Gone are the days of contracts being written without inspection contingencies. As the housing market continues to cool, more and more homes that were once in contract are now “back on market.” The main driver of this latest trend is the impact higher mortgage rates are having on affordability. Higher rates can add hundreds of extra dollars to a monthly loan payment. In addition to higher mortgage rates, many buyers are questioning the timing of their purchase and some are looking for any excuse to get out of the deal. Following are tips on how to avoid buyer back-outs in a cooling housing market. These practices will help eliminate surprises and keep your deal moving forward to closing. … [Read more...] about How to Avoid Buyer Back-Outs in a Cooling Housing Market
6 Great Ideas to Create Instant Autumn Curb Appeal
Whether or not your home happens to be on the market this fall, it's always nice to have it look its seasonal best. Here are six great ideas to create instant autumn curb appeal with a perfect touch of fall. … [Read more...] about 6 Great Ideas to Create Instant Autumn Curb Appeal
Make the Most of a Home Warranty with “Options”
If you’re an experienced real estate agent, then you are well aware of the incredible value a home warranty offers to your clients. In addition to being a great closing gift, a home warranty protects your clients. It also helps to protect you if anything goes wrong after closing. Want more reasons to "touch" clients? A home warranty provides numerous opportunities to stay front and center of your clients. This ensures you will be the first one they go to when they are ready to buy or sell again. And as we all know, repeat business and word of mouth are what separate highly successful agents from agents that barely get by. With that in mind, go one step further and make the most of a home warranty with “options.” … [Read more...] about Make the Most of a Home Warranty with “Options”
Be the Local Market Expert
As real estate agents enter an increasingly tight market, learning what it takes to be the local market expert will set you above the fray. Inventory is up, there are more real estate agents than ever, and qualified buyers are more able to pick and choose. Be the local market expert, and the buyers that are still looking and able to purchase will pick you over the rest. … [Read more...] about Be the Local Market Expert
How to Get Your House Ready for Fall
Hello, fall! Summer was everything you hoped it would be. However, those long, lazy days are growing shorter as fall arrives. To help you ensure your home is ready for the colder temps ahead, here's how to get your house ready for fall. … [Read more...] about How to Get Your House Ready for Fall