- Why is listing a home in the fall/winter a benefit verses waiting until the spring/summer?
-
In every market a seller wants their home to stand out. During the fall and winter months, you have the best opportunity to get your home to stand out better with the serious buyers.
Only the serious buyers are looking in the fall/winter, so you will not have to deal with looky-loos tracking through your home. Those that come in to see your home are serious and ready to buy so you are more likely to get a contract as a result.
There is less to choose from so your odds of selling go up during this time of year At this time of year many people hesitate to put a home on the market bringing the inventory of competition lower. A lot of people don’t understand that the area will be blanketed with new listings after the holidays and an increased number of homes on the market without an equal increase in demand, can decrease prices again.
Fall is the time when everybody comes a little closer together. It's a little colder, the days are a little shorter and it's full of family gatherings and celebrations. The cozy feeling of entering a home on a winter’s day brings an emotional attraction to your home. This is complemented by holiday smells, cinnamon, cloves, vanilla, or pine are good ones. Make the best of the season by decorating using fireplaces, evergreens, and scented candles. Place natural aromas throughout your home for comforting and welcoming emotions you want to provide your buyers. You want the experience to be positive and memorable.
Homes that are sold at the end of the year often are sold closer to the asking price than other times of the year. Since many employment changes occur at the beginning of January, buyers often have an “urgency factor”. There are deadlines to close before January, so have less time to negotiate, they can’t wait to buy your home, and you get the best price. If you don't list until after the holidays, you might miss out on those buyers.
During the colder weather, people stay home. Buyers have flexible schedules and more days off, increasing the buyer traffic during business hours rather than weekends and evenings.
Work your showings around your schedule! It’s ok for you to have holiday events and to specify for "no showings" during certain times during the holidays.
You can’t sell your home if it is not available, for your perfect buyer. If you want to sell for the most money possible, now is the time!
- Is it a good time to buy real estate?
-
What do you look for when buying a second home, vacation property, or a good commercial investment property?
The next big thing is what you want, hot properties that are located in the mix of action and those that bring in crowds. You want to buy where people want to be. Most people that are looking for a second home today are also looking for investment properties.
Look for growing urban areas with recreational activities and the weather to enjoy the activities it provides. It has to be located close to a large city with an airport which provides ease of travel.
Is now a good time to invest in real estate or is waiting better? This is a great time to buy and if you have cash, this is a great time to be a buyer.
If you have saved your tax return and want to invest wisely, now you have the opportunity to put it towards a real estate investment that is sure to grow in two or three years. Have you thought of investing in a second home, vacation property, or a commercial investment property (hotel, apartment, office complex, or recreational facility)? What better time to make that investment than now while prices have been reduced, interest rates are low, and the supply is plenty.
- Commercial Business Decline Offers Opportunities for Investors
-
Many real estate transactions have been cancelled or postponed due to the disruption in the capital markets for residential as well as commercial properties.
The fundamentals in commercial real estate have shifted in the weak economy. Cut backs and loss of jobs have reduced the demand in commercial real estate which may affect the rents. The demand is not high enough to allow the new construction to continue so there has been a decline in growth.
The multifamily sector, however, has not been affected in the same manner. Commercial real estate investment opportunities provide options for a growing portfolio. Four commercial areas, office, industrial, retail and multifamily markets, offer opportunities for those investors with a desire to see the big picture and work on growing a real estate portfolio in any kind of market.
- Mixed-Use Buildings Offer Growth
-
Although mixed-use isn’t a new concept, it has become more widespread expanding in urban and suburban areas across the nation. Most large downtown areas consist of buildings with residential units or office space on upper floors and retail space on the ground floor.
The best mixed-use properties incorporate civic, cultural, or educational components. Projects that incorporate “live”, “work”, “play”, and “learn” are most desired by developers and owners. One large attraction is used to draw in people from the community and while using this facility they also use the other areas. In some cities a college is the large community attraction, in other cities a library or a museum. These “educational”, “civic”, and “cultural” spaces are desired and needed for the community while the retail shops attract visitors as well as those in the community, providing people of all walks of life a place to “live”.
- Every Market Has Its Time For Investment Opportunity
-
Many real estate investors recognize the opportunity in a downturn market more than in an upswing market. Investing takes a different mindset than buying a personal home. When buying a home, research shows people look for location as the number one priority. When purchasing for investment purposes, it is all about the numbers and knowing how to interpret them is critical. It is best to consult a real estate investment specialist to obtain the most current information. Calculate an accurate income and expenses analysis based on rent roll and budget to determine a property's investment value. As the economy changes, the real estate market swings. On the westcoast where I live, the last few years have demonstrated gains in the market to be in appreciation rather than cash flow. It is critical to understand the potential upside in today's market and take steps to increase your investment. |
