Stay Focused on Your Goal

Buying or selling a home can be stressful, even in normal times. Right now, when the housing market is moving at a frenetic pace, both buyers and sellers are making quick decisions and are feeling extreme pressure. As the tension rises, it can be easy to overlook the end goal; right-sized home, relocation, dream home, etc. Try not to lose focus!

Buyer Challenges

Facing a very tight inventory of available properties, buyers have limited time to arrange to tour homes and knowing they must make a quick decision once they have. Buyers do not have the luxury of a second look or hesitation and often are competing against multiple offers, adding to the pressure.

Seller Challenges

Sellers are also feeling the challenge of the frantic pace. While it is nice to have multiple offers from which to choose, the fact that the offers are at times being made sight-unseen means that some of the offers may not be the buyer’s first choice and they could lose a “real” offer by choosing to work with the wrong one. In addition, if the seller intends to buy another home, then they will be in the same position as the buyers once they enter that side of the competitive market. The bottom line in each case, however, is to stay focused on the end goal. Why are you looking to buy or sell? Working with your agent, and relying on their experience, keep your eye on the prize and recognize that the goal will be worth the effort.

The Worst Mistakes You Can Make As a Homebuyer

Buying a home is typically the largest financial transaction most people make in their lifetime. The last thing you want to do is make a mistake, one which could cost you time and money – often a lot of money.

These are some of the most common, and worst, mistakes you can make when buying a home.

• Not doing your homework in advance – Before you do anything else, do some preliminary research and get a pre-qualification letter before you start shopping for your new home.

• Changing Jobs or Buying Big Items – Once you’ve decided to buy a home, it’s critical not to change your circumstances, such as a new job or large credit card purchase.

• Calling the Listing Agent Directly – It might be tempting to try and get a “better deal” by working with the listing agent rather than using your own agent. This is not true; the listing agent works for the seller and does not represent your interests.

• Accepting Everything at Face Value – Always ask questions and investigate everything, including getting a thorough home inspection.

Buying a home is exciting, but the most important thing is to consider the details and think everything through before jumping. By understanding some of the mistakes buyers make, you can avoid them.

5 Things Millennial Home Buyers Look For

Millennials have entered the housing market and have ideas about what they want in their new home. Home design trends are becoming more innovative and reflective of the way we live today. These young home buyers want bright homes which are informal and inviting; places where friends and families can gather and relax together. Who Are These Millennial Home Buyers? Millennials are also the first generation that grew up on technology. Most never knew a home without a computer, video game console, or cell phone. They want their spaces to be intuitive and innovative. They buy “smart” products! Self-adjusting blinds, lights, appliances, and other home features appeal to their sense of a technologically advanced home. Homes are being built with these buyers in mind.

Top 5 Home Design Features

1. Urban designs, such as a large loft-style home with great flow

2. DIY Fixer-uppers: Millennials enjoy getting dirty and redesigning their home to suit their tastes

3. Light and bright with tall ceilings and lots of natural light

4. Smart Home devices and features

5. Sustainable materials such as reclaimed wood and energy efficiency.

As they continue to make up a greater portion of first-time home buyers, builders will be creating more and more homes that reflect their unique perspectives. Watch for more innovation, sustainability, and functionality in new home designs over the next decade.