1. “Clear your cookies. Delete your browsing history. Switch to Incognito. Google is poised to bring the power of aggregation to real estate,” says Inman News Google is about to revolutionize the way consumers find real estate agents. If you’re a broker, you should consider claiming your profile as soon as possible.
2. SPAM, REALLY?
A Forbes Real Estate Counsel Panel suggests Five Signs That Indicate A Local Real Estate Market May Be Changing. “Knowing the key signs that indicate that the local real estate market is heating up can be critical to seizing an excellent opportunity when it arises.” Based on your experience, can you add any signs that did not make the list?
3. SUPPLY AND DEMAND
“High home prices along with strong demand have today’s youngest homebuyers moving to smaller cities — and that could mean a boom for local economies and home values in those markets.” CNBC reports Millennials are pouring into these smaller cities and buying homes. In some markets around the country, the term ‘starter homes’ is less used these days since prices for them have jumped over 50% over the last five years and inventory is way down.
4. WHY NOT…
Party in the Front! The Year’s Biggest Outdoor Design Trends Relocate the Action. “Yes, we’re excited for the lazy, yard-lounging days ahead. But this summer, don’t just plan to hide away in the backyard. The year’s top outdoor trends bring the party to the front—and create an opportunity to mingle with your neighbors.” What’s your favorite idea Realtor.com came up with?
5. RIGHT TO THE PUNCHLINE
“One of the best ways to fight inflation, and even win the game against it, is through inflation hedge investments like buy-and-hold real estate properties,” writes Dani Lynn Robison, a member of Forbes Real Estate Council. “One of the most beneficial aspects of real estate is appreciation. On average, property values appreciate between 3% and 5% annually according to Zillow. In some markets, like the greater Dayton and Cincinnati, Ohio area, I’ve observed appreciation rates anywhere between 6% and 10%, depending on the year.” I highly recommend you consult with a top agent to understand the advantages and potential pitfalls there may be for you based on your unique situation. Reading How To Fight Inflation Through Real Estate Investing may be a good first step in the process.
6. LAWN-BE-GONE
From the NYT: I’m Done Mowing My Lawn. Stephenie MacLagan and Dave Oliver, who live in a 900-square-foot house on a quiet suburban street near Bangor, Me., started chipping away at their lawn almost a decade ago when they grew frustrated by the tomato options at the local grocery store. That, and “it was the realization that I mow my lawn and I hate mowing,” said the owners. Imagine feeding your neighbors from the bounty of your labor? Seems like such a better use of green space.
7. MARCH MADNESS
CNBC and the National Association of Realtors report Pending home sales jumped 3.8% in March, thanks to a big dip in mortgage rates. “House shoppers signed 3.8% more contracts to buy existing homes in March compared with February, according to the National Association of Realtors’ pending home sales index. That was higher than analysts had expected.” Think it had anything to do with the weather?
8. BUYERS PLEA
“Conventional wisdom dictates that one of the more successful tactics out there to convince a home seller to accept your offer is get personal: Include some sweet and heartfelt information to them in a note, expressing why you’re just dying to buy the house.” Here are Realtor.com’s 6 Fatal Phrases Home Buyers Should Never Include in Their Offer Letter—Ever. Be careful, one simple slip can send the sellers and their agent jumping to the next offer.
9. THE MC’DONALDS OF REAL ESTATE
Airbnb Competitor Selina Secures $100M In Series C, Relying On Real Estate As Part Of Business Model. Forbes reports “The company launched in 2015 and came up with name Selina as a moniker that represents a fictional millennial nomad-like traveler whom company cofounder Rafi Museri describes as “honest, humble, beautiful. She hosts you, she hugs you. You want to be with her.” The branding seems to have worked well with operations in 46 locations in Latin America and Europe so far and an expansion rate of approximately one property per week.” I love this real estate business model.
10. LOW RATES + HIGHER PAY =
HousingWire says, Bring on the refis: Freddie Mac expects mortgage rates to remain low all year, “Favorable mortgage rates are expected to boost homebuyer affordability for the remainder of 2019, according to Freddie Mac’s April Forecast. According to the government sponsored enterprise, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is now projected to average 4.3% this year, falling from last year’s 4.6%.” Given this news, it may be a challenging summer for buyers.
