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  • Beat the Heat – Save $$$ Even with High Rates Email

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    Beat the Heat - Save $$$ Even with High Rates

    That Marketing Blueprint: July

    H.O.M.E.S. Marketing: Email

    Beat the Heat: Learn How to Save Money on Your New Home Even when Rates are High

    Buying a new home can be an exciting and overwhelming experience, especially when mortgage rates are high. However, there are ways to save money on your new home purchase even in a high-rate environment.

    1. Shop around for the best mortgage rate

    When it comes to buying a new home, the mortgage rate is one of the most important factors that can affect your monthly payments. It’s crucial to shop around and compare rates from different lenders to ensure that you are getting the best deal possible. Even a small difference in interest rates can translate into significant savings over the life of the loan.

    1. Consider rate buydowns

    A rate buydown is a strategy that can help you save money on your mortgage payments. It involves paying an upfront fee to the lender in exchange for a lower interest rate for a certain period, usually the first few years of the loan.

    For example, let’s say the current interest rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is 4.5%. With a rate buydown, you could pay an upfront fee to lower the interest rate to 4.0% for the first three years of the loan. This would result in lower monthly payments during that period, which could help you save money.

    1. Increase your down payment

    Another way to save money on your new home purchase is to increase your down payment. A larger down payment means you’ll need to borrow less money, which could result in a lower interest rate and lower monthly payments.

    Additionally, if you put down at least 20% of the purchase price, you can avoid paying private mortgage insurance (PMI), which is an extra monthly cost that lenders require when you have less than 20% equity in the home.

    1. Consider a shorter loan term

    While a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is the most popular option, it’s not always the best choice for everyone. Consider a shorter loan term, such as a 15-year or 20-year fixed-rate mortgage. These loans typically have lower interest rates and can save you thousands of dollars in interest over the life of the loan.

    1. Improve your credit score

    Your credit score plays a significant role in determining the interest rate you’ll receive on your mortgage. By improving your credit score, you can potentially qualify for a lower interest rate, which can result in significant savings over the life of the loan.

    Some ways to improve your credit score include paying your bills on time, keeping your credit card balances low, and disputing any errors on your credit report.

    Regardless of current interest rates, you can still save money and start building equity on your new home purchase. If you don’t know where to start, just give me a call, and I would be happy to help!

  • 6 Steps to Becoming a Homeowner This Summer Email

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    6 Steps to Becoming a Homeowner This Summer Email

    That Marketing Blueprint: May

    H.O.M.E.S. Marketing: Email

    6 Steps to Becoming a Homeowner this Summer

    Are you dreaming of becoming a homeowner this summer? With the market shifting, it’s a good time to buy, but it’s important to know the process and plan ahead. Here are 6 steps you can take to make sure you’re ready to purchase a home this summer.

    Know your credit score. Having a good credit score is an important of purchasing a home because it shows lenders that you’re trustworthy and have a history of paying your bills on time. To start, find out what your credit score is and what you need to do to improve it if necessary. Pay off any outstanding debts, and make sure all of your bills are paid on time. Then you can start saving for a down payment.

    Save up for your downpayment. In order to purchase a home, unless you are a veteran or receive assistance, you will need to put down a downpayment when you buy. A good rule of thumb is to save at least 3-5% of the purchase price of the home you’re interested in, plus, funds for closing costs and future maintenance.

    Talk with a lender. It’s always a good idea to talk to a lender before you start seriously looking to purchase a home. Doing so can help you determine what type of loan you qualify for, how much you can afford to spend, and what your estimated monthly payments and interest rate could look like. Taking the time to discuss your options with a lender can help you make an informed decision about the home you want to buy, and can also help you determine if you need to make any changes to your budget or finances before making a purchase. 

    Find a real estate agent. A real estate agent is a key player in helping you find the right home and guiding you through the home-buying process. Look for realtors that have solid track records and positive reviews. Ask your friends and family for recommendations, and look online to see what others are saying about potential realtors. Before you make a decision, it’s important to meet with the realtor and have a conversation. Make sure the realtor you choose is someone you trust and get along with.

    Understand the market. The real estate market fluctuates all the time, and it is key to understand the market before you start shopping. Talk with your real estate agent about what to expect in this particular season so you are prepared when you step into the buying ring.

    Make a list. Create a list of must-haves and prioritize your needs. Know exactly what you need will help you narrow down your options as you begin your search. It will also help you make more informed decisions when you get caught up in the emotions of the buying process.

    Following these steps can help make sure you’re ready to become a homeowner this summer. And don’t forget to call me when you are ready!

     

  • 5 Renovations that Bring a Value Increase Email

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    5 Renovations that Bring a Value Increase Email

    That Marketing Blueprint: April

    H.O.M.E.S. Marketing: Email

    April Showers Bring May Flowers – 5 Renovations that Bring a Value Increase

    Are you looking to add value to your home this spring? Renovations are a great way to increase the value of your property, as well as make your home more enjoyable to live in. While you may be leery of putting more money into your home if you are considering selling, these value increases make your home more attractive to buyers in the market. This could mean a quicker sale for a higher dollar amount which is important in this shifting market. Here are 5 renovations that can help add value to your home.

    Creating an Outdoor Living Space

    • Average cost in 2022: $3,369
    • Average resale value in 2022: $3,563
    • Cost recouped: 109%*

    If you have an outdoor area, consider transforming it into a comfortable living space. Add a deck, patio, or pergola and add some outdoor furniture and plants to make it a relaxing and inviting area for you and potential buyers.

    Garage Door Replacement 

    • Average cost in 2022: $4,041
    • Average resale value in 2022: $3,769
    • Cost recouped: 93.3%**

    Replacing your old and worn-out garage door with a newer, sturdier one can not only add to the aesthetics of your home but also increases your home’s value. Upgrading to a higher-end garage door will help you get more for your home when you decide to sell. 

    Adding Stone Veneer 

    • Average cost in 2022: $11,066
    • Average resale value in 2022: $10,109
    • Cost recouped: 91.4%**

    Adding stone veneer to the exterior of your home brings a touch of elegance that can increase the overall value of your home. It’s an affordable way to make your home stand out from the rest and will make potential buyers more interested. 

    Minor Kitchen Remodel 

    • Average cost in 2022: $28,279
    • Average resale value in 2022: $20,125
    • Cost recouped: 71.2% **

    Kitchen remodels are always a great way to increase your home’s value because they are the heart of a home. You don’t have to break the bank to give your kitchen a makeover. Simple changes like replacing outdated appliances, painting the cabinets, and installing new countertops can make a big difference in the look and feel of your kitchen. 

    New Windows

    • Average cost in 2022: $20,482
    • Average resale value in 2022: $13,822
    • Cost recouped: 67.5%**

    Old, drafty windows can be a huge turn-off to buyers. Installing new windows will not only improve the look and feel of your home but also make it more energy efficient. This can help save you money on your energy bills and can help make your home more valuable when you decide to sell. 

    By investing in these renovations, you can make your home more valuable and desirable to potential buyers.

    *According to a HomeLight survey of top agents

    **According to the 2022 Cost vs. Value report 

  • Is Buying Better than Renting Right Now? Email

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    Is Buying Better than Renting Right Now? Email

    That Marketing Blueprint: March

    H.O.M.E.S. Marketing: Email

    Is Buying Really Better than Renting Right Now?

    It’s a question many people are asking in today’s market: is it better to buy or rent? Homes prices and interest rates are high when it comes to purchasing a home, but rental rates are skyrocketing. Should you wait until the prices come down to buy?

    Ultimately, it can still be cheaper to buy than to rent, which is driving the real estate market. Until that changes, there is a huge advantage to buying. However, the decision comes down to individual circumstances and what makes the most sense for you and your family. That said, there are some factors to consider that may help you make the best decision for your current situation.

    First, consider the costs associated with purchasing a home versus renting an apartment or condo. While buying a home typically requires a larger upfront investment, the costs associated with renting can add up over time, especially as rental rates continue to increase. In addition, when you buy a home, you are building equity which you can use in the future if needed.

    Second, consider the stability of each option. Even though rental rates increases are slowly starting to decelerate, rent is at an all time high. When you rent, you have little control over the cost of your rental from term to term, making it difficult to plan for the future. If you buy a home, you have the security of knowing you can stay in it as long as you want, provided you can make the payments.

    Finally, regardless of the financial implications, you do need to consider the lifestyle you want. Do you prefer the flexibility of renting or the feeling of owning your own home? It’s important to consider what kind of lifestyle you want and what will make you comfortable.

    Ultimately, the answer to the question of whether it’s better to buy or rent depends on your individual situation. Weighing these factors can help you make an informed decision and determine the best path for you and your family.

    If you are curious about whether or not buying might be the right move for you, give me a call. I would be happy to help you!

  • 5 Tips to Prepping Your Home for a Successful Sale Email

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    5 Tips to Prep Your Home for a Successful Sale Email

    That Marketing Blueprint: February

    H.O.M.E.S. Marketing: Email

    Top 5 Tips for Preparing Your Home for a Successful Sale

    Meet with Your Agent.

    It should come as no surprise that this is the first thing recommended if you are thinking of selling. Sit down with your agent and discuss what they believe your home can sell for, repairs that may need to be taken care of before listing, and the timeline for getting your home sold.

    Know Your Bottom Line.

    While you are sitting down with your agent, ask them to prepare a net sheet for you. This will give you an idea of what you will be walking away with after selling your home. It is important to know these numbers and your bottom line upfront so that you can make more confident and educated decisions throughout the process.

    Tackle Maintenance.

    Unless they are looking for a property to invest into, most buyers are looking for homes without problems. In fact, avoiding plumbing, electrical, and other maintenance problems is the number one reason those that buy new construction do so, and buyers, in my experience, tend to overestimate the cost of such maintenance issues. It also causes them to look at the home with even more of a magnifying glass thinking, “If they overlooked taking care of this, what else did they miss?”

    Have you neglected to change out any filters? Have a leak you’ve been putting off? Have caulk that is in dire need of a refresh? Take a weekend before you list your house and tackle some of these issues.

    De-Clutter Your Home.

    Once those maintenance projects are handle, now it is time to declutter. Begin by removing about 50% of the clothes and other items from your closets. You’ll have to pack them sooner or later! Next pack up anything laying around the house that isn’t decor, such as larger toys, excessive dog toys, the beanbag chairs the kids love to drag out, etc. Finally, clear off those countertops. If it isn’t for decoration, hide it under the sink or in the pantry.

    Deep Clean.

    Before the photographer and showings start coming through, give your house a good deep clean. I’m talking dust those hidden shelves you never get, mop behind the toilet, and get those floors shining. A clean house will instantly elevate you above the crowd.