What's on your "to do" list that won't get done today?
Most of us walk around with some kind of priority list, some sense of what we need to do and when we need to do it. Today's instant technology gives us an easier opportunity to make that call, or return that message, but doesn't necessarily allow us to focus on our true priorities.
In recent years, buying a home was a priority for many of us. First-time home buyers were anxious to settle in; others were quick to up size when the idea of a fourth bedroom, a bonus room, a deck or a more desirable community was considered. Relatives flocked to new cities to be near children and grandchildren; friends enticed friends to move close by. Hard-working employees channeled raises and bonuses into real estate, which steadily appreciated in value.
Today, the market is different, and yesterday's buyers are "sitting on their hands," waiting. Buyers are putting off buying because they are paralyzed by fear. And the fear comes from lack of understanding of the market, its challenges, and its opportunities. We fear what we do not understand, and we tend to avoid what we fear. Don't let fear allow you to pass on your dream of homeownership.
The economy, the Presidential election, rising gas prices, bank mergers - all have created uncertainty and eroded consumer confidence; we get that. What many would-be buyers don't understand is that today's market offers opportunities like never before. Interest rates are the best they've been in 25 years. Lenders still have mortgage money to lend, assuming you have the basics of a job, decent credit, and ability to come up with a reasonable down payment of 3 to 5 percent.
Sellers can leverage the equity in their existing home to make the move. If you reduce your selling price by 10 percent and purchase a new home at the same discount, you'll realize a net gain of thousands. It's a matter of keeping it in perspective.
This isn't a market where you're going to steal on the sale and also on the buy. It's not an environment where people who can't make monthly payments will be handed an adjustable mortgage by unscrupulous lenders. It's not a time where you're going to get the price your neighbor got for his home two years ago. And it's not a time when you are going to sell a house without the assistance of an experienced real estate professional, Allen Tate Realtors.
If you're a seller, you need to be willing to price aggressively and do what it takes to sell your home. Neutralize your color scheme. De-clutter. Repair, polish and shine every corner and crevice. Make it memorable. And most importantly, list with Allen Tate Realtors the Real Estate Leader in the Carolinas and take our advice early and often.
If you're a buyer, stop waiting for the bottom price. We've already been there and we're working our way back up. Interest rates won't stay low forever, and even an increase of one percent will give you a significant higher monthly payment on a home with a lower value. We're heading there soon. There's money to lend - a variety of desirable loan programs are still available. Inventory is great and sellers are more than motivated.
The habit of putting off an experience until the time is right, or the conditions are perfect - will rob you of life's greatest joys, home ownership.
If you've been thinking, even casually, of buying a home, make it today's priority. Put it on your "to do" list and start the process. Don't look back a year or so from now, with regret, saying "I should have ... I could have ... if only I would have."
The time is right NOW, think about is no better moment give us a call, send us an email and let us help you buy that great home or let us help you sell your property.
Buying or Selling? Up To $500 CASH REBATE!
"A Realtor® That Works For You"
Aris Mendez REALTOR®
Allen Tate Realtors
Cell: (864) 567-5114
Office/E-Fax: (864) 272-1922
Email: aris@ARMLCO.com
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www.greenvilleURhome.com
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