Sellers Archives

Reflecting On The DFW Housing Market In 2021 And Looking Ahead To 2022

Homebuilders in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex continued to see a rise in demand for new houses through 2021. The DFW housing market is thriving! It doesn’t seem like this upward trend will end anytime soon. Despite the housing supply shortage that DFW experienced earlier in 2021, the housing market still managed to see great results. Building supplies are becoming available, which has also sped up the building process for new construction.

Current DFW Housing Market Conditions

Buyers are still taking advantage of lower mortgage rates. However, the current DFW housing market conditions tend to favor sellers. With so many people flocking to Texas, particularly the DFW metroplex, it can be pretty competitive with bidding wars. Sellers don’t have to worry about how long it will take for their home to sell once it’s listed.

Why Are So Many People Moving To DFW?

It may seem like more people relocated to DFW in 2021 due to the DFW housing market, but the truth is, people have been flocking here for quite a few years. The number one reason why is strictly business. The International Economic Development Council often surveys corporate executives. Executives continue to cite the overall business climate, favorable tax situation, the overall pro-business regulatory environment, and talent as the key drivers. In particular, there is a mass exodus coming from silicon valley.

The DFW housing market benefited during the first half of 2021 as California lost 53 of its corporate headquarters to other locations across the country. Almost half of those corporate headquarters relocated to Texas. In the last six years, the last five Fortune 500 companies to relocate their headquarters to DFW have all come from California.

Dallas, in particular, is leading the nation in terms of relocation. The top reasons why people are moving to Dallas are:

Job Market

Finding employment is much easier in Dallas. Many of these jobs pay above the national average. Dallas is home to the top Fortune 500 companies.

Low Cost of Living

Unlike most large cosmopolitan cities, Dallas still has a relatively lower cost of living. Rent is lower compared to New York City and San Francisco.

Affordable Housing and Land

The land supply is still abundant, and Texas has fewer regulations. It’s easy to get a building permit for the construction of your home. Existing homes are also more affordable than other large cities throughout the United States.

Low Taxes

Texas is one of the few states in the US where there is no personal state income tax. There are plenty of business tax incentives, as well. With the lower cost of living, higher salaries, and less income tax, you can stretch out more of your paycheck!

This list is primarily for financial reasons, but there are plenty more reasons why many people are relocating to DFW. The area is rich in diversity and culture, boasts beautiful weather all year long, and has great schools and universities. DFW is a great place to raise a family.

DFW has become the home to several corporate headquarters and large operations centers in recent years. Companies such as Charles Schwab, Deloitte, JP Morgan Chase, Liberty Mutual, State Farm, McKesson, and Toyota recently relocated or significantly expanded their operations there. These companies enjoy the lowest corporate tax rate in the US, leading to increased corporate profits of 5-7%.

DFW Housing Market and What’s Trending For 2022?

The nationwide housing forecast for 2022 will see homebuyers having a better chance of finding a home. However, there will still be stiff competition. Suburbs will still be the preferred location for housing. Millennials are ready to buy now, especially as many are relocating to DFW!

The COVID-19 pandemic created more flexibility in the workplace, with many offices allowing remote work or hybrid schedules. This caused a shift in more people relocating to the suburbs rather than the city, as they no longer need to be close to the office. The home-buying demand will remain strong despite the ongoing pandemic and economic downturn.

While existing home inventory will remain low due to population increase, builders are ready for new construction. The DFW economy will remain stable and thriving due to low unemployment rates and so many job opportunities as more corporations relocate there.

Get in touch with a realtor who knows the DFW housing market and will assist you whether you are buying or selling this year.

Selling Your Home During The Holidays – Why It’s A Good Thing

It’s time to sell your home, but the holiday season is coming up. You might think it’s a terrible time to list your home. People are busy with holiday prepping and planning to buy a house. But there are quite a few reasons why selling during the holidays is actually a GOOD thing!

Winter Months Have Lower Housing Inventory

Most people wait until the spring to list their homes for sale, which increases housing inventory as the weather warms up. So, there is not much competition if you list your home during the winter months, particularly around the holidays. Serious home buyers won’t have as many homes to choose from. This can work to your advantage! You may even be able to score a higher asking price!

Also, if you have someone interested in touring your home between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, chances are they are truly a serious buyer on a time crunch. If your home attracts a serious buyer, you may be able to sell your home quickly!

End-Of-Year Tax Breaks And Job Transfers

Many people don’t think about the end-of-year job transfers when they delay listing their homes during the winter months. People on a deadline to move for a new job transfer may be serious buyers ready to purchase during the holiday winter months.

Did you know that buyers can deduct their mortgage interest, property taxes, and the interest costs of their loans if the sale closes on or before December 31st? A smart buyer may be house hunting during the holidays to reduce their property tax bill!

Moving Day

Another advantage of selling your home during the holidays is that you may have more time for packing and moving. With kids on a long winter break, time off for the holidays, you and your buyer may have that advantage of the perfect timing for moving day.

Tips For Selling Your Home During The Holiday

If you’ve decided to list your home for sale during the holiday season, HGTV has some great tips for you.

Festive neighborhoods and cheerfully decorated homes can be inviting for potential buyers. While you don’t want to overdo it on the holiday decor, you can play this to your advantage. Show those potential buyers what a beautiful home they can have for entertaining. Have a fire going, and leave beverages and cookies for your open house. Simmer some apple cider with mulling spices on the stove before showings to make your home smell deliciously inviting. Display wintery centerpieces made from pine codes and evergreens with candles. Consider hiring a professional home staging service to make your home look its best with a flair of holiday cheer!

Hiring a listing agent can help you price the home to sell and target those buyers who are on a deadline and motivated to purchase quickly. You can also create a video tour of your home and take professional real estate photos to post online. During the winter months, buyers may not want to take physical tours but opt for virtual tours when house-hunting. If you live in an area where snow is on the ground and your curb appeal is lacking, be sure to post some photos of your home during the spring and summer months when your flowers are in bloom.

Ready, Get Set, SELL

If you are ready to sell now, why not give it a shot? You will face less competition, find motivated buyers, and maybe even have a faster sale at a higher asking price! If your house doesn’t sell during the holiday, just remember that the new year is right around the corner!

If you are a seller in the DFW area and have questions about the process, contact us for more tips!

The Home Inspection Process And Why Buyers Should Have One

Buying a home is most likely the biggest investment you will make in your life. When you are about to drop a lot of money, you want to ensure you are getting your money’s worth, right? Often when we are about to make a high-cost purchase, we do some research before buying. We might even look at reviews, depending on what the product is. When buying a home, a necessary step is the home inspection process.

The Home Inspection Process

When closing a home sale, the buyer typically hires a home inspector to come to the house to perform a visible inspection. The purpose of this is to make sure the home complies with the state’s standards of health and safety or to identify mechanical issues. One of the benefits of working with a real estate agent is assisting the buyer with the home inspection process.

A buyer’s inspection occurs after the buyer has made an offer on the home and before the closing of the sale. Depending on the home inspection results, the buyer may be able to renegotiate their offer or request repairs if they find certain issues. Some sellers choose to get their homes inspected as they begin to prepare their houses for sale. Doing so allows them to fix any potential issues beforehand and save time in the closing process.

As a buyer, you may have a lot of questions about the home inspection process. You may have your heart set on a home and wonder what will happen if the home inspection process reveals too many problems with the house. You may be concerned about the inspection cost when you are already about to spend a lot of money on your new home. Is it okay to skip the home inspection process if the house is in newer condition or looks great when you and your realtor tour the home? These are all valid questions and concerns. However, skipping the home inspection may not be the wisest decision and could potentially cost you a lot more money in the long run.

Risks Of Skipping The Home Inspection Process

You might think you have a better chance of winning the bid on your dream home if you skip the home inspection. Experts agree this could be playing with fire. There are many risks of skipping the home inspection, such as unknown safety hazards you may not see when you tour the home. Common things home inspectors look for are:

Water damage
Structural issues
An old or damaged roof
Damaged electrical system
Plumbing problems
Insect and pest infestations
Issues with the HVAC system

Safety Issues To Consider

The home you are about to buy could have unknown safety issues such as fire hazards and carbon monoxide hazards, too. A common finding during the home inspection is animal nests blocking the chimney on the roof, which can cause carbon monoxide to leak into the home slowly. Most people don’t get up on the roof and inspect the chimney during the home tour.

Home Inspection Process As A Negotiating Tool

Some other reasons you shouldn’t skip the home inspection are that it can be a negotiation tool. It’s a way of protecting your assets. You may not be aware of future costs, so it’s best to find out before you sign the contract. Be prepared that the home inspection could reveal some deal-breakers, especially if the seller is unwilling to repair the issues or drop the price.

The Benefits Of A Home Inspection

There are many reasons why you should get a home inspection. The number one benefit of having a home inspection before you close on a home is the overall cost savings. If the inspector finds issues that need repairing, it can save you money down the road by asking the seller to do the repairs to complete the home purchase. Most sellers will fix issues to ensure the home is safe, and they want to sell it quickly, and for the best price they can get. If they are unwilling or unable to handle the repairs themselves, it may save you money if you can renegotiate a lower price on the home to offset the costs of the necessary repairs.

As a buyer, you want to feel confident about the home purchase. The home inspection will help you plan ahead and know what maintenance is needed eventually. In most cases, the inspector will be able to look at the condition of the roof and HVAC system and let you know that they may need replacing sooner than later. Or they may provide the peace of mind that the house is in excellent condition, and other than regular home maintenance, you may have some time to save up for the big jobs later down the road.

If you are a buyer or seller in the DFW area and have questions about the home inspection process, contact us for tips!

The 2021 Housing Supply Shortage – What Does It Mean For Sellers?

prototype of a house and blueprints — 3D rendering of a classical house with an unfinished part on top of blueprints

Whether you are a buyer or seller, the housing supply shortage impacts both ends of the real estate market. There is always the choice to buy new construction or an existing home for buyers, and both options have their own pros and cons. And with a housing shortage in effect, there are many more potential buyers out there than there are sellers. So what does this mean for sellers?

As a seller, you may have heard that the housing supply shortage is a good thing for you. It could mean that your home will get more offers. Whereas buyers who bid on an existing home may generally have more room to negotiate on price, the seller may have the upper hand now. However, this trend may not stick around. The real estate market may have its ebbs and flows, but it’s not going anywhere. There is always a need for new homes as the population increases and more children become adults who will need a home to buy.

Why Is There A Housing Supply Shortage?

While the pandemic is partly the cause, the truth is that the shortage has been building for years. The pandemic did cause some sellers to hold off on putting their homes on the market due to the uncertainty of the economy. However, the real cause may be due to the long-term decline of the construction of single-family homes.

Trending Upward

While it could take years for the housing construction industry to catch up, we are already starting to see an increase in new construction as home builders ramp up construction based on demand. The mortgage rates are still low, so buyers still want to take advantage of that while they can. However, new construction homes can’t bridge the gap all on their own. New construction can only do so much to ease the short-term supply shortage. More existing single-family homes must come on the market to help with this demand.

What It Means For Sellers

So what does this mean for sellers now? It means your existing home is needed and highly valued in the real estate market. Buyers still want to take advantage of those low mortgage rates while they still can. And with a housing supply shortage of available homes for sale, your home may get a lot of offers and even be subject to a bidding war! You may have the advantage of turning down negotiations in price or upgrades if you choose.

So what does this mean for sellers now? It means your existing home is needed and highly valued in the real estate market. Buyers still want to take advantage of those low mortgage rates while they still can. And with a shortage of available homes for sale, your home may get a lot of offers and even be subject to a bidding war! You may have the advantage of turning down negotiations in price or upgrades if you choose.

Another bonus is homeowners can take advantage of the expected sustained growth of home prices to build on their equity. You can use your growing equity to make upgrades to your home to prepare for it to go on the market. Then, with the continued gap in the home supply shortage and buyer demand, you could sell your current home for a great price, then move into a better home!

A Look At The Dallas-Fort Worth Market

The DFW metroplex has been in great demand due to so many California transplants. Not only that, but many people are moving from New York and other states to join the great state of Texas. The DFW area is always in high demand as it’s the hub of many large corporations. Young professionals may be transferred to the area for promotions or general office reorganizations from their companies. With so many people moving to the area, the DFW metroplex will continue to be a sought-after location for buyers. If you’ve got an existing home to sell in the DFW area, you’ve got a great advantage!

Talk to a realtor today and make a plan for the best time to sell your home to take advantage of these seller advantages.

Texas Summer Lawn Care – How To Recover After The Winter Storm

The historic winter storm of 2021 left a lasting impression on our beautiful Texas landscape well through spring and summer. We experienced a record-breaking 144 consecutive hours below freezing! Going into the spring planting season, experts weren’t sure what to expect until the plants came out of dormancy. The expected damage to turf and landscape became a reality as we inspected our property and the effects of the damage emerged. Some of the devastation included dead turf and frost/freeze cracks, and splitting in the trees.

The good news for homeowners is that we had a good blanket of snow on the ground before the temperatures dropped dramatically. That blanket of snow created an insulation barrier to help keep heat in the soil. Mulched beds and trees, as well as top-dressed lawns from the previous fall, had also received significant insulation. They also create heat during their decomposition.

The Lawn Recovery Process

Lawn care experts advised Texans to have a lot of patience in the spring months as delayed recovery and green-up would occur. Texans take pride in our landscapes, and we have a sense of accomplishment when our yards stay soft and green, even during the hot summer months.

Hopefully, you started the recovery process in the spring, and you are well on your way to a beautifully restored lawn. As the summer season continues to warm up, you will want to take special care to keep the healing momentum going. If this year doesn’t bring full restoration, follow the steps again next year and watch your lawn recover nicely.

Patience is required! Try not to walk on your lawn, if possible. The turf grass is too delicate and needs time to become stronger. Walking around on your lawn more than necessary is like rubbing salt on a fresh wound. Allow adequate time for the new life to break through the soil and replenish the dead patches.
Aerate your soil. Aeration oxygenates the soil, promoting growth and recovery. You can use a product, such as Liquid Air8, to aerate the entire lawn, not just the areas that were punched for core aeration.
Get an irrigation audit. Before turning on your irrigation system, check to make sure there are no cracks or leaks. It’s important to use a licensed irrigator because much of the damage is underground, where you may not be able to find it on your own. Underground leaks can cost you a significant amount of money and are a waste of our valuable resources.
Top-dress or compost your lawn. This greatly improves the overall soil health and quality, adds nutrients and microbial activity, and speeds the recovery process.

Texas Summer Lawn Care Tips

Summer in Texas is hot and dry, making it challenging to keep our landscaping lush and thriving. These tips and a little TLC should keep your lawn looking its best!

Fertilize your lawn year-round.

Your lawn needs ongoing nutrition. Consistent, year-round fertilization prevents regression. If you haven’t started yet, it’s not too late to start. Don’t take a winter break in fertilization, either. Your consistency will pay off come spring season!

Pre-treat Texas summer weeds before they grow.

Re-emergent weed control is a treatment applied to your lawn before the weeds are visible. This helps prevent weeds, particularly crabgrass, from reaching the soil line. Proactive weed management is best. However, it’s not the only solution. Post-emergent weed control works together with pre-emergent as a complete lawn care system to keep your weeds to a minimum.

Follow these best practices for lawn mowing.

Your lawn may not need to be mowed as often during the hot, dry season of summer. It may be tempting to keep your grass cut extra short. However, that runs the risk of your grass getting damaged by the harsh summer dry weather. After you mow, remove the grass clippings rather than leave them on your lawn. The clippings can suffocate the healthy grass, preventing nutrients, sun, and oxygen from reaching it.

Water your lawn year-round.

As with fertilization, consistent, year-round watering maintains healthy soil and turf. Water your lawn once per week in the winter, then increase it to two to three times per week in warm weather months. Be careful not to overwater, though, as this can trigger lawn diseases. The best time of day to water your lawn is early morning so that whatever moisture is not absorbed by the soil is evaporated by the sun. If water sits on your lawn overnight, it can cause fungal lawn disease.

Manage lawn diseases before they become a serious problem.

If you see thin, matted turf or brown spots, it’s very likely signs of lawn disease. Treat them early for your best chance at recovering your lawn.

Watch for Texas summer lawn pests.

Bermuda grass mites, grubs, and chinch bugs are the most common problem pests for Texas lawns. Monitor your lawn for any changes and have a professional inspect the property to provide the best course of treatment.

Aerate and seed your lawn annually.

Aeration pulls up soil plugs and loosens compacted soil, allowing soil roots the space to grow. Aeration also helps your lawn receive fertilization treatment better. Combined with over seeding, this will revitalize your lawn. This combination addresses the grass roots and soil, which will allow your lawn to reach its full potential.

There are many plants you can grow that will survive a Texas summer and provide a colorful landscape. How did your lawn make out during the winter freeze of 2021?

The Future of Travel and What it Looks Like

March 2021 marked the one-year anniversary of the COVID-19 world-wide pandemic and the lock-downs that followed as a result. The future of travel became questionable over time. What we thought would be a few weeks or months to flatten the curve turned into a year of uncertainty and significant changes to how we live life.

Now we’re in the early months of 2021, filled with hope and anticipation that things will continue to get better. After a year of something that felt like hibernation and isolation, people are looking forward to getting out more again, and particularly travel! So what does the future of travel look like compared to 2020? Let’s take a look at what we can expect for traveling in the U.S. and abroad.

The Future of Travel Predictions

What we learned in 2020 is how to live life with uncertainty, be flexible, and know that the plans we make may need to get canceled at the last minute. While we can expect this to continue into 2021, the good news is that experts are optimistic about travel in 2021. Experts also believe that the worst is over. As more people get one of the various COVID-19 vaccinations, confidence in travel is likely to occur. Here are some of the 2021 travel predictions to be on the lookout for when making travel plans this year:

Road trips will continue to be a popular choice.

As we ease into a return to normal, many people may still not feel comfortable flying or traveling out of the country. International travel will ease back slowly as other countries continue to open their borders. Many will still stay fairly close to home or do “staycations.” But more people will venture further away from home and travel to destinations within the U.S. that they may have put off before, such as seeing the Grand Canyon or Yellowstone National Park. Travelers will continue to explore destinations where they can enjoy the great outdoors with space to move around without crowds. However, since 2020 caused an increase in popularity for National Parks and outdoor recreational activity, these destinations may be more crowded than usual.

Last-minute getaways will be a trend.

People are cautious of booking vacations too far in advance because the pandemic trends could cause more travel restrictions if there are sudden spikes in the numbers of cases of the virus or various state mandates come into factor. The spontaneous last-minute trip will provide a chance to get away when people feel it’s safest to head out to that destination they were considering. Flexibility is a must for traveling in 2021, and travel providers are taking note of this. Expect to see offers that ease cancellation fees and restrictions as one of the trends this year. Some popular airlines waived cancellation fees in 2020, which may be extended through 2021 as a way to get passengers filling up the flights again.

You may need certain travel documents.

According to AARP’s 2021 travel predictions, you may require proof of vaccination or evidence of a recent COVID-19 test that shows you are virus-free before you are permitted to board your flight or to board a cruise ship.

Touchless technology options will increase.

Fortunately, there’s an app for almost everything. Online payments and digital check-ins for flights and hotels have grown. This allows people to keep their hands-off germ-collecting consoles and exchange of cash or credit cards.

New safety measures will be coming to cruise ships.

According to AARP, cruise ships are working to make cruising safe again. Changes such as smaller cruise lines with fewer passengers, shorter cruise itineraries, and possible vaccine requirements are being considered. Safety measures such as increased air ventilation and sanitation will reassure passengers and keep the viral spread down.

Travel Agents Will Be A Valuable Resource

2020 showed us how valuable travel agencies could be. Not only can they find the best deals and make all of the bookings for you, but they will be the most knowledgeable when it comes to changing travel restrictions and requirements. They can also handle any cancellations and rescheduling that may come up as we continue to work around the pandemic.

Be Open To Doing Things Differently

Overall, 2020 has taught us that we can adapt to change. Keeping a positive attitude helps with all of the adjustments. Spring break may look a bit different this year. Business travel may require some adjustments; however, it will go on. As we look back on 2020, many heartwarming stories of unexpected blessings came out of the pandemic. In 2021, we can expect more of those unexpected blessings if we keep an attitude of gratitude.

Those unexpected blessings brought about many positive changes, such as changing jobs or starting a business. Perhaps you are considering packing up and investing in real estate closer to the family so you can travel less. Being apart from family during a pandemic has made us realize how important family is. Expect 2021 to be the year of the grand reunion, where gathering with family and friends again will be celebrated and appreciated even more.

Getting Fit In All Areas Of Life – How To Master The Mindset

The start of a new year always seems to bring out the desire for a fresh start and getting fit. Many people make New Year’s resolutions. Others set goals for themselves and their businesses. At the very top of the list of goals or resolutions is to “get fit”. Usually, getting fit refers to developing a healthy lifestyle through nutrition and exercise to achieve a healthy body. Getting fit can also refer to another popular goal or resolution, which is getting your finances healthy. Whatever goals and resolutions you have, it all starts with mastering the mindset.

The Importance Of Mastering Your Mindset

The term “mindset” simply means “the established set of attitudes held by someone”. You can choose to have a better mindset, and you can create better health and better finances. It takes work and dedication, but it is very doable. Your mindset controls the way you think, the actions you take, and how we view ourselves and the world around us. If you have a victim mindset, your unhealthy attitude will prevent you from growing and learning to have the success you desire. If you want to succeed in any area of your life, you need to train your brain.

Do You Have An Abundance Or Scarcity Mindset?

In his book, “7 Habits Of Highly Effective People”, Stephen Covey taught us what it means to have an abundance mindset versus a scarcity mentality. People with an abundant mindset tend to think big, not creating limits for themselves. They look at their world as having plenty instead of being in lack. Those with an abundance mindset realize that there are plenty of resources, wealth, and opportunity. If you want to change your finances, having an abundance mindset is the key. If you’re going to achieve specific goals, such as buying your dream home, you need to develop an abundance mindset. Many people hold themselves back in life by believing the lie that “I will never afford that”. They have a victim mindset or a scarcity mindset. But the abundant mindset says, “I can afford that,” and they genuinely believe it.

Do You Have A Growth Mindset Or A Fixed Mindset?

Like the abundance mindset versus a scarcity mindset, people usually fall into one or the other of a growth mindset or a fixed mindset. A fixed mindset is limiting, but a growth mindset is freedom! A fixed mindset avoids challenges, gives up quickly, feels threatened by others’ success, and avoids new experiences for fear of failure. A growth mindset embraces challenges, perseveres when they face setbacks or challenges, feels inspired by others’ success, and looks for people to challenge them to grow. If you want to succeed in your career or start a new business, you need to develop a growth mindset.

How To Master Your Mindset

If you have concluded that you have a scarcity or fixed mindset, you don’t have to give up on your goals. These tips will help you master your mindset to growth or an abundant mindset, which will help you to feel more confident to create the life of your dreams!

Replace negative thoughts.

Whenever you catch yourself thinking a negative thought such as “I will never have enough money to buy my dream home”, stop immediately and think of how you can change that thought to a positive thought of the abundant mindset. Realize that creating a budget that allows you to save money or training and develop yourself to get a better job will help with your financial goals to purchase your dream home. If you catch yourself thinking, “I will never lose weight because of my family genetics”, That is a fixed mindset. Remind yourself that you can get to a healthier weight by changing your habits to healthy habits, such as replacing soft drinks with water, cutting your processed food and sugar, eating more fruits and vegetables, and exercising more.

Set goals and do the work.

Goals give us a sense of purpose and direction in life. When you give yourself a set of goals and work towards achieving them, you will feel a sense of accomplishment and motivation to keep moving forward. Set goals that are achievable, not impossible. Take each goal one step at a time. You will see results and start to believe in yourself.

Practice gratitude daily.

When you find yourself falling back into the victim mindset, take a few moments to find things you are thankful for. Often, when life is complicated and times are uncertain, we can find unexpected blessings. Some of the most challenging times in life produce the best breakthroughs.

Create an atmosphere of positivity.

It’s been said that a positive thought in the morning will help set the tone of your whole day. Journaling, reading spiritual devotionals, or books that develop your mindset can be a great habit to start. Surround yourself with other positive people who will encourage you and support you. You may need to remove toxic relationships if certain negative people tend to bring you down.

Let go of the past.

Everyone has things in their past that they are not proud of. Remind yourself that your past is in the past. You have grown and overcome those things. Take a moment to think about how far you have come, what lessons you learned from your past, and how you overcame it. When you let go of the past, you allow room to grow into the new life you are trying to create for yourself.

In what ways do you want to “get fit” this year? What mindset patterns do you need to change?

How These Uncertain Times Can Bring Unexpected Blessings

Many people look forward to a new year, a new season, and a time of change. Uncertain times do not necessarily mean bad times ahead. New goals were set for ourselves, both personal and in our career. A mission to live healthier and work toward financial goals such as paying off debt and building up our savings began. We don’t usually go into a new year thinking of what can happen to change in an unpleasant way. Instead, we typically go into a new year welcoming intentional changes to improve our lives.

Uncertain Times or New Beginnings?

For Americans, the year 2020 started like most new years. Everyone was excited for not only a new year but a new decade! In other parts of the world, COVID-19 was already affecting many lives. Shortly after the new year started, when Americans were getting excited for the onset of spring with its warmer weather that brings forth new life, we were faced with the news that the pandemic had made its way to our country. Children were sent home from school with little notice of how they would finish the school year. The government shut businesses down, its owners wondering how they would make it. Many employees were furloughed, and some were faced with unemployment. These were not the times of change we hoped for.

So Much Change, So Much To Be Thankful For

Practicing gratitude during these uncertain times is essential for our wellbeing. For many people, the pandemic and resulting quarantine allowed for a time of reflection and blessings. Every cloud has a silver lining, meaning that there is hope and something good to be found in every bad situation. Those who were able to see that silver lining and hold on to hope were the ones who inspired others to make positive changes. We heard stories of “COVID-19 heroes” who found ways to serve others in their communities despite lock-downs.

Families were able to slow down and spend more time together. With no more running kids to school and sports activities, families spent more time at home and finding creative ways to have fun together. Busy working parents were able to take time off work or work from home to be with their children when schools and daycares closed. People take walks outside for fun instead of trips to the malls and movie theaters. Board games, puzzles, and recreational items like bicycles are popular items that we had difficulty finding in stores and online. So many are taking on home remodeling projects, cleaned out closets and basements, learned new hobbies like gardening and baking new recipes. Some people decided to get healthy with more time at home to work-out and less eating out at fast-food restaurants.

Heartwarming Stories

These changing times brought about changes in careers for many people. Take the story of Dave Summers, a 60-year-old director of digital media productions who lost his job due to pandemic layoffs. Not ready to retire, he decided to launch his own business as a digital media producer, coach, and animator who creates podcasts, webcasts, and video blogs. He and his wife moved from Connecticut to Tennessee to be closer to their son and enjoy living in the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains. Dave can work virtually from anywhere that he can get an internet connection. There are many stories like Dave’s where people have unexpectedly started a new business or new career as they found that silver lining during the uncertain times of change.

Due to the pandemic, mortgage interest rates are at an all-time low. This helps people to take advantage of the cost savings and invest in new homes. A plethora of northerners are relocating to the south because of the cost of living, as well as a desire for more space. In fact, an interesting trend is that of people buying second homes due to the pandemic. Second-home buyers are not necessarily buying vacation homes. In many instances, it is a home away from heavily populated cities. A great deal of people work from home now and want a more spacious place to relax in and enjoy while being surrounded by nature. While keeping their big city apartments and condos, they can stay there when they need to go into the city. They are finding the silver lining, realizing their dreams while still being practical.

Take The Gratitude Challenge

Let’s take a look back on 2020 and think about what ways we were impacted positively instead of negatively. What silver lining can you think of? Are you able to spend more time with your family? Have you taken a risk and started a new business or worked toward another long overdue dream? Did you relocate and buy a new home? Is your home improved? Is your health improved? Practicing gratitude helps to stay balanced instead of being stuck in the fear of uncertain times. As we get ready to close out the year 2020 and go into 2021, we can find hope as we move forward. We can appreciate the blessings we have in our lives, and anticipate more to come. Remember that each day is a gift, that’s why we call it the present!

Residential Market On The Move And Growing

Current State of Real Estate On The Move

The residential real estate market is on the move and predicted to continue to thrive. Who would have ever thought that 2020 would take such a turn that anyone and everyone in any kind of position to buy or sell real estate would seriously contemplate doing so now regardless of their immediate goals? A plethora of data is saying that this is exactly what’s happening.

Does this mean that we need to drop everything and find a way to purchase our first home, sell our existing home to upsize or downsize, or even purchase a second home? Well, the answer is obviously no. But, it does mean that you definitely need to start thinking about your real estate goals and mapping out your future plans if you haven’t already done so. Here are three key reasons why:

Our lives can change in an instant.

This year has certainly shown that our lives can change in an instant. Having a plan of action to execute something as complicated as a real estate sale or purchase can equip you to act when the market is on the move whether for better or for worse. Being able to execute that plan quickly in the event there is a need can benefit anyone.

National home prices are up 8% year over year. NAR
July recorded a 60.7% year-over-year increase in nationwide showing activity. ShowingTime Showing Index
Home sales are predicted to increase by 8-12% next year. NAR

The federal reserve has made numerous statements to the effect that interest rates should remain low for the foreseeable future. However, the enormous deficit spending as a response to the Covid crisis could force changes to our economy and financial system that may at some point be beyond the Fed’s control. Taking advantage of today’s historic low rates is an opportunity that people should not pass up.

Home inadequacies affect quality of life.

People are spending more time in their homes than ever before which has brought to life the inadequacies of their space. Everyone is asking themselves, do I have the right kitchen? Do I have the right home office setup? Do I have enough outdoor space? If the answer is no, they’re contacting their real estate agent or searching online to find one.

Search for outdoor space is up 230% since March 2020. Home prices are increasing in 90% of cities and many home buyers in suburban markets are actually making this home purchase for a second home. “Cities are resilient and are already starting to recover from the Covid crisis.” Robert Reffkin, Compass CEO

Financial Peace of Mind Matters.

“Those shopping for a home can afford 10% more home than they could have one year ago while keeping their monthly payment unchanged. This translates into nearly $32,000 more buying power.” Having a financial plan in place, ready when the opportunity arises to buy or sell, is important for both your financial peace and your future. So, now is the time to journal what your primary needs are in a home with a futuristic view of what could happen.

Doing your research on the best community for you and your loved ones can also pay off. Dallas – Fort Worth has so much to offer that you’ll want to know the market before you start looking. Be sure and form a good relationship with a real estate market expert who can equip you with the most accurate information.

Move Safe Certified

I’m proud to share that I’m Move Safe Certified with HomeLight! We are using the absolute best tools and practices including meeting with clients virtually, practicing safety protocols for showings (including virtual showings), using an e-sign platform for document signature, and instant digital sign-in for open houses.

I’m here to help buyers and sellers navigate these challenging times. Putting your safety first while guiding you to the home of your dreams. Homes are more affordable now than ever before with historic low interest rates. Let’s find the home you’ve always wanted, one you’ll be happy with for the foreseeable future. #experiencecounts