Tuesday, February 14, 2023 / by Brittany Aspenson
What Is A Listing Agreement? A Basic Guide for Home Sellers
Selling a home can be a daunting task, especially for those who are unfamiliar with the intricacies of a real estate transaction. Even if you're more than prepared to get your property on the market with a trusted real estate agent, you probably just can’t get down to business without doing this critical step: signing a listing agreement.
Thursday, July 21, 2022 / by Brittany Aspenson
Home Improvements That Give Great Returns
Want to put your home on the market? Do these upgrades first.
“What improvements or changes do I have to make to my home before listing?” This is one of the questions that I often hear from would-be sellers. Here's the good news—a house does not need to be completely renovated to sell. In a quickly changing market, home improvements that take too much time could only cost you more. To help you sell fast and for top dollar, I'll share a few home upgrades that won't take a lot of time and money:
1. Flooring. Wood refinishing or changing old carpets can give great returns. I know companies that do it for a reasonable rate.
2. Get new lighting.
3. Give your home a fresh coat of paint.
4. Improve your curb appeal. Since it's the first thing buyers will see, your property's curb appeal can leave a long-lasting impression.
5. Do some general maintenance. This will make your home appear well cared for even if it's not updated.
6. Complete old projects. ...
“What improvements or changes do I have to make to my home before listing?” This is one of the questions that I often hear from would-be sellers. Here's the good news—a house does not need to be completely renovated to sell. In a quickly changing market, home improvements that take too much time could only cost you more. To help you sell fast and for top dollar, I'll share a few home upgrades that won't take a lot of time and money:
1. Flooring. Wood refinishing or changing old carpets can give great returns. I know companies that do it for a reasonable rate.
2. Get new lighting.
3. Give your home a fresh coat of paint.
4. Improve your curb appeal. Since it's the first thing buyers will see, your property's curb appeal can leave a long-lasting impression.
5. Do some general maintenance. This will make your home appear well cared for even if it's not updated.
6. Complete old projects. ...
Friday, April 1, 2022 / by Brittany Aspenson
Why You Shouldn’t Worry About a Crash
Here’s why we likely aren’t heading for a crash anytime soon.
Our market has been hot for a long time, causing many people to wonder if another market crash is just around the corner. Fortunately, our market is nothing like it was back in 2008, and today I want to talk about why.
The first reason why our market isn’t like 2008 is that housing remains affordable. Three key factors determine affordability in a market: interest rates, wages, and home values. When we compare the two markets, our home values are high, just like in 2008. However, interest rates are lower than in 2008, and wages have increased over the last few years. Because of this, houses are still relatively affordable even though values keep increasing.
"We’re currently in a great lending environment."
Another difference between this market and 2008 is our mortgage standards. Lenders tightened their standards after the crash, and things haven’t changed since th ...
Our market has been hot for a long time, causing many people to wonder if another market crash is just around the corner. Fortunately, our market is nothing like it was back in 2008, and today I want to talk about why.
The first reason why our market isn’t like 2008 is that housing remains affordable. Three key factors determine affordability in a market: interest rates, wages, and home values. When we compare the two markets, our home values are high, just like in 2008. However, interest rates are lower than in 2008, and wages have increased over the last few years. Because of this, houses are still relatively affordable even though values keep increasing.
"We’re currently in a great lending environment."
Another difference between this market and 2008 is our mortgage standards. Lenders tightened their standards after the crash, and things haven’t changed since th ...
Tuesday, March 1, 2022 / by Brittany Aspenson
When Is the Best Time To Enter the Market?
Four tips to help you time your move in our real estate market.
When is the best time to enter the real estate market? I receive many questions about this from people considering buying or selling a home. Sometimes people need to move for financial or personal reasons, which will trump any market conditions at the time. However, if you’re able to time your move, here are four things to think about that may help you decide when the best time is:
1. Market timing. There are three different types of markets: a seller’s market, a buyer’s market, and a balanced market. We’re rarely in a balanced market, and when we are, it’s not for long. As you likely know, we’re currently in an extremely strong seller’s market.
If you’re looking to buy, you’ll have to decide if you should do so in a seller’s market. If you need to sell and buy, you’re participating in both sides of the market, so it essentially comes out even. If. ...
When is the best time to enter the real estate market? I receive many questions about this from people considering buying or selling a home. Sometimes people need to move for financial or personal reasons, which will trump any market conditions at the time. However, if you’re able to time your move, here are four things to think about that may help you decide when the best time is:
1. Market timing. There are three different types of markets: a seller’s market, a buyer’s market, and a balanced market. We’re rarely in a balanced market, and when we are, it’s not for long. As you likely know, we’re currently in an extremely strong seller’s market.
If you’re looking to buy, you’ll have to decide if you should do so in a seller’s market. If you need to sell and buy, you’re participating in both sides of the market, so it essentially comes out even. If. ...
Thursday, February 24, 2022 / by Brittany Aspenson
How Do I Make a Non-Contingent Offer When I Need to Sell?
Here are some options for making an offer while you have a home to sell.
Many people think they have to list their home and sell it to make an offer on a new one. It can be overwhelming and scary, especially in this low-inventory market. However, there are ways you can make a non-contingent offer on a home even if you still have a house to sell.
The first option is to go to a bank and see if you can qualify for two mortgages at once. The money from the down payment can come from equity, via a bridge loan or HELOC or savings. Often, clients are concerned that they may not have access to their full down payment, and that’s ok. The loan can be recast at a later date to include all the equity that’s there.
The second option is for those who don’t qualify for two mortgages. For the properties that qualify, an instant cash offer from an iBuyer or our home swap program can provide you with the executed purchase agreement on your current property, which is necessary t ...
Many people think they have to list their home and sell it to make an offer on a new one. It can be overwhelming and scary, especially in this low-inventory market. However, there are ways you can make a non-contingent offer on a home even if you still have a house to sell.
The first option is to go to a bank and see if you can qualify for two mortgages at once. The money from the down payment can come from equity, via a bridge loan or HELOC or savings. Often, clients are concerned that they may not have access to their full down payment, and that’s ok. The loan can be recast at a later date to include all the equity that’s there.
The second option is for those who don’t qualify for two mortgages. For the properties that qualify, an instant cash offer from an iBuyer or our home swap program can provide you with the executed purchase agreement on your current property, which is necessary t ...
