Purchasing East Lansing Rental Properties: What You Need to Know

East Lansing—as most residents and visitors know—is a wonderful community. It has a terrific mix of high quality of life and affordability. In fact, according to Livability.com, East Lansing is one of the top 100 best places to live in the United States.  

East Lansing’s high quality of life and constant inflow and outflow of college students make it an attractive place to purchase rental properties.

I have seen it myself.

Since 2007, I have specialized in the sale and acquisition of East Lansing rental properties. If you are thinking of purchasing or selling a rental property in the city, there are several important things to keep in mind. Specifically, I am referencing the different types of license classes that can be relevant to renting a home. By understanding what they are and the differences between them, you can efficiently purchase and rent out property in the East Lansing area. You can also avoid unforced errors which can cause lost time, money, and legal headaches.

Purchasing and Renting Out Properties in East Lansing

To start owning and managing rental property in East Lansing, prospective landlords must proceed through a variety of requirements as outlined here. After they purchase the actual property, prospective landlords must apply for an initial rental license. The process, on average, takes about two to five months, so prospective landlords must be cognizant of this fact when evaluating their budget and potential income.

In that initial application form (which you can find here), there are several important requirements that applicants must follow. One of those, as alluded to above, is ensuring that you are seeking the correct class of license. You can find more detailed documentation on classes of licenses here, but the bottom line is that there are six different classes. The major differences among these licenses center on factors like renewal dates, the type of dwelling that leasing or renting out, whether the owner resides in the building, and specifics about people who can become tenants in a room or building.

For instance, a class I license is renewed every 39 months. It authorizes the owner of a one-family dwelling in which the owner resides to lease or rent a room to one person. By contrast, a class III license is renewed every 13 months. It authorizes the owner of a one-family dwelling in which the owner doesn't reside or a two-family dwelling to lease or rent the dwelling to a family of two unrelated people per rental unit. There are additional caveats to these general licensing classes, especially for owners who are applying for initial rental licenses. Those caveats deal with residential zoning districts (you can find more details here).

While there was a moratorium on licensing before I entered the real estate business in 2004, applying for the right initial rental license is critical. The Rental Housing Division of East Lansing regulates rental licensing in the city and inspections for licensing. If you are found to be renting without a license or are renting out your property in violation of your rental license, you may be subject to fines and other penalties.

Therefore, before even purchasing your rental property, it is helpful to foresee how you plan on using your property. Think about whether you want to live in the property itself and how many people you want to be tenants in your building. Along with this, you must take your time when completing the application and ensure that you have not made any mistakes. Not only could you be penalized for applying for the wrong class of rental license, but you will be spending your valuable time fixing errors that you could have avoided.

Because of this, I recommend that you do not complete the application by yourself. Instead, I encourage you to work with an expert in this area. Whether you are an investor or the parent of an MSU student, working with a professional can save you time and give you the peace of mind that you are complying with these important East Lansing regulations.

Starting Your Journey

East Lansing is a great place to purchase a rental property. The opportunity is significant. However, I encourage you to work with an expert to ensure that you are applying for the correct rental license. Whether you decide to work with me or another professional, hiring a trusted guide can make the process much easier. 

East Lansing Students Return

As we are entering the fall months, it is easy to observe countless changes occurring in our community. Events like the Sun Dried Music Fest to the Michigan Chicken Wing Festival signal that summer is coming to an end. 

But as we prepare for fall to officially arrive, there is one more change that happens every year. It’s a change that may have become second nature to us, yet it always remains a somewhat disruptive force in our day-to-day lives.

I’m specifically talking about students returning to Michigan State University. 

There is no doubt that MSU remains a signature part of our community. Yet for certain parts of the year, MSU is much louder as it makes its presence known. Even if you don’t live close to the MSU campus, this ritual of tens of thousands of students returning to our community can disrupt normal life in the city. 

Because of this, it is helpful to develop a quick and easy plan so that you can navigate Lansing during this extremely busy time. By doing so, you can eliminate stress and enjoy the remaining moments of summer in our city.

How Returning MSU Students Will Affect East Lansing

According to the MSU move-in timeline, the university will be facilitating a two-day move-in for incoming students. That move-in is scheduled to occur on Saturday, August 24 and Sunday, August 25. But having said this, the official MSU move-in timeline is for students moving into university housing. This does not account for other students moving into our community. You can expect that students will be moving into our community leading up to the first day of classes, which are on Wednesday, August 28.

Because of this, you can expect to see many MSU students and their families in our community for the next few days. This will undoubtedly create some traffic challenges. Quite clearly, there will be traffic congestion on and near the campus itself, especially on August 24 and August 25. To be perfectly honest, you should try avoiding that area until move-in is complete. This is true even if you want to park near campus. While there are meters and gated lots for parking, they can get expensive and they will likely be full. 

Along with congestion near the MSU campus itself, there will be a large amount of traffic around the Hub and Landmark apartment complexes. The city decided not to close roads to accommodate move-ins for these two buildings, so you will need to allocate some extra time if you plan on driving near those apartment complexes.

Even if you think you can avoid some of the move-in congestion by avoiding the MSU campus or popular apartment complexes, you will quickly discover that the entire city is going to be buzzing. Continuing construction in downtown East Lansing, along with this new influx of students and their families, will mean that traffic is going to be extremely slow. Whether you simply want to grab a quick lunch or enjoy spending a Saturday night in East Lansing, you will need to add some time to your travel plans. Just be patient and expect to sit in traffic for longer than you might. 

Along with this, you may want to think about parking further away than normal and walking to your final destination. Parking in downtown East Lansing can be a challenge, so keep this in mind when you are traveling over the next few days. It goes without saying, but restaurants, bars, and your favorite stores in East Lansing are going to be more crowded than usual. Just take a breath, be patient, and relax. You can still have a great time, notwithstanding a more crowded East Lansing for the next few days.

The Value of Preparation

As you know, MSU is an extremely large educational institution. There will be many students and families entering our community in the next few days. Because of this, I highly encourage you to be patient and make a plan before you drive around East Lansing. Don’t hesitate to take a different road or walk a bit further to your destination. By doing this, you can minimize your stress while still enjoying the next few days in East Lansing. We wish you the best of luck!

How to Know When to List Your Home

You want to get the best price possible when you list your home for sale. With an up and down housing market, it can be difficult to know the best time. However, the financial aspect is only one factor in deciding when and if to sell your home. You have to consider your own needs. Here are some signs to help you know when it is the right time.

Lack of Space

One of the biggest reasons people have for selling and buying a new place is that they have outgrown their current homes. Many people buy starter homes with plans to live in them for five to seven years and then move on. Once you have reached that point, you know it is time to find a new place and put yours on the market.

You Have Equity

If you have been planning to sell for some time but held out because of the poor housing market, you may be ready to take the next step once you have equity in your home again. Do your research to determine if your home is worth more than what you owe. If so, you may be ready to capitalize on it and list your home.

More Sales in Your Neighborhood

If you are seeing the Sold sign more often in your neighborhood, it may be a sign that now is a good time to sell. Certain neighborhoods are booming with growth and buyers are desperate to get into these areas. That often means a higher price for you.

Less Time for All of the Work

You may have gotten to the point in your life when you don't have time or energy for the upkeep of your home. Rather than letting things fall apart and causing your home to lose value, consider selling it and buying something with less work involved.

Where You are in Your Life

As your life changes, so does what you need in a home. Maybe you have more kids now or they are growing up and moving out. You may have switched jobs and now have a longer commute or you may be looking at retirement. If your house no longer fits in with your current life, it may be tie for a change.

When you are ready to sell your home, give me a call. I can help you list your house and sell it quickly so that you can move on to the next stage in your life.

Tips for Getting the Best Mortgage

You will find numerous products when you are shopping for a mortgage. Some are geared towards first-time home buyers while others focus on people shopping in specific areas or with certain terms in mind. It can be overwhelming to try to decide which product is the best one for you.

It Starts with the Lender

Before making any decisions about the loan product, you should decide on the lender. You will receive a lot of advice in this area from family and friends who have the perfect recommendation. How do you determine if the person they recommend is right for you?

First, remember that they have been through this and now own a home. (If they don't, beware of their advice.) You must also realize that the person that was right for them may not be right for you. Personalities and needs differ, and you must find someone you feel comfortable working with.

Do your research about any lender you consider. Find out how much experience he or she has and if the lender has any complaints against them.

Review All Terms

Once you have a couple of lenders that you like, compare products and terms. Don't just look at the interest rate or even the APR. Compare closing costs and other factors that will determine how much you will pay for your loan.

Contact the lender and see how you like this person. Ask if the stated rate is the best he or she can give you. You may be surprised at how much you can negotiate. After all, it never hurts to ask.

Once you have narrowed down your choices, make a decision. If you are still unsure, then you have not really come to a decision. You either need to find more options or you to need to figure out why you are hesitating.

Don't forget to include your realtor in the process of finding a lender, particularly if you have any special issues or are looking for a specific loan. A realtor will have the inside scoop on many lenders in your city or county and will be able to provide valuable insight on how is good to work with.

If you are looking for a home or a lender, contact me. I can show you houses for sale in your preferred area and help you begin the process of finding a home. Give me a call to get started on the path to home ownership.

With Low Interest Rates Is Now the Time to Buy?

If you have been renting with the dream of buying someday, you may be watching the news about the housing industry. With low interest rates keeping homes affordable, maybe now is the time to make the leap from renter to homeowner. Several factors play into that decision to help you know which is right for you.

Future Plans

You must consider where you are going in the next few years. How long you stay in your home will help determine if you should continue renting or buy your home now. Part of this decision will depend on your job. If your current job is unsteady or there is a likelihood of being relocated, you may want to hold off on buying. You don't want the headache of trying to sell a home while being transferred to another city or state, especially with very little equity in the property.

Consider the Down Payment

Before deciding to buy, you have to figure out if you have enough money for a down payment. This means more than just meeting the minimum required by the lender, but as much as you want to put into the house to give you some equity to start out. On the other hand, you may not want to put all of your savings into the down payment and have nothing left for maintenance and repairs.

Know Your Finances

Beyond having good credit and a steady job to be able to qualify for a home loan, you also want to know that you have money saved for other expenses and that you are ready to take on the challenges that come with being a homeowner.

If you feel prepared to face the headaches along with the joys that homeownership brings, now may be the right time to transition from renter to owner. If you want to find out what is available in your price range and location, give me a call. I can help you become a homeowner with a property that fits your needs.

Tools to Help You Boost Your Real Estate Leads

Getting more leads is essential to growing your real estate business. In today's world where more people do their research and part of their shopping online, that means driving more visitors to your website. However, they must be quality leads who actually spend time on your site and follow up. Here are a few tools to help you get more leads.

Sidebars

Create widgets along the sides of your content to get people to click for more information or to sign up for a newsletter. Experts estimate that these widgets can convert about 1-2 percent of your visitors. They are in plain sight right next to the content your visitors are reading and make it easy for them to take the next step.

Pop-ups

Not everyone likes pop-ups, but they are effective when done right. They have a decent conversion rate of about 5 percent of your visitors. Make sure they are interesting and capture the attention of your audience. SumoMe is one option that is free and comes with tools to help you customize for your audience.

Calls to Action

Catch people's attention while they are reading the content with a call to action plug-in. If they are ready to make the decision right then, you don't want to wait until later. Call to Action is a plug-in you can use for WordPress sites that will improve your conversion rate without distracting your readers.

Opt-ins for the End

When people finish reading your content, they are more likely to take the next step. That is why adding an opt-in at the end of your page or blog post has the best effect. Set up a box where people can subscribe to your list for more information. Optin Forms is a free option that has special features that you pay for.

With numerous options available, you have to figure out which ones work best for you. Make the right choices and you will get your audience's attention and help you sell more homes.

Glenmoor

Enjoy life in the middle of everything when you live in the Glenmoor neighborhood of East Lansing. You are within walking distance of the Frandor Shopping Center and plenty of places to eat and hang out.

This is the area to choose if you want a place that is walkable. With numerous retail, shopping and dining establishments, you are close to it all. However, you are also not far from Highway 127 and East Grand River Avenue if you want to venture out to other communities.

Glenmoor has numerous apartments that are affordable for those just starting out in their careers. Condominiums are another option if you are ready to buy but don't want the upkeep of a detached home.

Ranney Park provides the natural green space for the outdoor lovers and runs along East Morgan Lane. It even includes a skate park on the south end for great winter fun. Visit Altu's Ethiopian Cuisine if you want something unique and local or try one of the many chain restaurants like Panera's. Hang out with friends at Woody's Oasis Bar & Grill for an evening of fun.

If you are looking for a vibrant, exciting community that has all of the amenities you could need, consider Glenmoor for your new home. I'll be glad to show you what is available in this young, trendy neighborhood. Give me a call and I can help you find a great new place to live.

Tricks to Help Sellers Market Their Homes

It takes a complete strategy to market a home successfully. When applied correctly, they get the results that you want in the shortest time frame. Here are the strategies that seller's agents employ.

Know the Right Price

Realtors must know the art of pricing to ensure that the home appeals to the most buyers. This means understanding appraisal techniques, and then choosing a price point that works for the high and low ends. For example, many people begin or end their price at $250,000. Agents make the mistake of appraising a home at $250,000 and then pricing it a little lower. They miss out on the segment of buyers that would be interested in $250,000 or higher.

Know Your Product

Instead of randomly selling any property that comes to you, choose the homes that fit your brand. If you focus on one area or price point, don't accept a property that doesn't fit in with that group. Another benefit is that you will be an expert in your area. You will know the average days a property sits on the market, the competition and the turnover rates for the neighborhood.

Know How to Promote

While you may want to focus on one area of selling, you don't want to be one-dimensional in your promotion. Be willing to experiment and always monitor the results. Know which methods of marketing work best, but don’t stop there. As you learn more about your target buyers, you will find out where they go to search for homes. This gives you an edge on the next property you sell. As you sell homes fast and at a good price, you become recognized as the expert.

When you set the right price on listings that you know well, you will have no trouble promoting your listings and selling the properties. It takes more than entering a property in the MLS listings or placing a sign in the yard to sell a home. Knowing how to price and promote your brand ensures your success.

Chesterfield Hills

Enjoy the distinct design of a modern, upper-class subdivision with Chesterfield Hills in East Lansing. This lovely neighborhood is blessed with native trees that offer natural beauty for the area. Winding roads frame irregular shaped lots to give each property a unique appearance.

Sprinkled among the newer homes, properties from the early beginnings of the area provide an interesting contrast and add character to Chesterfield Hills. A drive through the neighborhood and you might assume that home prices are beyond your reach. However, you will discover a wide range of homes for sale, with affordability for many budgets. Homes begin at around $100,000 and go up to well over $200,000. They also come with a wide range of features and styles with two, three and four bedrooms.

This neighborhood might be a historic area of East Lansing, but it is close to the modern amenities that matter to today's homeowners. It is just a short walk to Michigan State University as well as numerous restaurants, shops, parks and open-air farmer's markets. A community center with a pool enhances the neighborhood.

While this area offers a quiet location for families, it offers easy access to other areas because of its nearness to East Michigan Avenue and Highway 43. Several parks are within walking or driving distance, including Ranney Park and Municipal Park. It is also near to the East Lansing Public Library, East Lansing High School and Glencairn Elementary School.

Enjoy a cup of coffee at the Grand River Coffee Café or grab a pizza from Goombas Pizza. A gym is located nearby and you aren't far from Jet's Pizza, a delicious place that is known for its flavored crusts.

If this neighborhood sounds like a place you could call home, give me a call. Let me know what kind of home you are looking for, and I'll help you make Chesterfield Hills your neighborhood.

Harrison Meadow Park

Harrison Meadow Park is a great place for young professionals. Located close to many amenities and featuring affordable housing, its population is made up of both families and single professionals.

It is located near Henry Fine Park and Whitehills Park and offers a range of housing options. One of the reasons it appeals to younger demographics is due to the affordability of living here. Find single-family homes and condominiums priced under $100,000. Of course, those who are looking beyond starter homes will also find a selection of properties. Homes include two, three or four bedrooms and offer from less than 1000 square feet to well over two thousand square feet of space.

Enjoy your morning coffee at BIGSBY COFFEE or check out the East Lansing Farmer's Market. A night out is as close as Dublin Square or the East Lansing Film Festival. Tamarisk Park is located within the Harrison Meadow Park while Business 69 runs along the southern edge for easy access to other areas. Harrison Avenue and Abbot Road border the neighborhood along the eastern and western sides. It is also not far from Highway 127, which runs north to south.

The East Lansing Public Library is within walking distance and so are the nearby schools, Glencairn Elementary and East Lansing High School. Enjoy fun activities within the neighborhood at Tamarisk Park. It features benches for relaxing, a grill and picnic tables for outdoor picnics, and a basketball court. This small 1.5 acre park has a play field and playground with a soccer field and nature areas for the outdoor enthusiast. One of the highlights is a lovely weeping willow tree that stands in the center of the park.

With a mix of quiet and nearby amenities, Harrison Meadow Park is the ideal place for anyone looking to buy a home. If this neighborhood sounds perfect for you, give me a call and I can show you what is available.

Avondale Square

Tucked away in a quiet area not far from major highways and restaurants, shopping and other businesses lies Avondale Square. It is just a short distance from Business I-69, Abbot Road and East Lake Lansing Road. It is within walking distance of Whitehills Park, which offers a baseball field and another field that is ideal for soccer or football.

Not far away is Patriarche Park. The neighborhood is also close to downtown. With a walking and bike path along East Saginaw Street, residents have easy access to many other nearby areas.

Avondale Square is part of a community revitalization project to replace old, empty houses with new buildings to attract families and breathe new life into the area. The homes are being built by Mayberry Homes and feature a wide range of styles, sizes and price ranges. They start at around $144,000 and include 3 and 4 bedrooms. If you choose to buy a new-build, you can select colors and other options to make the house look and feel like home.

This area has been designed to be a walkable community close to the East Lansing Public Schools. It is also nearby to the Michigan State campus with a small pocket park inside the community and child care facilities and a library for convenience close to the area. A community center is also part of the neighborhood. In addition to the single-family homes, you can find townhouses to fit in your price range.

If you are interested in looking at homes and models in Avondale Square, give me a call. I can tell you all about the area to help you decide if this is the right location for you and your family. Contact me if you are ready to start looking for your new home.

Abbott Parkside Neighborhood

If you are looking for a lovely neighborhood to call home, you may want to consider Abbott Parkside. Bordered by Abbey Road, Audrey's Way and Harrington Lane, this community is not far from US 127 for easy access to work or other places in the area.

The neighborhood is located near many amenities with plenty of shopping and dining places nearby. Healthcare facilities are also within a short drive, making this a wonderful retirement community. Numerous apartments and condos are available with features that are unique to each one. They may offer covered parking, on-site gym, a pool or other bonus features that will capture your attention.

The Crossings is one such association located in this area. They offer single-family homes that may run around $200,000. They were built in 2000 and often come with garages. Another option is Park Place Condos. This place is known for its low fees and offers beautiful features such as a nice deck that overlooks the woods and custom kitchens. These condos come with inside parking and many other nice bonuses.

Enjoy a slower pace in life when you live in Abbott Parkside. It is a short distance from the Falcon Golf Course where you may want to spend a few afternoons every month perfecting your golf swing. Spend time enjoying the great outdoors at Henry Fine Park or grab a cup of coffee at the Biggby Coffeehouse. You are also not far from a dog park to make your canine friends happy.

Coolidge Road lies right outside of the neighborhood to make it easy to get to all of your activities and appointments. If you have a young family, you will be concerned about the schools in the area. Pinecrest Elementary School is located nearby along with East Lansing High School. In addition, numerous private schools and secondary schools are within a short drive from Abbott Parkside.

If this sounds like a community you would like to know more about, please call me. I can help you find your next home in this wonderful neighborhood.

Combining Emotion and Logic for Your Next Real Estate Transaction

It is a well-known fact that people often buy out of emotion more than logic. This is obvious when you see advertisers appealing to a customer’s emotions for a product. It is true even in purchasing or selling real estate. It is one reason that what people want to buy may be very different from what they need.

Is Emotion Wrong?

At the height of the home-buying process just before the housing industry fell apart, many people were relying on emotions to buy their homes. They found the places they wanted and made the purchase regardless of whether they could afford it or even if it was a sound investment.

While that didn’t prove to be a good way of buying or selling properties. The other extreme doesn’t work either. You can find a house that meets all of your needs and looks good on paper, but you won’t be happy with it if it doesn’t make you happy (appeal to your emotions).

The Importance of Balance

It is important for either buying or selling a home that you combine the two, especially for buyers. The best way to make this a reality is to begin with the logical side. That is why it is a good idea to list your must-haves before you ever go look at a property. Also, take the time to figure your budget and know what amount is the top of your price range. When you go look at properties, stick with these guidelines so that you never lose sight of the practical side of buying a home.

On the other hand, don’t ignore the emotional side. If you see a property that looks good on paper but doesn’t feel like the right place, keep looking. It is unlikely that the home will grow on you in the long-term. Instead, you will be making a monthly mortgage payment on a property that you don’t like.

It has often been said that you will know when you find the home meant to be yours. Just make sure you are looking at only the homes you can afford and it will make sense both emotionally and logically. Contact me to help you find the right home to buy.

Get to Know Abbott Woods

Abbott Woods is a neighborhood located in East Lansing, Michigan. It is a small subdivision located off of Abbott Road. It is bordered by Abbott Woods Terrace and Abbott Woods Drive. While this is a small area, it is nearby many conveniences and amenities. It is within walking distance of a bus stop and an ATM.

For those who enjoy taking a walk or being close to nature, Whitehills Park is just a short distance away. Other nearby parks include Tamarisk Park and Henry Fine Park. If you prefer urban life, you have plenty of options, too. Enjoy delicious foods any time of the day from Big Apple Bagels for breakfast to Reno’s for a drink. The East Lansing public library is just a short drive on Abbot Rd. with the East Lansing High School nearby and Glencairn Elementary school close. MacDonald Middle school is also assigned to this neighborhood and is only 1.7 miles away. All of the schools have a high rating, which is important to families looking for a new home.

Just follow Abbot Rd to Highway 69 for easy access to the rest of East Lansing or to get out of town.

Homes in this area sell for around the mid-200’s with some under the $200k price tag. They are mostly single-family homes with many 3-bedroom, 2-bath places. The area would be ideal for young families, busy professionals working in the area or even retirees who want to enjoy East Lansing. Many of the homes in the area were built in the mid-1990s.

If you are interested in looking at homes in this area, give me a call. I can introduce you to the neighborhood and answer any questions you might have about the location. Contact me and let an agent who knows this area help you find your new home.

Capital Prime: The Newest Taste of Lansing

When you are house-hunting, you consider the neighborhood first. Along with safety and good schools, you also think about the best stores and restaurants. If you are planning to move close to the Eastwood Heights area or anywhere in Lansing, you want to check out Capital Prime. It is the newest steakhouse and seafood place and offers delicious foods to tempt your palate.

Located right behind the NCG cinema, it has plenty of room to accommodate up to 250 people. Host a fabulous party in one of the two private dining rooms. Besides a variety of meats, the restaurant tries to use local produce to create their fabulous entrees. Vegetarians can also find a variety of meals to suit them. A fabulous selection of wines and beers is included with a full dessert menu to finish off your meal.

In addition to a delicious menu, Capital Prime also features The Lounge, which becomes a fun piano and jazz bar with live local and nationally-known entertainment that can be enjoyed Thursday through Saturday evenings.

Capital Prime is sure to be a hit with the experience of the ownership team leading the way. Joseph Goodsir is the primary owner and is involved with many other eateries, including Harrison Roadhouse and The Riviera Café. His operating partner and the general manager of Capital Prime is Leonard Jump. The executive chef is Bassam Sharkas who has 23 years of experience in creating delectable menus that are unique and sophisticated.

If you want to try out this new hit in Lansing, the restaurant is open Monday through Wednesday from 4-10 and 4-12 Thursday through Saturday. On Sunday, you can enjoy a meal from 3-9. Make a reservation to enjoy Capital Prime. It has already been receiving rave reviews from visitors on the food and the atmosphere.

Is the American Dream Still Alive?

It has been a long way back from the housing crisis of 2008. In fact, statistics show that the U.S. is still nowhere near where it was before the boom that led to the bust. Does this mean that home ownership is no longer the American Dream? Is real estate not a viable investment in today’s world?

A Slow Return

The good news in the housing industry is that numbers have improved from where they went when the market hit bottom. The bad news is that the recovery isn’t complete yet. That doesn’t mean that it won’t happen or that something is wrong with the economy. To understand where the housing industry is and where it is going, you have to understand where it was.

At the height of the housing boom, more homes were being built than what had been averaged for the years before. The number of new homes being built today is higher than at the lowest point but nowhere close to the numbers before the recession. The reason for this is that it takes some time for the excess inventory to be reduced to normal.

Lost Confidence

Another problem is that many people have decided that buying is no longer the best option for them. They have chosen to rent instead as a more affordable choice. It takes some time for people to overcome the fears of home ownership after a recession. Over time, people will develop more confidence and forget about their fears and take the plunge. It may take several years for this to occur, but the housing market will recover gradually.

Another possible reason for the slow growth in the housing market is because more people are looking to alternative solutions. For example. Baby Boomers are downsizing and moving into condos and apartments instead of single-family homes.

Many people in the younger generation is saddled with higher student loans and problems finding a good-salaried, stable income. They can’t afford or qualify for the homes they want. However, once they overcome these issues and are ready to settle down, home ownership will become more appealing.

While the housing market has not rebounded like many had hoped, it is moving in the right direction and should continue to do so going forward. If you are ready to become a homeowner and are looking to buy a house, contact me. I can help you find the right place to call home.

How to Find Your Dream Home Within Your Budget

Imagine what your new home is going to look like. Fabulous cherry cabinets with granite countertops, an open floor plan, a large master bedroom with an amazing en suite bath. It’s time to get your head out of the clouds if you are a first-time buyer. Your home is definitely going to be special to you, but it probably won’t have everything you are looking for.

Get Real

What you have to remember is that when you are starting out, you won’t be able to afford everything you want. The goal is to find a starter home that has most of what you want and all of what you need. You can always move up later on.

Know What Matters

Figure out what really matters to you. It may not be the same thing as what is important to other people. This also means figuring out what you can live without. You may discover that you could be happy in a condo instead of a detached house. A condo is often less expensive while giving you the features that you love.

On the other hand, having a yard may be more important so you will settle for basic features inside. It’s all about compromise when you are buying your starter home, and you have to know what things are right to compromise on.

Consider an Older Home

While many people like the thought of moving into a brand new house that no one has lived in, you can get more for your money if you look at older homes. If you are willing to work with a fixer, you may even get a better deal. You can work on making it what you want over time and add value to the property. It is often a smart decision if you can live with a house the way it is now and see its potential.

Be Willing to Move

From your desired location, that is. Some neighborhoods are more expensive than others. If you do not want to sacrifice on the house you want, you may have to be willing to compromise on location. In some areas, you can barely get a 1,000-square foot house for a decent price. Move a few miles away and you can find a sprawling home with plenty of room and the latest upgrades for the same price.

In the end, it’s all about compromise and knowing what will make you happy and what you can live without. Be prepared to make some changes in your mind as you search for the dream home you want. If you are ready to begin that journey, contact me. I can help you start your search for the home that is right for you.

Why Won’t Your Home Sell?

Each day that goes by without an offer on your home when you are trying to sell can feel like an eternity. You are limbo, waiting for someone to buy your house so you can move on to the next stage in your life. The key to selling your home when you don’t have buyers beating down your door is to figure out why it isn’t selling now.

The Wrong Price

A house that is priced too high won’t sell. Period. To find out what your home is worth (not what you think it is worth) is to see what other homes in the area are selling for. Ask your agent for his or her advice on pricing. Don’t forget that agents see a lot of homes and will know how yours compares to the competition.

Lack of Promotion

People used to drive around and look for houses with For Sale signs in their desired neighborhoods. Now, people search online before they ever take the next step in house-hunting. If your house is not listed prominently online, no one may even know it is for sale.

It Has Problems

Is it obvious that your house is outdated or worse, in poor shape?  Does your decorating preferences hit people in the face when they walk in? Whether you have serious repair issues or design problems, these are things that can keep people from making an offer on your house. Your agent should be asking buyer’s agents for feedback and figuring out what needs fixed to make your house sell.

Make Sure It Sells Well

Take a look at your house through objective eyes. If you see personal touches, get rid of them. This includes photos, knick-knacks, even color schemes that are too limited. Remove anything that can keep buyers from imagining themselves in a home. It might be too much furniture, too many pictures on the wall or even an odd-looking art piece.

If you work on these issues and partner with a reputable, experienced real estate agent, your home will sell. Contact me if you are ready to sell your home and need help.

Living in a Home You are Selling

Living in a home while it is on the market is often a stressful situation. That place where you spent your last few years now feels like a stranger’s home. Or you are worried that someone will want to see the house and you will have stuff lying around. Here are a few tips to make it easier to live in a place with a For Sale sign without losing your sanity.

Use Storage

Start packing for your move. Consider what you don’t need and either sell it, throw it away or pack it up. Pack out-of-season clothing, photos, knick-knacks and even the guest room. If you have a lot of furniture, pack that up and put it in storage. Just keep out a few pieces for you to use and that looks nice for showing.

Sort magazines and even your books or toys to see what you can live without for a few months and pack it away. It will be easier to keep your home clean if you have less stuff.

Clean

Go through your house and clean it from top to bottom. It will look good for open houses and showing. In addition, it will be easier to clean when you get a last-minute phone call asking to see the house right away. It also reduces the stress because you might only have a few things to pick up or a counter to wipe down to make your house sparkle and shine. At the same time, you can relax and enjoy being at home because you know it won’t take much to get it ready for visitors.

Lock Away Valuables

Whether your agent is holding open houses or just hosting showings, people will be going through your stuff. Keep private items and information locked away. Don’t just hide them since people will be looking in drawers and closets. Lock them away where you know where to find things you need. Remove valuables, especially small items like jewelry.

Deal with Pets

If possible, it is ideal to send your pets to your family or friends’ houses while your home is on the market. Otherwise, keep them contained and clean up after them immediately. Crate the cat and dog when the house is being shown to avoid scaring or distracting anyone.

Create a checklist of last-minute things that must be done when you get the call for a showing. This ensures that you leave the house looking good and that it takes minimal time. For instance, you want light left on and the right temperature. You can even set out a basket of fruit or a vase of flowers to be a warm welcome. Spray a fresh scent to make the place feel inviting and clean.

If you do the necessary work, it won’t take long for your house to sell and you won’t be living this way for more than a few months. If you are ready to sell your home, contact me and I can help you get it on the market.