and I'm here to guide you every step of the way.

Discover my 3-step formula for open house success—I'll show you how to market your client's home, engage visitors, and make a great impression. Got an open house event coming up? Let's make it an unforgettable experience that leaves buyers ready to write offers on the spot. Spring is on its way, and with it comes the busiest home-buying season of the year. Hosting a standout open house can set your property apart in a competitive market. Today, I'll share three game-changing strategies to make your open house the talk of the neighborhood: setting the stage, spreading the word, and creating memorable connections. 1. Set the stage for success. First impressions are everything. Start with impeccable curb appeal: freshly mowed lawn, vibrant flowers, and a welcoming front door. Inside, focus on staging—arrange furniture to maximize space, add pops of color with decor, and highlight your home's best features. Don't forget sensory touches like soft lighting, pleasant scents, and a curated playlist to make buyers feel right at home. “When done right, an open house can drive offers and even bidding wars.” 2. Amplify your marketing. To get a full house, you need a full-scale marketing plan. Go beyond the basics with targeted social media ads, a virtual tour, and local community outreach. Partner with nearby businesses to cross-promote your event, and consider offering incentives like a gift card raffle for attendees. A well-executed marketing plan creates buzz and ensures your open house is a can't-miss event. 3. Make it personal. The secret to converting visitors into buyers is personal engagement. Greet everyone with a smile and take time to learn what they're looking for in a home. Prepare a QR code that links to detailed property information, and set up interactive elements like a neighborhood highlights board. Collect feedback with a quick survey—it shows you care and provides valuable insights for future showings. If you're ready to take your open house to the next level or have any questions about the process, reach out to me by phone or email. Let's work together to turn your open house into the launchpad for your next big sale.

How low inventory, multiple offers, and more are shaping our market. Are you thinking about buying or selling a home this year? The spring market is already here, and things are moving fast. With the changes in the market this 2025, it's important to understand what's happening before making a move. Today, I'll break down the key trends shaping today's market: Low inventory remains a challenge. Housing supply is still very limited, continuing a trend we've seen for a while. Normally, winter weather keeps listings low. However, even with a mild season this spring, the inventory hasn't picked up. This means buyers have fewer choices, and sellers have less competition. Serious buyers are driving quick sales. Homes aren't getting tons of showings, but they are selling fast. The buyers in today's market are pre-approved, motivated, and ready to purchase. If a home is priced well and in good condition, it's likely to move quickly. “Low inventory means sellers have a great opportunity, while buyers need to act quickly.” Multiple offers are back. Low supply is leading to more multiple-offer situations. While rising interest rates have kept home prices from climbing too high, demand is still strong. Prices aren't dropping, and competition remains steady. Sellers must be market-ready. A few years ago, sellers could list a home in any condition and get offers. That's not the case anymore. Buyers now expect move-in ready homes. If you're selling, clean, stage, and prepare your home to stand out. The spring market is moving fast, and the right strategy can make all the difference. Low inventory means sellers have a great opportunity, while buyers need to act quickly. If you're thinking about buying or selling, you don't have to do it alone. Call or text us at 952-212-3597 or email us at ChadandSara@edinarealty.com. We'll help you navigate the market and make the best move for your goals.

Enhance your curb appeal, declutter and depersonalize, and highlight your home's key features to have a faster and more profitable home sale. Looking to sell your house soon but don't know how to get it ready for the market? Selling your home can feel like a big undertaking, but with the right preparation, you can make it stand out and attract the perfect buyer. These three essential tips will help you get your home ready for a successful sale and leave buyers impressed from the moment they arrive: 1. Enhance curb appeal. First impressions matter, and curb appeal is where it all begins. When potential buyers pull up to your home, the exterior sets the tone for their entire visit. Even small details work together to create an inviting first impression. You don't need to go all out—simple updates can make a big impact. Mow the lawn, plant some vibrant flowers, or touch up peeling paint on the front door. If it's winter, keep walkways clear and add cozy seasonal touches like a wreath or warm lighting. The goal is to show buyers that your home is well-loved and ready to welcome its next owner. 2. Declutter and depersonalize. Your goal should be to make it as easy as possible for buyers to envision themselves living in your space when they walk inside. but that's hard to do if rooms feel crowded or overly personal. Start decluttering by removing extra furniture and boxing up items you don't use often. Less is more when it comes to preparing your home for sale—you want it to feel spacious and inviting, not cramped. Next, depersonalize the space and take down family photos, bold artwork, or unique collections. This doesn't mean erasing your personality—it's about creating a blank canvas where buyers can imagine their own lives. Finally, take time for a deep clean. Pay special attention to kitchens and bathrooms, as these high-traffic areas often leave the biggest impression. A spotless home signals that it's been well-maintained and move-in ready for your buyers. “Good lighting creates a cozy atmosphere and lets the best features of your house shine.” 3. Highlight key features. Think about what makes your property special—whether it's a spacious kitchen, a cozy living room, or beautiful natural light streaming through large windows. It might be worth it to consider some light staging to get your house in the best shape possible. Rearrange furniture to improve flow and maximize space, even if it's as simple as moving a couch or removing an extra chair. Lighting is also critical; it creates a cozy atmosphere and lets the best features of your house shine. Even small updates, like fresh neutral paint or modern cabinet handles, can make your home feel updated and move-in ready. At the end of the day, selling your home doesn't have to be overwhelming. By enhancing curb appeal, decluttering and depersonalizing, and highlighting your home's key features, you can create a space that buyers will fall in love with. If you have questions about getting your home ready for the market or anything else, please call or email us. We are always willing to help!

Enhance your curb appeal, declutter and depersonalize, and highlight your home's key features to have a faster and more profitable home sale. Looking to sell your house soon but don't know how to get it ready for the market? Selling your home can feel like a big undertaking, but with the right preparation, you can make it stand out and attract the perfect buyer. These three essential tips will help you get your home ready for a successful sale and leave buyers impressed from the moment they arrive: 1. Enhance curb appeal. First impressions matter, and curb appeal is where it all begins. When potential buyers pull up to your home, the exterior sets the tone for their entire visit. Even small details work together to create an inviting first impression. You don't need to go all out—simple updates can make a big impact. Mow the lawn, plant some vibrant flowers, or touch up peeling paint on the front door. If it's winter, keep walkways clear and add cozy seasonal touches like a wreath or warm lighting. The goal is to show buyers that your home is well-loved and ready to welcome its next owner. 2. Declutter and depersonalize. Your goal should be to make it as easy as possible for buyers to envision themselves living in your space when they walk inside. but that's hard to do if rooms feel crowded or overly personal. Start decluttering by removing extra furniture and boxing up items you don't use often. Less is more when it comes to preparing your home for sale—you want it to feel spacious and inviting, not cramped. Next, depersonalize the space and take down family photos, bold artwork, or unique collections. This doesn't mean erasing your personality—it's about creating a blank canvas where buyers can imagine their own lives. Finally, take time for a deep clean. Pay special attention to kitchens and bathrooms, as these high-traffic areas often leave the biggest impression. A spotless home signals that it's been well-maintained and move-in ready for your buyers. “Good lighting creates a cozy atmosphere and lets the best features of your house shine.” 3. Highlight key features. Think about what makes your property special—whether it's a spacious kitchen, a cozy living room, or beautiful natural light streaming through large windows. It might be worth it to consider some light staging to get your house in the best shape possible. Rearrange furniture to improve flow and maximize space, even if it's as simple as moving a couch or removing an extra chair. Lighting is also critical; it creates a cozy atmosphere and lets the best features of your house shine. Even small updates, like fresh neutral paint or modern cabinet handles, can make your home feel updated and move-in ready. At the end of the day, selling your home doesn't have to be overwhelming. By enhancing curb appeal, decluttering and depersonalizing, and highlighting your home's key features, you can create a space that buyers will fall in love with. If you have questions about getting your home ready for the market or anything else, please call or email me. I am always willing to help!

What you need to know about our normalizing real estate market, including home prices, supply, and more. “How is the housing market right now?” I've been getting this question a lot recently, and I understand why. This is the time of year when people plan their moves for 2025, but it's difficult to know what you should do without understanding where the market is at. The truth is that our market can be summed up in one word: Normalization. While the red-hot market of the pandemic is far behind us, the market isn't heading for a crash anytime soon. Instead, things are balancing out. Here are three things you need to know about our normalizing housing market: 1. Competition is increasing. There are more homes for sale in the U.S. than there have been since before the pandemic. For buyers, this means more options For buyers, this means more options. If you've been frustrated by the lack of options, now might be the time to reenter the market. Meanwhile, sellers need to reset expectations about how long it will take to sell. You can still get a great deal in this market, but your home probably won't fly off the market like it would have a few years ago. 2. Prices are increasing slowly but steadily. In most markets around the country, prices are still increasing, although it's at a modest pace. Redfin expects prices to increase by 4% in 2025, which means sellers need to be careful about not overpricing their properties. Prices are increasing, but buyers are savvy enough to know when a property isn't worth what you're asking. Meanwhile, buyers can be confident that they will start building equity as soon as they close. “Prices will increase steadily but slowly in 2025.” 3. Condition matters. Right now, there is a large gap between homes that need a little work and homes that are in pristine condition. Good-quality homes still sell quickly and for top dollar; they might even create a bidding war among buyers. On the other hand, homes in need of repairs could sit on the market for a long time. Buyers don't have a ton of extra cash on hand for repairs after closing, so small investments upfront could make it much easier to sell your house. These points are broad strokes that are generally true for most markets across the country. However, you should know that real estate is hyper-local. What's happening in your neighborhood might not be true for your area in general. If you want to learn more about your local market, call or email me for more details. I'd love to share more information with you.

How you can prepare for the spring market by planning ahead, budgeting your time, and getting in early. As a real estate agent, one of the most common questions I get from potential home sellers is, “When is the best time of year to sell my home?” The truth is that the best time to sell is when you need to move; however, if you're determined to try and time the market, the best time to sell is when you have the least amount of competition. In most markets, that means selling in late winter or early spring. Once spring hits, inventory increases rapidly, and you'll have to compete with tons of other homeowners. If you truly want to hit the optimal selling window in late winter or early spring, here are three key things you need to consider: 1. Plan early. The more time you give yourself to plan out your home sale, the better. Getting your home ready for the market might involve a lot more work than you thought of beforehand, so don't procrastinate. I recommend giving yourself a three to four months headstart before you list for things like pre-listing consultations, staging, repairs, and more. If you want to sell at the optimal time in late winter or early spring, that means you need to start these things as soon as possible. 2. Budget your time. It can take 60 to 120 days to sell your home once you list it, but many homeowners still have a mentality leftover from the pandemic market, when homes would sell in as little as a week. That's why I recommend working with your agent to plan out what you need to do to hit the optimal selling window. Once you have a schedule, it will be easier to budget your time and sell at the perfect moment. “Get ahead of things by listing as early as you reasonably can.” 3. Beat your competition to the market. If you have a choice between listing earlier or later, list earlier. Once the spring frenzy hits, supply increases exponentially each month. All those sellers are competition that will make it harder for you to get the best deal possible, so try your best to beat them to the market. It's tempting to wait for prices to increase as demand picks up, but this isn't a good strategy. By the time you enter the market, you'll be chasing a wave of demand that has already passed. Instead, get ahead of things by listing as early as you reasonably can. If you want to sell this spring and get the best deal possible, your first step should be to have a pre-listing meeting. Just call or email me, and we'll go over your situation, your goals, the market, and more. It's 100% free and no obligation. I look forward to hearing from you!

What you need to know about our normalizing real estate market, including home prices, supply, and more. “How is the housing market right now?” I've been getting this question a lot recently, and I understand why. This is the time of year when people plan their moves for 2025, but it's difficult to know what you should do without understanding where the market is at. The truth is that our market can be summed up in one word: Normalization. While the red-hot market of the pandemic is far behind us, the market isn't heading for a crash anytime soon. Instead, things are balancing out. Here are three things you need to know about our normalizing housing market: 1. Competition is increasing. There are more homes for sale in the U.S. than there have been since before the pandemic. For buyers, this means more options For buyers, this means more options. If you've been frustrated by the lack of options, now might be the time to reenter the market. Meanwhile, sellers need to reset expectations about how long it will take to sell. You can still get a great deal in this market, but your home probably won't fly off the market like it would have a few years ago. 2. Prices are increasing slowly but steadily. In most markets around the country, prices are still increasing, although it's at a modest pace. Redfin expects prices to increase by 4% in 2025, which means sellers need to be careful about not overpricing their properties. Prices are increasing, but buyers are savvy enough to know when a property isn't worth what you're asking. Meanwhile, buyers can be confident that they will start building equity as soon as they close. “Prices will increase steadily but slowly in 2025.” 3. Condition matters. Right now, there is a large gap between homes that need a little work and homes that are in pristine condition. Good-quality homes still sell quickly and for top dollar; they might even create a bidding war among buyers. On the other hand, homes in need of repairs could sit on the market for a long time. Buyers don't have a ton of extra cash on hand for repairs after closing, so small investments upfront could make it much easier to sell your house. These points are broad strokes that are generally true for most markets across the country. However, you should know that real estate is hyper-local. What's happening in your neighborhood might not be true for your area in general. If you want to learn more about your local market, call or email me for more details. I'd love to share more information with you.

Understand how rising rates shape buyer behavior in 2025's housing market. You might've heard ads or people saying we're in a “buyer's market.” That couldn't be further from the truth. We're 100% in a seller's market. If you've been sitting on the fence about buying or selling, it's time to pay attention. But what does a seller's market mean for you? Let's get real: a seller's market means homes fly off the market faster than ever. The National Association of Realtors defines a seller's market as a market with fewer than five months of inventory. In our area, we currently have less than one month of homes available. That's a big deal. If you're a seller, this is your moment. However, with higher interest rates, some buyers are cautious. What does that mean for you as a buyer? It means you're not alone in this. The market is active, and buyers are still making moves. Why are homes still selling fast? Life happens. We call it the “5 Ds”: death, divorce, degrees, diapers, and diplomas. These life changes don't wait for perfect interest rates. Families grow. People downsize. Jobs relocate. That's why sellers still list, even if they hold onto those low 3% mortgage rates. “Buyers are making moves, and sellers are ready to list for the right reasons.” If you're thinking about selling, you're probably wondering, “Should I wait?” Here's the truth—buyers are already waiting for new inventory. That's why December 2024 was one of the busiest Decembers we've seen in years. The market is hot, and it's not slowing down. For many buyers, these interest rates (6%–8%) are the only ones they've ever known. If you're a first-time buyer, this feels normal, and you're not wrong. We're almost three years into this higher-rate environment, and the market has adjusted. If you're waiting for rates to drop, you could miss out. The reality is, homes are still in demand. Buyers are making moves, and sellers are ready to list for the right reasons. Whether buying or selling, this market has opportunities. If you're ready to act, let's talk about your next steps. Don't hesitate to call us at 952-212-3597 or email us at ChadandSara@edinarealty.com. We'd love to answer your questions, share market insights, and help you navigate this unique time. Don't wait for the perfect moment—it's already here. Call or email us today, and let's get started!

Agents need to prepare for potential fallout from the NAR settlement in 2025, such as smaller buyer's agent commissions. Ever since the NAR settlement took effect in August 2024, the real estate industry has been holding its breath. People had a wide range of opinions on what would happen to the industry, from some people claiming nothing would change while others predicted the end of agents working primarily with buyers. So far, the optimists have been mostly vindicated. While some things have certainly changed, most buyer's agents have survived the shift. However, will this last? We're still in uncharted territory, and many agents remain nervous about the future of their careers. That's why today, I'm sharing some of my thoughts on what might happen to real estate commissions in 2025 and beyond: 1. The market slowdown has delayed significant shifts. When the NAR settlement first took effect, many people thought buyer agent commissions would be greatly reduced or eliminated entirely. This hasn't happened, but it could just be due to the market slowdown. Right now, many markets have low demand, causing sellers to offer concessions to homebuyers. In other words, if the market picks up, sellers could stop offering concessions, like buyer's agents' commissions. “I recommend that you work hard to make as much as possible in this market while keeping one eye on the future.” 2. The market might speed up in 2025. While 2025 isn't expected to be a boom market like we saw during the pandemic, it should improve slightly for sellers. When the market finally turns around and starts to strongly favor sellers again, commissions could be one of the first things they stop offering buyers. I don't have a crystal ball, but I wouldn't be surprised if buyer's agents' commissions became negatively correlated with how much leverage sellers have. 3. Make what you can now while preparing for the future. Despite whatever changes might occur when the market picks back up, one thing is certain: Buyer's agents can still make a lot of money right now. I recommend that you work hard to make as much as possible in this market while keeping one eye on the future. This could mean transitioning to work with more sellers, looking for new training, building your referral network, or something else. No one knows what the future holds for the real estate market except this: Things will change. Our team is always looking ahead to what the market might hold so we can be industry leaders. If you want additional training on how you can adapt to the future, please call or email us. I'd love to hear from you.

I explain how you can work with your agent to assume a 4% rate, including finding a list of suitable properties, crafting the right offer, and more. Want to buy a home but don't want to deal with higher interest rates? I get it; despite a lot of noise about the Federal Reserve lowering interest rates recently, the fact remains that rates are currently much higher than they were a few years ago, when receiving a 4% or even 3% rate was possible. However, there is a way to get that 4% rate, even today: Assumable mortgages. Assuming someone else's mortgage with a lower rate can save you thousands over the course of your loan, but the process can be a little tricky. That's why today, I'm sharing how you can assume someone's mortgage in three steps. 1. Have your agent find a list of potential mortgages. Your agent should have access to tax records and mortgage information that will allow them to find out which homeowners in an area purchased their house when rates were lower. They can create a list of mortgages in this area that you would want to assume. From there, you need to confirm that a seller's mortgage is actually assumable before going forward. For example, most VA loans are assumable, but not many conventional loans are. You also need to qualify for whatever loan you want to assume, so make sure you work closely with your agent to ensure you have a list of quality leads. Work with your agent to make sure you qualify for the mortgage. 2. Negotiate a deal that works for everyone. If a seller lets you assume their mortgage, they'll probably want something in return. As long as you're working with a good agent, this can work out for everyone. For example, your seller might ask for a higher price, but you'll still get that low 4% interest rate. This will end up saving you tons of money in the long run, so the upfront cost is almost always worth it. 3. Be patient. It's exciting to find an assumable mortgage with a lower rate, but you still need to be patient. It can take two or even six months for the assumption to go through, and your lender still needs to make sure you qualify before moving forward. For example, if you want to assume a VA loan, you need to be a qualifying veteran. While finding an assumable loan with a lower interest rate can be tricky, it can end up saving you tons of money in the long run. If you're interested in this option, call or email me, and I'll send you a list of potentially assumable mortgages in your area. I look forward to hearing from you!

I'm going over how you should hire your first showing assistant, pay them, and avoid mistakes along the way. Have you considered hiring a showing agent to give you more leverage with your real estate business? I get it—once your real estate career starts picking up, it can feel like you never have enough time. One of the easiest ways you can buy back your time is by working with a showing agent. This allows you to spend all the time you would have spent on showings on money-making activities instead. It's a great way to gain leverage, and I recommend it to many agents when they're first feeling overwhelmed. However, working with a showing agent raises an obvious question: How should you pay them? Here are three tips to make sure you're getting the most out of your showing agents: 1. How to find your showing agent. To find the best showing agent possible, I recommend running ads to newer agents looking to get a little extra cash. All agents need to pay the bills, and newer agents might not make enough from commissions yet to cover all their expenses. By offering them to be your showing agent, they can get the opportunity to make extra cash while you free up time to spend on more important activities. “Hiring a showing agent is all about giving yourself more leverage.” 2. Pay them extra for the first home. When you find a good candidate, offer them extra money for their first home. This first job will double as their “audition” — if they do a good job, they'll earn the right to work with you on more homes in the future. The higher first-home rate will also help you attract the highest-quality candidates possible for the position. 3. Pay in cash upfront per home. This is the best and simplest way to pay your showing agents. By paying them upfront, you make sure that you're only paying for work done. Plus, you can avoid contingencies or other contracts that put you at risk of overpaying. At the end of the day, hiring a showing agent is all about giving yourself more leverage to grow your business. If you're looking to take an even bigger leap, please call or email our team. We have the training and resources you need to focus your time on money-making activities. Make it a great day!

Discover whether building or buying a home saves more money and suits your needs based on costs, timelines, and long-term value. One of the biggest questions I get is “Should you build your dream home or buy an existing one?” It's not an easy choice, and there's no one-size-fits-all answer. But don't worry—I've got some real insights to help you decide. Why does the parade of homes matter? The Flathead Builders Association just brought back their Parade of Homes after a five-year break. This event is a goldmine for anyone thinking about homes—whether you want to build or buy. Homes were divided into three categories this year: attainable, luxury, and dream homes. Each category shows what's possible in today's market, from prices to trends to square footage. I dug into the data to compare the costs of new builds versus existing homes. Let's break it down. Attainable homes. If you're looking at entry-level homes, the numbers are close. The new homes in this category cost about $226 per square foot, but that doesn't include the land. The average price was around $366,000. Existing homes in the same price range averaged $306 per square foot, and that includes land. So, what's the catch? If you're okay waiting for a home to be built, you might save some money. But if you need a place now, buying an existing home is simpler. The choice comes down to your timeline, budget, and needs. Luxury homes. Luxury homes in the Parade of Homes were priced at $466 per square foot for new builds (excluding land). Existing luxury homes came in lower at $404 per square foot, and that price included land. If you want luxury, buying an existing home gives you better value. Building might cost you more after adding land prices. Dream homes. Dream homes had the widest range. New builds started around $400 per square foot and went up to $800 (excluding land). Existing homes in this category averaged $853 per square foot (with land). If you're okay spending top dollar and want a brand-new home, build. But, if you're looking for more immediate options, existing homes might work better for you. The choice comes down to your timeline, budget, and needs. If you can wait, building could give you exactly what you want. But if you need a home now, buying is easier and often more cost-effective. If you're curious about the Parade of Homes or want more insights, feel free to call or text me at 406-837-5531. I'll help you find which home is the right one for you.

Learn why Montana's low power bills are possible thanks to renewable energy and creative solutions like biomass and hydroelectric power. Ever wondered where the electricity powering your home actually comes from? If you're in Montana like me, you might be surprised. Power bills are a common question from homebuyers, and I recently dug into some fascinating details about our energy sources. Let me break it down for you. Low power bills? Here's why: Montana enjoys some of the lowest electricity costs in the country. But why is that? It's because we rely on a mix of energy sources, some of which are incredibly efficient and renewable. Knowing where your electricity comes from can help you appreciate it—and understand the challenges we face in keeping those costs low. Why does solar power struggle here? You'd think solar energy would be a big deal, right? But Montana doesn't see enough sunny days to make solar a year-round option. It's not like living in a desert. This means solar isn't contributing much to our power grid right now. The hidden heroes of our energy grid. We do have some creative solutions, though. Ever heard of biomass? That's when waste, like landfill gas or leftover materials from processing plants, is turned into energy. In places like Columbia Falls, they're converting waste into gas and running turbines to generate electricity. Understanding where our electricity comes from isn't just interesting—it's important. Then there's hydroelectric power. Small turbines, like the one powered by Whitefish City's water reservoir, generate electricity from flowing water. It's a clean and effective way to keep the lights on. The big player: hydroelectric dams. Here's the star of the show—our dams. Montana gets a huge chunk of electricity from hydroelectric dams on the Columbia and Snake Rivers. These dams don't just power homes. They support businesses, manufacturing, and even grocery stores. But there's a problem. Some people want to remove these dams, which could devastate our power grid. Without them, costs would rise, and industries might suffer. It's a big deal that impacts everyone. Understanding where our electricity comes from isn't just interesting—it's important. It's up to us to protect these resources. Pay attention to policies that affect our dams and renewable energy programs. Every decision matters when it comes to keeping our power reliable and affordable. If you have any questions about Montana's real estate condition, feel free to call or text me at 406-837-5531.  

Are you a real estate agent, team leader, or business owner struggling with the familiar cycle of peaks and valleys in real estate production? At the Dave Hooke Real Estate Team, Keller Williams of Central PA, we understand this challenge—and we're here to help you break free from it. In real estate, it's easy to get caught up in a “hamster wheel” of scrambling for leads, getting overwhelmed with tasks, and then experiencing an inevitable slowdown. The key to consistent growth lies in leveraging the right support systems, allowing you to focus on generating leads regularly without falling behind. So, what's the solution? It's all about building leverage through a strong team structure. By utilizing assistants, transaction coordinators, and other support roles, you can create a foundation that stabilizes your business. This structure not only smooths out the highs and lows of production but also enables you to focus on what really matters—expanding your client base and providing top-notch service. If you're considering joining a real estate team, it's essential to know what to look for. You'll want a team that offers transaction support, marketing assistance, and a reliable lead-generation system. These are core elements that free up your time to do what you do best: close deals and build relationships. Interested in seeing our team in action? Reach out to us at support@DaveHookeTeam.com to learn more or arrange a shadow day with us. We'd love to connect and show you how we maintain a steady, supportive team environment that keeps production levels consistent, no matter the season.

Buyers are backing out of more real estate deals across the country, but by taking control of the situation and focusing on motivations, you can keep more transactions together. Recently, a lot of agents have called me asking about buyers backing out of real estate transactions. This problem is significantly hurting their bottom lines, but they don't know what to do. If you've experienced buyers getting cold feet in this market, don't panic: You have options. The truth is that this market is volatile, but there are still steps you can take to ensure more buyers follow through and get to closing. Here are three things you should do to deal with buyers backing out of real estate deals: 1. Be a leader. Staying calm when a deal falls through is easier said than done. However, there's a solution to every problem. When a deal starts to fall apart, both buyers and sellers tend to freak out a little bit. Selling a home is an emotional process, and hundreds of thousands of dollars are on the line. That's why it's critical that you stay calm and be a leader in this situation. The seller and buyer are both going to be looking to you for guidance, and you need to project confidence that the deal can still be done. Don't get sucked into an emotional reaction and be the rock everyone needs to find a solution that works for everyone. “Remind your buyers we're in a buying window that won't last forever.” 2. Remind the buyer why they want to move. No matter how adamant a buyer is that they want to walk away, the deal might not be over. Even minor issues can spark a strong emotional reaction from buyers, but if you let things calm down, cooler heads often prevail. Remind both parties about their motivations for moving. By getting them to refocus on their motivations instead of whatever issue is holding them back could bring them back to the table and revive a dead deal. 3. Help buyers understand this market. Buyers are in an odd spot in this market. Interest rates have recently changed, and a lot of buyers are paralyzed by the volatility. This is why you need to help buyers understand the opportunities they have in this market. They won't have more choices than they do now. While no one knows for sure what will happen with rates, it's likely they'll decrease soon, which will increase buyer demand and lower supply. The home might not be everything they've ever wanted, but the truth is that they might not get a better opportunity. If you make them understand that, they might be more willing to overlook an issue holding them back. If you're interested in more of this granular, issue-based training, I encourage you to reach out to my team. Just give us a call or send us an email; in a market with fewer transactions, it's more important than ever that you make the most of what you can.

Setting up a CRM can be confusing, but it doesn't have to be. Today I'll go over tags, tracking heat, and getting leads started in your pipeline. Setting up a CRM can be confusing, but it doesn't have to be. Today I'll go over tags, tracking heat, and getting leads started in your pipeline. Are you just starting out in the real estate industry and don't know how to set up a CRM? Maybe you've just started your real estate journey. Maybe you've been in the industry a long time but haven't gotten around to fully leveraging your database yet. Whatever your situation is, you should know that a properly set up CRM is a real estate agent's best friend. Most of you probably already know what a CRM is, but if you don't, it's a customer relationship management service; in other words, it helps organize and leverage your database. Your database should be your most powerful asset as a real estate agent, so if you aren't getting the most out of yours, you're missing out. With all that in mind, here are three things you need to know to set up your CRM: 1. Create tons of tags. In a CRM, you can categorize people based on pretty much everything. In my experience, you can't over-categorize - the more tags you create to separate and define people, the better. Keep track of what type of lead they are, where they came from, their personal information, and more. Once your database gets big enough, you won't be able to keep track of everyone in your head, so it's best to stay organized early. “In my experience, you can't create too many tags.” 2. Track people's heat. In case you don't know, heat is an industry term for how ready-to-sell a lead is. So if you get a hot lead, they are probably ready to move ASAP. However, one of the best strengths of your database is that you can keep track of and nurture leads that aren't hot - people who might not want to move for another year or even longer. Keeping track of and nurturing these leads can give you consistent, reliable business for years to come, but this process starts by organizing everything in your CRM. 3. Create automated follow-up plans. What's your strategy to nurture a lead over a long time? If you don't have one, reach out to me; I can help you with that. However, if you already know what to do, you can set up your CRM to automate your process. This way, you don't have to worry about wasting time on a lead that never comes around. Everything will be the same way through your CRM's automation, so you can be sure you're putting the maximum effort into nurturing leads. Look: While I hope these tips are helpful, there's no getting around that setting up a CRM is a lot of work. If you want personalized help or guidance, call or email my team. We have full-time staff members who do these sort of back-end things for you, so you can focus 100% of your energy on making money. Just reach out if you're interested. I look forward to hearing from you!

Explore essential training programs for both new and experienced agents. Are you ready to enhance your skills and gain a competitive edge in the real estate industry? Whether you're just starting or have years of experience, the right training can elevate your career to new heights. Luckily for you, Keller Williams offers two essential classes that cater to both new and seasoned agents alike: 1. For new agents: Productivity training classes. The productivity training classes are meticulously designed for new agents to gain solid foundational learning. A dedicated trainer will guide you along the way to fully grasp the ins and outs of real estate. This structured training ensures you gain the confidence and knowledge needed to jumpstart your career. “Investing in your training is crucial for long-term success in real estate. ” 2. For experienced agents: Top masterminds. If you're a seasoned agent looking to take your business to the next level, the top masterminds class is perfect for you. These sessions gather the top 10% to 20% of agents to share their best practices and innovative strategies. By participating, you'll gain insights into what successful agents are doing in today's market, allowing you to implement these techniques into your practice. Investing in your education is crucial for long-term success in real estate. Whether you're a new agent seeking foundational training or an experienced professional wanting to learn from the best, these classes will equip you with the skills needed to excel. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your career! Contact me at (858) 461-9665 or via email at sean@mysddreamhome.com.

If you're a real estate agent, team owner, or a team member looking to grow your business, I have some valuable insights to share with you today. The question I want to answer is: What are your two options for generating new business in 2024? For years, the strategies have remained consistent, falling into two main buckets: Prospecting-Based Activities Marketing-Based Activities When I first started my real estate career, I didn't have much money, but I had plenty of time. I focused on three key prospecting activities that helped build my business: door knocking, calling expired listings and FSBOs, and working my database. These activities were the foundation of my success over 20 years ago, and they remain essential today. As my business grew and my time became more limited, I began supplementing these prospecting activities with marketing-based strategies. While these saved me time, they required an investment of money. The key to successful marketing is tracking your efforts to ensure you're getting a good return on your investment. If you're curious about the top five prospecting activities or the best marketing strategies for 2024, I'd love to share them with you. Just reach out to us at support@davehooketeam.com, and we'll provide you with the insights you need. We also offer a unique opportunity to shadow our team in the mornings. There's no obligation—just an opportunity to take notes and experience our team environment firsthand. If you're interested in learning more, or if you'd like to receive our list of the top five prospecting and marketing tools for 2024, feel free to contact us. Looking forward to connecting with you soon.  

Recent Mortgage Trends: Stability and Consumer Confidence in the Real Estate Market Over the past couple of years, we've seen some of the most volatile mortgage trends in U.S. history, reminiscent of the fluctuations we saw back in the 1980s. About a year to a year and a half ago, we experienced a series of rapid rate adjustments. The cost to borrow money for a 30-year mortgage saw some of the highest rate changes in the shortest time span ever recorded in the history of our country. However, I'm pleased to report that today's market environment is much more stable. Over the last several months, we haven't seen any dramatic shifts in mortgage rates, and no significant changes are expected on the horizon. This stability is excellent news for both home buyers and sellers. A year ago, many buyers were hesitant to make a move due to the uncertainty—wondering if mortgage rates would spike or drop week to week. This created a lot of anxiety and fear in the market. “This stability is excellent news for both home buyers and sellers.” But now, as we've moved into a more predictable environment, consumer confidence has rebounded significantly. Those same buyers who were cautious last year are now re-entering the market, buoyed by the ongoing increase in home values and a renewed confidence in the stability of the mortgage market. If you have any questions about current mortgage trends or are considering buying or selling a home, I'd be happy to assist. Whether you're looking for a free home value estimate or a buyer consultation, we're here to help. We're currently conducting 10 to 12 buyer consultations every week, and there's no charge or obligation. Feel free to reach out to us at Support@DaveHookeTeam.com, and we'll get you pointed in the right direction. Check out our Facebook page for more updates: Facebook.com/DaveHookeTeam

Here's my advice when owners ask me about hiring a property manager. I get asked by homeowners all the time about the benefits of having a property manager. They often ask me if I would manage my own property or hire a manager to do it for me. To answer this question, you have to answer another question first: Are you going to be an off-island or on-island owner? One of the statutes in Hawaii states that you need an on-island representative to watch over your property. If you're off-island and have a problem, who are your tenants going to call? How are they going to get repairs done? “The less you're prepared for move-out, the worse off you'll be.” Hawaii is a tenant-friendly state. If you ever have to go to court against a tenant, you better be prepared. As a property manager, my job is to put money in your account and protect your home. To do that, I need a plethora of vendors, and I have to be on the island. There are so many things involved in the process, and often when I transfer a tenant from another owner-occupant or property manager, they do not fill out their property condition form correctly. That's a problem at move out. Nothing bad happens at move-in—the bad things happen at move-out. The less you're prepared for move-out, the worse off you are. So to answer the question, if I were you and I was off-island, I would definitely hire a property manager. If you have any questions about this topic or property management in general, don't hesitate to reach out via phone or email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Speaking to Josh of Josh's Sno Shack about his wonderful business in Tulsa. Today Jennie is in Brookside to speak with Josh of Josh's Sno Shack. They sell snow cones and serve up summer happiness! Jennie: So who are you, and what do you guys do here? Josh: I started this business in 2005, and it was meant to get me through college. However, I finished college and kept growing the business. We've sort of become the Tulsa staple for snow cones. If you like summer and snow cones, then you have to visit one of our locations in Tulsa or Stillwater. I've seen your shacks all over town. How many locations do you have now? As of just the other day, we have seven locations open, another is opening in a few days, and two more should be open for the summer. We also have a couple of snow cone trucks that drive around to events, and we do about 100 events every month during the summer. We're going all out right now. We love promoting our local business owners, and you're giving back to the community by employing young kids who are still learning and growing. What's been the greatest joy as a boss and a growing leader or our youth? “If you like summer and snow cones, then you have to visit one of our locations.” This is the 17th summer we've been open for business, and I always tell people that I don't wake up saying, “I love snow cones!” What I love most is the opportunity to invest in young folks, get to know them, hear their stories, and hopefully teach them a little about life and business. This is a first job for a lot of people, so we teach them jobs skills such as how to communicate with customers and each other, which I think are great tools for them to learn by the time they graduate from high school. Those are needed skills that they may not be learning in the classroom. What are some of your most interesting flavors that people should try? We have crowd favorites, but the most interesting flavor we have is called the Lotus, which has hibiscus in it. I enjoy that one a lot; it's a light, sort of floral taste, so it's unique. Any of the flavors on the “Only at Josh's” list are more unique than you'd find at competitors' stands. Another fun flavor is Butterbeer; if you're a Harry Potter fan, it tastes like the butterbeer drink you can get at Universal's The Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park. Also, the Josh's Mix is our secret house special that we're known for; you can't go wrong with any of these flavors. Then starting in June, we have a flavor of the week that we launch with a special topping. We usually try to make those flavors based on something culturally relevant. Summer is your busy season, your main season. You're mostly a summer business, so as a business owner, how does that work? It's honestly pretty incredible. Sometimes in business, we get caught up in the grind of it and don't have time to truly think about things. We hit the ground running around January 15 by hiring and making sure our contracts are in order. Then we're open through about mid-October and have November to decompress everything. I use November and December to be a thinker and spend plenty of time with my family. I have an amazing life where I have time to think up ideas, explore new concepts, and see if they work or not. It's crazy right now though! We're so grateful that Josh's Sno Shack is here and a Tulsa staple. People can find one of your shacks on most of the popular corners of town. If you Google us, we're probably only a few miles from you. To learn more about Josh's Sno Shack or book them for your next event, visit their website. If you ever have any real estate questions or needs, visit The Wolek Group's website. We would love to help you!

Two situations that show the difference between the old and new markets. Today we have an important message for anyone looking to buy or sell in our market. The current market is very different from the one we had three to six months ago. We want to paint a picture of what's going on by comparing the past to the present—we think you'll find the comparison interesting. Three to six months ago, a $200,000 house might sell for $235,000. Interest rates were about 3.5% back then. The buyer in this first situation waived all their inspections, offered a $5,000 appraisal gap, and paid $5,000 toward the seller's closing costs. They let the sellers stay in the home for 60 days after closing and take the new fridge that they just bought. The buyer closed in 27 days, which is a quick turnaround. Their offer gets accepted, and their new monthly payment is $1,428 per month.  Interest rates have risen in our current market, but what about everything else? In the second scenario, the buyers buy the same $200,000 house. They pay $210,000 instead of $235,000, but they'll have a higher interest rate of 5.5%. They feel like the home will appraise, so they don't offer gap coverage. They do an inspection for informational purposes only, and each side pays their own closing costs. They close in the typical 40 days and give the seller only 10 days to vacate their home. Their monthly payment is $1,538. Yes, that monthly payment is $110 more than what the buyer got, but pay attention to everything else: The second buyer didn't pay for an appraisal gap or cover any seller closing costs, so they have $10,000 more than the first buyer. Let's say the second buyer takes $6,000 of that extra money and uses it to buy down their interest rate to 4.65%. That makes their monthly payment $1,440, which is only $12 more than it was for the first buyer. “Don't let higher interest rates scare you away from buying or selling.” On top of that, they used the $4,000 leftover to cover the costs of future home improvements that every buyer needs. They saved an extra monthly payment by not letting the sellers stay so long after closing, and they also kept that new fridge, saving the buyer $1,800. Their inspection also found mold in the attic, and the sellers decided to take care of that mold since they would have to disclose it anyway if they put the home back on the market, saving another $1,200. In total, the second buyer saved about $33,000. The sellers are also happy in both situations because they got more than the asking price in a very short time. Additionally, there is more inventory in our market now, so the sellers in the second situation would have an easier time finding their new house. We've been wanting this market to balance out for months, and now we're starting to see signs of that. Don't let higher interest rates scare you away from buying or selling. We are still making great deals every day. These situations are obviously hypothetical, but they are very true to what we're seeing today. If you want to buy, sell, or do both, please call or email us. We would love to help you make a plan to achieve your real estate goals. 

Here's what Hawaii rental owners need to know about HARPTA and FIRPTA. Have you heard of HARPTA and FIRPTA? These are important taxes for Hawaii rental owners to know about, so let's talk about them. First, what is HARPTA? Standing for the “Hawaii Real Property Tax Act,” this act withholds tax on sales of Hawaii rental properties by non-resident owners. We exclusively work with rental properties, so we always remind our clients about this tax. We aren't tax experts or CPAs, so talk with a tax professional when dealing with HARPTA. FIRPTA, on the other hand, stands for “Foreign Investments in Rental Properties Tax Act.” Combined with HARPTA, these laws are huge because they take a percentage of your sales price instead of your profits.  We highly recommend you speak with your Realtor and tax experts about these taxes. If you need a professional referral, just reach out to 808-445-9223 or info@HIPacificPM.com. We look forward to hearing from you! 

Pricing your home lower may be the key to getting top dollar. Lately, I've had a few clients ask, “I want to buy a house, but how much over list price is this going to go?” It can vary wildly based on the pricing strategy. Today I want to talk  how sellers should price their homes in this market. Someone with a $700,000 home may choose to list for $799,000 in the hopes of this hot market pushing it toward $800,000. However, even if they get beautiful photography and advertise it everywhere online, the home may still sit on the market and become a little stale. People will start wondering what's wrong with the house and look for something else. “Let the market frenzy dictate the results.” One of the best ways to get $800,000 for your $700,000 house is to start much lower. List at $725,000, and when you apply a marketing strategy like mine that's proven to get results, you'll get lots of showings, and the price will be driven up organically. I'm not advocating that you lowball the listing and receive 57 offers. I'm saying that if you have a proven strategy to get eyes on the listing, it will make sense to reasonably but aggressively price the home toward the lower end of the average so you can let the market frenzy dictate the results. This strategy doesn't work in every market or neighborhood, so reach out to me by phone or email to schedule a strategy session so we can talk about your specific situation. I look forward to hearing from you.

If you own a property, you have to decide whether to get a home warranty. Property owners ask us all the time whether getting a home warranty is a good idea. Generally, the answer is yes, but there's one issue. The home warranty company usually only has one or two vendors on the island to service your house. “Right now, appliances are in short supply on the island.” For example, a couple of home warranty companies needed to replace the washer and dryer in our properties, but there are currently no washer and dryer companies on the island. That means some of our tenants had to wait six to eight weeks to get washers and dryers shipped in through the home warranty company. If you didn't use the home warranty company, you could just go to Lowe's, Home Depot, or Ross' Appliance and buy your own washer and dryer. Right now, appliances are in short supply on the island, so home warranty companies are also having a difficult time getting in air conditioning units, plumbing items, and electrical necessities because they only have one vendor that serves all the houses on the island.  As a property owner, you have to decide whether a home warranty is in your best interest. Price-wise it probably is because everything inside the property is rented to your tenant but is your responsibility. If you have any questions or want to talk more about home warranties, call or email us. We'd love to speak with you soon.

With Mortgage interest rates jumping nearly 3% in less than 2 months, people are asking questions, and rightfully so, about whether a real estate crash is imminent. In our Q1 “Larkin Real Estate Report” webinar we answered these questions, and a dozen more!  Are “Out of State” Buyers still coming in droves? Where are home prices today and how high can they go? Will rising interest rates price EVERYONE out of the market? Jump to the following time stamps for detailed data that might blow your mind! Southern Utah Title “Good News” Report: 5:01 (direct link here: https://sutc.com/good_news ) Are we under or over-built in Southern Utah? 10:17 Where specifically are Buyers moving in Southern Utah? 15:30 Is a wave of foreclosures coming? 16:51 Could prices continue increasing with rising interest rates? 19:00 - 35:00 minutes Home price forecasts: 39:00 MORE info on how underbuilt the US housing market is: 40:00 Owning a home is best “hedge” against inflation: 42:00 What does low housing inventory mean? 49:30 What's next? And wrap up: 52:00 Have other questions about living in, moving to, or visiting St. George and Southern Utah? Just ask! http://www.GoStGeorge.com

Is now the best time to sell, or should you wait for prices to get higher? There's an old adage in real estate that says the best time to sell a house is never—home prices should, in theory, always go up. A lot of people think that because prices are on the rise, they should wait before selling. However, the reality is that many people need to sell their homes to extract the equity and position themselves for the next chapter of their lives.  If you've had this thought yourself, understand that the real estate market operates in cycles. The typical sales cycle lasts around seven years before correcting itself and moving back toward a buyer's market. However, we've been in our current sales cycle for over 13 years. This cycle isn't going to last forever; what goes up must come down eventually. On average, the year-over-year appreciation rate for homes is 4%. In our market, we've seen some neighborhoods appreciate between 11% and 20%, sometimes more! These prices are not sustainable, and we don't know what the future will bring. “If you wait to sell, you might wind up selling in a market that doesn't have as many offers.” What we do know is that now is an excellent time to sell. It's springtime, the weather is becoming nicer, and life is blooming. That means your home will look amazing for listing photos, and more buyers will be out in the market looking for homes. Furthermore, if you write an offer on a home in April and close in May, you might be able to stay in your current house through the end of the school year and move in the summer. The majority of the business we do occurs between May and September. Ultimately, if you wait to sell, you might wind up selling in a market that doesn't have as many offers, meaning that you may not get the maximal price for your property. If you've been thinking about selling your home, give us a call or send us an email. Let's have a chat about your home and determine the right timeline for you to list your property.

Take a look around our historic city with the amazing Tours of Tulsa. Tulsa looks awesome on Tours of Tulsa! I'm excited to talk with Kelly and learn all about the amazing things they do down here, and I mean down here, in an underground tunnel. Recently, our team did a little tour, and we had the best time in downtown Tulsa. We wanted to talk to Kelly so that she could share what they do here. How'd you start this business? Tell us all about it. My name is Kelly Gibson, and I've been touring in town now for 15 years. I have not always had the pleasure of owning my business, but it was in 2013 that I was fortunate enough to buy the tour company. Then I hired and trained six tour guides that work for me. We're doing all types of tours on a daily basis. This city is so rich in history; we have beautiful history in Tulsa. We also have history that's not beautiful, but it's our responsibility to tell all of it because our history is who we are in Tulsa. What are some of the most popular, or your favorite, buildings or things to feature on the tours? Our most popular, most requested tour happens to be a walking historical art deco tunnel tour. A lot of people think we're just going to be walking through the bowels of downtown Tulsa, but that tour is rich with history and many stories. We love that tour, and it lasts for an hour. However, if you'd like an hour and a half or even two hours, we can walk for that long. “Our history is who we are in Tulsa.” I sure hope that so many other people can experience your tours. What's the best way that people can find out more? You can email us at kelly.gibson@toursoftulsa.com, give us a call at (918) 625-4909, and we have a website as well. All of our tours are private, so you can choose your best day and time and let us know how long you'd like to go. Typically, the way that we charge for our tours is $80 per hour, but that's not per person. That rate is good for one to 10 people on walking tours. If you have more than 10 people, we have additional guides so we can have multiple groups going at the same time. Everyone can start and end at the same time, just in smaller groups. I love it so much; I know we'll be looking to set up another tour here soon. Thanks to Kelly for sharing her stories! It's so fun to learn. Their biggest goal at the end of each tour is that people will have a brand-new appreciation of the city of Tulsa. Don't forget to book your tours, and let us know if you need anything. Just call or email us. We'd be happy to help!

We do walk-throughs of our properties every four to six months. We do walk-throughs of our properties every four months if residents have any pets or every six months if no pets are present. This gives our owners peace of mind they can trust. On a walk-through, we go inside the property and take pictures of all of the rooms and walls to show the owner the condition of the property. If there are any concerns that need immediate attention, we give a 10-day notice to our tenants. If you have any questions, please visit HiPacificPM.com or give us a call at (808) 445-9223. We look forward to hearing from you.

Rising interest rates might not be as bad as you think for a few reasons. What are these rising interest rates doing to the market? Should you get in the market now or wait? Those are great questions, so let's go over how interest rates are affecting our market. While interest rates have gone up and will continue climbing, they are still very low compared to historical averages. Instead of slowing our market, rising rates have spurred buyers to secure a home before they rise even more. We're still seeing price appreciation and multiple offers. These higher rates might not be as bad as you think, and there are three reasons why. First, your average homebuyers are couples in their 30s with dual incomes and more assets than ever before. Also, jumbo loan rates are lower than conventional rates, so luxury buyers are still a bit protected. Finally, the additional monthly payment from a 1% rate increase is nominal compared to how price increases have been affecting payments.  If you're planning on buying or selling, you should call me, and we can have a strategy session over what these rate hikes mean for you. If you have any questions at all, just call or email me. I'd love to help.

Anxious about buying a home in today's market? We can help you save money. We're definitely feeling the spring market here at the Amy Wengerd Group, and it's so exciting. I'm sure you've heard about all the offers that homes for sale are receiving and the terms that are being negotiated. Some homes are selling for 20% or even 30% over asking price! Buyers are even offering to pay for the seller's closing costs, and many are willing to bridge the gap if the appraisal comes in lower than the asking price. Buyers are willing to do almost anything to secure a house in our market. While we have to educate our buyers that this is what they're up against, something feels wrong about telling them that they have to pay that much more than the asking price to win a home. After all, we are concerned about our buyers' futures, and nobody can predict with certainty what's going to happen down the road. “Year to date, we have saved our buyers $137,800 on the asking prices of the homes they purchased.” That's why we're committed to educating you about the market and providing you with every possible option to secure your next purchase. Armed with this knowledge, you can then make an informed decision about whether you want to buy in this market or not. If you don't want to buy in this market, we'd totally understand. It might be better in some situations to put the home purchase on hold until the market cools down some. However, I do want to offer a ray of hope to all the homebuyers out there. Year to date, we have saved our buyers $137,800 on the asking price of the homes they have purchased. That's huge, especially considering that number is only over a 3.5-month period. Our buyers went through the whole process, did their inspections, and didn't all have to pay way more than asking price for their homes. In one case, a buyer paid $20,000 under asking price! If you're looking to buy a home, know that there are options available to you. We help people overcome obstacles every day, and we'd love to help you, too. Don't hesitate to give us a call or send us an email if you have any questions or need assistance with your home purchase. We hope to hear from you soon.

The data we have doesn't indicate an oncoming wave of foreclosures. Prices just seem to keep going up and up in our current market. Lots of people see this trend and are worried about a repeat of the 2008 crash. Today I'll walk through some data and show you why foreclosures are not on the horizon. Feel free to watch the full message or use these timestamps to browse specific topics at your leisure: 0:00 — Introducing today's topic 0:47 — The percentage of people worried about a bubble 1:23 — Homeowners' Equity Gains in 2021 2:13 — Foreclosures are at an all-time low 3:28 — Notices of Default in 2021 & 2022 4:37 — Trustees Deeds in 2021 & 2022 5:10 — Foreclosures aren't coming, but we are in a bubble 5:57 — Wrapping up If you have any questions about your situation, visit gostgeorge.com and don't hesitate to reach out to me by phone or email. I'd love to help you and look forward to hearing from you.

Here is how Revitalize T-Town helps low-income Tulsa homeowners. Today we're talking with Jennifer Barcus-Schafer, the CEO of Revitalize T-Town. She's done a ton to help this community, and they have an upcoming event on April 28 that sounds like a ton of fun. This organization is truly something special, so let's get right into our conversation.  Can you tell us a little bit about what you guys do here in Tulsa and how you give back to your community?  Revitalize T-Town is a local nonprofit, and our goal is to make homes safe and healthy for low-income homeowners in Tulsa. We serve those in need of roofs, energy efficiency, repairs, and anything that can make their homes a healthier place to live long term. We want people to age in place and raise their families in our community.  We know you do so much good for our families here in Tulsa, so what is the greatest need you see? Where do people need the most help?  I would say roofs since they're the biggest expense for a home. If you've never had to replace a roof, you don't know how much of a financial burden it is. At that point, you're hoping for a hail storm so that insurance covers the costs! Without a solid roof, everything else in the home is jeopardized, and with our severe weather, it's especially important.  As an organization, I know you guys work hard to garner donations and help, so is that the best way people can support you? How many families do you help, and how much does that cost?  “Our goal is simply to keep people in their homes. ” Last year, we served 120 families in Tulsa, which equaled about 226 people. For every house we work on, the average cost is around $9,900. Some are more; some are less. It sounds crass, but our biggest need is money because that's what ultimately gets the repairs done. With inflation and supply chain issues, we can have as many willing folks as possible, but without money, we can't do much.  Our business is helping people with their homeownership, and your purpose is the same; you just go about it in a different way. What is your ultimate goal?  Our goal is simply to keep people in their homes. Just like with most people, these families' biggest assets are their houses. Many of them inherited their places, so they might not know everything that goes into maintaining their property. If we can help them get started and educate them, we can keep them in their homes and improve their neighborhoods.  So if people want to help you help our community, where can they find you and donate?  We have a website with a donate button at www.revitalizettown.org, and you can also visit our Facebook page. We have an event called Raise the Roof coming up on April 28, at The Vista at 21. There will be music, food, drinks, and a beautiful view of downtown Tulsa. Also, if you or someone you know needs help, our website is a great resource to get in contact with us.  We'd like to thank Jennifer for speaking with us once again. As always, if you have questions about anything real estate-related, please call or email us. We're always willing to help! 

1907 is a fun shop in Broken Arrow that has a little bit of everything. Tulsa looks so good on 1907! Located at 115 E. Fort Worth St. Broken Arrow, we're excited to be with Bree at 1907. Bree was kind enough to answer a few questions about her business for us below: What is 1907, and what makes it unique? “1907 is a celebration of Oklahoma, and our store is called that because 1907 is the year we became a state. Everything in the store is made locally, and we make a lot of it. We have a little bit of everything including super-soft shirts, tumblers, koozies, earrings, soaps, salsas, jams, and more.” It looks like there's something for everyone in all different sizes and shapes. What are some of the most popular items? “It depends on if you're an Okie or a transplant. We have Okie girl stuff, but you have to identify as one to want those items.” People can also make custom items here. Besides that, what are some special features of 1907?  “We've been here since 2013, which feels like forever ago. We started out with a little store and just made jewelry and bought everything else. I've always loved doodling, and in art school, everything I drew looked like doodles, and that's turned into a business.  One time I drew the Osage shield with a dreamcatcher in the background, and taking that to get printed was the coolest feeling; I took an idea, turned it into something, then turned it into items people can buy. I'm not selling expensive paintings—it's everyday art all people can appreciate. Then I just did another and another, and my favorite part of this business is making something people can take home. If you like a design, you can get it on a t-shirt, cuff, or coaster. I love seeing the way people light up when they see something they like.” How can people find you? “Come by the store; we have way more here than you'll see on our website because the in-person stuff is our specialty. However, our website is great, and you can also find us on our Instagram and Facebook page. We're located at 115 E. Fort Worth St. Broken Arrow, OK 74012; we're a big red barn, you can't miss it. Bigfoot is outside, so you can take a selfie!” We appreciate Bree sharing all of her passion and her very cute store with us. If you ever have any real estate questions, call or visit The Wolek Group website. We would love to help you.

Here is the latest Tulsa market report and what it means for you. Hey there! I just wanted to share with you all of the great things that are happening in the Tulsa real estate market. We want to be your local real estate economist of choice; we are here, we are knowledgeable, and we are in the market every day. Today I have a market report that's fresh off the presses from our local multiple listing service. As a team, we are always monitoring and checking this report to see what is happening in the Tulsa market. This is an amazingly detailed report, and you can find the whole document on this site. We typically like to focus on the year-over-year stats. They are going to be a snapshot of how 2021 compared to 2020. We saw huge increases in a lot of areas and huge decreases in some other areas.  Real estate is always about supply and demand. When we have a low supply of homes for sale, the demand goes up, which also means the values go up. That is definitely what we have seen here over the last year.  The top categories are the number of closed sales, pending sales, and new listings on the market. We had an increase in sales and pendings, but the active new listings are down over the whole year.  A seller can price their home for whatever they like; it just may not sell for that, so we want to see what the reality is of you getting what you priced your home for. The number that tracks that is the average percent of listing price to selling price. It is now at 99.26%, so you can see that people who priced their homes at market value got that price.  The average sales price over these last two years has continued to increase. From 2020 to 2021, there was a 15.9% increase, so while you were sitting in your property, it has appreciated almost 16% by doing nothing. Isn't that pretty cool? “There is a huge need for active properties!” The other determining factor we like to look at is how long it takes to sell a home. With low supply and high demand, you can imagine that homes not only sell for more money but in a shorter amount of time. In the past, the average was at 33 days on the market, and now it is at 23 days. That is down 27%! The months' supply of inventory, or absorption rate, is also really important to note. This compares how long a new home would take to sell with a snapshot of everything available right now. That number is at 1.63 months, so in almost two months, everything that is currently active would sell. That again tells us that there is a huge need for active properties. With that being said, we're in a crunch; we need help selling homes to our buyers! We have active buyers looking for properties, but we've scoured the market, and all of them are either sold or not on the market yet. Maybe you have a home that you're thinking about selling, or you might just be curious about your home's value. We want to be here for you when you have these questions, thoughts, or even an inkling of curiosity. That's what we're here for! Another cool thing about being in contact with us is that we have many agents working with buyers and sellers every day. I shared with you that active inventory is low, but we've already met with future sellers who are finishing up some painting or repairs and getting their homes ready for the market. We have an active pipeline of properties coming up, so if you're interested in getting a report whenever those properties hit the market, we'd be happy to send you those. Just email or message us to get on our hot properties alert list. Call or email us if you have questions, concerns, ideas, or any real estate needs. We'd love to speak with you!

The Demand Project's vitally important work of fighting human trafficking. What the Demand Project does for the Tulsa area community is just so amazing. We recently sat down with Kristin so that she could share what the organization is all about and why her work is so invaluable. The Demand Project was founded due to a story Kristin heard in 2004 of a horrible incident that was recorded and shared online for others to watch. It was so awful that Kristin felt that she had to do something about it. The organization was formed to cover the gaps in the system, help prevent sexual exploitation from happening, protect those who need it, and help victims recover when awful things do happen. The Demand Project can hold presentations just about anywhere to help people better understand the extent and nature of the problem of human trafficking. They host an Aware Workshop that works with parents and teaches them how to keep kids safe online and out on the streets. There, you can learn how to identify and fight sexual exploitation—if you see something, then having the resources and knowledge to say something can make all the difference. Kristin also recommends that anyone who is serious about learning how to combat these issues check out other, similar organizations like Shared Hope, the Polaris Project, and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. “Having the resources and knowledge to say something can make all the difference.” If you'd like to get involved, the Demand Project could use the extra time, money, and resources to keep up the good fight. They're always looking for house guardians for their campus, respite care, office assistance, and much more. Visit www.TheDemandProject.org to learn more about who they are, what they do, and all the ways that you can lend a hand to keep our children safe. And if you have any questions or would like to hear more about how you can become more active in the community to help keep the Tulsa area wonderful, don't hesitate to give us a call at the Wolek Group. We'd love to have a conversation with you!

Here's what Keri from SALT Yoga had to say about her fantastic business. Today we're chatting with Keri from SALT Yoga about her awesome business. We're huge fans of SALT, so we hope you enjoy this interview as much as we did! What would you say to someone who hasn't started their yoga journey yet? What are some of the benefits? To just start! There are a lot of questions and mysteries around what yoga is, but my main piece of advice is don't be intimidated. The benefits are truly endless, so there's no reason too big or too small to walk through the doors of SALT Yoga.  If I had to break down the main goal of yoga, it's to reconnect with yourself. We get so caught up in our busy lives, so we want people to leave their stress behind when they come into our studio so that they can get quiet and get in touch with their bodies no matter what shape they're in.  One thing we really enjoy about SALT, besides the stretching and exercises, is the breathing. It's so important for us in this busy world to do that, especially given the last couple of years. What are some things that you love about SALT specifically that other yoga studios might not do? Since we're a hot studio, we provide a detox experience for our clients that typical studios can't provide. We want people to feel strong, clean, and open when they're done, and sweating helps us accomplish this. Also, while we have restorative meditation classes for beginners, our courses can be pretty challenging. Everyone leads busy lives, so we try to get as much as we can out of the hour you have with us. “The main goal of yoga is to reconnect with yourself. ” In our experience, all are welcome at SALT as well. It's not intimidating or scary at all!  Exactly; one of our biggest priorities at SALT is to cultivate a welcoming environment. I remember the first time I walked into a yoga studio I thought, “What is this mysterious place? Who are these people?” We know it can be intimidating, but we don't want that here.  I'd like to thank you once again for talking with us, Keri. Does SALT have anything going on that people should know about? Yes! We always have our 10 for 10 deal for new clients. If you live in Oklahoma and you've never done yoga before, you can do 10 consecutive days of unlimited classes. You can get a feel for the instructors, check out meditation, and get a feel for if yoga is right for you.  If you are interested in SALT Yoga, shoot them an email at hello@saltyogatulsa.com or visit their website at www.saltyogatulsa.com. You can also stop by 1708 Utica Square, Tulsa, OK 74114, and see what they have to offer. Finally, don't forget you can always ask us questions about real estate, local businesses, or any other topic by calling 918-706-9845. We look forward to hearing from you!

At Board & Brush, you can create the wooden masterpiece of your dreams. Tulsa looks good on you, and it looks great on Stacy with Board & Brush Creative Studio. I'm feeling the energy and excitement here, and I'm so delighted to talk to her about all the fun things about her business today! Board & Brush is a DIY paint-sip studio. They serve wine, beer, and other beverages to go along with their unique wooden art projects. Nobody has to do the same project at their workshop, unlike other sip and paint studios. Everybody gets to decide on what they want to make.  “ The possibilities are endless.” Not only is it a fantastic place for holiday and team events, they also offer public workshops as well as private events for anniversaries, birthdays, showers, and more! When you walk into the studio, you feel inspired by all the amazing pieces lining the walls.  At Board & Brush, you can customize exactly what you want to make on your board. You'll choose a design ahead of time, then start with raw wood. Then their instructors will walk you through how to sand, stain, stencil, paint, and finish the project. There are different stains, techniques, and over 80 colors to choose from; the possibilities are endless.  Even if you aren't the most artistic person, there's something for everyone here at Board & Brush. If your creation doesn't turn out how you like, they will help you fix it or fix it for you to your liking. To learn more about Board & Brush, you can head on over to their Facebook page, give them a call at (918) 615-0722, or visit their website. If you have any other questions for me or suggestions for a future video, don't hesitate to reach out via phone or email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Here's why Tulsa looks great on The Succulent Shop in Broken Arrow. Tulsa looks good on you, and it also looks good on The Succulent Shop in the Rose District of downtown Broken Arrow. I can't wait to take you on a tour of this amazing shop today. I'm so excited to be joined by Andrew Meredith to talk about his amazing space and how it came to be. He has a landscaping background, but it was Andrew's wife Cassidy who actually came up with the idea after returning from her bachelorette party. You can read the full storyhere. Their vision resulted in The Succulent Shop. It's a fun, unique space where people can learn more about plants, how to care for them, and create customized treasures by building their own succulent masterpieces. Andrew is excited to be a tool for them. They teach new plant owners how to take care of their plants and bring in fantastic options for experienced plant people as well. “Whatever your preference, The Succulent Shop has it.” They're all about DIY and cultivating a family atmosphere. There is a bar, but there are no TVs. They want families to spend time together away from the screens, come in, get their hands dirty, learn, and have a good time while doing it. In my short period of time here, I can attest to how wonderful this place is. There are plants of all shapes and sizes. Whatever your preference, The Succulent Shop has it. Their greatest joy so far has been bringing something brand-new to the community and seeing people respond to it. The people of Broken Arrow and surrounding areas have been fantastic, and they're so excited to serve them. To learn more about The Succulent Shop, visit them on Facebook, Instagram, their website, or head on down to 319 S Main St. in Broken Arrow to have a drink and find your perfect plant. If you have any real estate questions for me, don't forget that I'm always here to answer them. Just reach out via phone or email today.