Buyer Demand Still Outpacing the Supply of Homes for Sale

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The price of any item is determined by the supply of that item, as well as market demand. The National Association of REALTORS (NAR) surveys “over 50,000 real estate practitioners about their expectations for home sales, prices and market conditions” for their monthly REALTORS Confidence Index.

Their latest edition sheds some light on the relationship between Seller Traffic (supply) and Buyer Traffic (demand).

Buyer Demand

The map below was created after asking the question: “How would you rate buyer traffic in your area?”

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The darker the blue, the stronger the demand for homes in that area. Only four states had a ‘stable’ demand level.

Seller Supply

The index also asked: “How would you rate seller traffic in your area?”

As you can see from the map below, 25 states reported ‘weak’ seller traffic, 21 states reported ‘stable’ seller traffic, 3 states and Washington D.C. reported ‘strong’ seller traffic, and only 1 state reported ‘very strong’ seller traffic. This means there are far fewer homes on the market than what is needed to satisfy the buyers who are out looking for their dream homes.

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Bottom Line

Looking at the maps above, it is not hard to see why prices are appreciating in many areas of the country. Until the supply of homes for sale starts to meet buyer demand, prices will continue to increase. If you are debating listing your home for sale, let’s get together to help you capitalize on the demand in the market now!

Just Listed in Sherwood Forest!

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4010 Loyelisa Court  |  Sherwood Forest  |  Winston Salem

This breathtaking custom home sits on a private park like setting in lovely Sherwood Forest. The luxury buyer will appreciate the attention to detail including custom stone fireplace and 300 year old reclaimed hardwood floors. This home boasts warm and inviting oversized rooms - perfect for entertaining! Large chef's kitchen is a gourmet's dream! Enjoy the comfortable screen porch or cozy up to the outdoor fireplace on those cooler nights. Plenty of room for storage or future additions. 

http://bit.ly/4010LoyelisaCt 

5 Reasons Why to Sell This Spring!

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Here are five reasons listing your home for sale this spring makes sense.

1. Demand Is Strong

The latest Buyer Traffic Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows that buyer demand remains very strong throughout the vast majority of the country. These buyers are ready, willing and able to purchase…and are in the market right now! More often than not, multiple buyers are competing with each other to buy a home.

Take advantage of the buyer activity currently in the market.

2. There Is Less Competition Now

Housing inventory has declined year over year for the last 32 months and is still under the 6-month supply needed for a normal housing market. This means that, in the majority of the country, there are not enough homes for sale to satisfy the number of buyers in the market. This is good news for homeowners who have gained equity as their home values have increased. However, additional inventory could be coming to the market soon.

Historically, the average number of years a homeowner stayed in their home was six but has hovered between nine and ten years since 2011. There is a pent-up desire for many homeowners to move as they were unable to sell over the last few years because of a negative equity situation. As home values continue to appreciate, more and more homeowners will be given the freedom to move.

The choices buyers have will continue to increase. Don’t wait until this other inventory comes to market before you decide to sell.

3. The Process Will Be Quicker

Today’s competitive environment has forced buyers to do all they can to stand out from the crowd, including getting pre-approved for their mortgage financing. This makes the entire selling process much faster and much simpler as buyers know exactly what they can afford before home shopping. According to Ellie Mae’s latest Origination Insights Report, the average time it took to close a loan was 45 days.

4. There Will Never Be a Better Time to Move Up

If your next move will be into a premium or luxury home, now is the time to move up! The inventory of homes for sale at these higher price ranges has forced these markets into a buyer’s market. This means that if you are planning on selling a starter or trade-up home, your home will sell quickly, AND you’ll be able to find a premium home to call your own!

Prices are projected to appreciate by 4.8% over the next year according to CoreLogic. If you are moving to a higher-priced home, it will wind up costing you more in raw dollars (both in down payment and mortgage payment) if you wait.

5. It’s Time to Move on With Your Life

Look at the reason you decided to sell in the first place and determine whether it is worth waiting. Is money more important than being with family? Is money more important than your health? Is money more important than having the freedom to go on with your life the way you think you should?

Only you know the answers to the questions above. You have the power to take control of the situation by putting your home on the market. Perhaps the time has come for you and your family to move on and start living the life you desire.

That is what is truly important.

Are You Aware of How Much Equity You Have in Your Home? You May Be Surprised!

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CoreLogic’s latest Equity Report revealed that 675,000 US homeowners regained positive equity in their homes in 2017. This is great news for the country, as 95.1% of all mortgaged properties are now in a positive equity situation.

U.S homeowners with mortgages (roughly 63% of all the properties) have seen their equity increase by a total of $908.4 billion since the fourth quarter 2016, an increase of 12.2%, year over year.”

Price Appreciation = Good News for Homeowners

Frank Nothaft, CoreLogic’s Chief Economist, explains:

Home-price growth has been the primary driver of home-equity wealth creation. The CoreLogic Home Price Index grew 6.2 percent during 2017. The largest calendar-year increase since 2013. Likewise, the average growth in home equity was more than $15,000 during 2017, the most in four years.”

He also believes this is a great sign for the market in 2018, saying:

“Because wealth gains spur additional consumer purchases, the rise in home-equity wealth during 2017 should add more than $50 billion to U.S. consumption spending over the next two to three years.”  

This is great news for homeowners! But, do they realize that their equity position has changed?

A study by Fannie Mae suggests that many homeowners are not aware that they have regained equity in their homes as their investment has increased in value. For example, their study showed that 23% of Americans still believe their home is in a negative equity position when, in actuality, CoreLogic’s report shows that only 4.9% of homes are in that position (down from 6.3% in Q4 2016).

The study also revealed that only 37% of Americans believe that they have “significant equity” (greater than 20%) when in actuality, 83% do!

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This means that 46% of Americans with a mortgage fail to realize the opportune situation they are in. With a sizeable equity position, many homeowners could easily move into a house (either larger or smaller) that better meets their current needs.

Fannie Mae spoke out on this issue in their report:

“Homeowners who underestimate their homes’ values not only underestimate their home equity, they also likely underestimate 1) how large a down payment they could make with their home equity, 2) their chances of qualifying for mortgages, and, therefore, 3) their opportunities for selling their current homes and for buying different homes.”

Bottom Line

If you are one of the many Americans who is unsure of how much equity you have built in your home, don’t let that be the reason you fail to move on to your dream home in 2018! Let’s get together to evaluate your situation!

Open Houses for Sunday, March 18th

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100 Rosedown Court | Winston Salem

Greenbrier Farm executive home sits on a hard to find flat fenced lot! Fabulous great room is an entertainer's delight with lovely arch windows and built-ins. A main level bedroom could be used as a home office complete with a full bath. The master bedroom suite, on the upper level, is huge with new flooring. Walkout basement & 5th BR/bath complete this wonderful home. Neighborhood amentities include trails, pool, ponds stocked with fish and more! 

http://bit.ly/100RosedownCt  

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1025 Fallbrook Lane  |  Lewisville

Lovely 2-story home in popular Arbor Run presents a warm and inviting place to call home. Features include elegant living and dining areas, recently updated kitchen, spacious master suite with gorgeous trey ceiling and master bath w/jetted tub and separate shower. Gorgeous millwork and mouldings throughout. Walk up attic for extra storage! Finished basement area would make a great recreation room, playroom or office. Relax on the back deck overlooking a beautiful backyard with fence!

http://bit.ly/1025FallbrookLn 

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104 Brampton Court  |  Winston Salem

Don't miss seeing this Allerton Place beauty that is move-in ready! Immaculate with neutral finishes throughout awaiting your personal decor style. Kitchen island, beautiful sunroom, master bedroom with ensuite w/sep garden tub and shower. Updates throughout this 4BR, 3.5BA home with large basement room and nice deck and patio area overlooking backyard.  

http://bit.ly/104BramptonCt

To Survey Property or Not to Survey Property

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First a little information on the different types of surveys.  The most common type of survey when purchasing property is a location survey.  This includes the boundaries of a property according to the description in the recorded deed, along with any improvements within the boundaries, such as the house, outside buildings, fences, streets and drives.  A map showing the boundaries and improvements within the boundaries is prepared and any missing corner markers are replaced. It will also address the issue of whether the property is in a flood plain.   Some other types of surveys are topographic surveys, site planning surveys, subdivision surveys, construction surveys and GPS surveys.

The cost of surveys will vary and is influenced by factors including, but not limited to size and shape, density of property, etc.

The only persons who may legally perform a valid survey in NC are those who are actively licensed by the NC Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors.

Why have a survey?  Buyers who order a survey can, for a relatively small price, have peace of mind concerning boundaries rather than relying on the sellers or  third party statements regarding property lines.  As a Realtor, I always recommend to buyer clients that they obtain a survey, but the ultimate decision rests with the buyer or the buyer’s mortgage lender.

Contributed by Carol Hudson

Broker-in-Charge, Karin Head Realty

7 Factors to Consider When Choosing A Home to Retire In

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As more and more baby boomers enter retirement age, the question of whether or not to sell their homes and move will become a hot topic. In today’s housing market climate, with low available inventory in the starter and trade-up home categories, it makes sense to evaluate your home’s ability to adapt to your needs in retirement.

According to the National Association of Exclusive Buyers Agents (NAEBA), there are 7 factors that you should consider when choosing your retirement home.

1. Affordability

“It may be easy enough to purchase your home today but think long-term about your monthly costs. Account for property taxes, insurance, HOA fees, utilities – all the things that will be due whether or not you have a mortgage on the property.

Would moving to a complex with homeowner association fees actually be cheaper than having to hire all the contractors you would need to maintain your home, lawn, etc.? Would your taxes go down significantly if you relocated? What is your monthly income going to be like in retirement?

2. Equity

“If you have equity in your current home, you may be able to apply it to the purchase of your next home. Maintaining a healthy amount of home equity gives you a source of emergency funds to tap, via a home equity loan or reverse mortgage.”

The equity you have in your current home may be enough to purchase your retirement home with little to no mortgage. Homeowners in the US gained an average of over $14,000 in equity last year.

3. Maintenance

“As we age, our tolerance for cleaning gutters, raking leaves and shoveling snow can go right out the window. A condominium with low-maintenance needs can be a literal lifesaver, if your health or physical abilities decline.”

As we mentioned earlier, would a condo with an HOA fee be worth the added peace of mind of not having to do the maintenance work yourself?

4. Security

“Elderly homeowners can be targets for scams or break-ins. Living in a home with security features, such as a manned gate house, resident-only access and a security system can bring peace of mind.”

As scary as that thought may be, any additional security and an extra set of eyes looking out for you always adds to peace of mind.

5. Pets

“Renting won’t do if the dog can’t come too! The companionship of pets can provide emotional and physical benefits.”

Evaluate all of your options when it comes to bringing your ‘furever’ friend with you to a new home. Will there be necessary additional deposits if you are renting or in a condo? Is the backyard fenced in? How far are you from your favorite veterinarian?

6. Mobility

“No one wants to picture themselves in a wheelchair or a walker, but the home layout must be able to accommodate limited mobility.”

Sixty is the new 40, right? People are living longer and are more active in retirement, but that doesn’t mean that down the road you won’t need your home to be more accessible. Installing handrails and making sure your hallways and doorways are wide enough may be a good reason to look for a home that was built to accommodate these needs.

7. Convenience

“Is the new home close to the golf course, or to shopping and dining? Do you have amenities within easy walking distance? This can add to home value!”

How close are you to your children and grandchildren? Would relocating to a new area make visits with family easier or more frequent? Beyond being close to your favorite stores and restaurants, there are a lot of factors to consider.

Bottom Line

When it comes to your forever home, evaluating your current house for its ability to adapt with you as you age can be the first step to guaranteeing your comfort in retirement. If after considering all these factors you find yourself curious about your options, let’s get together to evaluate your ability to sell your house in today’s market and get you into your dream retirement home!

2700 Greenwich Road is Under Contract!

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2700 Greenwich Road  |  Westview  |  Winston Salem

As soon as you arrive, this stately home displays nothing but classic beauty. The 5 bedroom / 3.5 bath stunner has  spacious living and dining areas for entertaining. Lovely arched doorways open to a great room complete with a large stone fireplace! Kitchen has new cabinetry, gas cooktop, wall ovens, stainless steel appliances, subway tile, and so much more! The comfy master suite beckons with fireplace and amazing en-suite bath! Tons of storage, walk-up attic. The brick walled patio overlooks a private fenced yard - completing the timeless atmosphere and truly making this a home you must see!

http://bit.ly/2700GreenwichRd 

Are you Ready to Buy a Home?

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Purchasing a home is one of the largest financial decisions you may make in your lifetime. While there are many benefits to home ownership, it is not something you want to jump in to until you are sure that you are ready. Here are a few questions to ask yourself to determine if you are ready to buy a home.

  1. Are you planning to stay? Buying a home may seem like the right thing to do if your monthly mortgage payment would be less than paying your rent, but if you’re not planning to stay in the home for five to seven years, it may not be worth it. There are other costs of home ownership such as down payments, mortgage related fees, home maintenance and repair expenses that can make short-term home ownership more expensive than renting.
  2. Is the timing right? Timing is another crucial element in homebuyer readiness. If your lease doesn’t expire for many months, or you need or move within 30 days, buying may not be a practical option right now. Flexibility is key. The ideal home buying situation is to be ready to buy if you find a home you want, but also to be able to wait if you don’t find the right fit.
  3. Have you saved enough for a down payment and other expenses? Saving a sizeable amount for your down payment, your emergency fund, moving expenses and home maintenance costs is another factor in being ready to purchase a home. If you do not have enough money saved for these things, it is probably best to wait to purchase a home until you do.
  4. Is your income reliable? When you take on a mortgage, you’re entering into a serious long-term financial commitment. You need to be confident that you will be able to afford your mortgage payment a year from now, and even 10 to 20 years from now.
  5. How is your credit? While your credit score does not need to be perfect to apply for a home loan, it is important that you have a good credit history as well as a decent score. There are several free services available to you to check your credit score. I can help you better understand what kind of credit score you need to apply for a home loan.

Contributed by Ashley McKenzie-Sharpe  

Phone: 336-748-4599    |    ashleym@fairwaymc.com

You Can Save for a Down Payment Faster Than You Think!

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Saving for a down payment is often the biggest hurdle for a first-time homebuyer. Depending on where you live, median income, median rents, and home prices all vary. So, we set out to find out how long it would take to save for a down payment in each state.

Using data from the United States Census Bureau and Zillow, we determined how long it would take, nationwide, for a first-time buyer to save enough money for a down payment on their dream home. There is a long-standing ‘rule’ that a household should not pay more than 28% of their income on their monthly housing expense.

By determining the percentage of income spent renting in each state, and the amount needed for a 10% down payment, we were able to establish how long (in years) it would take for an average resident to save enough money to buy a home of their own.

According to the data, residents in Ohio can save for a down payment the quickest in just under 3 years (2.44). Below is a map that was created using the data for each state:

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What if you only needed to save 3%?

What if you were able to take advantage of one of Freddie Mac’s or Fannie Mae’s 3%-down programs? Suddenly, saving for a down payment no longer takes 5 or 10 years, but becomes possible in a year or two in many states as shown on the map below.

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Bottom Line

Whether you have just started to save for a down payment, or have been saving for years, you may be closer to your dream home than you think! Let’s meet up so I can help you evaluate your ability to buy today.

Home Prices: The Difference 5 Years Makes

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The economists at CoreLogic recently released a special report entitled, Evaluating the Housing Market Since the Great Recession. The goal of the report was to look at economic recovery since the Great Recession of December 2007 through June 2009.

One of the key indicators used in the report to determine the health of the housing market was home price appreciation. CoreLogic focused on appreciation from December 2012 to December 2017 to show how prices over the last five years have fared.

Frank Nothaft, Chief Economist at CoreLogic, commented on the importance of breaking out the data by state,

“Homeowners in the United States experienced a run-up in prices from the early 2000s to 2006, and then saw the trend reverse with steady declines through 2011. After finally reaching bottom in 2011, home prices began a slow rise back to where we are now.

Greater demand and lower supply – as well as booming job markets – have given some of the hardest-hit housing markets a boost in home prices. Yet, many are still not back to pre-crash levels.”

The map below was created to show the 5-year appreciation from December 2012 – December 2017 by state.

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Nationally, the cumulative appreciation over the five-year period was 37.4%, with a high of 66% in Nevada, and a modest increase of 5% in Connecticut.

Where were prices expected to go?

Every quarter, Pulsenomics surveys a nationwide panel of over 100 economists, real estate experts, and investment and market strategists and asks them to project how residential home prices will appreciate over the next five years for their Home Price Expectation Survey (HPES).

According to the December 2012 survey results, national homes prices were projected to increase cumulatively by 23.1% by December 2017. The bulls of the group predicted home prices to rise by 33.6%, while the more cautious bears predicted an appreciation of 11.2%.

Where are prices headed in the next 5 years?

Data from the most recent HPES shows that home prices are expected to increase by 18.2% over the next 5 years. The bulls of the group predict home prices to rise by 27.4%, while the more cautious bears predict an appreciation of 8.3%.

Bottom Line

Every day, thousands of homeowners regain positive equity in their homes. Some homeowners are now experiencing values even higher than before the Great Recession. If you’re wondering if you have enough equity to sell your house and move on to your dream home, let’s get together to discuss conditions in our neighborhood!

Competition is Coming, Are You Thinking of Selling Your Home?

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The number of building permits issued for single-family homes is the best indicator of how many newly built homes will rise over the next few months. According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau and U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development Residential Sales Report, the number of these permits were up 7.4% over last year.

How will this impact buyers?

More inventory means more options. Lawrence Yun, NAR’s Chief Economist, explained this is good news for the housing market – especially for those looking to buy:

“This rise in single-family housing construction will help tame home price growth, and the increase in multifamily units should continue to help slow rent growth.”

How will this impact sellers?

More inventory means more competition. Today, because of the tremendous lack of inventory, a seller can expect:

  1. A great price on their home as buyers outbid each other for it
  2. A quick sale as buyers have so little to choose from
  3. Fewer hassles as buyers don’t want to “rock the boat” on the deal

With an increase in competition, the seller may not enjoy these same benefits. As Chief Economist Nela Richardson, added:

“Because existing home inventory has been so low for so long, new construction is taking a larger share of the market…Builders meet the buyers and see the demand firsthand.”

Bottom Line

If you are considering selling your house, you’ll want to beat this new competition to market to ensure you get the most attention for your listing and the best price.

Home Improvements with the Highest Return on Investment

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Whether you are planning to list your home soon or simply considering what home projects to do next, it is important to know which ones will add the most value to your home. If you want to take advantage of this low inventory market by listing, let’s talk sooner than later about your plans! In the meantime, these improvements could add up to a better offer on your home.

Attic Insulation – While it may be surprising that such a simple project can add so much value, additional home insulation, especially in the attic, has one of the highest returns on investment. Increasing your insulation can give over a 100% return without being an expensive or time-consuming project.

Garage Door – Replacing your garage door is another item that is high on the list of desired home renovations. According to Renovation Magazine, home sellers recoup 84% of the investment of replacing a garage door. A whiter, cleaner door will help with curb appeal or give a more modern look.

Landscaping – Curb appeal is vital to making a great first impression on prospective homebuyers. Home landscape upgrades can offer sellers over 100% returns on their investments. A lawn service, fresh mulch, planted flowers and clean edges will all help to wow buyers.

Minor Kitchen and Bathroom Upgrades – Kitchen and bathroom upgrades that include cabinets and updated finishes are sometimes all that is needed to impress sellers and regain some of the original investment. Alternatively, a complete kitchen and bathroom remodel can often be costly and may not be the style that homebuyers prefer, resulting in possible money lost.

Additions – Another way to boost the value of your home is by increasing square footage. This could come in the form of an addition or completing an unfinished space such as the basement. Sellers can expect to regain a large portion on their investment of with a home addition.

Contributed by Ashley McKenzie-Sharpe  

Phone: 336-748-4599    |    ashleym@fairwaymc.com

Real Estate Minute

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Real Estate Minute: Recent polling showed 80% of buyers in the Triad prefer a main level master bedroom to an upper level master. But the 20% still want to be upstairs (and typically) close to their children. Builders really need to put dual masters in homes over $400,000 for resale. That’s just prudent for resale. A master suite can be built anywhere, we’ve even seen it on the third floor or in a basement. It’s all really a matter of preference. And, who couldn’t use a little more exercise of climbing those stairs!!! ❤️karin

UNDER CONTRACT in record time!!

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1711 Harper Spring Drive | Springfield Farms | Clemmons

This beautiful home is the one you have been looking for! Charming 1.5 story Cape Cod home features 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. Living area has built in shelving. Large kitchen and eat in area. Main level master bedroom, 2 large bedrooms upstairs. Basement has another room that is perfect for a home office, playroom or recreational space! Enjoy the pergola covered deck and overlook the fenced backyard! Hurry this home won't last long! 

http://bit.ly/1711HarperSpringDr 

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4304 Walnut Hollow Drive  |  Winston Salem  

You won't want to miss an opportunity to see this adorable Cape Cod home! Quaint 3 bedroom 2 bath home in a convenient location to 52 and downtown Winston Salem. Cozy living areas, master bedroom on the main level. Great deck with pergola overlooking the backyard. This is the one you are looking for - schedule an appointment today!  

http://bit.ly/4304WalnutHollowDr

It’s Tax Season… Use Your Refund to Jump Start Your Down Payment Savings!

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According to data released by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Americans can expect an estimated average refund of $2,840 this year when filing their taxes. This is down slightly from the average refund of $2,895, last year.

Tax refunds are often thought of as ‘extra money’ that can be used toward larger goals; for anyone looking to buy a home in 2018, this can be a great jump start toward a down payment!

The map below shows the average tax refund Americans received last year by state. (The refunds received for the 2017 tax year should continue to reflect these numbers as the new tax code will go into effect for 2018 tax filings.)

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Many first-time buyers believe that a 20% down payment is required to qualify for a mortgage. Programs from the Federal Housing Authority, Freddie Mac, and Fannie Mae all allow for down payments as low as 3%, with Veterans Affairs Loans allowing many veterans to purchase a home with 0% down.

If you started your down payment savings with your tax refund check this year, how close would you be to a 3% down payment?

The map below shows what percentage of a 3% down payment is covered by the average tax refund by taking into account the median price of homes sold by state.

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The darker the blue, the closer your tax refund gets you to homeownership! For those in Alabama looking to purchase their first homes, their tax refund could potentially get them 69% closer to that dream!

Bottom Line

Saving for a down payment can seem like a daunting task. But the more you know about what’s required, the more prepared you can be to make the best decision for you and your family! This tax season, your refund could be your key to homeownership!

Top 5 Reasons to Hire a Real Estate Professional When Buying or Selling!

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Whether you are buying or selling a home it can be quite the adventure, which is why you need an experienced real estate professional to guide you on the path to achieving your ultimate goal. But in this world of instant gratification and internet searches, many sellers think that they can ‘For Sale by Owner’ or ‘FSBO.’

The 5 reasons you NEED a real estate professional in your corner haven’t changed but have rather been strengthened by the projections of higher mortgage interest rates & home prices as the market continues to pick up steam.

1. What do you do with all this paperwork?

Each state has different regulations regarding the contracts required for a successful sale, and these regulations are constantly changing. A true real estate professional is an expert in his or her market and can guide you through the stacks of paperwork necessary to make your dream a reality.

2. Ok, so you found your dream house, now what?

There are over 180 possible steps that need to take place during every successful real estate transaction. Don’t you want someone who has been there before, someone who knows what these actions are, to make sure that you achieve your dream?

3. Are you a good negotiator?

So maybe you’re not convinced that you need an agent to sell your home. After looking at the list of parties that you will need to be prepared to negotiate with, you’ll soon realize the value in selecting a real estate professional. From the buyers (who want the best deals possible), to the home inspection companies, all the way to the appraisers, there are at least 11 different people who you will need to be knowledgeable of, and answer to, during the process.

4. What is the home you’re buying/selling really worth?

It is important for your home to be priced correctly from the start to attract the right buyers and shorten the amount of time that it’s on the market. You need someone who is not emotionally connected to your home to give you the truth as to your home’s value. According to a study by Collateral Analytics, FSBOs achieve prices significantly lower than those from similar properties sold by real estate agents:

“FSBOs tend to sell for lower prices than comparable home sales, and in many cases below the average differential represented by the prevailing commission rate.”

Get the most out of your transaction by hiring a professional.

5. Do you know what’s really going on in the market?

There is so much information out there on the news and on the internet about home sales, prices, and mortgage rates; how do you know what’s going on specifically in your area? Who do you turn to in order to competitively and correctly price your home at the beginning of the selling process? How do you know what to offer on your dream home without paying too much, or offending the seller with a lowball offer?

Dave Ramsey, the financial guru, advises:

“When getting help with money, whether it’s insurance, real estate or investments, you should always look for someone with the heart of a teacher, not the heart of a salesman.”

Hiring an agent who has his or her finger on the pulse of the market will make your buying or selling experience an educated one. You need someone who is going to tell you the truth, not just what they think you want to hear.

Bottom Line

You wouldn’t replace the engine in your car without a trusted mechanic, so why would you make one of the most important financial decisions of your life without hiring a real estate professional?