WORST ADVICE I’VE HEARD AGENTS TELL BUYERS THIS YEAR

Not all advice is good advice, and I’ve heard some (very) questionable opinions floating around in the real estate industry this year.

Here are a few of the views I’ve heard that I don’t necessarily agree with:


“Wait for prices to drop… they’ll come down eventually”


Trying to time the market is nearly impossible, and waiting could mean facing higher interest rates or higher prices. The truth is that the best time to buy is when you’re ready!

No matter which way the real estate market is leaning, though, buying now means you can start building equity.


“Skip the inspection to make your offer stronger”


Although this may seem like a great way to compete in a hot market, it could lead to costly surprises down the road. A home inspection gives you peace of mind, helps you avoid surprises, and protects your investment.

Rather th. ...

QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN BUYING NEW CONSTRUCTION

PSA: Don’t visit new construction without your realtor — yes, I can help you build new construction, too!

Buying a new construction home is an exciting adventure; however, before you get swept away by the shiny finishes and modern layouts, it’s important to ask the right questions to protect your future investment.

Here are 5 questions that are important to ask that the builder doesn’t always tell you:

1. What’s included in the base price?

That model home looks gorgeous, but it often comes with (a lot of) upgrades. Make sure you’re clear on what features are included in the base price and which ones will cost extra.

2. Do you have a home warranty?

Most home builders offer some sort of warranty, but details can vary. Ask what is included in the warranty and how long it lasts (six months, one year, 10 years), and make sure you review It prior to closing. The last thing you want is to mo! ...

YOUR HOME MAY LOOK GREAT BUT HOW DOES IT SMELL?

Fun fact: scent has a stronger link to memory and emotion than any of the other senses. So, while your home might look great, it’s just as important that it smells great, too, when it’s time to sell. When buyers step into your home, the smell can immediately evoke an emotional reaction—whether positive or negative.

A CLEAN, inviting scent can make all the difference in creating a great first impression and selling your home quickly. A truly fresh scent comes from simple actions like tidying up before showings, emptying the litter box, taking out the trash, and even opening windows for some fresh air. Buyers want to feel that your home has been well-maintained and cared for, and a fresh-smelling space helps convey that.

Let’s face it, even the cleanest homes can have some hidden odor sources. Here’s what to keep an eye on:

1. PET SMELLS

Pet odors can linger in carpets, furniture, and beddin. ...

 QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR MORTGAGE LENDER

Buying a home is a big deal, and having the right team on your side makes all the difference. Your lender is a key player in the process, and choosing the right one is just as important as picking the right agent.

Here are three important questions to ask any lender before choosing who will assist you in financing what is likely one of the largest purchases of your life:

1.What are all the costs involved with my loan?

Besides the interest rate, make sure to ask about all potential costs, including closing costs, origination fees, and any other “hidden” fees. This will help you avoid surprises down the line.

Make sure you go over the estimate In detail, and if you don’t understand something, ask questions!

2. What is the annual percentage rate (APR)?

The APR reflects the true cost of your mortgage, factoring in both interest and fees. It’s essential to compare! ...

WHY SOME HOMES ARE SELLING, AND OTHERS ARE NOT.

You may have noticed more homes with price decreases lately and others sitting on the market longer than usual. So, what’s going on?

Here are a few key factors that can influence a home’s selling success:

1.Price

Pricing your home correctly is essential. Homes that are priced competitively based on recent market analysis attract more interest. If priced too high, it can deter buyers and sit on the market, while pricing too low may also raise concerns about hidden issues, so it’s important to strike the right balance.

2. Condition

A home’s condition can make or break a sale. Buyers want move-in-ready properties, and homes that are clean, well-maintained, and updated tend to sell faster. If a home looks neglected, buyers may wonder what else might be wrong.

If repairs or updates are needed, it’s often worth addressing them before listing.

3. Location

Location is one thing yo. ...