Rabu, 06 Desember 2017
Article
High demand and low interest rates continue to drive housing sales this month.
Best 10 Top Real Estate Tips For The Fall And Success
High demand and low interest rates continue to drive housing sales this month.
While home prices for starter-to-midrange homes are pushing upward toward pre-recession peaks, especially in secondary markets, they’re stabilizing in higher-priced areas.
Prognosticators see the robust markets of Seattle, Portland and Denver as this year’s top performers, with 10 percent to 11 percent price growth. If mortgage rates rise modestly as expected in 2017, sales elsewhere may normalize with smaller price appreciation, especially as housing starts rise to fill the inventory breach, but recently, rates have been on the decline.
Prognosticators see the robust markets of Seattle, Portland and Denver as this year’s top performers, with 10 percent to 11 percent price growth. If mortgage rates rise modestly as expected in 2017, sales elsewhere may normalize with smaller price appreciation, especially as housing starts rise to fill the inventory breach, but recently, rates have been on the decline.
Here are 10 tips to adapt to the latest market conditions.
1. First-time homebuyers: Get that starter home now
And we mean now! More than half of the home sales (52 percent) in 2017 are expected to be to first-time buyers, and mostly to the millennial set (19 to 34 years old), many moving from urban rentals, research by the National Association of Realtors shows. That means competition — and bidding wars — could become fierce through the rest of the year for such “starters” in desirable areas.
While there’ll be less inventory this winter, there’ll also be less competition per unit and a higher percent of motivated sellers. Before you shop for homes, check out our best mortgage options.
2. Sellers: Hire the right agent
Oftentimes, the best investment a seller can make is time spent researching agents. A bad hire can cost sellers tens of thousands of dollars and months of worried waiting.
First, look at an agent’s online marketing material and listings. Is there good photography or video? Does it “pop”? Are descriptions accurate and complimentary without seeming exaggerated?
Then, look at profiles of the agents on LinkedIn, Facebook and other social media; and be sure to read web reviews. What kind of vibe is an agent sending out?
Narrow your search to three agents and interview each, ideally in person. Ask for sales-activity reports, existing listings and time-on-the-market averages, plus the requisite local comps.
Narrow your search to three agents and interview each, ideally in person. Ask for sales-activity reports, existing listings and time-on-the-market averages, plus the requisite local comps.
A seasoned listing agent also will know the best times for open houses and how to initiate a price war if the market allows. Never consent to a listing contract of longer than 90 days in a seller’s market. You can always extend later.
3. Buyers: There’s more loan money out there
Those who couldn’t get mortgages during the downturn because they didn’t have 20 percent to put down can find affordable financing again.
Borrowers with FICO scores as low as 690 are now getting conforming mortgage loans (those under $417,000).
One telling sign: About two-thirds of mortgage refinancers were getting approved in the fourth quarter of 2016 compared to just one-half of those at the end of 2014.
However, borrowers without a 20 percent down payment will still pay private mortgage insurance, or PMI, until they hit the 20 percent to 25 percent equity mark.
The best rates go to those with 800-plus credit scores, though 750-plussers are getting virtually the same terms.Check your credit score for free at myBankrate.
Unfortunately, those seductive interest-only loans are also on the menu again. Avoid them. They’re affordable at first since you’re not paying principal, but then years later, well … see the Great Recession of 2008.
4. Sellers: It may be a seller’s market but …
Home sellers can do several simple things to enhance appearance, increase buyer interest and boost their home’s profile:
- Renew selectively: Instead of wholesale renovations from which sellers recoup maybe 60 percent on investment, do light makeovers everywhere, with an eye on the kitchen and bathrooms. They’re far more cost-effective.
- Clean, clean and clean some more: It’s hard for buyers to picture themselves living in a dirty house. Scrub floors, baths, kitchens, windows and walls, and be sure to clean, vacuum and deodorize rugs. This is simple but effective.
- Depersonalize, declutter: Show the space, not the contents. Box up family photos, kids’ school papers and excess art, and store bulky and worn furniture. Organize your closets to make them look half empty.
- Illuminate: Think bright and cheery. Open drapes and add brighter light bulbs in dark areas. Repaint where needed but use neutral colors.
5. Renters: It might be time to buy
In many cases, rents are rising faster than home values, yet mortgage rates remain low. That, and the fact that renters now account for 37 percent of households (the highest level in 50 years), seem to indicate an imminent coming-out party for renters-turned-buyers, especially if they plan to stay put for five to 10 years after buying.
Check out a buy-versus-rent calculator like Bankrate’s to compare affordability.
Looking to stay in your house and not sell? Find the best refi rates now.
6. If you’re a buyer, don’t believe the house is yours
Don’t bank on a done deal or other verbal promises from listing agents until you sign a contract.
In heated markets across the country, sales agents are giving buyers false hope and using their offers to bid up the price for preferred buyers who they think can pay more and close faster. Have other homes in mind.
Strategies such as preapproval (versus prequalification), proof of funding, closing flexibility and the always-risky practice of waiving inspection and repair contingencies can help sway buyers.
For added clout, tell sellers you’re willing to “escalate,” or exceed all offers to a certain limit. Some agents even advise buyers to write so-called “love letters” to sellers, telling them how much the home will mean to their families.
7. Sellers: The grass is always greener …
… in yards with a “sold” sign. Major presale upgrades typically aren’t needed, but a little greening outdoors is a must.
Surveys show that strong curb appeal can increase prices by 10 percent or more. Greener grass, whether derived from new sod or fertilizer and water, is a must.
New shrubs, plantings and flowers also project a welcoming feel. Sellers typically enjoy a 100 percent return on the money they put into curb appeal.
Another form of green, sustainable landscaping has become a value-add for buyers. Native plants, native grasses and perennials that require less water and attention fill that bill.
Do some local research or ask your local home-and-garden pro for simple “greening” tips.
8. Sellers and buyers: Know the state of your market
A balanced housing market is defined as one with an average inventory of 6.5 months, according to Texas A&M University Real Estate Center research. When inventory remains below equilibrium, sellers enjoy more control over prices and terms, and the area becomes a seller’s market.
When inventory lingers well above stasis, you have a buyer’s market where sellers must get more serious about price reductions, credits and throw-ins. Of course, these averages don’t necessarily reflect demand in certain desirable and undesirable submarkets.
Go to Realtor.org for such market home sales data by state or to a local agent, business journal and daily newspaper you can read online. In 2016, the U.S. housing inventory average was under five months.
9. Sellers: House going on sale in the spring?
Do some prep work now. First, grab your camera or smartphone and do an exterior autumn photo shoot, with the leaves changing colors.
It’s a much better way to showcase your home than to wait until late winter when everything is still dead and brown and mucky. Also take some landscape shots after the first snow, ideally on a sunny day, to show how cozy your place looks in winter.
Take a preliminary inventory, too. Look through your attic, closets, basement and garage to see what stored items you’ll want to keep, give away or sell in the spring. This will help you determine whether you’ll need a storage unit when your home is on the market and if there are any problem areas that need repairs or attention.
It’s also a good time to start discussing financing options with a local lender and interview prospective listing agents who also might provide additional preparation tips.
10. Buyers: Relocating near a waterfront?
You’d best consider weather and insurance realities. Major hurricanes and floods of the past dozen years have pushed the National Flood Insurance Program into a $23 billion hole, forcing flood-insurance rates to spiral.
FEMA flood-map changes are aggressively expanding flood zones, especially along the East Coast and Gulf Coast, forcing hundreds of thousands of homeowners to buy flood insurance for the first time and others to pay thousands more annually.
Parts of Florida saw 20 percent increases in 2016 and will likely see similar hikes through the end of 2017. Insurers also are imposing coverage caps so there’s no guarantee you’ll be made whole post-catastrophe.
Some home sellers and their agents are conveniently not disclosing these realities, so buyers will have to ask pointed questions and do their own research.
source bankrate,com
source bankrate,com
Senin, 04 Desember 2017
Article
Gavin Grant Realtor
The Best Real Estate Blogs
earching insightful real estate information? Close more sales? Latest in industry news? Or maybe you’re looking for advice on how to start your own real estate business? You’re in luck. We’ve scoured the web for the most helpful blogs that cover real estate information and put together the list below of the Best Real Estate Blogs.
Our intention for this list is to provide descriptions of sources we believe provide actionable insight to the real estate industry. We have found that the blogs listed regularly provide intelligent content that both new and seasoned real estate professionals can benefit from.
Are you ready to pursue a career in real estate but don’t have your license yet? Fit Small Business is partnering with Career WebSchool to offer online real estate courses. These self-paced courses empower you to get your real estate license on your own time. Click here to check it out.
BoomTown!
Editor/Primary Writer: BoomTown! Writing Team
Favorite Recent Article: Lead Generation is Bill Murray’s Groundhog Day: This article is about new lead generation strategies to set you apart from the competition. Discover how to deliver fast returns, and become a top-producing team.About the Blog: BoomTown covers the latest in real estate trends. This includes marketing, and technology. If you want current industry information check out the latest coverage by the BoomTown team.
Favorite Recent Article: Lead Generation is Bill Murray’s Groundhog Day: This article is about new lead generation strategies to set you apart from the competition. Discover how to deliver fast returns, and become a top-producing team.About the Blog: BoomTown covers the latest in real estate trends. This includes marketing, and technology. If you want current industry information check out the latest coverage by the BoomTown team.
CRE Online Blog
Editor/Primary Writer: Jeanne Ekhaml
Favorite Recent Article: Investing in Small Apartments for Monthly Income : Investing in small apartment buildings is a great way to build cash flow. This article provides guidelines to help you better asses one to invest in that is lucrative.
About the Blog: CRE Online Real Estate Investment News & Blog – Your #1 source for real estate investing information since 1995. Bookmark this page and check back often.
Favorite Recent Article: Investing in Small Apartments for Monthly Income : Investing in small apartment buildings is a great way to build cash flow. This article provides guidelines to help you better asses one to invest in that is lucrative.
About the Blog: CRE Online Real Estate Investment News & Blog – Your #1 source for real estate investing information since 1995. Bookmark this page and check back often.
Maximum Real Estate Exposure
Editor/Primary Writer: Bill Gassett
Favorite Recent Article: Tax Advantages of Owning a Home: This article discussed the best reasons to own a home from a tax standpoint.
About the Blog: Maximum Real Estate Exposure is quality content with the purpose of helping both buyers and sellers make sound financial decisions. The blog covers all sorts of topics surrounding buying and selling real estate.
Favorite Recent Article: Tax Advantages of Owning a Home: This article discussed the best reasons to own a home from a tax standpoint.
About the Blog: Maximum Real Estate Exposure is quality content with the purpose of helping both buyers and sellers make sound financial decisions. The blog covers all sorts of topics surrounding buying and selling real estate.
Fundrise Education
Editor/Primary Writer: The Fundrise Team
Favorite Recent Article: How to Earn Residual Income by Investing in Real Estate :A notoriously lucrative asset class, real estate—both residential and commercial—has become one of the most popular ways to secure residual (or passive) income. Traditionally, building a residual income stream through real estate has required a large upfront investment, both of time and money, but thanks to new investment vehicles those interested in earning passive income through real estate have several options to choose from. This post details a few of them.About the Blog: For the past three years, the Fundrise Education Center has published regular, valuable content for investors, particularly as it relates to real estate investments and market trends.
Favorite Recent Article: How to Earn Residual Income by Investing in Real Estate :A notoriously lucrative asset class, real estate—both residential and commercial—has become one of the most popular ways to secure residual (or passive) income. Traditionally, building a residual income stream through real estate has required a large upfront investment, both of time and money, but thanks to new investment vehicles those interested in earning passive income through real estate have several options to choose from. This post details a few of them.About the Blog: For the past three years, the Fundrise Education Center has published regular, valuable content for investors, particularly as it relates to real estate investments and market trends.
Placester Real Estate Marketing Academy
Editor/Primary Writer: Matthew Bushery
Favorite Recent Article: The Power to Influence Purchasing Decisions: Real Estate Marketing Insights for Agents
Instead of the usual lineup of real estate coaches, top producing agents and marketers, Placester actually brought in a college professor and neuroscientist–Dr. Sara Wasserman–to discuss what drives consumer decision making and what role real estate professionals play in that process. A must read for every agent, or anyone interested in the intersection of consumer psychology and real estate.
About the Blog: Placester’s Real Estate Marketing Academy offers real estate professionals at every skill level a deep dive into the day-to-day mechanics of marketing a real estate business in 2017.
Allen Buchanan Blog
Editor/Primary Writer: Allen C. Buchanan
Favorite Recent Article: The TRUE Cost of Commercial Real Estate Ownership : The post analyzes all of the cost components of commercial real estate ownership.About the Blog: The blog is designed to provide advice to owners and occupants of commercial real estate regarding their operating locations. The content is republished with permission at The News Funnel, The Broker List and The Orange County Register among other publications.
Favorite Recent Article: The TRUE Cost of Commercial Real Estate Ownership : The post analyzes all of the cost components of commercial real estate ownership.About the Blog: The blog is designed to provide advice to owners and occupants of commercial real estate regarding their operating locations. The content is republished with permission at The News Funnel, The Broker List and The Orange County Register among other publications.
Warner Robins Real Estate Blog
Editor/Primary Writer: Anita Clark
Favorite Recent Article: How to Negotiate After a Home Inspection : The article gives buyers tips on how to negotiate after they get the results of their home inspection and get the best deal possibleAbout the Blog: This real estate blog provides quality real estate information to aid both local and national buyers and sellers. It includes tips to help buyers, sellers, military relocations, as well as consumers looking for general real estate information. The blog also includes community, subdivision, and plenty of market information for those looking to buy or sell in middle Georgia
Favorite Recent Article: How to Negotiate After a Home Inspection : The article gives buyers tips on how to negotiate after they get the results of their home inspection and get the best deal possibleAbout the Blog: This real estate blog provides quality real estate information to aid both local and national buyers and sellers. It includes tips to help buyers, sellers, military relocations, as well as consumers looking for general real estate information. The blog also includes community, subdivision, and plenty of market information for those looking to buy or sell in middle Georgia
Real Estate Marketing Machine
Editor/Primary Writer: Lisa Klinkhammer
Favorite Recent Article: 8 Key Steps to Grow Your Real Estate Business: The article gives readers a precise look on important steps needed to grow a business. It presents five real estate marketing questions an agent should ask themselves and goes on to present excerpts from real Estate Marketing Machine’s checklist guide.
About the Blog: Real Estate Marketing Machine is led by Lisa Klinkhammer, Chief Marketing Officer, who has been leading the marketing efforts for a military real estate website for 17 years. She saw a gap in needed marketing skills in the 300,000 real estate user base and decided to launch Real Estate Marketing Machine to help real estate professionals compete effectively and grow their business in a digital age. The Real Estate Marketing Machine team is comprised solely of U.S. military spouses.
Favorite Recent Article: 8 Key Steps to Grow Your Real Estate Business: The article gives readers a precise look on important steps needed to grow a business. It presents five real estate marketing questions an agent should ask themselves and goes on to present excerpts from real Estate Marketing Machine’s checklist guide.
About the Blog: Real Estate Marketing Machine is led by Lisa Klinkhammer, Chief Marketing Officer, who has been leading the marketing efforts for a military real estate website for 17 years. She saw a gap in needed marketing skills in the 300,000 real estate user base and decided to launch Real Estate Marketing Machine to help real estate professionals compete effectively and grow their business in a digital age. The Real Estate Marketing Machine team is comprised solely of U.S. military spouses.
QuantumDigital Real Estate Marketing Blog
Editor/Primary Writer: QuantumDigital Staff
Favorite Recent Article: Own a Community: A Realtor’s Comprehensive Guide to Neighborhood Farming: You’re likely not the only real estate agent who wants a piece of your favorite neighborhood, so you need to make sure you stand out from the others. Real estate farming will get you noticed, so you can own the neighborhood or community of your choosing.
About the Blog: The QuantumDigital Real Estate Marketing Blog is an educational resource for top real estate agents and brokers who want to learn how to target their marketing and reach customers faster. The blog also includes The Real Estate Dish podcast series, providing on-the-go insights from industry executives and thought leaders from across the nation. For over 30 years, real estate industry professionals have turned to QuantumDigital for printed postcard marketing, direct mail marketing programs, and on-demand printing services.
Favorite Recent Article: Own a Community: A Realtor’s Comprehensive Guide to Neighborhood Farming: You’re likely not the only real estate agent who wants a piece of your favorite neighborhood, so you need to make sure you stand out from the others. Real estate farming will get you noticed, so you can own the neighborhood or community of your choosing.
About the Blog: The QuantumDigital Real Estate Marketing Blog is an educational resource for top real estate agents and brokers who want to learn how to target their marketing and reach customers faster. The blog also includes The Real Estate Dish podcast series, providing on-the-go insights from industry executives and thought leaders from across the nation. For over 30 years, real estate industry professionals have turned to QuantumDigital for printed postcard marketing, direct mail marketing programs, and on-demand printing services.
Geek Estate Blog
Editor/Primary Writer: Drew Meyers
Favorite Recent Article: An Open Letter to Startups Trying to Disrupt the Real Estate Industry: This post delves into what it is going to take for new comers in the real estate industry.About the Blog: GeekEstate Blog is a resource for real estate professionals who want to learn more about how they can grow their business through smart use of technology. As the name implies, this blog’s varied authors are geeks – people with experience providing technology services to the real estate industry — they understand technology and how it can work for you. They cover a broad range of topics which are undoubtedly worth a look.
Favorite Recent Article: An Open Letter to Startups Trying to Disrupt the Real Estate Industry: This post delves into what it is going to take for new comers in the real estate industry.About the Blog: GeekEstate Blog is a resource for real estate professionals who want to learn more about how they can grow their business through smart use of technology. As the name implies, this blog’s varied authors are geeks – people with experience providing technology services to the real estate industry — they understand technology and how it can work for you. They cover a broad range of topics which are undoubtedly worth a look.
Gavin Grant Realtor
Editor/Primary Writer: Gavin Grant
Favorite Recent Article: 10 Land Buying Questions to Help You Vet a Parcel: Buyers should be aware that purchasing raw land will require extensive due diligence. This blog post has ten valuable questions to ask sellers to make sure you make a sound investment.
About the Blog: San Diego based real estate agent and architect Gavin Grant blogs about home buying advice, home selling advice, real estate market trends, and homeowner tips. With his design background, Gavin offers a unique perspective to residential real estate sales. Currently based in San Diego, the blog has some emphasis on the region, but appeals to any real estate enthusiast
Favorite Recent Article: 10 Land Buying Questions to Help You Vet a Parcel: Buyers should be aware that purchasing raw land will require extensive due diligence. This blog post has ten valuable questions to ask sellers to make sure you make a sound investment.
About the Blog: San Diego based real estate agent and architect Gavin Grant blogs about home buying advice, home selling advice, real estate market trends, and homeowner tips. With his design background, Gavin offers a unique perspective to residential real estate sales. Currently based in San Diego, the blog has some emphasis on the region, but appeals to any real estate enthusiast
Invest Four More
Editor/Primary Writer: Mark Ferguson
Favorite Recent Article: How Accurate are Television House Flipping Shows : This post compares several different house flipping shows and how accurate the portrayal of flipping on these shows really is. It discusses the costs covered versus the actual costs, and what really is important when flipping and how accurate the timelines are. The post suggest many of these flipping shows are extremely inaccurate.About the Blog: Invest Four More was started in 2013 to discuss Mark Ferguson’s real estate investing. He currently owns 16 rentals now, but had 5 when he started the blog. Mark also fix and flips 10 to 15 houses a year and runs a real estate sales team of 10. He write articles about rentals, fix and flips, being a real estate agent and many other real estate related topics.
Favorite Recent Article: How Accurate are Television House Flipping Shows : This post compares several different house flipping shows and how accurate the portrayal of flipping on these shows really is. It discusses the costs covered versus the actual costs, and what really is important when flipping and how accurate the timelines are. The post suggest many of these flipping shows are extremely inaccurate.About the Blog: Invest Four More was started in 2013 to discuss Mark Ferguson’s real estate investing. He currently owns 16 rentals now, but had 5 when he started the blog. Mark also fix and flips 10 to 15 houses a year and runs a real estate sales team of 10. He write articles about rentals, fix and flips, being a real estate agent and many other real estate related topics.
Content Marketing by The News Funnel
Editor/Primary Writer: The News Funnel
Favorite Recent Article: 5 Tools to Launch a Great Real Estate Marketing Program on a Limited Budget: This post discusses efficient and cost-saving tools to build a real estate content marketing plan.About the Blog: The News funnel blog provides content marketing tips and resources for real estate professionals and companies. Content topics include interviews with market leaders, great lists of people and companies to follow, content marketing tips, free templates and downloads and more.
Favorite Recent Article: 5 Tools to Launch a Great Real Estate Marketing Program on a Limited Budget: This post discusses efficient and cost-saving tools to build a real estate content marketing plan.About the Blog: The News funnel blog provides content marketing tips and resources for real estate professionals and companies. Content topics include interviews with market leaders, great lists of people and companies to follow, content marketing tips, free templates and downloads and more.