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March 24, 2023

Why Buying a Home Is a Sound Decision

Why Buying a Home Is a Sound Decision

 

If you’re thinking about buying a home, you want to know the decision will be a good one. And for many, that means thinking about what home prices are projected to do in the coming years and how that could impact your investment.

This year, we aren’t seeing home prices fall dramatically. As the year goes on, however, some markets may go up in value while others may lose value. That’s why it’s helpful to keep the long-term view in mind. Experts project a return to a steadier rate of price appreciation in the years that follow.

Home Price Appreciation in the Years Ahead

Over 100 economists, investment strategists, and housing market analysts were polled by Pulsenomics in their latest quarterly Home Price Expectation Survey (HPES). The report indicates what they believe will happen with home prices over the next five years. As the graph below shows, after mild depreciation this year, these experts forecast home prices will return to more normal levels of appreciation through 2027.

The big takeaway is experts aren’t forecasting a drastic fall in home prices nationally, even though some markets will see home price appreciation while others may depreciate. And when they look further out, they see steady price appreciation in the long run. That’s a great example of why homeownership wins over time.

What Does This Mean for You?

Once you buy a home, price appreciation raises your home’s value, and that grows your household wealth. Here’s how a typical home’s value could change over the next few years using the expert price appreciation projections from the survey mentioned above (see graph below):

In this example, if you bought a $400,000 home at the beginning of this year and factor in the forecast from the HPES, you could accumulate over $54,000 in household wealth over the next five years. So, if you’re wondering if buying a home is a sound decision, keep in mind what a strong wealth-building tool it is long term.

Bottom Line

According to the experts, while we may see slight depreciation this year, home prices are expected to grow over the next five years. If you’re ready to become a homeowner, know that buying today can set you up for long-term success as home values (and your own net worth) are projected to grow. Let’s connect to begin the homebuying process today.

Posted in Buying
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March 17, 2023

5 Reason to Move to South Carolina

Hey there! Are you thinking about moving to South Carolina? Well, you're in luck because I've got some great reasons why this state is an awesome place to call home. And when it comes to finding your dream home, let me tell you, the Expert Real Estate Team has got you covered. We'll make the process quick and easy so you can focus on settling into your new Southern lifestyle.

 

So, here are five reasons why people move to South Carolina:

 

The Weather: South Carolina has mild winters and hot summers, making it a great place for those who love a little bit of everything. Plus, the state is filled with beaches, lakes, and mountains, providing endless opportunities for outdoor activities year-round.

 

The Food: From low-country boils to sweet tea, South Carolina is known for its delicious Southern cuisine. And if you're a foodie, you'll love the many farm-to-table restaurants that offer fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.

 

The History: South Carolina played a significant role in the American Civil War and has a rich history that's evident in its many historic sites and landmarks. If you're a history buff, you'll love exploring the state's many museums, battlefields, and plantations.

 

The People: South Carolinians are known for their Southern hospitality and welcoming nature. You'll quickly feel at home here and may even make some lifelong friends.

 

The Cost of Living: South Carolina is one of the most affordable states in the country. With low taxes, affordable housing, and plenty of job opportunities, you can enjoy a high quality of life without breaking the bank.

 

Now, when it comes to finding your dream home in South Carolina, the Expert Real Estate Team is here to help. We know the area like the back of our hand and can help you find the perfect home for your needs and budget. Plus, we'll make the process quick and easy, so you can start enjoying all that South Carolina has to offer in no time. So why wait? Contact us today and let's get started on finding your dream home in the Palmetto State!

 

Posted in Upstate Living
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March 13, 2023

4 Ways Homeowners Can Use Their Equity

Your equity is a powerful tool that can help you achieve your goals as a homeowner. And chances are, your equity grew substantially over the past year. According to the latest Equity Insights Report from CoreLogic, homeowners gained an average of $51,500 in equity over the past year.

If you’re looking for the best ways to use your growing equity, here are four options:

1. Use Your Equity To Buy a Home That Fits Your Needs

If you’re finding you no longer have the space you need, it might be time to move into a larger home. Or, it’s possible you have too much space and would like something smaller. No matter the situation, consider using your equity to power a move into a home that fits your changing lifestyle. Moving into a larger home can provide extra space for remote work or loved ones. Downsizing, on the other hand, may mean saving time and money by caring for a smaller home.

2. Move to the Location of Your Dreams

If the size of your home isn’t a challenge but your current location is, it could be time to relocate to a new area. Maybe you enjoy vacationing in the mountains, at the beach, or another area, and you’re dreaming of living there year-round. Or perhaps the distance between you and your loved ones is greater than you’d like, and you want to close the gap. No matter what, your home equity can fuel your move to the location where you really want to live.

3. Start a New Business

If you’re not ready to move into a new home, you can use your equity to invest in a new business venture. As the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy says:

“There is an estimate of 31.7 million small business owners in the United States, many of them started their business with the equity they had in their home.”

While it’s not recommended that homeowners use their equity for unnecessary spending, leveraging your equity to start a business that you’re passionate about can potentially grow your nest egg further.

4. Fund an Education

Whether you have a loved one preparing to head off to college or you’re planning to go back to school yourself, the thought of paying for higher education can be daunting. In either situation, using a portion of your growing equity can help with those costs, so you can make an investment in someone’s future.

Bottom Line

 

Your equity can help you achieve your goals. If you’re unsure how much equity you have in your home, let’s connect today so you can start planning your next move.

Posted in Home Tips
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March 3, 2023

Should I Remodel My House Before Selling?

Remodeling your home before selling can be a tough decision to make. It's not always clear whether it's worth investing in renovations and upgrades to attract potential buyers and increase the sale price, or if it's better to sell the property as-is and avoid the expense and hassle of remodeling. If you're planning to sell your home in Greenville, SC, in 2023, you may be wondering whether you should consider remodeling. Here are three points to consider:

1. Remodeling can increase the sale price of your home One of the main reasons why homeowners consider remodeling before selling is to increase the sale price of their property. Upgrading the kitchen, adding a new bathroom, or finishing the basement can make your home more attractive to potential buyers and increase its value. According to a report by Remodeling Magazine, minor kitchen remodels and bathroom additions have the highest return on investment, with an average ROI of 77.6% and 54%, respectively. However, it's important to keep in mind that not all renovations have the same ROI, and some may not be worth the investment.

2. Selling as-is may limit your buyer pool If you choose to sell your home as-is, without making any renovations or upgrades, you may limit your buyer pool. Some buyers may be looking for move-in ready homes and may be turned off by a property that needs significant repairs or upgrades. Additionally, buyers who need financing may be restricted by the type of loan they can get for a home that requires significant repairs or upgrades. FHA loans, for example, have specific requirements for the condition of the property, and homes that don't meet those requirements may not qualify for the loan.

3. The cost and time of remodeling should be considered Before you decide to remodel your home before selling, it's important to consider the cost and time involved in the renovations. Depending on the extent of the work, remodeling can be expensive and time-consuming. If you're working with a limited budget or a tight timeline, remodeling may not be feasible. Additionally, you'll need to factor in the cost of materials, labor, permits, and potential delays or unexpected issues that may arise during the remodeling process.

Considering these points, whether or not you should remodel your home before selling ultimately depends on your financial goals, time frame, and budget. If you're looking to get top dollar for your home and have the resources to invest in remodeling, it may be a good option. On the other hand, if you're looking to sell quickly and don't want to invest too much money or time in the process, selling as-is may be a better choice.

If you're still unsure about whether to remodel your home before selling, you may want to consult with a real estate agent or a professional home stager. They can give you insights into what buyers in your area are looking for, what renovations may be worth making, and how to present your home in the best possible light to potential buyers.

At Expert Real Estate Team, we can help you with all aspects of selling your home in Greenville, SC, in 2023. We have years of experience in the local real estate market and can provide you with expert advice on how to prepare your home for sale, what renovations may be worth making, and how to price your property competitively. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you sell your home quickly and for top dollar.

Posted in Home Tips
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March 3, 2023

An Expert Makes All the Difference When You Sell Your House

An Expert Makes All the Difference When You Sell Your House | MyKCM

If you’re thinking of selling your house, it’s important to work with someone who understands how the market is changing and what it means for you. Here are five reasons working with a professional can ensure you’ll get the most out of your sale.

1. They’re Experts on Market Trends

With today’s housing market defined by change, it’s critical to work with someone who knows the latest information and how it impacts your goals. An expert real estate advisor knows about national trends and your local area too. More importantly, they’ll give insight to what all of this means for you, so they’ll be able to help you make a decision based on trustworthy, data-bound information.

2. A Local Professional Knows How To Set the Right Price for Your Home

Home price appreciation has moderated this year. If you sell your house on your own, you may be more likely to overshoot your asking price because you’re not as aware of where prices are today. Pricing your house too high can deter buyers or cause your house to sit on the market for longer.

Real estate professionals look at a variety of factors, like the condition of your home and any upgrades you’ve made, with an unbiased eye. They compare your house to recently sold homes in your area to find the best price for today’s market so your house sells quickly.

3. A Real Estate Advisor Helps Maximize Your Pool of Buyers

Since buyer demand has cooled this year, you’ll want to do what you can to help bring in more buyers. Real estate professionals have a wide range of tools at their disposal, such as social media followers, agency resources, and the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), to ensure your house gets in front of people looking to make a purchase. Investopedia explains why it’s risky to sell on your own without the network an agent provides:

“You don’t have relationships with clients, other agents, or a real estate agency to bring the largest pool of potential buyers to your home.”

Without access to your agent’s tools and marketing expertise, your buyer pool – and your home’s selling potential – is limited.

4. A Real Estate Expert Will Read – and Understand – the Fine Print

Today, more disclosures and regulations are mandatory when selling a house. That means the number of legal documents you’ll need to juggle is growing. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) puts it like this:

“There’s a lot of jargon involved in a real estate transaction; you want to work with a professional who can speak the language.”

5. A Local Professional Is a Skilled Negotiator

In today’s market, buyers are regaining some negotiation power. If you sell without an expert, you’ll be responsible for any back-and-forth. That means you’ll have to coordinate with:

  • The buyer, who wants the best deal possible
  • The buyer’s agent, who will use their expertise to advocate for the buyer
  • The inspection company, which works for the buyer and will almost always find concerns with the house
  • The appraiser, who assesses the property’s value to protect the lender

Instead of going toe-to-toe with these parties alone, lean on an expert. They’ll know what levers to pull, how to address everyone’s concerns, and when you may want to get a second opinion.

Bottom Line

Don’t go at it alone. If you’re planning to sell your house this spring, let’s connect so you have an expert by your side to guide you in today’s market.

Posted in Selling
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Feb. 28, 2023

Is The Housing Market Going To Crash?

 

Are you a homeowner considering selling your house but feeling uncertain about the current real estate market? According to a recent survey by Nerd Wallet, 67% of respondents believe that the market will crash within the next three years. However, as a professional realtor, I'm here to tell you that there's no need to fear.

 

In fact, we are currently in a seller's market for most of the market. This means that there is a higher demand for homes than there is supply, leading to increased competition and higher prices. While the market may not be as hot as it was during the peak of the pandemic, it's still a great time to sell your home and take advantage of the gift of equity that the pandemic provided.

 

Before the pandemic, home prices were already on the rise. However, the pandemic only accelerated this trend and led to a surge in demand from buyers. This resulted in some sellers receiving offers that were significantly higher than their asking price, sometimes by as much as $50,000 to $100,000.

 

While the market has started to calm down since then, home prices are still higher than they were pre-pandemic. As such, it's a great time to sell your home and take advantage of the equity you've gained. If you wait too long, you run the risk of losing some of this value as the market rebalances.

 

Furthermore, as we move into the spring, inventory is expected to increase. This means that there will be more homes on the market for buyers to choose from. While this may sound like bad news for sellers, it actually presents an opportunity to capitalize on the high demand for homes.

 

If you're considering selling your home, now is the time to act. Don't wait for the market to crash or for prices to fall. Take advantage of the current seller's market and get your home sold while the demand is high.

 

At the Expert Real Estate Team, we're here to help you navigate the market and make the best decision for your needs. Whether you're buying or selling, we can provide you with the information and resources you need to make an informed decision. So give us a call today and let us help you take advantage of the current real estate market.

Posted in Selling
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Feb. 27, 2023

How To Make Your Dream of Homeownership a Reality

How To Make Your Dream of Homeownership a Reality

According to a recent Harris Poll survey, 8 in 10 Americans say buying a home is a priority, and 28 million Americans actually plan to buy within the next 12 months. Homeownership provides many financial and nonfinancial benefits, so that interest is understandable.

However, it’s unlikely all 28 million Americans will accomplish that goal in the coming year. Experts project a total of around five million homes will be sold in 2023. Why is there such a big difference? It’s partly because there can be challenges to buying a home.

In the same survey, when asked, “Which of the following are preventing you from pursuing homeownership at this time?”:

  • 34% answered, “I don’t have enough saved for a down payment”
  • 30% answered, “My credit score”

If you’re aiming to buy a home, here’s what you need to know to accomplish that goal.

Save for Your Down Payment

Your down payment is a big chunk of what you pay up front for your home. For most home purchases, buyers put down some amount of cash up front (a down payment) and then take out a loan (a mortgage) to pay for the rest.

It’s a longstanding myth that you need to pay 20% of the purchase price for your down payment. In reality, 20% down isn’t always required. In fact, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), today’s median down payment is 14% for the average buyer and just 6% for a first-time buyer.

Regardless of how much money you can save for your down payment, know there’s help available. A local lender can show you options to help you get closer to your down payment goal. Plus, there are even loan types, like FHA loans, with down payments as low as 3.5% for some buyers, as well as options like VA loans and USDA loans with no down payment requirements for qualified applicants.

Beyond assistance programs and different loan types, here are a few other tips to help you as you save for your down payment:

  • Remember to factor in closing costs. In addition to your down payment, closing costs are usually 2-5% of the home’s purchase price.
  • Maintain your savings. Your down payment shouldn’t deplete all your savings. It’s important to still have some money set aside for homeownership expenses after you move in.
  • Explore your options and lean on your trusted advisor for expert guidance. Do your research, ask questions, and look into the resources available for buyers like you.

Improve Your Credit Score

Your credit score is a number that indicates how financially reliable you are to lenders. A higher credit score usually means you’ll be able to borrow more money at a better interest rate. If your credit score is preventing you from getting an affordable mortgage, there are steps you can take to improve it. Here are two:

  • Pay your bills on time. When you pay your bills on time, your credit score improves. When you’re late, it takes a hit. One way to make paying your bills on time easier? Set up automatic payments when and where you can.
  • Mix it up. From auto loans, to credit cards, to mortgages – there are several different types of credit. And having a mix of them improves your credit score.

Bottom Line

If you want to purchase a home this year, contact a trusted real estate advisor so you can to build your team of professionals and start preparing.

Posted in Upstate Living
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Feb. 27, 2023

Checklist for Selling Your House This Spring [INFOGRAPHIC]

Checklist for Selling Your House This Spring [INFOGRAPHIC] | MyKCM

Some Highlights

  • As you get ready to sell your house, there are specific things you can add to your to-do list.
  • These include decluttering, taking down personal photos and items, and power washing outdoor surfaces.
  • Let’s connect so you have advice on what you may want to do to get your house ready to sell this season.
Posted in Selling
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Feb. 14, 2023

Why It’s Easy To Fall in Love with Homeownership

No matter how the housing market changes, there are some things about owning a home that never change—like the personal benefits it can provide. When you own your home, you likely feel a sense of attachment because of the comfort it gives and also because it’s a space that’s truly yours.

Over the last few years, we’ve fully embraced the meaning of our homes as we spent more time than ever in them. As a result, the emotional benefits our homes provide have become even more important to us.

As the most recent State of the American Homeowner from Unison puts it:

“. . . one thing has stayed the same: the home continues to be of the utmost importance and a place of security and comfort.”

The same study from Unison notes:

  • 91% of homeowners say they feel secure, stable, or successful owning a home
  • 64% of American homeowners say living through a pandemic has made their home more important to them than ever

It’s no surprise this study also reveals that homeowners now love their homes even more as our attachments to them have grown:

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) also explains:

“In addition to tangible financial benefits, homeownership brings substantial social benefits for [households], communities, and the country as a whole.”

In other words, not only does owning a home build your net worth over time, but it also gives you and your loved ones a place to thrive. And by living near people with shared experiences, homeownership helps you connect with your community and contribute meaningfully.

Bottom Line

Whether you’re thinking of buying your first home, moving up to your dream home, or downsizing to something that better fits your changing lifestyle, let me be the key to unlocking a home you can truly fall in love with.

 

Posted in Home Tips
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Sept. 21, 2020

How Low Inventory May Impact the Housing Market This Fall

How Low Inventory May Impact the Housing Market This Fall | MyKCMReal estate continues to be called the ‘bright spot’ in the current economy, but there’s one thing that may hold the housing market back from achieving its full potential this year: the lack of homes for sale.

Buyers are actively searching for and purchasing homes, looking to capitalize on today’s historically low interest rates, but there just aren’t enough houses for sale to meet that growing need. Sam Khater, Chief Economist at Freddie Mac, explains:

“Mortgage rates have hit another record low due to a late summer slowdown in the economic recovery…These low rates have ignited robust purchase demand activity…However, heading into the fall it will be difficult to sustain the growth momentum in purchases because the lack of supply is already exhibiting a constraint on sales activity.”

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), right now, unsold inventory sits at a 3.1-month supply at the current sales pace. To have a balanced market where there are enough homes for sale to meet buyer demand, the market needs inventory for 6 months. Today, we’re nowhere near where that number needs to be. If the trend continues, it will get even harder to find homes to purchase this fall, and that may slow down potential buyers. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at realtor.com, notes:

“The overall lack of sustained new listings growth could put a dent in fall home sales despite high interest from home shoppers, because new listings are key to home sales.”

The realtor.com Weekly Recovery Report keeps an eye on the number of listings coming into the market (houses available for sale) and the total number of listings staying in the market compared to the previous year (See graph below):How Low Inventory May Impact the Housing Market This Fall | MyKCMBuyers are clearly scooping up homes faster than they’re being put up for sale. The number of total listings (the orange line) continues to decline even as new listings (the blue line) are coming to the market. Why? Javier Vivas, Director of Economic Research at realtor.com, notes:

“The post-pandemic period has brought a record number of homebuyers back into the market, but it’s also failed to bring a consistent number of sellers back. Homes are selling faster, and sales are still on an upward trend, but rapidly disappearing inventory also means more home shoppers are being priced out. If we don’t see material improvement to supply in the next few weeks, we could see the number of transactions begin to dwindle again even as the lineup of buyers continues to grow.”

Does this mean it’s a good time to sell?

Yes. If you’re thinking about selling your house, this fall is a great time to make it happen. There are plenty of buyers looking for homes to purchase because they want to take advantage of low interest rates. Realtors are also reporting an average of 3 offers per house and an increase in bidding wars, meaning the demand is there and the opportunity to sell for the most favorable terms is in your favor as a seller.

Bottom Line

If you’re considering selling your house, this is the perfect time to connect so we can talk about how you can benefit from the market trends in our local area.

Posted in Buying, Real Estate Market News, Selling
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