Housing Market News • January 25, 2021

What Does 2021 Have in Store for Home Values?

by Better Homes and Gardens Green Team

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”3.0.47″][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”3.0.48″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”3.18.2″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”]

According to the latest CoreLogic Home Price Insights Report, nationwide home values increased by 8.2% over the last twelve months. The dramatic rise was brought about as the inventory of homes for sale reached historic lows at the same time buyer demand was buoyed by record-low mortgage rates. As CoreLogic explained:

“Home price growth remained consistently elevated throughout 2020. Home sales for the year are expected to register above 2019 levels. Meanwhile, the availability of for-sale homes has dwindled as demand increased and coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreaks continued across the country, which delayed some sellers from putting their homes on the market.

While the pandemic left many in positions of financial insecurity, those who maintained employment and income stability are also incentivized to buy given the record-low mortgage rates available; this is increasing buyer demand while for-sale inventory is in short supply.”

Where will home values go in 2021?

Home price appreciation in 2021 will continue to be determined by this imbalance of supply and demand. If supply remains low and demand is high, prices will continue to increase.

Housing Supply

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the current number of single-family homes for sale is 1,080,000. At the same time last year, that number stood at 1,450,000. We are entering 2021 with approximately 370,000 fewer homes for sale than there were one year ago.

However, there is some speculation that the inventory crush will ease somewhat as we move through the new year for two reasons:

1. As the health crisis eases, more homeowners will be comfortable putting their houses on the market.

2. Some households impacted financially by the pandemic will be forced to sell.

Housing Demand

Low mortgage rates have driven buyer demand over the last twelve months. According to Freddie Mac, rates stood at 3.72% at the beginning of 2020. Today, we’re starting 2021 with rates one full percentage point lower than that. Low rates create a great opportunity for homebuyers, which is one reason why demand is expected to remain high throughout the new year.

Taking into consideration these projections on housing supply and demand, real estate analysts forecast homes will continue to appreciate in 2021, but that appreciation may be at a steadier pace than last year. Here are their forecasts:

Bottom Line

There’s still a very limited number of homes for sale for the great number of purchasers looking to buy them. As a result, the concept of “supply and demand” mandates that home values in the country will continue to appreciate. Find out what your home is worth – click here.

Contact one of Our Agents today!

See out Complete Inventory of Available Properties!

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

Buying a home • January 25, 2021

How to Make the Dream of Homeownership a Reality This Year

by Better Homes and Gardens Green Team

In 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. inspired a powerful movement with his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. Through his passion and determination, he sparked interest, ambition, and courage in his audience. Today, reflecting on his message encourages many of us to think about our own dreams, goals, beliefs, and aspirations. For many Americans, one of those common goals is owning a home: a piece of land, a roof over our heads, and a place where we can grow and flourish.

If you’re dreaming of buying a home this year, start by connecting with a local real estate professional to understand what goes into the process. With a trusted advisor at your side, you can then begin to answer the questions below to set yourself up for homebuying success.

1. How Can I Better Understand the Process, and How Much Can I Afford?

The process of buying a home is not one to enter into lightly. You need to decide on key things like how long you plan on living in an area, school districts you prefer, what kind of commute works for you, and how much you can afford to spend.

Keep in mind, before you start the process to purchase a home, you’ll also need to apply for a mortgage. Lenders will evaluate several factors connected to your financial track record, one of which is your credit history. They’ll want to see how well you’ve been able to minimize past debts, so make sure you’ve been paying your student loans, credit cards, and car loans on time. If your financial situation has changed recently, be sure to discuss that with your lender as well. Most agents have loan officers they trust and will provide referrals for you.

According to ConsumerReports.org:

“Financial planners recommend limiting the amount you spend on housing to 25 percent of your monthly budget.”

2. How Much Do I Need for a Down Payment?

In addition to knowing how much you can afford on a monthly mortgage payment, understanding how much you’ll need for a down payment is another critical step. Thankfully, there are many different options and resources in the market to potentially reduce the amount you may think you need to put down.

If you’re concerned about saving for a down payment, start small and be consistent. A little bit each month goes a long way. Jumpstart your savings by automatically adding a portion of your monthly paycheck into a separate savings account or house fund. AmericaSaves.org says:

“Over time, these automatic deposits add up. For example, $50 a month accumulates to $600 a year and $3,000 after five years, plus interest that has compounded.”

Before you know it, you’ll have enough for a down payment if you’re disciplined and thoughtful about your process.

3. Saving Takes Time: Practice Living on a Budget

As tempting as it is to pass the extra time you may be spending at home these days with a little retail therapy, putting that extra money toward your down payment will help accelerate your path to homeownership. It’s the little things that count, so start trying to live on a slightly tighter budget if you aren’t doing so already. A budget will allow you to save more for your down payment and help you pay down other debts to improve your credit score.

A survey of millennial spending shows, “68% reported that shelter in place orders helped them save for their down payment.”Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at realtor.com, also notes:

“If there is any silver lining to the current economic landscape, it’s that mortgage rates are hanging around record lows…Additionally, shelter-in-place orders helped many who were fortunate enough to keep their jobs save for a down payment — one of the largest hurdles of buying a home. The combination of low rates and the opportunity to save is enabling many millennials to move up their home buying timeline.”

While you don’t need to cut all of the extras out of your current lifestyle, making smarter choices and limiting your spending in areas where you can slim down will make a big difference.

Bottom Line

If homeownership is on your dream list this year, take a good look at what you can prioritize to help you get there. To determine the steps you should take to start the process, let’s connect today.

Contact one of Our Agents today!

See out Complete Inventory of Available Properties!

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.18.2″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.18.2″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.18.2″][et_pb_blog fullwidth=”off” posts_number=”3″ include_categories=”34″ show_more=”on” show_author=”off” show_date=”off” show_categories=”off” show_pagination=”off” use_overlay=”on” overlay_icon_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.14)” hover_overlay_color=”rgba(0,80,239,0.33)” hover_icon=”%%0%%” _builder_version=”3.18.2″ header_font=”Open Sans||||||||” header_font_size=”20px” body_font=”||||||||” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|true|true” custom_css_title=”text-transform: none;” global_module=”31695″][/et_pb_blog][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

Buying a home • January 25, 2021

Why Moving May Be Just the Boost You Need

by Better Homes and Gardens Green Team

As we look back over the past year, we’ve certainly lived through one of the most stressful periods in recent history. After spending so much more time at home throughout the health crisis, some are wondering if they should move to improve their mental health and well-being. This is no surprise since the U.S. Census Bureau reported an increase in the percentage of adults with symptoms of anxiety and depression in a recent Household Pulse Survey.

There’s logic behind the idea that making a move could improve someone’s quality of life. When people change their scenery, they often feel happier. Catherine Hartley, an Assistant Professor at New York University’s Department of Psychology and co-author of a study on how new experiences impact happiness, mentioned:

“Our results suggest that people feel happier when they have more variety in their daily routines—when they go to novel places and have a wider array of experiences.”

If you’re looking for a new experience, planning a move into a new home may be something you’ve started to consider more carefully. If so, you’re not alone. The 2020 Annual National Movers Study by United Van Lines shows:

“For customers who cited COVID-19 as an influence on their move in 2020, the top reasons associated with COVID-19 were concerns for personal and family health and wellbeing (60%); desires to be closer to family (59%); 57% moved due to changes in employment status or work arrangement (including the ability to work remotely); and 53% desired a lifestyle change or improvement of quality of life.”

So, if you’re thinking of moving this year to help boost your happiness factor, here are a few questions to ask yourself as you make your decision.

How’s the Weather?

Is the weather something that’s important to you? Does it have a tendency to impact your mood? The World Population Review shares:

“What states have the best weather? When evaluating each state for temperature, rain, and sun, some states stand out. Although climate and weather preferences are personal and subjective, some criteria are considered to make up the best weather, according to Current Results:

Comfortable temperatures from 63°F to 86°F for more than half of the year.

Dry weather with no more than 60 inches of rain per year.

Mostly clear skies with an average of sunshine for at least 60% of the year.”

“Better weather” can mean different things to different people – some prefer the heat, others cooler temperatures, and some want to experience all four seasons. Think about what makes you feel happiest if you’re looking for a new location.

Should I Choose the City, Suburbs, or Country?

With the COVID-19 pandemic, some people are deciding to move to lower-density areas. Robert Dietz, Chief Economist at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), mentions:

“The third quarter Home Building Geography Index (HBGI) reveals that a suburban shift for consumer home buying preferences in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic is accelerating as telecommuting is providing consumers more flexibility to live further out within large metros or even to relocate to more affordable, smaller metro areas.”

Can you work from home? Are you open to a longer commute in the future? If so, a move to the suburbs or even a quieter rural area may be a win for you. Or, if you’ve always dreamed of life in the city, now may be your chance to move into town.

Bottom Line

As we look beyond the trials of the pandemic, many are hoping for a new beginning, and that may mean moving. Let’s connect today to talk about your new goals and options in today’s market.

Contact one of Our Agents today!

See out Complete Inventory of Available Properties!

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.18.2″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.18.2″][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.18.2″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_blog fullwidth=”off” posts_number=”3″ include_categories=”34″ show_more=”on” show_author=”off” show_date=”off” show_categories=”off” show_pagination=”off” use_overlay=”on” overlay_icon_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.14)” hover_overlay_color=”rgba(0,80,239,0.33)” hover_icon=”%%0%%” _builder_version=”3.18.2″ header_font=”Open Sans||||||||” header_font_size=”20px” body_font=”||||||||” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|true|true” custom_css_title=”text-transform: none;” global_module=”31695″][/et_pb_blog][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

Selling a Home • January 20, 2021

Is This the Year to Sell My House?

by Better Homes and Gardens Green Team

Numbers Don’t Lie – It’s Still a Great Time To Sell

If one of the questions you’re asking yourself is, “Should I sell my house this year?” consumer sentiment about selling today should boost your confidence in the right direction. Even with the current health crisis that continues to challenge our nation, Americans still feel good about selling a house. Here’s why.

According to the latest Home Purchase Sentiment Index from Fannie Mae, 57% of consumer respondents to their survey indicate now is a good time to buy a home, while 59% feel it’s a good time to sell one:

“The percentage of respondents who say it is a good time to sell a home remained the same at 59%, while the percentage who say it’s a bad time to sell decreased from 35% to 33%. As a result, the net share of those who say it is a good time to sell increased 2 percentage points month over month.”

As you can see, many still believe that, despite everything going on in the world, it is still a good time to sell a house.

Why is now a good time to sell?

There simply are not enough homes available to meet today’s buyer demand, and they’re selling just as quickly as they’re coming to the market. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), unsold inventory available today sits at a 2.3-month supply at the current sales pace, which is down from a 2.5-month supply from the previous month. This record-low inventory is not even half of what we need for a normal or neutral housing market, which should have a 6.0-month supply of unsold inventory to balance out.

With so few homes available for buyers to choose from, we’re in a true sellers’ market. Homeowners ready to make a move right now have the opportunity to negotiate the best possible contracts with buyers who are feeling the pull of intense competition when it comes to finding their dream home. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for NAR, notes how quickly homes are selling right now, further confirming the benefits to sellers this season:

“The market is incredibly swift this winter with the listed homes going under contract on average at less than a month due to a backlog of buyers wanting to take advantage of record-low mortgage rates.”

However, this sweet spot for sellers won’t last forever. As more homes are listed this year, this tip toward sellers may start to wane. According to Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at realtor.com, more choices for buyers are on the not-too-distant horizon:

“The bright spot for buyers is that more homes are likely to become available in the last six months of 2021. That should give folks more options to choose from and take away some of their urgency. With a larger selection, buyers may not be forced to make a decision in mere hours and will have more time to make up their minds.”

Bottom Line

If you’re ready to make a move, you can feel good about the current sentiment in the market and the advantageous conditions for today’s sellers. Let’s connect today to determine the best next step when it comes to selling your house this year.

Contact one of Our Agents today!

See out Complete Inventory of Available Properties!

Selling a Home • January 14, 2021

Why Selling Your House on Your Own in 2021 Is a Mistake

by Better Homes and Gardens Green Team

There are many benefits to working with a real estate professional when selling your house. During challenging times, like what we face today, it becomes even more important to have an expert you trust to help guide you through the process. If you’re considering selling on your own, known in the industry as a For Sale By Owner (FSBO), it’s critical to consider the following items.

1. Your Safety Is a Priority

Your safety should always come first, and that’s more crucial than ever given the current health situation in our country. When you FSBO, it is incredibly difficult to control entry into your home. A real estate professional will have the proper protocols in place to protect not only your belongings but your health and well-being too. From regulating the number of people in your home at one time to ensuring proper sanitization during and after a showing, and even facilitating virtual tours, real estate professionals are equipped to follow the latest industry standards recommended by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) to help protect you and your potential buyers.

2. A Powerful Online Strategy Is a Must to Attract a Buyer

Recent studies from NAR have shown that, even before COVID-19, the first step 43% of all buyers took when looking for a home was to search online. Throughout the process, that number jumps to 97%. Today, those numbers have grown exponentially. Most real estate agents have developed a strong Internet and social media strategy to promote the sale of your house.

3. There Are Too Many Negotiations

Here are just a few of the people you’ll need to negotiate with if you decide to FSBO:

The buyer, who wants the best deal possible
The buyer’s agent, who solely represents the best interest of the buyer
The inspection company, which works for the buyer and will almost always find challenges with the house
The appraiser, if there is a question of value

As part of their training, agents are taught how to negotiate every aspect of the real estate transaction and how to mediate the emotions felt by buyers looking to make what is probably the largest purchase of their lives.

4. You Won’t Know if Your Purchaser Is Qualified for a Mortgage

Having a buyer who wants to purchase your house is the first step. Making sure they can afford to buy it is just as important. As a FSBO, it’s almost impossible to be involved in the mortgage process of your buyer. A real estate professional is trained to ask the appropriate questions and, in most cases, will be intimately aware of the progress being made toward a purchaser’s mortgage commitment. You need someone who’s working with lenders every day to guarantee your buyer makes it to the closing table.

5. FSBOing Is Becoming More Difficult from a Legal Standpoint

The documentation involved in the selling process is growing dramatically as more and more disclosures and regulations become mandatory. In an increasingly litigious society, the agent acts as a third-party to help the seller avoid legal jeopardy. This is one of the major reasons why the percentage of people FSBOing has dropped from 19% to 8% over the last 20+ years.

6. You Net More Money When Using an Agent

Many homeowners think they’ll save the real estate commission by selling on their own. Realize that the main reason buyers look at FSBOs is because they also believe they can save the real estate agent’s commission. The seller and buyer can’t both save on the commission.

A study by Collateral Analytics revealed that FSBOs don’t actually save anything by forgoing the help of an agent. In some cases, the seller may even net less money from the sale. The study found the difference in price between a FSBO and an agent-listed home was an average of 6%. One of the main reasons for the price difference is effective exposure:

“Properties listed with a broker that is a member of the local MLS will be listed online with all other participating broker websites, marketing the home to a much larger buyer population. And those MLS properties generally offer compensation to agents who represent buyers, incentivizing them to show and sell the property and again potentially enlarging the buyer pool.”

The more buyers that view a home, the greater the chance a bidding war will take place, potentially driving the price higher, too.

Bottom Line

Listing on your own leaves you to manage the entire transaction by yourself. Why do that when you can hire an agent and still net the same amount of money? Before you decide to take on the challenge of selling your house alone, let’s connect to discuss your options.

Contact our Real Estate Professionals!

See our list of available properties!

Housing Market News • January 12, 2021

More Generations Are Living Under One Roof This Year

by Better Homes and Gardens Green Team

This year challenged us to reprioritize everything – from the way we use our time to where we work, how we socialize and gather together, and our needs at home. For many, this also meant making decisions about how to best support and engage with our extended families, near and far.

In some cases, we weren’t able to see our relatives and loved ones who were living in senior facilities. In others, maybe older children moved back home. Jessica Lautz, Vice President of Demographics and Behavioral Insights for the National Association of Realtors (NAR), says:

“A lot of families have an aging senior relative who was living independently or in senior care and wanted to move them into their home.”

These changes led to more homebuyers to invest in multi-generational homes to accommodate more long-term plans. A multi-generational home, according to the 2020 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers from NAR, is a home that has adult siblings, adult children over the age of 18, parents, and/or grandparents in the household.

A recent study from NAR shows that since the health crisis began, there’s been an increase in purchasing trends for homes that cater to this dynamic:

“Buyers who purchased after March were more likely to purchase a multi-generational home at 15% compared to 11% who purchased before April.”

There are many reasons for this uptick in preference toward multi-generational homes. The graph below shows the top two reasons and how they’ve increased this year:

Bottom Line

More homeowners are making arrangements to accommodate their loved ones so they can safely take care of them at home. If you’re in a similar situation, let’s connect to discuss your options in our local area and maybe even have your whole family under one roof!

See our Complete Property List to find your perfect home!

Agency News and Awards • January 11, 2021

Congrats to Vikki Garby For Reaching the Cap for 2020!

by Better Homes and Gardens Green Team

Congratulations From Geoffrey Green, President Of Green Team Realty, To Vikki Garby for reaching the commission cap for Company Dollar Contribution in 2020!

Geoff’s thoughts on Vikki hitting CAP:

“If you were to ask any of Vikki’s clients I am sure they would tell you that Vikki is a pleasure to work with and one of the smartest Agents they have ever dealt with. Vikki’s calm and cool demeanor helps her be successful, especially as she continues to grow the commercial end of her Real Estate Business. A very well-known local figure, Vikki is certain to be at the top of the production charts for years to come. Congratulations Vikki! We are very proud to have you as part of our Agency.”

Vikki Garby’s dedication to her clients and hard work have allowed her to reach the cap on her commission with Green Team Realty. This is an outstanding accomplishment and means Vikki will now receive a higher commission split for the entire 2021 year!!

Vikki’s thoughts on hitting the cap:

“I am proud to have reached the CAP at the Green Team for many reasons. The obvious and easy answer (perhaps the one we’re not supposed to mention) is the financial benefit of the program which allows agents to keep more of their hard-earned money. This benefit is thanks to Geoff Green (our tireless leader, excellent listener and trusted advisor) and the Green Team New York Realty administrative team (which seems to grow weekly)! Their support and assistance is essential in keeping so many moving parts together. I am fortunate to be part of such an incredible team.

Getting to the CAP, however, the road to earning the CAP means hard work, just like any other success worth striving for. The agents in this pool of professionals have all endured long weeks, late calls, early texts and challenging negotiations. It also means great teamwork with colleagues throughout our industry, including my peers at other brokerages, attorneys, mortgage lenders, inspectors, appraisers, contractors, photographers and more. Having so many true professionals to work with is essential, and I thank all of the professionals in my circle for helping me serve our clients.

Most importantly, reaching the CAP means I have many wonderful, loyal clients who have trusted me in one of the most stressful real estate markets in one of the most stressful years. I am grateful to my clients for the confidence they had in me to guide them to homeownership (if they were first-time homeowners), to help them navigate a multi-transactional move (sell & buy simultaneously) or to help them acquire or liquidate investment properties. Thank you to my clients for choosing me to help you through your real estate process. Your trust, confidence and loyalty is the best reward I could receive.”

Green Team Realty’s commission structure is, no doubt, one of the finest in the industry, but it doesn’t end there. Our lead generation platform, certified sales assistant program, and dynamic training systems are just a few other things worth mentioning.

To learn more about Green Team Realty and why you should join our team click here.

Congratulations, Vikki Garby!

Agency News and Awards • January 11, 2021

Congrats to Terry Gavan For Reaching the Cap!

by Better Homes and Gardens Green Team

Congratulations From Geoffrey Green, President Of Green Team Realty, To Terry Gavan for reaching the commission cap for Company Dollar Contribution in 2020!

Geoff’s thoughts about agent hitting CAP:

“I have admired Terry Gavan for many, many years. This is a formidable Real Estate Broker who has been at the top of the production charts, started and ran her own very successful Brokerage and now has climbed to the top of the production charts once again as a Green Teamer. We are extremely blessed to call Terry one of our own and it’s extremely gratifying for me to have been a part of her climb back to the top. I have no doubt that she will continue to be a perennial top producer in our marketplace for many years to come.”

Terry Gavan’s dedication to her clients and hard work has allowed her to reach the cap on her commission with Green Team Realty. This is an outstanding accomplishment and means Terry will now receive a 100% commission split on any deal she closes during 2020.

Terry’s thoughts on hitting the cap:

“The year 2020 was a year like no other – both in the real estate industry and in life for most people. So much disruption, change and upheaval in our everyday lives and routines. It was a very good feeling to be able to be out there enduring all the necessary precautions and adjustments we all had to maintain and yet to be able to help sellers and buyers make the moves forward that they desired during this historic time. For many buyers, it was a life changing and very positive and productive move for their families. Being a key instrumental part of that process was so very meaningful to me as a Realtor as it was for so many others. I am always grateful for the opportunity to share my long-standing experience and knowledge of the Hudson Valley. Most importantly, the year 2020 was vivid proof of the ethics, professionalism, character, strength and resilience of so many Realtors. I feel blessed in the knowledge that I have “capped out” in 2020 and also to be a part of such a superb group of professionals for so many years

Geoff Green has been a hard working, judicious and prudent leader in the field since he founded The Green Team. His limitless support, innovative management style and elaborate training methods are all part of the attributes that highly motivate all of the agents working at The Green Team. And this Company truly works as a Team.

Geoff Green is all about guiding and educating salespeople to become the best that they can be. His focus and drive is about providing consistent strategic leadership and being ahead of the curve with technical training and skills.

The CAP Program is just another example of the support and ingenuity of The Green Team.”

To learn more about Green Team Realty and why you should join our team click here.

Congratulations, TERRY!

Selling a Home • January 7, 2021

Why It’s Important to Price Your House Right Today

by Better Homes and Gardens Green Team

Even in today’s sellers’ market, setting the right price for your house is one of the most valuable things you can do. According to the U.S. Economic Outlook by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), existing home prices nationwide are forecasted to increase by 4.5% in 2021. This means experts anticipate home values will continue climbing next year. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist for realtor.com, notes:

“We expect price gains to ease somewhat in 2021 and end 5.7% above 2020 levels, decelerating steadily through the spring and summer, and then gradually reaccelerating toward the end of the year.”

How to Price Your House

When it comes to setting the right price for your house, the goal is to increase visibility and drive more buyers your way. Instead of trying to win the negotiation with one buyer, you should price your house so that demand is maximized and more buyers want to take a look.

As a seller in today’s market, you might be thinking about pricing your house on the high end while so many of today’s buyers are searching harder than ever just to find a home to purchase. But here’s the thing – a high price tag does not mean you’re going to cash in big on the sale. It’s actually more likely to deter buyers.

Right now, even when there are so few houses for sale, your house is more likely to sit on the market longer or require a price drop that can send buyers running if it isn’t priced just right from the very beginning.

It’s important to make sure your house is priced correctly by working with a trusted real estate professional throughout the process. When you price it competitively from the start, you won’t be negotiating with one buyer. Instead, you’ll likely have multiple buyers competing for the house, potentially increasing the final sale price.

The key is to make sure your house is priced to sell immediately. This way, it will be seen by the greatest number of buyers. More than one of them may be interested, and it will be more likely to sell at a competitive price.

Bottom Line

Let’s connect to price your house correctly from the start so you can maximize your exposure and your return.

See our listing of available properties!

Contact one of our Professional Agents Today!

Buying a home • January 6, 2021

Turning a House into a Happy Home

by Nicole McCormick

We talk a lot about why it makes financial sense to buy a home, but more often than not, we’re drawn to the emotional reasons for homeownership.

No matter the living space, the feeling of a home means different things to different people. Whether it’s a certain scent or a favorite chair, the feel-good connections to our own homes are typically more important to us than the financial ones. Here are some of the reasons why.

1. Owning your home is an accomplishment worth celebrating

You’ve likely worked very hard to achieve this dream, and whether it’s your first home or your fifth, congratulations are in order for this milestone. You’ve earned it.

2. There’s no place like home

Owning your own home offers not only safety and security but also a comfortable place where you can simply relax and kick-back after a long day. Sometimes, that’s just what we need to feel recharged and truly content.

3. You can find more space to meet your needs

Whether you want more room in your home for your changing lifestyle (think: working from home, virtual school, or a personal gym), or you simply prefer to have a large backyard for socially-distant entertaining, you can invest in a location that truly works for your evolving needs.

4. You have control over renovations, updates, and your style

Looking to try one of those complicated wall treatments you saw on Pinterest? Tired of paying an additional pet deposit for your apartment building? Maybe you want to finally adopt that fur-baby puppy or kitten you’ve been hoping for. You can do all of these things in your own home.

Bottom Line

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a move-up buyer who wants to start a new chapter in your life, now is a great time to reflect on the intangible factors that turn a house into a happy home.

Contact one of our professional agents today!

See our complete property listing inventory!

Where will home values go in 2021?

Housing Supply

Housing Demand

Bottom Line

1. How Can I Better Understand the Process, and How Much Can I Afford?

2. How Much Do I Need for a Down Payment?

3. Saving Takes Time: Practice Living on a Budget

Bottom Line

How’s the Weather?

Should I Choose the City, Suburbs, or Country?

Bottom Line

Why is now a good time to sell?

Bottom Line

1. Your Safety Is a Priority

2. A Powerful Online Strategy Is a Must to Attract a Buyer

3. There Are Too Many Negotiations

4. You Won’t Know if Your Purchaser Is Qualified for a Mortgage

5. FSBOing Is Becoming More Difficult from a Legal Standpoint

6. You Net More Money When Using an Agent

Bottom Line

Bottom Line

How to Price Your House

Bottom Line

1. Owning your home is an accomplishment worth celebrating

2. There’s no place like home

3. You can find more space to meet your needs

4. You have control over renovations, updates, and your style

Bottom Line

Our Offices

Ringwood, NJ

Goshen, NY Real Estate

Pine Island, NY Real Estate