What’s In Store for Real Estate in 2012?



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It has definitely been a rollercoaster ride – one that seems to keep going up in some areas and down in others as we continue to rifle through the aftermath of the big mortgage meltdown of 2007.  But as 2011 comes to an end and we have a new, refreshing start ahead of us – what can we expect to happen in our real estate market?

We examined some of the numbers of the past and projected some foreseen market performance in the future and here is what we have come up with:

Buyers Will See More Competition

Though the market will remain heavily leaning toward the buyer’s side, there will be far more competition on the table when it comes to deals they are trying to close.  Homeowners will receive multiple offers, meaning that the edge buyers had recently will begin to soften.  What this means is that buyers will have to be seriously ready to compete against other serious contenders for the property of choice – a situation that has not been as prevalent in 2011.  Nonetheless, interest rates continue to be at all time industry lows and the low housing prices reflected in the most recent housing index report will provide buyers continued fantastic opportunities and renewed excitement to get in on the house of their dreams for the price of a lifetime!

Sellers Will Enjoy Stabilizing Prices

For the first time that we have seen in three or four years, sellers will finally enjoy prices that will be stabilizing again.  After months and months of uncertainty, sellers will be able to sell more confidently – especially beneficial given the state of our economy as it remains today.  In some pockets, we will see housing values increasing.  Our prediction is that in 2012 housing values will come up as much as five to eight percent from their current levels in those areas.  When you consider that in 2006 prices had dropped as much as 26%, the news of a projected incline in home values is fantastic news!  The coming year will be the best time to sell for many sellers in a long time – and finally – we are going to see happy sellers at the table in addition to the myriad happy buyers out there.

What You Can Expect From Us in 2012

As we strive to continue to provide our esteemed and valued clients with useful and valuable information that can be implemented with our without our help, we promise to bring you more exciting topics, great ideas and insightful information that will help making homeownership or potential homeownership a wonderful endeavor for you and your family.

From our family to yours, we wish you a very Happy Holiday Season and a Happy New Year!

Ten AWESOME Reasons Why You Should List Your Home During the Holidays



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Traditional school of thought dictates that selling a home during the holidays is a bad idea.  People are busy celebrating with their families and will hardly go shopping for a home, right?  Not so!  There are numerous advantages to listing a home during this season and below are ten great reasons to put a home on the market now. 

More serious buyers – Less time wasted

These are people who are interested in buying so there is a far greater chance of actually selling the property.  Nothing is more promising to a seller than a motivated and qualified buyer that knows what they want and is actively seeking to get it.

Fewer Homes On the Market

The less competition there is, the higher the chance there is for homes on the market to sell. Where during the peak season sellers might be dealing with some interest from buyers on their home, nonetheless there is more selection for buyers to choose from and they can stray to another property.

In January Inventory Increases – Chances of Selling Decreases

With so many homeowners assuming the holidays is a taboo time to sell there is a plethora of new listings in January, resulting in a diminished chance of your home selling.  Also, there is a risk that the price you may receive on the home can be less.

Decked Halls Look Great!

Homes are very appealing to prospective buyers when they are decorated for the holidays.  With all the festive décor, lights, greenery and added beauty of the season – the home shows very well and attracts buyers faster than if shown during other times of the year.

More Time To Browse Homes

Buyers have extra time off from work and are on vacation, which translates to a more aggressive buying pattern and more chances of your home being viewed.

Tax Advantages That Benefit the Buyer

Some buyers need to buy a property before the year ends so that they are able to claim a particular credit or exemption on their tax return.  The biggest tax benefit is filing for homestead. This requirement means that they are going to seek out a home and definitely purchase it prior to the New Year. 

Show The Home With Flexibility

Sellers that have their home listed prior to the holidays have the added advantage to be able to “pause” the process so they can celebrate the holidays, essentially not showing the home during a period of time during the break.  When the festivities die down, things can pick up again and the seller has not only managed to save potentially lost time but can also jump right back into the market.

Sell Now For More Money Then Delay Closing

Extended occupancy can be negotiated, leaving both parties the leniency to get through the holiday season and past the New Year so that all sides can rest assured the deal is done but it can follow through at a more convenient time.  For sellers this option is great because they are able to secure a higher selling price on the property before the market is inundated with new listings come January when the selling values drop.

Enjoy Non-Contingent Buyer Freedom

With the home sold, sellers can enjoy non-contingent buyer status during the rest of the slow season and take advantage of the market when there is a flood of new listings upon the New Year. 

Fewer Foreclosures On the Market

Many banks will suspend foreclosure listing during this time of year, especially on properties where there are still families occupying the home.  As a result of this, some of the competition that arises for sellers from low-priced foreclosures can be avoided during the holidays.
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Keep in mind that the idea of your home’s value increasing significantly over the next several months is a myth.  The truth is that housing values likely only go up when consumer income rises.  Pay rates increase at a rate of three to five percent each year and that is about the maximum yearly increase we can expect to see in a home as well.  So if you are wondering whether or not to put your home on the selling market now, or to wait – one important factor is that waiting will not provide much benefit.