RESALE ROI

How to get the biggest resale bang for your buck! If you're considering listing your home or condo for sale, give me a call for a market analysis. timgrissett.com

Do You Know the Real Cost of Renting vs. Buying?

Some Highlights:

• Historically, the choice between renting or buying a home has been a close decision.
• Looking at the percentage of income needed to rent a median-priced home today (30%), vs. the percentage needed to buy a median-priced home (15%), the choice becomes obvious.
• Every market is different. Before you renew your lease again, find out if you could use your housing costs to own a home of your own! 

Why Do Some Homes Sell Faster Than Others?

Have you ever wondered why some homes sell faster than others? Discover real estate secrets to help your home fly off the market!

Kitchens!

What do you think of this kitchen? Contact me today and let's see if I can help you find your dream kitchen and dream home!

Get Ready to Buy A House

Still a ways away from buying, but want to be responsible? No matter your timeline, these tips will help every aspiring homeowner get ready…

Top 10 Overlooked Questions To Ask When Buying A Home

Buying a home can be overwhelming. So many things to know and so many questions to ask. Check out our list of Top 10 Overlooked Questions to Ask When Buying a Home-- they might come in handy! Call me if you still have questions!

Winter Tips for Your Home

Pros & Cons of Tankless Water Heaters

Is a tankless hot water heater the best choice for your home? Get the info you need to make the right decision.

5 Musts For Home Sellers - Low Cost, BIG Impact!

Your cabinetry sets the tone for the entire kitchen

Kitchen of The Week

The first thing you'll notice about this Kitchen of the Week is the cabinetry. They are a great tone and they provide so much storage space! Any potential homebuyer would be impressed with a kitchen like this. Plus, the stainless steel appliances and unique backsplash only add to the great style.

What do you think of this living room? I love the exposed wooden beams, hardwoods, and wood-burning fireplace. 

Thinking of Selling? Don't Overlook an Outdated Kitchen, Buyers Won't

If you are planning on listing your home for sale, make sure that you don't overlook the condition of your kitchen. A recent article on realtor.com listed "7 Signs Your Kitchen Is Way Overdue for a Renovation," in which they warned:

"Dated kitchens--just like bathrooms--are a major barrier for resale. Buyers want modern amenities and styling, and most aren't interested in renovating post-purchase."

Kitchen remodels can be pricey, with many complete remodels costing $20,000 or more. But not every kitchen needs a full remodel. There are many smaller projects that will help buyers see themselves trying their favorite Pinterest recipe in your home! Here are a couple of project ideas that, if you're handy or know someone who is, could end up boosting your home's value without breaking the bank:

• Are the cabinets in good shape but need an update? A new coat of paint and some updated hardware will instantly freshen up the space and drastically change the feel of the room all for under $300.
• A new backsplash to match the freshly painted cabinets updates the space and adds some style while staying under $200, depending on the size of the room.
• If the kitchen seems dark, consider adding LED under cabinet lighting for around $40.
• If replacing the countertops in the kitchen isn't within your budget, consider using a top coat to cover the current countertops.

If you decide to complete a full remodel of your outdated kitchen, you can expect a 67% return on a $30,000 upgrade (the national median cost). The benefits of a kitchen remodel aren't purely financial, according to Houselogic:

"Eighty-two percent of homeowners said their updated kitchen gave them a greater desire to be at home, and 95% were happy or satisfied with the result."

Bottom Line

Kitchens and bathrooms are often make or break for buyers when touring a home or searching through photo galleries online. Consult a local real estate professional who can help you identify which small projects could pay off big!

A Lack of Listings Remains 'Huge' Challenge in the Market

The housing crisis is finally in the rearview mirror as the real estate market moves down the road to a complete recovery. Home values are up, home sales are up, and distressed sales (foreclosures & short sales) are at their lowest mark in over 8 years. This has been, and will continue to be, a great year for real estate. However, there is one thing that may cause the industry to tap the brakes: a lack of housing inventory. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), buyer traffic and demand continues to be the strongest it has been in years. The supply of homes for sale has not kept up with this demand and has driven prices up in many areas as buyers compete for their dream home. Traditionally, the winter months create a natural slowdown in the market. Jonathan Smoke, Chief Economist at realtor.com, points to low interest rates as one of the many reasons why buyers are still out in force looking for a home of their own.

"Overall, the fundamental trends we have been seeing all year remain solidly in place as we enter the traditionally slower sales season, and pent-up demand remains substantial as buyers seek to get a home under contract while rates remain so low."

NAR's Chief Economist, Lawrence Yun, points out that the inventory shortage we are currently experiencing isn't a new challenge by any means:

"Inventory has been extremely tight all year and is unlikely to improve now that the seasonal decline in listings is about to kick in. Unfortunately, there won't be much relief from new home construction, which continues to be grossly inadequate in relation to demand."

Bottom Line

Healthy labor markets and job growth have created more and more buyers who are not just ready and willing to buy but are also able to. If you are debating whether or not to put your home on the market this year, now is the time to take advantage of the demand in the market.