1. “We looked at data* from the 200 largest metros, factoring in population, income, home price, and building permit growth; employment figures; and cultural amenities.” Realtor.com researched The Next Urban Powerhouses: 10 Smaller Cities Poised to Skyrocket. There are a few surprising winners in this group.
2. LIVING THE DREAM
From USA Today: “By renting or living with their parents for years, many Millennials in their mid-30s can now afford pricier houses because they’ve socked away more money and moved up to better jobs, Swonk says.” Millennials bypass smaller starter homes for dream houses.
3. THE MOBILITY QUESTION
“Supply is tight, prices are soaring and mortgage rates are rising. That shouldn’t exactly add up to a happy housing market, and yet, it does.” CNBC reports Housing confidence hits record high as home prices skyrocket. But will high prices take their toll on buyers?
4. CHECK PLEASE
Elizabeth Weintraub from The Balance suggests “Nobody really likes the act of moving. It can be nerve wracking, exhaustive and overwhelming.” I may be in the minority, but I kind of enjoy moving (it makes me happy). If you are moving, this list of First Things to Do After Moving Into Your New Home may come in handy.
5. PAY ATTENTION
“Some buyers mistakenly think they are taking the most affordable route when they buy a less expensive house. But that isn’t necessarily true.” The Huffington Post reports This Is The Most Important Number To Know When You Shop For A House (Hint: It’s not the sales price or your credit score.)
6. CRUCIAL FIRST STEP
“For most of us, though, buying or selling a house may be the biggest single financial decision we will make in our lives. Yet far less attention is paid to picking the right real estate agent. After all, unlike going to the doctor or getting the car repaired, it is something we will do only a few times in our lives.” The Street just published How to Pick the Right Real Estate Broker and I could not agree more with their list.
7. ON THE FENCE?
From Apartment Therapy: Why You Should List Your House This Weekend If You’re Looking to Sell. It turns out the day of the week that your listing hits the market can also have an influence on its sale. Zillow’s research states that Saturday is the best day of the week to list a home, with Thursday, Friday, and Sunday also being good bets. (make sure you don’t rush the process just to get it listed)
8. SECRET AGENT
“Get some insight on selling a house from people who do it all the time” The Family Handyman lists 22 Secrets Your Real Estate Agent Isn’t Telling You (always remember…don’t be offended by a low offer, be offended by no offer).
9. HEY AGENTS!
“The secret is to balance your automated marketing with your own personal charm and touch. We live in a world that agents 20 years ago could only dream of. Marketing today should be automated, cohesive and effective.” From Forbes: 10 Ways To Enhance Real Estate Marketing In 2018 (as one of my favorite agents says, it’s time to get on it).
10. YUP, ANOTHER LIST
Southern Living looked at Homes.com research and The Results Are in, and These Are the Best Cities on the Coast to Raise a Family. Is your city on the list?
Have a great weekend!
