Inspect or not to Inspect...?!

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

Why You May Want To Seriously Consider a Newly Built Home

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

The Perfect Home Could Be the One You Perfect After Buying

The Perfect Home Could Be the One You Perfect After Buying There’s no denying mortgage rates and home prices are higher now than they were last year and that’s impacting what you can afford. At the same time, there are still fewer homes available for sale than the norm. These are two of the biggest hurdles buyers are facing today. But there are ways to overcome these things and still make your dream of homeownership a reality. As you set out to make a purchase this season, you’ll want to be strategic. This includes taking a close look at your wish list and considering what features you really need in your next home versus which ones are nice-to-have. This will help you avoid overextending your budget or limiting your pool of options too much because you’re searching for that perfect home. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, explains: “The key to making a good decision in this challenging housing market is to be laser focused on what you need now and in the years ahead, . . . Another key point is to avoid stretching your budget, as tempting as it may be . . .” To help identify what you truly need, make a list of all the features you’ll want to see. From there, work to break those features into categories. Here’s a great way to organize your list: Must-Haves – If a house doesn’t have these features, it won’t work for you and your lifestyle (examples: distance from work or loved ones, number of bedrooms/bathrooms, etc.). Nice-To-Haves – These are features you’d love to have but can live without. Nice-to-haves aren’t dealbreakers, but if you find a home that hits all the must-haves and some of these, it’s a contender (examples: a second home office, a garage, etc.). Dream State – This is where you can really think big. Again, these aren’t features you’ll need, but if you find a home in your budget that has all the must-haves, most of the nice-to-haves, and any of these, it’s a clear winner (examples: a pool, multiple walk-in closets, etc.). If you’re only willing to tour homes that have all of your dream features, you may be cutting down your options too much and making it harder on yourself (and your budget) than necessary. While you’d love to have granite countertops or a pool in the backyard, those are both things you could potentially add after you move. Instead, it may be best to focus on finding the things that you can’t change (like location or a certain number of rooms). Then, you can upgrade or add some of the other features or finishes you want later on. Sometimes the perfect home is the one you perfect after buying it. Once you’ve categorized your list in a way that works for you, discuss your top priorities with your real estate agent. They’ll be able to help you refine the list further, coach you through the best way to stick to it, and find a home in your area that meets your top needs. Bottom Line With the current affordability challenges and limited housing supply, you’ll want to be strategic so you can find a home that meets your needs while staying within your budget. Let’s connect to make that possible.   Tatyana Grigoryan Realtor® 850 591 1433

The True Value of Homeownership

The True Value of Homeownership Buying and owning your home can make a big difference in your life by bringing you joy and a sense of belonging. And with June being National Homeownership Month, it’s the perfect time to think about all the benefits homeownership provides.  Of course, there are financial reasons to buy a house, but it’s important to consider the non-financial benefits that make a home more than just where you live. Here are three ways owning your home can give you a sense of accomplishment, happiness, and pride.  You May Feel Happier and More Fulfilled  Owning a home is associated with better mental health and well-being. Gary Acosta, CEO and Co-Founder at the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP), explains: “Studies have shown the emotional and psychological benefits that homeownership has on a person’s health and self-esteem . . .” Similarly, Habitat for Humanity says: “Residential stability among homeowners is related to improved life satisfaction, . . . along with better physical and mental health.” So, according to the experts, owning a home can improve your psychological wellness by making you feel happier and more accomplished. You Can Engage in Your Neighborhood and Grow Your Sense of Community Your home connects you to your community. Homeowners tend to stay in their homes longer than renters, and that can help you feel more connected to your community because you have more time to build meaningful relationships. And, as Acosta says, when people stay in the same area for a longer period of time, it can lead to them being more involved: “Homeowners also tend to be more active in their local communities . . .” After all, it makes sense that someone would want to help improve the area they’re going to be living in for a while. You Can Customize and Improve Your Living Space Your home is a place that’s all yours. When you own it, unless there are specific homeowner’s association requirements, you’re free to customize it however you see fit. Whether that’s small home improvements or full-on renovations, your house can be exactly what you want and need it to be. As your tastes and lifestyle change, so can your home. As Investopedia tells us: “One often-cited benefit of homeownership is the knowledge that you own your little corner of the world. You can customize your house, remodel, paint, and decorate without the need to get permission from a landlord.” Renting can limit your ability to personalize your living space, and even if you do make changes, you may have to undo them before your lease ends. The ability homeownership gives you to customize and improve where you live creates a greater sense of ownership, pride, and connection with your home. Bottom Line Owning your home can change your life in a way that gives you greater satisfaction and happiness. Let’s connect today if you’re ready to explore homeownership and all it has to offer.