Accelerate Realtor Network-DFW

More than a decade of under-building homes, and millions of millennials (finally) entering the housing market are 2 factors that resulted in a major discrepancy in housing supply and demand — a pause/decrease in product (new construction) with a surplus of buyers!

Current market trends show that although increasing interest rates will certainly have an impact on the continued level of appreciation, the housing market is expected to trend upwards over the next few years at a more stable rate. However, there are some factors that could affect the "pace of the market," whether it favors buyers or sellers.

Despite the clear signs of a slowing housing market, it remains competitive for homebuyers, with new records set for home-selling speeds and price increases. While sellers remain in an advantageous position, price stability and the continuation of competitive interest rates may provide some much-needed relief to buyers over the next year.

Selling your home is a big deal and it's pretty important to have the right people around you ... yes, even in a seller's market! A great real estate agent can market your home successfully and sell your home quickly and for more money.

The listing appointment is YOUR opportunity to interview agents for the job of selling your largest asset. Here are some important questions to ask agents during the listing appointment to make sure you feel confident putting your trust in them.

1. How will we communicate?
2. What is your plan for marketing my home?
3. Are you full-time or part-time?
4. What are your average days on market, and how many homes have you listed in 2022?
5. What do I need to do to prepare my home for the market?
6. What is your plan on pricing my home?
7. Do you work independently or with a team?
8. Will someone cover for you in case of an emergency or a vacation?
9. What is your historical ratio of list price to final sale price?
10. How familiar are you with my neighborhood/area?

Selling your home is a huge financial decision, and the experience can easily become a very stressful situation with the wrong agent guiding you. It's important to find and work with someone you trust, who can make the process of selling as smooth and stress-free as possible (while netting you the most money).

⁣If you've been thinking about selling, send me a message — I would love to interview for the position!

One of the most stressful parts of selling your home is preparing for showings and open houses! To help ease that stress, I've outlined a list of easy things you can do to make a great first impression in 30 minutes or less ... and sell your home faster.

☑️ Hide everyday clutter like laundry, towels, small appliances, toys, dishes, beauty products, etc.
☑️ Hide all evidence of your pets: water / food bowls, litter boxes, cat towers, toys, and leashes
☑️ Don't cook anything spicy or fragrant (especially fish) 1-2 hours before a showing
☑️ Replace towels with fluffy white towels – this will make the bathroom feel larger, cleaner, and more elegant
☑️ Empty the trash and wipe down all countertops and fixtures
☑️ Make the beds and fluff pillows
☑️ Open all of the curtains and the blinds and turn on ALL of the lights
☑️ Turn the thermostat to 70-72 degrees. You don't want buyers to feel uncomfortable
☑️ Sweep and vacuum (if you are short on time, aim for the main living areas)

Buyers can tell if a home has been well-cared-for and maintained, so it's important to have your home deep cleaned before any showings begin. You want to make a lasting first impression and sell them a lifestyle! Your job is to make it as easy as possible to help buyers picture themselves living in your home.

If you'd like more tips on how to get your home ready to sell, I'm here to help!

MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY ✨

Your attitude determines your altitude (how high you go) and it will often determine WHERE you go — yes, you are actually in control of your life ... even in those dark moments when you question whether that's true.

We can't always control everything, but we can control our reaction and how we choose to respond; when we choose to respond to an uncontrollable situation with a poor attitude, it's going to hold you back ... if you can choose to respond with reflection and grace, you'll continue to move forward.

Would you rather live a life of continued progress and growth or a life of mediocrity and staying the same?

Life isn't always easy, and if everything were easy, would it really be enjoyable? Let's learn to appreciate the challenges in our daily lives to remind us of how strong and capable we truly are. When we choose to look at people and situations in another light as doing the best they can, we can give ourselves a bit of grace and remember we are human — don't be so hard on yourself and don't be so hard on others ... shift your feelings and watch the world begin to change.

The action we take today will lead us to a future reward — for most of us, we experience seasonality ... which means a period of "brown" before we get to enjoy the Spring pops of color and greenery.

Just like we say about the real estate market, the same can be true with spring blooms: get ahead of it and prepare now. Most perennials will do great over fall and winter, so long as you plant them at least 6 weeks before a frost, and cover them with a nice layer of mulch.

Here are some to consider:

— Echinacea (Coneflowers)
— Bee Balm
— Iris bulbs
— Peonies
— Lavender
— Hyacinth
— Primrose
— Daffodil
— Crocus

Pro tip: just be careful to do your research if you have dogs — while most dogs won't gnaw on your plants, some can be extremely toxic!

Did you know that according to the National Association of Realtors, 60% of buyers say the need for a good school influences their decision, and 50% will even extend their budget to get into a good school district? 🚌

Whether you have children or not, researching school districts is a crucial step when buying a new home, because it can make quite an impact on your home value.

Bottom line: do your research about the area and schools before buying a home, it could cost you down the road if you don't.

What do you love most about your district and why? Tell me in the comments!