Introduction

If you’re reading this blog, then you’re probably thinking about moving on. Doesn’t it make sense to reach out to a professional agent to help you sell your house? You’re not alone. Lots of people spend their time dreaming of moving on…moving on to something bigger, better and more meaningful in their lives. But what can be more meaningful than raising a family in the home where they grew up? Section: Here are good reasons why it might be time for you to sell your home Section: Here are the 4 things you should do before listing your house with an agent

If you’re reading this blog, then you’re probably thinking about moving on…

Trying to buy a home in today’s market can be frustrating and confusing. The housing market is extremely competitive, and buyers are facing fierce competition from other home-seekers as well as multiple offers that are often coming within days of each other.

Don’t worry…we’re not trying to scare you into staying in your current home. If you’ve been thinking about moving on to a new one, now is the time.

Here are some tips for getting your house ready for market so that you can get your asking price and put it on the fast track to closing:

Make it the cleanest it’s ever been: This might sound like an exaggeration, but it isn’t. It’s important for buyers to visualize themselves living in your home, whether it’s their current dream house or one that still needs work. That means clearing out clutter and giving every room a thorough cleaning. Make sure that everything is dust-free, including window blinds and baseboards, and that all surfaces are spotless.

You’re not alone

If you’re thinking about putting your home on the market soon, it probably means you have a plan in place to sell it. And as we so eloquently put it above, you’re not alone: at least 67.7% of your friends are in the same boat. That’s ok though; in fact, if they’re like most people who own a home, that means they were considering selling their home before they even approached you. A little friendly competition never hurt anyone right?

family watching tv comfortable knowing they're getting ready to sell their home

Here are the 5 things you should do before listing your house with an agent

If you’ve been thinking about selling your home, now is a great time. Here are five reasons why:

  • 1. Prices are up. According to the Case-Shiller Home Price Index, home prices have risen more than 10 percent nationwide since 2012 and more than 20 percent in some cities.
  • 2. Inventory is low. During the recession, many homeowners were underwater on their mortgages, meaning they owed more than their homes were worth. Those who want to sell now either have to list their homes for above what they paid or get a loan modification from their lender to reduce the amount they owe on the property. With fewer homes for sale and more buyers to compete against, sellers are finding that home prices are rising even higher than expected 3
  • . Interest rates remain low. With the Federal Reserve not expected to raise interest rates until 2015 or later, mortgage rates should remain relatively low for some time to come
  • 4. Homes are easier to finance than ever before. For some homeowners, getting financing is still a challenge but if you qualify for an FHA loan, it might be easier than you think
  • 5. Relocation is encouraged by employers and colleges alike — especially military families relocating with a new spouse or children. More than half of U.S.-based Fortune

Takeaway: Follow these 4 steps and get ready to sell your home…

As a real estate agent, I often tell people that if they’re thinking about selling their home, the best time to do it is now. I believe this for many reasons, but the first and foremost reason is because the market has changed dramatically since last year. The housing market in the U.S. has been down for years now and many people lost faith in ever seeing any recovery. However, I believe that the worst part of the recession is behind us and that now is truly a great time to sell your home! Here are some reasons why:

1) Inventory:

The inventory available on the market right now is at an all-time low. With fewer homes on the market and many buyers looking to buy, you have more power over negotiating price or terms than you would during a “normal” slow season. If you’re thinking about selling your home, this might be the perfect time to do it!

2) Prices are stabilizing:

As mentioned above, prices have been steadily rising for months and experts predict that this trend will continue for at least another year or so. This means that as long as you don’t rush into anything and make sure your house is priced correctly, you could even sell your home for more than what you paid for it

3) Interest Rates are at historical lows:

In general, the rule of thumb is this: For every 1 percent drop in rates, your monthly payment will go down about $25 per month for every $100,000 in your mortgage. The same percentage increase will add about $125 per month to your payment. So if rates climb back up to 8 percent from today’s current 5 percent, that could add as much as $200 per month to your monthly principal and interest payment. You’ll pay an extra $2,400 per year over what you’re currently paying. The buyer population is looking at this and they’re seeing that purchasing a home right now will mean that they will end up paying less than their parents did on their family home. This means that they will be able to provide for their families, or themselves, at a level that is higher than what they had growing up.

4) Mortgages are easier to get now:

The end of the year is a great time to put your home on the market. This is true for a number of reasons—and there are definitely benefits to selling before the new year starts.

The housing market is stronger than it has been in years, and it’s expected to continue to strengthen throughout 2018. That makes now a great time to sell, especially if you need cash quickly or want to avoid the stress and expense of moving during the busy holiday season. Another bonus: It’s much easier to get approved for a mortgage right now than it was at this time last year. That makes it easier to close on your new home before the end of 2017, which means less time spent in two homes.

Decks: Patios: Sheds: Fences: Carports: Solariums: Sunrooms: Room Additions

In conclusion

If you have been considering selling your home, now is the time to do it. Take my advice and set up a free consultation with an experienced realtor like myself. Let me listen to your goals and help you decide on the best type of real estate market strategy for you. In other words, you can’t underestimate the power that contacts, professional advice and the right contacts can have on helping a seller make a much better sale. So give us a call today or fill out our online form and let’s start preparing your next move to get you out of that house and into the home of your dreams! Schedule a personal one on one video conference today so we can start planning for the future!

Contact us today!



Alex Stroud, Realtor


281-258-5277
alexstroud.realtor@gmail.com
alex@alexstroud.realtor