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  • What to Know About Buying in 2024

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    What to Know About Buying in 2024 Email

    That Marketing Blueprint: January

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

    What to Know About Buying  in the Real Estate Market in 2024

    In the dynamic landscape of real estate in 2024, potential homebuyers are faced with a myriad of considerations—from soaring rental rates to fluctuating interest rates. If you are thinking of buying this year, here are some things you need to know!

    1. Renting vs. Buying: It’s a Personal Decision

    There’s an ongoing debate about whether it’s better to rent or buy in the current market conditions. Despite high-interest rates, renting might not be the cost-effective option it once was. Rental rates are soaring and are expected to continue rising. For those with the financial capacity—downpayment, good credit score, and means to buy—it may be more beneficial to invest in homeownership. With renting, you’re essentially paying someone else’s mortgage.

    2) “Marry the House. Date the Rate.”

    The resurgence of this real estate mantra emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the property over the interest rate. While interest rates are expected to decrease in 2024, securing your dream home should be the primary focus. Additionally, the flexibility of refinancing in the future allows homeowners to adjust their interest rates as market conditions change.

    3) Pre-Approval: Your Key to Informed Decisions

    Higher interest rates mean reduced buying power. Therefore, obtaining a pre-approval before embarking on your home search is crucial. Knowing your financial limits will guide you in making informed decisions and ensure you don’t waste time exploring properties that are beyond your means.

    4) Negotiation Power in a Slower Market

    The market slowdown due to higher interest rates has created a unique advantage for buyers—increased negotiating power. In 2024, buyers have the opportunity to implement strategies like negotiating a lower purchase price, requesting closing credits, and addressing inspection-related items. Seize this moment to make the most of your investment.

    5) The Indispensable Role of a Real Estate Agent

    Regardless of market conditions, hiring a real estate agent remains a critical step in the home-buying process. A skilled agent brings expertise, market knowledge, and negotiation skills to the table. In a market where strategic decision-making is key, having a professional advocate on your side can make a significant difference.

    As you embark on your homebuying journey in 2024, remember that knowledge is your greatest ally. If you find yourself contemplating the prospect of homeownership this year, I’m here to guide you through the process. Whether it’s clarifying your financial standing, strategizing negotiations, or simply providing expert advice, don’t hesitate to reach out. Your dream home awaits, and I’m here to ensure your path to it is both smooth and rewarding. Call me today, and let’s make your homeownership aspirations a reality.

  • Considering Selling? 3 Reasons to Work with Me Email

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    Considering Selling? 3 Reasons to Work with Me Email

    That Marketing Blueprint: August

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

    Considering Selling? 3 Reasons to Work with Me

    Selling a home can be an overwhelming and stressful process. From setting the right price to staging and marketing, there are many factors to consider to ensure that you get the best possible value for your property. That’s why it’s important to work with a real estate agent who has the experience and expertise to guide you through the process and help you achieve your goals – just like me!

    If you’re considering selling your home, here are three reasons listing with me is just a smart decision.

    1. Market Knowledge

    One of the key advantages of working with a real estate agent is their in-depth knowledge of the local market. As an experienced agent, I can provide you with a detailed analysis of current market conditions, including recent sales trends, average prices, and the overall demand for homes in your area. This information can help you set a realistic asking price for your home and ensure that you receive a competitive offer.

    In addition to providing you with market data, I can also help you navigate the complex legal and financial aspects of selling a home. From preparing the necessary documents to negotiating with potential buyers, I can guide you through every step of the process and ensure that you’re fully informed and prepared at every stage.

    1. Negotiation Skills

    Negotiating the sale of a home goes beyond just the sale price and can be a delicate and complex process. That’s why it’s important to work with an agent who has strong negotiation skills and can advocate for your interests.

    As your agent, I have the experience and expertise to anticipate potential issues and resolve them before they become a problem, which can save you time, money, and headaches in the long run.

    1. Marketing to Get You the Most for Your Home
    2.  

    In today’s competitive real estate market, it’s not enough to simply list your home and hope for the best. Effective marketing is essential to attract potential buyers and generate interest in your property.

    I have developed a comprehensive marketing strategy for my clients to help reach the widest possible audience of potential buyers. From professional photography and virtual tours to targeted advertising and open houses, I can leverage a range of marketing tools and techniques to help you sell your home quickly and for the best possible price.

    If you’re considering selling your home, working with me means you are partnering with the expertise, support, and resources you need to achieve your goals. With my market knowledge, negotiation skills, and marketing expertise, I can help you navigate the complex process of selling a home and ensure that you receive the best possible price for your property. Contact me today to learn more about how I can help you sell your home with confidence and ease.

  • 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!