The Perks of Selling Your House When Inventory Is Low

 
 

When it comes to selling your house, you’re probably trying to juggle the current market conditions and your own needs as you plan your move.

One thing that may be working in your favor is how few homes there are for sale right now. Here’s what you need to know about the current inventory situation and what it means for you.

The Supply of Homes for Sale Is Far Below the Norm

When you’re selling something, it helps if what you’re selling is in demand, but is also in low supply. Why? That makes it even more desirable since there’s not enough to go around. That’s exactly what’s happening in the housing market today. There are more buyers looking to buy than there are homes for sale.

To tell the story of just how low inventory is, here’s the latest information on active listings, or homes available for sale. The graph below uses data from Realtor.com to show how many active listings there were in September of this year compared to what’s more typical in the market.

 
 

As you can see in the graph, if you look at the last normal years for the market (shown in the blue bars) versus the latest numbers for this year (shown in the red bar), it’s clear inventory is still far lower than the norm.

What That Means for You

Buyers have fewer choices now than they did in more typical years. And that’s why you could still see some great perks if you sell today. Because there aren’t enough homes to go around, homes that are priced right are still selling fast and the average seller is getting multiple offers from eager buyers. Based on the latest data from the Confidence Index from the National Association of Realtors (NAR):

  • 69% of homes sold in less than a month.

  • 2.6 offers: the average number of offers on recently sold homes.

An article from Realtor.com also explains how the limited number of houses for sale benefits you if you’re selling:

“. . . homes spent two weeks less on the market this past month than they did in the average September from 2017 to 2019 . . . as still-limited supply spurs homebuyers to act quickly . . .”

Bottom Line

Because the supply of homes for sale is so low, buyers desperately want more options – and your house may be just what they’re looking for. If you work with a trusted local agent to get your house listed at the right price for today’s market. You could still see it sell quickly and potentially get multiple offers.

Learn more at Keepingcurrentmatters.com

Related Links

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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Affordable Homeownership Strategies for Gen Z

 
 

The idea of owning a home has always been a big part of the American Dream.

It’s a symbol of stability, independence, and having a place to truly call your own. But for Gen Z, the “Zoomers” born between 1997 and 2012, making that dream a reality can feel like quite the challenge today with higher mortgage rates and rising home prices.

But achieving that goal of owning your first home can still be attainable, even today, with some strategic planning and resourcefulness.

Explore Down Payment Assistance Options

With prices rising all around you, it can be hard to save up for a home. If you’ve been struggling to stash away enough cash for that down payment, it’s worth it to look into the various down payment assistance programs available. These programs can really help you save big on the upfront costs of buying a home.

There are a lot more options out there than you may realize. According to Down Payment Resource, there are over 2,000 programs designed to help hopeful homebuyers with down payments and closing costs.

If you qualify for one of these programs, you may not need to save up as much money for your down payment. A local real estate agent can help you explore these programs in your area, making it much easier to turn your homeownership dream into a reality.

Consider Living with Relatives To Save

If you still need a bit more time to save, even with the down payment assistance programs out there, there are ways you can make that happen. Many savvy Zoomers have made a strategic choice to live with relatives so they can get to their savings goals even faster.

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), around 30% of Gen Z homebuyers transition directly from their relative’s home to a home of their own.

By sharing living costs, such as mortgage payments, utility bills, and even grocery expenses, you can substantially reduce your monthly expenses. This frees up more of your income to tackle any outstanding debt, boost your credit score, and reach your down payment target in less time. And, all of this can bring homeownership one step closer to becoming a reality. Clare Trapasso, Executive News Editor at Realtor.com, explains:

“Faced with ongoing housing affordability issues . . . we’re seeing parents and children becoming roommates again in later years as the ‘kids’ save up to purchase their own place . . .”

The Road to Homeownership

When you’re on the path to becoming a homeowner, it’s a good idea to get some help along the way. And one of your best resources on this journey as a young homebuyer is a trusted real estate agent. They’ll steer you through the process of buying a home and help you find one you can afford. 

Bottom Line

For Gen Z, the path to homeownership may not be straightforward, but it's still within reach. With the right strategies, you can turn your dream of owning a home into a reality.  

Learn more at Keepingcurrentmatters.com

Related Links

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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How To Find the Right Buyer’s Agent for Your Home Purchase

 
 

Purchasing a new home is an exciting and often overwhelming process.

From finding the right neighborhood to determining your budget, there are plenty of tasks to keep you busy. One of the most important tasks is selecting the right buyer's agent. This professional will help guide you through the entire process, from searching for the ideal property to negotiating the cost. However, finding the right buyer's agent can be tricky, so in this blog, we’ll go over some helpful tips to find the best agent for you.

Get Referrals From Trusted Sources
Looking for referrals from friends, family members, and other trusted sources is one of the easiest ways to find a reputable buyer's agent. By seeking referrals from people you trust, you can get feedback on how they worked with their agents and also ask about their home-buying experience. This will help you glean insights into the agent's communication style, work ethic, and professionalism.

Research Their Credentials
Check if the agent has a license to practice in your state, certifications, and any awards they may have received. You can also look for reviews and testimonials from other clients they worked with previously. This will give you an idea of their specialties and qualifications. Finding an agent with experience and accolades in your desired neighborhood and property type can be of great help.

Interview Potential Agents
It is essential to interview at least three agents before making a final decision. In this way, you can understand their work style, personality, response time to messages, and overall thoughts on the home buying process. Ensure the agent is approachable, professional, and aligns with your wishes. You can also ask the agent to provide references and contact them to confirm if they're worth considering.

Gauge Their Knowledge of the Property Market
Your agent should possess a solid understanding of the property market and the intricacies of the buying procedure. Ask potential agents questions on costs, market trends, and home value. Their answers should make sense and meet your expectations. Experienced agents can offer insights on the property's future value, potential resale value, and local tax laws.

Review Their Fees and Pricing Structure
Before hiring an agent, be sure to review their fees and pricing policies to avoid misunderstandings over payment procedures. Discuss any limits on their services or exclusive agreements they might require and ensure they're acceptable to you. Once you understand their policies, you will feel more comfortable with moving ahead.

Choosing the right buyer's agent sets the tone for a smooth and stress-free buying experience. Referrals, research, interviews, market knowledge, and fees are just some factors to consider when choosing an agent. Remember, the right buyer’s agent will set you up for success. Join our newsletter for more buying and selling tips and insights! Come to work with us, and let's help you find that dream home.

Learn more at Rismedia.com

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If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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Ski season is around the corner: Here's a list of opening dates for Colorado destinations

 
 

A look at scheduled and projected opening dates for Colorado’s ski areas:

Monarch: Oct. 30

Loveland: Nov. 2

Arapahoe Basin, Wolf Creek: Nov. 3

Keystone: Nov. 4

Breckenridge, Vail: Nov. 10

Copper Mountain: Nov. 13

Eldora: Nov. 17

Purgatory: Nov. 18

Beaver Creek, Crested Butte, Steamboat: Nov. 22

Aspen Snowmass, Telluride: Nov. 23

Sunlight: Nov. 24

Powderhorn, Howelsen Hill: Nov. 25

Winter Park: Dec. 1

Ski Cooper: Dec. 6

Granby Ranch, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk: Dec. 9

Learn more at onthesnow.com

Related Links

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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