So You Want To Buy a Home

Taking the step from renting to homeownership is a life-altering event. Many people consider it the litmus test for adulthood. It is both thrilling and scary at the same time. It should be because not only is owning a home in itself a significant responsibility but it is the most significant purchase the majority of people will make in their lifetime. Owning a home is also a source of pride, of achievement, and for millions, still an essential component of the American Dream.

If owning a home is on your bucket list, perhaps you are waiting for the right time. The question is, how will you know when that is?  There is no stock answer. There are many factors to consider, both pro and con on the subject of buying a home. For many first time home buyers, money is an obstacle. But that isn’t always the case. Nor should the considerations of when to purchase a house be strictly limited to the financial ability to do so.

There are outstanding advantages that come along with owning a home and there are detriments as well. Let’s take a look at how the pros and the cons balance each other. When we evaluate both and can get to the intersection where rewards offset risks, we will have a clearer picture of how we can proceed.

The Twin Cities Housing April 2018 Snapshot

I'm not going to lie to you; housing inventory is at a new all-time low. However, we have a reason for optimism as new listing numbers are improving. Let's also keep in mind that the early part of April felt more like January this year, with significant snowfall and low temperatures, which may have held some potential sellers in winter hibernation mode. Still, sellers and builders see a continued strong economy and are encouraged by a market poised to bestow significant financial gains.

For buyers, this market is still certainly challenging. Home values continue to rise while days on the market are fewer. The median sale price for April was $266,000, up 8.6 percent and days on the market fell 10.2 percent compared to April of last year, which drives home that buyers do not have the luxury of dawdling when it comes to offers. Additionally, buyers now have rising interest rates to contend with as well.

Twin Cities Economy and Housing Market is Strong

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Sell Your Home When The Time Is Right For You

It’s no surprise that many people advocate that the best time to sell a home is in the Spring. Part of the reason this theory has evolved is that families want to be established in their new homes by the beginning of the school year in September. While this does make sense for families with children, when it comes to when to put your home on the market there are no one-size fits all scenarios. 

Even though Spring may be considered prime time for home sales by many in the industry, there is no perfect time for everyone. Every situation is different, and when you are personally ready to sell, that becomes the best season for you. However, there is one piece of home-selling wisdom that is always true no matter what time of year you sell.

Can you guess that one sliver of home-selling wisdom?  It’s the preparation of your home to look its best in winter, spring, summer or fall. Making an outstanding first impression on buyers will determine how quickly you sell and how high a price you obtain. A home that is move-in ready will face a cleaner offer with fewer if any contingencies. Even in this strong seller’s market, we find ourselves in right now, the condition and appearance of your home do matter.

It makes the most sense to take the time to get your home in tip-top shape for the fussiest of fussy buyers. If you think your...

This is how Top Agents Showcase Their Property Listings.

If you have been looking for an updated and well-appointed townhome in Golden Valley for less than $250,000 you know they are hard to find. This end unit has been renovated from top to bottom and has all the features buyers are looking for and then some.

The floorplan is open and filled with light. The design and flow of the space were well designed with the intention of providing an abundance of storage and living areas to accommodate the individual needs of your family.

The higher-end kitchen renovation features an abundance of cabinets, workspace, beautiful ceramic tile backsplash, stainless appliances, and a breakfast bar. The bath renovation showcases beautiful tile work on the floors and walls.

This unit is freshly painted throughout. Design details include vaulted ceilings, a skylight, fireplace, and a large loft area. The laundry room is on the second level, where most people prefer it in today’s market.

Walk out to a huge deck to enjoy your private backyard setting overlooking a wooded wetland, which we think is the best view in the development.   

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