Accreditations are essential for real estate agents for several key reasons:
October 01, 2024
Accreditations are essential for real estate agents for several key reasons:### 1. **Enhanced Credibility**Accreditations bolster an agent's credibility, signaling professionalism and adherence to high industry standards, which is crucial in attracting and retaining clients.### 2. **Specialization and Expertise**They allow agents to specialize in market niches, improving their ability to cater to specific client needs and stand out ...
Home Price Appreciation Trends Upward in 2024
September 16, 2024
The Federal Housing Finance Agency published the 2024 Q1 Housing Price Index report and national data showshome prices rose 6.6 percent between the first quarter of 2023 and the first quarter of 2024. House prices were up 1.1 percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2023. Nationally, the U.S. housing market has experienced positive annual ...
Mortgage Interest Rates are Dropping
September 16, 2024
Mortgage Interest Rates Are Dropping: What It Means forHomebuyers in Late 2024As we move further into 2024, there’s a refreshing trend emerging in the housingmarket: mortgage interest rates are on the decline. This shift could havesignificant implications for potential homebuyers and those looking to refinance.Let’s dive into the statistics and explore what this means for you....
Successfully Selling HUD Homes Seminar
September 16, 2024
It is vital that agents have the proper training when selling HUD Homes. From understanding the listing, placing the bid and getting the deal to closing. Our group of local listing brokers are holding a informational seminar on Successfully Selling HUD Homes for local agents on September 20, 2024 from 9:30 -12:30 at NOCBOR - 4400 W ...
Consumer Price Index Rose 0.2% in August—This Is What It Means for Housing
September 13, 2024
By Julie GersteinSep 11, 2024Consumer prices rose by 0.2% in August on a seasonally adjusted basis and were up 2.5% year over year, according to the latest consumer price index report released on Wednesday.That’s the lowest increase since March 2021 and is down from July (2.9%), June (3.0%), May (3.3%), and ...
Is your Home ready for Fall!
September 12, 2024
Here are some things you can do to prepare your home for fall: Check your heating systemEnsure your heating system is working and ready for winter. You can have a qualified technician clean and inspect your heating system annually. Clean guttersClean your gutters and downspouts to remove debris. Check for damage and make sure they are ...
The Power of Curb Appeal in Home Sales
September 09, 2024
The Power of Curb Appeal in Home SalesCurb appeal is more than just aesthetics; it's the first impression potential buyers have of your home and can significantly impact its marketability and value. An attractive exterior not only draws attention but also sets a positive tone that can carry through to the interior, potentially increasing the home's selling ...
Paying Rent is Hard. Paying a Mortgage is Hard. Richard Stewart says, choose your Hard
September 07, 2024
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Mortgage rates are falling. Here’s what you should know before buying a new home
September 06, 2024
Samantha Delouya, CNNAugust 26, 2024 Homebuying in the United States has recently slowed to a crawl, but falling mortgage rates could soon jolt it back to life.For potential homebuyers who may have been itching to come off the sidelines, the recent drop in mortgage rates may be a double-edged sword.Lower rates could give homebuyers more purchasing ...
Hidden Costs of Homeownership... Understanding the costs beyond the Mortgage Payment
September 06, 2024
Purchasing a home is a significant investment, many first time buyers focus only on the monthly mortgage payment and overlooking the other costs associated with homeownership. It's important to plan for expenses beyond the mortgage itself. Some hidden costs to look out for include: Property taxes: Property taxes vary and are included as a percentage of ...
How Reduced Interest Rates Affect Mortgage Costs
September 05, 2024
How Reduced Interest Rates Affect Mortgage CostsQuick Answer:Projected rate cuts could encourage buyers, previously put off by high mortgage rates, to buy homes. Lower mortgage rates could also reduce payments on adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) and make refinances more attractive.Rates on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages averaged 6.67% to close out 2023, according ...
Knowledge is power
September 04, 2024
When you are selling a home, the more you know the better you do. Realtors can be a great source of knowledge for you, and knowledge is power.At the beginning of buying or selling, you need to understand the process. It is best that you have a full information before you jump in.Sellers need to ...
Foreclosure Activity in First Half of 2024 Down from Previous Year
September 04, 2024
IRVINE, Calif. — July 11, 2024 — ATTOM, a leading curator of land, property and real estate data, today released its Midyear 2024 U.S. Foreclosure Market Report, which shows there were a total of 177,431 U.S. properties with foreclosure filings — default notices, scheduled auctions or bank repossessions — in the first six months of ...
Small, Smart Repairs
September 01, 2024
When you're preparing to sell your home, it's easy to get caught up in the big picture: staging, curb appeal, and marketing strategies. However, sometimes it's the small details that can make a significant difference in attracting potential buyers and securing a sale. One often overlooked but crucial aspect is making minor repairs that align with ...
Decluttering Is Critical in Selling Quickly and for More Money
August 29, 2024
Decluttering can help you sell your home more quickly and for a better price. Here are some issues that can arise when selling a cluttered home: Buyers may not be able to visualize the space: Clutter can make it difficult for buyers to imagine themselves living in the home. Buyers may be concerned about hidden ...
How to Make Your Home More Attractive for Sale
August 15, 2024
Curb AppealLandscaping: Keep your lawn mowed, trimmed, and free of weeds. Add colorful flowers for a pop of color.Entrance: Ensure your front door is clean and inviting. Consider a fresh coat of paint or a new welcome mat.Exterior: Repair any visible damage, such as chipped paint or broken windows.InteriorDeclutter: Remove excess furniture and personal items to ...
Updates on Changes in Real Estate Process
August 15, 2024
A recent federal court ruling challenged some of the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) practices. NAR reached a settlement that included significant changes to real estate transactions.Traditionally, listing agents offer a portion of the total commission charged to a seller as compensation to buyer agents as part of the marketing strategy to sell a property. Offering buyer’...
11 Easy Solutions to Make Your Home Less Dusty
August 15, 2024
11 Easy Solutions to Make Your Home Less DustyStop Dust and Dirt at the Door - It would be hard to prove, but it is commonly held that approximately half of the dirt and dust in your home gets inside on your shoes and boots. Keep mats at each exterior door, one outside and one inside to be extra ...
Successfully Buying HUD Homes
August 15, 2024
There are currently 29 HUD Homes for sale in Michigan as of today. This inventory has something for everyone! From small 2 bedroom ranch style homes to spacious colonial and/or a great condo! All with affordable price ranges and great locations!Buying a HUD Home can be a stressful experience if you do not know what to expect. ...
FED WATCH - RATE CUT
August 15, 2024
Year-over-year inflation reached its lowest level in more than three years in July, the latest sign that the worst price spike in four decades is fading and setting up the Federal Reserve for an interest rate cut in September.Wednesday’s report from the Labor Department showed that consumer prices rose just 0.2% from June to July after ...
Detroit Woman Sentenced for Operating as an Unlicensed Real Estate Agent, Accountant
August 14, 2024
Danny WimmerPress Secretaryagpress@michigan.gov LANSING – Today, Krystal Davis, 37, of Detroit, was sentenced by the Hon. Bradley L. Cobb in the Third Circuit Court in Wayne County to 2 years' probation for operating as an unlicensed real estate agent and accountant, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Davis pled no contest to one count of Accounting Violations-Unlicensed ...
Summertime Home Selling Tips
August 14, 2024
Summertime Home Selling Tips:1) Create a Beautiful Presentation of Landscaping Colors and little touches to the front of your home to give you that "Wow" Curb appeal factor.2) Display any outdoor living space with furniture and decor to highlight the best use of that space.3) During Hot temperatures make sure the inside of the Home is ...
The Importance of Buyer Agency Contracts in Today’s Real Estate Market
August 13, 2024
In the current real estate climate, where mortgage rates hover near 7% and home prices have surged to record highs, navigating the housing market can be both challenging and complex. Despite these obstacles, home buyers are forging ahead with increased options as inventory rises and competition among sellers intensifies. In this environment, a crucial tool for prospective buyers is ...
Contract Signings Rise as More Listings Hit the Market
August 12, 2024
Despite mortgage rates near 7%, home buyers plow ahead with more options on the market. Read more from NAR’s latest housing report. Home buyers have more housing choices this summer, and home sellers may find stiffer competition on the market. Pending home sales rose nearly 5% in June as more house hunters went under contract for a ...
Buyer Tips
August 11, 2024
Get Pre-approved-Contact a lender to see what type of mortgage you can obtain and what Sales PriceContact a Realtor- Sign a Buyer Agency Agreement with a Realtor so you will have RepresentationSearch For HOMES- Give your Realtor the criteria you are looking for so they can set up the perfect showingsDo-Not Open New Accounts- Very Important the you do ...
