Selling a home can be both an exciting and challenging process. One crucial step that homeowners often overlook is conducting a home inspection before putting their property on the market. By getting ahead of potential issues, a pre-listing inspection not only helps you identify necessary repairs but also enhances buyer confidence, streamlines negotiations, and ultimately increases the chances of a smooth and successful sale. Whether you’re looking to set a competitive price or avoid surprises during closing, a thorough home inspection can be a strategic move that pays off in the long run.  Here are some reasons why: 1. **Identify Issues Early**: A pre-listing inspection helps you identify any potential issues or repairs needed before buyers discover them. This allows you to address problems on your terms, either by fixing them or disclosing them upfront, which can prevent surprises during the negotiation process. 2. **Increase Buyer Confidence**: Providing a clean inspection report to potential buyers can increase their confidence in your property, making it more attractive. It can also speed up the sale process, as buyers may feel more comfortable making an offer without the need for their own inspection. 3. **Accurate Pricing**: Knowing the condition of your home allows you to set a more accurate and realistic asking price. If major repairs are needed, you can factor that into the price, reducing the chances of price negotiations later on. 4. **Negotiation Leverage**: If the inspection reveals only minor issues, you have the leverage to stand firm on your asking price. Conversely, if significant issues are uncovered, you're prepared to negotiate with full knowledge of the home's condition. 5. **Smooth Transaction**: A pre-inspected home can lead to a smoother transaction process, as there are fewer opportunities for buyers to back out or ask for last-minute concessions based on unexpected inspection results. Overall, a pre-listing inspection can save you time, reduce stress, and potentially increase the sale price of your home. Have any question? Reach out to me (850) 591 1433!           Tatyana Grigoryan Realtor® www.grigoryanrealestate.com 8505911433

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What’s Next for Home Prices and Mortgage Rates? If you’re thinking of making a move this year, there are two housing market factors that are probably on your mind: home prices and mortgage rates. You’re wondering what’s going to happen next. And if it’s worth it to move now, or better to wait it out. The only thing you can really do is make the best decision you can based on the latest information available. So, here’s what experts are saying about both prices and rates. 1. What’s Next for Home Prices? One reliable place you can turn to for information on home price forecasts is the Home Price Expectations Survey from Fannie Mae – a survey of over one hundred economists, real estate experts, and investment and market strategists. According to the most recent release, experts are projecting home prices will continue to rise at least through 2028 (see the graph below):   While the percent of appreciation varies year-to-year, this survey says we’ll see prices rise (not fall) for at least the next 5 years, and at a much more normal pace. What does that mean for your move? If you buy now, your home will likely grow in value and you should gain equity in the years ahead. But, based on these forecasts, if you wait and prices continue to climb, the price of a home will only be higher later on.  2. When Will Mortgage Rates Come Down? This is the million-dollar question in the industry. And there’s no easy way to answer it. That’s because there are a number of factors that are contributing to the volatile mortgage rateenvironment we’re in. Odeta Kushi, Deputy Chief Economist at First American, explains: “Every month brings a new set of inflation and labor data that can influence the direction of mortgage rates. Ongoing inflation deceleration, a slowing economy and even geopolitical uncertainty can contribute to lower mortgage rates. On the other hand, data that signals upside risk to inflation may result in higher rates.” What happens next will depend on where each of those factors goes from here. Experts are optimistic rates should still come down later this year, but acknowledge changing economic indicators will continue to have an impact. As a CNET article says: “Though mortgage rates could still go down later in the year, housing market predictions change regularly in response to economic data, geopolitical events and more.” So, if you’re ready, willing, and able to afford a home right now, partner with a trusted real estate advisor to weigh your options and decide what’s right for you.  Bottom Line Let’s connect to make sure you have the latest information available on home prices and mortgage rate expectations. Together we’ll go over what the experts are saying so you can make an informed decision on your move.     Tatyana Grigoryan, Realtor® 850 591 1433

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Why You May Want To Seriously Consider a Newly Built Home Are you putting off your plans to sell because you’re worried you won’t be able to find a home you like when you move? If so, it may be time to consider a newly built home and the benefits that come with one. Here’s why. Near-Record Percentage of New Home Inventory Newly built homes are becoming an increasingly significant part of today’s housing inventory. According to the most recent report from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB): “Newly built homes available for sale accounted for 31% of total homes available for sale in November, compared to an approximate 12% historical average.” That means the percentage of the total homes available to buy that are newly built is well over two times higher than the norm. And even more new homes are on the way. Recent data from the Census shows there’s been an uptick in both housing starts (where builders break ground on more new homes) and housing completions (homes where construction just wrapped). And while some people may worry builders are building too many homes, that isn’t a concern – if anything, the recent increase is really good news. As Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), explains: “Even more home building will be needed with the housing shortage persisting in most markets . . . Another 30% rise in home construction can easily be absorbed in the marketplace . . .” How This Helps You  Since the supply of existing homes for sale is still low right now, the increase of new-home construction can be a game changer because it gives you more options for your search. Picture yourself in a home that’s new from the ground up: new appliances, fresh paint, fewer maintenance needs because everything is new, and so much more. Doesn’t that sound nice? And it may be more within reach than you ever imagined. In addition, some builders are offering things like mortgage rate buy-downs for homebuyers right now. This can help offset today’s affordability challenges while also getting you into your dream home. In a recent article, Patrick Duffy, Senior Real Estate Economist at U.S. News, explains: “Builders have been using mortgage interest rate buydowns for many years as a sales incentive whenever interest rates are relatively high, . . .Today more builders are offering rate buydowns for the entirety of the loan, allowing buyers to finance more home for the same payment amount.” Just remember, the process of buying from a builder is different from buying from a home seller, so it’s important to partner with a trusted real estate agent who knows the local market. They’ll be your go-to resource for coordinating with the builder, reviewing contracts, and more. Bottom Line If you’re trying to sell so you can make a move but you’re having a hard time finding a home you like, let’s connect. That way you have a local expert to help you explore all of your options, including the newly built homes in our area.   Tatyana Grigoryan, Realtor® Century21 First Story Real Estate 850 591 1433

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