Realty Executives Midwest
According to the National Association of Realtors, homebuyers actively search for a house an average of 8 weeks before making a final decision. House hunting requires planning, access to finances, and a balance of present and future needs. Add pets into the mix and each new effort is slightly more complicated.
Realty Executives explores various useful tips to help make your house hunt easy and streamlined for you and the pets.
Downsizing provides various benefits, such as:
When searching for houses it’s important to maximize the benefits. An effective way to achieve this is by creating a list of must-haves for the new home:
Proper division among rooms. Modern houses often come with open floor plans with the minimum partition between the kitchen, living room, and bedrooms. Sometimes cordoning off an area is necessary when you live with pets.
In addition to your requirements, create a budget covering all costs associated with downsizing. When downsizing, the majority of the cost of the new home is covered through the sale of the old home. Depending on the neighborhood, even a small home can fetch a hefty sum, so talk with an experienced realtor, like an agent from Realty Executives.
Use your requirement list as a tool to convey your exact expectations to the realtor. Utilizing their market know-how, realtors can start sending you potential property listings within a day. Moreover, through experience, they are skilled in helping clients find pet-friendly houses, something which can prove to be difficult to find via online search platforms.
Before applying for a mortgage, be clear about your finances, a key factor being your credit score, which ideally stands at 750 or above. Lenders will take a hard look at your score, which is based on a number of factors that are included in your credit report, so be aware of what all is listed on that report before approaching a lending professional or institution. You can access a free report at AnnualCreditReport.com.
The better your credit, the better the terms of financing. Half a percentage point can save thousands of dollars over the course of the loan. Prequalifying for a loan can lock in the rate, and it gives the agent an idea of the spending limit. Be sure to ask, “What are mortgage rates today?” and calculate monthly payments before committing to any long-term loan.
Your downsizing process includes three parts – selling your home, purchasing a new home, and moving. Managing these alone is a cumbersome task, however, first thing’s first – you’ve got to sell your home.
HomeLight notes that staged homes can sell for up to 25% more compared to non-staged ones. As realtors are staging experts, they can assist in decorating your home, and negotiate a higher selling price. Staging can include:
Landscaping services on average cost around $80, while the cost of other projects will depend on your requirements. In total, expect to spend around $400 on staging.
A sudden disruption in a pet’s routine can cause them a lot of stress, affect their sleep cycle, promote increased attention-seeking behavior, and uncharacteristic aggression. This is especially true if you’re also experiencing additional stress – say, because you’re trying to sell your house – which can rub off on your furry friend. Hence, it is important to gradually modify a pet’s routine, and to try to manage your own stress.
If you’re moving into a new time zone, make necessary adaptations to your pet’s feeding, sleeping, walking, and play schedule. Additionally, introduce your pet to their new home before moving, allow them to explore the space, and gain familiarity.
Furthermore, research vet clinics, animal hospitals, and pet shops in your new town. Interact with other pet owners in the area and check online reviews about these services.
Before finalizing a home, ensure that it meets all your requirements, is financially viable, and is suited to cater to the needs of your pet and family. Soon you’ll all feel at home with your new lifestyle in your new house.
Source: Realty Executives
Realty Executives Midwest
1310 Plainfield Rd. Ste 2 | Darien, IL 60561
Office: 630-969-8880
E-Mail: experts@realtyexecutives.com
If you’re thinking about selling your house, you’re likely hearing about the cooling housing market and wondering what that means for you. While it’s not the peak intensity we saw during the pandemic, we’re still in a sellers’ market. That means you haven’t missed your window. Realtor.com explains:
“. . . while prospective home sellers may lament that they missed their prime window, in reality, this is still a terrific time to sell. In fact, according to a recent Realtor.com® home seller survey, 95% of sellers who sold their home in the past year got more than they paid for it.
Nonetheless, some of the more prominent pandemic trends have changed, so sellers might wish to adjust accordingly to get the best deal possible.”
The key to success today is being realistic and working with a trusted real estate advisor who can help you set your expectations based on where the market is now, not where it was over the past few years.
Here are a few things experts say today’s sellers need to consider.
At the peak of the pandemic frenzy, sellers held all the leverage because inventory was at record lows and buyers were willing to enter bidding wars over homes that were available. This year, the supply of homes for sale has increased as the market cooled. Even though inventory is still low overall, buyers today have more options, and with that comes more negotiation power.
As a seller, that means you may see more buyers getting an inspection, requesting repairs, or asking for help with closing costs today. You need to be prepared to have those conversations. As Ali Wolf, Chief Economist at Zonda, says:
“Today’s market is different than it was just six months ago. . . Sellers that want the contract to move forward should be willing to work with the buyer. . . Consider helping with the closing costs or addressing many of the items on the home inspection list.”
It’s not just that the number of homes for sale has grown this year. Buyer demand has also pulled back in light of higher mortgage rates. As a result, pricing your house appropriately so you can catch the eyes of serious buyers is important. Greg McBride, Chief Financial Analyst at Bankrate, explains:
“Price your home realistically. This isn’t the housing market of April or May, so buyer traffic will be substantially slower, but appropriately priced homes are still selling quickly.”
You don’t want to overreach with your price and deter buyers. At the same time, you don’t want to undervalue your home and leave money on the table. This is another area where an agent’s expertise comes in handy.
Buyers have more options and are more particular about their investment since it costs more to buy a home given today’s mortgage rates. As a result, you need to make sure your house shows well. As an article from realtor.com says:
“To stand out in the market, sellers should make their home attractive to buyers, which usually means some selective updates.”
This could include everything from staging the home, to making small cosmetic updates, tackling repairs, or undergoing renovations. A trusted real estate professional will help you assess what may be worthwhile to do compared to other recently sold homes in your area.
To sum it all up, your house should still sell today and move quickly if you’re realistic about today’s market. As a press release from Zillow puts it:
“. . . sellers need to do things right to attract the attention of these buyers — pricing their home competitively and making their listing attractive to online home shoppers.”
For expert advice on how to sell your house in a shifting market, lean on a local real estate professional.
Source: Keeping Current Matters
Realty Executives Midwest
1310 Plainfield Rd. Ste 2 | Darien, IL 60561
Office: 630-969-8880
E-Mail: experts@realtyexecutives.com
If you’re thinking about buying a home, you’re likely trying to juggle your needs, current mortgage rates, home prices, your schedule, and more to try to decide if you want to jump into the market.
If this sounds like you, here’s one key factor that could help you with your decision: there are more homes for sale today than there were at this time last year. According to Calculated Risk, for the week ending in November 18th, there were 47.7% more homes available for sale than there were at the same time in 2021. And having more options for your home search may be exactly what you need to feel confident about making a move.
Here’s a look at where the increased housing supply is coming from so you can get a better sense of what’s happening in the market today and what it means for you.
The increase we’ve seen in housing supply this year isn’t from the source you think it is. Rather than an influx of recent homeowners listing their houses for sale (known as new listings), the primary reason the supply has grown is because homes are staying on the market a bit longer (known as active listings).
That’s happening because higher mortgage rates and home prices have helped moderate the peak frenzy of buyer demand, which has slowed down the pace of sales. And, as the pace of sales has eased, inventory has grown as a result.
The graph below uses data from realtor.com to show that it’s active listings, not new listings, that have driven the growth we’ve seen over the past few months:
And while overall inventory gains may slow down this winter due to typical housing market seasonality, you still have a chance to capitalize on the current supply.
Regardless of the source, the increase in available housing supply is good for buyers. More homes available for sale means you have more options to choose from as you search for your next home, and you may even have more time to consider them.
So, if you tried to buy a home last year and lost out in a bidding war or just couldn’t find something you liked, this may be the news you’ve been waiting for. If you start your search today, those additional options should make it less difficult to find a home you love, especially as some other buyers pause their search this holiday season.
Just remember, housing supply is still low overall, so it won’t suddenly be easy – it’ll just be less challenging than it was at this time last year. As a recent article from realtor.com says:
“Despite this improvement in the number of homes actively for sale, active listings still lag their pre-pandemic levels.”
The increase in housing supply helps put you in a great position to kick off the new year in your dream home. And who better to help you find it than a trusted, local real estate professional?
If you’re ready to jump into the housing market and see what’s available in your local area, connect with a trusted real estate professional today.
Source: Keeping Current Matters
Realty Executives Midwest
1310 Plainfield Rd. Ste 2 | Darien, IL 60561
Office: 630-969-8880
E-Mail: experts@realtyexecutives.com
The holidays are a time for family, friends, and of course, delicious food. If you’re like most people, you might be scrambling at the last minute to come up with some new recipe ideas. Never fear – we’ve got you covered!
In this article, we will share 25 recipes that will save your holiday feast. From sweet treats to savory dishes, there is something for everyone. So, relax and enjoy the holidays – let us take care of the brainstorming!
The holidays are a time for family, friends, and of course, delicious food. A lot of people like to have sweet things at their holiday feast. That’s why we’re starting with recipes for sweet treats.
1. Cranberry-Pistachio Biscotti: A festive twist on a classic Italian cookie, these biscotti are perfect for dipping in your morning coffee or tea. Set some aside as small gifts for unexpected visitors.
2. Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread Cookies: These simple yet delicious cookies are a holiday staple in many households. Shape them into festive shapes for added decor.
3. Gingerbread Men: A holiday favorite, these gingerbread cookies are perfect for decorating with the kids. If you are short on time, you can purchase them instead of baking them in advance.
4. Peppermint Bark: A festive and easy-to-make treat, peppermint bark is perfect for gifting or enjoying yourself! Consider grabbing some decorative tins to help turn the bark into a sweet gift.
5. Spiced Hot Cocoa: This rich and creamy hot cocoa will warm you up on a cold winter day. Add a little extra holiday cheer with a shot of rum or brandy.
6. Pumpkin Pie: A classic Thanksgiving dessert, pumpkin pie is always a hit- even on other holidays. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special treat.
7. Apple Crisp: This comforting dessert is perfect for using up any leftover apples from your holiday baking. There are few ingredients in a crisp, so it is a great recipe for those who are short on time or supplies at home.
8. Pecan Pie: A Southern favorite, pecan pie is a must-have at any holiday gathering. Not up for making a full pie? Try pecan pie muffins instead or brownies for a fresh spin. You can also make this dessert in advance and freeze it until needed.
9. Chocolate Chip Cookies: A classic cookie that is always a hit, chocolate chip cookies are perfect for sharing with friends and family. Add nuts, pretzels, or other treats to boost the flavor.
10. Sugar Cookies: Another classic cookie, sugar cookies are perfect for decorating with the kids. Use different shapes of cookie cutters to maximize the fun.
11. Fruitcake: Love it or hate it, fruitcake is a holiday tradition in many households. Give it a try this year! Make sure to set aside plenty of time. With a multitude of ingredients, this recipe takes well over two hours from start to finish.
12. Eggnog: A holiday favorite, eggnog is rich and creamy and perfect for sipping by the fire. Make it even more special by adding a shot of rum or brandy. There are plenty of eggnog options at the local grocery but making it at home will allow you to put your special spin on it.
13. Pumpkin Spice Latte: This popular fall drink can also be enjoyed during the holidays! Best of all, you can make a big slow cooker version for easy serving.
Savory snacks are perfect for satisfying your hunger between meals, and they come in all shapes and sizes. From chips and crackers to dips and spreads, there is sure to be a savory snack that fits your taste buds.
1. Cheese Ball: A holiday party classic, cheese balls are always a hit. Serve with a variety of crackers or crudités for dipping. This is one of the most versatile savory options on our list- ingredients range from onion and bacon to cranberry and almond.
2. Deviled Eggs: A delicious and easy-to-make appetizer, deviled eggs are perfect for any holiday gathering. You can make variations with ingredients like sriracha, cheese, chives, and more.
3. Sausage Balls: A tasty and kid-friendly snack, sausage balls are great for munching on during the holidays. Plus, serving them is as simple as putting a toothpick in them for guests to grab easily.
4. Pigs in a Blanket: Another crowd-favorite, pigs in a blanket are perfect for snacking on during holiday movies or gatherings. This is one of the easiest recipes to put together- crescent rolls and any kind of sausage will work.
5. Holiday Crackers: A festive twist on regular crackers, these are perfect for enjoying with cheese or dips.
6. Candied Bacon: A delicious and unique appetizer, candied bacon is perfect for any holiday party. If the oven is occupied with other holiday dishes, try cooking this in the air fryer.
7. Mini Quiche: A bite-sized version of a classic brunch dish, mini quiches are perfect for any holiday gathering. Choose your favorite mix-ins (bonus points for meat and veggie options) and whip up something special.
8. Spinach Artichoke Dip: A creamy and flavorful dip, spinach artichoke dip is perfect for enjoying with crackers or crudités. In the unlikely event that there are leftovers, use the dip as a stuffing for chicken. It’s an indulgent dinner you won’t forget!
9. Guacamole: A party favorite, guacamole is perfect for any holiday gathering. Serve with chips or use it as a condiment for tacos or burritos.
10. Chicken Wings: A favorite party food, chicken wings are perfect for any holiday gathering. There are all types of marinades, dry rubs, and sauces for those who want to switch it up from the classic buffalo wing. You can also bake, fry, and grill the wings, depending on the recipe. Remember to serve the wings with a variety of sauces for dipping.
11. Vegetable Tray: A healthy and festive option, vegetable trays are perfect for any holiday party. Arrange the veggies on the plate to minimize empty space and emphasize the gorgeous colors. Serve with a variety of dips or hummus.
12. Hummus: A delicious and healthy dip, hummus is perfect for any holiday party. Serve with a variety of vegetables, crackers, and pita for maximum flavor. Consider adding in garlic, olives, roasted red pepper, and more to create delicious variations.
With all these ideas for holiday food, the most difficult part will be deciding what to serve. Grab those ingredients early so you have them on hand and enjoy spending time with family and friends this holiday season.
Source: Realty Executives
Realty Executives Midwest
1310 Plainfield Rd. Ste 2 | Darien, IL 60561
Office: 630-969-8880
E-Mail: experts@realtyexecutives.com
Buying a home is a powerful decision, and it remains a key part of the American Dream. In fact, the 2022 Consumer Insights Report from Mynd found the majority of people polled still view homeownership as a key life achievement. Let’s explore just a few of the reasons why so many Americans continue to value homeownership.
One possible reason homeownership is viewed so highly is because owning a home is a significant wealth-building tool, and it provides meaningful financial stability over renting by locking in your monthly housing payments for the length of your home loan. An article from Forbes explains:
“Understanding the potential benefits of homeownership helps individuals see the value of owning property instead of renting. . . . household wealth among homeowners is a whopping 1,469% higher on average compared to renters, excluding home equity, making the allure of homeownership even more enticing.”
Over time, owning a home not only helps boost your own net worth, but it also sets future generations up for success as you pass that wealth down. That may be why the Mynd report also says:
“Most Americans (78%) still associate homeownership with the ‘American dream.’ And nearly two-thirds of Americans (65%) see homeownership as a means of building intergenerational wealth.”
While the financial benefits of owning a home are important, becoming a homeowner impacts you on a social and emotional level, too. As Mark Fleming, Chief Economist for First American, says:
“. . . buying a home is not just a financial decision. It’s also a lifestyle decision.”
Your home provides feelings of achievement, responsibility, and more. 3by30 highlights the top 10 benefits homeowners enjoy. A few non-financial advantages include:
If your definition of the American Dream involves greater freedom and prosperity, then homeownership could play a major role in helping you achieve that dream. While it may feel challenging to buy a home today as mortgage rates and home prices rise, if the time is right for you, know that there are incredible benefits waiting for you at the end of your journey. You’ll have a place you can grow your wealth, call your own, and feel most comfortable.
Like the National Association of Realtors (NAR) says:
“. . . research has consistently shown that homeownership is also associated with multiple economic and social benefits to individual homeowners. Homeownership has always been an important way to build wealth.”
Buying a home is a powerful decision and a key part of the long-term dream for many Americans. And if homeownership is part of your dreams this year, connect with a local real estate advisor to start the process today.
Source: Keeping Current Matters
Realty Executives Midwest
1310 Plainfield Rd. Ste 2 | Darien, IL 60561
Office: 630-969-8880
E-Mail: experts@realtyexecutives.com
Realty Executives agents are real estate experts. They have the education and expertise you need to navigate through the process of buying or selling a home. From listing at the right price to making the best offer, our Executives have witnessed the best - and most regrettable - decisions homeowners and homebuyers can make. Every day, they are immersed in every aspect of real estate that includes comparable home price analysis, property surveys, credit reports, open houses, HOA agreements, lenders, title companies, homeowners’ insurance, walk-throughs, terms of sale or purchase, repairs, concessions and closing documents. Let our accomplished Executives help navigate you through the process of buying or selling a home.
