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The Best Time To Buy

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The Best Time To Buy Anyone who has ever planned a major purchase knows - it’s important to get the timing right. What does that mean for you and your home search? Are You Ready For The Best Time To Buy? I’m excited to share that the sixth annual Realtor.com report is in. Nationwide, the best time to buy may be next week. But here in SW Florida, the best time to buy your dream home is in early November! Are you ready? What We Know Anyone who has ever planned a major purchase knows - it’s important to get the timing right. Interest rates are falling. Buyer demand is low. And the most favorable time of year for buyers in sunny SW Florida is fast approaching. So, what does that mean for you and your home search? 37.7% Less competition from other buyers Buyer demand has slowed compared to recent years. In SW Florida, buyer interest is at its lowest during the first week in November. 17.5% More homes for sale than the yearly average While buyer demand has slowed, sellers rem...

Helpful Negotiation Tactics for Today’s Housing Market

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  If you haven’t already heard, homebuyers are regaining some negotiating power in today’s market. And while that doesn’t make this a buyer’s market, it does mean buyers may be able to ask for a little more. So, sellers need to be ready for that possibility and know what they’re willing to negotiate. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell a house, here’s a quick rundown of potential negotiations that may pop up during your transaction. That way, you’re prepared no matter which side of the deal you’re on. What Can You Negotiate? Most things in a home purchase are on the negotiation table.Here’s a list of just a few of those options, according to Kiplinger and LendingTree: Sale Price The most obvious is the price of the home. And that lever is being pulled more often today. Buyers don’t want to overpay when affordability is already so tight. And sellers who aren’t realistic about their asking price may have to consider adjusting their price. Home Repairs Based on the inspection, a buy...

SW Florida Market Update - August 2024

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August 2024 - Single Family Homes Are you ready to take the leap? Maybe you have a few more questions? Call me!

SW Florida Market Update - July 2024

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Mortgage Interest Rates Remain Low As you read in my most recent email , mortgage interest rates remain low - historically and compared to this time last year. See for yourself! July 2024 - Single Family Homes Are you ready to take the leap? Maybe you have a few more questions? Call me!

Mortgage Rates Down a Full Percent from Recent High

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  Mortgage rates have been one of the hottest topics in the housing market lately because of their impact on affordability. And if you're someone who's looking to make a move, you've probably been waiting eagerly for rates to come down for that very reason. Well, if the past few weeks are any indication, you may be getting your wish. Mortgage Rates Trend Down in Recent Weeks There's big news for mortgage rates. After the latest reports on the economy, inflation, the unemployment rate, and the  Federal Reserve's  recent comments, mortgage rates started dropping a bit. And according to  Freddie Mac , they're now at a level we haven't seen since February. To help show the  downward trend , check out the graph below: Maybe you're seeing this and wondering if you should ride the wave and see how low they'll go. If that's the case, here's some important perspective. Remember, the record-low rates from the pandemic are a thing of the past. If you...

Blue Skies, Palm Fronds, and Relaxation...

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Blue skies adorned with cumulus clouds, palm fronds swaying in the gulf breeze, and a relaxed lifestyle are yours to be had and enjoyed - for much less than you may have imagined. Buyers are taking advantage of SW Florida's real estate market and the increased inventory. Motivated sellers are willing to negotiate. If you haven't already done so, now is the time to secure your piece of paradise. Perhaps you're looking for a gulf access home, a single family home, a condo, or a manufactured home? I'm here; ready, eager, and prepared to help you seamlessly navigate your real estate adventure. As a full-time, award-winning real estate professional, I'll answer any/all questions you have about the real estate market and/or how the new National Association of Realtors (NAR) settlement impacts buyers. I'd also be delighted to talk with you about all there is to do in SW Florida! But; that could take some time! Reach out. We'll both be glad you did!  

What The New NAR Settlement Means For You

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As required by the recent National Association of Realtors' (NAR) settlement agreement, starting August 17, all real estate agents will be required to have their buyers execute an Exclusive Buyer Brokerage Agreement before touring homes. This is a nationwide requirement for every real estate agent. Why this change? The Exclusive Buyer Brokerage Agreement has been crafted to promote quality service and commitment; creating a professional environment for buyers and agents to work together efficiently and effectively. My CENTURY 21 Selling Paradise office is, once again, ahead of the curve. Our office has required the Exclusive Buyer Broker Agreement beginning in June of this year. My buyers are comfortable and familiar with the process. It's straightforward. As a full-time, award-winning real estate professional in SW Florida, I continue to serve my clients offering complete transparency and clear communication throughout the home buying and/or home selling process. I...

Make Your Life Simpler After Retirement

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Retirement is a time for relaxation, adventure, and enjoying the things you love. As you imagine this exciting new chapter in your life, it's important to think about whether your current home still fits your needs. If it's too big, too costly, or just not convenient anymore, downsizing might help you make the most of your retirement years. To find out if a smaller, more manageable home might be the perfect fit for your new lifestyle, ask yourself these questions: Do the original reasons I bought my current house still stand, or have my needs changed since then? Do I really need and want the space I have right now, or could somewhere smaller be a better fit? What are my housing expenses right now, and how much do I want to try to save by downsizing? If you answered yes to any of these, consider the benefits that come with downsizing. The Benefits of Moving into a Smaller Home There are many reasons why you should downsize. Here are just a few from Bankrate : F...

SW Florida Market Update - June 2024

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Where is the Best Place To Live In SW Florida? Cape Coral, of course! You don't have to take my word for it -  Forbes Magazine has named the Cape #4 in their Best Places to Live in Florida in 2024 : Florida has been a long-time favorite destination for retirees. But in the past few years, working households have been flocking to the state for promising career opportunities, a relatively low cost of living, and no state income tax. Not to mention the mild winters and approximate 825 miles of beaches along the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico that sprawl across the peninsula and panhandle... ...Cape Coral - part of the Fort Myers metro area - is popular as it’s situated on the Gulf and has a low crime rate. Locals enjoy exploring the freshwater lakes and canals, and lounging on a sandy saltwater beach. Biotech, marine, and medical are target industries for Cape Coral. Several corporations also operate call centers and back-office operations from the region. And the hous...