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<p>Embarking on the adventure of buying your first home can be exhilarating, yet daunting—especially in a thriving city like Austin, Texas. A hub of culture, live music, and tech innovation, Austin’s real estate market mirrors its vibrant energy. Christina Griego at Austin Market Realty offers a fountain of knowledge and resources tailored for those stepping onto the property ladder for the first time in the Live Music Capital of the World. This guide unveils critical steps, insider tips, and local wisdom, ensuring your journey to homeownership in Austin is as smooth and successful as the city's famous barbeque.</p>
<h2>Understanding the Austin Real Estate Market</h2>
<p>Before diving into your home search, it's crucial to understand the landscape of the Austin real estate market. Known for its competitiveness, with homes often selling swiftly and for above asking price, navigating this terrain requires strategic planning. Familiarize yourself with the current median home prices, neighborhood trends, and forecasts for the market's future. Trusted local sources, such as the Austin Board of REALTORS® (<a href="https://www.abor.com/">ABoR</a>), provide invaluable data and insights that will help you make informed decisions.</p>
<p>Christina Griego and the team at Austin Market Realty are at the forefront of analyzing market trends. Their experience allows them to identify opportunities in up-and-coming neighborhoods, ensuring you get the most value for your investment. Be sure to start your journey by consulting with experts who can interpret these trends and align them with your personal home-buying goals.</p>
<h2>Mastering the Financials of Homeownership</h2>
<p>Finances are a cornerstone of buying a home, and preparing your budget is a crucial step. First-time buyers often underestimate the associated costs: down payments, closing costs, property taxes, homeowners insurance, and potential homeowners association (HOA) fees. Utilize online mortgage calculators and connect with local mortgage lenders in Austin to get a realistic picture of your financial obligations.</p>
<p>Furthermore, explore first-time homebuyer programs offered in Texas, such as the <a href="http://www.tdhca.state.tx.us/homeownership/fthb/index.htm">My First Texas Home program</a>, which provides down payment assistance and competitive mortgage rates. Engaging a knowledgeable real estate agent like Christina Griego can open doors to resources that align with your financial situation, ensuring you capitalize on any available assistive programs.</p>
<h2>Creating a Tailored Home-Buying Strategy</h2>
<p>With a clear understanding of the market and your finances, it's time to develop a home-buying strategy. Determine your must-haves versus your nice-to-haves. Do you need access to top-rated schools, proximity to the tech corridor, or a backyard for your four-legged friends? Austin's diverse neighborhoods offer a myriad of choices from the serene suburbs of Circle C Ranch to the eclectic vibes of East Austin.</p>
<p>Leverage the expertise of Christina Griego and Austin Market Realty to refine your strategy. With extensive local knowledge, they can help you balance your desires with what's achievable within your budget. Their insight into Austin's different neighborhoods, from the laid-back lifestyle of South Lamar to the outdoor oasis of Barton Hills, means finding a home that suits not just your budget but your lifestyle.</p>
<h2>Navigating Home Tours and Evaluations</h2>
<p>Once you're ready to visit homes, approach each tour with a critical eye. Be on the lookout for potential issues that might not be obvious at first glance, such as foundation problems or outdated electrical systems. Austin's older neighborhoods, while charming, may come with homes needing more tender loving care.</p>
<p>Having a real estate agent who's adept at spotting these issues before you make an offer is invaluable. A professional like Christina Griego can also advise on the true value of renovations and unique Austin features like xeriscaping, solar panels, or smart home systems. For additional peace of mind, recruit a reputable Austin-based inspector like Austin Property Inspections (<a href="http://www.austinpropertyinspections.com/">API</a>) to provide a thorough evaluation of the property.</p>
<h2>Sealing the Deal with Confidence</h2>
<p>The final stages of purchasing your first home in Austin should be handled with utmost diligence. As you prepare an offer, consider the local custom of writing a personal letter to the seller, which can sometimes give you an edge in a competitive market. Be prepared for negotiations and understand that in Austin’s seller's market, flexibility and speed are key.</p>
<p>Christina Griego and her team provide the finesse and experience needed for this high-stakes part of the process. They know precisely how to craft an attractive offer and can negotiate terms that protect your interests while appealing to the seller.</p>
<h2>Celebrating Homeownership with Local Flair</h2>
<p>Congratulations, you are now a homeowner in one of the most dynamic cities in the U.S.! It's time to celebrate your achievement. Indulge in Austin's rich culinary scene, explore the beautiful Hill Country, or get involved in the community through local initiatives and events.</p>
<p>Once you've settled in, keep Austin Market Realty in your contacts. Not just for real estate needs, but as a local guide. Whether you have questions about upcoming neighborhood developments, property tax assessments, or seeking advice on home enhancements, Christina Griego is your go-to resource.</p>
<p>Purchasing your first home in Austin is an exciting and complex adventure. With Christina Griego at Austin Market Realty, you're equipped with a guide that brings local expertise, comprehensive market insights, and a personalized touch to your home-buying journey. Visit <a href="http://www.austinmarketrealty.com">www.austinmarketrealty.com</a> to embark on your path to homeownership with confidence and clarity. Welcome to the vibrant Austin community—your new home awaits.</p>

Ensure your first home purchase in Austin, Texas is successful with our comprehensive guide. From navigating the local real estate market to securing the perfect property, Christina Griego at Austin Market Realty provides expert insights and invaluable tips for first-time buyers.

Purchasing Your First Home in Austin, Texas: A Comprehensive Guide

<p><strong>Mastering the Art of Buying and Selling in Austin, Texas with Christina Griego</strong></p>
<p>In the vibrant and ever-growing city of Austin, Texas, the real estate landscape is as dynamic as the local culture. Buying and selling property in such a competitive market requires the guidance of an experienced realtor who can navigate the intricacies with finesse and precision. Christina Griego, a seasoned real estate professional at Austin Market Realty, stands out as your trusted partner through this journey.</p>
<h2>Navigating the Austin Real Estate Landscape: A Buyer's Guide</h2>
<h3>Understanding the Market</h3>
<p>Before diving into the Austin real estate market, it's essential to understand its current trends and patterns. Austin has seen a rapid rise in property values due to its growing economy, desirable lifestyle, and influx of new residents. This means buyers must act decisively and be well-prepared to jump on opportunities. (<em>To stay updated on the latest market trends, check the <a href="https://www.abor.com/statsfeb2023/">Austin Board of REALTORS®</a> for monthly reports.</em>)</p>
<h3>Securing Financing</h3>
<p>An integral first step is ensuring your financing is in order. Speak with a mortgage professional to get pre-approved so you know exactly what you can afford. This pre-approval will also make you a more attractive buyer when you're ready to make an offer. (<em>For local mortgage resources, consider reaching out to trusted lenders like <a href="http://www.austinmortgageassociates.com/">Austin Mortgage Associates</a>.</em>)</p>
<h3>Finding the Right Property</h3>
<p>Whether you're seeking a downtown condo or a suburban family home, having Christina Griego of Austin Market Realty by your side ensures access to the newest listings and valuable insights into different neighborhoods. Christina’s expertise in the local market means she can help match your needs with the perfect property.</p>
<h2>The Seller’s Strategy: Maximizing Your Austin Property’s Potential</h2>
<h3>Preparing Your Home for Sale</h3>
<p>A critical aspect of selling your home is presentation. Staging your home, making necessary repairs, and professional photography can go a long way in attracting buyers. Christina Griego and her team provide personalized advice to ensure your home is showcased at its best.</p>
<h3>Pricing it Right</h3>
<p>Determining the right price for your home is more art than science, and this is where a knowledgeable realtor like Christina becomes indispensable. She utilizes comparative market analyses and considers local trends to price your home competitively, ensuring it doesn't linger on the market or sell below value.</p>
<h3>Marketing and Negotiation</h3>
<p>Christina Griego and Austin Market Realty leverage advanced marketing strategies, including listing syndication, social media promotion, and professional networking, to ensure your property receives maximum exposure. When offers come in, Christina’s negotiation skills will help secure the best possible terms for your sale.</p>
<h2>Investment Opportunities in Austin's Landscape</h2>
<h3>Understanding Potential ROI</h3>
<p>Austin’s burgeoning tech scene and cultural richness make it a hot spot for investors. Whether you're interested in purchasing rental properties or flipping homes, understanding potential return on investment (ROI) is key. Christina Griego can help analyze potential income-generating properties and advise on long-term profitability strategies.</p>
<h3>Navigating Legalities and Taxes</h3>
<p>Investing also means dealing with local regulations and understanding Texas property taxes. An expert realtor can guide you through these complexities, ensuring compliance and tax efficiency. (<em>For comprehensive information on property taxes, the <a href="https://tax-office.traviscountytx.gov/">Travis County Tax Office</a> provides extensive resources.</em>)</p>
<h2>Why Choose Christina Griego and Austin Market Realty?</h2>
<p>With an acute understanding of the local market and a commitment to personalized service, Christina Griego and her team at Austin Market Realty are equipped to handle all your real estate needs in Austin. Their dedication to clients, comprehensive knowledge of the Austin area, and proven track record make them the premier choice for buyers, sellers, and investors alike.</p>
<p>Whether you're looking to settle in the heart of the city or find a quiet retreat in surrounding areas, Christina's expertise will pave the way for a smooth and successful transaction. Discover why so many have entrusted her with their real estate ambitions by visiting <a href="http://www.austinmarketrealty.com">Austin Market Realty</a> or contacting her to schedule a consultation. Your dream property awaits in Austin, Texas – let Christina Griego help you find it.</p>

Discover expert tips and insider insights for buying and selling homes in Austin, Texas with Christina Griego at Austin Market Realty. Uncover the local market's strengths, valuable resources, and essential steps to securing the best real estate deals.

Mastering the Art of Buying and Selling in Austin, Texas

<p>Navigating the Housing Market in Austin, Texas: Expert Insights from Christina Griego at Austin Market Realty</p>
<p>Austin, Texas, has been a buzzword in real estate circles for the last several years, with its vibrant culture, booming economy, and picturesque Hill Country backdrop drawing newcomers in droves. But as attractive as the city is, navigating the housing market here can be a complex endeavor. That's where the expertise of Christina Griego and her team at Austin Market Realty comes into play. Offering a wealth of experience and local market knowledge, the professionals at Austin Market Realty are the guides you need to make informed decisions whether you're buying, selling, or investing in Austin real estate.</p>
<h2>Navigating Austin's Dynamic Real Estate Landscape</h2>
<p>The Austin housing market has seen remarkable growth, harnessing the city's desirability and economic resilience. With a diverse mix of historic homes, modern downtown condos, and sprawling suburban developments, Austin caters to a wide variety of lifestyles and preferences.</p>
<p>However with growth comes competition. Prospective homebuyers must be swift and strategic. Christina Griego understands these challenges intimately and uses her extensive market knowledge to give her clients an edge.</p>
<p>One aspect that cannot be overstated is timing. The best way to navigate Austin's fast-paced market is by tapping into local market trends which can be found on authoritative websites such as <a href="https://www.abor.com/statsaug21/">Austin Board of Realtors</a> for the latest market statistics. Understanding these patterns is the key to determining the best time to buy or sell.</p>
<h2>Austin's Neighborhoods: Choosing the Right Fit</h2>
<p>Each of Austin's neighborhoods boasts its own unique character. From the bustling nightlife of Rainey Street to the family-friendly atmosphere of Circle C Ranch, there's something for everyone.</p>
<p>For those looking at the housing market, Christina advises considering not only the present dynamics of a neighborhood but its future potential. Infrastructure projects and new developments can significantly affect property values. Keeping an eye on city planning and development news via the <a href="http://www.austintexas.gov/department/planning-and-zoning">City of Austin's official website</a> can provide valuable foresight.</p>
<p>When it comes to finding the perfect neighborhood, personalizing your search is crucial. Austin Market Realty prides itself on understanding that every client's needs are unique and requires a tailored approach.</p>
<h2>Investment Opportunities Amidst Austin's Growth</h2>
<p>Investors have long taken an interest in Austin's real estate market, drawn by the city's steady population growth and tech-driven economy. Choosing the right investment property involves analyzing current market stats but also projecting future demand.</p>
<p>Christina Griego advises investors to look beyond the surface and consider factors such as rental demand, zoning laws, and tax implications. Utilizing resources like <a href="http://www.reca.org/">The Real Estate Council of Austin</a> can provide insights into Austin's real estate investment opportunities and regulations.</p>
<p>Austin Market Realty's deep roots in the community and comprehensive understanding of the economic drivers in the city give their clients an insider's advantage when identifying potential investment properties.</p>
<h2>Maximizing Your Home Sale in Today's Market</h2>
<p>Sellers in Austin's market are poised to benefit from the strong demand. However, maximizing a property's potential requires more than just listing it. Staging, professional photography, and strategic marketing all play a pivotal role.</p>
<p>Christina Griego believes in a proactive approach to selling homes. With a keen eye for what buyers want and an adept sense of pricing and timing, Austin Market Realty employs targeted strategies to ensure their clients' homes stand out.</p>
<p>Engaging local resources such as <a href="http://www.austin-homesearch.com/">Austin Home Search</a> alongside professional real estate services can help sellers better understand how to price and present their homes for the Austin market.</p>
<h2>Why Choose Christina Griego and Austin Market Realty</h2>
<p>Choosing the right real estate agent is paramount, especially in a city with such a dynamic housing market like Austin. With Christina Griego and Austin Market Realty, clients gain access to a wealth of local market expertise, personalized service, and a strategic approach tailored to the Austin housing market's unique climate.</p>
<p>Christina's commitment to her clients can be seen in every interaction, from initial consultations to closing deals. No matter the goal – buying a family home, selling a downtown condo, or investing in Austin’s burgeoning neighborhoods - Austin Market Realty is dedicated to delivering results that exceed expectations.</p>
<p>Navigate the Austin housing market with confidence. Visit <a href="http://www.austinmarketrealty.com">Austin Market Realty</a> to start your real estate journey with a team that stands for excellence and client satisfaction.</p>
<p>In Austin's competitive housing market, having the right realtor can make all the difference. Partner with Christina Griego and her team for an unparalleled real estate experience that is as unique and vibrant as Austin itself.</p>

Discover valuable insights into the housing market in Austin, Texas, from Christina Griego at Austin Market Realty. Gain expert advice on navigating real estate trends, market analysis, and property investment opportunities in the vibrant city.

Navigating the Housing Market in Austin, Texas: Expert Insights from Christina Griego at Austin Market Realty

<div class="se-component se-image-container __se__float-none" contenteditable="false"><figure><img src="https://quicktours-static.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/agent_richtext/20230404075623.png" alt="" data-rotate="" data-proportion="true" data-size="," data-align="none" data-percentage="auto,auto" data-file-name="Screen Shot 2023-04-04 at 2.49.23 PM.png" data-file-size="630450" data-origin=","></figure></div><p style="text-align: start" "="">Wondering if you should sell your house this year? As you make your decision, think about what’s motivating you to consider moving. A recent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.realtor.com/research/2023-q1-sellers-survey/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">survey</a>&nbsp;from&nbsp;<em>realtor.com</em>&nbsp;asked why homeowners are thinking about selling their houses this year. Here are the top two reasons (<em>see graphic below</em>):</p><div class="se-component se-image-container __se__float-none" contenteditable="false"><figure><img src="https://quicktours-static.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/agent_richtext/20230404075610.png" alt="" data-rotate="" data-proportion="true" data-size="," data-align="none" data-percentage="auto,auto" data-file-name="Screen Shot 2023-04-04 at 2.53.13 PM.png" data-file-size="101533" data-origin=","></figure></div><p style="text-align: start" "=""><br></p><p style="text-align: start" "="">Let’s break those reasons down and explore how they might resonate with you.</p><h4 style="text-align: start" "=""><strong>1. I Want To Take Advantage of the Current Market and Make a Profit</strong></h4><p style="text-align: start" "="">When you decide to sell your house, how much you’ll make from the sale will likely be top of mind. So, here’s some good news: according to the latest data, the average seller can expect a strong return on their investment when they make a move.&nbsp;<em>ATTOM&nbsp;</em><a href="https://www.attomdata.com/hnr/us-home-seller-profits-top-50-percent-in-2022-despite-market-slowdown/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">explains</a>:&nbsp;</p><blockquote><p><em>“The $112,000 profit on median-priced home sales in 2022 represented a 51.4% return on investment compared to the original purchase price, up from 44.6% last year and from 32.8% in 2020.”</em></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: start" "="">Even though home prices have declined slightly in some markets, they’re still much higher overall than they were just a few years ago. To understand what’s happening with home prices in your area and the current value of your house, work with a local real estate professional. They can give you the best advice on how much you could gain if you sell this year.</p><h4 style="text-align: start" "=""><strong>2.&nbsp;My Home No Longer Meets My Needs</strong></h4><p style="text-align: start" "="">The average person has been in their house for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nar.realtor/blogs/economists-outlook/eleven-takeaways-from-the-2022-profile-of-home-buyers-and-sellers" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ten years</a>. That’s a long time when you think about how much may have changed in your life since you moved in. And typically, those changes have a direct impact on what you need in a home. Whether it’s more (or less) space, different features, or a location closer to your work or loved ones, your current house may no longer check all the boxes of what feels like home to you. If that’s the case, it could be time to work with a real estate agent to find a better fit.</p><h3 style="text-align: start" "="">Bottom Line</h3><p style="text-align: start" "="">If you’re thinking about selling your house, there’s probably a good reason for it. Connect with a local real estate advisor so you can make a move that’ll help you accomplish your goals this year.</p>

2 Reasons You Should Sell Your House

<p><br></p><div class="se-component se-image-container __se__float-none" contenteditable="false"><figure><img src="https://quicktours-static.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/agent_richtext/20230404075223.png" alt="" data-rotate="" data-proportion="true" data-size="," data-align="none" data-percentage="auto,auto" data-file-name="Screen Shot 2023-04-04 at 2.51.11 PM.png" data-file-size="724387" data-origin=","></figure></div><p>Spring has arrived, and that means more and more people are getting their homes ready to sell. But with recent shifts in real estate, this year’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.keepingcurrentmatters.com/2023/03/08/2-things-sellers-need-to-know-this-spring/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spring housing market</a>&nbsp;will be different from the frenzy of the past several years. To sell your house quickly, without hassles, and for the most money, be sure to follow these four simple tips:<br></p><h4 style="text-align: start" "=""><strong>1. Make Sure You Give Buyers Access</strong></h4><p style="text-align: start" "="">One of the biggest mistakes you can make as a seller is limiting the days and times when buyers have access to view your home. In any market, if you want to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.keepingcurrentmatters.com/2023/03/21/the-role-of-access-in-selling-your-house/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">maximize</a>&nbsp;the sale of your house, you can’t limit potential buyers’ access to view it. If it’s not accessible, it could cost you by sitting on the market longer and ultimately selling for a lower price.</p><h4 style="text-align: start" "=""><strong>2. Make Your Home Look as Good as Possible on the Inside</strong></h4><p style="text-align: start" "="">For anything to sell, especially your home, it must look inviting. Your real estate agent can give you&nbsp;<a href="https://www.keepingcurrentmatters.com/2023/03/27/get-ready-the-best-time-to-list-your-house-is-almost-here/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">expert advice</a>&nbsp;on ideal staging for your home. Even updating a room with fresh paint, steam cleaning carpets, or removing clutter from the garage can make a big impact.</p><h4 style="text-align: start" "=""><strong>3. First Impressions Matter</strong></h4><p style="text-align: start" "="">The old saying “you never get a second chance to make a first impression” matters when&nbsp;<a href="https://www.keepingcurrentmatters.com/2023/02/24/checklist-for-selling-your-house-this-spring-infographic/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">selling your house</a>. Often, the first impression a buyer gets is what they see as they walk up to the front door. Putting in the work in on the exterior of your home is just as important as what you stage inside. Freshen up your landscaping to improve your home’s curb appeal so you can make an impact with potential buyers.</p><h4 style="text-align: start" "=""><strong>4. Price It Right</strong></h4><p style="text-align: start" "="">This is probably the most important aspect of selling your home in today’s real estate market. If a house is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.keepingcurrentmatters.com/2023/03/01/an-expert-makes-all-the-difference-when-you-sell-your-house/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">priced competitively</a>, it’s going to sell. Period. To do this, you have to know what’s happening with home prices in your area and understand the factors that are affecting the market right now. That’s why it’s best to work with a trusted real estate professional who can ensure you list your house at the right price.</p><h3 style="text-align: start" "="">Bottom Line</h3><p style="text-align: start" "="">Everyone&nbsp;<a href="https://www.keepingcurrentmatters.com/2023/03/24/have-you-thought-about-why-you-might-want-to-sell-your-house-infographic/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">selling their home</a>&nbsp;wants three things: to sell it for the most money they can, to do it in a certain amount of time, and to do all of that with the fewest hassles. To accomplish these goals, start by connecting with a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.keepingcurrentmatters.com/2023/03/14/an-expert-gives-you-clarity-in-todays-housing-market/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">local real estate professional</a>&nbsp;to understand the steps you need to take to sell your home this spring.&nbsp;</p>

4 Tips to Sell Your Home This Spring

<h3><strong>Numbers Don’t Lie – It’s Still a Great Time To Sell [INFOGRAPHIC]</strong></h3><p><img src="https://files.mykcm.com/2021/11/04145531/20211105-MEM-1046x2041.png"></p><p><br></p><h3><strong>Some Highlights</strong></h3><ul><li>Heading into the end of the year, you might wonder if it’s still a good time to sell your house. Here’s what the latest data from the&nbsp;<a href="https://cdn.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/documents/2021-09-realtors-confidence-index-10-21-2021.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>National Association of Realtors</em>&nbsp;(NAR)</a>&nbsp;says.</li><li>Housing&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom/existing-home-sales-ascend-7-0-in-september" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">supply</a>&nbsp;is lower than last year, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/10/19/what-does-the-future-hold-for-home-prices/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">home prices</a>&nbsp;are up nationwide. Meanwhile, the average home is selling fast and receiving several&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/11/02/sellers-have-incredible-leverage-in-todays-market/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">offers</a>. Listing now puts your house in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/10/18/sellers-your-house-could-be-an-oasis-for-buyers-seeking-more-options/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">spotlight</a>, meaning it could sell quickly – and for more than you’d expect.</li><li>Feeling motivated? If you’re ready to sell and capitalize on today's market, let’s connect.</li></ul><p><br></p>

Numbers Don't Lie It's Still a Good Time to Sell

<h3><strong>4 Things Every Renter Needs To Consider</strong></h3><p><img src="https://files.mykcm.com/2021/11/09165307/20211115-KCM-Share.jpg"></p><p><br></p><p>As a renter, you’re constantly faced with the same dilemma: keep renting for another year or purchase a home? Your answer depends on your current situation and future plans, but there are a number of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/06/18/owning-a-home-has-distinct-financial-benefits-over-renting-infographic/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">benefits to homeownership</a>&nbsp;every renter needs to consider.</p><p>Here are a few things you should think about before you settle on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/10/01/reasons-renters-buy-infographic/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">renting</a>&nbsp;for another year.</p><h4><strong>1. Rents Are Rising Quickly</strong></h4><p>Rent increasing each year isn’t new. Looking back at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.census.gov/housing/hvs/files/currenthvspress.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Census</em></a>&nbsp;data confirms rental prices have gone up consistently for decades&nbsp;<em>(see graph below):</em><a href="https://files.mykcm.com/2021/11/09165309/20211115-MEM-Eng-1.png" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><img src="https://files.mykcm.com/2021/11/09165309/20211115-MEM-Eng-1.png"></a>If you’re a renter, you’re faced with payments that continue to climb each year.&nbsp;<em>Realtor.com&nbsp;</em>recently shared the&nbsp;<a href="https://news.move.com/2021-10-28-Realtor-com-R-September-Rental-Report-Big-Tech-City-Rents-Are-Back" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>September Rental Report</em></a>, and it shows price increases accelerating from August to September&nbsp;<em>(see graph below)</em>:<a href="https://files.mykcm.com/2021/11/09165312/20211115-MEM-Eng-2.png" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><img src="https://files.mykcm.com/2021/11/09165312/20211115-MEM-Eng-2.png"></a>As the graph shows, rents are still on the rise. It’s important to keep this in mind when the time comes for you to sign a new lease, as&nbsp;<strong>your monthly rental payment may increase substantially when you do.</strong></p><h4><strong>2. Renters Miss Out on Equity Gains</strong></h4><p>One of the most significant advantages of buying a home is the wealth you build through equity. This year alone, homeowners gained a substantial amount of equity, which, in turn, grew their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/08/30/the-difference-in-net-worth-between-homeowners-and-renters-is-widening/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">net worth</a>. As a renter, you&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/11/01/renters-missed-out-on-51500-this-past-year/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">miss out</a>&nbsp;on this wealth-building tool that can be used to fund your retirement, buy a bigger home, downsize, or even achieve personal goals like paying for an education or starting a new business.</p><h4><strong>3. Homeowners Can Customize to Their Heart’s Content</strong></h4><p>This is a big decision-making point if you want to be able to paint, renovate, and make home upgrades. In many cases, your property owner determines these selections and prefers you don’t alter them as a renter. As a homeowner, you have the freedom to decorate and personalize your home to truly make it your own.</p><h4><strong>4. Owning a Home May Provide Greater Mobility than You Think</strong></h4><p>You may choose to rent because you feel it provides greater flexibility if you need to move for any reason. While it’s true that selling a home may take more time than finding a new rental, it’s important to note how quickly houses are selling in today’s market. According to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/realtors-confidence-index" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>National Association of Realtors</em></a>&nbsp;(NAR), the average home is only on the market for 17 days. That means you may have more flexibility than you think if you need to relocate as a homeowner.</p><h3><strong>Bottom Line</strong></h3><p>Deciding if it’s the right time for you to buy is a personal decision, and the timing is different for everyone. However, if you’d like to learn more about the benefits of homeownership, let’s connect so you can make a confident, informed decision and have a trusted advisor along the way.</p>

4 Things Every Renter Should Know

<h3><strong>How Sellers Win When Housing Inventory Is Low</strong></h3><p>In today’s housing market, the number of homes for sale is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/10/06/what-do-supply-and-demand-tell-us-about-todays-housing-market/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">much lower</a>&nbsp;than the strong buyer demand. As a result, homeowners ready to sell have a significant&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/11/02/sellers-have-incredible-leverage-in-todays-market/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">advantage</a>. Here are three ways today’s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/10/27/housing-challenge-or-housing-opportunity-it-depends/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">low inventory</a>&nbsp;will set you up for a win when you sell this season.</p><h4><strong>1. Higher Prices</strong></h4><p>With so many more buyers in the market than homes available for sale, homebuyers are frequently getting into&nbsp;bidding wars&nbsp;for the houses they want to purchase. According to the latest data from the&nbsp;<em>National Association of Realtors&nbsp;</em>(NAR), homes are receiving an average of&nbsp;<a href="https://cdn.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/documents/2021-09-realtors-confidence-index-10-21-2021.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">3.7 offers</a>&nbsp;in today’s market. This buyer competition drives&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/10/19/what-does-the-future-hold-for-home-prices/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">home prices</a>&nbsp;up. As a seller, this certainly works to your advantage, potentially netting you more for your house when you close the deal.</p><h4><strong>2. Greater Return on Your Investment</strong></h4><p>Rising prices mean homes are also gaining value, which increases the equity you have in your home. In the latest&nbsp;<a href="https://www.corelogic.com/intelligence/homeowner-equity-insights/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Homeowner Equity Insights Report</em></a>,&nbsp;<em>CoreLogic</em>&nbsp;explains:</p><blockquote><em>“In the second quarter of 2021, the average homeowner gained approximately&nbsp;</em><strong><em>$51,500 in equity during the past year</em></strong><em>.”</em></blockquote><p>This year-over-year growth in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/10/22/your-home-equity-is-growing-infographic/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">equity</a>&nbsp;gives you the ability to sell your house and then put that money toward a down payment on your next home, or to keep it as extra savings.</p><h4><strong>3. Better Terms</strong></h4><p>In a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/08/17/what-does-being-in-a-sellers-market-mean/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">sellers’ market</a>&nbsp;like we have today, you’re in the driver’s seat if you make a move. You have the power to sell on your terms, and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.myckm.com/2021/10/18/sellers-your-house-could-be-an-oasis-for-buyers-seeking-more-options/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">buyers</a>&nbsp;are more likely to work with you if it means they can finally land their dream home.</p><h4><strong>So, is low housing inventory a big deal?</strong></h4><p><strong>Yes, especially if you want to sell on your terms.</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/10/20/looking-to-move-it-could-be-time-to-build-your-dream-home/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Moving</a>&nbsp;now while inventory is so low is key to maximizing your opportunities.</p><h3><strong>Bottom Line</strong></h3><p>If you’re interested in taking advantage of the current sellers’ market, let’s connect today to determine your best move.</p>

Sellers Win When Inventory is Low

<h3 class="kcm-post-minimal-title">Don&rsquo;t Tackle Selling Your Home on Your Own &ndash; an Agent Can Help</h3>
<p><img class="attachment-entry size-entry wp-post-image" src="https://files.mykcm.com/2021/09/28104503/20210929-KCM-Share.jpg" border="0" alt="Don&rsquo;t Tackle Selling Your Home on Your Own - an Agent Can Help | MyKCM" width="750" height="410" /><br /><br /></p>
<div class="kcm-post-minimal-content">
<p>If you&rsquo;re looking to maximize your sale and minimize your effort, you need to work with a real estate professional. In a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/08/17/what-does-being-in-a-sellers-market-mean/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" title="sellers&rsquo; market">sellers&rsquo; market</a>&nbsp;like today&rsquo;s, it can be tempting to list your house&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/04/06/dont-sell-on-your-own-just-because-its-a-sellers-market/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" title="on your own">on your own</a>&nbsp;&ndash; known as For Sale By Owner (FSBO). But the truth is, a real estate professional can save you&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/05/14/when-it-comes-to-selling-a-house-your-time-is-money-infographic?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" title="time and money">time and money</a>&nbsp;by managing every step of the process, from pricing your home to reviewing documents and handling negotiations.</p>
<p>Before you decide to sell your house on your own, here are five reasons why working with an agent is your best bet to maximize the sale of your home.</p>
<h4><strong>1. First impressions are everything &ndash; and an agent knows how to make a great one.</strong></h4>
<p><a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/08/27/your-checklist-to-get-ready-to-sell-infographic/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" title="Prepping a house">Prepping a house</a>&nbsp;for sale requires a significant amount of time and effort, even though it may seem simple at first glance. Doing it&nbsp;<em>right&nbsp;</em>so it stands out takes expertise and an understanding of what buyers are looking for. An agent considers things like:</p>
<ul>
<li>Should you take down any personal art or pictures?</li>
<li>How much landscaping should you invest in to boost your house&rsquo;s curb appeal?</li>
<li>What wall colors are most appealing to buyers?</li>
</ul>
<p>An expert real estate advisor relies on their experience to answer these questions and more so you don&rsquo;t invest in the wrong things<strong>. Your time and money are important &ndash; you shouldn&rsquo;t waste either.</strong></p>
<h4><strong>2. Agents have tools to maximize the number of views your home gets.</strong></h4>
<p>Put plainly, the more buyers that view your house, the better your return will be. In our current market, homes are receiving 3.8 offers on average per sale, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://cdn.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/documents/2021-08-realtors-conference-index-09-22-2021_0.pdf" target="_blank" title="recent data" rel="noopener noreferrer">recent data</a>&nbsp;from the&nbsp;<em>National Association of Realtors</em>&nbsp;(NAR). While that&rsquo;s promising for the sale of your home, it&rsquo;s important to understand your agent&rsquo;s role in bringing buyers in.</p>
<p>Agents have multiple tools at their disposal &ndash; from social media to agency resources &ndash; to ensure your home is viewed by more prospective buyers. Leveraging the tools available to your agent and your agent&rsquo;s expertise may help boost your sale price as well.</p>
<h4><strong>3. An agent won&rsquo;t miss anything in the fine print.</strong></h4>
<p>Your agent can also save you time by taking any guesswork out of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/06/14/the-right-expert-will-guide-you-through-this-unprecedented-market/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" title="navigating">navigating</a>&nbsp;the required documentation. Today, more disclosures and regulations are mandatory, meaning the number of legal documents you need to juggle is growing.</p>
<p>Because there&rsquo;s so much to take care of, it can be hard to truly understand all of the requirements and the fine print. That&rsquo;s where an expert advisor can truly shine. They&rsquo;ve been through the process before and can be your guide to avoid any costly missteps.</p>
<h4><strong>4. Expert advisors know the market and how to price your home.</strong></h4>
<p>Another way your agent maximizes the sale of your home is by making sure it&rsquo;s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/09/03/your-agent-is-key-when-pricing-your-house-infographic/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" title="priced right">priced right</a>. Real estate professionals have the experience to compare your house to recently sold homes in your area. They also understand the market at large and can factor in any upgrades you&rsquo;ve completed to your home. Combining these factors is the key to making sure your home is priced to move quickly &ndash;&nbsp;<strong>and at a competitive price.</strong></p>
<p>When you FSBO, you&rsquo;re operating without this expertise. Even with your own research, you may not find the most up-to-date information and could risk setting a price that&rsquo;s inaccurate or unrealistic. If you price your house too high, you could turn buyers away before they&rsquo;re even in the front door. This could also cause problems when it&rsquo;s time for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/08/31/what-buyers-and-sellers-need-to-know-about-the-appraisal-gap/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" title="appraisal">appraisal</a>.</p>
<h4><strong>5. Your agent will be an expert negotiator.</strong></h4>
<p>In addition to their experience navigating sales, real estate professionals understand how to negotiate every aspect of a deal. They also know all the parties that will be involved with the sale, including:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>The buyer</strong>, who wants the best deal possible.</li>
<li><strong>The buyer&rsquo;s agent</strong>, who will use their expertise to advocate for the buyer.</li>
<li><strong>The inspection company</strong>, which works for the buyer and will almost always find concerns with the house.</li>
<li><strong>The appraiser</strong>, who assesses the property&rsquo;s value to protect the lender.</li>
</ul>
<p>An agent relies on their experience and training to make the right moves during the negotiation. They&rsquo;ll know what levers to pull, how to address each individual&rsquo;s concerns, and when you may want to get a second opinion.&nbsp;<strong>Selling your house as a FSBO means you&rsquo;ll need to be prepared to have these conversations on your own.</strong></p>
<h3><strong>Bottom Line</strong></h3>
<p>Selling a house takes time, effort, and expertise &ndash; don't go at it alone. Let&rsquo;s connect to make sure you have an expert on your side to make the most of your sale</p>
</div>

Don't Tackle Selling Your Home on Your Own - An Agent Can Help

Don't Tackle Selling Your Home on Your Own

<h3 class="kcm-post-minimal-title"><img class="attachment-entry size-entry wp-post-image" style="font-size: 14px;" src="https://files.mykcm.com/2021/07/30144720/20210803-KCM-Share.jpg" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" srcset="https://files.mykcm.com/2021/07/30144720/20210803-KCM-Share.jpg 750w, https://files.mykcm.com/2021/07/30144720/20210803-KCM-Share-600x328.jpg 600w, https://files.mykcm.com/2021/07/30144720/20210803-KCM-Share-100x55.jpg 100w" alt="With Rents on the Rise &ndash; Is Now the Time To Buy? | MyKCM" width="750" height="410" /></h3>
<h3 class="kcm-post-minimal-title">With Rents on the Rise &ndash; Is Now the Time To Buy?</h3>
<div class="kcm-post-minimal-content">
<p>According to recent data from&nbsp;<em>realtor.com</em>, median&nbsp;<strong>rental prices have reached their highest point ever recorded</strong>&nbsp;in many areas across the country. The&nbsp;<a title="report" href="https://www.realtor.com/research/june-2021-rent/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">report</a>&nbsp;found rents rose by&nbsp;<strong>8.1%</strong>&nbsp;from the same time last year. As it notes:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><em>&ldquo;<strong>Beyond simply recovering to pre-pandemic levels, rents across the country are surging.</strong>&nbsp;Typically, rents fluctuate less than 1% from month to month. In May and June, rents increased by 3.0% and 3.2% from each month to the next.&rdquo;</em></p>
</blockquote>
<p>If you&rsquo;re a renter concerned about rising prices,&nbsp;<strong>now may be the time to consider purchasing a home</strong>.</p>
<h4><strong>Monthly Rents Are Higher Than Monthly Mortgage Payments</strong></h4>
<p>When you weigh your options of whether to buy a home or continue renting, how much you&rsquo;ll pay each month is likely top of mind. According to the&nbsp;<em>National Association of Realtors&nbsp;</em>(NAR)<em>,</em>&nbsp;monthly&nbsp;<a title="mortgage payments" href="https://www.nar.realtor/blogs/economists-outlook/housing-affordability-falls-in-may-as-home-prices-rise-faster-than-income" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">mortgage payments</a>&nbsp;are rising,<strong>&nbsp;but they&rsquo;re still significantly lower than the typical rental payment.&nbsp;</strong>NAR indicates the latest data on homes closed shows the median monthly mortgage payment is $1,204.</p>
<p>By contrast, the median national rent is $1,575 according to the most current data provided by&nbsp;<a title="realtor.com" href="https://www.realtor.com/research/june-2021-rent/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>realtor.com</em></a>.&nbsp;<strong>In other words, buyers who recently purchased a home locked in a monthly payment that is, on average, $371 lower than what renters pay today</strong>&nbsp;<em>(see graph below)</em>:<a href="https://files.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/07/30144721/20210803-MEM-Eng-1.png?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-98875" src="https://files.mykcm.com/2021/07/30144721/20210803-MEM-Eng-1.png" alt="With Rents on the Rise &ndash; Is Now the Time To Buy? | MyKCM" width="600" height="450" /></a></p>
<h4><strong>Rents Are Rising Sharply, and They Continue To Increase</strong></h4>
<p>The difference in monthly housing costs when comparing renting and homebuying today is significant, but many would-be homebuyers wonder about the future of rental prices. If we look to historical&nbsp;<a title="Census" href="http://www.census.gov/housing/hvs/files/currenthvspress.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Census</a>&nbsp;data as a reference,&nbsp;<strong>the median asking rent has risen consistently since 1988&nbsp;</strong>(<em>see graph below</em>):<a href="https://files.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/07/30144724/20210803-MEM-Eng-2.png?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-98876" src="https://files.mykcm.com/2021/07/30144724/20210803-MEM-Eng-2.png" alt="With Rents on the Rise &ndash; Is Now the Time To Buy? | MyKCM" width="600" height="450" /></a></p>
<p>The rise in rent over time clearly shows one of the major advantages homeownership has over renting:&nbsp;<a title="stable housing costs" href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/05/27/how-misunderstandings-about-affordability-could-cost-you/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e">stable housing costs</a>. Renters face increasing costs every year. When you purchase your home, your mortgage rate is locked in for 30 years, meaning your monthly payment stays the same over time. That gives you welcome peace of mind and predictability for many years ahead.</p>
<h3><strong>Bottom Line</strong></h3>
<p>With rents continuing to rise across the country, renters should consider if now is the right time to buy. There are multiple benefits to buying sooner rather than later. Let&rsquo;s discuss your options so you can make your most powerful decision.</p>
</div>

With Rents on the Rise – Is Now the Time To Buy?

<h3 class="kcm-post-minimal-title">Sellers: Make Today&rsquo;s Home Price Appreciation Work for You</h3>
<p><img class="attachment-entry size-entry wp-post-image" src="https://files.mykcm.com/2021/07/30152505/20210804-KCM-Share.jpg" border="0" alt="Sellers: Make Today&rsquo;s Home Price Appreciation Work for You | MyKCM" width="750" height="410" /><br /><br /></p>
<div class="kcm-post-minimal-content">
<p>Home prices continue to rise as we move through the summer, and that&rsquo;s good news for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/07/12/4-major-incentives-to-sell-this-summer/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" title="sellers">sellers</a>&nbsp;who are looking to maximize their home&rsquo;s potential. If you&rsquo;re on the fence about whether to list your house now or later, the question you should really ask is: will this price appreciation last?</p>
<h4><strong>Here&rsquo;s what three leading industry experts have to say about what lies ahead:</strong></h4>
<h5><a href="https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom/existing-home-sales-expand-1-4-in-june" target="_blank" title="Lawrence Yun," rel="noopener noreferrer">Lawrence Yun,</a>&nbsp;Chief Economist,&nbsp;<em>National Association of Realtors&nbsp;</em>(NAR):</h5>
<blockquote>
<p><em>&ldquo;At a broad level,&nbsp;<strong>home prices are in no danger of a decline</strong>&nbsp;due to tight inventory conditions,&nbsp;<strong>but I do expect</strong>&nbsp;<strong>prices to appreciate at a slower pace by the end of the year</strong>.&rdquo;</em></p>
</blockquote>
<h5><a href="https://www.corelogic.com/intelligence/find-stories/us-sp-corelogic-case-shiller-rockets-to-16-6-reaches-new-records/" target="_blank" title="Selma Hepp" rel="noopener noreferrer">Selma Hepp</a>, Deputy Chief Economist,&nbsp;<em>CoreLogic</em>:</h5>
<blockquote>
<p><em>&ldquo;The imbalance between robust demand and dismal availability of for-sale homes has led to a continual bidding over asking prices, which reached record levels in recent months . . . . Nevertheless, with more new listings and new home construction,&nbsp;<strong>home price acceleration that has built momentum, and continues to reach new highs, will likely slow later this summer but remain in double digits</strong>.&rdquo;</em></p>
</blockquote>
<h5><a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-07-22/u-s-mortgage-rates-slide-to-lowest-in-more-than-five-months?sref=BRvilyBN" target="_blank" title="George Ratiu" rel="noopener noreferrer">George Ratiu</a>, Chief Economist,&nbsp;<em>realtor.com</em>:</h5>
<blockquote>
<p><em>&ldquo;<strong>Many sellers are going to take advantage of higher prices</strong>. This summer is going to signal the move to the next chapter, and&nbsp;<strong>this will very much be the year they&rsquo;re going to put their home on the market</strong>.&rdquo;</em></p>
</blockquote>
<h4><strong>What It Means for You:</strong></h4>
<p>The experts agree that the summer months give sellers a great opportunity to capitalize on today&rsquo;s home prices. And while prices aren&rsquo;t expected to depreciate, the rise in prices is forecast to moderate over&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/07/06/a-look-at-home-price-appreciation-through-2025/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" title="the next few years">the next few years</a>. That means selling your house today could set you up for a bigger win.</p>
<h3><strong>Bottom Line</strong></h3>
<p>Listen to the experts. If you&rsquo;re ready to make a move, let&rsquo;s connect to discuss&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/07/08/selling-your-house-make-sure-you-price-it-right/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" title="selling your house">selling your house</a>&nbsp;sooner rather than later so you can take advantage of today&rsquo;s home price appreciation before it moderates.</p>
</div>

Sellers: Make Today's Home Appreciation Work for You

<h3 class="kcm-post-minimal-title">Demand for Vacation Homes Is Still Strong</h3>
<p><img class="attachment-entry size-entry wp-post-image" src="https://files.mykcm.com/2021/06/23154753/20210624-KCM-Share.jpg" border="0" alt="Demand for Vacation Homes Is Still Strong | MyKCM" width="750" height="410" /><br /><br /></p>
<div class="kcm-post-minimal-content">
<p>The pandemic created a tremendous interest in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/06/07/why-you-may-want-to-cash-in-on-your-second-home/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" target="_blank" title="vacation homes" rel="noopener noreferrer">vacation homes</a>&nbsp;across the country. Throughout the last year, many people purchased second homes as a safe getaway from the challenges of the health crisis. With many professionals working from home and many students taking classes remotely, it made sense to see a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2020/09/14/two-new-surveys-indicate-urban-to-suburban-lean/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" target="_blank" title="migration away" rel="noopener noreferrer">migration away</a>&nbsp;from cities and into counties with more vacation destinations.</p>
<p>The&nbsp;<a href="https://cdn.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/documents/2021-vacation-home-counties-report-06-15-2021.pdf" target="_blank" title="2021 Vacation Home Counties Report" rel="noopener noreferrer">2021 Vacation Home Counties Report</a>&nbsp;from the&nbsp;<em>National Association of Realtors</em>&nbsp;(NAR) shows that this increase in vacation home sales continues in 2021. The report examines sales in counties where &ldquo;<em>vacant seasonal, occasional, or recreational use housing account for at least 20% of the housing stock</em>&rdquo; and compares that data to the overall residential market.</p>
<p>Their findings show:</p>
<ul>
<li>Vacation home sales&nbsp;<strong>rose by 16.4%</strong>&nbsp;to 310,600 in 2020, outpacing the 5.6% growth in total existing-home sales.</li>
<li>Vacation home sales are&nbsp;<strong>up 57.2% year-over-year</strong>&nbsp;during January-April 2021 compared to the 20% year-over-year change in total existing-home sales.</li>
<li>Home prices rose more in vacation home counties &ndash; the median existing price rose by&nbsp;<strong>14.2% in vacation home counties</strong>, compared to 10.1% in non-vacation home counties.</li>
</ul>
<p>This coincides with data released by&nbsp;<em>Zelman &amp; Associates</em>&nbsp;on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/06/07/why-you-may-want-to-cash-in-on-your-second-home/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" target="_blank" title="increase in sales" rel="noopener noreferrer">increase in sales</a>&nbsp;of second homes throughout the country last year.</p>
<p>As the data above shows, there is still high demand for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/04/15/why-this-is-a-great-year-to-sell-your-vacation-home/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" target="_blank" title="second getaway homes" rel="noopener noreferrer">second getaway homes</a>&nbsp;in 2021 even as the pandemic winds down. While we may see a rise in second-home sellers as life returns to normal, ongoing&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/06/09/home-price-appreciation-is-as-simple-as-supply-and-demand/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" target="_blank" title="low supply and high demand" rel="noopener noreferrer">low supply and high demand</a>&nbsp;will continue to provide those sellers with a good return on their investment.</p>
<h3><strong>Bottom Line</strong></h3>
<p>If you&rsquo;re one of the many people who purchased a vacation home during the pandemic, you&rsquo;re likely wondering what this means for you. If you&rsquo;re considering selling that home as life returns to normal, you have options. There are still plenty of buyers in the market. If, on the other hand, you want to keep your second home, enjoy it! Current market conditions show that it&rsquo;s a good ongoing investment.</p>
</div>

Demand for Vacation Home is Still Strong

<h3 class="kcm-post-minimal-title">Save Time and Effort by Selling with an Agent</h3>
<p><img class="attachment-entry size-entry wp-post-image" src="https://files.mykcm.com/2021/06/24103910/20210628-KCM-Share.jpg" border="0" alt="Save Time and Effort by Selling with an Agent | MyKCM" width="750" height="410" /><br /><br /></p>
<div class="kcm-post-minimal-content">
<p>Selling a house is a time-consuming process &ndash; especially if you decide to do it on your own, known as a&nbsp;<strong>For Sale By Owner (FSBO)</strong>. From conducting market research to reviewing legal documents, handling negotiations, and more, it&rsquo;s an involved and highly detailed process that requires a lot of expertise to navigate effectively. That&rsquo;s one of the reasons why the percentage of people selling their own house has declined from 19% to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/highlights-from-the-profile-of-home-buyers-and-sellers" target="_blank" title="8%" rel="noopener noreferrer">8%</a>&nbsp;(<em>S</em><em>ee graph below</em>):<a href="https://files.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/06/28110957/20210628-MEM-Eng-1a.png?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-98408" src="https://files.mykcm.com/2021/06/28110957/20210628-MEM-Eng-1a.png" border="0" alt="Save Time and Effort by Selling with an Agent | MyKCM" width="600" height="450" /></a></p>
<p>To help you understand just how much time and effort it takes to sell on your own, here&rsquo;s a look at a few of the things you need to think about before putting that &ldquo;For Sale&rdquo; sign up in your yard.</p>
<h4><strong>1. Making a Good First Impression</strong></h4>
<p>While it may sound simple, there are a lot of proven best practices to consider when prepping a house for sale.</p>
<ul>
<li><em>Do you need to take down your personal art?</em></li>
<li><em>What&rsquo;s the right amount of landscaping to boost your curb appeal?</em></li>
<li><em>What wall colors are most appealing to buyers?</em></li>
</ul>
<p>If you do this work on your own, you may invest capital and many hours into the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/03/18/to-renovate-or-not-to-renovate-before-you-sell/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" target="_blank" title="wrong things" rel="noopener noreferrer">wrong things</a>.&nbsp;<strong>Your time is money &ndash; don&rsquo;t waste it</strong>. An agent can help steer you in the right direction based on current market conditions to save you time and effort. Since we&rsquo;re in a hot&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/05/28/homes-across-the-country-are-selling-fast-infographic-3/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" target="_blank" title="sellers' market" rel="noopener noreferrer">sellers' market</a>, you don&rsquo;t want to delay listing your house by focusing on things that won&rsquo;t change your bottom line. These market conditions may not last, so lean on an agent to capitalize on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/06/15/hope-is-on-the-horizon-for-todays-housing-shortage/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" target="_blank" title="today's low inventory" rel="noopener noreferrer">today's low inventory</a>&nbsp;while you can.</p>
<h4><strong>2. Pricing It Right</strong></h4>
<p>Real estate professionals have mission-critical information on what sells and how to maximize your profit. They&rsquo;re experienced when it comes to looking at recent comparable homes that have sold in your area and understanding what&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2020/12/28/why-its-important-to-price-your-house-right-today/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" target="_blank" title="price is right" rel="noopener noreferrer">price is right</a>&nbsp;for your neighborhood. They use that data to price your house appropriately, maximizing your return.</p>
<p>In a FSBO, you&rsquo;re operating without this expertise, so you&rsquo;ll have to do your own homework on how to set a price that&rsquo;s appropriate for your area and the condition of your home. Even with your own research, you may not find the most up-to-date information and could risk setting a price that&rsquo;s inaccurate or unrealistic. If you price your house too high, you could turn buyers away before they&rsquo;re even in the front door, or run into problems when it comes time for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/01/26/whats-the-difference-between-an-appraisal-and-a-home-inspection/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" target="_blank" title="appraisal" rel="noopener noreferrer">appraisal</a>.</p>
<h4><strong>3. Maximizing Your Buyer Pool (and Profit)</strong></h4>
<p>Contrary to popular belief, FSBOs may actually net&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/04/06/dont-sell-on-your-own-just-because-its-a-sellers-market/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" target="_blank" title="less profit" rel="noopener noreferrer">less profit</a>&nbsp;than sellers who use an agent. One of the factors that can drive profit up is effective exposure. Simply put, real estate professionals can get your house in front of more buyers via their social media followers, agency resources, and proven sales strategies. The more buyers that view a home, the more likely a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/04/02/buyer-competition-is-good-news-for-sellers-infographic/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" target="_blank" title="bidding war" rel="noopener noreferrer">bidding war</a>&nbsp;becomes. According to the&nbsp;<em>National Association of Realtors</em>&nbsp;(NAR), the average house for sale today gets&nbsp;<a href="https://cdn.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/documents/2021-05-realtors-confidence-index-06-22-2021.pdf" target="_blank" title="5 offers" rel="noopener noreferrer">5 offers</a>. Using an agent to boost your exposure may help boost your sale price too.</p>
<h4><strong>4. Navigating Negotiations</strong></h4>
<p>When it comes to selling your house as a FSBO, you&rsquo;ll have to handle all of the negotiations. Here are just a few of the people you&rsquo;ll work with:</p>
<ul>
<li>The buyer, who wants the best deal possible</li>
<li>The buyer&rsquo;s agent, who will use their expertise to advocate for the buyer</li>
<li>The inspection company, which works for the buyer and will almost always find concerns with the house</li>
<li>The appraiser, who assesses the property&rsquo;s value to protect the lender</li>
</ul>
<p>As part of their training, agents are taught how to negotiate every aspect of the real estate transaction and how to mediate potential snags that may pop up. When appraisals come in low and in countless other situations, they know what levers to pull, how to address the buyer and seller emotions that come with it, and when to ask for second opinions. Navigating all of this on your own takes time &ndash;a lot of it.</p>
<h4><strong>5. Juggling Legal Documentation</strong></h4>
<p>Speaking of time, consider how much free time you have to review the fine print. Just in terms of documentation, more disclosures and regulations are now mandatory. That means the stack of legal documents you need to handle as the seller is growing. It can be hard to know and truly understand all the terms and requirements. Instead of going at it alone, use an agent as your shield and advisor to help you avoid potential legal missteps.</p>
<h3><strong>Bottom Line</strong></h3>
<p>Selling your house on your own is a lot of responsibility. It&rsquo;s time consuming and requires an immense amount of effort and expertise. Before you decide to sell your house yourself, let&rsquo;s discuss your options so we can make sure you get the most out of the sale.</p>
</div>

Save Time and Effort by Selling with an Agent

<h3 class="kcm-post-minimal-title">Home Builders Ramp Up Construction Based on Demand</h3>
<p><img class="attachment-entry size-entry wp-post-image" src="https://files.mykcm.com/2021/07/01155253/20210705-KCM-Share.jpg" border="0" alt="Home Builders Ramp Up Construction Based on Demand | MyKCM" width="750" height="410" /><br /><br /></p>
<div class="kcm-post-minimal-content">
<p>If you&rsquo;re thinking of buying a home, there really is no time like&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/06/30/what-do-experts-see-on-the-horizon-for-the-second-half-of-the-year/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" target="_blank" title="the present" rel="noopener noreferrer">the present</a>. With today&rsquo;s low mortgage rates, you have a great opportunity to get more home for your money. The challenge is inventory. Like you, many buyers want to capitalize on these market conditions, and it&rsquo;s leading to more buyer competition and bidding wars.</p>
<p>If you&rsquo;re having a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/06/25/homebuyers-hang-in-there-infographic/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" target="_blank" title="hard time" rel="noopener noreferrer">hard time</a>&nbsp;finding a home to buy, it may be time to talk to your trusted real estate advisor about a newly built home. Early indicators show new-home construction is beginning to ramp up. While new homes alone won&rsquo;t be able to fix all of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/06/15/hope-is-on-the-horizon-for-todays-housing-shortage/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" target="_blank" title="inventory challenges" rel="noopener noreferrer">inventory challenges</a>, this does mean you&rsquo;ll soon have more options as you search for a home. As a buyer, a newly built home may be exactly what you&rsquo;re looking for &ndash; it&rsquo;s brand new, and with builder customization options, it&rsquo;s uniquely yours from the ground up.</p>
<h4><strong>Here&rsquo;s what industry experts are saying about new homes coming to market:</strong></h4>
<p>Nadia Evangelou, Senior Economist and Director of Forecasting at the&nbsp;<em>National Association of Realtors</em>&nbsp;(NAR), says&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nar.realtor/blogs/economists-outlook/tracking-housing-construction-at-the-local-level-april-2021" target="_blank" title="recent research" rel="noopener noreferrer">recent research</a>&nbsp;could indicate upward momentum when it comes to new home construction. Evangelou refers to the volume of new homes where construction began during a set period, known in the industry as&nbsp;<strong>housing starts</strong>.</p>
<p>According to that research, housing starts reached their highest level since 2006 in March of this year &ndash; an encouraging sign for the industry. While they dipped slightly in April, Evangelou reiterates that the level of housing construction is heading in a positive direction compared to recent years:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><em>&ldquo;&hellip;<strong>we are currently building 24% more homes than we typically have built in April&nbsp;</strong>in the last couple of decades. Thus,&nbsp;<strong>housing construction is trending upward&nbsp;</strong>with housing starts likely to reach 1.6 million for all of 2021 and rise further to 1.7 million in 2022</em><em>.&rdquo;</em></p>
</blockquote>
<p>As new data pours in, it further confirms this trend. According to the latest&nbsp;<a href="https://www.census.gov/construction/nrc/pdf/newresconst.pdf" target="_blank" title="Monthly New Residential Construction" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Monthly New Residential Construction</em></a>&nbsp;report from the&nbsp;<em>U.S. Census Bureau</em>, housing starts increased even more in May, which continues the ongoing upward trend (<em>see graph below</em>) and indicates that ground is being broken on even more new homes.</p>
<p><a href="https://files.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/07/01155256/20210705-MEM-Eng-1.png?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-98467" src="https://files.mykcm.com/2021/07/01155256/20210705-MEM-Eng-1.png" border="0" alt="Home Builders Ramp Up Construction Based on Demand | MyKCM" width="600" height="450" /></a></p>
<p>Robert Dietz, Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of Economics and Housing Policy for the&nbsp;<a href="https://eyeonhousing.org/2021/06/single-family-starts-steady-in-may/" target="_blank" title="National Association of Home Builders" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>National Association of Home Builders</em></a>&nbsp;(NAHB), singles out another encouraging sign:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><em>&ldquo;It is also worth noting that&nbsp;<strong>the number of single-family homes permitted but not started construction continued to increase in May</strong>, rising to 142,000 units.&rdquo;</em></p>
</blockquote>
<p>This insight that there&rsquo;s also an uptick in single-family homes permitted serves as an additional sign that more new homes lie ahead. It&rsquo;s important to realize that the construction doesn&rsquo;t have to start on these homes before you may be able to purchase one. According to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.census.gov/construction/nrs/pdf/newressales.pdf" target="_blank" title="Monthly New Residential Sales" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Monthly New Residential Sales</em></a>&nbsp;report from the&nbsp;<em>U.S. Census Bureau</em>, many new homes are selling before construction even begins (<em>see graph below</em>):<a href="https://files.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/07/01155258/20210705-MEM-Eng-2.png?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-98468" src="https://files.mykcm.com/2021/07/01155258/20210705-MEM-Eng-2.png" border="0" alt="Home Builders Ramp Up Construction Based on Demand | MyKCM" width="600" height="450" /></a></p>
<p>These signs are all good news for housing inventory. And as the recent challenges of rising lumber prices and dwindling lumber supply&nbsp;<a href="https://www.builderonline.com/products/lumber-prices-begin-to-recover_s" target="_blank" title="begin to improve" rel="noopener noreferrer">begin to improve</a>, builders will be able to increase their production even more in the months ahead.</p>
<h3><strong>Bottom Line</strong></h3>
<p>While the inventory challenges we&rsquo;re facing today won&rsquo;t be solved overnight, the increase in new-home construction means your house may have more competition in the market. Let&rsquo;s connect to talk about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/02/05/thinking-about-building-a-new-home-your-agent-is-critical-infographic/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" target="_blank" title="finding your dream home" rel="noopener noreferrer">finding your dream home</a>&nbsp;and the newly built homes available in our area.</p>
</div>

Home Builders Ramp Up Construction Based on Demand

<h3 class="kcm-post-minimal-title">A Look at Home Price Appreciation Through 2025</h3>
<p><img class="attachment-entry size-entry wp-post-image" src="https://files.mykcm.com/2021/07/02143314/20210706-KCM-Share.jpg" border="0" alt="A Look at Home Price Appreciation Through 2025 | MyKCM" width="750" height="410" /><br /><br /></p>
<div class="kcm-post-minimal-content">
<p>Home prices have increased significantly over the last year, which in turn has grown the net worth of homeowners. Appreciation and home equity are directly linked &ndash; as the value of a home increases, so does a homeowner&rsquo;s equity. And with these recent gains, homeowners are witnessing their&nbsp;<strong>financial stability and well-being grow to&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/06/23/homeowner-wealth-increases-through-growing-equity-this-year/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" target="_blank" title="record levels" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>record levels</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p>
<p>In more good news for homeowners, the most recent&nbsp;<em>Home Price Expectations Survey</em>&nbsp;&ndash; a survey of a national panel of over one hundred economists, real estate experts, and investment and market strategists &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="https://pulsenomics.com/surveys/#home-price-expectations" target="_blank" title="forecasts" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>forecasts</strong></a><strong>&nbsp;home prices will continue appreciating over the next five years, adding to the record amount of equity homeowners have already gained over the past year.&nbsp;</strong>Below are the expected year-over-year rates of home price appreciation from the report:</p>
<p><a href="https://files.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/07/02143316/20210706-MEM-Eng-1.png?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-98476" src="https://files.mykcm.com/2021/07/02143316/20210706-MEM-Eng-1.png" border="0" alt="A Look at Home Price Appreciation Through 2025 | MyKCM" width="600" height="450" /></a></p>
<h4><strong>What Does This Mean for Homeowners?</strong></h4>
<p>Home prices are climbing today, and the data in the survey indicates they&rsquo;ll continue to increase, but at rates that approach a more normal pace. Even still, the amount of household wealth a homeowner stands to earn going forward is substantial. This truly becomes clear when we consider a scenario using a median-priced home purchased in January of 2021 and the projected rate of appreciation on that home over the next five years. As the graph below illustrates, a homeowner could&nbsp;<strong>increase their net worth by</strong>&nbsp;<strong>a significant amount &ndash; over $93,000 dollars by 2026.</strong><a href="https://files.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/07/02143318/20210706-MEM-Eng-2.png?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-98477" src="https://files.mykcm.com/2021/07/02143318/20210706-MEM-Eng-2.png" border="0" alt="A Look at Home Price Appreciation Through 2025 | MyKCM" width="600" height="450" /></a></p>
<h4><strong>Home Price Appreciation and Home Equity</strong></h4>
<p><em>CoreLogic</em>&nbsp;recently released their quarterly&nbsp;<a href="https://www.corelogic.com/intelligence/homeowner-equity-insights/" target="_blank" title="Homeowner Equity Insights Report" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Homeowner Equity Insights Report</em></a><em>,</em>&nbsp;which tracks the year-over-year increases in equity. It shows an average&nbsp;<strong>annual gain of $33,400 per borrower over the past 12 months</strong>. In the report, Dr. Frank Nothaft, Chief Economist for<em>&nbsp;CoreLogic</em>, further explains:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><em>"<strong>Double-digit home price growth in the past year has bolstered home equity to a record amount.&nbsp;</strong>The national CoreLogic Home Price Index recorded an 11.4% rise in the year through March 2021, leading to a $216,000 increase in the average amount of equity held by homeowners with a mortgage.&rdquo;</em></p>
</blockquote>
<p>The expected, sustained growth of home prices means homeowners can continue to build on the past year&rsquo;s record levels of home equity &ndash; and their financial prosperity. It also presents today&rsquo;s homeowners with a unique opportunity: using their growing equity for a home upgrade. With so few homes available to purchase and strong buyer demand, there may not be a better time to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/06/16/dont-wait-to-sell-your-house/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" target="_blank" title="sell your current house" rel="noopener noreferrer">sell your current house</a>&nbsp;and move into one that better meets your needs.</p>
<h3><strong>Bottom Line</strong></h3>
<p>Home prices are expected to continue appreciating over the next five years, and the associated equity gains are the quickest way homeowners can build household wealth. If you're a current homeowner who&rsquo;s ready to take advantage of your built-up equity, let&rsquo;s connect today to discuss your options.</p>
</div>

A Look at Home Appreciation Through 2025

<h3 class="kcm-post-minimal-title">Selling Your House? Make Sure You Price It Right.</h3>
<p><img class="attachment-entry size-entry wp-post-image" src="https://files.mykcm.com/2021/07/07135036/20210708-KCM-Share.jpg" border="0" alt="Selling Your House? Make Sure You Price It Right. | MyKCM" width="750" height="410" /><br /><br /></p>
<div class="kcm-post-minimal-content">
<p>There&rsquo;s no denying we&rsquo;re in a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/06/16/dont-wait-to-sell-your-house/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" target="_blank" title="sellers&rsquo; market" rel="noopener noreferrer">sellers&rsquo; market</a>. With low inventory and high buyer demand, homes today are selling above the asking price at a record rate. According to the latest&nbsp;<a href="https://cdn.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/documents/2021-05-realtors-confidence-index-06-22-2021.pdf" target="_blank" title="Realtors Confidence Index Survey" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Realtors Confidence Index Survey</em></a>&nbsp;from the&nbsp;<em>National Association of</em>&nbsp;<em>Realtors</em>&nbsp;(NAR):</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Homes typically sell within</strong>&nbsp;<strong>17 days</strong>&nbsp;(compared to 26 days one year ago).</li>
<li>The average home sold has&nbsp;<strong>five offers to pick from</strong>.</li>
<li><strong>54% of offers are over the asking price</strong>.</li>
</ul>
<p>Because so many buyers are competing for so few homes, bidding wars are driving up&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/07/06/a-look-at-home-price-appreciation-through-2025/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" target="_blank" title="home prices" rel="noopener noreferrer">home prices</a>. According to an average of leading expert projections,&nbsp;<strong>existing home prices are expected to increase by&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/06/30/what-do-experts-see-on-the-horizon-for-the-second-half-of-the-year/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" target="_blank" title="8.9%" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>8.9%</strong></a><strong>&nbsp;this year.</strong></p>
<p>Yet even in today&rsquo;s red-hot sellers&rsquo; market, it&rsquo;s important to price your house right. While it may be tempting to price your house on the high side to capitalize on this trend, doing so could limit your house&rsquo;s potential.</p>
<h4><strong>Why Pricing Your House Right Matters</strong></h4>
<p>Here&rsquo;s the thing &ndash; a high price tag doesn&rsquo;t mean you&rsquo;re going to cash in big on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/05/24/3-things-to-prioritize-when-selling-your-house/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" target="_blank" title="the sale." rel="noopener noreferrer">the sale.</a>&nbsp;While you may be trying to maximize your return, the tradeoff may be steep. A high list price is more likely to deter buyers, sit on the market longer, or require a price drop that can raise questions among prospective buyers.</p>
<p>Instead, focus on setting a price that&rsquo;s fair.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/06/14/the-right-expert-will-guide-you-through-this-unprecedented-market/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" target="_blank" title="Real estate professionals" rel="noopener noreferrer">Real estate professionals</a>&nbsp;know the value of your home. By pricing your house based on its current condition and similar homes that have recently sold in your area, your agent can help you set a price that&rsquo;s realistic and obtainable &ndash; and that&rsquo;s good news for you and for buyers.</p>
<p><a href="https://files.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/07/07135038/20210708-MEM-Eng-1.png?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-98498" src="https://files.mykcm.com/2021/07/07135038/20210708-MEM-Eng-1.png" border="0" alt="Selling Your House? Make Sure You Price It Right. | MyKCM" width="600" height="214" /></a></p>
<p>When you price your house right, you increase your home&rsquo;s visibility, which drives more buyers to your front door. The more buyers that tour your home, the more likely you&rsquo;ll have a multi-offer scenario to create a bidding war. When multiple buyers compete for your house, that sets you up for a bigger win.</p>
<h3><strong>Bottom Line</strong></h3>
<p>When it comes to pricing your house, working with a local real estate professional is essential. Let&rsquo;s connect so we can optimize your exposure, your timeline, and the return on your investment, too.</p>
</div>

Selling Your House? Make Sure You Price it Right

<h3 class="kcm-post-minimal-title">Your Home Equity Can Take You Places [INFOGRAPHIC]</h3>
<p><img class="attachment-entry size-entry wp-post-image" src="https://files.mykcm.com/2021/07/08155756/20210709-MEM-1046x2095.png" border="0" alt="Your Home Equity Can Take You Places [INFOGRAPHIC] | MyKCM" width="1046" height="2095" /><br /><br /></p>
<div class="kcm-post-minimal-content">
<h3><strong>Some Highlights</strong></h3>
<ul>
<li>The amount of wealth Americans have stored in their homes has&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/06/23/homeowner-wealth-increases-through-growing-equity-this-year/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" target="_blank" title="increased astronomically" rel="noopener noreferrer">increased astronomically</a>.</li>
<li>On average, homeowners gained $33,400 in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.corelogic.com/intelligence/homeowner-equity-insights/" target="_blank" title="equity" rel="noopener noreferrer">equity</a>&nbsp;over the last 12 months, and the average equity on mortgaged homes is now $216,000.</li>
<li>When it&rsquo;s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/06/17/housing-wealth-the-missing-piece-of-the-affordability-equation/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" target="_blank" title="time to sell" rel="noopener noreferrer">time to sell</a>, your home equity can help accomplish your goals. Let&rsquo;s connect to discuss how you can&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/07/06/a-look-at-home-price-appreciation-through-2025/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" target="_blank" title="take advantage" rel="noopener noreferrer">take advantage</a>&nbsp;of today&rsquo;s sellers&rsquo; market to get the most out of your home sale.</li>
</ul>
</div>

Your Home Equity Can Take You Places

<h3 class="kcm-post-minimal-title">Why This Isn&rsquo;t Your Typical Summer Housing Market</h3>
<p><img class="attachment-entry size-entry wp-post-image" src="https://files.mykcm.com/2021/07/12151438/20210713-KCM-Share.jpg" border="0" alt="Why This Isn&rsquo;t Your Typical Summer Housing Market | MyKCM" width="750" height="410" /><br /><br /></p>
<div class="kcm-post-minimal-content">
<p>In real estate, it&rsquo;s normal to see ebbs and flows in the market. Typically, the summer months are slower-paced than the traditionally busy spring. But this isn&rsquo;t a typical summer. As the economy rebounds and life is returning to normal, the real estate market is expected to have an unusually strong summer season.</p>
<p>Here&rsquo;s how this summer is stacking up against the norm and what it means for you.<a href="https://files.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/07/12164337/20210713-MEM-Eng-1a.png?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-98539" src="https://files.mykcm.com/2021/07/12164337/20210713-MEM-Eng-1a.png" border="0" alt="Why This Isn&rsquo;t Your Typical Summer Housing Market | MyKCM" width="600" height="290" /></a></p>
<h4><strong>Inventory is increasing.</strong></h4>
<p>According to the latest&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/housing-statistics/existing-home-sales" target="_blank" title="Existing Home Sales Report" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Existing Home Sales Report</em></a>&nbsp;from the&nbsp;<em>National Association of Realtors</em>&nbsp;(NAR),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/06/15/hope-is-on-the-horizon-for-todays-housing-shortage/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" target="_blank" title="inventory levels" rel="noopener noreferrer">inventory levels</a>&nbsp;have been rising since February of this year. Looking at the graph below, there&rsquo;s a clear upward trend, as shown in the green bars. Currently, there&rsquo;s roughly a 2.5 months&rsquo; supply of homes for sale. And while inventory is trending up as more houses are coming to the market, it&rsquo;s still much lower than several of the previous summers, as the orange bars indicate.</p>
<p><a href="https://files.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/07/12151426/20210713-MEM-Eng-2.png?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-98535" src="https://files.mykcm.com/2021/07/12151426/20210713-MEM-Eng-2.png" border="0" alt="Why This Isn&rsquo;t Your Typical Summer Housing Market | MyKCM" width="600" height="450" /></a></p>
<p><strong><em>If you&rsquo;re looking to buy</em></strong>, some relief is on the way in the form of more homes coming to the market. Just remember, we still have less inventory than&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/03/29/what-it-means-to-be-in-a-sellers-market/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" target="_blank" title="the norm" rel="noopener noreferrer">the norm</a>, so&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/06/25/homebuyers-hang-in-there-infographic/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" target="_blank" title="be patient" rel="noopener noreferrer">be patient</a>&nbsp;in your search.</p>
<p><strong><em>If you&rsquo;re thinking of selling</em></strong><em>,</em>&nbsp;now is the time. Work with your agent to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/06/16/dont-wait-to-sell-your-house/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" target="_blank" title="list your house" rel="noopener noreferrer">list your house</a>&nbsp;before it has more competition on the market.</p>
<h4><strong>Time on the market is still shorter than normal.</strong></h4>
<p>Unlike the typical summer trend, time on the market is moving at the fastest speed we&rsquo;ve seen since NAR started collecting this survey-based information in 2011. The most recent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/realtors-confidence-index" target="_blank" title="Realtors Confidence Index" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Realtors Confidence Index</em></a>&nbsp;shows that the average home is on the market for just 17 days, as shown in green in the graph below. This means houses are selling at a much faster pace than a typical summer, which the orange bars represent.<a href="https://files.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/07/12151424/20210713-MEM-Eng-3.png?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-98534" src="https://files.mykcm.com/2021/07/12151424/20210713-MEM-Eng-3.png" border="0" alt="Why This Isn&rsquo;t Your Typical Summer Housing Market | MyKCM" width="600" height="450" /></a></p>
<p><strong><em>If you&rsquo;re looking to buy</em></strong>, this means you need to be prepared to move fast. Brace for a quick pace and rely on your agent to stay in the know on the available homes in your area.</p>
<p><strong><em>If you&rsquo;re thinking of selling</em></strong><em>,</em>&nbsp;data shows your house will likely sell quickly. If you&rsquo;re worried about where you&rsquo;ll go once your house sells, consider a newly built home as a good way to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/06/03/dreaming-of-a-bigger-home-why-not-buy-it-this-year/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" target="_blank" title="move up" rel="noopener noreferrer">move up</a>.</p>
<h4><strong>Price appreciation is still rising.</strong></h4>
<p>The last big factor making this an unusually strong market this summer is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/07/06/a-look-at-home-price-appreciation-through-2025/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" target="_blank" title="home price appreciation" rel="noopener noreferrer">home price appreciation</a>. According to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fhfa.gov/DataTools/Tools/Pages/House-Price-Index-(HPI).aspx" target="_blank" title="State House Price Index" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>State House Price Index</em></a>&nbsp;from the&nbsp;<em>Federal Housing Finance Agency</em>&nbsp;(FHFA), we&rsquo;re currently experiencing double-digit house price appreciation and have an average of 12.6% appreciation across the country. The graph below uses data from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/housing-statistics/existing-home-sales" target="_blank" title="NAR" rel="noopener noreferrer">NAR</a>&nbsp;to show a more granular view of how prices have changed month-to-month over the past few years. The green bars show the current price appreciation we&rsquo;re experiencing today. Our current levels are well above what we&rsquo;ve seen in recent summers, shown by the orange bars.<a href="https://files.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/07/12151421/20210713-MEM-Eng-4.png?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-98533" src="https://files.mykcm.com/2021/07/12151421/20210713-MEM-Eng-4.png" border="0" alt="Why This Isn&rsquo;t Your Typical Summer Housing Market | MyKCM" width="600" height="450" /></a></p>
<p><strong><em>If you&rsquo;re looking to buy</em></strong>, competition and bidding wars are driving prices up. Getting&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/06/22/pre-approval-makes-all-the-difference-when-buying-a-home/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" target="_blank" title="pre-approved" rel="noopener noreferrer">pre-approved</a>&nbsp;can show the seller you&rsquo;re serious and help you know what you can afford. Once you do, work with your agent to make a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/06/21/5-things-homebuyers-need-to-know-when-making-an-offer/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" target="_blank" title="strong offer" rel="noopener noreferrer">strong offer</a>&nbsp;that stands out.</p>
<p><strong><em>If you&rsquo;re thinking of selling</em></strong><em>,</em>&nbsp;seize this opportunity to use your additional&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/06/23/homeowner-wealth-increases-through-growing-equity-this-year/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" target="_blank" title="equity" rel="noopener noreferrer">equity</a>&nbsp;from this price appreciation to power your next move.</p>
<h3><strong>Bottom Line</strong></h3>
<p>This isn&rsquo;t a typical summer. Whether you&rsquo;re buying or selling, let&rsquo;s connect to talk about how you can capitalize on today&rsquo;s market conditions to sell your house or find your dream home.</p>
</div>

Why This Isn't Your Typical Summer Housing Market

<h3 class="kcm-post-minimal-title">Housing Supply Is Rising. What Does That Mean for You?</h3>
<p><img class="attachment-entry size-entry wp-post-image" src="https://files.mykcm.com/2021/07/13104341/20210714-KCM-Share.jpg" border="0" alt="Housing Supply Is Rising. What Does That Mean for You? | MyKCM" width="750" height="410" /><br /><br /></p>
<div class="kcm-post-minimal-content">
<p>An important factor in today&rsquo;s market is the number of homes for sale. While inventory levels continue to sit near historic lows, there are indications<strong>&nbsp;we may have hit the lowest point we&rsquo;ll see</strong>. Odeta Kushi, Deputy Chief Economist at&nbsp;<em>First American,</em>&nbsp;recently&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/odetakushi/status/1407338876155351044" target="_blank" title="said" rel="noopener noreferrer">said</a>&nbsp;of our supply challenges:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>&ldquo;<strong><em>It looks like inventory may have hit a bottom</em></strong><em>&nbsp;(we&rsquo;ve seen this in the higher frequency data as well). Unsold inventory in May was at 2.5 months supply, up from 2.4.</em>&rdquo;</p>
</blockquote>
<p>To put it into perspective, the graph below shows levels of inventory&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/housing-statistics/existing-home-sales" target="_blank" title="rising" rel="noopener noreferrer">rising</a>&nbsp;since the beginning of the year:<a href="https://files.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/07/13104343/20210714-MEM-Eng-1.png?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-98544" src="https://files.mykcm.com/2021/07/13104343/20210714-MEM-Eng-1.png" border="0" alt="Housing Supply Is Rising. What Does That Mean for You? | MyKCM" width="600" height="450" /></a></p>
<p>We&rsquo;re still not close to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/03/29/what-it-means-to-be-in-a-sellers-market/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" target="_blank" title="balanced market" rel="noopener noreferrer">balanced market</a>, which would be a 6 months&rsquo; supply of homes for sale. However, we are seeing a&nbsp;<strong>slow but steady increase in homes coming up for sale.&nbsp;</strong>And that leaves many buyers and sellers wondering the same thing: what does that mean for me?</p>
<h4><strong>Buyers: More Options Are Arriving, so It&rsquo;s Time To Act</strong></h4>
<p>If you&rsquo;re a buyer, more inventory coming to market is a welcome sight. More supply means&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/06/03/dreaming-of-a-bigger-home-why-not-buy-it-this-year/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" target="_blank" title="more options" rel="noopener noreferrer">more options</a>&nbsp;and less competition, which could mean fewer bidding wars.</p>
<p>According to the latest&nbsp;<a href="https://www.realtor.com/research/june-2021-data/" target="_blank" title="Monthly Housing Market Trends Report" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Monthly Housing Market Trends Report</em></a><em>,</em>&nbsp;supply levels are continuing to increase, which is different from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/07/13/why-this-isnt-your-typical-summer-housing-market/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" target="_blank" title="typical summer" rel="noopener noreferrer">typical summer</a>&nbsp;market:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><em>&ldquo;In June, newly listed homes grew by 5.5% on a year-over-year basis, and by 10.9% on a month-over-month basis.&nbsp;<strong>Typically, fewer newly listed homes appear on the market in the month of June compared to May. This year, growth in new listings is continuing later into the summer season, a welcome sign for a tight housing market</strong>.</em>&rdquo;</p>
</blockquote>
<p>If you&rsquo;re having trouble finding your next home, this news should give you the hope and motivation to keep your buying process moving forward. Experts project&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/06/25/homebuyers-hang-in-there-infographic/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" target="_blank" title="mortgage rates" rel="noopener noreferrer">mortgage rates</a>&nbsp;will begin increasing, which will make purchasing a home less affordable as time passes.&nbsp;<strong>You can still capitalize on today&rsquo;s low interest rates, so stick with your search&nbsp;</strong>as more homes come to market<strong>.</strong></p>
<h4><strong>Sellers: Our Supply Challenges Aren&rsquo;t Over Yet, so Now Is the Time To Sell</strong></h4>
<p>If you&rsquo;ve been putting off selling your house, you shouldn&rsquo;t wait much longer. The year&rsquo;s month-over-month gains in homes for sale have helped buyers, but we&rsquo;re still very much in a sellers&rsquo; market.</p>
<p>As the graph below shows, even with the number of homes for sale rising, we&rsquo;re still well below the supply levels we&rsquo;ve seen historically:<a href="https://files.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/07/13104346/20210714-MEM-Eng-2.png?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-98545" src="https://files.mykcm.com/2021/07/13104346/20210714-MEM-Eng-2.png" border="0" alt="Housing Supply Is Rising. What Does That Mean for You? | MyKCM" width="600" height="450" /></a></p>
<p>Of course, more homes are coming to market now, and more are expected in the coming months. Selling&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/05/13/your-house-could-be-the-oasis-in-an-inventory-desert/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" target="_blank" title="your house" rel="noopener noreferrer">your house</a>&nbsp;this summer gives you the chance to&nbsp;<strong>get ahead of the competition and maximize your sales potential before more homes are put up for sale in your neighborhood</strong>.</p>
<h3><strong>Bottom Line</strong></h3>
<p>More homes for sale means more options for buyers and more competition for sellers. Whether you&rsquo;re looking to buy or sell, let&rsquo;s connect today to discuss your options and why it&rsquo;s still a good time to make your move.</p>
</div>

Housing Supply is Rising, What Does That Mean for You?

<h3 class="kcm-post-minimal-title">4 Major Incentives To Sell This Summer</h3>
<p><img class="attachment-entry size-entry wp-post-image" src="https://files.mykcm.com/2021/07/06144227/20210712-KCM-Share.jpg" border="0" alt="4 Major Incentives To Sell This Summer | MyKCM" width="750" height="410" /><br /><br /></p>
<div class="kcm-post-minimal-content">
<p>While the housing market forecast for the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/06/30/what-do-experts-see-on-the-horizon-for-the-second-half-of-the-year/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" target="_blank" title="second half" rel="noopener noreferrer">second half</a>&nbsp;of the year remains positive, there may not be a better time to sell than right now. Here are four things to consider if you&rsquo;re trying to decide if now&rsquo;s the right time to make a move.</p>
<h4><strong>1. Your House Will Likely Sell Quickly</strong></h4>
<p>According to the most recent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/realtors-confidence-index" target="_blank" title="Realtors Confidence Index" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em>Realtors Confidence Index</em></a>&nbsp;released by the&nbsp;<em>National Association of Realtors&nbsp;</em>(NAR), homes continue to sell quickly. The report notes&nbsp;<strong>homes are selling in an average of just 17 days</strong>.</p>
<p>Average days on market is a strong indicator of buyer competition, and homes selling quickly is a great sign for sellers. It&rsquo;s one of several factors that indicate buyers are motivated to do what it takes to purchase the home of their dreams.</p>
<h4><strong>2. Buyers Are Willing To Compete for Your House</strong></h4>
<p>In addition to selling fast, homes are receiving multiple offers. NAR&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/realtors-confidence-index" target="_blank" title="reports" rel="noopener noreferrer">reports</a>&nbsp;sellers are seeing<strong>&nbsp;an average of 5 offers</strong>, and these offers are competitive ones. Shawn Telford, Chief Appraiser at<em>&nbsp;CoreLogic</em>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/business/homebuyers-increasingly-willing-to-pay-above-asking-price/" target="_blank" title="said" rel="noopener noreferrer">said</a>&nbsp;in a recent interview:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><em>&ldquo;<strong>The frequency of buyers being willing to pay more than the market data supports is increasing.</strong>&rdquo;</em></p>
</blockquote>
<p>This confirms buyers are ready and willing to enter&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/06/21/5-things-homebuyers-need-to-know-when-making-an-offer/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" target="_blank" title="bidding wars" rel="noopener noreferrer">bidding wars</a>&nbsp;for your home. Receiving several offers on your house means you can select the one that&nbsp;<strong>makes the most sense for your situation and financial well-being.</strong></p>
<h4><strong>3. When Supply Is Low, Your House Is in the Spotlight</strong></h4>
<p>One of the most significant challenges for motivated buyers is the current inventory of homes for sale, which while improving, remains at near-record lows. As NAR&nbsp;<a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2021/06/22/2251149/0/en/Existing-Home-Sales-Experience-Slight-Skid-of-0-9-in-May.html" target="_blank" title="details" rel="noopener noreferrer">details</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><em>&ldquo;Total housing inventory at the end of May amounted to 1.23 million units, up 7.0% from April's inventory and down 20.6% from one year ago (1.55 million).&nbsp;<strong>Unsold inventory sits at a 2.5-month supply at the present sales pace, marginally up from April's 2.4-month supply but down from 4.6-months in May 2020.&rdquo;</strong></em></p>
</blockquote>
<p>There are signs, however, that more homes are coming to market. Odeta Kushi, Deputy Chief Economist at&nbsp;<em>First American</em>,&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/odetakushi/status/1407344750534041615" target="_blank" title="notes" rel="noopener noreferrer">notes</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><em>&ldquo;It looks like existing inventory is&nbsp;<strong>starting to inch up, which is good news for a housing market parched for more supply.</strong>&rdquo;</em></p>
</blockquote>
<p>If you&rsquo;re looking to take advantage of buyer demand and get the most&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/05/13/your-house-could-be-the-oasis-in-an-inventory-desert/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" target="_blank" title="attention" rel="noopener noreferrer">attention</a>&nbsp;for your house, selling now before more listings come to the market might be your best option.</p>
<h4><strong>4. If You&rsquo;re Thinking of Moving Up, Now May Be the Time</strong></h4>
<p>Over the past 12 months, homeowners have gained a significant amount of wealth through growing equity. In that same period, homeowners have also spent a considerable amount of time in their homes, and many have decided their house doesn&rsquo;t meet their needs.</p>
<p>If you&rsquo;re not happy with your current home,&nbsp;<strong>you can leverage that equity to power your move now.</strong>&nbsp;Your equity, plus current low mortgage rates, can help you maximize your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/03/30/how-a-change-in-mortgage-rate-impacts-your-homebuying-budget/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" target="_blank" title="purchasing power" rel="noopener noreferrer">purchasing power</a>.</p>
<p>But these near-historic low rates won&rsquo;t last forever. Experts forecast interest rates will increase in the coming months. Nadia Evangelou, Senior Economist and Director of Forecasting at NAR<em>,&nbsp;</em><a href="https://www.nar.realtor/blogs/economists-outlook/instant-reaction-mortgage-rates-june-17-2021" target="_blank" title="says" rel="noopener noreferrer">says</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p><em>&ldquo;Nevertheless, as the economic outlook for the United States looks brighter for the rest of the year,&nbsp;<strong>mortgage rates are expected to rise in the following months</strong>.&rdquo;</em></p>
</blockquote>
<p>As interest rates rise, even modestly, it could influence buyer demand and your purchasing power.&nbsp;<strong>If you&rsquo;ve been waiting for the&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/05/06/why-waiting-to-buy-a-home-could-cost-you-a-small-fortune/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" target="_blank" title="best time to sell" rel="noopener noreferrer"><strong>best time to sell</strong></a><strong>&nbsp;to fuel your move up, you likely won&rsquo;t find more favorable conditions than those we&rsquo;re seeing today.</strong></p>
<h3><strong>Bottom Line</strong></h3>
<p>With supply challenges, low mortgage rates, and extremely motivated buyers, sellers are well-positioned to take advantage of current market conditions right now. If you&rsquo;re thinking about selling, let&rsquo;s connect today to discuss why it makes sense to list your home sooner rather than later.</p>
</div>

4 Major Incentives To Sell This Summer

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Should I Update My House Before I Sell | Austin Market Realty

<h3><strong>Should I Update My House Before I Sell It? [INFOGRAPHIC]</strong></h3><p><img src="https://files.mykcm.com/2021/11/10102242/20211112-MEM-1046x1723.png"></p><p><br></p><h3><strong>Some Highlights</strong></h3><ul><li>If you’re deciding whether you should make&nbsp;<a href="https://www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2021/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">updates</a>&nbsp;before you&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/11/09/how-sellers-win-when-housing-inventory-is-low/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">sell</a>&nbsp;your house, lean on your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/09/29/dont-tackle-selling-your-home-on-your-own-an-agent-can-help/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">agent</a>&nbsp;to be your guide.</li><li>If the market is flooded with houses for sale, updates may be necessary for your house to stand out. In our current&nbsp;<a href="https://cdn.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/documents/2021-09-realtors-confidence-index-10-21-2021.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">sellers’ market</a>, the added expenses might not be worth it.</li><li>Let’s connect so you have expert advice on which updates are important in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2021/09/24/its-still-a-sellers-market-infographic/?a=765156-1cb73eeda53a843d1b75c95da6a8f67e" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">today’s market</a>.</li></ul><p><br></p>

Should I Update My House Before I Sell

Published 11/14/2021 | Posted by Christina Griego

Should I Update My House Before I Sell It? [INFOGRAPHIC]

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