When the Federal Reserve started all those interest rate hikes back in 2022, especially after such low rates in the years prior, we, as a Nation were a bit shocked, to say the least.  As an industry professional…I’m not gonna lie, it was scary.  The combination of higher borrowing costs & increased home prices meant many of our buyers & sellers sat paralyzed in fear, all of which fostered the steepest real estate market slowdown since 2008.  Having lived through that recession in this business in 2008, I wasn’t looking forward to being back there again.     But almost as if Santa himself was delivering it, in December, the Fed signaled that it was done raising interest rates & suggested that it would be cutting rates still in 2024.  While their suggested rate cut would get us nowhere near the all-time historic lows of the 2-3% range, certainly cuts of even 1% make a huge difference in affordability.  I know we humans like comparing apples to apples so here’s an example: A $325,000 home purchased with 20% down & an 8% interest rate would have a principal & interest payment of $1,908.  Whereas that same home purchased with a 6.95% rate would have a principal & interest payment of $1,721.  That’s a difference of $187! While $187 might not seem like a lot, over a year that’s $2,244 & over 30 years…well…let’s not even go there.  I always cringe when I see amortization schedules in a closing package.  But, what about that same $325,000 home at a 6.25% rate? Principal & interest of $1,601, just over $300 each month in savings! How do you like them apples?! By the way, if $187 or even $300 a month in savings doesn’t move the dial for you, then what are you waiting for in general?! Homeownership is the key to long-term financial stability.  Remember, rate on rent is 100%, because you’re never getting it back.  The equity in your home will make up for rate all day long, all day strong.   The bottom line is when the market starts rolling like this, no matter if you’re buying or selling, you need Exceptional Expertise on your side to best leverage every opportunity this market brings. So, if you’re a buyer & the higher rates priced you out of your market, now is absolutely the time to get with your trusted mortgage & real estate professionals.  If you don’t have a trusted mortgage or real estate professional or you just want a FREE second opinion, please allow my team an opportunity to earn your business.  Simply text or call 833.4YO.TEAM or email info@yourhometeamgroup.com for more info.  If you’re a seller who has been on the fence, I’d love to have a personal conversation with you about your goals.  You can text or call me at 855.4YO.MAMA or email me at amanda@yourhometeamgroup.com & we can get that ball rolling.  Ok, now time to break out my CRYSTAL BALL.  Don’t worry, my crystal ball predictions are also backed with DATA.  And, data always delivers RESULTS.  But, I must tongue-in-cheek reference a crystal ball when making market predictions because the reality is ANYTHING can happen.  We would never have anticipated a global pandemic, so since then…I like to keep a bit of plausible deniability, you know, in the event of a zombie apocalypse or alien invasion.  MY CRYSTAL BALL SAYS MORTGAGE RATES WILL TREND DOWN As mentioned above, our gift from the Feds in December 2023 was that the worst is likely behind us.  Economists & Analysts from Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, the Mortgage Bankers’ Association, & Realtor.com all agree that rates will trend down this year.  That’s the good news.  The bad news?  They also all agree that the days of the 3% mortgage rates are long gone, & more than likely will never return.  So, what does this mean for you?  In general, when it comes to a home loan, borrowers simply need to adjust their expectations. You will not get a rate under 5% anytime soon or maybe ever again, but the good news is, the rates have gone down, so now is the time to see what that means for your personal profile.  Reminder that many things impact your rate, such as: Credit Score – higher credit score, lower rate Down Payment Amount – larger down payment, lower rate Property Type – single family home, lower rate Occupancy Type – primary residence, lower rate The lower the rate, the lower the payment.  But, you won’t know any of this until you have professionals like me & my nationwide network of agents & lenders to assist.  By the way, if rates do get down to the 6% mark or lower…we’ll more than likely be back to the bid-war days, so get in while the gettin’s good.  Because when bid wars start, that means all the leverage you have as a buyer goes pretty much out the window.  So, now is the time to secure an especially good deal.  You have lower rates, leverage, & sellers ready to play ball.  Sellers, you, too can enjoy the benefit of buyers’ lower rates because that will mean more & better offers. Text or #CallYourMama (that’s me) so we discuss maximizing your home’s sale potential.  MY CRYSTAL BALL SAYS HOME PRICES WILL STAY PUT If I had a dollar for every conversation I’ve had with a tentative buyer over the past 18 months that they were just waiting for the home prices to crash, I’d have SO MANY DOLLARS. But, y’all, even 9% mortgage rates didn’t cause home prices to come crashing down.  Actually, here in Central Florida, prices from 2022 to 2023 increased, just not as dramatically as they did from 2021 to 2022, but what I would say is a more stable market.  Check out these overall stats:   Median SFR Sale Price Increase Per County, Central Florida:        Volusia County 5.8% Orange County 4.1% Seminole County 4.7% Lake County 4.5% *Source: Florida Realtors SunStats In each of these counties there are pockets of places that may have seen a decline, like New Smyrna Beach (-13.7%, Volusia), Winter Garden (-5.5%, Orange), Casselberry (-15%, Seminole), & Leesburg (-3.8%, Lake) but in general, home prices are holding firm. Real estate is hyper local, & it’s important that you have a trusted expert to guide you through your options.  If you have a question about real market stats, please reach out.  Know that you deserve your real estate professional to guide you through all your options using data, not emotion, as that’s the best way to put you in the best position for success.  Will home prices drop?  Well, the experts are all in my court, agreeing that they’ll remain relatively the same with either a very slight fall of less than 2% to a maximum gain of around 4%.  But one thing all experts agree on is if the mortgage rates fall faster than expected, which will open the market up to more buyers, well, home prices could soar higher.  That’s economics 101: supply & demand.  What does it mean for you? All signs point to level home prices, so if you’re ready to & able to afford a home, it is time to get the answers you’re looking for. This market is still fairly slow, which is a great time to find the best bargains.  Reach out so we can discuss your goals & budget. Whether it’s 3 weeks, 3 months, or 3 years, we can help you make an informed decision about the right time to buy for those goals & budget.  And if you’ve been waiting to sell your home, now is the best time to maximize your equity gains while minimizing your competition. For recommendations and to find out what your home could sell for in today’s market: www.YourHomeTeamGroup.com. MY CRYSTAL BALL SAYS THE WAIT IS OVER We’ve all been waiting on the sidelines wondering what the heck is going on with these rates.  Buyer demand cooled, which delayed plans for many sellers who were happy with their lower interest rates (even if they were no longer happy with their home).  By all accounts, especially in the wake of the 2020 - 2021 frenzy, it felt as though the real estate market faucet had turned off.  However, as financing costs come down, sales volume will rise.  These lower rates incentivize buyers with affordability as well as sellers ready to trade their existing home & level up, which will help add much-needed inventory to the market. What does this mean for you?  BUYERS The right time to buy is buying within your budget & when you can find a home that fits your needs. Building equity with any interest rate is a benefit that renting a home at 100% interest will never give you.  And now, more than ever, sitting on the sidelines means you might miss out on better opportunities, because when mortgage rates decline it usually brings buyers back to the market in droves.  So, get in the game; it’s GO TIME!   SELLERS If you’re hoping to sell this year, the sooner you list, the better your odds are, as an increase in listings means more competition for you & the harder it could be to get your home to stand out. The good news is: we can put together the best game plan to maximize your profits, starting with a professional assessment of your home’s current market value.  Please reach out to schedule a FREE consultation or request one online at www.YourHomeTeamGroup.com.    YOU DON’T NEED A CRYSTAL BALL WHEN YOU HAVE A PROVEN REAL ESTATE TEAM Real estate is hyper-local, & the actual data of your market will have a huge impact on your buying or selling power.  You deserve a trusted, professional real estate EXPERT who can give you a clear picture of your options & back it up with actual data.  Your real estate goals are our MISSION.  As your go-to for #AllThingsRealEstate, you can count on us to guide you through the market's twists and turns. If you’re considering buying or selling a home in 2024, let my TEAM WORK for you! Much love, Amanda aka The Marketing Mama

Many of our clients are happy holding down some VERY low mortgage rates they secured over the past few years.  So much so, that even when their current home no longer serves their needs, even if it makes them unhappy, they’re now torn because of the financial implications that may come along with a potential move or adjustment to that mortgage.  So, I ask, when should you sacrifice quality of life over potential costs, as well as short & long-term financial gains to live in a home you LOVE?  And, is it better to move or to makeover?  Also, when it comes to a remodel, is it better to refinance or is an equity line of credit better?     So many unanswered questions.  So many unknowns! Until now.  Having been your go-to guru for #AllThingsRealEstate over the past two decades, we here at YOUR Home Team pride ourselves on being educators above all else.  That’s the EXPERTISE we bring to each transaction, whether it’s your 1st home or your 50th.  Because at our family business, you’re not just business, you’re FAMILY!  And, whether you buy or sell in 3 weeks, 3 months, or 3 years…we’ll be here whenever you’re ready.  We are here to be your Real Estate resource for life.  So, real talk.  Do you actually need to move?  One of my favorite Real Estate Coaches, Tom Ferry, says people only move due to the “5 D’s” That’s Diamonds, Divorce, Diplomas, Diapers, & Death.  Here in Florida, especially, I’d say there’s a 6th “D” and that’s Downsizing.  If any of these Ds apply to you, then it’s time to not just speculate but really time to dig into the math to make you move.  For those of you that are getting married, getting divorced, have a new baby, lost a family member, graduated to the next level, or are even wanting to simplify & go smaller…for a FREE no obligation review of your equity position, contact #YourFavoriteLender Home Team Lending at 833.WE.LOAN.1 today.  Or, apply online at www.YourFloridaLoan.com. Click the cute guy named Manny, I heard he’s pretty good (*wink).  😊   But what if none of those 6 D’s apply to you? If you really don’t NEED to move but you feel like your current home just isn’t cutting it, what is your best bet?  Because when you weigh the pros and cons of moving vs a home makeover, it can be a real head scratcher whether rates are high, low, or anywhere in between.  Don’t fret.  There’s 4 basic steps to know what route to take: Step one: pinpoint what’s bugging you about your home.  An outdated kitchen or bathroom can go from basic to BEAUTIFUL with relatively minor renovations.  Plus, a kitchen or bath upgrade can not only increase your enjoyment of the home but is proven to be one of the highest returns on investment for your home’s value.  What if your current home lacks the one room you really need?  That can be a little more challenging, but, as I always say, “everything is figureoutable.”  From building an addition to reconfiguring the floor plan, or even building a full-on detached building, you have options when you own a home.   Be careful, though, because when it comes to building an accessory dwelling, you need to check with the zoning & permitting department where your home is located first.  Also! Not all remodeling choices impact the long-term value of your home in a positive way.  For example, garage conversions aren’t typically popular with buyers and can sometimes be harder to sell.  The specific impact of a renovation will depend on a number of factors, so if you have something specific in mind, before you move forward, we can help you assess how a planned project is likely to affect the value of your home. Reach out to #YourFavoriteRealtors the Home Team Agents of lpt Realty at 833.4YO.TEAM. Or, request your home valuation at www.YourHomeTeamGroup.com. If you don’t need to move but didn’t realize that living so close to the airport would be so noisy at night, or you don’t love the school district your home is in, or any other reason that location alone doesn’t work for you anymore, that’s a no-brainer: location is not something you can change, unless you change actual locations. Duh.  Now that we’ve realized the motivation to makeover or move, what’s the next step? Step two: answer these questions: How long have you been in your current home? How much did you put down on your home when you purchased? What’s your mortgage payoff? If you’ve lived in your home 3 years or longer here in Florida, more than likely, you have some serious equity in your home.  If it’s less than 3 years, depending on the amount of your down payment when you purchased you viably could have enough equity to make the move or even the “makeover” make sense.  Knowing this information is key for step three. Step three: reach out to me, Your Marketing Mama for #AllThingsRealEstate, or any one of the EXPERT AGENTS on my team.  We can provide a Comparative Market Analysis for your home to give you a range of value for your home.   I know what you’re thinking…you can look at a “Zestimate,” right?  NO!  Listen, I, like any other real estate professional, have a love/hate relationship with Zillow.  But, the fact remains, a computer algorithm will never be able to accurately provide value for your home.  Real estate is hyper-local, and a nationwide algorithm isn’t going to be hyper-sensitive to the features of your home to give you a realistic value.  Here’s the Zestimate for a home I sold a few months ago: $211,500.  We sold (and the home appraised) at $280,000!  That’s nearly $70 grand!  You could most certainly upgrade your kitchen with that kind of cheese.  The point is-when you need to know your home’s value, go to a professional expert. Period. This will provide you with an accurate equity position; which is your property’s value minus what you currently owe on your mortgage. And that’s where step four comes in. Step four: now that you have an idea of equity position, the next step is to understand the costs for each option. Here’s the straight facts from all components, as we have real estate sales, lending, and title all under one roof here at the Home Team Group.  No need to speculate when you have me, Your Marketing Mama for #AllThingsRealEstate because y’all, we don’t do this for practice as we’ve literally been in this business since Jesus was a baby (well, maybe not quite that long), but for our entire adult lives.  And, through these past 20 years we have expanded our business from real estate sales to also include a mortgage and a title division.  On average, it costs approximately 11.5% of the home’s final sale price to sell a house in Florida.  This includes preparation costs, Realtor® commissions, and approximate seller closing costs & title fees. Knowing your payoff will really help us drill down on your net proceeds.  And, those net proceeds coupled with the impact of homestead portability, and the very real possibility of negotiating seller concessions on your new purchase might just be the tipping point to pull the trigger and put your home on the market.  The costs of a renovation can vary widely, so it’s vital to get several estimates from contractors upfront to understand what it might take to achieve your dream home. You can cover the costs by accessing the equity you have in your home through a cash-out refinance or with a home equity line of credit (HELOC).  So, what’s the difference between the two?  A cash-out refinance provides you with a one-time lump sum of money; whereas a HELOC provides you with access to your funds over a span of time and you can use your money as needed over that period.  Since a cash-out refinance is considered a first mortgage, it comes with more attractive rates and less in-depth requirements for approval. HELOCs typically take the form of a second mortgage, so are considered riskier to the lender, which means they are also a little harder to qualify for than a cash-out refinance due to that risk.  You’ll typically need a higher credit score for a HELOC as well.  Cash-out refinances also come with fixed rates, but HELOCs have variable interest rates, which means you may pay more over the lifetime of the loan. When it comes to less upfront costs, a HELOC may be a better option because refinancing incurs closing costs, while HELOCs typically do not.  Remember, though, those closing costs can be paid with the equity you have in your home.  The bottom line: if your home has equity, you can leverage that equity to upgrade your home with a makeover or a move.  And the way to make the math work depends on so much more than a current market rate, because rates can be refinanced (with those costs covered by the equity in your home).  The cost of headache, hassle, and your actual time also plays a part.  There is no one-size-fits-all answer. If you’re feeling trapped in a home that doesn’t work for your day-to-day life now, and you haven’t really discussed the math to make your next move, let’s talk.  Information is FREE and so powerful.  Let your home’s equity & my TEAM WORK for you!  Much Love,  Amanda The Home Team Group: Home Team Agents powered by LPT Realty, Home Team Title, & Home Team Lending powered by MortgageAdvisors.com – NMLS 70168 Branch NMLS 1937317- 112 W Indiana Ave Deland, FL - FHA Lender ID 2631500094

Unless you’ve been living under a rock…you have probably caught wind that housing affordability in America hit an all-time low recently.  The combination of higher mortgage rates and low inventory have made the starter home category particularly tough, as lower-priced homes quite often get snagged with cash buyers.  It can be deflating for the first-time buyer, to say the least!   If you read my blogs, you know I love data and stats…and this stat really shook me to my core, as I’ve been assisting first-time buyers with the dream of homeownership for the past 20 years.  My husband/business partner, Manny, and I firmly believe that the first-time buyer is truly the backbone of our industry, and it’s been our pleasure assisting literally hundreds of first-time buyers together over the past two decades right here in Central Florida…many of whom we’ve helped buy and sell several homes since.  That relationship, that trust…it’s especially important on any purchase, but there’s just something special about the first purchase. So, here’s the core-rocking stat: according to the National Association of Realtors, only 26% of last year's homebuyers were first-timers—the lowest share on record and down from 34% a year prior1. Wow. As a result, many first-time homebuyers are finding that they need to get creative or risk renting for longer than they planned. Have no fear, “creative” is my middle name (technically it’s Lynne, but you know what I mean). 😉 Here are some creative ways to become a homeowner on a first-time buyer budget:   1. Team Up With Family or Friends If you aren't able to qualify for a home on your own, consider co-purchasing with a friend or family member instead. This unconventional housing arrangement is also growing more popular as friends and family members cope with higher living costs by pooling resources. According to the National Association of Realtors' 2022 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, the share of first-time homebuyers living with people other than children or a romantic partner is currently at an all-time high. Meanwhile, research from Pew found that multigenerational living has accelerated especially quickly, with a quarter of U.S. adults aged 25 to 34 now living in a multigenerational home.2 Arrangements can be customized to fit your circumstances. For example, you could purchase a home together and share the expenses, or even purchase yourself and then rent a portion of it to a loved one. You'll get to see your loved ones more often and enjoy the coziness of shared living with people you like having around. If that doesn’t spark your interest, or maybe your goal was to live on your own…there are loan products that allow a non-occupying co-borrower for you; meaning, you live there alone, but that family member or friend is on the mortgage with you.  This will provide you both the opportunity to start building equity together as their financial file can aid in your approval. If you (or your family/friends) wanna know more about those loan options, reach out to my #FavoriteLender and partner in life and business now for 23 years, Manny Sarnes: manny.sarnes@yourfloridaloan.com or call any of our #MortgageExperts within The Home Team Group at 833.WE.LOAN.1.   Co-ownership could work out especially well in the long-term if it helps you to buy a home that's bigger, has more investment potential, or is located in a high-demand area and so appreciates at a faster rate. It’s a win-win!   2. The Gift that Keeps on Giving Getting assistance with the down payment or other borrowing costs can go a long way toward making your homeownership dreams come true. As long as you don't mind asking for help, a free-and-clear gift that's intended for your down payment is an ideal arrangement, since it will allow you to borrow less overall. Or, if that’s too big an ask, your loved ones could pitch in toward closing costs. Unlike the scenario above, with gift funds, your loved ones do not need to co-sign your loan. This is a pretty common solution for many first-time buyers.  According to a recent YouGov poll, 79% of first-time buyers under the age of 30 and a third of first-time buyers in general received financial help from their parents when buying their first home.3 So you wouldn't be the only one leaning on family to help afford a home at today's prices. Just be sure your parents or other generous loved ones are aware they're giving a gift, not a loan, and are willing to put that in writing. A lender will want proof that this money isn't adding to your debt burden and may require documentation from your benefactors. Another way to tap your network for help is ask for monetary gifts instead of tangible ones. For example, if you're getting married soon, you could skip the wedding gift registry and ask guests to contribute funds to your hoped-for home purchase instead. I’ve personally closed quite a few newlyweds through the years who have done just that!   3. Look into Down Payment Assistance and other Programs There are also quite a few special grants and funding opportunities for first-time buyers.  But, depending on your personal situation, you may find some grants difficult to qualify for—especially if you make a relatively high income. Many grants are reserved for lower-income buyers only.4 When you apply for a mortgage with the mortgage division of our family business, Home Team Lending, we simultaneously pre-qualify you for any down payment assistance options too.  Just like a mortgage, DPA has guidelines, so your overall financial profile is taken into consideration and your credit score,  debt-to-income ratio, work history, and assets are also reviewed for those programs.  Often times, the programs not only require you to meet their guidelines, but you also have to attend a first-time buyer class. That’s a fair price to pay for cold, hard cash for your down payment and other closing costs, don’t you think? Again, you’re always welcome to contact any of our real estate agents within the real estate division of YOUR Home Team; the Home Team Agents of LPT Realty and we can connect you with one of our trusted mortgage professionals or will happily work hand-in-hand with yours.  Together, we can shepherd you throughout the process and make your first-time purchase fun and stress-free! Call or text us at 833.4YO.TEAM.   4. Expand Your Criteria If you’re having trouble finding a home within your budget, I urge you to consider broadening your search criteria. Reminder, this is your FIRST house, and more than likely won’t be your last.  But, what it WILL be is a great stepping stone for you, building equity that you can use for future purchases.  And, honestly, you may be surprised by the kinds of deals that are available when you're willing to compromise. And, let’s face it, if you’re renting or living with family right now, I bet you’ve gotten pretty good at compromising. The first thing I recommend to any buyer whether it’s your first home or your tenth home is defining your “Must Haves” and separating them from your “Would Be Nice Ifs.” For example, do you really need two bathrooms and a large backyard? Or could you settle for a single bathroom with space to add a second one in the future? And would a small garden or cozy balcony still give you the outdoor time you crave? These types of compromises can sometimes shave tens of thousands off your purchase price. As another example, if you're struggling to find an affordable home in your target neighborhood, expand your search area and consider homes that are further out of town or located in up-and-coming areas with lower starting prices. We would be happy to introduce you to some great but lesser-known neighborhoods that we consider hidden gems. Similarly, you can look for homes that need a little TLC. Just because a house looks dated doesn't mean it's destined to stay that way or that it will take a ton of money to spruce up. In fact, a home with good bones but cosmetic flaws could be a perfect match: with less competition, you'll have a better chance of purchasing the home at an affordable price AND maybe the seller might be inclined to provide us with some concessions to cover repairs…you never know until you try. 😉 I’ll leave you with one last stat that hopefully helps “move” you (pun intended): according to the National Association of Realtors, the net worth of a typical homeowner was $300,000, while that of a renter was only $8,000.5 YES! That net worth should be YOURS! It’s time to start building equity to reach your financial goals.  We can help you find an affordable first home, whether it takes you three weeks, three months, or three years…if your goal is homeownership, our goal is to get you there!  At YOUR Home Team, over the past 20 years, we’ve helped literally thousands of consumers devise real estate game plans that turn those real estate dreams into reality.  Let’s connect and get started on that path together.   Buying a first home is challenging, but it's not impossible—especially when you have a savvy and caring real estate professional in your corner for life. So let’s connect and let my TEAM WORK for YOU. The above references an opinion and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult the appropriate professionals for advice regarding your individual needs.  Sources: National Association of Realtors - https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/highlights-from-the-profile-of-home-buyers-and-sellers Pew - https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2022/07/20/young-adults-in-u-s-are-much-more-likely-than-50-years-ago-to-be-living-in-a-multigenerational-household/ YouGov - https://today.yougov.com/topics/economy/articles-reports/2022/05/25/american-homebuyers-finanancial-help-parents Bankrate - https://www.bankrate.com/mortgages/first-time-homebuyer-grants/#types National Association of Realtors - https://www.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/documents/2022-snapshot-of-race-and-home-buying-in-the-us-04-26-2022.pdf  

A lived in home is a loved in home, right?  But that doesn’t mean having regular clutter doesn’t start taking its toll.  Long workdays plus family commitments can sometimes mean that the daily chores move to the bottom of the priority list.  Before you know it, “spring cleaning,” now suddenly includes pressure washing and maybe even things like weeding…and the daily cleaning pile up on top of it…well, it can start to really pile on to your mental load.     Have no fear!  You’re not alone.  Everyone feels this way sometimes.  That in mind, I wanted to share some of our family strategies for keeping things tidy without spending all your free time cleaning.  Step One: Stop the Clutter Before It Starts I have four kids and I honestly do not know how I ever lived without a mud room!  I’ll tell you how…I used to have piles of stuff all over the darn place.  The baby’s 32 stuffed animals, the teenager’s tennis equipment, the husband’s Amazon returns, the 3rd grader’s crumpled up papers from his backpack…you name it, I have it. Constantly.    So, one thing we created to avoid this constant problem was to create storage spaces and designated spaces for the regular “stuff” that comes with daily living.  In my house, we have a mud room: Here are some ideas you can implement in your home if you do not have a mud room: Install coat hooks and shoe bins in the entryway for easy access. Add a key caddy and shelf for essential items (like your wallet/purse) by the door. Hang a letter bin to capture mail. Place a donation box in a closet for items you no longer want or need. Don’t get too bothered when you have to remind everyone about the designated areas.  When my kids come in the front door, they sometimes forget that all their stuff needs to go to their mud room locker, so just like with everything, Mama has to remind them.  Developing habits takes time and practice, but once you do, staying on top of clutter will become far more manageable, I guarantee it! Step Two: Set Yourself Up for Success For the LONGEST time, I just didn’t sweep my upstairs hallway until cleaning day because, well, the broom was downstairs.  Ha! Isn’t that silly?  Perhaps you might think it’s silly to have an upstairs broom AND a downstairs broom.  But I think it is genius.  Whatever is stopping you from tackling the task, arm yourself with the solution.  Here are a few ways to make cleaning make more sense: Place extra bags beneath the liner of your trash can, so you’ll have a replacement ready when you take out the trash (my teenager loves this hack). Have disinfecting wipes under every sink for an easy wipe-down. Store a broom and/or vacuum on each floor of your home so they’re easy to access. Strategically placing tools and supplies in the locations where you’re most likely to need them makes cleaning less of a chore and more of a habit. Enlist your family members to help, and it becomes a breeze! Step Three: Tackle Smaller Tasks Right Away Speaking of making tidying up a habit, if you begin a “make a mess, clean it up” philosophy, you’d be surprised at how cleaning can go from a pain to just part of the process.    Here are some suggestions to add to your routine: Bring items with you when you leave a room. For example, if you have your coffee in your home office each morning, when you leave the office, bring the cup with you.   Clean as you cook, rather than piling it all up for later. As you wait for water to boil, wash the bowls and utensils you used for prep. Hang bath towels on a bar immediately after use. By allowing them to properly air dry, you can cut down on the frequency of laundering. Score! Step Four: Put Your House “To Bed” One thing my family and I started doing was to put our house to bed before we go to bed.  We have family dinner almost every night together, and that means that after dinner cleanup is also done together. In this nightly routine, we have also implemented that all belongings that don’t belong in the common areas must be in their respective rooms.  Don’t get me wrong, sometimes those belongings start piling up in my room or my kids rooms, but at least there’s not 247 Barbies or Squishmallows taking over the living room.  Here are some simple steps that will help you and your home rest easy: Load and run the dishwasher every night so you can empty it the next morning. Do one load of laundry a night. Wipe down all surfaces including countertops and sinks before you turn in. Keep the common areas clean (aka, put your stuff in your room). I know it can be hard to find the energy for chores in the evening. But if you complete these small tasks each night, especially if you can divide the labor between family members, you’ll start the next day off ready to roll. Step Five: Schedule Spring Cleaning One of the common themes of my life is that “if it isn’t on the calendar, it doesn’t happen.” I have four kids, and thirty employees, and several industry related businesses.  So, if I don’t make a point to put something on my calendar, it will absolutely be missed.  My husband and I actually schedule “spring cleaning” on our calendar.  We enlist the help of our kids so that we can get it all done in the same day and/or weekend. Here are a few tips for success with spring cleaning:   Schedule any large tasks on a weekend day where you have no other events. For things that may be out of your wheelhouse (like for us, it’s cleaning windows), hire out in advance. -à Give us a call for a list of our recommended service providers! Have a list of to dos as well as a plan to tackle them. Be sure any larger tasks are done on separate days. Reward yourself when you are finished! We Are YOUR Home Team Remember, we’re not just here to help you buy or sell a home. Please reach out if you need referrals for house cleaners, window washers, or other service providers that can help you make the most of your space. And, as a reminder, at The Home Team Group, because we have real estate sales, lending, and title all under one roof, if you are considering a larger organizational upgrade, like a custom closet, pantry, or garage system, we can show you how leveraging your home’s equity to make your life easier might be easier than you thought.  Plus, we can also discuss how the investment could impact the value of your home!  For #AllThingsRealEstate, let our TEAM WORK for you. Much Love,  Amanda aka The Marketing Mama

Believe it or not, those recent bank failures have brought mortgage rates down—and economists predict they could fall even further in the coming months. As expert real estate professionals, The Home Team Agents of lpt Realty are closely monitoring this situation and are here to help you navigate it 🫡 🏡 BUYERS: Be prepared to lock in a low rate when the time is right. Working with a knowledgeable agent is key. Here within the lending division of The Home Team Group (Home Team Lending), anyone of our Local Mortgage Experts can help you get pre-qualified for a home loan. Message me back here and I'll connect you, or you're also welcome to call them directly: 833.WE.LOAN.1. 🏡 SELLERS: A dip in mortgage rates could mean more buyers in the market. If you’ve been considering selling your home, now may be the perfect time. We can help you prep your home and get it listed quickly to take advantage of a possible increase in demand. Here within our title division of The Home Team Group (Home Team Title), our Vital Title Professionals work hand in hand with us to ensure there are NO SURPRISES when it comes to your home sale.   Message me back here for request title directly at www.YourHomeTeamTitle.com.  🏡 HOMEOWNERS: You could save a bundle by refinancing if rates fall significantly. Let our team, YOUR Home Team, show you how to leverage your equity! Don’t miss out on this potential window of opportunity! Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and let my TEAM WORK for you!  Much Love,  Amanda aka The Marketing Mama 📲 855.4YO.TEAM 📧 www.YourHomeTeamGroup.com #mortgagerates #realestate #realestateagent #siliconvalleybankcollapse #bankingcrisis #homeequity #homevalue #investor #realestateinvestment #sellyourhome #floridarealestate #volusiacountyfl #seminolecountyflorida #lakecountyflorida #orangecountyflorida #floridarealtor #hometeamagents #lptrealty #hometeamlending #mortgageadvisors #hometeamtitle #YOURHomeTeam for #allthingsrealestate🏡

  Preparing to be a homeowner doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether it takes you 3 weeks, 3 months, or 3 years, our Team is here for you every step of the way as YOUR Home Team. Our 20 years’ experience helping consumers with the dream of homeownership has confirmed that the true backbone of our industry is the #FirstTimeBuyer. What’s even more rewarding? Being that buyer’s #RealEstateAdvisor for LIFE. At our #FamilyBusiness (The Home Team Group), you're not business, you're FAMILY. 😃 

  YEP! FLORIDA HOMES ARE MAINTAINING THEIR VALUE. I was floored with the recent statistic that 2 out of 3 Florida Homeowners have over 50% equity in their home. WOW! Let's talk about how we can leverage your equity position. Turns out, living in Florida is #paradise in more ways than one! 

  No need to be nervous when it comes to making an offer...  

Here's a HUGE announcement that could mean more buying power for first time home buyers!   

What is the very FIRST step you should do before opening doors to homes? 

The largest factor that drove the real estate market in 2022 was the skyrocketing mortgage rates.  It was almost as if someone came along and turned off the faucet for how quickly the homes were selling.  That someone was actually the Federal Reserve who aimed to slow down inflation with a series of interest rate hikes beginning in March of 2022. What I mean by the faucet being turned off…for those of you who are in the industry or were in the middle of buying or selling a house, you know that demand as well as appreciation in sales price leveled off.  We saw a small correction here in Florida, but by no means did the market take a dive.  Instead of availability of homes being the biggest issue, remember the APPLE FOR SALE, homebuyer affordability became a concern.  Here's the good news: yes, those higher rates had us all shook, but as this is my 4th shift in the real estate market over the past 2 decades in the industry, in my experience, it should ultimately lead to a more stable and balanced real estate market.   But, what can we expect in 2023? Will mortgage rates continue to climb? Could home prices come crashing down? Much like Manny and I discussed in our ARE WE HEADED TO ANOTHER HOUSING MARKET CRASH video, I think we’re going to be ok.  But, luckily, there are other industry experts who have some data I’ll share below that can back up our research and opinion.  I don’t have a crystal ball, but I’ve got some GOOD NEWS FOR REAL ESTATE!   GOOD NEWS: MORTGAGE RATES WILL FLUCTUATE LESS In 2022, 30-year fixed mortgage rates surged from roughly 3% in January to around 7%. We’ve never seen rates double in such a short period.  Yes, we were SHOOK. This year, economists forecast a less dramatic shift. In an interview with Bankrate, Nadia Evangelou, senior economist for the National Association of Realtors, shares her vision of three possible mortgage rate scenarios:1 Inflation continues to surge, forcing the Fed to repeatedly raise interest rates. In that scenario, she predicts that rates could reach as high as 8.5%. Inflation decelerates and mortgage rates follow suit, averaging 7 to 7.5% for the year. Rising interest rates trigger a recession, which could ultimately lead mortgage rates to drop closer to 5% by the end of the year. Realtor.com forecasts something similar to scenario #2 above: “Mortgage rates will average 7.4% in 2023, trickling down to 7.1% by year’s end.”2 The Mortgage Bankers Association, however, projects something closer to Evangelou’s scenario #3, with the 30-year fixed rate declining steadily throughout the year, averaging 6.2% in Q1 and 5.2% by Q4.3 Economists at Fannie Mae fall somewhere in the middle. In a recent press release, they predicted that the U.S. economy will experience a “modest recession” this year.4 But in their December Housing Forecast, they project that 30-year fixed mortgage rates will only fall by half a point from an average of 6.5% in Q1 to 6.0% in Q4.5 "From our perspective, the good news is that demographics remain favorable for housing, so the sector appears well-positioned to help lead the economy out of what we expect will be a brief recession,” said Fannie Mae Chief Economist Doug Duncan. WORTH THE RISK?  YES! Guys, no one has a crystal ball and as you’ve read, even the experts can’t say for certain where mortgage rates are headed. So, where is your basis for gambling?  Real Estate is always a good investment.  Instead of trying to ”time the market,” focus instead on buying or selling a home when the time is right for you. At YOUR Home Team Group, we can help show you a variety of mortgage options that are currently available that can make a home purchase more affordable.  Don’t forget, within our lending division, HOME TEAM LENDING, we service our own loans, so refinancing when the rates are lower is easier than ever!      GOOD NEWS: INVENTORY WILL CONTINUE TO RISE I was tired.  My buyers were tired.  The industry was tired.  Going to battle over and over AND OVER again in the home-buying frenzy post 2020, well, it’s a welcome breath of fresh air.  I literally feel like I can breathe again!  You’ve probably forgotten, but in a regular real estate market, homes take more than 3 hours to sell.  And so you’re going to start seeing listing inventory increase their ADOM (Average Days On Market) and there will be more options because of it.  Economists are predicting total home sales will fall a bit, but rebound right back.  Realtor.com Chief Economist Danielle Hale recently said, “The deceleration in home sales is likely to continue as high home prices and mortgage rates limit the pool of eligible home buyers. We anticipate that existing home sales will decline another 14.1% in 2023.” She expects this drop in sales to lead to a nearly 23% increase in inventory levels this year, offering more choices for buyers who have struggled to find a home in the past.6 However, given the severe lack of housing supply, even with a double-digit increase, the market is expected to remain relatively tight and below pre-pandemic levels. Hale points out: “It’s important to keep historical context in mind. The level of inventory in 2023 is expected to fall roughly 15% short of the 2019 average.” So, what the heck does that mean for a buyer and/or an agent? If the lack of inventory has been making you crazy and/or frustrated 2023 may bring new opportunities for you to find the perfect home. And today’s buyers have more negotiating power than they’ve had in years. Contact YOUR Home Team to find out what listings that meet your criteria. And, what the heck does that mean if you’re a seller (or their agent)?  Y’all better GET TO IT! More homes on the market means more competition. Because we have Real Estate, Mortgage, and Title all under one roof, we can expertly determine your best course of action and maximize your profits.  Feel free to CLICK HERE FOR A FREE HOME VALUATION.  And, you can always Text or #CallYourMama 855.4YO.MAMA to schedule a free consultation.  GOOD NEWS: HOME PRICES WILL REMAIN RELATIVELY STABLE While some economists expect home prices to fall this year, many expect them to remain fairly stable. And, many economists agree with Manny and I that a housing market crash like the one we experienced in 2008 is highly unlikely. The factors that caused home prices to plunge during the Great Recession—specifically crazy lending standards and a surplus of inventory—aren’t a thing anymore. So, what the heck does that mean if you’re a buyer? Uncertainty, in any capacity is scary, right? But with the changing of the New Year, there is also HOPE.  And, one thing that IS FOR CERTAIN: real estate is a long-term investment that has more-often-than-not appreciated over time.  Did you know that when the market is “slow,” that’s when it’s the MOST FUN to be a buyer?  I’ve helped literally hundreds of families purchase homes and I’m actually kind of excited for buyers in 2023.  The key is to discuss your goals and budget with experts that know what they’re doing.  Like my team at The Home Team Group.  Whether it takes three weeks, three months, or three years….if your goal is homeownership, our goal is to get you there.   Get a game plan together with YOUR Home Team. And, remember, if you’re planning to sell this year, because we have #AllThingsRealEstate under one roof…we have so much more to offer in terms of maximizing your profits.  Contact us for recommendations and to find out what your home could sell for in today’s market. BAD NEWS: RENT PRICES KEEP CLIMBING According to Jay Parsons, head of economics for rental housing software company RealPage, there’s some evidence of a slowdown in demand. He predicts that market-rate rents will rise just 3.3% this year. At a national level, the forecast for rent growth is 6.3% in the next 12 months, somewhat ahead of home price growth and historical rent trends.”7 So, what the heck does that mean if you’re renting?  Rent goes up, but you can lock in a set mortgage payment and build long-term wealth by putting that money toward a home purchase instead. Reach out for a free consultation to discuss your options. GOOD NEWS: WE’RE HERE TO GUIDE YOU My husband Manny and I, the Co-Founders of The Home Team Group, have been the “Literal & Figurative Marriage Between Lender & Realtor” for over 20 years right here in Central Florida.  We have helped literally thousands of people with their real estate goals and have thousands of closed transactions under our belts.  We have an incredible team of knowledgeable real estate, mortgage, and title professionals who all believe as we do: when you help people, good things happen.  If you’re looking for experts with a heart of service to help you buy, sell, or refinance in 2023, then look no further.  We are YOUR Home Team.  Much love, Amanda aka The Marketing Mama     The above references an opinion and is for informational purposes only.  It is not intended to be financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult the appropriate professionals for advice regarding your individual needs. Sources: Bankrate -https://www.bankrate.com/real-estate/housing-market-predictions-2023/ com - https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/2023-the-year-of-the-homebuyer-our-bold-predictions-on-home-prices-mortgage-rates-and-more/ Mortgage Bankers Association - https://www.mba.org/docs/default-source/research-and-forecasts/forecasts/mortgage-finance-forecast-dec-2022.pdf?sfvrsn=b584bf7_1 Fannie Mae - https://www.fanniemae.com/newsroom/fannie-mae-news/economy-still-expected-enter-and-exit-modest-recession-2023 Fannie Mae -https://www.fanniemae.com/media/45801/display com -https://www.realtor.com/research/2023-national-housing-forecast/ CNBC -https://www.cnbc.com/2022/09/28/how-much-higher-rent-will-go-in-2023-according-to-experts.html  

Is it just me or does it feel like every year the holidays sneak up on us?  We'll, there’s no need to succumb to the dreaded last-minute gift panic. We’ve lined up a list of unique gifts for every “type” on your list. And since here at The Home Team Group work in real estate, they’re all centered around home life. Check out these fun gift ideas for everyone on your list, from the coffee snob to the sports enthusiast and beyond! FOR THOSE WHO ARE ALWAYS IN THE KITCHEN These gift ideas will be a treat for the chef, baker, or food lover on your list: 1. The Coffee Snob Glass Pour-Over Coffeemaker - $36 Have a java lover on your list who just can’t get their brew right at home? This high-end pour-over system makes a smooth brew that can even be refrigerated and reheated so your recipient can enjoy a perfect cup at any time. 2. The Foodie Shiitake Mushroom Log Kit - $30 I shiitake you not!  This cool kit allows them to grow delicious mushrooms right in their cupboard. All they’ll need to do is soak the wood and put it in a cool place, then wait a few weeks, and voila—mushrooms! Best of all, they can keep growing mushrooms on the same log for years. 3. The Baker Vintage Etched Cake Stand - $60 If you’re lucky enough to have a fabulous home baker on your list, give a gift that reflects the joy their treats bring to others. This lovely glass cake stand is the platform that a beautifully decorated dessert deserves. 4. The Tea Aficionado Flowering Tea Set - $25 Your favorite tea lover may have tried all of the herbal blends out there, but we bet they haven’t seen tea like this. This set contains two “blossoms” of tea leaves hand-sewn around flowers that bloom when you place them in the included glass teapot and add hot water.    FOR THOSE WHO WOULD RATHER BE IN THE BACKYARD For many of us, time outdoors is the ultimate source of rejuvenation. The nature-lover on your list is sure to appreciate these presents that help them maximize that joy in their daily lives. 5. The Gardener Striped Garden Tote Bag - $37 Dedicated gardeners all need a great bag to carry their gear. This tote is attractive and sturdy and will help them keep their home’s exterior beautiful and welcoming. 6. The Flower Lover Monthly Flower Subscription - starting at $40/month If your loved one prefers to enjoy their flora without all the work, a delivery of farm-fresh flowers is sure to surprise and delight. And you can keep the joy blossoming year-round with a monthly or bi-monthly subscription. 7. The Poolside Sipper Yeti Tumbler- $25 The festivities can ensue outside with these shatterproof, dishwasher safe, and double-wall insulated tumblers from Yeti.  With over 15 colors to choose from, this is definitely a sure-fire crowd pleaser. 8. The Outdoor Adventurer Solar Phone Charger - $29 Have a camper or adventurer on your list? This solar-powered phone charger, which comes with a built-in flashlight and compass, is a must-have. It will also make a great addition to their home emergency kit. FOR THOSE WITH THEIR NOSE TO GRINDSTONE Like it or not, most of us spend a good chunk of our lives working—whether at a job or on projects and chores around the house. These gifts are designed to make that work a bit easier and more enjoyable. 9. The Remote Worker Home Office Lap Desk - $35 Working at home can be great—in part because you can work from anywhere in the house. The remote worker on your list will appreciate this lap desk with a built-in mouse pad and phone slot, which will allow them to work comfortably from the couch or the bed without overheating their computer. 10. The Back-to-The-Office Worker Bento Lunch Box - $27 If your loved one is heading back to the office, it doesn’t mean they have to give up the healthy habit of a home-cooked meal. Send them to work with this stylish lunch box packed full of nutritious food. 11. The Do-It-Yourselfer 65ft Laser Distance Measure - $50 The handy person on your list can say goodbye to unwieldy tape measures with this nifty device. It’s perfect for DIY projects up to 65 feet. 12. The Clean Freak Portable Sanitizing Travel Wand - $60 One could say that in the COVID-19 era, we’ve all become a little germaphobic. This UV wand kills viruses and bacteria in seconds without any wiping or washing required. It’s perfect for disinfecting shoes, computer keyboards, and more! FOR THOSE MOST PASSIONATE ABOUT THEIR HOBBIES Of course, there’s a lot more to life than work. If you’re gifting a friend or family member who really lights up when they talk about their hobbies, we’ve got you covered. 13. The Sports Enthusiast Hockey Stick BBQ Set - $45 Looking for a gift for the sports enthusiast in your life that isn’t another jersey? These BBQ tools made from repurposed hockey sticks are a great pick. Perfect for cooking up food to watch with the game! 14. The Bookworm The Book Lover’s Journal - $13 Know someone who loves to curl up on the couch with a good book? This journal will help the book-lover on your list keep track of what they’ve read, as well as their ever-growing “to-read” list. 15. The Runner Marathon Map Hydration Bottles - $36 Help the runner you love to stay hydrated (and motivated) with a water bottle inscribed with their favorite race route. It’s perfect for runs around the neighborhood or just toting around the house. 16. The Tourist Travel Backpack - $100 Make it easy for the travel lover on your list to bring back souvenirs. This lightweight backpack folds flat so it’s easy to pack but sturdy enough to carry their new treasures all the way home.   FOR THOSE WHO PUT FAMILY FIRST For many of us, the greatest joy in life comes from our relationship with our family. Help your recipient strengthen and celebrate those all-important connections with these thoughtful gifts. 17. The New Parent 4-in-1 Baby Food Maker - $155 It’s hard to know what to buy for new parents once their registry is cleared out, but if they’re interested in making baby food at home, this tool is a must-have. It makes the process, from steaming to mixing, fast and easy. 18. The Genealogy Fan DNA Kit - $99 Know someone interested in reconnecting with their ancestral home? This DNA kit can help them trace their geographical heritage and uncover their family history. 19. The Pet Person Custom Printed Socks - $25 Is your friend’s pet their favorite family member? These adorable socks are sure to put a smile on their face as they cozy up on the couch with their fur baby. And since you can feature up to four pets on each pair of socks, no one needs to feel left out. 20. The Documentarian Mini Link Printer - $100 We all have that relative who snaps a million photos at every family event. Help them capture each precious moment with this unique gadget that essentially transforms a smartphone into a Polaroid camera. It makes it easy to customize and print out snapshots to display around the house or insert into a scrapbook for posterity.   READY TO GIVE YOURSELF THE ULTIMATE GIFT? We take pride in being your go-to gurus for #AllThingsRealEstate and want to be your real estate advisors through every season of life. Whether it takes 3 weeks, 3 months, or 3 years-if your goal is to buy, sell, or even refinance a home…our goal is to get you there!  We welcome you to always reach out with questions or to ask for recommendations or referrals any time of year. And when you’re ready to give yourself the gift of a new home, simply text or #CallYourMama and my team and I would be honored to talk with you about options. From finding the right neighborhood to identifying the solutions that will make the biggest difference in your quality of life, you can always count on YOUR Home Team. Merry EVERYTHING,  Amanda aka The Marketing Mama

Tis the season for....inflation? Ok, that's a bit tongue in cheek, but the great news is: you don't have to break the bank to celebrate the holidays in style—even in this season of inflation. Prices may be higher on everything from food to gifts to decorations, but there are still plenty of opportunities to eke out extra savings. And, don't worry about keeping up with the Joneses...according to multiple surveys, inflation is not only chilling people's spending, it's also prompting shoppers to search for better deals and creative ways to reduce their bills.1  So, you won't be the only one bargain-hunting your way to a more financially-stable New Year! Here are some strategies you can use to boost your holiday budget by trimming household expenses: 1. Hunt for Deals on Groceries With the U.S. food-at-home index (a measure of grocery price inflation) at a 43-year high, many families are struggling to control costs on food staples, such as meat, dairy, produce, and grains.2   That could make pulling off holiday gatherings especially stressful. But don't despair: simple swaps and searching for discounts are a great way to bridge the gap.  The key is to pay attention to the cost of each item on your shopping list—not just the most expensive—and look for easy swaps and discounts. For example, you can snap digital deals by utilizing coupons on your smart phone or even try buying non-perishable items in bulk, especially when they’re on sale, and only in-season produce. Or trade name-brand goods for less expensive options from a store's private label. My kids love doing "taste challenges" with food brands.  And, honestly, it can be pretty fun!   2. Prep Your Home for Holiday Guests With Pre-Owned Finds You don't have to sacrifice style for the sake of preserving your holiday budget either. If you're expecting company this year and would like to add some festive flair to your home, you can do so inexpensively—especially if you're willing to decorate with items that are secondhand. Thrifting is back in vogue, with an increasing number of shoppers preferring pre-owned furniture and home goods. And thanks to a pandemic-era boom in online shopping, it is easier than ever to find deals on new and pre-owned furniture, thrifted gifts, DIY decor, and more. Even secondhand stores like Goodwill have joined the digital fray, making it a cinch to score gently-used treasures at extra-low prices.3 A recent study found that the “recommerce” market grew almost 15% last year, which was twice the pace of general retail.4 Plus, buying used isn’t just a great way to save money, it also helps the environment by keeping reusable items out of landfills. Don't stress yourself out, though, if you don't have the time or money to dress your home the way you hoped. “A house doesn’t have to be perfect or completely done for it to feel festive or inviting,” designer Justina Blakeney noted in an interview with the Washington Post. “These are family and friends, and they are not judging you.”5 3. Forgo Major Renovations in Favor of DIY Home Improvements Holidays are always a tricky time to undergo big renovations. But with ongoing worker and material shortages, now is an especially bad time to commit. Inflated costs can add thousands to your reno budget –—and unnecessary stress to your holiday. Instead of suffering through an ill-timed remodel, you're better off saving this time of year for simpler, less expensive projects you can do yourself. One winter-perfect upgrade to consider: Build a DIY fire pit so that you and your guests can roast marshmallows and relax in the cozy comfort of your backyard. You can also add some extra ambiance by hanging energy-efficient LED outdoor string lights that change from white to colorful. These are festive enough for the holidays, but also versatile enough to use year-round. 4. Invest in Home Maintenance Projects That Cut Your Utility Bills You can save money by completing basic home maintenance tasks , such as swapping your AC filter and updating your lightbulbs to LEDs. But if you really want to lower your bills this winter, consider projects that make your home more energy efficient, which will open up some of your budget for the holidays.  According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), you can save a couple of hundred dollars a year just by sealing your home and boosting its insulation.6  According to the EPA, 9 out of 10 homes in the U.S. are under-insulated, which wastes energy and money.7 Luckily, there are plenty of DIY insulation projects that you can complete in just a few days. For example, the EPA offers guides on how to: Insulate your attic or crawl spaces Weatherstrip doors and windows Seal areas around the house that may be leaking air, including electrical outlets and fireplaces The savings you get from these projects can really add up. The EPA estimates that sealing and insulating your ducts can make your HVAC system up to 20% more efficient.8 And thanks to new provisions from the Inflation Reduction Act, you can also save a bundle this year by investing in certain energy-efficient upgrades and claiming a tax credit.9 Be sure to check with us about any local rebates and incentives that may be available, too, before getting started on a project. We know lots of great deals! 5. Use Expense Tracking to Boost Your Holiday Budget To avoid overextending yourself during the holidays, one of the best things you can do is track your income and expenses. If your monthly budget is usually tight, you may need to make some adjustments to free up cash for holiday expenditures. For example, below is a sample budget worksheet. Start by adding in your expenses: Under the “Typical” column, you can list your standard expenses, and under the “Adjusted” column, list any areas where you could cut back on spending. Then consider how your standard wages may be adjusted this month by extra shifts, additional tips, or an end-of-year bonus. By decreasing your spending and/or increasing your income, you can build room in your budget for holiday gifts and gatherings. Feel free to utilize this worksheet as a template that you can personalize to your needs, or ask us for a PDF copy that you can print out and use right away. WE’RE HERE TO HELP We would love to help you meet your financial goals now and in the year ahead. Whether you want to find lower-cost alternatives for home renovations, maintenance, or services, we are happy to provide our insights and referrals. And if you’re saving up to buy a new home, of course YOUR Home Team would LOVE to help with that, too. This is the perfect time to score a great deal because only the most motivated homebuyers and sellers are active in the market right now. So reach out to schedule a free consultation. We can fill you in on some of the exciting programs and incentives we’re seeing that help make homeownership more affordable.  Much love,  Amanda AKA The Marketing Mama   The above references an opinion and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult the appropriate professionals for advice regarding your individual needs. Sources: Retail Dive - https://www.retaildive.com/news/inflation-drives-shopping-changes-consumers-survey/629973/ NBC News - https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/how-save-groceries-ncna1299053 USA Today - https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/retail/2022/10/05/goodwill-launches-online-store-goodwillfinds-website/8185084001/ CNBC - ​​https://www.cnbc.com/2022/09/14/secondhand-shopping-is-booming-heres-how-much-you-can-save.html Washington Post - https://www.washingtonpost.com/home/2021/11/09/holiday-entertaining-tips/ S. Environmental Protection Agency - https://www.energystar.gov/campaign/seal_insulate/why_seal_and_insulate S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - https://www.energystar.gov/campaign/waysToSave#!card0-GW91 Energy Star -https://www.energystar.gov/campaign/waysToSave The White House - https://www.whitehouse.gov/cleanenergy/?utm_source=cleanenergy.gov  

Moving can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be!  If you’re a first-time buyer facing rising rents, a solid fixed rate mortgage is a great incentive to prepare yourself for homeownership.  And, if you’re a current homeowner but want to downsize, move up, or invest in another property…it’s still vitally important to prepare for your purchase.  No matter if it’s your 1st or your 5th home, don’t wait until you’re ready to move to start preparing financially to buy a home. The vast majority of home buyers finance their purchases with a mortgage loan. Knowing what to expect and taking the necessary steps to prepare will help you avoid any hiccups or delays to your new house.  The requirements to secure a home loan can seem overwhelming, especially if you’re a first-time buyer, but at The Home Team Group, we like to educate our buyers to make the process smooth and pleasant.  Purchasing a home is a big deal, and you worked hard to get here, so with open lines of communication and setting the expectation upfront, the financing part of buying a house can be ALMOST as fun as looking at the pretty houses (almost). You may have seen Manny and I compare the current 2022 Housing Market to the 2008 Market in our recent episode of Married To The Market; but if you have had the opportunity to watch, one of the biggest items to note, especially if you’re a current homeowner who hasn’t purchased in a long time, is that lending requirements have become more rigorous in recent years, and changes to your credit history, debt levels, job type and other factors could impact your chances of approval.  That’s why preparation is KEY. It’s never too early to start preparing to buy a home. Follow these three steps to begin laying the foundation for your future home purchase today!    STEP 1 IN PREPARING FOR PURCHASE: CHECK YOUR CREDIT SCORE Your credit score is one of the first things a lender will check to see if you qualify for a loan. It’s a good idea to review your credit report and score yourself before you’re ready to apply for a mortgage. Credit Karma is not a qualifying score for a mortgage approval, as it uses a Vantage Scoring method.  So, while it is a great way to monitor your credit, to see what your true FICO score is, you can either CONTACT YOUR FAVORITE LENDER BY CLICKING HERE or call 833.WE.LOAN.1 and speak with one of our knowledgeable mortgage experts within our lending division of YOUR Home Team Group…Home Team Lending.  Even the savviest of buyers cringe at the thought of a credit pull, but honestly, it’s such a small “hit” to your score (typically 2-5 points) and you really do need to know if you have a low score, because you will need time to raise it. And sometimes fraudulent activity or erroneous information will appear on your report, which can take months to correct. If you are considering a purchase within the next 12 months, you should definitely give our team a call/text/email/pop by in person…because knowledge is really powerful in your pathway to purchase, so step one-knowing your credit-is something we can assist you with.  It’s fast, FREE, and most of all, friendly.  Believe me, after 20 years, there’s not a scenario that we haven’t seen.  You’re in good hands with YOUR Home Team.  If you think you’re more than 12 months away, check out the free credit report that you are entitled to by federal law every 12 months from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and Transunion) by requesting your free credit report at https://www.annualcreditreport.com. WHAT’S A GOOD CREDIT SCORE, WHAT’S A BAD CREDIT SCORE, AND HOW DOES IT IMPACT YOUR MORTGAGE APPROVAL?  Click here to watch our short 2 minute video giving you those answers from our lips to your ears!   5 Quick Tips to Increase Your Credit Score While I’m not a credit expert, having helped grow our lending division as The Mortgage Mama™ the past decade, I have worked with hundreds of borrowers who have had credit challenges.  And, y’all, there’s no quick fix for a low credit score, but the following 5 steps will help you increase it over time.5 1. Make Payments on Time At 35 percent, your payment history accounts for the largest portion of your credit score. Therefore, it’s crucial to get caught up on any late payments and make all of your future payments on time.  2. Avoid Applying for New Credit You Don’t Need New accounts will lower your average account age, which could negatively impact your length of credit history. Also, each time you apply for credit, it can result in a small decrease in your credit score. The exception to this rule? If you don’t have any credit cards—or any credit accounts at all—you should open an account to establish a credit history. Just be sure to use it responsibly and pay it off in full each month. 3. Pay Down Credit Cards, Not Pay OFF When you pay off your credit cards and other revolving credit, you lower your amounts owed, or credit utilization ratio (ratio of account balances to credit limits). Some experts recommend starting with your highest-interest debt and paying it off first. Others suggest paying off your lowest balance first and then rolling that payment into your next-lowest balance to create momentum. Whichever method you choose, the first step is to make a list of all of your credit card balances and then start tackling them one by one; ideally at a $0 balance, but certainly if you do keep a balance, be sure to keep it under 30% of the available limit. Make the minimum payments on all of your cards except one. Pay as much as possible on that card until it’s paid in full, then cross it off your list and move on to the next card.   Debt Interest Rate Total Payoff Minimum Payment Credit Card 1 12.5% $460 $18.40 Credit Card 2 18.9% $1,012 $40.48 Credit Card 3 3.11% $6,300 $252 Keep the account open, but at a $0 balance, though. Here’s why: 4. Avoid Closing Old Accounts Closing an account with a $0 balance eliminates that amount of available credit in your credit utilization ratio and the credit algorithm reads that as a bad thing, even though you got rid of debt.  Since credit scores are measured by an algorithm and not a human, closing accounts raise your credit utilization ratio, since you’ll have less available credit.  The credit algorithm also LOVES length of credit worthiness, so closing an old account will not remove it from your credit report and it can hurt your score as well because it decreases your average length of credit history. Ooh, while I’m thinking about paying off things…in terms of collections, paying off a collection account will not remove it from your report. It remains on your credit report for seven years, however, the negative impact on your score will decrease over time. 5. Correct Errors on Your Report Mistakes or fraudulent activity can negatively impact your credit score. That’s why it’s a good idea to check your credit report at least once per year. The Federal Trade Commission has instructions on their website for disputing errors on your report. While it may seem like a lot of effort to raise your credit score, your hard work will pay off in the long run. Not only will it help you qualify for a mortgage, a high credit score can help you secure a lower interest rate on car loans and credit cards, as well. You may even qualify for lower rates on insurance premiums.6  STEP 2 IN PREPARING FOR PURCHASE: SAVE UP FOR A DOWN PAYMENT & CLOSING COSTS The next step in preparing for your home purchase is to save up for a down payment and closing costs. Down Payment When you purchase a home, you typically pay for a portion of it in cash (down payment) and take out a loan to cover the remaining balance (mortgage).  Many first-time buyers wonder: How much do I need to save for a down payment? The answer is … it depends. Generally speaking, the higher your down payment, the more money you will save on interest and fees. For example, you will qualify for a lower interest rate and avoid paying for mortgage insurance if your down payment is at least 20 percent of the property’s purchase price. But what if you can’t afford to put down 20 percent? On a conventional loan, you will be required to purchase private mortgage insurance (PMI) if your down payment is less than 20 percent. PMI is insurance that compensates your lender if you default on your loan.7 Conventional loans can have a 3% down payment, but typically for better terms, a minimum of 5% is a good down payment.  If a 5% down payment is still too high, an FHA-insured loan may be an option for you. Because FHA loans are guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration, they only require a 3.5% down payment if your credit score is 580 or higher.7 The downside of getting an FHA loan? You’ll be required to pay an upfront mortgage insurance premium (MIP) of 1.75% of the total loan amount, as well as an annual MIP of between 0.80 and 1.05 percent of your loan balance on a 30-year note. There are also certain limitations on the types of loans and properties that qualify.10 There are a variety of other government-sponsored programs created to assist home buyers, as well. For example, veterans and current members of the Armed Forces may qualify for a VA-backed loan requiring a $0 down payment.7 I recommend you CONTACT YOUR FAVORITE LENDER BY CLICKING HERE or call 833.WE.LOAN.1 and speak with one of our knowledgeable mortgage experts if you have further questions.  Current Homeowners If you’re a current homeowner, you may have equity in your home that you can use toward your down payment on a new home. We can help you estimate your expected return after you sell your current home and pay back your existing mortgage. Contact us for a free evaluation! Closing Costs & Pre-Paid Items Closing costs should also be factored into your savings plan. These may include loan origination fees, discount points, appraisal fees, title searches, title insurance, surveys and other fees associated with the purchase of your home. Closing costs vary but typically range between 2.5 to 6 percent of the purchase price.11 If you don’t have the funds to pay these outright at closing, you can often add them to your mortgage balance and pay them over time. However, this means you’ll have a higher monthly payment and pay more over the long term because you’ll pay interest on the fees. STEP 3 IN PREPARING FOR PURCHASE: ESTIMATE YOUR HOME PURCHASING POWER Once you have the required credit score, savings for a down payment and a list of all your outstanding debt obligations via your credit report, you can assess whether you are ready and able to purchase a home. It’s important to have a sense of how much you can reasonably afford—and how much you’ll be able to borrow—to see if homeownership is within reach. Your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio is one of the main factors mortgage companies use to determine how much they are willing to lend you, and it can help you gauge whether or not your home purchasing goals are realistic given your current financial situation. Your DTI ratio is essentially a comparison of your housing expenses and other debt versus your income. There are two different DTI ratios that lenders consider: Front-End Ratio Also called the housing ratio, this is the percentage of your income that would go toward housing expenses each month, including your mortgage payment, private mortgage insurance, property taxes, homeowner’s insurance and association dues.12 To calculate your front-end DTI ratio, a lender will add up your expected housing expenses and divide it by your gross monthly income (income before taxes).  Back-End Ratio The back-end ratio takes into account all of your monthly debt obligations: your expected housing expenses PLUS credit card bills, car payments, child support or alimony, student loans and any other debt that shows up on your credit report.12 To calculate your back-end ratio, a lender will tabulate your expected housing expenses and other monthly debt payments and divide it by your gross monthly income (income before taxes). Home Affordability Calculator To get a sense of how much home you can afford, visit the National Association of Realtors’ free Home Affordability Calculator at https://www.realtor.com/mortgage/tools/affordability-calculator. This handy tool will help you determine your home purchasing power depending on your location, annual income, monthly debt and down payment. It also offers a monthly mortgage breakdown that projects what you would pay each month in principal and interest, property taxes, and home insurance. The Home Affordability Calculator defaults to a back-end DTI ratio of 36 percent. If the monthly cost estimate at that ratio is significantly higher than what you’re currently paying for housing, you need to consider whether or not you can make up the difference each month in your budget. The allowable back-end DTI varies depending on loan program and borrower qualifications, so the best course of action is to CONTACT YOUR FAVORITE LENDER BY CLICKING HERE or call 833.WE.LOAN.1 and speak with one of our knowledgeable mortgage experts if you have further questions. (Note 1: This tool only provides an estimate of your purchasing power. You will need to secure pre-approval from a mortgage lender to know your true mortgage approval amount and monthly payment projections.) (Note 2: While we’d love to earn your mortgage business as well as your real estate business, many of our buyers do work with other lenders, so you are absolutely welcome to use whatever mortgage, title, or real estate professional you know, like, and trust.) Can I Afford to Buy My Dream Home? Once you have a sense of your purchasing power, it’s time to find out which neighborhoods and types of homes you can afford. The best way to determine this is to CONTACT YOUR FAVORITE REALTOR BY CLICKING HERE or text or #CallYourMama 855.4YO.MAMA and my team would be so happy to assist you.  We help homeowners like you every day and can send you a comprehensive list of homes within your budget that meet your specific needs. If there are homes within your price range and target neighborhoods that meet your criteria—congratulations! It’s time to begin your home search. If not, you may need to continue saving up for a larger down payment … or adjust your search parameters to find homes that do fit within your budget. The great news is…we can help you determine the right course for you, no matter where you’re at in your path to purchase. START LAYING YOUR FOUNDATION TODAY It’s never too early to start preparing financially for a home purchase. These three steps will set you on the path toward homeownership … and a secure financial future! And if you are ready to buy now but don’t have a perfect credit score or a big down payment, don’t get discouraged. There are resources and options available that might make it possible for you to buy a home sooner than you think. We can help. We’re YOUR Home Team. Much Love,  Amanda aka The Marketing Mama The above references an opinion and is for informational purposes only.  It is not intended to be financial advice. Consult a financial professional for advice regarding your individual needs. Sources: myFICO – https://www.myfico.com/credit-education/credit-report-credit-score-articles/ Bankrate – https://www.bankrate.com/mortgages/what-is-a-good-credit-score-to-buy-a-house/ Bankrate – https://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/7-crucial-facts-about-fha-loans-1.aspx myFICO – https://www.myfico.com/credit-education/improve-your-credit-score/ The Balance – https://www.thebalance.com/having-good-credit-score-960528 Bankrate – https://www.bankrate.com/mortgages/how-much-is-a-down-payment-on-a-house/ Bankrate – https://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/the-basics-of-private-mortgage-insurance-pmi.aspx Bankrate – https://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/removing-private-mortgage-insurance.aspx The Balance – https://www.thebalance.com/fha-home-loan-pitfalls-315673 Investopedia – https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/closingcosts.asp Bankrate – https://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/why-debt-to-income-matters-in-mortgages-1.aspx The Lenders Network – https://thelendersnetwork.com/fha-debt-to-income-ratio/

The process of buying a new home can be both exhilarating and exhausting. But the journey doesn’t stop when you close on your property. On the contrary, you still have quite a bit to do before you can begin the process of settling into your new place.   Fortunately, you don’t have to do everything in a day. You don’t have to do it all alone, either. When you work with us to sell or purchase a home, you’ll have an ally by your side long after your transaction has closed. We’ll continue to be a resource, offering advice and referrals whenever you need them on packing, hiring movers and contractors, and acclimating to your new home and neighborhood.   When it comes to a life event as stressful as moving, it pays to have a professional by your side. Here are some of our favorite pro tips to share with clients as they prepare for an upcoming move. 1. Watch out for moving scams. Maybe you receive a flyer for a moving company in the mail. Perhaps you find a mover online. Either way, never assume that you’re getting accurate information. According to the Better Business Bureau, moving-related fraud is on the rise. In 2021 alone, individuals and families reported more than $730,000 lost to moving scams, an increase of 216% over the previous year.1   How can you tell if a moving deal is too good to be true? Trust your instincts. If the price appears too low or you can’t pin down the mover’s physical business address, try someone else. The same goes for any moving company representative who dodges questions. Reputable movers should offer transparent pricing, conduct in-home estimates, and provide referrals and copies of their insurance documents upon request.2 For help finding trustworthy movers, reach out. We’d be happy to share our recommendations.    2. Insure your belongings. Your moving company promises to take care of your custom piano or your antique furniture. But don’t just take their word for it. Ask to see how much insurance they carry and talk about how the claims process works. That way, you’ll know what is (and isn’t) covered in case of loss or damage.   Of course, some items are priceless because they’re irreplaceable. You might want to move your more sensitive valuables (jewelry, documents, family heirlooms, etc.) in your own vehicle just to be safe. For added peace of mind, call your rental or home insurance provider if you’re moving anything yourself. You might already be protected or be able to purchase extra insurance to cover your move. If those options are unavailable, you could opt for moving insurance from a third-party carrier.3   3. Start packing when you start looking for a new home.   As soon as your house hunting begins in earnest, think about packing away things you won’t need for the next few months. These could include seasonal or holiday decor, clothing, and books. Tackling just one or two boxes a day will give you a head start.   If you're going to put your current home on the market, you'll want to declutter anyway. Decluttering will make your home seem larger, and depersonalizing helps buyers envision their own items in the space. Consider selling, donating, or throwing out possessions you no longer need. The things you want to keep can be placed in storage until you officially start moving to a new place. 4. Pack to make unpacking easier. Have you ever opened a packed box only to find that it’s filled with an assortment of items that don’t belong together? This isn’t efficient and will only make unpacking harder. A better way to pack is to bundle items from a single room in a labeled box. Labels can let movers know (and remind you) where to place each box, whether it’s fragile, and which side needs to be up. Some people like to assign colors to each room in their new home to make distributing color-coded boxes a breeze.   Feel free to unleash your inner organizer with this project. For example, you could create a spreadsheet and assign each box a number. As boxes are packed, simply fill in the spreadsheet with a list of contents. Anyone with access to the spreadsheet can log in and quickly find the desired item.   5. Think outside the box when transporting clothes.   Who wants to worry about boxing up clothes? If you plan on hiring professional movers, ask if you can leave clothing in your dressers. In many cases, they will use plastic to wrap the dresser so the drawers don’t fall out during transport. If keeping your clothes in your furniture makes it too heavy, the movers might be able to wrap and move drawers by themselves.   Another easy transport trick involves turning clean garbage bags into garment bags. Poke a hole in the bottom of a garbage bag, turn the bag upside down, slide it over five to seven garments on hangers, and lay the items flat in the back seat or trunk of your vehicle. The bags will help prevent wrinkling, and your clothes will be ready to hang up when you get to your new home.   6. Document prior to disassembling appliances and furnishings.   Few things are as confusing as looking at a plastic baggie filled with nuts, bolts, and screws from your disassembled dining room table or sorting through a box of electrical wires and cords to see which ones fit your TV.   The best workaround to easier reassembly is to document the disassembly process. Take photos and videos or thorough notes as you go. Whether it’s your headboard or treadmill, be very precise. And just a tip: Construct your beds first when you get to your new home. After a long moving day, the very last thing you want is to be assembling beds into the wee hours of the morning. 7. Prioritize unpacking kids’ rooms. Children can become very stressed by a big move. To ease their transition, consider prioritizing unpacking their rooms as their “safe zones.”4 You aren’t obligated to unpack everything, certainly. However, set up your children’s rooms to be functional. That way, your kids can hang out in a private oasis away from the chaos while you’re running around and moving everything else.   Depending upon how old your youngsters are, you might want to give them decorating leeway, too. Even if it’s just letting them choose where furniture goes, it gives them a sense of buy-in. This can help ease the blues of leaving a former home they loved. 8. Be a thoughtful pet parent.   Many types of pets can’t handle the commotion of moving day. Knowing this, be considerate and seek ways to give your pets breaks from the action. You might ask a friend to pet sit your pooch or keep your kitty in a quieter room, like a guest bathroom.   Be sure to check in on your pet frequently. Pets like to know that you’re around. Give them treats, food, and water throughout the day. When it’s time to transport your pet, do it calmly. At your new property, give your pet access to just a room or two at first. Pets typically prefer to acclimate themselves slowly to unfamiliar environments.5 9. Plan for your move like you’re planning for an exciting vacation.   When you plan vacations, you probably look up local restaurants, shops, and recreational areas. Who says you can’t do the same thing when moving? Create a list of all the places you want to go and things you want to do around your newly purchased home. Having a to-explore list keeps everyone’s spirits high and gives you starting points to settle into the neighborhood.   And don’t feel that you have to cook that first night. Once the moving trucks are gone, you can always pop over to a local eatery or order DoorDash for major convenience. The first meal in your new home should be a happy, welcoming treat. And if you’re relocating to our neck of the woods, we would love to introduce you to all the hot spots in town and recommend our local favorites. 10. Pack an “Open Me First!” box.   You won’t be able to unpack all your boxes in one day, but you shouldn’t go without your sheets, pillows, or toothbrush. Designate some boxes with “Open Me First!” labels. (Pro tip: Keep a tool kit front and center for all that reassembling.)   Along these lines, use luggage and duffel bags to transport everyone’s personal must-have items and enough clothing for a couple of days. That way, you won’t have to rummage through everything in the middle of your move looking for sneakers or snacks.   When packing your “Open Me First!” boxes, think about which items you’ll need in those first 24 hours. For example, toilet paper and hand soap are musts. A box cutter will make unpacking a lot easier, and paper towels and trash bags are sure to come in handy. Reach out for a complete, printable list of “Open Me First!” box essentials to keep on hand for your next move!   LET’S GET MOVING   Getting the phone call from your real estate agent that your bid was accepted is a thrilling moment. Make sure you keep the positivity flowing during the following weeks by mapping out a streamlined, efficient move. Feel free to get in touch with us today to help make your big move your best move. Sources:   Better Business Bureau - https://www.bbb.org/article/scams/24198-bbb-scam-alert-avoid-moving-scams-this-national-moving-mont org - https://www.move.org/how-to-tell-moving-company-scam/ Forbes - https://www.forbes.com/advisor/homeowners-insurance/moving-insurance/ New York Times - https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/13/parenting/moving-tips-kids.html ASPCA - https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/moving-your-pet

Homebuyers today are facing a huge dilemma. There simply aren’t enough homes for sale.1   Nationwide, there were 1.27 million active listings in September, down 13% from the previous year. According to the National Association of Realtors, that’s about 2.4 months of inventory, which is far less than the six months that is generally needed to strike a healthy balance between supply and demand.2 Given the limited number of available properties, if you’re a buyer in today’s market, you may need to expand your search to include both new construction and resale homes. But it can feel a little like comparing apples to oranges.   Let’s take a closer look at some of the factors you should take into account when choosing between a new build or an existing home.   TIMEFRAME How quickly do you want (or need) to move into your next home? Your timeframe can be a determining factor when it comes to choosing between a new build or resale. New Build If you opt for new construction, you may be surprised by how long you have to wait to get the keys to your new digs. Currently, many home builders are dealing with unique challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, including rising costs, labor and material shortages, and shipping delays. While historically it took around five to six months to build a home, many builders are now reporting construction timelines closer to a year or more.3 These issues have led some builders to cancel contracts or raise the price on unsuspecting homebuyers long after agreements were signed. Unfortunately, this scenario can throw a major wrench in your moving plans and significantly delay your timeline. To minimize these types of surprises, it’s crucial to have a real estate agent represent you in a new home purchase. We can help negotiate better contract terms and advise you about the potential risks involved. Existing Home If you're in a hurry to move into your next residence, then you may want to stick to shopping for an existing home. You can typically move into a resale home as soon as you've closed the deal. The average time it takes to close a home purchase is around 51 days, but it can vary based on loan type and market activity.4 If you need to move even sooner, it’s sometimes possible to close faster, especially if you’re a cash buyer. In fact, many sellers prefer a quick closing, so it can give you an advantage in a competitive market.   LOCATION From commute to construction to amenities, there’s a lot to consider when choosing your next neighborhood. New Build With a brand-new home, you're more likely to move into a neighborhood that's located on the edge of town and is still undergoing development.5 This could mean a longer commute and ongoing construction for some time.   However, new developments can also offer a lot of amenities that appeal to modern homebuyers. Water features, hike-and-bike trails, tot lots, and dog parks are just a few of the enhancements we’re seeing pop up in master-planned communities across the country. And some feature new schools and their own urban-like centers with restaurants, retail, and office space.6   Existing Home An existing home is more likely to be located close to town in a neighborhood with mature trees, established schools, and a deeply-rooted community. As a result, you may find the neighborhood's trajectory to be more predictable than an up-and-coming area.   But the amenities may be lacking and the infrastructure dated when compared to newer communities. And while some homebuyers love the charm and eclectic feel of an older neighborhood, others prefer the sleek and cohesive look of a newer development.     MAINTENANCE Are you a DIY enthusiast, or do you prefer a low-maintenance lifestyle? Set realistic expectations about how much time, effort, and money you want to devote to maintaining your next home.  New Build When you build a home, everything is brand new. Therefore, in the first few years at least, you can expect less required maintenance and repairs. A 2019 survey found that millennials' homebuying regrets often came down to maintenance issues, rather than other concerns.7 So if you would rather spend your weekends exploring your new neighborhood than fixing a leaky faucet, you may be happier buying a turnkey build.   That doesn't mean, though, that a new home will be entirely maintenance-free. In fact, depending on the builder, you could find yourself repairing more than you expected. Some home builders have reputations for shoddy construction and subpar materials, so it's important to choose one with a solid reputation. We can help you identify the quality builders in our area.   Existing Home No matter how good a deal you got when you purchased it, you could come to regret buying an older home if it costs you heavily in unexpected maintenance and repairs. According to HomeAdvisor's yearly True Cost report, home renovations have grown more expensive in recent years. For example, installing a new HVAC system could cost you $5,371 on average. And you can expect to pay nearly double that amount ($9,375) for a new roof.8   Fortunately, there are ways to prepare for these large expenditures. We always recommend that our buyers hire a certified home inspector, whether they buy a new or existing home. Once we have the inspector’s report, we can negotiate with the seller on your behalf for reasonable repairs or concessions.   ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT  On a quest for greener living? If so, there are several factors to consider when deciding on your next home.   New Build There’s a growing demand for energy-efficient housing, and many builders are rising to the challenge. Nearly 1 in 4 homes built in 2020 received a HERS (Home Energy Rating System) Index Rating by the Residential Energy Services Network. A HERS rating provides an index score that compares the newly-built home to those that were standard in 2006. The more energy-efficient the home is, the lower the score it receives.11   The average home rated in 2020 was 42% more efficient than those built in 2006 and 72% more efficient than a typical home built in the 1970s.11 So if energy efficiency is a top priority, a new home with a low HERS rating may be a good choice. You can also look for one that’s ENERGY STAR Certified, which means it meets a series of strict efficiency guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency. In 2020, only 7.9% of homes built in the U.S. received this designation.12   Existing Home Of course, a basic tenet of sustainable living is: reduce, reuse, recycle. And since a resale home already exists, it automatically comes with a lower carbon footprint. Research has also shown that remodeling or retrofitting an older home is often greener than building one from scratch.13   With some energy-conservation effort and strategic upgrades, environmentally-conscious consumers can feel good about buying an existing home, as well.   DESIGN Open floor plan? Kitchen island? High ceilings? Must-have design features could drive your decision to build or buy resale.   New Build With a new home, you can bet that everything will look shiny and perfect when you move in. Builders tend to put a lot of emphasis on visual details and follow the latest design trends. For example, newly-built homes are likely to feature an open floor plan, central kitchen island, and 9+ foot ceilings, which are must-haves for many modern buyers. They are also unlikely to feature carpet on the main level or laminate countertops, both of which have lost mass appeal.14   However, some buyers complain of the cookie-cutter feel of new homes since they are often built with a similar aesthetic. That doesn't mean, though, that you can't incorporate your own style. We can help you negotiate custom features and upgrades to personalize the space and make it feel like your own.   Existing Home In some of the most coveted neighborhoods, an older home with classic styling and character can be highly sought after. But unless the previous homeowners have invested in tasteful updates, an existing home is also more likely to look dated.   While some buyers prefer the traditional look and character of an older home, others crave something more modern. If that’s the case, we can help you find a resale home that leaves enough room in your budget to renovate it to your liking.     WHICHEVER PATH YOU CHOOSE, WE CAN HELP When it comes to choosing between a new build or an existing home, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. There are numerous factors to consider, and you may have to make some compromises along the way. But the homebuying process doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.   YOUR Home Team is here to help. And in many cases, our homebuyer guidance and expertise are available at no cost to you! That’s because the home seller or home builder may compensate us with a commission at closing. Some new-construction homebuyers make the mistake of visiting a builder’s sales office or even purchasing a home without their own real estate representative. But keep in mind, the builder’s agent or “sales consultant” has their best interests in mind—not yours.   We are knowledgeable about both the new construction and resale home options in our area, and we can help you make an informed decision, negotiate a fair price, and avoid mistakes that can cost you time and money. So give us a call today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation—and let’s start searching for your next home!     Sources: Reuters -https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-existing-home-sales-fall-august-inventory-declines-2021-09-22/ National Association of Realtors -https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom/existing-home-sales-ascend-7-0-in-september KFVS 12 -https://www.kfvs12.com/2021/09/22/covid-19-pandemic-affects-delivery-rate-building-materials/ Rocket Mortgage -https://www.rocketmortgage.com/learn/time-to-close-on-a-house Real Assets Adviser -https://irei.com/publications/article/master-planned-communities-changing-u-s-housing-trends-favor-investors-can-benefit/ Builder Online -https://www.builderonline.com/land/development/5-master-plan-trends-home-buyers-gravitate-toward-today_o Bankrate -https://www.bankrate.com/real-estate/homebuyer-regret-survey-may-2021/ Home Advisor -https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/true-cost-report/ Roofing Calculator -https://roofingcalculator.com/news/how-long-do-roofs-last Plumbing and Mechanical Engineer -https://www.pmengineer.com/articles/94873 National Association of Home Builders -https://nahbnow.com/2021/10/nearly-1-in-4-new-homes-in-2020-was-hers-rated/ EnergyStar -https://www.energystar.gov/newhomes/energy_star_certified_new_homes_market_share Advanced Materials Research - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/271358381_Comparative_Study_of_New_Construction_and_Renovation_Project_Based_on_Carbon_Emission National Association of Home Builders https://nahbnow.com/2020/04/most-likely-and-unlikely-features-in-a-new-single-family-home/