Fall is here and I hope you’re enjoying the season!
Have you ever noticed that, when it comes to real estate, there’s news, and then there’s news you can actually use?
For example, most major newspapers, both print and online, publish updates on the real estate market — but only nationally and regionally. They don’t tell you what’s going on in your specific neighborhood because, by necessity, they can only cover a broad area.
But news that’s broad and general has limited value to you.
The real estate information that’s most useful, especially if you’re thinking of selling, is local. It’s specific to your neighborhood – maybe even to your street.
That’s where I can help.
When you have questions about the local real estate scene, give me a call. I can provide you with the latest information, data, and insights for your particular area. That’s news you can actually use to make better decisions about selling or buying.
How to Tell if a Neighborhood is Improving
- Pride of ownership. Take a walk around the neighborhood. Do you get a sense that people take good care of their homes? Are the lawns mowed? Is the landscaping trimmed? Are flowers planted? Homeowners are more likely to look after their properties when they like where they are living.
- Real estate sales activity. Do homes tend to sell quickly in the area? Do they sell for a good price? If so, the neighborhood is probably in demand. If people want to live there, it’s a desirable area.
- Business investment. Are businesses investing in the surrounding area? Is there an increase in the number of upscale shops, health clubs, restaurants, and other commercial enterprises that often locate near desirable neighborhoods?
- City plans. Find out what plans the city has for the area. Will there be road improvements done in the near future? Are there any major construction projects on the schedule, such as a new school or community center? Although such projects can be disruptive in the short term, they may improve the neighborhood – and, as a result, boost the value of any home you buy – in the long-term.
If you need help finding this information, call today.
Real Estate Trends Worth Watching
Aside from knowing its fair market price, you should also be aware of market demographics and how they influence your home’s value.
Available statistics can help identify those demographics, their desirable home features, and current trends. Staying in touch with this information will help you understand how your home is valued and the types of projects worth potential investment. For example, millennials are emerging as the largest demographic of buyers, and they often identify “smart technology”, such as newer security systems and smart appliances and fixtures, as important features. Eco-friendly and energy-saving features will also increase buyer interest in today’s market, especially as electric car chargers become more common, and as climate extremes increase demand for more efficient HVAC systems. Of course, today’s buyers are still seeking long-time desirables such as upgraded kitchens and bathrooms.
So, whether you’re looking to attract a certain type of buyer, deciding whether to invest in a specific home improvement, or simply reviewing the value of your investments, let’s discuss today’s trends and how they might impact your home’s value.
The Benefits of Hiring an Interior Designer or Decorator
While that may be true, they may also be doing themselves a disservice by overlooking the benefits of hiring an interior designer (who can create and maximize functional living space) and/or an interior decorator (who can furnish and adorn a home or room for aesthetic appeal). While homeowners may seek inspiration from magazines and websites, designers and decorators know how to adapt those concepts to the available space. They can also ensure that their suggestions and recommendations are practical and attainable and take advantage of the latest products and systems available. In addition, they can offer the added benefit of applying rebates and discounts from manufacturers, importers, and trade showrooms – which the average consumer simply can’t get. Those discounts may even help offset the cost of the professional fees. But perhaps the greatest benefit of hiring professionals is the peace of mind that comes from knowing they can save you a great deal of time, especially if you have too many ideas or none at all.
Notable, Quotable, Quotes!
“The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today.”
H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
“The measure of who we are is what we do with what we have.”
Vince Lombardi
“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds that you plant.”
Robert Louis Stevenson