Podcasts about search all homes

HOAs: love 'em or hate 'em, they can make or break your experience as a homeowner—especially when it comes time to sell. In this episode of the State 48 Homeowner Podcast, we're diving into the good, the bad, the ugly—and the downright deal-killing—side of homeowners associations in Arizona.

Learn exactly how to flip property in Silicon Valley from an 8 figure house flipper!In this episode, we're joined by expert home flipper Elisa Covington, who shares her proven strategies for finding deals, managing renovations, and maximizing profits in the Bay Area market.Whether you're new to house flipping or looking to scale up, Elisa's tips on working with real estate agents, funding options, and construction management are invaluable.Be sure to like this episode and subscribe for more episode like this! Comment down below any questions you may have about house flipping!Want to learn more about house flipping? Check out Elisa's YouTube Channel

Curious about how to set up a Self-Directed IRA? In this step-by-step guide, I am joined once again by Edwin Kelly to break down the process, including how to fund your account and choose the right custodian, like Specialized Trust Company.This episode is a step-by-step guide teaching you how to set up your self-directed IRA account and how to use it to invest in real estate and plan for your retirement. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned investor, learn how to leverage a Self-Directed IRA to invest in real estate, minimize taxes, and grow your retirement account.Don't miss these actionable tips to take control of your tax planning! Be sure to like this episode and subscribe for more real estate episodes!

Curious about how to set up a Self-Directed IRA? In this step-by-step guide, I am joined once again by Edwin Kelly to break down the process, including how to fund your account and choose the right custodian, like Specialized Trust Company.This video is a step-by-step guide teaching you how to set up your self-directed IRA account and how to use it to invest in real estate and plan for your retirement. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned investor, learn how to leverage a Self-Directed IRA to invest in real estate, minimize taxes, and grow your retirement account.Don't miss these actionable tips to take control of your tax planning! Be sure to like this video and subscribe for more real estate episodes!

Is our market headed for a crash?Looking to buy a home? Search All HomesLooking to sell your home? Get a Free Home Value ReportMany people have been speculating that because of our market’s 21% growth in home prices in the last year, we’re repeating a similar cycle that we went through over a decade ago during the last housing crash. People who have bought into conspiracy theories fear that prices are going to plummet, there will be a wave of foreclosures, and the economy will crash. Today, however, we’re here to talk to you about the facts.We can tell you unequivocally that our market isn’t about to crash anytime soon. Nothing that is happening in our current market mirrors what was going on back then.One factor that contributed to the crash of 2007 to 2008 was that almost anyone who applied could get a loan, and not just one loan, but multiple loans that many people weren’t able to pay off. Since then, the mortgage industry has tightened up; there are more hoops to jump through if you want to get a loan today. Now they know to make sure that applicants are able to qualify for a loan before they’ll issue one.“      The circumstances surrounding today’s market are vastly different than we experienced back then.”Simple processes that we take for granted today, like appraisals, weren’t required back during the crash. Today, appraisals are taken more seriously. Even though the market has appreciated, we in the industry are still dealing with many appraisal challenges.The biggest deciding factor that caused the crash was an overabundance of homes in the market. We had too many homes and not enough buyers. Today, as I’m sure you’re aware by now, we have the opposite problem—there aren’t enough homes on the market to meet the buyer demand. Right now, we have one month’s supply of homes, and each house that we list in the regular price ranges is receiving upwards of 10 offers. Not only that, but these buyers are owner-occupiers, not investors, meaning that they’re buying homes to live in. During the crash, many investors were buying up properties for speculative purposes.The only thing that seems like it would be capable of slowing our market down would be an increase in interest rates. That would slow demand, but it wouldn’t cause home prices to plummet.All in all, don’t believe the conspiracy theories about the market heading for a crash. The circumstances surrounding today’s market are vastly different than we experienced back then. If you have any questions about the market or real estate in general, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’d love to speak with you.

Here are the benefits of choosing an experienced agent.Looking to buy a home? Search All HomesLooking to sell your home? Get a Free Home Value ReportGreat real estate agents understand how to negotiate and market homes, and they also know how to take advantage of a heated market like ours. Even though it’s now commonplace today, we’ve been generating bidding wars and selling homes for above asking price for over a decade. Our agents come from a place of abundance; they’re doing a ton of transactions and are well-compensated for it; they’ll never try moving things along just so that they can get a check. Being a buyer’s agent in this market is especially tough. It takes a lot of experience and effort to be able to secure a home for a buyer at all, given how low inventory has been. A good buyer’s agent needs to know how to navigate multiple-offer situations, and unfortunately, many newer agents don’t know how to do it.Be sure to compare and contrast your options for agents when seeking professional assistance. Don’t just work with your friend or family member because they’re there or you feel obligated—no matter how close to them you are, if they don’t have the right skill set, they may end up costing you by leaving money on the table or failing to negotiate the best deal.“      Now is not the time to hire an inexperienced agent.”No matter if you’re buying or selling, if you’re planning to act in this market, you’ll need an experienced professional who has the power of a team behind them. Transactions today are more complicated than they used to be, so it’s invaluable to be able to take advantage of multiple specialists to help yours move along swiftly and smoothly.Because we have such a large team, we’re able to collaborate in order to find properties that aren’t even on the market yet, as well as create strategies to secure properties for buyers and the best prices for sellers. We also have access to professional marketing resources like photography and videography, which can boost the appeal of a seller’s listing. Brand-new agents likely can’t afford the latest technology and tools to get you the best results.If you’ve been thinking about buying or selling a home, reach out to the Duncan Duo Team at RE/MAX. We’d be happy to speak in more detail about how our combined experience can help you find success no matter what you’re looking to do.

Now is the perfect time for you to sell your Tampa home. Here’s why.Looking to buy a home? Search All HomesLooking to sell your home? Get a Free Home Value ReportWe’re still in one of the hottest real estate markets we’ve ever seen, and it’s created a lot of unique situations for buyers and sellers alike. In particular, there are many opportunities for sellers to make a fantastic profit.Few people expected that the pandemic would cause such an influx of homebuyers in Florida. People who would normally leave the state have chosen to stay instead, so supply and demand are heavily favoring the sellers. Additionally, record-low interest rates have continued.We have less than a month of inventory in many of our markets, so a lot of bidding wars are taking place and netting sellers top dollar on their sales. Really, there’s never been a better time for sellers to jump into real estate. Additionally, sellers haven’t needed to do the upgrades and renovations they normally would in the past. You can still get offers above asking price when you sell your home as is, which nets you an even bigger profit. Home prices have also appreciated 21% year over year.“      If you’re on the fence or waiting to sell, we recommend that you jump into the market sooner rather than later.”However, new laws may take effect next year that affect capital gains taxes. For example, people can currently avoid paying a capital gains tax if they live in their property for two of the last five years. There are talks of ending this within the next year, which is another reason why now is a good time to sell.If you’re on the fence or waiting to sell, we recommend that you jump into the market sooner rather than later. A lot of things are likely to change in the near future, and these changes can cause you to miss out on great profits in your home sale. If you have any questions, would like more information, or are ready to sell your home, feel free to reach out to us. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Here are four reasons why we’re not in a market bubble that’s soon to burst.Looking to buy a home? Search All HomesLooking to sell your home? Get a Free Home Value ReportAs we head into the second quarter of 2021, there’s a lot of fear out there regarding the real estate market. People see that prices are continuing to rise and they’re concerned—understandably so—about the potential for a bubble in the market leading to a crash. Will we see a collapse like we saw a decade ago? Are prices about to fall? The answer to all of these questions is unequivocally no; we are not in the midst of a bubble, and a crash isn’t on the horizon. Here’s why: 1. Limited supply. Leading up to the ‘08 crash, we had an abundance of homes on the market, and not many people were actually interested in buying them. Builders ramped up production and greatly outpaced natural demand. Currently, we have fewer than two months of inventory across most neighborhoods and price ranges in Tampa Bay, meaning that there’s more demand than supply; prices will rise organically. Our market isn’t unstable or unnatural—it’s being fueled by basic economic principles. We can’t say the same for the manipulated market that existed between 2005 and 2008. That leads me to my next point… 2. The housing demand is real. We don’t have all the faulty and fake loans out there. Nowadays, it’s much harder to qualify for a loan; you have to send in more documents to verify more components of your financial profile before receiving approval.“      In the early to mid-2000s, Americans were using their houses like ATMs.”3. Households in 2021 have plenty of equity. In the early to mid-2000s, Americans were using their houses like ATMs. There was almost an economic assumption that equity exists solely to help you buy things like a new car or splurge on a fun vacation. This type of thinking left many vulnerable to a market correction. Today’s homeowners are not overextending themselves; they’re using their equity more judiciously. If you look at the stats, you’ll see that the majority of homeowners today are in much, much stronger equity positions than homeowners last decade. 4. Real estate is hyperlocal. What happens in one market doesn’t necessarily indicate what will happen in another. Here in Tampa Bay, we have several factors that will help keep our market hot for the foreseeable future. First, there's the population growth; more people are moving here than are moving away. Our builders are still lagging behind demand! Fewer people are selling their homes (though I think that that’s a mistake, considering they might get hit with an unpleasant new tax bill soon). Additionally, we have low taxes and fantastic weather. Last but not least, we have winning sports teams! We won the Stanley Cup and the Super Bowl, and our MLB team contended in last year’s World Series.So there you have it—four reasons why you should put your market bubble fears to bed. Hopefully this helped put things into perspective. As always, reach out by phone or email if you have questions about this or any other real estate topic. I’m here to help, and it’d be my pleasure to have a more in-depth conversation with you.

Home inspections are useful, even though they can’t predict the future.Want to buy a home? Search All Homes Want to sell your home? Receive a Home Value ReportToday I’m sharing a few things about home inspections. Home inspections help prevent issues and ensure you buy a home that’s up to standard. However, remember; inspectors don’t have crystal balls—they can’t predict what might go wrong in the future. For example, if you take your car in to get checked, and the mechanic says your brakes look great, but you do a ton of driving, and three months later they’d worn out—they couldn’t have predicted how fast they’d wear down. It’s the same thing for home inspections. Recently, we had a buyer purchase a house, and everything was in good condition, but three weeks later the furnace went out—the inspector had no way of knowing that would happen. The inspectors can only give a snapshot of what things look like at the time of inspection."Home inspections help prevent issues and ensure you buy a home that’s up to standard."While that may be the case, an inspector should provide maintenance tips that can help prolong the life of your mechanicals like the water heater, furnace, AC system, and more. That’s an indicator of a quality home inspection company.If you have more questions about home inspections or real estate in general, feel free to reach out via phone or email. We would love to help you.

Here’s how potential capital gains tax changes impact homeowners.Looking to buy a home? Search All HomesLooking to sell your home? Get a Free Home Value ReportPotential tax law changes on the horizon could impact home sellers’ capital gains rates and exclusions. Currently, sellers are allowed to sell their primary residence and not pay the capital gains tax if they’ve lived in that residence for at least two out of the past five years. Married couples can exclude up to $500,000 worth of capital gains, while single homeowners can exclude up to $250,000.Due to the run-up of our real estate market, many homeowners out there are sitting on a lot of equity. If they wait until next year or any year afterward to sell their properties, they could pay an enormous amount of capital gains. For our team’s savvy home sellers who don’t want to miss out on taking advantage of home appreciation, we recommend that they sell now, collect their capital gains tax-free, and buy a comparatively priced home in the same area or market. If you’re in the same situation, this simple lateral move protects you from the coming tax basis. Similarly, investors and landlords who own lots of properties could be looking to sell them because it’s a lock that capital gains rates are rising. If you’re an investor or landlord, you can look at this as an opportunity to take a greater gain as well. Of course, you can always buy back properties and take part in the appreciation that’s expected to happen in the next few years.“      This simple lateral move protects you from the coming tax basis.”However, because these tax changes haven’t been formally announced yet, people are waiting to see what happens. The problem here is that if you wait too long, you may not be able to sell your property within the same year. It’s not just about when you list your property—it’s about when you close on it. If you wait too long to list and your property closes next year, you won’t get the same benefit. Many of our smart, wealthy clients who own primary residences worth $500,000 to $1 million and have $200,000 to $500,000 worth of equity are selling now and buying comparable properties for this very reason. They also plan on staying in their new properties until the tax laws swing back the other way. If you’re afraid that home prices will keep rising, they may do so in the coming year, but that rise gets offset by what you’d have to pay in capital gains if you wait to sell. The longer you wait, the more you put yourself at risk, and there’s never been a better time to sell real estate in Tampa Bay. Inventory is low, we’re seeing high population growth, and there are tons of strong economic indicators. We’re seeing bidding wars across all price ranges and homes selling far above asking price, so talk to an agent and review your options. We’d be happy to give you a free consultation or determine what your home would sell for in this market, so give us a call or shoot us an email today. If you have any other real estate needs, feel free to reach out to us as well. Also, be sure to check out our weekly radio show every Sunday at 10 a.m. on 970 AM. We look forward to hearing from you!

If you’re buying a home, avoid making these five disastrous mistakes.Looking to buy a home? Search All HomesLooking to sell your home? Get a Free Home Value ReportThere are five fatal mistakes that too many homebuyers make during the home-buying process:1. Hiring an inexperienced agent. This includes hiring people like your close friends and family because you’d feel guilty if you didn’t. Many people work in real estate part time and unfortunately can't always provide the resources, tools, and experience needed to help you navigate to a successful closing. Hiring an inexperienced agent to help you could cost you tens of thousands of dollars, a lot of heartache, and cause you to make further mistakes in the transaction. More experienced agents do more transactions, have more experience, and can therefore help you get to the closing table.2. Failing to get a home inspection. Home inspectors are trained to find things that are wrong with a house. Like when they hire agents, many people look to their friends and family to help, only to find out months after the transaction that something had been missed or poorly assessed. Hiring a professional home inspector is a must in every real estate transaction.“      Don’t go out and make major credit purchases until after you close on the home.”3. Changing jobs. Any change in your job environment during a home purchase can cause issues with your mortgage. It doesn’t matter if you’ll make more money at your new job; it’s a risk the bank doesn’t want to take. Keep your job during the process, and be sure to document any bonuses you receive. 4. Making credit purchases. We’ve helped countless people who, after qualifying for a home, have gone out and purchased new furniture at 0% interest. That throws their debt-to-income ratio out of whack, and they’ll find that they can’t qualify with their lender to buy the home. Don’t go out and make major credit purchases until after you close on the home.5. Choosing the cheapest insurance. Far too many people buy the cheapest insurance policies they can, pass on flood insurance, or fail to get the proper coverage for certain elements of the home. Later when they have a claim, their claim is denied, meaning that they’re out potentially tens of thousands of dollars all because they didn’t want to pay an extra $100 a month for good coverage. Shop around for insurance before you pick one because buying the cheapest insurance is a recipe for disaster.If you have any questions about what it takes to successfully buy a home in our current market, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’d love to help you.

In our low-inventory market, here’s how buyers and sellers stack up.Want to buy a home? Search All Homes Want to sell your home? Receive a Home Value ReportWhat’s the latest news from our York County market?To answer that, we want to tell you the story of how one of our sellers sold their home for $35,000 over asking price. They listed the home for $280,000, which means the offer was for $315,000, and it included great terms that allowed them to settle whenever they wanted. They were looking at buying a new construction home next, but the agent for that home informed them she couldn’t accept an offer that was contingent on their current home selling first. She then told them to list their home as soon as they could and get an offer on it. Only then would she be able to accept an offer.Our clients loved this new construction home, so the next day they put a ‘for sale’ sign in their yard. They were able to keep their house very clean and were so efficient at letting people in for showings, and their effort was what led to their incredible offer. That’s the main takeaway from this story: Effort is what counts in this hot marketplace if you want to have the opportunity to accept an amazing offer and go after your next dream home. Once you put your home on the market, keep it clean and ready for as many showings as possible. With how low inventory is, it’s not hard to get an exceptional offer on your home.On the flipside, with how quickly homes are coming off the market, we know this can sound overwhelming if you’re a buyer. That’s why you must put in the same effort in buying a home as our sellers did in selling one. This means putting your best foot forward for your initial offer. Just like their buyer, you need to be willing to settle whenever the seller wants to settle. Being open and submitting your best offer up front will make it so much better than the other offers."It’s critical that you work with an agent who’ll put their whole effort into accomplishing your goals."A key to writing a good offer is getting a pre-approval letter before you start looking at homes and making offers. In this market, we’re sometimes writing offers for our clients right after attending showings, and having a pre-approval letter handy is vital to getting your offer accepted. This letter shows sellers you’re serious about buying.Whether you’re buying or selling in today’s market, it’s critical that you also work with an agent who’ll put their whole effort into accomplishing your goals. If you're a buyer, especially, there are plenty of bumps and bruises along the way a good agent can help you deal with.If you'd like our help in buying or selling a home or have questions about our York County market, call or email us anytime. We’d love to help you.

Here are a few things to consider before buying your first investment property.Looking to buy a home? Search All HomesLooking to sell your home? Get a Free Home Value ReportWhich tips do you need to remember to start off on the right foot as a first-time home investor?First, you’ll notice that I say “home investor” instead of “homebuyer” because I don’t think you should own your first investment property before you own your first home. Therein lies my first tip. Owning your own home before buying an investment property can teach you a lot about what can go wrong, how to fix things, what you are (and are not) capable of doing yourself, etc. Don’t put the cart before the horse and start buying up investment properties while you’re still paying someone else’s rent. Next, start small. Far too many people try hitting a home run with their first real estate investment and end up striking out. Continuing with our baseball parlance, just try hitting a single. Get a rental property you can manage yourself so you can learn how to screen tenants and identify ways you can increase rent. It’s a low-risk, high-reward opportunity. If you screw things up, you can probably correct the situation without it costing you too much. Additionally, the property can appreciate greatly over time and give you ample tax benefits.“      Once you buy your first rental property, you have to treat it like a business.”As time goes on, you can branch off into buying multifamily properties, commercial properties, more individual units, or start flipping homes. First, though, start small and build from there. Being a real estate investor is, in essence, its own separate business. As you gain more skills, you can grow your portfolio. Last but not least, hire a team of professionals. You need a team of property managers, real estate professionals, and contractors you trust to help you. Before buying any rental properties, you need to know who’ll be working on them, managing them (if you’re not), and offering you legal advice so you can successfully run your real estate investment business. Again, once you buy your first rental property, you have to treat it like a business. You have to give it its proper due by ensuring it’s properly managed by a group of professionals. If you’d like to know more about buying your first investment property or have any real estate needs I can assist you with, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’d love to hear from you.

Today I’m sharing some helpful home financing tips for buyers out there.Want to buy a home? Search All Homes Want to sell your home? Receive a Home Value ReportIf you’re a homebuyer, it’s essential that you at least have a pre-approval before you go out looking at homes. It’s one of the most important steps of the process.After you’ve saved up for your down payment and made sure your credit is straight, there are still a bunch of other factors that determine how much you’re approved for."A pre-approval is one of themost important steps of the process."The last thing you want to do is spend your valuable time out there looking at homes that aren’t in your price range. You may be looking at homes at or above your price range if you’re not pre-approved. This process will let you know what those monthly payments and taxes will look like so you can get a better idea of what you can afford versus what you’re comfortable with paying.You also need to work with a lender who knows the area. Those taxes can vary greatly depending on whether you’re looking in Maryland or Pennsylvania.If you have any questions about buying or selling a home, don’t hesitate to reach out via phone or email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

If you’re selling, here are some financially efficient renovation tips.Want to buy a home? Search All Homes Want to sell your home? Receive a Home Value ReportUnfortunately, home renovations don’t always bring a great return on investment; in most cases, you’ll actually lose money. For instance, if you do a major kitchen remodel, you can expect to get back around 70% of your money. A master suite edition will only get you back about 60% of your money. Decks are only slightly better; a wood deck will bring around a 70% return on your investment, and if you use a composite material like Trex, then you’ll only get back 60% to 65% of your money.When you sell your home, your goal is to make as much money as possible. The ways to do that are pretty simple, and you don’t even need to hire professional contractors to accomplish them:Painting. Paint your home in neutral colors like beige; this will better allow buyers to envision themselves living there.Depersonalization. Taking down and storing family photos will also help buyers imagine themselves in your home.Professional cleaning. If your home is nice and clean from top to bottom, that could easily add a few thousand dollars to your value, especially after COVID’s appearance on the scene."If you plan to sell in the short term,stick to simpler, cheaper projects."Replacing your siding. Alternatively, you could give your existing siding a good power wash to give the exterior of your home a whole new look. Be sure to check for holes in your siding too, so as not to let in any bugs or moisture.Updating your property’s landscaping. This may not be as important during the winter, but come the spring market, people want to see a prim and proper lawn.Decorating with a consistent theme. Be sure to keep your decorations fairly neutral and consistent throughout the home; that could include accenting your walls with curtains of a certain color, throw pillows, etc. This is an extension of the staging process, which helps you get the biggest bang for your buck.If you don’t plan to move out of your home for five or more years, then go ahead and make those larger renovations like in your kitchen and bathroom. You’ll gain equity over time that will make up for the costs. If you plan to sell in the short term, however, stick to the simpler fixes I’ve mentioned today.For any further questions you have about preparing your home for the market, don’t hesitate to reach out to Tru Advantage Realty. We’d love to help you.

At the moment, it’s better to sell your current home before buying.Want to buy a home? Search All Homes Want to sell your home? Receive a Home Value ReportThe real estate market is still very competitive during the holidays, and one thing that’s been helping our buyers get their next home under contract is selling their current house first."It’s better to put your current homeunder contract before buying another."Put yourself in the seller’s shoes and imagine that you’ve received two similar offers on your property: One has no contingencies, the other has the contingency to sell their home before buying yours. Everything else is the same except for the contingency difference. You don’t know when that buyer’s house will sell. The market is hot, but we sometimes still see properties sit for a couple of months. Then, you could also run into issues with the buyer’s financing.This demonstrates why it’s better to put your current home under contract before buying another; it helps you make a stronger offer to the seller. They’ll be more willing to choose your offer if it doesn’t have extra “what ifs” attached.We’d love to walk alongside you during the process of selling and buying your next house. If you need anything or have questions, call or text us. We’d be glad to help you.

This is why the winter months are a smart time to sell a home.Want to buy a home? Search All Homes Want to sell your home? Receive a Home Value ReportAs the fall season begins to wind down and the holiday season ramps up, the number of available homes on the market can begin to dwindle. This comes from the common misconception that your home is worth more money in the spring and summer because of the increased curb appeal brought on by a well-groomed lawn and beautiful flowers.There are still plenty of active buyers out there searching for a home during the holiday season. This can be a great opportunity for savvy sellers to take advantage of their equity and capitalize on the lower inventory. With interest rates so low this year, buyers can stretch their dollars a bit further.Waiting until spring just means more competition, which could potentially drive down your asking price. That’s just the basic economic principle of supply and demand at work."Buyers can stretch their moneya bit further this year."Unfortunately, nobody has a crystal ball or knows what tomorrow will bring, especially after a year like this. The only thing we can tell you is that right now, home values are higher than they’ve been in a long time. We can almost guarantee there is someone out there looking for a home just like yours right at this very moment.If you’re interested in learning more about how much equity you’ve gained this past year and what kind of doors it can open for you, give us a call or send us an email today. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Data shows that you can afford a more expensive property in 2020 than in 2019. Want to buy a home? Search All Homes Want to sell your home? Receive a Home Value ReportWith housing prices so high and interest rates so low, will you still get a better deal on a home this year than you would have last year?According to the financial data experts from CoreLogic, home prices have increased by 6.6% on average, or $9,800, even more in some states. At the same time, interest rates have hit record lows for well-qualified buyers. The data from financial company NerdWallet says that in 2019 interest rates averaged 3.9%. As of November 9, 2020, interest rates are at 2.8% on a 30-year mortgage, which is 1.1% lower than in 2019. (Rates are as low as 2.5% for a 15-year mortgage.)"Though home prices have risen, the extremely lowinterest rates still give you more leverage."That 1.1% difference equates to 14% more buying power. For example, if you could only afford to finance a $270,000 house last year, making payments of $1,274 per month over 30 years, this year, you could afford to finance a $310,000 home for that same $1,274 payment. That’s an additional $40,000 in leverage compared to 2019. So even though home prices have risen, the extremely low interest rates still give you more leverage than last year.So, can you get a better deal in 2020 than in 2019? The answer in most cases is yes. We don’t know how long these great low interest rates will last, so if you’re considering a move, don’t wait too long.If you have more questions on this topic or any other real estate matter, text or call me. I’d love to be your real estate guide.

Here’s our pricing advice for today’s home sellers. Want to buy a home? Search All HomesWant to sell your home? Receive a Home Value ReportA few days ago, one of our clients was able to sell their home in just a few days for $10,000 more than the asking price because we had the right pricing strategy. When we initially discussed the price, we didn’t start at the very top. We started at a place where we knew it would grab a lot of buyers’ attention. We had four showing requests and four offers on the first day we listed it and, in this situation, we got more money by pricing here than we would have by pricing at the top of the market.This strategy doesn’t work for every seller, but we’re equipped to help you out no matter your situation. If you have questions for us, don’t hesitate to reach out via phone or email. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Here’s what you need to keep in mind if you’re buying a home within the next three years. Want to buy a home? Search All HomesWant to sell your home? Receive a Home Value ReportIf you’re looking to buy a home within the next three years, there are three very important tips to remember:1. Understand your finances. You need to know what’s coming in, what’s coming out, and what you can afford. It’s important not to live beyond your means. Understanding your finances is also key to saving up for your down payment and anything else you’ll need once you close on your new home.2. Be mindful of your credit. A great way to stay on top of this is to check your FICO score, which is typically free if you use online banking.3. Get in touch with a local mortgage lender. You need to know what you can afford before you start shopping for homes because you might be able to afford more than you think. Reaching out to a local lender is the best way to calculate your buying power.We’d love to connect with you to guide you through the preliminaries of buying a home. We also know plenty of great local lenders who can help you as well. If you have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We look forward to speaking with you.

Here’s why buying and selling during the holidays is still a great idea.Looking to buy a home? Search All HomesLooking to sell your home? Get a Free Home Value ReportObviously, 2020 is different from previous years, but excluding the week around Christmas and New Year’s, we are always very busy. In fact, December is one of our busiest months for closings. There are a myriad of factors that drive this trend. For example, people are looking for tax breaks or they’re looking to make a change before school resumes. Since our market doesn’t have a dead season, homes for sale are always going to look their best.If you were in the market to buy a home now, you’d probably be looking at a December closing as it is. Since our market is low on inventory, many people who didn’t find the home they wanted during the summer are now taking a step back and assessing how they could potentially move during their time off around the holidays.“      It’s pretty much always a good time to buy or sell in our market.”Aside from a busy, year-round market, we also have historically low interest rates, an appreciating real estate market, and many other good, local economic indicators. Furthermore, if you buy or sell during the holidays, there’s also the convenience of moving when the weather is cooler.The bottom line is that it’s pretty much always a good time to buy or sell in our market. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Buyers and sellers need these tips for home maintenance during showings. Want to Buy a Home? Search All Homes Want to Sell a Home? Receive a Home Value ReportToday I have a few home maintenance tips to share for both buyers and sellers during showings.If you’re selling your home, make sure your lawn is manicured and landscaped. The first impression is the best impression buyers will get. If you’re living in the house while you sell it, here’s a tip: If you keep items on top of your nightstand, put them in a bin under the bed before showings. Also, throw any dishes lying around into the dishwasher.Small things can make a difference. Try not to give buyers anything they need to overlook to see the property’s potential."If you keep items on top of your nightstand,put them in a bin under the bed before showings."Buyers: I know I just told sellers to manicure their lawn, but if you pull up to the house and see that the lawn isn’t manicured, don’t worry about it. You can mow the lawn when the property is yours. You can also landscape however you like, so try to see past that when you’re looking at homes. If you walk into a house and see that the sellers didn’t have time to tidy up, don’t get caught up in those details. You need to focus on whether the home has enough space for your family and the rooms you need; when it’s yours, you can personalize it.If you have any questions about what to do to get your house sold or are considering buying a property, call or email me! I have the answers you need.

Here’s why you should give some of the stranger numbers (1,3,7,9) some love. Want to Buy a Home? Search All Homes Want to Sell a Home? Receive a Home Value ReportTypically, when you find yourself in a multiple-offer situation, the first increment by which you and your agent think to go above asking price is either $5,000 or $10,000. I see this strategy all the time from buyers bidding on one of our listings.Here’s the truth: Making your offer $5,000 or $10,000 above asking price won’t help it stand out; if thinking in 5s and 10s feels natural to you, that’s because it’s natural for everyone. Instead, consider increasing your offer by $1,000, $3,000, $7,000, $9,000, or even $11,000—all odd numbers that don’t come to us as natural increments.Still not convinced? Well, think about the impact on your monthly payment: If your offer price for a $200,000 listing is $209,000 but you have to raise again, jumping to $211,000 will only add $10 more to your monthly payment. Why doom yourself to bigger leaps of 5s and 10s?If you have questions about this or any other real estate-related tips, call me directly or shoot me an email. We’re always glad to have a more in-depth chat with you about these topics!

These seven improvements will have the biggest impact on your home sale. Want to Buy a Home? Search All Homes Want to Sell a Home? Receive a Home Value ReportWhat are some simple and fairly inexpensive ways you can increase your home’s appeal so that it performs well online and woos buyers when they come to visit in person? Here are seven things that buyers respond to well:1. Neutral paint. It will give your home a fresh, crisp look at a low cost.2. Updated appliances. If yours are mismatched or getting up there in age, it’s a great idea to choose either a new matching black or stainless steel set for your kitchen.3. Fresh landscaping. Adding fresh flowers and mulch, removing dead plants, and neatly trimming bushes will give your home tremendous curb appeal.4. Updated kitchen and bathrooms. This, too, can easily be achieved with fresh paint and new knobs or handles.5. Power washed exterior. Get all of the cobwebs off and clear away any mystery grime on the siding.6. Replaced front door. Now, depending on the condition of the door, you may be able to grab buyers’ attention by simply painting it. If you don’t replace the door itself, then replace the other hardware and consider hanging a seasonal wreath for a nice touch.7. Stain and paint your deck or patio. After you power wash it, put some sealant on it for a polished look.I hope you found these tips helpful. If you have any questions about these quick and easy projects, or real estate in general, please feel free to reach out via phone or email. We’re happy to hear from you and be of assistance.

Here’s what to expect when closing on a home during COVID-19.Want to Buy a Home? Search All HomesWant to Sell a Home? Receive a Home Value ReportSelling your home during the health crisis may seem a bit daunting, so if you have found a buyer and accepted an offer, congratulations; you’re almost there! All that’s left is to close the deal. However, the coronavirus has unfortunately thrown a few wrenches into the closing process too. These are the four things sellers should expect when closing amid COVID-19:1. Delays. Lenders have been swamped with processing refinancing applications due to the historically low interest rates, and social distancing and sheltering in place are complicating home inspections, appraisals, and final walk-throughs. This means that each step may take longer than usual.2. Changes in appraisals. Customarily, lenders require those buyers receiving a mortgage to get an appraisal, but to keep sellers safe, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have been instructed to allow exterior or desktop appraisals during the health crisis. This is good news, but these procedures could also take longer.“These guidelines are meant to protect everyone.”3. Changes in walk-throughs. Social distancing makes in-person walk-throughs less common, with some being done virtually.4. Delays in closings. Social distancing may also delay closings because some of the title company’s offices are closed, and in-person gatherings of 10 people or more are prohibited. Rather than having everyone gathered in one room, various parties might sit in separate rooms and pass papers back and forth.Keep in mind that most changes in the process are beyond anyone’s control. These guidelines are meant to protect everyone from unnecessary exposure risks.All of us here at the Tami Holmes Team would be glad to assist you in navigating the home closing process amid the coronavirus. We’ve successfully sold hundreds of houses during this difficult time.If you have any questions about closings or real estate in general, please call or email us. We would love to help you.

Don’t let a completely resolvable issue sink your home sale or purchase. Want to Buy a Home? Search All Homes Want to Sell a Home? Receive a Home Value ReportThe No. 1 reason why deals fall through: Not having the right agent and contacts. Here’s one of the most important things you should ask any agent you’re interviewing: “If we have a problem with our home during the inspection or appraisal process, do you have reliable contacts on standby?”For example, I have a client who’s buying here in York, Pennsylvania, and selling her home three hours away in a whole different county. It was discovered she had a problem with her home’s septic system, but the agent did not have a contact for her. Instead, the agent told her to reach out to anybody she can think of to help fix her septic system. Three weeks later, the problem still hasn’t been fixed, and no guidance has been given to the client (I wasn’t even made aware of the situation until recently). We were set to close two days from the recording of this video, but now that won’t happen—all because an agent did not have a contact.“ If you don't have go-to options for your home maintenance needs, you have to make sure you ask your agent if they do.”Unfortunately, situations like this are why hard-working and knowledgeable agents get a bad reputation. You have to build a relationship with contractors and maintain a list of people you can call on to address issues in your home. If you don't have go-to options for your home maintenance needs, you have to make sure you ask your agent if they do. If you have further questions on this topic or are gearing up to sell your home soon, reach out to me directly via phone or email.

The market is hot right now for buyers and sellers.Want to Buy a Home? Search All HomesWant to Sell a Home? Receive a Home Value ReportAre you eager to sell your home? The market is flooded with buyers eager to buy it.According to the latest Freddie Mac quarterly forecast, mortgage interest rates fell to historically low levels during the spring and are projected to remain low. This means there is a huge incentive for well-prepared buyers to strike now. Homeowners looking for eager buyers can take advantage of this opportunity to sell as well.Not only are mortgage rates low, but there’s also a very positive outlook on interest rates going forward, as a drop to 3.2% could be possible in 2021. Thanks to these low interest rates, buyers keep driving the housing market forward. The rebound in the economy has been uneven, but one segment that’s been exhibiting strength is the housing market.Even though buyers are ready to purchase, it’s hard for many of them to find a home to buy. Mortgage rates aren’t the only thing hovering near all-time lows—available homes for sale have dropped off. With housing inventory as scarce as it is (down 20% year over year), keeping buyers in the mood to buy may be tough if they can’t find a home to buy.“The rebound in the economy has been uneven,but one segment that’s been exhibitingstrength is the housing market.”What does this mean for buyers? Competition is hot, so getting pre-approved now will help you gain a competitive advantage and accelerate the home buying process so that you’re ready to go when you find that perfect home. Furthermore, working quickly and efficiently with a trusted real estate professional (like The Tami Holmes Team) will help put you in a position to act quickly.What does this mean for sellers? The motivation for buyers to purchase a house is as high as ever, so listing now before other sellers come onto the market in your area will put your home on the top of many buyers’ lists. With all of the safety guidelines and precautions in place regarding the showing of your home, confidence is also on your side.The bottom line is that whether you’re looking to buy or sell, there is great motivation to enter the housing market. If you reach out to us today, one of our team’s experts will help you every step of the way.If you have any other real estate questions, feel free to reach out to us as well. We’re here to help.

Need to buy sight unseen? Thank goodness we’re in the digital age!Looking to buy a home? Search All HomesLooking to sell your home? Get a Free Home Value ReportIn Tampa Bay, we almost always see a surge of people coming down in the summer, but this summer we’ll likely see even more people who want to move here to enjoy the affordability, low taxes, and the absence of a state income tax—not to mention to get out of their crowded city apartments after months of lockdown. So, if you’re moving out of state in today’s market, how do you buy a home sight unseen? In recent months, more people than ever have been doing this out of an abundance of caution amid the coronavirus pandemic.Buying sight unseen isn’t new, especially here in Florida where there are a lot of investors and folks buying vacation homes. Doing it effectively, however, requires some extra awareness.Cited below for your convenience are timestamps that will direct you to various points in the video. Feel free to watch the full message, or use these timestamps to skip to topics that interest you most:1:16 — The importance of working with an agent that truly understands your needs2:10 — You don’t have to be physically present at the closing table3:26 — Do as much digital research on the area (and the agent who will help you move there) as possible4:34 — Don’t give up a property that’s poorly listed; ask your agent to fill in the gaps5:20 — Wrapping things upAs always, if you have questions about anything that was discussed in this video or real estate in general, you know who to call or email! We’re available to address your concerns and listen to your unique home buying or selling situation. Don’t forget to follow us on social media as well! Have an awesome day.

Home sellers in our market will be very pleased with this update. Looking to buy a home? Search All HomesLooking to sell your home? Get a Free Home Value ReportA lot of people don’t realize that we’re in such a strong seller’s market here in Tampa Bay. Bidding wars are back, homes are selling above asking price, and even the luxury market is moving quickly.Although this sentiment sounds sales-y, it’s the truth. If you would have talked to me a few months ago I wouldn’t have believed it. However, the limited inventory we have right now when combined with the high demand we’re seeing from buyers is making our market very strong.“The No. 1 way to make sure your home sells fast in this market is to price it right.”Although sales were down for the last few months, inventory has decreased as well. The No. 1 way to make sure your home sells fast in this market is to price it right. Don't give the consumer any reason to believe that something is wrong with your property. If the home’s overpriced, the consumer will go down that road, whether it’s valid or not.We can help you sell your home for top dollar in the traditional way, but we can also buy it from you directly with our cash offer program.If you have questions for us or any real estate needs that we can assist with, don’t hesitate to reach out via phone or email. We look forward to hearing from you.

If you find a home on the market you love, jump on it as soon as possible. Want to Buy a Home? Search All Homes Want to Sell a Home? Receive a Home Value ReportSuppose you found a house that you loved and could see yourself living in. However, before you made an offer, you told your agent that you wanted to think about it. What if you woke up the next morning and found that someone else already submitted an offer? Would you be mad?If you love a house, make an offer on it quickly. I understand that you might want to sleep on certain big decisions before you make them, but doing so in real estate could mean missing your chance.“ If you love a house, make anoffer on it quickly.”Our market is hot right now, so be sure to put in your highest and best offer on a home you love as soon as possible. Once you do, your real estate agent can help you negotiate the rest on your behalf.If you’d like to learn more about making an offer on your dream home, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’d love to hear from you.

Here’s what we expect to see this summer in the Tampa Bay housing market. Looking to buy a home? Search All HomesLooking to sell your home? Get a Free Home Value ReportEveryone thought that the Tampa market was only going to get worse due to everything happening with COVID-19. Granted, there hasn’t been as much inventory for buyers to choose from, but there have been plenty of buyers out looking because interest rates have dropped so low.In short, the pandemic helped generate pent-up demand, and now it seems like all those sellers who previously withdrew from the market are coming back in droves to put their homes up for sale.On top of that, as the country starts to reopen, there’s the fact that many people who have spent way more time at home than they ever planned to have decided that they want to move to the suburbs and other, less-crowded areas. People were already flocking from New York to Florida before the pandemic, but that’s a trend that we expect to continue as we move through the summer.“All in all, ours is still a robust market, and we anticipate it to remain that way for quite some time.”If you’re a homeowner who plans to sell this year, know that you’re in a great position to fetch a premium price for your property simply because there isn’t a lot of inventory from which to choose. Even if more sellers started putting their homes on the market, it would still take a while for the inventory to catch up to the demand.All in all, ours is still a robust market, and we anticipate it to remain that way for quite some time. Homes are selling quickly (many with multiple offers), interest rates are low, and demand is high.If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. In the meantime, be sure to catch “The Duncan Duo Real Estate Show” every Sunday morning at 10 a.m. on 970 AM WFLA. Hope to hear from you soon!

I’m sharing the three basic things buyers need to do to be successful. Want to Buy a Home? Search All Homes Want to Sell a Home? Receive a Home Value ReportAt TruAdvantage Realty, we know what it’s like to be a buyer in a competitive marketplace. We’ve helped plenty of buyer clients get into the home of their dreams. Unfortunately, we also see plenty of buyers who fail to prepare and end up leaving the market (or lingering around on it for longer than they’d like) with a sour taste in their mouths. Here are three tips for buyers that we’ve observed to be indispensable:1. Be available for showings. Right now, the market is red hot and homes are selling lightning quick. You need an agent who can get inside a home the same day—or, at the very latest, the day after—you stumble upon it.2. Get an agent who wins multiple-offer situations. Even if yours is one of the lower offers on a home, an agent with a proven track record of success will still be able to provide you with enough leverage to win out against the other buyers. We’re happy to have a conversation with you detailing all of the methods we employ to make our buyers’ offers as attractive as possible. We’ll even show you successful past examples of our strategy.3. Be able to communicate with your agent in a timely manner. Whether it’s an evening, weekend, or early morning, you need to be able to get a hold of your agent. Working with an accessible and timely agent is absolutely essential.As always, if you have questions about this or any other real estate-related topic, reach out to us by phone or email. We’re here to help and look forward to hearing from you!

Keep your home running smoothly with these four spring maintenance tips.Want to Buy a Home? Search All HomesWant to Sell a Home? Receive a Home Value ReportSpring is a great time to tackle a few projects around your house, and since most of us are still sheltering in place, there’s no better time than now to get started. When it comes to keeping your home running smoothly, a little preventive maintenance goes a long way.Here are four such maintenance tips, as outlined by this Anita Ginsburg article on RISMedia:1. Replace all of the filters in your home. Many people remember to replace their furnace filters—which will save you from having to deal with major issues down the road—but did you also know you’re supposed to change the filters in your water purifier, washing machine, dryer, and dishwasher? This can lengthen the lifespan of all of these appliances.2. Service the HVAC system. Most of these systems are very efficient, but they must be properly maintained or they will use up an excessive amount of electricity. You might also consider hiring an HVAC contractor to have your system professionally serviced. They can carry out tasks like checking the fluid levels, cleaning the coils, and resetting the thermostat.“Most people are surprised to hear that doorsand windows should be regularly resealed.”3. Remove debris from your gutters. If they get clogged with leaves and other debris, it can cause water to pool over your roof, which can then cause mold, rot, or other serious issues. To clean your gutters, you can either remove the leaves and debris by hand or use a power washer.4. Seal the windows and doors. Most people are surprised to hear that doors and windows should be regularly resealed, and caulk can start to crack after it’s been exposed to extreme temperatures and direct sunlight for a long time. This cracking allows cool air inside your home to escape. This project doesn’t require special tools, and it should only take you a few hours to complete.These four tips are simple enough that most homeowners can do them themselves. Following up on them will save you quite a bit of time and money in the long run, and you’ll reduce the risk of having to deal with a major problem in the future. So get outside, enjoy the weather, and keep your home in good working order!Most importantly, stay safe and healthy. Remember, if you have questions about this or any real estate topic or are thinking of selling your home soon, don’t hesitate to give our team a call. We’d love to offer our expert advice.

If you’re in the market to buy (or even sell) a home,here’s why you’ll want to get a home warranty. Want to Buy a Home? Search All Homes Want to Sell a Home? Receive a Home Value ReportIf you’re a homeowner or are planning to be, you’ll want to educate yourself about home warranties. Not homeowners insurance—that’s completely different. Today I’ll share a few key points you need to know about what home warranties are and how they’ll protect your investment once you buy a home.How do they work? Well, if something that your warranty covers breaks down, you simply contact your home warranty provider to have them send someone out to fix it.Most of my first-time home buying clients get a home warranty because they’re so used to having to call a maintenance technician to take care of their repairs. Home warranties cover the costs of repairs for things like appliances, electrical, plumbing, and in some cases, the roof. Some home warranties will allow you to pick your own contractor to come and do your repairs.“ Sellers can purchase warranties for their homesto cover the property for the time that the home is listed.”Bear in mind that warranties are optional. You pay a set amount each year that can be paid monthly or annually, and you do have a deductible for each time you call them and for each item you have repaired.Home warranties aren’t just for buyers—sellers can purchase warranties for their homes to cover the property for the time that the home is listed.If you’d like to learn more about home warranties, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’d love to hear from you.

Here’s how to compete as a buyer in our pandemic-affected market. Want to Buy a Home? Search All Homes Want to Sell a Home? Receive a Home Value ReportFor all you potential homebuyers out there, I know what some of you may be experiencing; you’re seeing all these new listings pop up, only to be sold in a matter of days. You're thinking, “How can this be possible in the middle of a pandemic? My agent told me we can’t go look at properties right now!”Understand that these properties are being sold to buyers who are absolutely committed to buying by going under contract and leveraging contingencies. There are protocols in place to protect buyers so that you can still have a physical walk-through once our restrictions are lifted.

Here’s a look at how home values could be impacted by the pandemic.Want to Buy a Home? Search All HomesWant to Sell a Home? Receive a Home Value ReportEveryone wants to know what kind of effect the pandemic will have on home values. Buyers are hoping they drop, and sellers are hoping they rise. The present situation has been referred to as “uncharted waters” for a reason. Will record unemployment push many buyers out of the market? Will buyers or sellers stay put because of the crisis? The answer lies in the basic economic principle of supply and demand.

Due to the pandemic, home building supplies may be harder to get.Want to Buy a Home? Search All HomesWant to Sell a Home? Receive a Home Value ReportI hope you’re all doing well during this pandemic, and our thoughts and prayers are with every one of you.Some buyers are concerned about how the health crisis may affect the construction of their new home. One thing that may slow the home-building process is that the builder’s supply lines may have been disrupted during this time. There is a high chance that building supplies will run short.According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), nearly 33% of building materials’ inputs come from China, as well as finished products such as bathtubs, sinks, appliances, and more. This could delay home construction at a time when it had finally picked up. For the last several years, home building has struggled to keep pace with demand because of the cost of construction, lack of available land, and a construction labor shortage. That said, according to the NAHB, home building confidence has skyrocketed in recent months, so builders are more inclined to start construction on houses.“Builder’s supply lines may have beendisrupted during this time.”However, when supply lines are obstructed, it dampens the pace of home building and contributes to home inventory shortages. According to Robert Dietz, an economist at NAHB, the coronavirus does intensify some of the long-term challenges surrounding the supply of building materials. The great news is that low interest rates help support demand, and that will be one of the greatest reinforcements to buyer and builder confidence. At these low interest rates, buyers can afford a nicer, newer, or larger house than they could even a year ago.All of us at the Tammy Holmes Team are here to answer any questions you may have, as well as help you navigate these uncertain times. Call us at (800) 722-2585 or email us; we would love to help you.

I’m explaining the differences between a home inspection and an appraisal. Want to Buy a Home? Search All Homes Want to Sell a Home? Receive a Home Value ReportThis is a question I hear a lot: Is a home inspection the same as an appraisal? The quick answer is no, you’ll need both of these appointments.A home inspection is a complete inspection of the house. They’ll check the electrical, plumbing, roof, crawl spaces, appliances, and more. That home inspector works for you. You pay the inspector to do a thorough analysis, you’re there, you’ll learn a bit about your new property, and they’ll write a list of things that could improve your home.“ The appraiser works for the bank,even though you pay them.”You also have to get an appraisal. The appraiser works for the bank, even though you pay them. The appraisal is to determine value, not the condition of the house. The inspection and appraisal are two completely separate things.If you have further questions about this or real estate in general, give me a call or send an email. I would love to hear from you.

Has the fear of the coronavirus changed the way that agents interact with buyers and sellers during showings, open houses, and listing presentations?Want to Buy a Home? Search All HomesWant to Sell a Home? Receive a Home Value ReportNo matter what is happening in the world, people still have to buy and sell homes. So, what are agents doing to keep our buyers and sellers safe during transactions?Many agents have stated that they are handing out bottles of hand sanitizers at open houses and explaining as people enter that they will not shake hands as a precaution. Some have commented that they are taking disinfectant wipes into properties that they’re showing so that they can wipe down any doorknobs or surfaces that they have direct contact with. We can easily show homes while respecting the guidelines for social distancing.For sellers who are thinking about putting their houses on the market but are afraid to possibly expose themselves to the virus, we cater to your needs and concerns. For instance, here at the Tami Holmes Real Estate Team, we can do a virtual interview with you that’s both as interactive and personal as if we were sitting across the dining room table from each other.“We can easily show homes while respectingthe guidelines for social distancing.”During the virtual interview, we’re able to go through our PowerPoint presentation so that you can see what to do to market and sell your home. We will also show you the market analysis and absorption rates so that you’ll have an idea of what homes are selling for in your neighborhood, as well as how long it may take to get the home sold. We even have the ability to do a 3D virtual tour of most of our listings so that it will filter out unnecessary tours of your home.Based on the feedback after a showing, most buyers rule out a home because they don’t like the floor plan or the room sizes. With our 3D virtual tours, buyers will know the floor plan and room sizes, so they can eliminate that home as a candidate if it doesn’t fit their family’s needs best. This saves the homeowner from the time and effort of preparing for a showing that could have ended up with a negative review after the showing. Due to our 3D imaging, some buyers are purchasing our homes based simply on the detailed online tours, and the pandemic may result in increasing numbers of buyers and sellers opting for virtual tours.Here at the Tami Holmes Team, we roll with the punches and focus on what we can do to keep our clients and ourselves safe while we continue to care for their buying and selling needs. Give us a call today so that we can assist you with your real estate plans.

Here’s why potential buyers should think twice before counting themselves out. Want to Buy a Home? Search All Homes Want to Sell a Home? Receive a Home Value ReportThe two most common home buying myths are that you need to have 20% down and a credit score of 750 or higher. The truth is, you don’t even need a credit score of 700, and there are a ton of financing options available to you, some requiring as little as 3% down (others require nothing down, so long as you meet certain criteria).I have plenty of clients who have less-than-perfect credit; we work with you and do what it takes to help you achieve homeownership. I would love to connect you with all of the resources you need to truly understand your capabilities as a homebuyer. If you have questions about down payments, credit scores, or whatever else is involved in the home buying process, feel free to reach out to me at any time.

How has the coronavirus impacted our real estate market?Want to Buy a Home? Search All HomesWant to Sell a Home? Receive a Home Value ReportLet us first say we hope everyone is staying safe during this coronavirus pandemic. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.Now, many buyers and sellers are wondering what effect the coronavirus is having on the real estate market. Prior to the pandemic, our market was already a bit challenging. In some areas, the housing supply had dropped to near-record lows.According to Zillow economist Jeff Tucker, “The housing supply was low, but on the demand side, there is and will be a lot of buyers in the market, based on key indicators of traffic on Zillow and Redfin.”Why is the demand for housing so high? Low unemployment, solid wage growth, and low mortgage rates. A stock market correction, as concerning as it may be, doesn’t change these circumstances. The housing market is very durable, even in full-blown recessions. In some previous recessions, home prices increased.“Experts predict equity growth to slow down compared to what it’s been the past few years,but it’s still a great time to buy or sell a home.”Another thing to consider is that, as the stock market drops, investors look for safer places to park their wealth, whether that means the bond market or actual real estate. Roofstock, a platform investors use to buy and sell single-family rentals, has seen huge spikes in web traffic since the coronavirus outbreak. This supports the idea that global investors look for less volatile investment options. If investors think it’s a good time to put money into real estate, maybe we should follow suit.The coronavirus is the wildcard in our real estate market, and if its impact is prolonged and produces a minor recession, it could put a damper on demand. The bright side is that buyers in competitive markets would have a better chance of getting a home.We don’t want to induce fear or panic. Based on everything we’ve read, we seriously doubt there will be a drop in home values. Experts predict equity growth to slow down compared to what it’s been the past few years, but it’s still a great time to buy or sell a home.If you have questions about our market, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to calm your fears and assist you in buying your dream home or selling a home that’s no longer a good fit for you. We’re here to help.

I’m sharing an example of a recent client’s purchase to illustratejust what, exactly, low rates mean for a buyer today. Want to Buy a Home? Search All Homes Want to Sell a Home? Receive a Home Value ReportRight now, you’re probably seeing mortgage lenders talk about low interest rates and that now is the time to buy.For you, as a buyer, what does this actually mean? You don’t want an interest rate, you want a house; in a sense, these guys are selling you on the drill, but you just want the hole.A low interest rate means that you’ll have a much lower monthly payment. For instance, I had a buyer yesterday get pre-approved for a USDA zero-down home loan, and their interest rate was 2.88%. The house was purchased for $150,000, so the payment, with a zero down loan, was $1,023. You can buy a home for $150,000 and pay less than what you’re paying in rent.Those who have been in the military can qualify for a VA loan and get a rate that will probably be very similar, and your payment will likely be less than $1,000 on that same $150,000 house.“ A lower interest rate means that you’ll havea much lower monthly payment.”So when you hear all this hype about interest rates, understand that it’s important for you to talk to a lender. If you guys need help with this, we have the best lenders in town, and we can connect you. They give you a free one-year home warranty and loads of knowledge; you won’t regret talking to Freedmont Mortgage.Buyers care about the down payment and the monthly payment. Interest rates are great, but only because they allow you to afford more home for your money. Quick disclaimer: I’m not a lender, and I can’t give you numbers on paper, but I can encourage you to start the financing process just so you’re able to see where you stand.If you have additional questions about this or any other real estate topic, you can reach out to me directly via phone or email. I’m always happy to help.

New homeowners tend to receive a lot of mail from companies just trying to get their money. Here’s what you need to know. Want to Buy a Home? Search All HomesWant to Sell a Home?  Receive a Home Value Report Most people get a lot of mail after they close on a property and wonder what its purpose is. We’ll share some of that information with you today.A lot of companies will capitalize on the fact that your home sale was recorded at the county office, so they’ll send you things that you don’t need. One example is a solicitation that will tell you to pay them for a copy of your recorded deed. While you do need to have that copy, you don’t need to pay for it. It will be sent out in the mail by the title company four to six weeks after closing.“We don’t sell your information—it’s public record.”A lot of people think that we’ve sold their information to these companies, but the fact is that your home purchase is a public record, and they will always send stuff to addresses based on these county office records.If you have questions for us about real estate or anything else, feel free to reach out via phone or email. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

I’m answering the question of whether you should get ahome inspection done before you list your home. Want to Buy a Home? Search All Homes Want to Sell a Home? Get a Home Value ReportShould you get a home inspection before you list? Many clients have asked me this in the past. The truth is, there’s no right or wrong answer to that question. However, there are definite benefits to having a home inspection done before you put your house on the market.If you get a home inspection done first, it alerts you to some of the things you may not have known needed to be fixed. Then you have an opportunity to mend those issues before the buyer comes along with their own inspection. (Yes, they should do a home inspection even if they know you’ve already had one done.) Then, when you’ve repaired things from your home inspection, the buyer’s inspection will be pretty good. However, another home inspector could find something the first one didn’t.If you’d like to discuss home inspections further or have any other questions, call, text, or email me. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

I’m sharing why in 2020 buyers need to be interviewing real estate agents before hiring them. Want to Buy a Home? Search All Homes Want to Sell a Home? Get a Home Value ReportWe’re coming up on spring, and soon more homes will be for sale—the market will be booming. However, there will still be more buyers in the market than sellers. This means, as a buyer, you’ll be competing with all the others.Buyers: You need to be interviewing different agents before you hire one. You need to see with whom you work best and feel most comfortable. The main question you need to be asking the real estate agents as you interview them is: In a competitive buyer’s market, how do you help me compete in a multiple-offer situation? If they answer that you need to raise the price on your offer or need to do fewer inspections, that’s a generic answer most of them give.“ You need to be interviewing differentagents before you hire one.”You need to find an agent who can think outside the box. Last week I was able to help a buyer save $20,000 on a house by thinking outside the box when we weren’t the highest offer on the table. No matter when you’re buying a home in 2020, you’ll be competing with multiple offers. Make sure you have the right agent on your side who can think outside the norm and get you the property of your dreams.If you want to know exactly how I make offers in a multiple-offer situation or have any other questions, reach out via phone or email.

APR and interest rates aren’t the same thing. Here’s how they’re different and what they measure.Want to Buy a Home? Search All HomesWant to Sell a Home? Receive a Home Value ReportKnowing the difference between interest rates and annual percentage rates (APR) could save you thousands on your mortgage. Here's what you need to know.Both of these rates measure important but different costs associated with your mortgage.The interest rate is a measure of the cost of borrowing the principal loan amount and is expressed as a percentage, while the APR is a broader measure of your mortgage costs, including things like lender fees, discount points, and closing costs.“The APR is a broader measure of your costs.”The main difference between the two is that while the interest rate calculates your actual monthly payment, the APR calculates the total cost of your loan.If you’re only focused on getting the lowest monthly payment, I would focus on the interest rate. However, if you’re more concerned with the total cost of your loan, using the APR as a tool to compare the costs of two different loans is smart.If you have any questions or would like to get connected with a lender that I trust, reach out to me via phone or email today. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Today I’m sharing stats on why baby boomers choose to relocate, what they look for in their next place, and what they want from their Realtor.Want to Buy a Home? Search All HomesWant to Sell a Home? Receive a Home Value ReportBaby boomers are in that exciting phase of their lives where they get to thinking about what they’re going to do once they retire, and those plans often involve real estate. What will their next home be? Will it be closer to family members? Maybe moving into a retirement community is the preferred option.According to statistics, many baby boomers prefer the convenience of living in a retirement community near downtown or other such areas that allow for easy walking. This option also means that they won’t have to worry about mowing a lawn, which allows them to travel more frequently and visit family.Other baby boomers are interested in downsizing from a multi-level home to a one-level home. Those relocating are headed to states with moderate climates.The following is a list of common reasons baby boomers feel the need to relocate:The loss of a spouseBeing closer to familyFocusing on health (e.g., moving closer to medical facilities)Downsizing from a single-family home that is now too large for them“Many baby boomers prefer the convenience ofliving in a retirement community.”The 55 Places Report surveyed baby boomers on what amenities they desire most in a new living arrangement:64% want access to a fitness center59% want an outdoor pool42% want a gated entrance50% want an outdoor walking/running trail37% want an indoor poolIf baby boomers are on the move, what are they looking for in their Realtor?80% seek a Realtor with expert knowledge of their preferred market area62% value responsiveness32% look for a Realtor with high availabilityNearly all respondents want a strong negotiatorHere at that Tami Holmes Team, our core values align with those very qualities that baby boomers seek. If you don’t believe me, check out testimonials on Google, Facebook, or Zillow, then call us so we can go to work for you. It would be a privilege to assist you in the next exciting phase of your life!

Contrary to popular belief, the wintertime is agreat time to sell your home.Want to Buy a Home? Search All Homes Want to Sell a Home? Get a Home Value ReportMany sellers think that spring and summer are the best times to sell their homes, but this a false narrative.In many cases, we see a lot of activity during the winter months, and the quality of the buyer is much higher than during the spring and summer. We’ve found that the buyers who are looking in December, January, and February are very serious because they need to buy a home. So by selling in the winter, you might have fewer showings, but the quality of those showings will increase dramatically.“The buyers who are looking inDecember, January, and Februaryare very serious becausethey need to buy a home.”I just ran the numbers: From December 1, 2019, to January 8, 2020, 115 properties sold or went under contract in Crowing, Cass, Aiken, and Morrison counties—all during the supposedly ‘slowest time in real estate.’We can definitely sell homes during the winter months. If you’re thinking of listing your home, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We can even give you a “Buy It Now” price, where we’ll buy your home as is for cash and you get to pick the closing date! In the meantime, have a wonderful 2020!

Today I’m helping renters get off the proverbial fence and into a new home.Want to Buy a Home? Search All HomesWant to Sell a Home? Receive a Home Value ReportElaine Chang has some interesting insights about the advantages of homeownership. First, she points out that it’s a great way to start building financial security.As you pay down the mortgage, you build up home equity—a valuable financial resource. For those who’ve been on the fence about buying, know this: Mortgage rates are incredibly low right now, so it’s a good time to go through with a home purchase.Nevertheless, deciding whether to rent or buy a home is a major decision in a person’s life. How do you know you’re ready?Here are eight signs you’re ready to make the switch from renter to homeowner:1. You’re tired of the rising rents.2. Your credit score has improved, allowing you to qualify for a loan.3. You’re good at managing debt, which is great because the lenders look at your debt-to-income ratio.4. You have enough money set aside for the extra costs of owning a home, such as repairs or appliance replacements.“We are here to walk you through the mazeof finding what you need in a home.”5. You can afford the down payment, and in some cases, the closing costs.6. You’re feeling ready to settle down for a while.7. You’re going through a major life change, such as marriage, a growing family, or significant advancement in your career.8. You’ve matured and you know what you want.Once you’ve read the signs, the next step is to think about the qualities of a home that are most important to you. Choose one quality that stands out above the rest. Is it being near a good school, or being within walking distance to your job? Do you mind navigating stairs?If you are ready to leave renting, we are here to walk you through the maze of finding what you need in a home. Don’t hesitate to give The Tami Holmes Real Estate Team a call or an email. We’d be happy to help you.

What are the benefits of listing your home onthe market during the winter months?Want to Buy a Home? Search All Homes Want to Sell a Home? Get a Home Value ReportMany times, sellers think it’s in their best interest to wait to list their homes until the spring market. In my opinion, this is a flawed approach.We find that during the winter months, there’s typically less inventory for buyers to choose from. The buyers that are out looking for homes during this season tend to be more serious. Winter homebuyers who brave the elements to view homes aren’t usually tire-kickers; they need to buy a home—and fast.In the wintertime, the number of showings a seller is liable to have for their listing will likely decrease, but the quality of those showings increases. Winter buyers might have a lease that’s near its end, and they’ve decided to make a purchase; they might also have sold their home and are looking to move up or they may have been relocated to the area for a job.“Take advantage of the lowinventory and the serious buyers thatour winter market has to offer.”So if you’re thinking of selling your home, don’t wait until spring—take advantage of the low inventory and the serious buyers that our winter market has to offer.To get a free market analysis of your home, reach out to me directly. I’d be happy to advise you on your next home sale. Until then, happy holidays!