How to Know It’s Time to Sell Your Home

Do you find yourself looking at houses online, wondering if it’s time to sell your current home? Do you notice yard signs as your neighbors sell their homes? Or maybe you keep updating your organization system, just to find there’s not enough room for all of your possessions and hobbies. Then the memories you’ve created, and all the love and work you’ve put into it creep into your mind, and your sentimental side takes over. It’s normal to feel hesitant and fret, over when it’s the right time to sell.

You may also have questions about the market, and how to know when it’s the right time to call a realtor.

Well, I’m here to help! I understand that selling your house and looking for a new one can be a hard decision. It can also be a stressful process, especially if you’re having hesitations.

So, what are some signs you’re ready for a new home?

How to Tell It’s Time to Sell Your Home

1. Your Family Is Growing

If your current home is a few bedrooms short, your space will continue to feel too tight as your family grows. And why not expand your family into a new space you can grow into?

Maybe your kids are ready for a bigger backyard or a neighborhood with a few more amenities. Make that dream come true with a new home.

Your house isn’t going to magically get bigger and neither is your yard. But there’s likely a budding family that would love the space your current home offers.

2. Your Home Doesn’t Fit Your Current Needs

Maybe it’s time to downsize, or you want room for a workshop or crafting. If you keep thinking of the what-ifs, and find your home falls short time and time again, you may have the validation you need that it’s okay to move on.

It may be time to explore houses on the market, and see if there are homes that better suit your needs.

3. Your Neighborhood Is No Longer Perfect for You

Neighborhoods change, and so do homeowners. If your neighborhood lacks what you want out of where you call “home,” then let’s look at different neighborhoods that may better meet your needs. Originally, the longer commute to work may have been worth the home of your dreams, but you’re finding you miss having more time and freedom.
Maybe your school zone has changed, or you just want your children to be zoned for a different school, it may be time to look into other options.

4. You’ve Wondered How You Can Use Your Equity to Your Advantage

The market has been doing well lately. You’ve likely accrued equity that can benefit you in hunting for a home better suited to your needs. I can answer questions you may have about your home’s current value, so you know what equity you can use moving forward.

5. You Have Imagined the Selling Process

One thing I hear time and time again is that a seller contemplated selling for months, even years before deciding to call. Fear of the process sometimes keeps them from making the leap. If you bought your home years, or even decades, ago, the process has changed and become easier for sellers. You don’t have to worry about pressure to sell, or waiting by the phone for calls about showings. Apps and easy communication make the process simpler than it’s ever been.

From Selling to Sold: Is It the Right Time?

If you are on the fence, or you simply have questions about the selling process, feel free to call, text or email me. Your home is more than just another house on the market, you want to choose a realtor that understands your needs. I can address your concerns and talk you through what the process is like, and even send you a few homes that meet your needs.

There’s no need to hesitate or question if it’s time to sell. Let’s go over your options, and make the best decision based on your situation.

 
 

Image credit: iStock / Getty Images Plus / Vasyl Dolmatov

Millennial Looking to Purchase Your First Home? Start Here

Is it time to begin your house hunting journey? As millennials begin to look into purchasing homes, the real estate market has prepared itself by adapting to a millennial mindset. We see renovations geared toward green living, functional spaces and technologically ‘smart’!

Let’s help set you up to get into that home sooner than later. There are some things you can do to prepare for the process, and make yourself mortgage and homeowner ready!

1. Pay Down Any Debt You Carry

Most millennials are paying off student loan debt, so don’t feel like you’re alone. In fact, most millennials graduate college with about $30,000 in student loan debt. The important thing is that you stay current and pay down your debt.

You also want to pay down your credit card debt, and try keeping balances under 10% of allowable credit.

Not only is a house probably the biggest purchase you’ll ever make, but it also requires mortgage agencies and lenders to see you as loan-worthy.

Your credit score and financial status have a huge impact on what banks will be willing to loan you. Starting the process now can help save you from stress and headaches later.

2. Save for That Downpayment and Closing Costs

If you’re a first-time home buyer, you may not need a down payment as substantial as you may imagine. There are many factors that go into the type of loan that will best suit your needs, and that affect your interest rate and monthly payment. A good lender will make sure your payment fits your lifestyle and budget, not just max out what you can afford on paper! There are loans available from 0-20% down, so you’ll want an experienced lender to help navigate all of those options.

3. There’s an App for That

Keep your eye on the housing market, so you know what your money can buy you. Today’s technology allows you to study the market on your time, and get a sense of what’s available in your price range.

Look at different neighborhoods that you like. How do the prices differ?
Check the school zones. If you’re planning on starting a family, you may want to get into the area early.
Download an app like Nextdoor and preview what your neighbors say about the area.
Begin virtually touring homes to determine your taste and needs.

4. Prepare to Buy by Getting Pre-Approved for a Loan

Shopping loans and going through the pre-approval process can help narrow your search, and give you an edge on the purchasing competition. If you find your ideal home, in this market you’ll need to act fast. Having a full pre-approval (not just pre-qualified) letter, is a must in today’s market.

5. Own What Makes You Unique

Millennials are inventive, creative, and passionate. You can use this to your advantage in the home buying process.

You have probably heard you can’t get everything you want in a home. You may have to compromise. Well, one thing I truly love about millennials, is that you think outside the box. You can envision the potential of a place, and don’t mind diving into a project. If you’re a visionary, this can really open the market up to you in a unique way.

You can also share your passion and love of a house through a heartfelt letter to the seller. People often want to know their house will be in good hands, and a letter does just this with a personal touch!

Your Home is Just Around the Corner…

I would love to help you find the right home for you! Let’s find that perfect craftsman with a porch for your hammock, or the cottage tucked into a quaint neighborhood, right around the way from your favorite farmer’s market. Call, text, or email today, and let’s start with a stress-free conversation. Breaking home-ownership down into simple steps, makes the process so much more enjoyable for you. Let’s get started today!

 
 
Image credit: iStock / Getty Images Plus/BernardaSv