Even if you don't know much about real estate, you probably know that the market right now is crazy. Buying in a seller's market can be frustrating and stressful, which is why it's even more important to be prepared if you're planning on making a move. 

Here are a few things to know if you're thinking of buying in the current market:

1. Time is of the essence
Low inventory and high demand mean homes will likely have multiple offers within one or two days. Unfortunately, this means you don't have a ton of time to think about submitting an offer. Make sure you have an agent who can be readily available to see homes as soon as they hit the market. 
 
2. Get pre-approved
Have your finances in order, and make sure you are pre-approved by a reputable lender that you trust. In a competitive market, you will need to prove to the sellers that you are a strong buyer, with low risk. Sellers will take into consideration your financing and how qualified you are when com. ...

Let's talk about the importance of curb appeal.
First impressions matter in all aspects of life, and nowhere is this more evident than in real estate. The exterior of a home is what catches someone’s eye and invites them to tour your home, and how a home looks on the outside can also greatly influence a buyer’s interest in even going to look at a home. 
Here are a few easy and inexpensive tips to increase your home's curb appeal:
• Add a fresh coat of paint to your front door and replace the door hardware
• Upgrade your mailbox
• Add new house numbers and/or new lighting fixtures
• Add a planter (or two) with flowers to flank the entryway
• Weed, mulch, and renew planter beds
• Dress up your driveway by filling in cracks, recoating, or staining the concrete
If you’ve already set a good impression with a home’s exterior, it will allow for a more hopeful expectation of what a buyer will see inside, and how they perceiv; ...

Home improvements and renovations have the ability to make us happier in the places we call home, but some updates can add more value than others when it’s time to sell. 

Some of the best improvements you can make to your home when it comes to the value of your money are also some of the least expensive. The home improvements with the highest return on investment are:


Minor Bathroom Remodel (102%)
Landscaping  (100%)
Minor Kitchen Remodel (98.5%)
Entry Door Replacement (90.7%)
Deck/Patio/Porch Addition (90.3%)
Basement Remodel (90.1%)
Replace Windows (89.6%)

The best way to gauge what you can expect in terms of resale value on home improvement projects (especially if you’re planning to sell soon) is to talk to a real estate agent — that's me! I know the local trends and can give you advice on what upgrades would be best for your home. If you're thinking about a home renovation or home improvement project, I'd love to give you my opinion, w; ...

Still renting?
With rent prices continuing to increase, and interest rates at record lows, you may want to consider buying a home. 
There are a few things to consider, however, before you start the process of making a move from paying your landlord to paying your mortgage. 
1. Figure out your finances.
Talk to a lender, check your credit score, review your budget to determine a price range, and learn about the costs associated with buying a home.
2. Figure out your current lease.
When does your lease end? Do you have a plan for "in-between" in case you have a gap before closing? Do you have enough time to find a new home before your lease is up, or do you need to make other arrangements, or extend your lease?
3. Budget for homeownership.
Make sure you understand the costs associated with homeownership. Do you have savings/an emergency fund for unforeseen repairs and other expenses? How much do you want to have saved before you buy?
Homeownership is a form of &lsq; ...

It has been roughly one year since the pandemic put the housing market on hold for several months last spring, but the real estate market bounced back fairly quickly and has been booming ever since. Many people are wondering how long the boom will last, and what will happen to the market over the next year. Although no one can predict the future or know for sure what will happen, here are a few reasons you can expect 2021 to remain off the charts:


1. Low Inventory
Most areas across the country are experiencing housing shortages. Having more buyers than homes for sale creates a strong market, and multiple offer situations, typically above asking.


2. High Demand
The pandemic has led to a surge in demand, and there are more motivated, willing and able buyers in the market than ever. The increased demand comes from people needing more space (for offices, etc.), low interest rates, a mass exodus from cities, and more millennials entering the housing market than ever bef ...