NextHome City Realty

Marketing Fine Homes in the Suburbs of Detroit

OPEN HOUSE: SUNDAY FEB. 17, 2019 12pm-2pm | 164 BALDWIN Road

Paul Mychalowych
Leave a comment Blog / General

BaldwinRd164

http://tours.mixedmediaco.com/115321/164-baldwin-birmingham-mi-48009

OPEN HOUSE:164 BALDWIN Road, Birmingham 48009-1356
SUNDAY FEB. 10, 2019 12pm-2pm
4 BD 2.1 BA 2844 SQ FT
MLS# 218101342 $995,000

Stunning, peaceful location in the most sought after area in Birmingham. This gorgeous home backs up to the Rouge River and is just steps away through trails to the Waterfall and Quarton Lake Park. Spacious and sprawling, this home has unique features such as copper gutters, refinished original hardwood floors throughout entire home, Pewabic tile foyer floor and fireplace surround, and eco friendly dyed cement baths. Dual staircases and a high-end gourmet kitchen with exquisite Vermont Verde Antique marble countertops, new stainless steel appliances and custom lined oak cabinets. The two story great room with it’s custom fireplace boasts a cathedral ceiling and a beautiful wall of windows overlooking the sprawling, private yard and brick paver patio. Custom built-in desk and wall units create a cozy office off the kitchen. So many more unique features you just have to see to believe! Could easily be expanded to over 6000 sq.ft. BATVAI

OPEN HOUSE: SUNDAY FEB. 10, 2019 12pm-2pm | 164 BALDWIN Road

Paul Mychalowych
Leave a comment Blog / General

BaldwinRd164

http://tours.mixedmediaco.com/115321/164-baldwin-birmingham-mi-48009

OPEN HOUSE:164 BALDWIN Road, Birmingham 48009-1356
SUNDAY FEB. 10, 2019 12pm-2pm
4 BD 2.1 BA 2844 SQ FT
MLS# 218101342 $995,000

Stunning, peaceful location in the most sought after area in Birmingham. This gorgeous home backs up to the Rouge River and is just steps away through trails to the Waterfall and Quarton Lake Park. Spacious and sprawling, this home has unique features such as copper gutters, refinished original hardwood floors throughout entire home, Pewabic tile foyer floor and fireplace surround, and eco friendly dyed cement baths. Dual staircases and a high-end gourmet kitchen with exquisite Vermont Verde Antique marble countertops, new stainless steel appliances and custom lined oak cabinets. The two story great room with it’s custom fireplace boasts a cathedral ceiling and a beautiful wall of windows overlooking the sprawling, private yard and brick paver patio. Custom built-in desk and wall units create a cozy office off the kitchen. So many more unique features you just have to see to believe! Could easily be expanded to over 6000 sq.ft. BATVAI

feb2019
Paul Mychalowych
Blog / General

If you’re a current homeowner, or in the market to buy, you’re probably curious about the latest trends in home design.

Sellers who make strategic updates before listing a property can generate increased interest from buyers and, in some cases, a premium selling price. And buyers should consider which features of a home will need updating immediately (or in the near future) so they can factor renovation costs into their overall budget.

Even if you have no immediate plans to buy or sell, we advise our clients to be thoughtful about the colors, materials, and finishes they select when planning a remodel. Making over-personalized or unpopular design choices could hurt a home’s value when it does come time to sell. And selecting out-of-style or overly-trendy elements could cause your renovation to feel dated quickly.

To help, we’ve rounded up eight of the hottest home design trends for 2019. Keep in mind, not all trends will work well in every house. If you plan to buy, list, or renovate a property, consult a professional who can help you realize your vision and maximize the impact of your investment.

1. WARMER PAINT COLORS

White and grey aren’t going anywhere, but expect to see warmer tones and more earthy neutrals popping up in 2019. Cold whites are being replaced by warmer, softer whites. And warmer tones of grey have become a popular alternative to the cooler grays we were seeing earlier in the decade. Dove grey—with a lilac undertone—is a particular favorite with designers this year.

Sherwin Williams chose Cavern Clay, a warm terracotta, as its 2019 color of the year, while Behr selected Blueprint, a mid-tone blue. Benjamin Moore’s selection is Metropolitan, a sophisticated grey.

If you’re preparing to sell your home, consider a light, neutral paint color. Neutral colors provide a blank canvas upon which a buyer can envision placing their belongings, and lighter colors make a room appear larger and brighter.

2. MIXED METALS

Don’t feel limited to using one metallic finish throughout your home—or even throughout a single room. Designers are mixing metals in 2019, and their favorites include copper, brass, pewter, gunmetal, and matte black.

Experts suggest picking one metal hue to dominate your color palette and a contrasting tone to complement it. If your room has a warm color palette, choose a warm-hued primary metal, such as brass or copper. For cool palettes, choose a cool-toned metal, like pewter or stainless steel. You can also experiment with mixing finishes, such as polished and hammered copper.

From faucets to cabinet pulls to accent pieces, swapping out your old or dated fixtures is an easy—and relatively inexpensive—way to modernize your decor. Mixing metals adds depth and gives your room a more curated look.

3. OUTDOOR ELEMENTS

Bringing outdoor elements into the home can help warm up a sterile space. And natural materials can soften a modern design esthetic.

Homeowners are increasingly looking for ways to incorporate these materials throughout their home. Especially popular right now: stone, copper, concrete, and wood. From concrete showers to agate stone tiles, designers are finding unexpected ways to bring the outside in.

One notable exception: granite countertops. Engineered quartz—a combination of ground quartz and resin—overtook natural granite stone as the most popular countertop material in 2018. This durable, low-maintenance, highly-customizable product has won over homeowners and designers alike.

4. ALTERNATIVE APPLIANCES

Stainless steel has been the industry standard for years, but the market is trending toward variety and fresh alternatives. Homeowners have more options available than ever to personalize their kitchens with vibrant colors, black stainless, or modern white appliances. Another favorite? Integrated appliances that blend seamlessly into cabinetry. Built-in column refrigerators, which allow you to customize the design and size of your freezer and refrigerator, are becoming a “must-have” in high-end homes.

Advancements in technology have also brought a new wave of appliances to the market. Induction cooktops are replacing commercial gas ranges as a gourmet favorite. And french door ovens and steam ovens are also gaining in popularity—especially ones with smart features you can control from an app on your smartphone.

5. COLORFUL KITCHENS

White will always be a classic choice, but color is finally coming back to kitchens. More homeowners are choosing cabinets in alternative neutrals like black, cream, and grey, along with colorful options like green and blue. Also popular? Wood cabinets in stains like warm chestnut and fruitwood.

Two-tone kitchen cabinets remain a homeowner favorite, as well. To incorporate this trend, try pairing darker lower cabinets with lighter upper cabinets or a colorful kitchen island with neutral-colored perimeter cabinets.

6. OPEN SHELVING

Swapping upper kitchen cabinets for open shelves continues to be a popular choice in 2019. It’s a cost-effective update that can make a kitchen feel larger and brighter. However, it’s not a practical option for everyone. Before you commit, test it out by removing your cabinet doors for a few weeks. See how it feels to have your glasses and dishware on display.

Not ready to give up all your upper cabinet storage space? Replace just one or two upper cabinets with open shelves for a lower-commitment but still-updated look.

7. STATEMENT TILE

The ubiquitous white subway tile is finally fading in popularity. In 2019, homeowners are gravitating toward more colorful choices, creative textures and finishes, and alternative shapes. Especially hot right now: hexagons, arabesques, diamonds, and Moroccan fish scales.

Natural stone remains a favorite, including marble, quartzite and river rock. But advancements in porcelain tile that mimics stone, and even concrete, has made it an attractive, affordable, and low-maintenance alternative.

8. SHOWCASE CEILINGS

Once an afterthought, ceilings are taking center stage. While 2018 was all about statement walls, statement ceilings are shaping up to be the darling of 2019. Designers are using bold paint colors, wallpaper, intricate moldings, fabric, and other materials to transform a ceiling into something truly special.

Want to incorporate this trend without going too bold? Choose a classic design, like coffered or wooden beams. Or stick with wood paneling or tin tiles for a more timeless look. Even something as simple as painting a ceiling the same color as the walls can make your space feel more modern.

DESIGNED TO SELL

Are you contemplating a remodel? Want to find out how upgrades could impact the value of your home? Give us a call for a free consultation!

Buyer preferences can vary greatly by neighborhood and price range. We can share the insights we’ve gathered from working with buyers in this market … and offer tips on how to maximize the return on your remodeling investment. And if you’re in the market to sell, we can run a Comparative Market Analysis on your home to find out how it compares to others in the area.

Want to learn more about how to stage your home to sell? Contact us at [insert preferred method] to request a free copy of our report: 10 Staging Secrets From the Pros for a Quick Sale at Top Dollar!

Sources:
1. Decor Mag –
https://www.decoraid.com/blog/home-design-trends-2019
2. Gates Interior Design –

Hottest new Kitchen and Bath Trends for 2019


3. House Beautiful –
https://www.housebeautiful.com/home-remodeling/interior-designers/a24844028/home-trends-for-2019/
4. Houzz –
https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/114552119/list/32-home-design-trends-that-will-rule-in-2019
5. Invaluable –
https://www.invaluable.com/blog/mixing-metals/
6. Real Simple –
https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/decorating/decorating-tips-techniques/design-trends-2019-according-to-designers
7. Sebring –
https://sebringdesignbuild.com/top-trends-in-kitchen-design/

OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULE JANUARY 26 & 27

Paul Mychalowych
Blog / General

SAT & SUN 164 BALDWIN Road, Birmingham 48009
Saturday Jan 26th 1pm-3pm
Sunday Jan 27th 12pm-2pm

BaldwinOH
http://tours.mixedmediaco.com/115321/164-baldwin-birmingham-mi-48009

Stunning, peaceful location in the most sought after area in Birmingham. This gorgeous home backs up to the Rouge River and is just steps away through trails to the Waterfall and Quarton Lake Park. Spacious and sprawling, this home has unique features such as copper gutters, refinished original hardwood floors throughout entire home, Pewabic tile foyer floor and fireplace surround, and eco friendly dyed cement baths. Dual staircases and a high-end gourmet kitchen with exquisite Vermont Verde Antique marble countertops, new stainless steel appliances and custom lined oak cabinets. The two story great room with it’s custom fireplace boasts a cathedral ceiling and a beautiful wall of windows overlooking the sprawling, private yard and brick paver patio. Custom built-in desk and wall units create a cozy office off the kitchen. So many more unique features you just have to see to believe! Could easily be expanded to over 6000 sq.ft. BATVAI

7605 DEVINS Ridge, Independence Twp 48348
Sunday Jan. 27th 1pm-3pm

DevinsRidge

BRIDGE VALLEY FAMILY RESORT ALL ON 1.5 ACRE LOT. ESTATE BOASTS 5 BEDROOMS. 2 OWNER SUITES WITH PRIVATE BATHS, JETTED JACUZZI AND SHOWERS.TWO STORY GREAT ROOM WITH SURROUND SOUND,GORGEOUS BUILT INS,FIELDSTONE GAS FIREPLACE AND LARGE WINDOWS FOR BEAUTIFUL VIEWS OF NATURE. OPEN CONCEPT KITCHEN PERFECT FOR ENTERTAINING. HOME HAS GRANITE AND TILE BATHS THROUGHOUT. CUSTOMIZED LAUNDRY AND MUDD ROOM WITH GRANITE SINK, CABINET AND CUBBIES. LOWER LEVEL IS A FINISHED WALK OUT WITH LARGE FAMILYROOM,SURROUND SOUND, STONE GAS FIREPLACE,BUILT IN CABINETRY,FULL BATH,AMPLE STORAGE. EXTERIOR HAS AN IN GROUND HEATED 36×18 POOL WITH DIVING BOARD, BREATHLESS LANDSCAPING,AND AMPLE YARD TO PLAY. Much, much more. BATVAI

OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULE: SUN JAN. 20, 2019

Paul Mychalowych
Blog / General

12:00 PM – 2:00 pm

HickoryGrove

http://s3.amazonaws.com/veewme.videos.output/1080-mp4/8082aa34-6456-464c-9500-94a351a61917-1080p.mp4

Completely updated (2016) NEW high-end kitchen, NEW baths, NEW flooring, NEW windows, super energy efficient condo with the best views in the complex. Quiet, kind neighbors. Bloomfield Hills schools! Close to St Joe’s Hospital, Chrysler Headquarters, Downtown Birmingham, doctors offices and many restaurants. Miles of sidewalks for exercise. NEW Thermatru doors, Oxbow windows, pet proof carpet. All NEW furnace overhaul. Gorgeous new kitchen with quartz countertops and Stainless Steel appliances. Both bathrooms completely remodeled. Beautifully refinished hardwood floors and new paint throughout. Private, partially finished basement with a real bar perfect for gatherings. Brand new water system at the complex and seller has paid assessment! One car shared garage. BATVAI – Watch Video Tour and be amazed!

3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

BaldwinRd164

http://s3.amazonaws.com/veewme.videos.output/1080-mp4/8082aa34-6456-464c-9500-94a351a61917-1080p.mp4

Stunning, peaceful location in the most sought after area in Birmingham. This gorgeous home backs up to the Rouge River and is just steps away through trails to the Waterfall and Quarton Lake Park. Spacious and sprawling, this home has unique features such as copper gutters, refinished original hardwood floors throughout entire home, Pewabic tile foyer floor and fireplace surround, and eco friendly dyed cement baths. Dual staircases and a high-end gourmet kitchen with exquisite Vermont Verde Antique marble countertops, new stainless steel appliances and custom lined oak cabinets. The two story great room with it’s custom fireplace boasts a cathedral ceiling and a beautiful wall of windows overlooking the sprawling, private yard and brick paver patio. Custom built-in desk and wall units create a cozy office off the kitchen. So many more unique features you just have to see to believe! Could easily be expanded to over 6000 sq.ft. Also for lease $6,995 p/m MLS#218101395 BATVAI

What’s Ahead for Real Estate in 2019?

Paul Mychalowych
Blog / General

January2019MVPSocialMediaImage-1546099525875

What’s Ahead for Real Estate in 2019?

As we begin another year, everyone wants to know: “Where is the housing market headed in 2019?”

It’s not only buyers, sellers, and homeowners who are impacted. The real estate market plays an integral role in the overall U.S. economy.  Fortunately, key indicators point toward a stable housing market in 2019 with signs of modest growth. However, shifting conditions could impact you if you plan to buy, sell, or refinance this year.

HOME VALUES WILL INCREASE

The value of real estate will continue to rise. Freddie Mac predicts housing prices will increase by 4.3 percent in 2019.1  While the rapid price appreciation we witnessed earlier in the decade has slowed, the combination of a strong economy, low unemployment, and a lack of inventory in many market segments continues to push prices higher.

“Ninety percent of markets are experiencing price gains while very few are experiencing consistent price declines,” according to National Association of Realtors (NAR) Chief Economist Lawrence Yun.2

Yun predicts that the national median existing-home price will increase to around $266,800 in 2019 and $274,000 in 2020. “Home price appreciation will slow down—the days of easy price gains are coming to an end—but prices will continue to rise.”

What does it mean for you? If you’re in the market to buy a home, act fast. Prices will continue to go up, so you’ll pay more the longer you wait. If you’re a current homeowner, real estate has proven once again to be a solid investment over the long term. In fact, the equity level of American homeowners reached an all-time high in 2018, topping $6 trillion.3

 

SALES LEVELS WILL STABILIZE

In 2018, we saw a decline in sales, primarily driven by rising mortgage rates and a lack of affordable inventory. However, Yun isn’t alarmed. “2017 was the best year for home sales in ten years, and 2018 is only down 1.5 percent year to date. Statistically, it is a mild twinge in the data and a very mild adjustment compared to the long-term growth we’ve been experiencing over the past few years.”2

Yun and other economists expect home sales to remain relatively flat over the next couple of years. Freddie Mac forecasts homes sales will increase 1 percent to 6.08 million in 2019 and 2 percent to 6.20 million in 2020.1

“The medium and long-term prospects for housing are good because demographics are going to continue to support demand,” explains Tendayi Kapfidze, chief economist for LendingTree. “With a slower price appreciation, incomes have an opportunity to catch up. With slower sales, inventory has an opportunity to normalize. A slowdown in 2019 creates a healthier housing market going forward.”4

What does it mean for you? If you’ve been scared off by reports of a market slowdown, it’s important to keep things in perspective. A cooldown can prevent a hot market from becoming overheated. A gradual and sustainable pace of growth is preferable for long-term economic stability.

 

MORTGAGE RATES WILL RISE

The Mortgage Bankers Association predicts the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates three times this year, resulting in a rise in mortgage rates.5 While no one can predict future mortgage rates with certainty, Realtor.com Chief Economist Danielle Hale estimates that the rate for a 30-year mortgage will reach 5.5 percent by the end of 2019, up from around 4.62 percent at the end of 2018.6

While mortgage rates above 5 percent may seem high to today’s buyers, it’s not out of line with historical standards. According to Hale, “The average mortgage rate in the 1990s was 8.1 percent, and rates didn’t fall below 5 percent until 2009. So for buyers who can make the math work, buying a home is likely still an investment worth making.”7

What does it mean for you? If you’re in the market to buy a house or refinance an existing mortgage, you may want to act quickly before mortgage rates rise. To qualify for the lowest rate available, take steps to improve your credit score, pay down existing debt, and save up for a larger down payment.

 

AFFORDABILITY ISSUES WILL PERSIST

Although the desire to own a home remains strong, the combination of higher home prices and rising mortgage rates will make it increasingly difficult for many first-time buyers to afford one.

“Buyers who are able to stay in the market will find less competition as more buyers are priced out but feel an increased sense of urgency to close before it gets even more expensive,” according to Hale. “Although the number of homes for sale is increasing, which is an improvement for buyers, the majority of new inventory is focused in the mid-to-higher-end price tier, not entry-level.”6

What does it mean for you? Unfortunately, market factors make it difficult for many first-time buyers to afford a home. However, as move-up buyers take advantage of new high-end inventory, we could see an increase in starter homes hitting the market.

 

MILLENNIALS WILL MAKE UP LARGEST SEGMENT OF BUYERS

“The housing market in 2019 will be characterized by continued rising mortgage rates and surging millennial demand,” according to Odeta Kushi, senior economist for First American. “Rising rates, by making housing less affordable, will likely deter certain potential homebuyers from the market. On the other hand, the largest cohort of millennials will be turning 29 next year, entering peak household formation and home-buying age, and contributing to the increase in first-time buyer demand.”4

Danielle Hale, chief economist for Realtor.com, predicts the trend will continue. “Millennials are also likely to make up the largest share of home buyers for the next decade as their housing needs adjust over time.”6

What does it mean for you? If you’re in the market for a starter home, prepare to compete for the best listings. And if you plan to sell a home in 2019, be sure to work with an agent who knows how to reach millennial buyers by utilizing the latest online marketing techniques.

 

WE’RE HERE TO GUIDE YOU

While national real estate numbers and predictions can provide a “big picture” outlook for the year, real estate is local. And as local market experts, we can guide you through the ins and outs of our market and the local issues that are likely to drive home values in your particular neighborhood.

If you’re considering buying or selling a home in 2019, contact us now to schedule a free consultation. We’ll work with you to develop an action plan to meet your real estate goals this year.

 

START PREPARING TODAY

If you plan to BUY this year:

  1. Get pre-approved for a mortgage. If you plan to finance part of your home purchase, getting pre-approved for a mortgage will give you a jump-start on the paperwork and provide an advantage over other buyers in a competitive market. The added bonus: you will find out how much you can afford to borrow and budget accordingly. 
  2. Create your wish list. How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need? How far are you willing to commute to work? What’s most important to you in a home? We can set up a customized search that meets your criteria to help you find the perfect home for you.
  3. Come to our office. The buying process can be tricky. We’d love to guide you through it. We can help you find a home that fits your needs and budget, all at no cost to you. Give us a call to schedule an appointment today!

 If you plan to SELL this year: 

  1. Call us for a FREE Comparative Market Analysis. A CMA not only gives you the current market value of your home, it will also show how your home compares to others in the area. This will help us determine which repairs and upgrades may be required to get top dollar for your property, and it will help us price your home correctly once you’re ready to list.
  2. Prep your home for the market. Most buyers want a home they can move into right away, without having to make extensive repairs and upgrades. We can help you determine which ones are worth the time and expense to deliver maximum results.
  3. Start decluttering. Help your buyers see themselves in your home by packing up personal items and things you don’t use regularly and storing them in an attic or storage locker. This will make your home appear larger, make it easier to stage … and get you one step closer to moving when the time comes!

 

Sources:

  1. Freddie Mac Economic & Housing Research Forecast –
    http://www.freddiemac.com/research/pdf/201811-Forecast-04.pdf
  2. National Association of Realtors 2019 Forecast –
    https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom/2019-forecast-existing-home-sales-to-stabilize-and-price-growth-to-continue
  3. Bankrate 2018 Year in Review –
    https://www.bankrate.com/mortgages/year-in-review-for-housing-market/’
  4. Forbes 2019 Real Estate Forecast –
    https://www.forbes.com/sites/alyyale/2018/12/06/2019-real-estate-forecast-what-home-buyers-sellers-and-investors-can-expect/#a98b80a70d9a
  5. Mortgage Bankers Association Forecast –
    https://www.mba.org/2018-press-releases/october/mba-forecast-purchase-originations-to-increase-to-12-trillion-in-2019
  6. com 2019 National Housing Forecast –
    https://www.realtor.com/research/2019-national-housing-forecast/
  7. FOX Business –
    https://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/where-mortgage-rates-are-headed-in-2019

 

 

FOR SALE: 1274 ROUND LAKE Road White Lake, MI 48386

Paul Mychalowych
General

RoundLakeRd

1274 ROUND LAKE Road White Lake, MI 48386
MLS# 218111502 | $164,900
3 Beds | 1 Bath | 1,012 sq ft

Move right in! All the upgrades have been done for you! Everything is NEW! Gorgeous new kitchen with granite countertops, cherry cabinets, white subway tile backsplash, all new appliances and convenient snack-bar island. All new hand scraped looking flooring in main living areas, new neutral carpeting in bedrooms. All new luxury bathroom with double sinks, granite countertop, tiled floor and shower/tub enclosure. Gorgeous new Craftsman style interior doors. Other updates include: New roof, gutters, high efficiency HVAC and Tankless water heater, new windows, new deck, new garage doors, recessed LED lighting, crown moldings and new state approved 235′ well. Insulation installed in attic and outside walls. This one won’t last long! BATVAI

http://nexthomecityrealty.com/listings/0,134984/1274-Round-Lake-Road-White-Lake-Township-MI-48386/

November2018MVPSocialMediaImage-1541434727717

‘Tis the Season: 5 Reasons Why Winter is a Great Time to Buy or Sell a Home

Paul Mychalowych
General

It’s a common misconception that you shouldn’t try to buy or sell a home during the fall and winter months.

This is generally considered the “offseason” in real estate. Many sellers mistakenly believe that the cold weather will keep buyers away and that no one is looking over the holidays. Unfortunately, many real estate professionals perpetuate this myth by advising their clients to “wait until the spring” to list their home.

The truth is, homes are bought and sold year round. And while the market is typically quieter during the fall and winter, savvy buyers and sellers know how to use this slow down to their advantage. In fact, depending on your circumstances, now may be the ideal time for you to purchase or list a home.

If you’re in the market to buy or sell, there’s no need to wait for the spring. Read on to discover the top five reasons that it can pay to buy or sell a home during the offseason!

  1. LESS COMPETITION

What’s the number one reason to buy or sell a home during the offseason? Less competition!

This can be particularly beneficial if you’re a seller. Come spring, a huge wave of new listings will hit the market. But if you list now, you will have fewer comparable homes with which to compete.

In the spring and summer months, it can be difficult for your property to stand out in a crowded market. You may end up with a surplus of homes for sale in your neighborhood. Indeed, it’s not uncommon to see multiple listings on a single street during the peak selling season.

Inventory in the fall and winter months, however, can be significantly lower. That means your home will not only receive more attention from buyers, but you may also gain the upper hand in your negotiations. In fact, research found that homes listed in the winter are nine percent more likely to sell, and sellers net more above asking price in the winter than any other time of year.1

Buyers also have a lot to love about the real estate offseason. While some buyers need to move during the winter, many bargain hunters search this time of year in hopes of scoring a great deal.

Smart buyers will continue to scan the market during the fall and winter for hidden gems that pop up during the offseason. There are always highly motivated sellers who need to sell quickly. And with less competition to bid against you, you’re in a better position to negotiate a great price. If you’ve been looking for a good deal on a home or investment property, now may be the best time to look!

So while a “slow market” may scare off some buyers and sellers, it can actually be the perfect time of year for you to list or purchase a home. While the rest of the market is hibernating until spring, take advantage of this opportunity to get a jump start on your competition!

  1. EVERYONE’S MORE MOTIVATED

During the spring and summer, you’re likely to encounter “lookie-loo” buyers who are just testing the waters and unrealistic sellers who are holding out for a better offer. But the serious buyers and sellers stay active during the cold weather and holiday season, often because they need to move quickly. In fact, research shows that homes listed in the winter sell faster than any other time of year.1

January and February are peak job hiring months, which brings a surge of buyers who need to relocate quickly to start a new job.2 And of course life changes like retirement, marriage, divorce, and new babies come year round. While families often find it more convenient to move during the summer when school is out, the reality is that many don’t have the option to wait. According to the National Association of Realtors, 55 percent of all buyers purchased their home at the time they did because “it was just the right time,” not because of seasonal factors.3

If you prefer to deal with serious, highly-motivated buyers and sellers who want to act fast and don’t want to waste your time, then the offseason may be the perfect real estate season for you.

  1. GREATER PERSONAL ATTENTION

Another key benefit to buying and selling in the offseason is the increased personal attention you’ll receive.

While we strive to provide unparalleled client service throughout the year, we simply have more time available for each individual client during slower periods. Similarly, we find the other real estate professionals in our network—including title agents, inspectors, appraisers, insurance agents, and loan officers—are able to respond faster and provide more time and attention during the offseason than they are during the busy spring and summer months. The result is a quicker and more streamlined closing process for all involved.

  1. COST SAVINGS

Clients who move during the offseason often report significant cost savings. Moving costs may be discounted by 15 percent or more during the winter months, and moving companies can typically offer more flexibility in their scheduling.4

Home renovations and repairs can also be less expensive in the offseason.5 Whether you’re fixing up your property prior to listing it or remodeling your new home before moving in, contractors and service providers who are hungry for business are often willing to work for a discount this time of year. If you wait until the spring and summer, you may be forced to pay a premium.

Home stagers and decorators are also more likely to negotiate their fees during the winter. And you can often score great deals on new furniture and decor during the holiday sales.

Whether you’re buying or selling, count cost savings as another compelling reason to consider an offseason move.

  1. EASIER TO MAINTAIN CURB APPEAL

Finally, listing your home during the fall and winter offers one key—but often overlooked—advantage: less lawn maintenance!

Good curb appeal is crucial when selling your home. According to a recent report by the National Association of Realtors, 44 percent of home buyers drove by a property after viewing it online but did NOT go inside for a walkthrough.6 That means if your curb appeal is lacking, buyers may never make it through the door.

If you list your home during the peak of the selling season, we will generally advise you to implement a frequent schedule of mowing, edging, watering, weeding, and trimming shrubs and hedges. You’ll probably want to plant flowers, as well, to brighten your exterior. After all, a lush landscape is a key element in attracting spring and summer buyers.

If you list in the offseason, however, your lawn maintenance list is significantly reduced. While we do recommend that our sellers keep their exterior clean, tidy, and free of leaves, snow, and ice, you will probably spend much less time on outdoor maintenance during the winter than you would if you listed your home in the summer.

ARE YOU READY TO MAKE YOUR MOVE?

Now that you know all the great reasons to buy or sell a home in the offseason, it’s time to decide whether you’re ready to make your move.

Every client’s circumstances are unique. Whether you need to move quickly or you simply want to take advantages of all benefits this season has to offer, it’s a great time to enter the market.

Give us a call today to schedule a FREE consultation … and you could be ringing in the New Year in your new home!

Sources:

  1. Redfin –
    https://www.redfin.com/blog/2013/12/why-winter-is-the-hottest-time-to-sell-your-home.html#.VjKYm2SrTKI
  2. Top Resume –
    https://www.topresume.com/career-advice/the-best-times-of-the-year-to-job-search
  3. National Association of Realtors –
    https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/highlights-from-the-profile-of-home-buyers-and-sellers
  4. Angie’s List –
    https://www.angieslist.com/articles/why-winter-can-be-best-time-move.htm
  5. Build Direct –
    https://www.builddirect.com/blog/the-best-times-of-the-year-to-get-deals-on-home-remodels/
  6. National Association of Realtors –
    https://www.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/reports/2017/2017-home-buyer-and-seller-generational-trends-03-07-2017.pdf

Dispelling the Myth About Home Affordability

Paul Mychalowych
Blog / General

Blog - DispellingWe have all seen the headlines that report that buying a home is less affordable today than it was at any other time in the last ten years, and those headlines are accurate. But, have you ever wondered why the headlines don’t say the last 25 years, the last 20 years, or even the last 11 years?

The reason is that homes were less affordable 25, 20, or even 11 years ago than they are today.
Obviously, buying a home is more expensive now than during the ten years immediately following one of the worst housing crashes in American history.

Over the past decade, the market was flooded with distressed properties (foreclosures and short sales) that were selling at 10-50% discounts. There were so many distressed properties that the prices of non-distressed properties in the same neighborhoods were lowered and mortgage rates were kept low to help the economy.

Low Prices + Low Mortgage Rates = High Affordability
Prices have since recovered and mortgage rates have increased as the economy has gained strength. This has and will continue to impact housing affordability moving forward.

However, let’s give affordability some historical context. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) issues their Affordability Index each month. According to NAR:

“The Monthly Housing Affordability Index measures whether or not a typical family earns enough income to qualify for a mortgage loan on a typical home at the national and regional levels based on the most recent monthly price and income data.”

NAR’s current index stands at 138.8. The index had been higher each of the last ten years, peaking at 197 in 2012 (the higher the index the more affordable houses are).

But, the average index between 1990 and 2007 was just 123 and there were no years with an index above 133. That means that homes are more affordable today than at any time during the eighteen years between 1990 and 2007.

Bottom Line
With home prices continuing to appreciate and mortgage rates increasing, home affordability will likely continue to slide. However, this does not mean that buying a house is not an attainable goal in most markets as it is less expensive today than during the eighteen-year stretch immediately preceding the housing bubble and crash.