The Internet Can't Replace Your Agent

The Internet Can’t Replace Your Agent

 We live in the information age; the Internet offers advice on every topic and real estate is no exception. With more and more home buyers starting their home search online, they are bombarded with advice and information – it can be easy to think that you can learn everything you need to know just by reading articles online. 

The truth is your real estate agent does much more than answer your questions and open doors with a special key. A professional real estate agent will be there every step of the way. They have the experience necessary to navigate the complicated home buying process and solve common hiccups that present themselves in every real estate transactions,

 Your real estate agent is a local professional. They will start by presenting themselves to the buyer’s agent as someone who will work with them to see the transaction through to a successful conclusion. They have a network of professionals who will work as a team to help you through the process. These include such professionals as: lenders, title reps, escrow officers, transaction coordinators, home inspectors, contractors and handymen, among others.

 Most importantly, your agent is your ally in the home buying process. They negotiate on your behalf – armed with experience and understanding of customary charges, costs and terms. They will ensure that the price you pay for the home is fair for the condition and neighborhood. They will negotiate repairs, if needed and make sure you are protected with the proper contingencies. 

The Internet offers lots of great information, but the most important step you can take when buying a new home, is hiring a local professional real estate agent. Their knowledge and expertise can’t be found by reading an article or two online. 

Advantages of Selling A Home This Winter

Advantages of Selling a Home This Winter

Home sellers and real estate agents often fear the winter months because it seems like a poor time to list. The truth is that winter can be a great time to list your home for sale. The Internet has no season meaning that serious buyers are always on the look out, checking out the latest listing online. It is especially true when the weather outside is cold. It means your online listing is getting viewed more then before. 


 Less Inventory 
Conventional wisdom tries to say that taking your home off the market in winter, or waiting to list, until the spring selling season starts is the best way to sell your home. The truth is that if you are trying to sell your home, wouldn’t you rather list while the competition is less? 
Come spring, sellers will flood the market and your home will be just another fish in a big pond. 

Higher Prices 
With the end of the summer season, often homes are removed from the market, either because the sellers mistakenly believe they need to wait for the spring. But when listings flood the market in April, prices can go down as a “buyers’ market” takes hold and inventory increases. 

 Serious Buyers 
Buyers in the winter also tend to be more serious about a home purchase. The holidays are a time to relax and enjoy family and friends. In real estate, studies show that if a buyer is out looking for a new home during these months, they have a reason to move, which tend to create better offers.  Home sellers can enhance their ability to capitalize on the slower pace and smaller inventory by listing their homes for sale now. Winter is the perfect time to get the highest possible sales price while the competition is drinking pumpkin spiced latte and waiting for the spring.  

Getting Tax Breaks
Winter home buyers may also be motivated to grab the tax benefits of buying a home before the years end. Many home buyers can write off some of the expenses of their home purchase on their taxes. There are many tax deductible items a home owner can count on, such as: 

• Mortgage interest
• Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) Premiums
• Real Estate Taxes

Always, check with your tax expert to make sure you are getting all the deductions and credit you've earned. 

So why wait? Existing home sales have increased since November coming into December an average of 4.5% in the past three winters. That means even though there are less homes on the market, buyers are out there buying at a steady, if not increased pace. That is great news for you winter sellers!

If you are wanting your home to be in the spotlight then contact me today!