COVID-19 protocols and technology usage recommendations from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) are making it possible to sell houses right now, while agents continue to abide first and foremost by state and local regulations.

With more companies figuring out how to efficiently and effectively enable their employees to work remotely (and for longer than most of us initially expected), homeowners throughout the country are re-evaluating their needs. Do I still need to live close to my company’s office building? Do I need a larger home with more office space? Would making a move to the suburbs make more sense for my family? All of these questions are on the table for many Americans as we ride the wave of the current health crisis and consider evolving homeownership needs.

According to George Ratiu, Senior Economist for realtor.com:

"The ability to work remotely is expanding home shoppers' geographic options and driving their motivation to buy, even if it means a longer commute, at least in the short term…Although it's too early to tell what long-term impact the COVID-era of remote work will have on housing, it's clear that the pandemic is shaping how people live and work under the same roof."

Working remotely is definitely changing how Americans spend their time at home, and also how they use their available square footage. Homeowners aren’t just looking for a room for a home office, either. The desire to have a home gym, an updated kitchen, and more space in general – indoor and outdoor – are all key factors motivating some buyers to change their home search parameters.

A recent realtor.com-HarrisX survey indicates:

“In a poll conducted at the end of Q2 of 2,000 potential home shoppers who indicated plans to make a purchase in the next year, 63% of those currently working from home stated their potential purchase was a result of their ability to work remotely, while nearly 40% [of] that number expected to purchase a home within four to six months and 13% said changes related to pandemic fueled their interest in buying a new home.”

Clearly, Americans are thinking differently about homeownership today, and through a new lens. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) notes:

“New single-family home sales jumped over the summer, as housing demand was supported by low interest rates, a renewed consumer focus on the importance of housing, and rising demand in lower-density markets like suburbs and exurbs.”

Through these challenging times, you may have found your home becoming your office, your children’s classroom, your workout facility, and your family’s safe haven. This has quickly shifted what home truly means to many American families. More than ever, having a place to focus on professional productivity while many competing priorities (and distractions!) are knocking on your door is challenging homeowners to get creative, use space wisely, and ultimately find a place where all of these essential needs can realistically be met. In many cases, a new home is the best option.

In today’s real estate market, making a move while mortgage rates are hovering at historic lows may enable you to purchase more home for your money, just when you and your family need it most.

Bottom Line
If your personal and professional needs have changed and you’re ready to accommodate all of your family’s competing priorities, let’s connect today. Making a move into a larger home may be exactly what you need to set your family up for optimal long-term success. Call Realty Executives Exceptional Realtors® at (866) 742-5732 or email us at ClientCare@RealtyExecutives.com.

In today’s real estate market, setting the right price for your house is one of the most valuable things you can do.

According to the U.S. Economic Outlook by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), existing home prices nationwide are forecasted to increase 4.7% in 2020 and 4.1% in 2021. This means experts anticipate home values will continue climbing into next year. Today, low inventory is largely keeping prices from depreciating. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at realtor.com, notes:

“Looking at the sheer number of buyers, low mortgage rates, and limited sellers, the strength of home prices–which are now growing at the highest pace since January 2018–makes sense.”

When it comes to pricing your home, the goal is to increase visibility and drive more buyers your way. Instead of trying to win the negotiation with one buyer, you should price your house so that demand is maximized and more buyers want to take a look.

How to Price Your Home
As a seller, you might be thinking about pricing your house on the high end while so many of today’s buyers are searching harder than ever just to find a home to purchase. You’re thinking, higher price, greater profit, right? But here’s the thing – a high price tag does not mean you’re going to cash in big on the sale. It’s actually more likely to deter buyers and have them looking at the houses your neighbors are selling instead.

Even today, when the advantage tips toward sellers because there are so few houses for sale, your house is more likely to sit on the market longer or require a price drop that can send buyers running in the other direction if it isn’t priced just right.

A Trusted Real Estate Professional Will Help

It’s important to make sure your house is priced correctly by working in partnership with a trusted real estate professional. When you price it competitively, you won’t be negotiating with one buyer over the price. Instead, you’ll have multiple buyers competing for the home, and that’s what ultimately increases the final sale price.

The key is making sure your house is priced to sell immediately. That way, it will be seen by the most buyers. More than one of them may be interested, and your house will be more likely to sell at a competitive price.

Bottom Line

If you're thinking about listing your house, let’s discuss how to price it right so you can maximize your exposure and your return. Call Realty Executives Exceptional Realtors® at (866) 742-5732 or email us at ClientCare@RealtyExecutives.com.

Many people dream of having a walk-in closet when they're shifting to a new place or getting renovations done. However, most of them don't realize how important managing such closets are. The only way to take full advantage of your walk-in closets is by organizing and cleaning them well. A well-managed closet usually has more room for storage and looks nice too.

Here are some of the easiest tips to organize your new walk-in closet. Following these will help you in the long run, especially if you've recently had a walk-in closet made.

Store Folded Items In Separate Boxes

Hanging everything in your closet isn't a practical idea. Many people choose to fold the items they don't need regularly or the ones that require no ironing. However, putting all the folded items together makes the closet messier.

A better idea is to use small-sized boxes to put all the folded items inside. You can put these boxes inside your drawers and on the shelves to compartmentalize the space. Try learning smart folding techniques to minimize your space usage. Once folded tightly, put similar items together in the boxes and place the boxes inside the closet neatly.

Stack Shoes On Shelves Instead Of Using Storage Boxes 

Storing all of your shoes in separate boxes might keep them clean, but it will consume a lot of space. Try to get straight and wide shelves fitted over and below your hanging compartments. Align your shoes neatly over these shelves with minimal space separating one pair from another. It would be smart to put the right and left shoe on opposite shelves to save even more space.

Use Small Boxes And Trays For Accessory Storage

Putting all your jewelry on display in your walk-in closets isn't a practical idea. Use all the empty jars, boxes, and ice-cube trays in your kitchen for your benefit instead.

Storing your accessory items in smaller boxes protects them and makes room for more jewelry in your collection. You can use identification labels for each storage box so that you can easily find what you need.

Install Better Lighting And Mirrors

Bright lights and mirrors used in a walk-in closet make it look wider and cleaner. Try using warm lights and one of two tall mirrors in your closet to give an illusion of more space. A well-lit cabinet with mirrors will also make it easier for you to get ready. You can see how you're looking and can do your own makeup perfectly. We suggest going for a full-length mirror with vanity lights on its sides for a modern look.

Go For Hangers And Hooks 

Hanging your clothing items keeps them wrinkle-free and saves a lot of your closet's space. Try to hang multiple belts and scarves on the same hanger to save space. Additionally, you can get hooks attached at your door's back and empty walls to hang your loungewear and other casual items.

If you are looking for your dream closet, consider contacting Realty Executives Exceptional Realtors® at (866) 742-5732 or email us at ClientCare@RealtyExecutives.com. We will be happy to you find what you are searching for.

The current ups and downs in the global economy are affecting almost everyone. Today, keeping one’s credit score high is harder than ever. However, the changing economic trends have led many to make significant financial decisions, such as applying for a mortgage.

More people are now realizing the need to own real estate because it ensures them of their secure future. As great as owning some property sounds, not everyone can afford to purchase a home for cash. Hence, many people choose to take out a mortgage - something that can affect their credit score.

If you’re worried about your mortgage application affecting your credit score negatively, keep reading to see what you can do!

What Is Mortgage Pre Approval?

Understanding mortgage pre approval is an essential step in learning how a mortgage application can affect one’s credit score. Applying for a mortgage requires the applicant to get their credit inquired from a credit bureau. Such an inquiry helps the lender decide if you are qualified get a mortgage or not.

Simply defined, a mortgage pre approval is a certification showing that the applicant’s credit and finances have been carefully looked at by a professional. Generally, people provide their income, assets, finance, debts, and other such details to a loan officer for inquiry. The officer looks at these details and determines the amount that the applicant can afford to pay each month and also determines the interest rate and the maximum amount that the bank is willing to lend the applicant.

This report is generally referred to as a mortgage pre approval.

How Mortgage Pre Approval Affects Your Credit

Undoubtedly, repeated credit checks and inquiries can be detrimental to your credit health. However, this is not the case with every inquiry. Many people think that getting a mortgage pre approval will always affect their score. The truth is, the kind of inquiry that is done by the loan office is what decides whether your credit is affected or not.

An inquiry about your credit can either be a hard inquiry or a soft one. Hard credit inquiries are only performed if you allow them. These are detailed and look at each of your financial aspects very closely. Such inquiries do affect your credit score negatively. On the other hand, soft inquiries are surface-level credit checks that can be done without your permission and don’t affect your score at all.

How to Get Your Credit Ready for a Mortgage

Getting your credit ready for mortgage pre approval is not difficult. Here’s what you can do:

• Try to pay your debts on time.
• Maintain your credit score on a good range.
• Ensure a better credit history with no negative score or late payments.
• Work with a credit repair company if you find it necessary.

All these steps will make your credit report better. This, in turn, will help you get mortgage approval easily.

For assistance with obtaining a pre approval or to determine your credit score, contact Realty Executives Exceptional Realtors® at (866) 742-5732 or email us at ClientCare@RealtyExecutives.com.