Is Winter a Good Time to Buy a Home?

Are you in the hunt for a new home? Here are a few helpful tips and market observations for winter home buyers!

Less Buyers

Typically, there are less buyers “in the pool” during the winter which puts you in a better position to snag your dream home with less pressure and potentially fewer bidding wars.

Think of it this way: It’s kind of like shopping on Black Friday, except there are only a couple of other people in the store! You may get first dibs on the home you’ve been dreaming about!

Better Deals

Not we get back to the whole concept of supply/demand. In many markets, a home that you purchase in the winter months may cost up to 6% less than homes sold during the spring.

Winter buyers can potentially save thousands of dollars by dealing with the hassles of wintertime or holiday buying.

Mortgage Rate Fluctuations

Interest rates tend to fluctuate, of course, and there is never a guarantee that our current rates will continues into the new year. If you can secure a great rate now, it makes buying during the winter make a whole lot of sense!

Tips for Buying in the Winter

Stay on budget. Regardless of the season, it’s tempting to push the limits in a house purchase. Purchasing a home that you can afford leads to much more enjoyment down the road.

Don’t be afraid to negotiate. Sellers may be more flexible in the winter months. Did you find a repair during your home inspection? Don’t be afraid to ask for what you need. Remember, with less competition Sellers may be more open to negotiations.

Prepare for tax changes. Be sure to check with a tax professional to be sure that you are getting all the perks of homeownership as you file your taxes!

Best wishes on your winter home search! I’d be happy to assist you in the process. Don’t hesitate to reach out!

Buyers are "In the Mood!"

With interest rates remaining near historic lows but economic indicators predicting a rise may be in the future, there’s now a huge incentive for buyers who are ready to purchase. As in the past, many homebuyers are facing low inventory which complicates their efforts to secure a home.

If you are a buyer, getting pre-approved now will put you on the fast track with potential offers—and don’t forget to hire a fast-acting, qualified real estate professional to guide you through the process and negotiation. A well-crafted offer is like a piece of art—don’t leave it to chance! With over 20 years of experience, I can guide you through the process and help you find your dream home.

If you are considering selling your home, the supply is low and this is a GREAT time to list a home. Homeowners considering a move are finding eager buyers in our local market and many properties are still receiving multiple offers.

There are many strategies to listing a home and receiving strong offers. Let’s talk about the best strategy for YOU and YOUR home.

Visit my Sellers page for more information and call me anytime! I’d love to help you make your next move.

New Year, New Floors! Flooring Options for 2022

Are you considering new floors for 2022? Whether you plan to sell your home or plan to settle in, there are many decisions to make when you consider the flooring options available. The perpetual question of flooring choice arises: Wood or tile?

There's no doubt that wood floors are highly desired as we enter the 2022 buying season. In fact, many wood floors rank very high on most Buyer's wishlists. However, there are pros and cons of each type of flooring with plenty of other options to consider.

Hardwood floors are luxurious, warmer and softer underfoot than tile floors. Most homeowners consider hardwood easier to keep clean (no grout!) and more cohesive to their overall design aesthetic. However, hardwood floors can be temperamental with water leaks, sun damage and scratches from furniture and pets.

Tile floors offer the benefit of high water resistance and are highly desirable in areas that can be prone to appliance or pipe leaks. Although harder to keep clean than hardwood floors, larger-scale tiles can minimize the presence of grout for easier cleanup. Tile floors don't readily scratch, which makes them great for pets but once a tile is chipped, it can be difficult to repair.

Emerging as a popular choice for flooring is Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring which is a product that mimics the look of hardwood flooring but doesn't scratch and is waterproof. It's great for kids and pets! Although it's not inexpensive, it's a great option for many homeowners.

Today’s luxury vinyl features some of the most innovative, versatile, and high-performing flooring available. Premium vinyl flooring offers the richness and texture of more expensive natural materials, such as hardwood, ceramic tile, and stone, without maxing out your budget. Offered in tile, plank, and sheet formats, vinyl flooring boasts realistic visuals, easy installation, and a high level of comfort. Unlike hardwood floors, luxury vinyl cannot be refinished.

Luxury vinyl is strong but soft underfoot, maintaining a comfortable temperature regardless of the season. It's also waterproof, which makes it ideal for kitchens or other high-traffic areas. Luxury vinyl tile offers a durable, protective top layer that resists scratches, dents, and stains from family pets. It’s extremely easy to clean, and more protected against drops and spills─perfect for your family’s active lifestyle.