My New Blog

Now that Labor Day is over, the common question on seller's minds is when they should sell their home.  Should we wait, do it now, or should we sell it only if we need to.

The short answer is YES!  No this isn't the guidance I give my wife when I am not paying attention.  :)

Right now is usually the last push for the year.  Buyers that have been looking but haven't decided are going to pull the trigger now.  Usually, the best homes are taken so the left overs aren't really valued.  This is where a properly priced, staged, and good condition home can sell rapidly. 

Some have said that Christmas is a great time to sell.  Little competition and serious buyers make this a great time.  You would be wise to keep the decoration light and tasteful.  However, a nice holiday decor can really make a house feel like a home.

The Spring market is another great time if you wait.  However, make sure you realize when it begins.  Most think June is the Spring market.  It actually isn't.  The spring market begins the day after the Superbowl!  Yes, the Superbowl in early February.  This is when you want to get your home out there.  As soon as the weather cracks people who want to buy come out.  You need to be first in line to sell.  People want to settle in the summer and transactions take time to close. 

Of course the best time to sell is when you have a need.  Obviously, job transfers and losses and other needs often times can't be expected.  Or if you want to move up or downsize, make a decision.  In this type of market, you can do well but you can't be a fence sitter.  You need to be flexible and get it done.

For more tips and listings, visit www.KirkSimmon.com

Many are worried right now about whether or not they can take advantage of the best buyers market in years.  The biggest worry of my current clients is whether or not they can get a mortgage. 

If you watch tv you can see the talking heads move right from politics to recipes and then move right into a story on real estate.  These people are wonderful personalities and are trusted far and wide. 

After watching them, you might feel like renting a cave and waiting for armageddon.  You shouldn't. 

All you have to do is talk to a local lender.  Once a week, I make calls around to the best Realtors and the best lenders in the area.  One local lender told me that he is getting 100% financing done regularly.  While this financing may be risky, its availability speaks to the ability of people to get financing.

Of course, you must have decent credit(high 600's and up) to get loans.  Most people will fall in this range and will have NO trouble getting financing.

A home is still your best investment as long as rent remains a guarantee to lose up to 20 grand a year. 

Right now, the best 30 year loan can run you about 6.25% with 20 percent down.  The best homes are still selling and there are plenty of choices.  Now is the time to move up especially since a percentage drop in your home is a great drop in dollars on the home you will buy.

*****I have recently taken this advice myself.  My wife and I got a red hot deal on new construction that may have cost us tens of thousands more last year. 

See more info about buying and selling at www.KirkSimmon.com 

Also, search all listings available by any agent or agency at www.KirkSimmon.com