Now May Be the Perfect Time to Sell Your House If You Aren’t Planning on Buying Another Home

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You’ve probably been hearing in the news lately that the real estate market is “shifting.” Well, according to this realtor.com article, many economists feel that we’ve moved from shifting into a “balanced” market. In other words, it’s not really a sellers’ market or a buyers’ market.

That may have you thinking that it’s not as favorable for sellers as it has been, and you missed out on the opportunity to get a historically high price for your house. Oddly, that isn’t the case at all.

Despite what headlines and economists may say, all signs point to it being an absolutely perfecttime to sell—especially if you don’t plan on buying another home. Consider the following data in that realtor.com article:

• Median listing prices are up 14.4% year-over-year
• New listings are down 12%
• Houses are taking 4 days longer to sell than they had been

Of those three things, the only thing slightly better for buyers is that it’s taking listings longer to sell…by four days.

While prices may be stabilizing and leveling off, the fact is, prices are still a good deal higher than they were just a year ago. One of the biggest reasons why the market was so favorable for sellers over the past few years was because there weren’t enough listings, and now there’s even 12% less competition.

That said, the market is shifting and it’s hard to say how much more of a window sellers have to capitalize on high prices and low competition. But, at least for now, there’s still an opportunity for you to sell and reap the benefits of the sellers’ market we’ve seen over the past couple of years.

The Takeaway:

The real estate market is now “balanced,” which might sound like it’s good for both buyers and sellers alike. But the reality is, it’s still more in favor of sellers, and even more so for sellers who aren’t planning on buying another home.

If you’re thinking about selling your house and either renting, moving in with family, into a retirement community, or a second home you already own, now is a good time to capitalize on the market conditions. Prices are still historically high, you’ve likely accrued quite a bit of equity in the past few years, and there are even less listings to compete with than there have been.

So, if you’ve been hesitating because the news made it sound like you missed out on the sellers’ market, you still have a window of opportunity. But it’s hard to say how long that will last.

Let’s talk about your special real estate goals. Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORS The Hanley Home Team of Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside 904-515-2479 HanleyHomeTeam.com

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Homeowners Should Have Some “Fear of Missing Out” on This Market

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If you’ve been thinking about selling and hesitating or simply waiting, you may want to start thinking about how you’ll feel if you miss out on the best time to sell your house in a long time. You never know when (or if) conditions will be like this in the real estate market again.

It’s been a sellers’ market for quite some time now, and with rates going up significantly and home prices still historically high, there’s a lot of chatter about whether or not there’s a real estate “bubble” that’s about to pop. In particular, The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas recently warned about the potential of a housing bubble and how buyers’ “fear of missing out” (FOMO) is making it worse.

On the other hand, a recent survey revealed that home buyers are still hopeful and feel that it will still be a good time to buy a home in the next three months. 

That’s despite the fact that even though there have been signs and reports about the market slowing, according to this Realtor Magazine article, as of March sellers have still been:

• Receiving an average of 5 offers on their home
• Selling for above list price over 57% of the time
• And 87% of listing sold in less than a month

Much of that may very well be fueled by buyers’ FOMO, but it can’t and won’t last forever. That’s how the real estate market works—it goes up, then it goes down, and then back up again in cycles. So even if you “miss out” on this moment in history, there will certainly be a time when home values are this high, or even higher. 

But will there be such a combination of high values, low inventory, historically low rates, andhigh demand? And when will it happen? How will you feel if you “miss out” now? 

Those are questions you need to ask yourself if you’ve been toying with the idea of selling your house. 

The Takeaway:

Don’t be fueled by fear of missing out, but definitely think about how it would affect you if you did, because the market’s still in your favor…for now at least. If you’re going to sell in the next few years, now is as good a time as any to take advantage of the fact that buyers are still hopeful, offers are plentiful and over asking price, and homes are selling quickly.

GITT (get in touch today!) Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORS The Hanley Home Team of Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside 904-515-2479 HanleyHomeTeam.com

Just Sold Your Home? Make Sure to Do These Things

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You just sold your house. Congratulations! But while you’ve knocked the biggest task off of your moving to-do list, there are still things you’ll need to take care of as you transition out of your current home and into a new living situation.

So what, exactly, are those things?

A recent article from realtor.com outlined key things sellers will definitely want to consider doing following the sale of their home, including:

• Organize and file all of your paperwork. After you sell your home, you may be tempted to toss your paperwork into a drawer and forget about it—but when tax day rolls around, you’ll need copies of any paperwork associated with the closing and settlement. Make sure to organize and file all of your paperwork in a safe place; that way, when April 15 hits, you’ll have everything you need for your taxes ready to go.
• Send change-of-address notices. Once you sell your home and move out, you want to make sure your mail follows you to your new address—so make sure to fill out your change of address form ASAP. (In fact, the US Postal Service recommends completing your change of address request 30 days before you move out.)
• Think about what you need from a buying agent. Sometimes, the agent that helped you sell your house is the perfect person to help you find a new home—but not always. Before you commit, think about what you need from a buyer’s agent—and whether your selling agent fits that criteria. (For example, if you’re moving to a new city, you’ll probably want to work with an agent that’s familiar with the area.) If you do opt for an agent other than the one who helped you sell your home, ask him or her for a referral to an agent they trust to help you with your purchase.

Want more tips? Get in touch! Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORS The Hanley Home Team of Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside 904-515-2479 HanleyHomeTeam.com

Selling Your Home in Today’s Market? Don’t Believe These Myths

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Between low inventory and high buyer demand, there’s no denying that we’re in a seller’s market. But just because it’s a seller’s market doesn’t mean that every house is guaranteed to sell—although you wouldn’t know that based on what people are saying.

There are a lot of myths and misconceptions going around about selling in today’s market—and if you’re planning to sell, it’s important to ignore them. So what, exactly, are the biggest misconceptions about selling in 2021? 

A recent article from Realtor.com outlined things people are saying about selling in today’s market that just aren’t true, including:

• It doesn’t matter if your home is in bad shape. There’s a misconception that buyers are willing to take anything in today’s market—including homes that are all but falling apart. And while fixer-uppers are certainly selling, if you’re hoping to get top dollar for your home, presenting your home in the best possible condition is a must—so make sure to take care of any necessary cosmetic changes or repairs (like painting your home’s exterior or replacing broken light bulbs) before you list.
• You can price your home as high as you want. Home prices are going up, but that doesn’t mean you can list your home at an unreasonable price and expect it to sell. Pricing too high can cause your home to sit on the market, ultimately making it harder to sell—so when you list, make sure you price your property realistically.
• You don’t need to market your home. Just because there are a lot of buyers—and not a lot of properties—doesn’t mean you don’t have to market your home! Working with your agent on a solid marketing strategy will ensure your home gets in front of the right buyers—and can help it sell faster and for a better price.

The Takeaway:

Bottom line? If you’re planning on selling your home, don’t believe everything you hear—especially these real estate myths that could put a damper on your home sale. Give us a call today and let’s separate the facts from fiction! Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORS The Hanley Home Team of Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside 904-515-2479 HanleyHomeTeam.com

Getting Ready To Take Listing Photos? Hide These Things First

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Your listing photos play a huge role in drawing potential buyers to your home—and, ultimately, getting your home sold.

But if you want your listing photos to attract buyers, they need to frame your home in the right light—and that might mean saying goodbye to some of your home decor prior to snapping your photos.

So what, exactly, needs to go?

A recent article from Apartment Therapy outlined advice from real estate photographers on things you’ll want to stash away before you take your listing photos, including:

• Tall vases. Tall vases can make a statement in a room—but because they’re so large, they can make too much of a statement in a photo. If you want to display flowers or plants in your listing photos, keep vases to a more manageable height.
• Area rugs. Area rugs may add color and character to a room. But they also can make a space feel smaller and cover up the home’s original flooring. Before you take your listing photos, get rid of small area rugs or runners to open up the space and show off your floors—particularly if your floors are hardwood or tile.
• Appliances. Obviously, you’ll want to keep major appliances—like your refrigerator and dishwasher—where they are. But if you have a variety of small appliances cluttering your counter space, you’ll want to put them in storage so your counters feel as clean, spacious, and organized as possible.

The Takeaway:

Bottom line? Your listing photos play a large part in your home sale—and if you want your listing photos to attract buyers and help you get your property sold, plan to put these items away before your photo shoot.

We work with a professional photographer to create your best “home story” which helps us sell your home quickly and for the most money! Get in touch today and let’s starting telling your home story! Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORS The Hanley Home Team of Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside 904-515-2479 HanleyHomeTeam.com

Do You Believe in Any of These Real Estate Superstitions?

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Tons of people think the number 13 is unlucky. Some don’t. But pretty much everyone has at least heard that the number 13 is unlucky. 

With Friday the 13th upon us, I thought it’d be fun and interesting to send along some superstitions we come across in the real estate industry, which you may have never heard about…

Lucky numbers

Real estate agents sometimes find themselves working with clients who have superstitions based upon lucky (and unlucky) numbers. 

This is often a cultural superstition. And the lucky or unlucky numbers are different from culture to culture. 

This can affect whether or not someone will buy a house, if the street address is an unlucky number, or even adds up to an unlucky number. 

It can also affect the specific dollar amount they will offer or accept for a house…

What direction a house faces

Does your house face East? If it does, that’s great… for some potential buyers. 

But others may not see it that way, and would never buy a house unless it faces South.

Again, these superstitions are typically cultural, and no one direction is right for every culture.

So, don’t worry what direction your house faces…there’s always someone who will be fine with whatever direction it is facing.

Mercury in retrograde

This is less cultural, and more a matter of whether someone is into astrology…

It is believed that when the planet Mercury is in “retrograde” (backward), it is a bad time to enter a contract.

So, if a client is sensitive to this, there is a good chance there isn’t a deal good enough to get them to buy or sell a house while Mercury is in retrograde.

Smudging

Ever hear of smudging? That’s when you burn a sacred plant (often sage), and walk around the house wafting the smoke, in order to get rid of negative energy in a house.

Does that sound crazy? Sound like someone’s been smokin’ the smudge!?

As real estate agents, we wouldn’t call it crazy…

While an agent may not believe in a client’s superstition, or even understand it…they won’t consider it crazy.

It’s a real estate agent’s responsibility to represent their clients’ best interests.

So we wouldn’t consider any of the above examples (or anything else you could throw at us) crazy…because if it is a concern for our clients, it is a concern for us.

Wishing you nothing but luck this Friday the 13th.

P.S. Out of curiosity… do you have any superstitions when it comes to buying and selling a house? Let me know, we’d love to hear! Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORS The Hanley Home Team of Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside 904-515-2479 HanleyHomeTeam.com

Fed vows to keep rates near zero until inflation tops 2%, likely keeping meager rates 4 to 5 years

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Paul Davison USA Today Published 2:00 pm ET Sep 16, 2020 Updated 5:17pm ET Sep 16, 2020

The Federal Reserve said Wednesday that it will likely keep its key interest rate near zero until the economy reaches full employment and inflation runs “moderately” above its 2% goal for “some time,” a vow that economists say is likely to keep rates at rock bottom for the next four to five years.

The central bank made the market-friendly commitment sooner than many top economists anticipated and it drove the Dow more than 150 points higher before the market gave back the gains on persistent tech stock jitters. .

The Fed’s assertion is consistent with its new policy framework unveiled last month, which states that officials will no longer preemptively raise rates as unemployment falls to head off a potential spike in inflation. Rather, the Fed will allow inflation to edge above 2% for a time to make up for years of persistently low inflation and to bolster job gains.

The Fed plans to keep its benchmark short-term rate near zero until “labor market conditions have reached levels consistent with the committee’s assessments of maximum employment and inflation has risen to 2% and is on track to moderately exceed 2% for some time,” the Fed said in a statement after a two-day meeting.”

That, the central bank said, will help ensure inflation averages 2% “over time” and the public cam reliably expect 2% price increases. 

“These are powerful commitments that we think will support the full recovery as long s it takes,” Chairman Jerome Powell said at a news conference.

Previously, the Fed said it would maintain near-zero rates “until it is confident that the economy has weathered recent events and is on track to achieve its maximum employment and price stability goals.”

The U.S. economy has partially recovered from the coronavirus recession more rapidly than expected, but the Federal Reserve envisions a slog the rest of the way.Get the Coronavirus Watch newsletter in your inbox.

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“The labor market is recovering but it’s a long way — a long way — from maximum employment,” Powell said.

Besides keeping its benchmark rate near zero, new Fed forecasts indicate it likely will stay there at least through 2023, based on policymakers’ median estimate. That’s a year longer than its previous estimate since the Fed’s forecast horizon was extended. But the promise to keep rates near zero until inflation picks up should maintain rock-bottom rates until mid-2024 or possibly longer, says economist Kathy Bostjancic of Oxford Economics. 

The Fed now predicts the economy will contract by 3.7% this year, below its 6.5% estimate in June, and the 8.4% unemployment rate will fall to 7.6% by year-end. The Fed previously reckoned the jobless rate would end 2020 at 9.3%.

Yet the economy may be at a crossroads. States are allowing shuttered businesses to reopen, putting furloughed employees back to work and boosting growth. But Congress is deadlocked over a new stimulus to restore enhanced federal unemployment benefits and keep struggling small businesses afloat. The number of permanently laid off workers and bankrupt businesses is rising. And the specter of a second wave of the virus this fall looms.   

A look at the Fed’s views on:

Interest rates

All 17 Fed policymakers prefer no hikes from the near-zero federal funds rate through next year and the median projection is for no increases through 2023. But one official believes a quarter-point rate increase will be warranted in 2022 and four think the first move should come in 2023.

Bond purchases

The Fed said its massive bond purchases are now designed partly to juice the economy by lowering long-term interest rates, such as for mortgages, as well as ensure that markets run smoothly. Previously, the Fed said the purchases — of $120 billion a month in Treasury bonds and mortgage-backed securities — were aimed at reviving markets for those assets that virtually came to a halt early in the crisis.

The change eventually could pave the way for the Fed to buy bonds with longer-term maturities to more effectively push down long-term rates.

The economy

Fed officials predict the economy will shrink 3.7% this year, less than their 6.5% forecast in June. But they forecast growth of 4% in 2021, down from their prior 5% estimate, and 3% in 2022.

Gross domestic product plunged at a record 31.7% annual rate in the second quarter, a bit better than the initial 32.9% forecast.

The economy has bounced back faster than expected, largely as a result of stronger consumer spending, Goldman Sachs says. While COVID-19 surges in the South and West led some states to pause or reverse reopening plans, hospitalizations and death tolls have improved recently. IHS Market predicts growth of about 30% in the current quarter.

But Barclays says the recovery is likely to slow in the months ahead, in part because a snap-back in auto production to pre-pandemic levels has played out. Powell noted that many laid-off workers have stopped looking for jobs.

Jobs

Unemployment is projected to fall from the current 8.4% to 7.6% by the end of the year, 5.5% by the end of 2021 and 4.6% by the end of 2022, according Fed officials’ median estimate.

The economy has regained nearly half the 22 million jobs lost in the early days of the pandemic as businesses have reopen but economists say recouping the remainder will be tougher. The number of workers permanently laid off jumped from 2.9 million to 3.4 million in August, indicating some temporary layoffs have become permanent.

Of the 11 million idled workers who have not been called back or found new jobs, Powell said, “Our commitment is not to forget those people.”

Inflation

The Fed estimated its preferred measure of annual inflation will close out 2020 at 1.2%, up from its 0.8% forecast in June, before rising to 1.7% in 2021. A core measure that strips out volatile food and energy items is projected to end the year at 1.5%, above officials’ previous 1% prediction.

Inflation has picked up recently, chiefly because of a surge in used car prices and a partial rebound in apparel prices and air fares that were depressed by the effects of the pandemic.

Even before the crisis, inflation was held down for years by discounted online prices and the globally connected marketplace.  The Fed’s new policy framework aims to juice inflation but economists say there’s no guarantee it will work.

 While modest price increases are generally a good thing, persistently low inflation can lead to deflation, or falling prices, that prompts shoppers to put off purchases.

Curious about buying or selling a home in today’s market? Give us a call and let’s chat! Jennifer and Kevin Hanley, REALTORS The Hanley Home Team of Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside http://www.HanleyHomeTeam.com

Boost Your Home’s Value Ahead of Your Appraisal

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Whether you’re planning to sell or refinance, a home appraisal is a necessary step in determining the true value of your home. This means your home should be in the best possible condition, so it will be appraised at the highest potential value. While it may be tempting to swing for the fences with big-ticket renovations, there are smaller things you can do to efficiently raise the market value of your home.

Start Small with a Little Spackle
If you’ve lived in your home for any length of time, you’ve probably hung things on the walls, put up shelves, or simply had accidents that resulted in minor damage. Now is the time to repair those blemishes. Filling these holes and crevices with a little spackle and painting over the area will leave your walls looking like new. While this may not boost the value of your home, it will keep the appraiser from deducting for the damage.

As Long as You’re Painting…
After you’ve touched up your walls, you might want to consider freshening up the paint. Repainting worn trim and moldings around the home can give it a fresh look. Venture outside and touch up the trim around the windows and doors too. This will boost curb appeal and help you add value to the home. Any area where the paint is peeling, chipping, or simply has lost its luster should be retouched with a fresh coat.

Update Your Crawl Spaces
An upgrade that’s growing in popularity (and will grow your home value) is crawl space encapsulation. Crawl spaces are essential for providing homeowners and contractors with access to important systems of the home. However, these spaces are vulnerable to moisture and water damage caused by humidity and harsh weather conditions. In drier climates, dust and insects can interfere with HVAC systems. To protect crawl spaces, homeowners have started sealing these spaces with polyethylene barriers to keep out moisture, dust, and pests.

Do a Deep Clean
This is also the time to really clean your home from top to bottom. If you have young children and pets, there may be odors and damage that might not be noticeable to you, but strong odors and scuffed hardwood floors will be the first things your appraiser notices. Consider hiring professionals to wax the floors, shampoo the carpets, and conduct an intensive cleaning of the entire home.

Conduct Other Repairs
At some point, you should tour your home with the mindset of a home buyer. This will help you identify problems that you live with every day but just don’t notice anymore. Look for things that need to be repaired, such as a loose handrail, a leaky faucet, or a shorted electrical outlet. Repairing these problems ahead of time will ensure you won’t lose money on the appraisal.

By taking the time to spruce up the home ahead of the appraisal, you may be able to increase the value by thousands of dollars. The suggestions offered here should give you a head start, but if you have additional questions on how to add more value to your home, please don’t hesitate to reach out us – Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORS, The Hanley Home Team of Keller Williams Realty http://www.HanleyHomeTeam.com 904-515-2479

7 Ways Downsizing Saves You Money

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Downsizing is hardly a dirty word these days, especially as Baby Boomers begin to question the size of their home, and more Millennials are finally making their way into the world. Home ownership is a good investment at any size, and if you’ve ever wanted to free up some cash for the rest of life’s joys (travel? new hobbies? investing?), downsizing can be a great way to rightsize your budget. Here are seven ways downsizing can foster a little more financial freedom:

1. Utility costs. If your gas and electric bills have been climbing year over year, consider the pleasant surprise of heating and cooling 1,200 sq. ft. instead of 3,500. Controlling the climate in empty spare bedrooms is pointless when you don’t need the room. What’s more, you can count on fewer houseguests with less space, and this, in turn, can decrease utility costs.

2. Maintenance costs. How big is that lawn? How many rooms need to be refreshed with a coat of paint? How many windows do you need to wash, and what about the size of that driveway that must be repaired and sealed?

3. Insurance. Your insurance bill is based in large part on your appraisal, and if your new home is smaller, your insurance bill should shrink as well. (This can vary based on location and levels of coverage, of course, but you would be hard pressed to insure less for more!)

4. Property taxes. Much like insurance, tax rates tend to be based on a percentage of assessed value. Here’s a few more dollars back into your wallet.

5. Repairs. How many toilets do you need to have fixed? Appliances? Light fixtures to keep lit? The smaller home has fewer leaking faucets and a smaller roof to replace. Your overall spend on maintenance goes down when you have less home to maintain.

6. Furniture. Downsizing is a perfect opportunity to sell excess furniture and find keep only those pieces well-loved or essential for your new smaller space.

7. Hosting and entertaining. When you’ve got that spra

wling home, your place is ground zero for out-of-town guests, relatives, and holiday parties. As your space shrinks, so does your annual hosting and entertaining budget. Besides, if you really want to throw a shin-dig, you can take some of that downsizing cash and pick a perfect venue.

Looking to downsize and redirect that extra cash? Get in touch: Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORS The Hanley Home Team of Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside 904-515-2479 http://www.HanleyHomeTeam.com

Tips for Tree Removal

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If you have a troublesome tree on your property, dealing with it responsibly, economically, and safely is important. While you may own a chainsaw, tackling the project yourself can be extremely risky. Here are some questions to ask and tips for tree removal:

1. Make sure you need to remove it. Mature trees are good for property value. Before you go clear-cutting your property, be absolutely sure removing it is the right move. A certified arborist can help you make the decision between removal or sensible trimming.

2. Don’t do it yourself. What if the tree falls on your house? What if it lands on your neighbor’s car? What if you get crushed? Are you experienced enough with a chainsaw to handle it without injuring yourself? Hire a pro.

3. Hire a certified company. This means someone certified by the International Society of Arboriculture or a Tree Care Industry Association Accredited business. If the tree is near power lines, they’ll also need to be “Approved Line-Clearance” arborists.

4. Can you legally remove the tree? Be absolutely sure the tree is legally on your property before you take action. If you determine it is, find out if any permits are required to remove or trim the tree. Some communities have strict guidelines pertaining to tree removal.

5. Ask about trimming methodology. If the company handling your tree recommends “topping” the tree or uses spikes on their boots for routine tree trimming, find another company. Both can expose the tree to disease and result in serious wounds.

6. Get a detailed estimate from three companies. Nail down what they’ll do, how long it will take, and what equipment they plan to use. You need an apples-to-apples comparison to make your decision, and you might just find out one company takes greater precautions when it comes to safety.

7. Get references. Don’t rely on Yelp alone for a review of your arborist. Ask them for references you can speak to independently.

Trees are beautiful and essential to our ecosystem, but there are times when steps must be taken to deal with dead wood and other incursions. Do yourself a favor and treat your property with the respect it deserves.

Need a good referral for tree work? Get in touch: Kevin and Jennifer Hanley, REALTORS The Hanley Home Team of Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Partners Southside http://www.HanleyHomeTeam.com 904-515-2479