Questions You May Have About Selling Your House

There’s no denying mortgage rates are having a big impact on today’s housing market.

And that may leave you with some questions about whether it still makes sense to sell your house and make a move.

Here are three of the top questions you may be asking – and the data that helps answer them.

1. Should I Wait To Sell?

If you’re thinking about waiting to sell until after mortgage rates come down, here’s what you need to know. So are a ton of other people.

And while mortgage rates are still forecasted to come down later this year, if you wait for that to happen, you may be dealing with a lot more competition as other buyers and sellers jump back in too. As Bright MLS says:

“Even a modest drop in rates will bring both more buyers and more sellers into the market.”

That means if you wait it out, you’ll have to deal with things like prices rising faster and more multiple-offer scenarios when you buy your next home.

2. Are Buyers Still Out There?

But that doesn’t mean no one is moving right now. While some people are holding off, there are still plenty of buyers active today. And here’s the data to prove it.

The ShowingTime Showing Index is a measure of how frequently buyers are touring homes. The graph below uses that index to show buyer activity for March (the latest data available) over the past seven years:

You can see demand has dipped some since the ‘unicorn’ years (shown in pink). That’s in response to a lot of market factors, like higher mortgage rates, rising prices, and limited inventory. But, to really understand today’s demand, you have to compare where we are now with the last normal years in the market (2018-2019) – not the abnormal ‘unicorn’ years. 

When you focus on just the blue bars, you can get an idea of how 2024 stacks up. And that gives you a whole new perspective.

Nationally, demand is still high compared to the last normal years in the housing market (2018-2019). And that means there’s still a market for your house to sell.

3. Can I Afford To Buy My Next Home?

And if you’re worried about how you’ll afford your next move with today’s rates and prices, consider this: you probably have more equity in your current home than you realize.

Homeowners have gained record amounts of equity over the past few years. And that equity can make a big difference when you buy your next home. You may even have enough to be an all-cash buyer and avoid taking out a mortgage altogether. As Jessica Lautz, Deputy Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), says:

“ . . . those who have earned housing equity through home price appreciation are the current winners in today’s housing market. One-third of recent home buyers did not finance their home purchase last month—the highest share in a decade. For these buyers, interest rates may be less influential in their purchase decisions.”

Bottom Line

If you’ve had these three questions on your mind and they’ve been holding you back from selling, hopefully, it helps to have this information now. A recent survey from Realtor.com found more than 85% of potential sellers have been considering selling for over a year. That means there are a number of sellers like you who are on the fence.

But that same survey also talked to sellers who recently decided to take the plunge and list. And 79% of those recent sellers wish they’d sold sooner.

If you want to talk more about any of these questions or need more information, contact a real estate agent.

Read more at KeepingCurrentMatters.com

Related Links

• Your Own Space: Tips for Infusing Your Personality Into Your Home

• Can You Offer Less on a House? How To Lowball and Negotiate Like a Pro

• What’s Next for Home Prices and Mortgage Rates?

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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Oklahoma 2024 Family-Friendly Summer Festivals

There is always something to do in Oklahoma!

This is your summertime guide to family-friendly fun around the state! Whether you are looking for an outdoor festival in the Oklahoma City metro or an event with small-town charm, this guide can help you plan day and weekend trips where there is family fun waiting to be explored in every corner of the state!

Want to see the seasonal festivals and fairs offered year-round in Oklahoma? See our guide to festivals in all seasons. 

May 25-26

Chuck Wagon Festival at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum (1700 NW 63rd St) features a two-day, fun-filled family weekend with chuck wagon and Native food samples, artisan demonstrations, Western reenactors, archery, craft stations, country and western dancing, live music and more. $15 in advance; $20 at the door; kids (12 & under) & museum members, free. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

May 30-June 1

Magnolia Festival of Oklahoma at the Choctaw Event Center (3702 Choctaw Rd, Durant) features carnival rides, activities for kids, festival food, live entertainment, tractor show, artisan vendors and more. Free to attend. See website for schedule.

May 31-June 2

Sunfest at Bartlesville’s Sooner Park (420 SE Madison Blvd, Bartlesville) features live entertainment, arts and crafts, children’s games and more. Free to attend. Friday, 3-10 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

June 1

Sunny Dayz Mural Festival in Ponca City (113 N 4th St) features 52 artists creating 30 murals, plus vendors, live music and more. Noon-8 p.m.

June 2

FREE OKC Farmers Market District Festival in the OKC Farmers Market District (1304 SW 2nd St) features over 100 local vendors, a petting zoo, food trucks, live music, antiques, educational seminars, an OKC fire truck for the kids and more. 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

June 6-9

deadCENTER Film Festival in Downtown Oklahoma City (various locations) features new short films, documentaries, comedies, scary monster movies and some of the best independent films from around the world and all over Oklahoma. See website for a full list of films and showtimes.

Dancing Turtle Arts Festival in Stillwater (various locations) features film, children’s activities, live music, workshops, dance, theater, industrial arts, arts demonstrations and more. See website for activity and performance schedule. Friday, noon-6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

June 7-9

El Reno Small Town Weekend at Adams Park (2001 Park Dr, El Reno) celebrates Old Route 66 with a car show, Hot Wheels races, drag races, burnouts, antique car cruise, kids games and more. FREE to attend, event prices vary. See website for schedule.

June 8

FREE Chandler Ice Cream Festival at Tilghman Park (811 Park Rd, Chandler) features free ice cream, carnival rides, activities for kids, live music by local talent and more. Noon-5 p.m.

June 13-15

FREE Jazz in June at Andrews Park (201 W Daws St, Norman) features a three-day music festival with a long list of jazz musicians. See website for schedule.

Tulsa Juneteenth Festival in the Historic Greenwood District (Greenwood Avenue, Tulsa) features a festival that commemorates African American freedom, emphasizes education, celebrates the rich heritage of Greenwood, encourages healthy and active lifestyles, and advocates community impact. See website for schedule.

June 15

FREE Pawnee Old Time Saturday Night Cruze-In in Downtown Pawnee celebrates a bygone era with live music, games for kids and a car show. Bring your own street rod, 4×4, motorcycle or sports car and put it on display for everyone to see and admire. 3-9 p.m.

June 22

Stars & Stripes River Festival at RIVERSPORT Adventures (800 Riversport Dr) features a full day of rowing, paddling and dragon boat racing. Free to attend; parking, $10. 8 a.m.-10 p.m.

June 22-23

Kidsfest at the Woolaroc Museum & Wildlife Preserve (1925 Woolaroc Ranch Rd, Bartlesville) features entertainment, games, pony rides and more. Adults, $14; kids (12 & under), free. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

June 28-30

FREE OKC Pride Festival & Parade in Downtown Oklahoma City (various locations) features a three-day festival with art, music, a parade and more. All ages welcome. See website for schedule.

For a complete list of Independence Day Events, see our Independence Day Fun Guide.

July 7-12

International Finals Youth Rodeo at the Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center (1700 W Independence, Shawnee) features up & coming contestants from across the US competing in barrel racing, pole bending, breakaway roping, bareback riding and more. See website for a complete schedule.

July 12-13

Blackberry Festival at the McLoud High School Complex (12780 W Seikel, McLoud) features all kinds of blackberry-themed items, live music, a parade, carnival, old fashion games, food and fireworks. FREE admission. Friday, 5-10 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m.-11 p.m.

July 12-14

An Affair of the Heart of Tulsa at the River Spirit Expo Center at Expo Square (4145 E 21st, Tulsa) is one of the largest arts and crafts shows in the nation, with a variety of crafts, antiques, collectibles, furniture, decorative items, jewelry and clothing. $10, kids (12 & under), free. Friday & Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

July 18-20

Porter Peach Festival in Downtown Porter features arts & crafts, games, parade, car show, 5K Run, peach auction, music, food, antique tractor pull, carnival and, of course, peaches. FREE admission and peach ice cream while supplies last. FREE admission. Thursday & Friday, 4 p.m.; Saturday, 7 a.m.

July 27

FREE National Day of the Cowboy at the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center (1000 Chisholm Trail Parkway, Duncan) features western-themed activities, storytime, craft activities, live music and more. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Aug. 9-10

Firelake Fireflight Balloon Fest at the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Pow Wow Grounds & FireLake Arena (1702 S Gordon Cooper Dr, Shawnee) features live performers, family-friendly activities, fireworks and a display of 25 hot air balloons. Free to attend. Friday, noon-midnight; Saturday, 7 a.m. – midnight.

Aug. 10

FREE Rush Springs Watermelon Festival at Jeff Davis Park in Rush Springs celebrates the watermelon harvest with seed spitting contests, arts & crafts, carnival rides, live entertainment, 5K Watermelon Run, free watermelon and more. Saturday, 9 a.m. – midnight.

Aug. 16-17

Annual OCA Range Rodeo at the Lazy E Arena (9600 Lazy E Dr, Guthrie)  features six events including saddle bronc riding, wild cow milking, team branding and wild horse race. Benefits Children’s Miracle Network. Adults, $15-$30; kids (6-11), $5; kids (under 5), free. Friday & Saturday, 7 p.m.

Aug. 29

FREE Rock the Route in Downtown Yukon (Main St between 4th & 5th St, Yukon) features live music, food trucks, family activities and more. Some activities are pay-to-play and prices vary. 6-11 p.m.

Sept. 2

FREE Labor Day Celebration in Henryetta (Main Street, Henryetta) features a parade, games for all ages, concerts, a carnival, rodeo and an impressive fireworks display at dusk as well as a car, bike & tractor show. 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.

TBA for 2024

Farming Heritage Festival at the Shawnee Feed Center (40006 Hardesty Rd, Shawnee) features antique tractors and farming equipment, demonstrations, a tractor parade and more. Free to attend. Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

FREE Asian District Night Market Festival at Military Park (2520 N Classen Blvd) features Asian food trucks, merchants and vendors as well as live entertainment, inflatables, cultural performances and more. 5-11 p.m.

FREE Payne County Free Fair at Payne County Expo Center (4518 Expo Circle E, Stillwater) features livestock shows, a wide variety of agricultural exhibits, a carnival, fair food, an old-fashioned horse pull, a lawn tractor pull, a pet parade, an antique tractor parade and more. See fair guide for a complete schedule of events.

Read more at MetroFamilyMagazine.com

Related Links

• The decision to sell your home vs. rent it out is ‘complicated,’ experts say — what to know

• Can You Offer Less on a House? How To Lowball and Negotiate Like a Pro

• Your Own Space: Tips for Infusing Your Personality Into Your Home

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.

Search Homes in Colorado

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Search Homes in Oklahoma

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Search Homes in Minnesota

Just Listed: Bright, Spacious, and Perfect for Entertaining!

Gorgeous home in the highly sought after community, Settlers Crossing, in the Deer Creek School system!

This 3 bed, 2.5 bath home complete with office and two dining areas is a must see. With an open concept layout that is filled with an abundance of natural light, this home is perfect for entertaining friends and family. The living room is spacious and features a brick floor to ceiling fireplace flanked on one side with a large built-in. With its abundance of cabinet space, the kitchen is brimming with storage. From the island to the coffee bar, walk in pantry and bar seating, it is sure to be the hub of the home. The primary bedroom has an ample amount of space with an en suite that includes a soaking tub, dual vanities, and large walk-in closet. The two secondary bedrooms are split from the primary and share a hall bathroom. The backyard offers plenty of space for all the outdoor summer fun. Located in west Edmond with close proximity to highways making the morning commute a breeze. Don’t miss the opportunity to make this one yours and experience the amenities (playground, walking trail, and pond) that Settlers Crossing has to offer!

Listed by Autumn Nicole for West + Main Homes. Please contact Autumn for current pricing + availability.

 

Have questions?
West + Main Homes
(405) 652-6635
hello@westandmain.com

Presented by:
Autumn Nicole
405-420-3661
autumn@westandmainok.com

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Your Own Space: Tips for Infusing Your Personality Into Your Home

Your home is a reflection of who you are. No matter what you like, it's exciting to infuse your personality into every aspect of it.

From the décor, to the furniture, to the little details—everything should make you feel right at home. In this guide, we'll share some tips on how you can add your own personal touch to your living space and make it truly yours. So grab a cup of tea, put on your favorite tunes and get started!

Adding Personality to Your Décor
One of the easiest ways to infuse your personality into your home is through your décor. Whether you prefer bold colors, quirky art pieces or cozy textures—there are endless ways to add touches of your personality to your living space. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

Mix and Match
Don't be afraid to mix and match different styles, colors and patterns in your home décor. This will give your space an eclectic and unique look that reflects your individual style. For example, you can mix vintage pieces with modern furniture or incorporate different cultural elements into your décor. The key is to have fun and be creative!

Display Personal Items
Showcasing items that hold special meaning to you is a great way to add personality to your home. It could be anything from family photos, travel souvenirs or even vintage finds. Not only will these items add a personal touch to your décor, but they will also serve as great conversation starters for when guests come over.

DIY Projects
Get crafty and create your own unique décor pieces. Not only will this add personal touches to your space, but it's also a fun and fulfilling activity. You can make anything from wall hangings to throw pillows to custom artwork. The possibilities are endless and you'll have a one-of-a-kind home that truly reflects your creativity and personality.

If you have little ones, get them involved in infusing their own personality into their space. Create a photo collage using pictures of their favorite memories or drawings, or make personalized decorations like paper garlands or hand-painted vases. They could have a lot of fun designing and decorating their own space, such as a reading nook or play area.

Making Your Furniture Stand Out
Your furniture is not just functional, it's also an opportunity to showcase your personal style. Here are some ideas to make your furniture truly yours:

Reupholster
Give new life to old furniture by reupholstering them with fabrics and patterns that reflect your personality. This is a budget-friendly way to make your furniture stand out and add a personal touch.

Incorporate Bold Colors
Don't be afraid to incorporate bold colors into your furniture pieces. Whether it's through a statement piece like a bright red couch or through smaller accents like colorful throw pillows, adding pops of color will instantly bring personality to your home.

Get Creative With Storage
If you have the space, consider using unconventional items like vintage trunks or bookshelves as storage solutions. This not only adds character to your space but also reflects your personal style. Plus, it's a great way to repurpose old items and give them new life.

The Little Details Matter
It's often the little details that make a big impact when it comes to infusing personality into your home. Here are some ideas to add those finishing touches:

Lighting
Choose lighting fixtures that reflect your style, whether it's modern and sleek or vintage and whimsical. You can also add string lights, fairy lights or candles for a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

Textiles
From curtains to rugs to throw blankets, textiles are a great way to add texture and personality to your home. Don't be afraid to mix and match different patterns and textures for a unique look.

Plants
Bringing in some greenery not only adds life to your space, but it also reflects your love for nature. Succulents, cacti and houseplants are all great options and require minimal maintenance.

Scent
Scent is a powerful way to set the mood in your home. Invest in scented candles, diffusers or essential oils that reflect your preferred scent and create a cozy atmosphere. 

Don't Forget the Yard
Your outdoor space is an extension of your home and also a great opportunity to add personal touches. Consider adding a garden with your favorite flowers or incorporating outdoor furniture that reflects your style. Add personalized stepping stones in the garden made from Stepping Bluestone by your favorite plants. You can also hang string lights or set up a fire pit for cozy gatherings with friends and family.

Share Your Story
One of the best ways to infuse your personality into your home is by sharing your story through your décor and furniture. Do you have a favorite travel destination? Display souvenirs or photos from that place in your home. Do you have a hobby or interest? Incorporate elements of it into the design of your space. By sharing pieces of your story, you'll not only add personality to your home but also create a space that is uniquely yours.

Infusing your personality into your home is all about creating a space that reflects who you are and what you love. From your décor to the little details, there are endless ways to add personal touches and make your home truly yours. We hope these tips have inspired you to create a living space that is a true reflection of your unique personality. So go ahead and get creative—your home should be a place that brings you joy and comfort every day. And don't forget to share your story through your design choices!

Read more at Rismedia.com

Related Links

• The decision to sell your home vs. rent it out is ‘complicated,’ experts say — what to know

• Can You Offer Less on a House? How To Lowball and Negotiate Like a Pro

• What’s Next for Home Prices and Mortgage Rates?

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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Search Homes in Oklahoma

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Can You Offer Less on a House? How To Lowball and Negotiate Like a Pro

Most house hunters hope to find that hidden gem: a great house listed at a low price.

While that occasionally happens, it is more common for buyers to try to create their own discount by making a lowball house offer. But that bargain-hunter’s strategy can backfire.

A lowball offer, or an offer price that’s significantly lower than the listing price, is often rejected by sellers who feel insulted by the buyers’ disregard for their property. Most listing agents try to get their sellers to at least enter negotiations with buyers, to counteroffer with a number a little closer to the list price.

However, if a seller is offended by a buyer or isn’t taking the buyer seriously, there’s not much you, or the real estate agent, can do.

Offering less on a house

However, as a buyer, you can take steps to increase the likelihood that your low offer will be accepted, or at least increase the chances that negotiations can take place.

Before you make an offer at all, you should be thoughtful about your goals. If you love the house and truly want to buy it, don’t submit an offer that’s too low. Be honest about what kind of mortgage you can afford and how much the house is worth. If you’re not sure, you can ask your real estate agent if the house is fairly priced, or if it would be reasonable to come in at a lower number. You can still offer the sellers a low price, but you don’t want to scare them away or give them an opportunity to accept an offer from another buyer.

However, if you’re interested in grabbing a bargain and becoming a homeowner for financial reasons (and are less invested in which house you own), a low offer could be the right option for you. Consider making an offer that hovers 25% below the asking price—and see what happens.

1. Stay updated on current market conditions

You and your real estate agent should be discussing the local real estate market throughout your house search so that you can recognize the value of individual homes. If your local market is a seller’s market with competition for homes, you are much less likely to have a lowball offer accepted than if buyers have the upper hand. However, in any kind of real estate market, a house that has been listed for sale for several months is more likely to have owners willing to negotiate a lower price.

It’s important to know the real estate market and do your research. A seller might be thrilled to get your low offer in one market, but might be more likely to go back and forth on price when more people are interested in home buying. You don’t want to be stuck making counteroffer after counteroffer when there are multiple people interested in the home. If you lowball the sellers, they might end up selling the house to other buyers and you’ll be looking elsewhere for your new home.

2. Be respectful of sellers

Even if you think the sellers have overpriced their property or have let it fall into disrepair, it is important to treat them with respect and follow the protocol of your local real estate market.

After all, this is the sellers’ home, perhaps the place where they have raised their family. They may be selling because circumstances are forcing them to sell, rather than by choice.

A low offer may be upsetting to the sellers, but if you and your real estate agent present the offer along with an expression of your appreciation for the property, it’s more likely to be accepted than a low offer accompanied by a half-complete contract or an insult about the property’s condition.

3. Have your agent contact the listing agent

To depersonalize the negotiations, it is best to have your real estate agent and the listing agent discuss your offer, but your agent can do more by talking to the listing agent even before you make an offer.

Your agent should also find out as much as possible about the sellers: why they are selling and whether they have turned down other offers. This can be helpful regardless of whether you intend to make a lowball offer or contemplate a higher offer.

4. Have your financing in order

Sellers are rightfully concerned about getting to the settlement of any offer they accept, so your offer should be accompanied by a pre-approval letter from a lender along with an earnest money deposit. The higher your deposit and your promised down payment, the more likely the sellers are to take your offer seriously. In fact, if you can make an all-cash offer, you are even more likely to succeed.

Keep this in mind: Having your finances in order also includes making the right decisions for yourself and your bank account. That is, make sure you can afford the mortgage for the house you like. If you think you could end up in trouble with your lender a few months or years down the road, take a step back. If you offered to waive the home inspection but are praying there are no issues with the house (because you know you can’t afford major repairs), maybe rethink this sale before going into escrow.

Yes, the seller may have multiple offers and you may end up back on the house hunting trail. But, it’s better to keep looking for a house you can afford than to default on your mortgage and end up in trouble with your lender.

5. Eliminate as many contingencies as possible

If you are making a lowball offer price for the home, you might consider keeping the contingencies to a minimum. With a steal of a price, you probably shouldn’t expect to have the sellers make repairs or to convey additional items to you, such as their window treatments. You should still have a home inspection, but you may want an information-only inspection if you anticipate making any repairs yourself.

If the sellers are already letting their house go for a bargain, you don’t want to complicate the sale with a bunch of contingencies. It’s important to find out what you should expect to repair, and the costs, but you should generally expect to get the house as is.

Keep in mind that a low offer is not always the right offer to make. In fact, you need to be prepared to lose the house if your offer is too low. Sometimes the market isn’t in your favor and the sellers will stand firm on the list price.

However, if you can make a low offer respectfully, in the context of your local market, you could end up with the bargain home of your dreams.

Read more at Realtor.com

Related Links

• The decision to sell your home vs. rent it out is ‘complicated,’ experts say — what to know

• Tips for Younger Homebuyers: How To Make Your Dream a Reality

• What’s Next for Home Prices and Mortgage Rates?

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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Search Homes in North Carolina

Search Homes in Oklahoma

Search Homes in Oregon

Search Homes in Minnesota