keller williams realty: The New Spring Real Estate Market is Here. Are You Ready? - 01/08/20 09:26 AM

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Which month do you think most people who are considering buying a home actually start their search? If you’re like most of us, you probably think the surge happens in the spring, likely in April. Not anymore. According to new research, January 2019 was only 1% behind February for the most monthly views per listing on realtor.com.
So, what does that mean? The busiest season in real estate has just begun.
The same research indicates,
“Historically, April launched the kickoff of the home shopping season as buyers would come out of their winter hibernation looking for their new home. However, the spring shopping season now starts in January for … (0 comments)

keller williams realty: Big Demand for Small Homes - 01/07/20 09:27 AM

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Movies, tv shows, and celebrities often have us dreaming of owning large homes, but the reality for most people is quite different.
Since 2015, the square footage of newly built houses has been shrinking, according to Yahoo Finances. This is not projected to change as we continue into the beginning of the year.
“We expect this downsizing trend to continue in 2020, driven by a confluence of economic and demographic trends.”
Why are smaller homes trending now?As noted in the article, there are a few main reasons for this demand:
“Many of today’s younger, millennial home buyers have expressed a preference for denser, more urban homes … (2 comments)

keller williams realty: 3 Benefits to Buying Your Dream Home This Year - 01/06/20 09:26 AM

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Outside of a strong economy, low unemployment, and higher wages, there are three more great reasons why you may want to consider buying your dream home this year instead of waiting.
1. Buying a Home is a Great InvestmentSeveral reports indicate that real estate is a good investment, topping other options such as gold, stocks, bonds, and savings. Why? Real estate helps build equity, a form of investing for you and your family. According to CoreLogic’s Equity Report,
“U.S. homeowners with mortgages (roughly 64% of all properties) have seen their equity increase by a total of nearly $457 billion since the third quarter 2018, an increase … (0 comments)

keller williams realty: These 5 Living Room Ideas From IG Will Clear Your Post-Holiday Blues - 01/04/20 12:51 PM
By Larissa Runkle Original article click here
 
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Everything always seems to slow to a crawl after the holidays, just as the long winter months are settling in. But don’t let the short, gloomy days get you down. Instead, spruce up your living room with some new looks that are sure to brighten any interior.
But where to start? We’ve got you covered! As we do every week, we’ve been scouring Instagram to see what’s trending in the decor world—focusing this time on living rooms.
And we can certainly see why these were the most popular posts of the week: They’re all sure to keep those post-holiday blues at … (2 comments)

keller williams realty: The 24 Best Things to Do in Portland This Weekend: Jan 3-5 - 01/03/20 02:42 PM
by Mercury EverOut Staff  Click here for original article
Jon Dore, Jan 3-5, Fri 7:30 pm, Sat 7:30 pm & 10 pm, Sun 7 pm, Helium Comedy Club, $25-33)
Well, there went 2019, and the first decade of the 21st century. Feels a little weird, right? Especially since all of last year’s problems that were around on December 31 are… mostly still here in 2020. So what do we do? We decide to have some goddamn fun, that’s what we do. It’s the first weekend of 2020 and there’s a whole bunch of great comedy, good music, world-champion ass-kickers, and the Biggest Clothing Swap in the … (2 comments)

keller williams realty: Top Renovations for Maximum ROI [INFOGRAPHIC] - 01/03/20 02:20 PM

 Some Highlights: If you’re planning on selling your house in 2020, these are the top renovations that will give you the highest Return on your Investment. Regardless of how long you’re planning on staying in your current home, it’s smart to be aware of which home renovations add the most value. The exterior of a house is the first thing buyers see when searching for a home. Upgrading your roof or siding will ensure your home leaves a great first impression!
We hope you found this post helpful. 
Contact us today for all your real estate needs.
team@davidsonhomegroup.com 
“The Best Home Search Real Estate … (0 comments)

keller williams realty: The 2020 Real Estate Projections That May Surprise You - 01/02/20 09:39 AM

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This will be an interesting year for residential real estate. With a presidential election taking place this fall and talk of a possible recession occurring before the end of the year, predicting what will happen in the 2020 U.S. housing market can be challenging. As a result, taking a look at the combined projections from the most trusted entities in the industry when it comes to mortgage rates, home sales, and home prices is incredibly valuable – and they may surprise you.
Mortgage RatesProjections from the experts at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac all forecast mortgage rates remaining stable throughout 2020:
Since rates … (2 comments)

keller williams realty: Why You Shouldn’t “For Sale By Owner” - 12/30/19 08:40 AM

Rising home prices coupled with the current inventory in today’s market may cause some homeowners to consider selling their homes on their own (known in the industry as a For Sale By Owner). However, a FSBO might be hard to execute well for the vast majority of sellers.
Here are the top 5 reasons not to FSBO:1. Online Strategy for Prospective Purchasers
Studies have shown that 93% of buyers search online for a home. That’s a pretty staggering number! Most real estate agents have an Internet strategy to promote the sale of your home. Do you?
2. Results Come from the Internet
According to NAR, here’s where buyers … (3 comments)

keller williams realty: Make Over Your Bedroom—and Your Life—With the 5 Hottest Looks on IG - 12/28/19 09:18 AM
By Larissa Runkle – Click here to read original article
Sinenkiy/iStock
While other parts of the house may still be strewed with holiday chaos, your bedroom can (and should) be a sanctuary for reflection. A place where you can think about everything that’s happened in the past decade, and everything you want from the next one.
If it’s not that kind of space, well then—it’s time to treat yourself to a little makeover magic before the ball drops for 2020! For inspiration, we went shopping (like we do every week) on the internet’s biggest home decor showroom, Instagram, scrolling through hundreds of posts to uncover the designs that’ll inspire your … (2 comments)

keller williams realty: Working with a Local Real Estate Professional Makes All the Difference - 12/27/19 10:19 AM
Some Highlights: Choosing the right real estate professional is one of the most impactful decisions you can make in your home buying or selling process. A real estate professional can explain current market conditions and break down what they will mean to you and your family. If you’re considering buying or selling a home in 2020, make sure to work with someone who has the experience to answer all of your questions about pricing, contracts, and negotiations. We hope you found this post helpful. 
Contact us today for all your real estate needs.
team@davidsonhomegroup.com 
“The Best Home Search Real Estate App” – Click HERE!
What’s … (0 comments)

keller williams realty: Year-Over-Year Rental Prices on the Rise - 12/26/19 01:45 PM

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Looking ahead, 2020 is projected to be a strong year for homeownership. According to the Freddie Mac Forecast,
“We expect rates to remain low, falling to a yearly average of 3.8% in 2020.”
If you’re currently renting, 2020 may be a great time to think about making a jump into homeownership while mortgage rates are low.
As noted in the National Rent Report,
“the national rent index increased by 1.4 percent year-over-year.”
With average rents on the rise, this year-over-year increase may not sound like much, but it can add up – fast. The math on how much extra it will cost you over time surely doesn’t lie.
Here’s an example: On … (0 comments)

keller williams realty: When a House Becomes a Happy Home - 12/24/19 08:00 AM

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We talk a lot about why it makes financial sense to buy a home, but more often than not we’re drawn to the emotional reasons for homeownership.
No matter the size or shape of a living space, the feeling of a home means different things to different people. Whether it’s a certain scent or a favorite chair, the feel-good connections to our own homes are typically more important to us than the financial ones. Here are some of the reasons why
1. Owning your home offers stability to start and raise a familyFrom the best neighborhoods to the top school districts, even those without children … (2 comments)

keller williams realty: 5,300 Reasons to Be Happy You’re a Homeowner - 12/19/19 07:56 AM

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Studies have shown that, in many cases, the largest asset a family owns is the house they live in. Over the last twelve months, that asset has gained substantial value.
CoreLogic just released their 2019 3rd Quarter Homeowner Equity Insights Report. The report revealed that:
“U.S. homeowners with mortgages (roughly 64% of all properties) have seen their equity increase by a total of nearly $457 billion since the third quarter 2018, an increase of 5.1%, year over year.”
The equity in a property is determined by comparing the current value of the property against the outstanding mortgage debt. As prices rise, the equity in a home … (0 comments)

keller williams realty: Keller Williams Realty - #10YearChallenge - 12/18/19 07:35 AM
Almost can't believe how far we've come in a decade. Onward to the next 10 years... 2009-2019 #10YearChallenge
(2 comments)

keller williams realty: 3 Mistakes to Avoid When Selling a Home in 2020 - 12/17/19 09:21 AM

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It’s exciting to put a house on the market and to think about making new memories in new spaces, but we can have deep sentimental attachments to the homes we’re leaving behind, too. Growing emotions can help or hinder a sale, depending on how we manage them.
When it comes to the bottom line, homeowners need to know what it takes to avoid costly mistakes. Being mindful of these things and prepared for the process can help you avoid some of the most common mishaps when selling your house.
1. Overpricing Your HomeWhen inventory is low, like it is in the current market, it’s common … (2 comments)

keller williams realty: December 2019: The Buyer Stakes Are High Because Inventory Is Low - 12/16/19 10:13 AM

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The reality of what we’re seeing this month is that homes are selling fast. In today’s strong seller’s market, bidding wars are common and expected with starter or entry-level homes.
In most areas of the country, first-time buyers have been met with fierce competition throughout their home buying experience. Some have been out-bid multiple times before finally going into contract on a home to call their own.
Right now, inventory is the big challenge. Here’s what we know today:
According to the latest Existing Home Sales Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), there is currently a 3.9-month supply of homes for sale, which can drive this kind of … (0 comments)

keller williams realty: Get Your House Ready To Sell This Winter - 12/13/19 11:13 AM
Some Highlights Winter is a great time to list a house, since inventory is traditionally low, and most sellers are holding off until spring to put their homes on the market. Waiting for warmer weather when more competition is on the market will only put your house up against many more choices for buyers. Get your house ready to sell now with quick and easy fixes that make a big impact.
We hope you found this post helpful. 
Contact us today for all your real estate needs.
team@davidsonhomegroup.com 
“The Best Home Search Real Estate App” – Click HERE!
What’s My Home Worth? – Click HERE!
Oh, by … (0 comments)

keller williams realty: Holiday Gifts Are Not the Only Hot Things Right Now - 12/12/19 07:46 AM

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Black Friday is behind us and holiday gifts are flying off the shelves in stores and online. Unlike last year, however, there’s another type of buyer that is very active this winter – the homebuyer.
Each month, ShowingTime releases their Showing Index, which tracks the average number of appointments received on active U.S. house listings. The latest index revealed:
“Traffic was more active once again compared to 2018, as the nation saw its third straight month of higher year-over-year showing activity…The 5.5% increase in showings nationwide was the largest jump in activity during the now three-month streak of year-over-year increases vs. 2018.”
The same report indicates showings increased … (0 comments)

keller williams realty: Have You Outgrown Your Home? - 12/11/19 07:47 AM

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It may seem hard to imagine that the home you’re in today – whether it’s your starter home or just one you’ve fallen in love with along the way – might not be your forever home.
The good news is, it’s okay to admit if your house no longer fits your needs.
These two statistics are directly related to one another. As inventory has decreased and demand has increased, prices have been driven up.
This is great news if you own a home and are thinking about selling. The equity in your house has likely risen as prices have increased. Even better is the fact that there’s a large … (2 comments)

keller williams realty: A 365 Day Difference in Homeownership - 12/10/19 07:42 AM

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Over the past year, mortgage rates have fallen more than a full percentage point. This is a great driver for homeownership, as today’s low rates provide consumers with some significant benefits. Here’s a look at three of them:
Refinance: If you already own a home, you may want to decide if you’re going to refinance. It’s one way to lock in a lower monthly payment and save substantially over time, but it also means paying upfront closing costs too. You have to answer the question: Should I refinance my home? Move-up or Downsize: Another option is to consider moving into a new home, putting … (2 comments)

 
Kurt Davidson, Gratefully Serving Greater Portland-Vancouver (Davidson Home Group | Keller Williams Portland Central)

Kurt Davidson

Gratefully Serving Greater Portland-Vancouver

Portland, OR

More about me…

Davidson Home Group | Keller Williams Portland Central



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