Keeping It REAL - by Bettsy Tyler

  We’re still in a seller’s market, but that doesn’t mean your home is guaranteed to easily sell. 1 If you want to maximize your sale price, it’s still important to prepare your home before putting it on the market. Start by connecting with a real estate agent as soon as possible. Having the eyes and ears of an insightful real estate professional on your side can help you boost your home’s appeal to buyers. What’s more, beginning the preparation process early allows you to tackle repairs and upgrades that can increase your property’s value. Use the checklist below to figure out what other tasks you should complete in the months leading up to listing your home. While everyone’s situation is unique, these guidelines will help you make sure you’re ready to sell when the time is right. Of course, you can always call us if you’re not sure where to start or what to tackle first. We can help customize a plan that works for you. AS SOON AS YOU THINK OF SELLING Some home sellers ...

      The annual inflation rate in the United States is currently around 7.5 % —the highest it has been since 1982 . 1 It doesn’t matter if you ’ re a cashier, lawyer, plumber, or retiree; if you spend U.S. dollars, inflation impacts you.   Economists expect the effects of inflation, like a higher cost of goods, to continue. 2 Luckily, an investment in real estate can ease some of the financial strain.   Here’s what you need to know about inflation, how it impacts you, and how an investment in real estate can help .     WHAT IS INFLATION AND HOW DOES IT IMPACT ME?   Inflation is a decline in the value of money. When the rate of inflation rises , prices for goods and services go up . Therefore, a dollar buys you a little bit less with every passing day.   The consumer price index, or CPI, is a standard measure of inflation. Based on the latest CPI data, prices increased 7.5% from January 2021 to January 2022 . 1 ...

  There’s a lot to consider when selling your home, from the market and appraisals to where you’ll go next. Don’t forget, however, that design is also a key factor. It’s often one of the first things buyers notice when they walk into a home.  Changes like new security features or upgraded siding can add value to your home now and be highlighted when you market it for sale later. To get the most out of your updates, focus on these popular home design features that will wow buyers in 2022.  Keep in mind, not all of these will work well in every house. If you plan to buy, list or renovate a property, give us a call. We can help you realize your vision and maximize the impact of your investment. Eco-Friendly Fixtures Millennials account for the largest share of current homebuyers, and sustainable living tops their list of priorities.[1,2] Consider how you can leverage eco-friendly design features, like energy-efficient windows, low-flow water fixtures, and native land...

 It's Anybody's Guess But...  With 10 years having now passed since the Great Recession, the U.S. has been on the longest period of continued economic expansion on record. The housing market has been along for much of the ride and continues to benefit greatly from the overall health of the economy. However, hot economies eventually cool and with that, hot housing markets move more towards balance. Housing market forecasts are essentially informed guesses based on existing patterns, and there are plenty of guesses going around, While the real estate pace of 2021 appears to be reverting to seasonality as we approached 2022, demand is not waning. Increasing interest rates will almost certainly have a greater impact on the national housing market as we move into 2022 than any other factor. Sellers remain in an advantageous position as long as the inventory remains at or near its current level. Housing supply is and will likely remain a challenge for some time as labor and mate...