spring cleaning hacks materials

Spring Cleaning Hacks That Will Last All Season

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Follow these spring cleaning hacks to a cleaner, brighter home.
SHARON LEE Digital Content Specialist for Coldwell Banker Real Estate, LLC.
MAR 23, 2018

So, it’s that time of year again when we get down on our hands and knees to scrub our home top to bottom. Sponge? Check. Eco-friendly cleaning solutions? Check. Rubber gloves? Check. Ready, set, clean. You step back to admire your hard work only to realize your home doesn’t look any different after hours of scouring.

Avoid the spring-cleaning blues. Put the duster down and actually make a visual difference to your home. Remember that feeling when you just moved in? It’s like a new car smell. Everything had its place, décor was new and you had just what you needed. Find that home again! It’s simply a change of mindset, look beyond the mop to the tasks that will actually transform your home for the entire season. Follow these spring-cleaning hacks to a cleaner, brighter home:

  • Out With the Poinsettias: Replace houseplants with fresh spring plants from a local farmer’s market. Fresh plants help improve the flow of oxygen in your home, bringing in that clean spring-like air.
  • Toss the Pillows: In the spring, it’s time to put heavy fabrics, throw blankets and extra toss pillows in storage. Less things and textures will make you feel cool and clean.
  • Raise Your Kids: Beds, that is. Purchase bed raisers for your kids’ rooms to create under-the-bed storage. You can store everything from shoes, laundry basket, books to any bulky items that might otherwise clutter their room.
  • Sort the Soups: Done with winter’s comfort foods? Sort through your kitchen cabinets and box up canned foods you have not used in three months. Donate them to your local food bank. An organized pantry creates space for fresh spring meals and perhaps a cleaner diet.
  • Seasonal Style Assessment: Take a look at your winter shoes, coats and purses. Will they make it another season? If so, remove them from your closet and put them in storage. If they won’t make it another season, donate them. And, no shopping for new spring clothes! That is until you make room for them. Get rid of an old item for every new item. Then say hello to your organized closet!
  • Clear Clutter Magnets: What are the places in your home that attract the most clutter? By the front door? That special junk drawer? Bedside table? Coat closet? Identify your clutter magnets and pick one per weekend to de-clutter.

To de-clutter, empty everything out and create four piles: keep, give away, throw away and store. If you can’t remember the last time you used something, get rid of it! Only put the items back that you really need. Create “homes” for items that end up attracted to each spot. For example, make a basket for each family member so little Logan has a place to dump his schoolbooks when he walks in the door. Stack the baskets close by their former drop spot. Lastly, take a picture of your new “anti-clutter magnet” and place it on the inside of a drawer or underneath a table to refer to, so you can keep it that way! You will be amazed at how happy that clutter-free spot makes you feel every time you walk by.

Now step back, take a deep breath, and soak in the clear, clean space of your refreshed home. When your friends come over, they will be sure to ask for the name of the cleaning service you used!

Laura McHolm is an organizational & storage expert and Co-Founder of NorthStar Moving Company. NorthStar Moving Company is an “A” rated company, which specializes in providing eco-luxury moving and storage services. 

Let us know what you thought of these spring cleaning hacks. If you want, you can go back to our blog for other home tips!

Should Sellers Renovate Before Listing in 2021?

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With the current lack of real estate inventory, buyers are now forced to compete for available homes. In a market such as this, renovations have become much less important as many buyers are more willing to tackle home improvement projects in order to get the home they desire. Focus on simple cosmetic updates like fresh, neutral paint and a good power-washing of exterior areas. 
 
If you want to make some high-value renovations to your home, consider adding manufactured veneer to your exterior or replacing your garage door. Of the projects evaluated by Remodeling Magazine, those two improvements proved to have the highest return on investment. Most any other remodel, while still adding value to the home, will come at a higher cost than return. The magazine also estimated that a mid-level kitchen remodel will get a return value of less than 80%. 
 
Don’t hold off on listing in order to complete an expensive home project or find a home you want. Call your trusted real estate team, The Weil Team, today. Get your home listed in 2021 and let’s sell your house on your terms.

Real Estate & Your Taxes

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If a real estate move was part of your financial picture for 2020, you should be aware of some of the effects the purchase or sale of a home has on your income taxes.

BUYER OF PRIMARY RESIDENCE

When purchasing a primary residence, the main tax benefit is the ability to deduct the mortgage interest the buyer pays on the new mortgage loan.  The IRS also allows a deduction for real estate taxes and private mortgage insurance (sometimes referred to as “PMI”).  However, the buyer should also carefully scan their closing statement and look for loan origination fees (“points” paid on the purchase), because the IRS allows these fees as a deduction as well.  The other fees associated with the closing, title insurance, survey fees, recording fees, commissions, hazard insurance, etc. are not deductible but are included in the total basis the owner has in their new home.

SELLER OF PRIMARY RESIDENCE

When selling a primary residence, the selling party may deduct the interest and real estate taxes as they typically would.  They may also deduct the costs associated with the sale including, commissions, attorney fees, closing costs, transfer fees, title insurance, and other closing costs the seller was required to pay to close the transaction.

BUYER OF INVESTMENT PROPERTY

When purchasing an investment property, the closing statement is a crucial document when the investor files their future tax returns.  The purchase price, along with the closing costs, is typically added together and this makes up the basis of the property.  The basis of the real estate is then depreciated over the life, meaning a piece of the cost will be taken each year on the tax return as a deduction.  Certain costs, condo fees/HOAs paid by the seller on the closing statement, reserves for property taxes or insurance, and interest are fully deductible.

SELLER OF INVESTMENT PROPERTY

The seller of investment property also relies on the closing statement to guide the tax implications and the profit or loss realized on the sale.  The seller may deduct most costs such as attorney fees, closing costs, appraisal fees, commissions, recording fees, and title charges against the amount they received in proceeds.  

– Guest post by Andrea F. Schnurr CPA, Farris & Associates CPA PLLC in Louisville, KY (502) 339-8311 farriscpas.com*

*Always contact a tax professional for advice. Any tax advice contained in this article is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties that may be imposed on any taxpayer or (ii) promoting, marketing, or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein.

Your House is on Our Buyer’s Wish List

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Every December, many homeowners decide to hold off on selling their home until after the holidays. Despite your fears, selling now is the best decision you could make. Reach out to us with your concerns and learn more about why our clients have expressed that the Weil Team: “had my back every step of the way. During these unusual times I felt I had an advocate on my side.”

According to Keeping Current Matters, there are seven great reasons to sell your house during the holiday season:

1. Buyers are active now. Mortgage rates are historically low, providing motivation for those who are ready to get more for their money over the life of their home loan.

2. Purchasers who look for homes during the holidays are serious ones, and they’re ready to buy.

3. You can restrict the showings in your house to days and times that are most convenient for you, or even select virtual options. You’ll remain in control, especially in today’s sellers’ market.

4. Homes decorated for the holidays appeal to many buyers.

5. Today, there’s minimal competition for you as a seller. There just aren’t enough houses on the market to satisfy buyer demand, meaning sellers are in the driver’s seat. Over the past year, inventory has declined to record lows, making it the opportune time to sell your house (See graph below):
Your House May Be High on the Buyer Wish List This Holiday Season | Keeping Current Matters
6. The desire to own a home doesn’t stop during the holidays. Buyers who have been searching throughout the fall and have been running into more and more bidding wars are still on the lookout. Your home may be the answer.

7. This season is the sweet spot for sellers, and the number of listings will increase after the holidays. In many parts of the country, more new construction will also be available for sale in 2021, which will lessen the demand for your house next year.

Inventory is very low and many buyers are anxiously searching for their next home. If you are ready to sell, don’t let the thought of home showings cause you any stress! With Matterport 3D technology, The Weil Team can provide virtual tours of your home to potential buyers via phone, computer or other smart device. Additionally, our team will be there to guide the process every step of the way. Of course, if the time isn’t right, we understand and will be happy to discuss next steps whenever you are ready. Have a wonderful holiday season and a happy end to 2020!

 

Should You Buy an Existing Home or New Construction?

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“If you have questions and would like to know more about options in Louisville or surrounding areas, contact us today!”   – The Weil Team

Finding the right home to purchase today is one of the biggest challenges for potential buyers. With so few homes for sale and construction of newly built homes ramping up, you may be wondering if you should consider new construction in your search process. It’s a great question to ask, and one to look at from the pros and cons of what it means to buy a new home versus an existing one. Here are a few things to consider when making the best decision for your family.

New Construction  

When buying a new home, you can often choose more energy-efficient options. New appliances, new windows, a new roof, etc. These can all help lower your energy costs, which can add up to significant savings over time. With programs like ENERGY STAR, your home also helps protect the environment and reduces your carbon footprint.

Lower maintenance that comes with a newer home is another great benefit. When you have a new home, you likely won’t have as many little repairs to tackle, like leaky faucets, shutters to paint, and other odd jobs around the house. With new construction, you’ll also have warranty options that may cover portions of your investment for the first few years.

Another solid benefit to new construction is customization. Do you want a mudroom, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, hardwood floors, an office, or a multipurpose room to homeschool your children? These items can be customized to your specific needs during the design phase. With an existing home, you’re buying something that’s already completed, so if you want to make changes, you may need to hire a contractor to help get your home ready for your family.

Existing Home

When buying an existing home, you can negotiate with the current homeowner on price, which is something you generally don’t get to do with a builder. Builders know their material and construction costs, and they have a price set for the model you’re buying. So, if you want to negotiate, then maybe an existing home will be best.

For many families, having an established neighborhood is also important. Some buyers like to know the neighbors, if it’s family-friendly, and traffic patterns before making a commitment. When you buy new construction, you won’t have a full view of some of those details until the lots around you are sold.

Finally, timing comes into play. With an existing home, you can move in based on the timeline you agree to with the sellers. With new construction, you need to wait for the house to be built. Depending on the time of the year you’re buying and the region you’re in, the weather can also be a factor in the timeframe. This is something really important to keep in mind, especially if you need to move sooner rather than later. Over the past few months with COVID-19 and social distancing regulations, some areas for new construction have been delayed.

Bottom Line

Whether you want to buy a newly built home or one that’s already established, both are great options. They each have their pros and cons, and every family will have different circumstances driving their decision.

Article: © Keeping Current Matters 8-26-2020

Tips for Moving During COVID-19

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Planning on moving soon? Here are some of our top safety tips for moving during COVID-19 to protect your family and belongings.

The following is a guest post written by Laura McHolm, Co-Founder NorthStar Moving Company 

Over the past few months, we have all been learning how to adapt to the changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. While many of our social events or travel plans have been put on hold, moving does not have to be. Moving and Storage are actually considered essential businesses, which means they remain open. With a little extra planning and by following the CDC and WHO safety measures, you can safely move during the COVID-19 outbreak. Here are some of our top safety tips for moving during COVID-19 to protect your family and belongings.

What to do before your move:

1. Plan a Contactless Move during COVID-19

As you begin researching moving companies online, remember to also ask questions on how they are mitigating the health risks of COVID-19. A few movers can provide virtual estimates, rather than in-home visits. The video estimate feature allows you to get the cost of your move without having an onsite estimator in your home. You can also use this handy moving box calculator to figure out how many moving boxes you will need.

2. Get packing supplies delivered to you

Since studies have shown that the coronavirus can live on cardboard for up to 24 hours, it’s best to purchase new moving boxes and tape from your mover. Eco-friendly moving companies, like NorthStar Moving, use moving boxes made of 100% recyclable materials and also give you a discount when you recycle them back. Even during a pandemic, we can do our part to care for our environment.

3. Let others know ahead of time

If you are moving out or into an apartment building or condominium complex, notify your management company of the time and date of your move. Remember to make these arrangements ahead of time on both ends of the move. Ask your management team about using a service elevator for the day of your move and special arrangements needed for parking the moving truck. You should also notify your neighbors by phone or email so that they can be aware to keep a safe distance in halls and elevators on your moving day.

4. Donate unwanted items during this time of need

As you prepare for your move, mark boxes of unwanted clothing and non-perishable food items that can be donated to the Goodwill or local food bank. The COVID-19 outbreak has caused food insecurity for many families; donating your shelf-stable foods is a great way to lighten your load and give back to your community.

What to do during your Move:

5. Extra Sanitary Precautions while moving during COVID-19

Movers should come prepared with their face masks. Keep your distance from movers and avoid handshakes. Keep soap, running water and paper towels available for movers and your family to wash your hands throughout the day. As much as possible, keep windows opened to allow plenty of fresh air to circulate.

6. Label rooms and boxes to make the move seamless

Take the time to label your boxes and the rooms in your new home before your movers arrive. Clear signs will help movers know where to place each moving box and large furniture without you having to come into close contact with them. Creating a simple floor plan ahead of time will save you time and money.

What to do after your Move:

7. Clean your new home before unpacking

After the movers leave, take some time to disinfect any areas that are high touch zones. Wipe down door handles, light switches and bathrooms before you finish unpacking. Get rid of any germs that could have been brought in on foot traffic by sweeping and mopping your floors.

8. Pack your patience and an overnight bag

Finish unpacking by disinfecting boxes or simply wait 24 hours. Pack a fresh set of sheets, pajamas and toiletries in your overnight bag. This will come in handy after a long day of moving.

Stay informed while moving during COVID-19

Keep in mind, as we all continue to adapt to the changing times, it’s important to stay informed and follow any local or state restrictions. At NorthStar Moving, we want to alleviate the anxiety and stress of moving during the Coronavirus pandemic. Please consider all of the extra safety precautions our team is taking during moves and in our offices. If you are not ready to make the move yet, learn how to transform your home for stay-at-home needs.

Shared by GUSTAVO GONZALEZ – Senior Manager, Content & Multimedia at Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC – JUL 20, 2020
Laura McHolm is an organizational, moving & storage expert and co-founder of NorthStar Moving Company. NorthStar Moving Company is an award winning, “A+” rated company, which specializes in providing eco-luxury moving and storage services.  

How to Keep Your Kids’ Minds Moving

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Tips on how to keep your kids motivated, learning and entertained.

Guest post written by Co-Founder NorthStar Moving Company Laura McHolm

These are certainly challenging times, especially if you have children who are home because their schools and daycare facilities have been temporarily shut down due to COVID-19. Whether or not you are working from home yourself, many still need to figure out how to keep their kids busy and challenged – without the options of trips to parks, libraries, theaters, museums and other public gathering spaces. Here are some tips on how to keep your kids’ minds moving and motivated throughout however long this takes.

Create a schedule.

It is well-known that kids thrive on a routine. Get your kids involved with the planning of their daily schedule. Maintain regular meal and sleep times. If they have set online school course hours, plan other activities around them and include a couple of free-time breaks.  Also assign at least one daily chore. Write up or print out their schedule and hang it up for them to see to set expectations.

Teach.    

Learning at home can be enjoyable as well as productive. Of course, there are the standard subjects of reading and writing, mathematics, social studies, science, etc. However, you now have the chance to introduce your kids to subjects that may not be offered anymore, such as art and music. Even if your children have online classes or are not of school age yet, you can still schedule special education time on a subject of your choice. Many educational companies are currently offering free subscriptions.

Be crafty.

Keep kids occupied with creative projects using items from around your house. Set them up with a bunch of old magazines, settle on a theme and have them cut out corresponding pictures. Have them arrange the cut-outs on a sheet of paper, give them a glue stick – instant collage! Paint and write positive/ kind thoughts on rocks from your yard (which can be left around your neighborhood for others to discover). Make a batch of salt dough for hours of countless fun. Final pieces can be baked and decorated. Running out of coloring books? Print free coloring pages.

Get cooking.  

Have your kids help with the preparation of your meals. Keep to simple recipes for sandwiches, soups, pasta (spaghetti, macaroni and cheese) and casseroles. Even toddlers can participate by adding already measured ingredients into a bowl and giving a stir or two. Of course baking cookies, cupcakes and other sweets can be its own afternoon activity.

Take up hobbies.

Do any of your kids have a special interest? Expressed the desire to learn how to play a musical instrument? Anyone ever talked about learning to knit and/or crochet? Wanted to start a stamp or coin collection? Maybe one of your kids is a budding writer or filmmaker? Encourage them to document their experiences of these unprecedented times. Future generations will appreciate the first hand observations.

Encourage reading.  

With libraries closed, it may be difficult to entice kids to read what books they already have. If this is the case, you can check out Amazon for affordable used books and e-books. Of course there are books which stand the test of time and are more easily up for a re-read (Harry Potter). Another option are audio books (especially for kids who are not reading on their own yet). Storyline Online is a children’s literacy resource featuring the world’s best storytellers reading books aloud and includes at-home activity guides with lessons for K-5 students. For additional educational learning, require kids to write book reports on what they listened to or read. Have a discussion about the book’s theme with younger children.

Clean-up and organize.

It’s never too early to encourage kids to keep their bedrooms clean and tidy. They should make their beds each morning. This is also a great time to de-clutter. Have your kids help you go through and pack up any no-longer-used toys or clothing for future donation. Go further and involve them in the reorganization of their closet and/or chest of drawers. Kids take pride in maintaining “their space.” Have a more motivated kid who wants to tackle redecorating their bedroom or just even rearranging the furniture? Let them at it.

Get fresh air.

Make your backyard an extension/ additional room of your home. Kids can spend quiet time outside with a book or writing in a journal. Consider having a family meal on your patio or a picnic on the lawn.  Besides playing the usual athletic games, a well-planned scavenger hunt can provide both physical and mental exercise. Start a garden if you do not already have one. If your home does not include private outdoor space, take your kids for a walk or bike ride each day (still keeping six feet apart from others).

Ask for advice.

Don’t be hesitant to ask other parents how they are coping with keeping their kids’ minds moving during this strange time. Compare notes; chances are they may have thought of something you have not. Also check out social media for ideas. A few examples include Caitlyn Chase, In Honor of Design, Jessica Reed Kraus and Sophie Jaffe. You never know from where the good ideas can come.

Above all, remain positive.

Try not to exhibit any fears or anxiety in front of your kids. Children tend to pick up and then mimic their parents’ attitudes. Stay calm and positive.

Explain to your kids that “sheltering in place” and “physical/ social distancing” are situations over which we do have control. We can help in the fight against the spread of coronavirus. We are also presented with an opportunity to spend quality time together.

It is hard to be separated from friends and other family members. However, explain that we are six feet apart right now – so we can all be together when this is all over. Just keep your kids’ minds moving for the best motivation.

Laura McHolm is an organizational, moving & storage expert and co-founder of NorthStar Moving Company. NorthStar Moving Company is an award winning, “A+” rated company, which specializes in providing eco-luxury moving and storage services.   www.northstarmoving.com

4 Investments Worth Making in Your First Home

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Home-ownership is an exciting and worthwhile endeavor. If you don’t invest in and maintain your home, however, you could end up missing out on new ways to enjoy your home as well as providing the amenities buyers will desire when you decide to sell. The guest article below is geared toward first-time homeowners yet the author’s suggestions apply to everyone that owns a home and desires to maintain their investment.

The following is a guest post by Suhayl Laher

In today’s post, we’re offering some advice for first-time homeowners on areas where spending a little bit more is likely to pay off in the long-run. From valuable aesthetic updates in key areas such as the kitchen, bathroom and living room to installing smart heating systems and insulation to prioritize energy efficiency, our tips will leave you inspired to make the most out of your first home update.

Replace flooring

Flooring has the power to change a room entirely, so it should go without saying that this is an essential aspect of the home where you should consider spending a little extra. Since flooring in areas such as the hallway, kitchen and bathroom is likely to undergo high footfall traffic, your material choice should always look to combine durability with that visual wow-factor where possible.

When it comes to updating your flooring, choose neutral colors to create a luxe look that goes the distance. Generally, neutral colors offer you the freedom to change your furniture or accessories without updating all the fixtures and fittings in the process, and will even allow you to keep up with trends as they change.

Whether you’re opting for some stylish, large format floor tiles which offer a contemporary touch in the kitchen or some hardwood flooring which adds warmth to your living room, quality flooring is a great way to add personality to a new space from the off – meaning showing your floors a little TLC should be high up on your list of investment priorities.

Update key areas of the home

As the hub of the home where friends and family alike come together to relax, the living room is the best place to start when it comes to fixtures and fittings. Lighting can have a huge impact on the overall aesthetic in your living room – so it’s worth spending a little bit more on lamps or downlighters to add that cozy, homely touch to the lounge.

Additionally, art is a great way to change the ambiance in your living room, so choosing pieces with comfort and calmness in mind is a great way to add a tranquil theme that makes you feel right at home from the get-go.

Naturally, ensuring your bathroom looks fresh, well maintained and hygienic is important when moving into any new home. Modern or high tech touches are an effective way to add an extra luxe appeal, so consider investing in a rain shower or waterfall taps to create a relaxing oasis that washes away the stresses of moving and unpacking.

Elsewhere in the home, high-end fittings such as granite or quartz worktops are practical choices that will go the distance. Though these may be a high investment initially, investing in durable, hard-wearing and practical materials in areas of frequent use ensures longevity and, as such, a great return on your investment in the long-run. 

Invest in quality furniture

Nothing makes a house feel like home quite like furniture – after all, furniture is the most effective way of adding character to any space. When opting for your style, try to prioritize items that will stand the test of time, as this will ensure your first few years in your new home isn’t spent constantly renovating in-line with the latest trends.

When choosing timeless furniture, wood is often the first material which springs to mind. While solid wood is often more expensive than other types, it boasts a distinctive aesthetic and durability that will look great year after year. Whether you’re purchasing an oak cabinet for the living room or some luxury walnut bedroom cabinets, solid wood is an effective way to add a high-end, comforting appeal to your home.

Prioritize energy efficiency

Energy efficiency is now one of the highest priorities for homeowners as it can make a significant difference in the cost of utility bills. While adding energy-efficient features may be a large initial investment, the sooner you start making the changes, the greater your savings will be – so we recommend optimizing your new home right away.

Some essential areas to evaluate energy efficiency are the boiler and the loft. Poorly insulated lofts can be a major cause of energy wastage, even if all of your other appliances are in premium condition. If appliances such as your boiler aren’t in a premium condition, however, this could only add more costs to your energy bills, particularly if it breaks down during the winter months.

To keep track of your heating usage and spot issues early, a smart heating system is a great way to monitor your spending. Smart heaters allow you to add more thermostats and controls to different rooms, including hot water and heating – making this a logical investment for any first home.

It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of moving house, but with our tips, we hope you’ll be on your way to making worthwhile investments in your first home.

Renovations & ROI

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As a homeowner, it’s important to be aware of which home renovations add the most value, especially if you’re planning on selling your house. According to the 2019 Remodeling Impact Report developed by a team of National Association of Realtors members also known as the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, these are the top renovations that will give you the highest return on your investment.

  1. New Roof
  2. New Wood Flooring
  3. HVAC Replacement
  4. New Front Door
  5. New Garage Door

The exterior of a house is the first thing buyers see when searching for a home. Upgrading your roof or siding will ensure your home leaves a great first impression. If buyers think the roof will need replacing soon, they may be apprehensive to make the purchase. Making the repair prior to selling will actually add more value than the cost to have it done. According to surveys, cost recovery on new roofing was 107%.

If your floors are in obvious need of replacement or repair, buyers immediately notice and flooring costs become a huge concern. New wood floors may come with a price tag however on average, the return value is 106%. If your wood floors are solid but could use a refinish, this will provide a 100% ROI.

HVAC replacement is a big expense and if your home is in need of one, buyers will insist on it. The return on this investment isn’t quite as large however you can definitely count on less resistance and a quicker sale. The NAR report states an average cost of $8,200 may get an ROI of $7,000. The sooner you make this repair, the more benefits you’ll have the advantage of receiving. For example, you’ll notice better functionality and improved energy efficiency.

Finally, as we said before, the exterior appearance and condition of your home is extremely important to home buyers. Doors that are old, difficult to open/close or in rough shape will give your home an undesirable appearance and cause concern about the condition of the rest of the home. New garage doors have a recovered cost of 95% and your front door will average a return of 74-75%

Successful remodels are dependent on many factors and these are average estimates. While many homeowners find remodeling and updating their home a necessary part of ownership, others find it a hassle and are overwhelmed at the thought of taking on such projects. It’s important to consider what you are willing and capable of taking on when buying and/or selling a home. If you need advice, give the Weil Team a call or message us at any time.

Source: NAR, NARI

5 Reasons to Sell This Fall

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“An article worth sharing from one of our favorite sources on real estate trends. Right now really is a great time to sell!” – The Weil Team

Original Article

Below are 5 compelling reasons listing your home for sale this fall makes sense.

1. Demand Is Strong

The latest Buyer Traffic Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows that buyer demand remains strong throughout the vast majority of the country. These buyers are ready, willing, and able to purchase…and are in the market right now. More often than not, in many areas of the country, multiple buyers are competing with each other to buy the same home.

Take advantage of the buyer activity currently in the market.

2. There Is Less Competition Now

Housing inventory is still under the 6-month supply that is needed for a normal market. This means that in the majority of the country, there are not enough homes for sale to satisfy the number of buyers.

Historically, a homeowner would stay an average of six years in his or her home. Since 2011, that number has hovered between nine and ten years. There is a pent-up desire for many homeowners to move as they were unable to sell over the last few years due to a negative equity situation. As home values continue to appreciate, more and more homeowners will be given the freedom to move.

Many homeowners were reluctant to list their homes over the last couple years, for fear that they would not find a home to move to. That is all changing now as more homes come to market at the higher end. The choices buyers have will continue to increase. Don’t wait until additional inventory comes to market before you decide to sell.

3. The Process Will Be Quicker

Today’s competitive environment has forced buyers to do all they can to stand out from the crowd, including getting pre-approved for their mortgage financing. This makes the entire selling process much faster and simpler, as buyers know exactly what they can afford before shopping for a home. According to Ellie Mae’s latest Origination Insights Report, the time needed to close a loan is 43 days.

4. There Will Never Be a Better Time to Move Up

If your next move will be into a premium or luxury home, now is the time to move up. There is currently ample inventory for sale at higher price ranges. This means if you’re planning on selling a starter or trade-up home and moving into your dream home, you’ll be able to do that in the luxury or premium market.

According to CoreLogic, prices are projected to appreciate by 5.2% over the next year. If you’re moving to a higher-priced home, it will wind up costing you more in raw dollars (both in down payment and mortgage) if you wait.

5. It’s Time to Move on with Your Life

Look at the reason you decided to sell in the first place and determine whether it is worth waiting. Is money more important than being with family? Is money more important than having the freedom to go on with your life the way you think you should?

Only you know the answers to these questions. You have the power to take control of the situation by putting your home on the market. Perhaps the time has come for you and your family to move on and start living the life you desire.

That is what is truly important.

Copyright © 2019 – Keeping Current Matters