Area Real Estate News & Market Trends

You’ll find our blog to be a wealth of information, covering everything from local market statistics and home values to community happenings. That’s because we care about the community and want to help you find your place in it. Please reach out if you have any questions at all. We’d love to talk with you!

April 12, 2022

Why A Real Estate Professional Is Key When Selling Your House.

 

 

Why a Real Estate Professional is Key When Selling Your House

 

There’s a lot that goes into selling your house. Instead of tackling it alone, reach out to a trusted real estate advisor to make sure you have an expert on your side throughout the entire process.

With today’s real estate market moving as fast as it is, working with a a real estate professional is more essential than ever. They have the skills, experience, and expertise it takes to navigate the highly detailed and involved process of selling a home. That may be why the percentage of people who list their houses on their own, known as a FSBO or For Sale by Owner, are at a record low.

 

 

Here are five reasons why selling with a real estate professional makes more sense in today’s market: 

 

1. They Know What Buyers Want Too See

 

Before you decide which projects and repairs to take on, connect with a real estate professional. They have first-hand experience with today’s buyers, what they expect, and what you need to do to make sure your house shows well.

 If you don’t lean on their expertise, you may spend your time and money on something that isn’t essential. That’s because, in today’s low-inventory market, buyers are willing to take on more of the renovation work themselves.

A professional can help you decide what YOU need to tackle.

 

2. They Help Maximize Your Buyer Pool

Today, the average home is getting 4.8 offers per sale according to recent data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), and that competition is pushing prices up. While that’s promising for you as a seller, it’s important to understand your agent’s role in bringing buyers in.

 Real estate professionals have an assortment of tools at their disposal, such as social media followers, agency resources, and the MLS to ensure your house is viewed by the most buyers.

Without access to these tools, your buyer pool is limited. And you want more buyers to view your house since buyer competition can drive your final sales price higher.

 

3. They 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.

A real estate professional knows exactly what needs to happen, what all the paperwork means, and how to work through it efficiently. They’ll help you review the documents and avoid any costly missteps that could occur if you try to handle them on your own.

 

4. They’re Trained Negotiators

If you sell without a professional, you’ll also be solely responsible for all the negotiations. 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 all 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.

 

5. They Know How to Set the Right Price for Your House

If you sell your house on your own, you may over or undershoot your asking price. That could mean you’ll leave money on the table because you priced it too low or your house will sit on the market because you priced it too high. 

Real estate professionals know the ins and outs of how to price your house accurately and competitively. To do so, they compare your house to recently sold homes in your area and factor in the current condition of your house. These factors are key to making sure it’s priced to move quickly while still getting you the highest possible final sale price.

 

Posted in Market Updates
Jan. 26, 2022

10 Tips to Buying a New Construction Home

Thinking of buying a new construction home? They come with a lot of perks, like energy efficiency and no worn-down parts in need of repair—plus, you can make it exactly the way you want it. But there are few things to think through when it comes to new construction, like budget and timing.

Here are a few of the big things to consider when deciding if new construction homes are right for you.

 Tip 1: Weigh the Pros and Cons

Nothing beats the feeling of being the first person to live in a newly-built home. Everything is shiny and untouched.

You can buy a brand-new home in one of three ways: buying a house already built on spec; having a semi-custom home built as part of a development (you can choose from a set palette of finishes and upgrades); or having a purely custom home designed and built to your specifications.

But before you get caught up in the sparkling new paint and granite countertops, evaluate your situation and see if new construction fits your lifestyle. Here are some questions to ask yourself, particularly if you fall within the first two methods of new-home buying:

·        Will the cookie-cutter nature of new subdivisions drive you bonkers?

·        New houses tend to be built right on top of each other. Do you mind the closeness and potential lack of privacy?

Tip 2: Get your own agent and lender

Buying new construction is like any home purchase: you need a team with your own interests at heart. Research, interview, and hire your own real estate agent, Del Rio Real Estate Agents are here and ready to help you find your dream! Then apply to multiple mortgage lenders to find the best deal, just like you would with an existing home purchase.

Remember, the listing agent works for the builder, not for you. They’re trying to hit a quota, not help you make the right decision for you and your family.

Builders often have an agent on site and preferred lenders, and it’s not uncommon for them to suggest buyers just use their team. But it’s good to do your own research. A builder’s lender may offer you incentive money, but an outside lender may charge you less in points—which means bigger savings over the life of your loan.

Tip 3: Research the Builder and Neighborhood

You want to make sure the builder you’re considering delivers a high-quality product to satisfied customers. A great way to verify this is by making sure they’re in good standing with your state’s Construction Contractor’s Board. Also, check to make sure there are no pending judgments or disciplinary actions taken against the company. Pouring through online reviews left by real people is also helpful.

Don’t be afraid to check out the neighborhood on an intimate level. Visit the community at different times of day and talk to actual residents.

When researching neighborhoods:

·        Look online for listings for new home construction.

·        Drive around the neighborhood and check out the amenities and the quality of the homes.

·        Walk the community. Ask homeowners about their experience.

·        Go to model open houses, keep a journal and take photographs. Don’t try to cover every model house in the area in one day.

·        Check with the developer about potential homeowners’ association (HOA) fees and rules; some are incredibly expensive — and strict. They may not allow storage sheds, certain paint colors or finish materials, solar panels or even vegetable gardens. Be sure to find out if the HOA can assess penalties for infractions.

·        Research the zoning laws for the neighborhood, as they can change quickly.

·        Visit the city planner’s office to see what’s in store for a particular location.

·        Ask your agent about plans for the area.

Tip 4: Be aware of new construction timing

Besides cost, another factor to consider when choosing a customization option (and whether to go with new construction at all) is timing. Overall, the timeline for building a home can be unpredictable, because of weather, vendor delays, and waiting for logistics like permit approvals to happen.

On average, building a home can take from five to seven months, depending on size, but it’s not uncommon for it to take nearly a year if any delays happen along the way.

If you’re considering new construction, choose the build option that fits with your current living situation. If it’s flexible enough to allow for a lengthy—and potentially unpredictable—lead time, building from the ground up might be for you. If not, a semi-custom or built-on-spec home could be a better choice.

 Tip 5: Don’t expect price reductions

Yes, it does happen. But overall, remember that Builders, etc., have established a set of prices that they feel best makes their product (the houses) marketable with an expected profit margin. Furthermore, lowering the price on a house drops the comparable value of other houses in the community, thus bringing the entire suite of houses down in price.

Typically, a pre-sale home … one that has not yet been built … will be slightly higher in price than a home that the builder erected as a “spec” house – one that was built to attract Buyers to the site. Note also, that very often homes that have not sold for a period of time will not drop in price – they actually go up in price at a new home development, thus supporting the builder’s position that materials and labor costs increase.

Tip 6: Know What’s Standard and What’s Extra

Ask the builder about amenities and upgrades. Amenities are features that benefit the entire community like a clubhouse, health and fitness center or a gated entrance. Upgrades refer to added features or items you pay extra for to enhance your home, like certain types of flooring or appliances.

Get a feature sheet on the line of homes you’re interested in and read them very carefully, then compare feature to feature. Find out what comes with the base home price.

If you don’t understand exactly what the builder is offering, ask and take notes. There are no dumb questions. Not knowing can cost you real money. Some things to keep in mind:

·        If the stove is included, visit the showroom to see the model. If you’re offered the basic stove and you’re a gourmet cook, it makes sense to buy the upgrade.

·        Make decisions on upgrades early in the process — every change costs money.

·        Have a good idea of what you need and want. They are two different things when it comes to upgrades.

·        Builders rake in the cash on upgrades because they can get parts and labor relatively cheaply. The markup is huge, so investigate each option you’re considering to see whether it would be cheaper to bid it out after you move in.

Tip 7: Keep resale value in mind when selecting upgrades

It’s a smart idea to keep the future value of your home in mind when selecting new construction upgrades. Certain upgrades will significantly improve the value of your home in the future. You should request a price list of all upgrades offered upfront to see how they fit into your budget. Here’s what you should focus on:

It’s hard to go wrong with upgrading your kitchen. Almost any Realtor will tell you that the kitchen remains one of the most cost-effective places to upgrade. It’s viewed as the “heart” of the home and homebuyers give its appearance considerable weight. Don’t worry about extras that you can upgrade yourself later, such as high-end appliances. Instead, go for upgrades that provide your kitchen with strong fundamentals, like taller cabinets, a kitchen island, and upgraded countertops.

Upgrading the ceiling height is also a no-brainer. It’s an upgrade that will make your home feel much more massive and grandiose to potential homebuyers in the future. Also, it’s a structural upgrade that will be very difficult to change after your home is constructed.

Generally, you want to try to focus on structural improvements that would be expensive or impossible to add later on. I’d recommend diverting money away from upgrades that can be easily accomplished at a later point in time or are purely aesthetic.

Be careful about over-improving, too. There can be a negative impact on your home’s future value if it’s upgraded beyond any other house in the neighborhood. You’ll end up pricing your own home out of the neighborhood and will ultimately need to significantly reduce the price in order to find a buyer.

Tip 8: Pick a great lot

The lot you choose for your home can impact your quality of life and the future resale value of your home. Below are some things to keep in mind when selecting your lot:

·        The most desirable lots are those with a view and privacy. Expect to pay a considerable premium for these lots.

·        Consider where the sunlight will be at different times of the day. Do you want a romantic sunset over your backyard? Or a sun-filled kitchen in the mornings?

·        What will the traffic be like? Corner lots may seem attractive but they’re exposed to more traffic.

·        Think about your lot in the future. Will you still have the same view in 5 or 10 years? Will future home buyers find the positioning of the home as convenient?

Tip 9: Know your warranty

Warranties are an excellent way for builders to guarantee the quality and craftsmanship of their homes. State law often requires a certain level of warranties but many builders offer coverage beyond what’s minimally required.

Usually, comprehensive warranty coverage implies that the builder has high confidence in their product and practices. It’s important to understand what the warranty covers and what the process of initiating claims is like before purchasing the home.

If you want to get the most out of your home warranty, it’s recommended that you get another inspection around the 11th month after you move in. Coverage on certain items typically begins to expire around the one-year mark, and some defects may only manifest after the house has had some.

Tip 10: Perform A Home Inspection

New construction home buyers need to realize that having a home inspection is still highly recommended.  There are common issues that are regularly found during new construction inspections.  Issues such as leaking plumbing, missing GFCI protected outlets, and exposed roof nails are a few of the most common.

While it’s not likely major issues are going to be present in a new construction home, having a home inspection on a new build is still suggested.

These top 10 new construction home buying tips are extremely important to be aware of if you’re thinking about building a new home.  Building a new home requires a buyer to be very involved and buyers who follow these tips will greatly improve the chance that their experience is not only enjoyable but successful!

Posted in Market Updates
Jan. 4, 2022

Buying a New Home? Here Are Some Tips

Finding that dream home is an exciting undertaking. You're viewing many places that have the amenities you've been looking into for months. And now, you think you've found THE ONE! In addition to all of those dreamy details, what else should you and your agent discuss? Here are three questions to ask:

Is it properly ventilated?

Look for condensation on windows and inspect doors. Check windows and vents for bubbled or peeling paint. These are clues that moisture may be trapped in the walls and/or ceiling.

What's That Smell?

You can often smell water damage long after the standing water evaporates. Check walls and ceilings for discoloring, Look for water pipes as well, especially in unfinished basements. Rust, water stains, or leaks in exposed pipes can also indicate past issues.

Where's the Love?

Some things -- like burned-out lightbulbs or faded paint -- may seem small but can indicate previous homeowners have ignored routine home maintenance. Luckily, your home inspection should reveal any potential future issues before you buy.

 

 

Posted in Market Updates
Dec. 1, 2021

What Do I Need to Do to Sell My House? Your Essential List

You know you need to sell your house and you know you need to move elsewhere but all the steps in between aren’t as clear. Here’s everything you need to sell your house, organized in a very easy to follow checklist.

1. Start with A Good Realtor

Not hiring a professional agent to sell your house is a lot like trying to trim the trees around the power lines yourself. You can do it, but you shouldn’t.

If you’re fortunate, you’ll come out of it with a few scratches or a new fear of heights. If you’re not so lucky, you could fall, cause a neighborhood-wide power outage or start a fire.

You’re unlikely to save any money trying to do the task yourself, and if you make a mistake, the repercussions are steep. It’s nice to leave the task (yes, we’re talking about both tree trimming and selling your house still) in more capable hands than your own.

When you’re in search of a real estate agent, don’t waste your time sifting through a bucket of mediocrity. We have the right agent you need to get yur house SOLD.

2. Nail Down An Accurate Price Tag

A desk is for sale on Craigslist. It’s worth maybe $100, but the seller decides to list it for $500. He’s unlikely to get much interest, even by those who need a desk, or have $500 to spend on it. Once it sits there for a month or two, the owner might reconsider the price or take it off the site altogether. Either way, he’s lost many potential buyers who skipped over it completely.

Now, consider this sale with higher stakes. A house is listed at $500,000 in an area where the houses barely peek over $300,000. Overpriced, it sits… and sits… and sits. People start asking “What’s wrong with it?”

To Price Your Home Accurately:

Ask Your Agent for Comparables: To determine how much your home is worth, you need to know what all the similar homes in your immediate area have sold for. A real estate agent will provide this analysis. If they haven’t yet, ask.

Meet and Discuss Strategy: Your agent will not only be more experience at home selling than you are but will also be more objective. The fair price of a home is what a person is willing to pay (or not pay) for it, not what you think it’s worth.

List and Monitor: If your home is up for sale for two or three weeks and you haven’t gotten a single bite, it may mean you’ve over estimated the price. Closely monitor activity so you can pivot quickly if necessary.

Hire Professionals to Get the Job Done

Getting your home ready for sale isn’t a one-person job. Here are some of the people you may need in the process:

  • Hire an interior decorator and/or home stager to make sure your home is presented from its best angle. Easy pillow swaps and furniture rearranging can make your house sing.
  • Bring in a housekeeper. You can certainly clean yourself but for a few hundred dollars, you can walk into a dust-free, disinfected and ready-to-sell home.
  • You’ll need someone to patch the holes in the walls, re-caulk the tub and fix the carpet edging. Find a handyman to fix the little stuff, and a specialist — like a plumber or electrician — to fix the big stuff.
  • home appraiser will help you determine what your home might be worth based on its space and features. From there, you and your Realtor can determine how set the price.
  • home inspector (usually hired by the buyer, not the seller) will take a look at the home after you have an offer (or before, if you opt for a pre-inspection) and point out if anything isn’t up to snuff.

Collect Every Document You’ll Need to Sell Your House

Buyers must collect everything from their paycheck stubs to that one credit card statement they paid one day late five years ago. Then they have to sign their life away on what appears to be an encyclopedia-length manuscript.

As a seller, you need quite a few items too but if you’re working with a Realtor, they’ll gather much of this for you. 

Create Curb Appeal to Die For

Your mother probably told you “it’s on the inside that counts,” and by most accounts she’s right. However, when was the last time you picked up a book with a boring cover or a bottle of wine with an uninteresting label? Of course it’s what’s on the inside that counts but the outside calls the first shots.

Front Door: Your front door is one of the best returns on investment — meaning if you have an old unflattering one, you’ll get your money back out of it if you replace it with the shiny, new one before you put your house up for sale, according to Remodeling’s 2017 Cost vs Value Report. If you’re not ready to replace the door but it needs some help, slap on a new color or buy a new door knocker or knob.

Porch: Just because your focal point is on your front door, don’t neglect the rest of the outside. Plant new succulents in the pots. Nurse those geraniums back to health (or replace them and pretend you nursed them back to health). Sweep the porch and shake out the mat. Repair any railings that are broken. Mow the lawn. All this sounds easy (and cheap!) but sellers forget and it’s to their detriment.

Entryway: In this case, the inside counts too! Make sure when people walk into your home, they feel at ease. Entryways tend to be a dumping ground for whatever you’re carrying as you walk into the house. Declutter. Put away coats and hats. Find a drawer for wallets and keys. Keep decor simple — like a mirror and a plant, or a coat tree and a piece of art.

Make Arrangements for Your Pets

Every day at 3, your dog barks wholeheartedly at the mailman. He protects the house from the gardeners working on the house next door and he paces the back wall as the neighbor’s cat teases him. While you appreciate this canine security guard, strangers will be less endeared. In fact, many might find a pet nerve-wracking or allergy-inducing.

Selling your home when pets live there is a bit of a minefield. For best results:

Freshen: Your house might not smell like a dog; install some air fresheners anyway. You can’t go wrong with Lavender Febreeze or Clean Linen sachets.

Vacuum: Even you — the owner of this fur baby — don’t like when you sit down on your couch and get dog hair all over your black sweater. Home-viewers will be even less enchanted with it.

Scoop: Got a garden or a cool barbeque-pool area out back you want viewers to see? Make sure the backyard is walking ready. Nothing stops a successful showing like stepping in dog poop.

Care: Do you have a plan for your pup when your agent calls you at work and asks if she can show the house that evening? If you don’t, get one. Call your local groomer and see if they’ll work with you on the days you’re in a pinch. Talk to the neighbors or friends who live nearby to see if they can take the pooch for a few, or use the time for your daily walk together.

To sell quickly, you’ll need some drive, the right team and a pile of paperwork, but even if you haven’t done it before, the path is clear with a checklist in hand.

We are here for you every step of the way. Dont let this overwhelm yoy, It is meant to only help guide you.

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Posted in Market Updates
Oct. 22, 2021

Interesting Real Estate Facts and Statistics

Here are some interesting real estate facts and statistics that you can share with family and friends to show off your knowledge:

  • 90% of the world’s millionaires became rich thanks to real estate. (The College Investor)
  • There are no restrictions on foreign property ownership in Japan. (Plaza Homes Ltd.)
  • Individual real estate investors account for 74.4% of rental properties in the US. (US Census Bureau)
  • 79% of Americans consider owning a home one of the greatest goals to achieve (Bankrate)
  • The average age of all homebuyers in the US is 47 years old, while the average home seller is 57, according to real estate statistics (Bloomberg, NAR)
  • The average American is likely to move 12 times in their lifetime (Steinway)
  •  With an average rent of $695 for a single-family residence, Springfield, Montana, is the cheapest among the US’s most populous cities (GOBankingRates)
  • Our very own Atherton – zip code 94027 is the most expensive zip code in America with a median real estate sale price of slightly over $7 million (Mental Floss)
  • Surprisingly, Massachusetts is the priciest US state to buy a home in (MarketWatch)
  • The most expensive residence in the world is Buckingham Palace, England (Investopedia)
  • Scots paint their front door red, when they pay off their mortgage (Homes MSP)
  • Zillow is the most popular real estate and rental marketplace in the US (The Most Expensive Homes)
  • Austin, Texas, is the top commercial real estate market in the US (CXRE)
  • There are more single female homeowners in the US than single male homeowners (Lending Tree)
  • Staged homes sell 25% faster than non-staged ones (G2)
Posted in Market Updates
Oct. 12, 2021

Disabled and Planning To Move?

 

A disability doesn’t have to get in the way of moving somewhere new. Whether you're planning on staying in your current city or planning a move across state lines, there are some things that you should consider. Below are some helpful moving tips for people with disabilities.

Look Into Grants 

Many Americans with disabilities either live in inaccessible housing or are forced to move due to access issues. These moves can cause significant disruptions in a person's life. Fortunately, there are remedies. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers several programs and grants that make it easier for disabled people to find accessible housing and for landlords to make their properties accessible.

Know Your Rights

The ADA requires property owners to make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities when selling their homes. While the law doesn't require a seller to make structural changes to the home, it does require the seller to make a reasonable effort to make the property accessible.

Check Your Credit Score and Find a Mortgage Lender

If you've got bad credit, you may have a hard time finding a mortgage or securing financing for a home. While your score isn't the only factor that lenders consider, it's a key indicator. Check your score and take any necessary steps to improve it before you start shopping for a new home. 

When you're ready to secure a mortgage, shop around. Different lenders have different guidelines and requirements. If you're taking advantage of housing assistance programs, you might need to use an approved lender. Before you settle on a mortgage provider, compare interest rates and offers.

Find a Good Real Estate Agent

Look for a real estate agent who specializes in the area you plan on moving to. To find a good real estate agent, look for reviews online. If accessibility is a major concern for you because of your particular disability, make sure your agent understands your needs, and don't be afraid to ask if they have experience working with disabled clients.

If you can't find a home that's already accessible, you might need to make modifications. These might include: 

             Ramps. If you have a walker or wheelchair, you should also find a home with a ramp leading into the house from the street.

             Level entry. Look for homes with level entryways, especially if you plan to transport a wheelchair inside.

             Wider doors and hallways. Look for homes where all doorways are wide enough for a wheelchair to pass through.

Packing and Moving

If you're not able to pack your things alone, make sure you ask for help from a trusted friend, family member, or local moving company. Discuss your disability with your moving company — many have teams dedicated to helping disabled clients. Check reviews on Facebook, Google, or Yelp before committing to a specific company.

Keep in mind that moving will cost more if you're relocating to another city or state or if you have a lot of belongings. However, sharing truck space with another family can help save on costs.

Making Things Easier

Moving to a new home is one of the biggest moves you'll ever make. Having a disability can make things even more daunting. But If you know what to expect, you can handle things more easily.

Del Rio Real Estate can help you find the perfect home that fits your needs and lifestyle. Get in touch with us today by calling 225-218-0888

Thank you to Patrick Young for providing this very informative article for my clients. Please view his website for more information. ableusa.info

Posted in Market Updates
Oct. 1, 2021

Open Houses

What Is an Open House?

In real estate, an open house is a scheduled time when a house or other dwelling is designated to be available for viewing by potential buyers. Usually, the owners or renters vacate the house when the broker/agent holds an open house.

The term open house can also refer to the real estate property itself; in either case, it applies to dwellings that are for sale by the owner. Also, they are often held to advertise a newly developed community.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • An open house is a scheduled period of time in which a home is available for viewing by potential buyers.
  • Open houses can attract interested buyers and lead to an offer or alert the realtor to issues with the space that might be pointed out.
  • On the other hand, open houses can entail a considerable amount of effort in organizing.
  • Some realtors may serve light refreshments at an open house or even cocktails during an evening open house.
  • An open house is a great, low-pressure way to show the house to potential buyers.

How an Open House Works

In the real estate market, buying and selling a property is an example of a relatively illiquid market with dissimilar products. Each house will be different from the next, even if they are in the same neighborhood or even on the same block. During an open house, the seller or seller's agent allows potential buyers to enter and walk through the property at their leisure or guided by a realtor.

The goal of an open house is to secure interest from buyers. Open houses allow interested buyers to take their time looking at the house and surrounding property, rather than a shorter one-on-one appointment with a broker.

Many open houses occur on weekends—Sundays in particular, and brokers use banners and other fanfare as advertisements. During an open house period, owners keep the houses clean and organized to attract potential buyers. Some owners or agents also serve coffee, cocktails, or hors d'oeuvres at these events.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Open Houses

For people trying to sell their homes, an open house provides an opportunity to attract interested buyers to the property. A well-executed event can generate excitement about the home and potentially lead to an offer. Many realtors advise their clients to hold an open house the first weekend after the property goes up for sale.

Even if the event does not snag a buyer, an open house can still be beneficial. As visitors walk through the home, they are likely to discuss their perceptions of the home. This feedback can alert the realtor to issues that might be preventing the house from selling. Unattractive paint colors, for example, can be an easy fix

Open House FAQs

How Do You Find an Open House?

You can find listings via online real estate marketplaces, on social media, and by simply calling local realtors and asking them about upcoming open houses in your area.

Can Anyone Go to an Open House?

Open houses are a way for potential buyers to see new homes on the market, but anyone can attend an open house. The NARS 2021 report found that seniors ages 75 to 95 years accounted for 6% of open house visits, which may lead some to believe that people go simply for the experience of viewing a home and taking in a free social engagement.2

Should You Go to an Open House Before Making an Offer?

You don't have to go to an open house before making an offer, but it is usually a good idea to a property in person before making an offer. However, during the 2020 economic crisis, many realtors ended up selling homes to eager buyers based solely on photographs and information available on online listings.3

What Should You Serve at an Open House?

You do not have to serve refreshments at an open house, but it might be nice to offer potential buyers coffee, tea, water, and cookies. If it is an evening event or a specialized open house, you could offer mocktails or cocktails with hors d'oeuvres.

Should You Stage an Open House?

Nearly half of buyers' agents (47%) agree that some form of staging is a good idea when selling a house, according to the National Association of Realtors. Staging a house is a skill, and it involves making a home appealing to a wide pool of buyers. Fresh paint, removing clutter, and keeping it extremely clean are easy ways to stage a home. When brokers sell a newly built home, they often use stagers to set up every room.4

How Long Do Open Houses Last?

The length of an open house event varies depending on the property, the broker, and the seller. It could be as short as one hour or an entire morning or afternoon. Open houses are not typically held all day, but some brokers prefer to have them. It is not atypical for a broker to hold several open house events when selling a home.

The Bottom Line

Open houses are one way to bring potential buyers into a home. There are a few types of open houses. Traditional ones are available to the public, and anyone interested in seeing the house can attend. For example, a broker's open house allows real estate professionals to view the property. During a broker's open house, buyers' agents are encouraged to set up showings for clients.

Open houses require work by the seller and their real estate agent and may not be worth the effort in some markets. Interested buyers can view homes first online with photographs and even 360-degree virtual tours of properties before making an in-person appointment. The advent of this technology has impacted how buyers view and buy homes, and while open houses are still helpful to sell a house, they may not always be necessary.

Posted in Market Updates
July 31, 2017

Curious About Local Real Estate?

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Curious about local real estate? So are we! Every month we review trends in our real estate market and consider the number of homes on the market in each price tier, the amount of time particular homes have been listed for sale, specific neighborhood trends, the median price and square footage of each home sold and so much more. We’d love to invite you to do the same!

Get Local Market Reports Sent Directly to You

You can sign up here to receive your own market report, delivered as often as you like! It contains current information on pending, active and just sold properties so you can see actual homes in your neighborhood. You can review your area on a larger scale, as well, by refining your search to include properties across the city or county. As you notice price and size trends, please contact us for clarification or to have any questions answered.

We can definitely fill you in on details that are not listed on the report and help you determine the best home for you. If you are wondering if now is the time to sell, please try out our INSTANT home value tool. You’ll get an estimate on the value of your property in today’s market. Either way, we hope to hear from you soon as you get to know our neighborhoods and local real estate market better.

Posted in Market Updates