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How Social Media Can Help Sell Your Home

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How Social Media Can Help Sell Your Home

Social media is a tool that helps many businesses and brands extend their reach, and real estate is no exception. Most home buyers begin their searches online, and many turn to social media to aid in that search. It makes sense to harness the power of social media to extend the reach of your home for sale, whether you’re targeting traditional buyers or exploring unconventional options like “sell my house for cash.” Let’s take a closer look.

You’ll reach serious buyers

There are many ways to market your home for sale, including mailings and ads. But not everyone who receives these messages is in the market for a home. However, social media can reach buyers who are seriously considering a home purchase. The audience may be smaller on social media, but you can feel confident that they are exactly who you want to target.

Hashtags help you get discovered

Hashtags are essentially keywords preceded by the hash (#) symbol. They allow social media users to specifically search for topics that interest them. When you post your home for sale on social media and include pertinent hashtags, you’re allowing your home to be easily found by interested buyers. You can use more general hashtags such as #realestate or #homeforsale. You can also get specific by using hashtags that include your city or neighborhood plus words like “homeforsale” or “realestate”. Examples include #HoustonHomeForSale or #RogersParkRealEstate.

Visuals – especially videos – can attract buyers

One of the best reasons to use social media to sell your home is that most platforms rely on visuals to grab attention. This is the perfect way to use those listing photos and videos. Videos are overtaking pictures as the preferred format, as evidenced by the popularity of TikTok videos and Instagram reels. So make high-quality video tours of your home and post away!

You can share early

You don’t even have to wait until your home is officially listed before you start sharing it on social media. Give your friends and followers a sneak peek before your house hits the MLS. You can score an early showing or two out of it and maybe even get an offer!

You can share often

Not only can you share your home for sale before it’s listed, but you can also share it as often as you want. That means you can always remain at the top of search results. On the MLS, the most recently listed homes are at the top of the search results. If your home has been on the market for a few weeks, then you may be several pages down in those listings. But on social media, you can post daily – or even more often – so that your home is always at the top of search results.

Sharing is easy

Finally, social media makes sharing your home for sale a breeze. Not only can you share your photos, videos, and information about the home, but your friends and followers can share them as well. This can exponentially extend your reach and help you find a buyer quickly and easily!

Compliments of Virtual Results

What Are USDA Loans?

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What Are USDA Loans?

Mortgage rates continue to climb, making it more expensive to buy a home in 2023. For some, it may feel like the dream of homeownership is now out of reach. But don’t throw in the towel just yet. There are a variety of home loans available – especially for first-time buyers – that make it financially easier to qualify for a mortgage. FHA and VA loans are government-backed loans that many homebuyers have probably heard of. But there’s a third government-backed loan that can also help you realize your dream of buying a home. USDA loans offer great terms including low interest rates and zero down payments for those who qualify. Let’s take a closer look.

What are USDA loans?

USDA loans are mortgages that are guaranteed by the United States Department of Agriculture. They were created for low- and moderate-income homebuyers looking to purchase a home in certain rural parts of the United States.

What areas qualify for USDA loans?

Many people don’t think to check into USDA loans because they think they’re for properties in very remote areas. But that’s actually very far from the truth. In fact, about 97 percent of land in the U.S. is in an area that is eligible for a USDA loan. And you don’t need to be purchasing a farm to qualify. These loans can be used for a variety of homes including townhomes and new-construction homes.

What types of USDA loans are available?

There are three types of USDA loans. These include:

  • Direct loans – The USDA originates direct loans instead of a private lender. These are often reserved for low-income buyers and have excellent terms like low interest rates and zero percent down payments.
  • Guaranteed loans – Private lenders offer loans that are vetted and guaranteed by the USDA. If the buyer defaults on the loan, the USDA pays back the lender. This allows lenders to extend generous terms such as no money down and low interest rates.
  • Renovation loans – Homeowners can also apply for USDA loans to fund renovations on a home, including low-income seniors who may need accessibility or other upgrades.

What are the advantages of USDA loans?

There are many advantages to taking out a USDA loan, such as:

  • Low interest rates – With interest rates continuing to increase, USDA loans offer very competitive rates. Some buyers qualify for as much as half off the current market rate.
  • No down payment – Some buyers qualify to have their homes 100 percent financed, meaning no down payment is required.
  • Low credit scores OK – Buyers with poor credit don’t have to worry, as USDA loans have no minimum credit score requirement.
  • Lower mortgage insurance – Buyers paying less than 20 percent down on a home are required to pay for mortgage insurance. With a USDA loan, the rates are lower than other types of loans.

Disadvantages of USDA loans

While there are certainly many advantages to getting a USDA loan, there are some drawbacks – including eligibility requirements. Other disadvantages are:

  • Income restrictions – Buyers must meet income requirements, usually around $55,5000 annually. This varies by location.
  • Location restrictions – The buyer must purchase a home in a designated USDA area. Typically, these locations must have a population of 35,000 or less.
  • Must be your primary residence – Buyers must be purchasing a home to use as their primary residence. No investment homes or second homes are permitted.

Compliments of Virtual Results

How To Ace Your Home Sale in 2023

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How To Ace Your Home Sale in 2023

If you’re planning to sell your home this spring or summer, then it’s time to get your head in the game. You’ve no doubt been mentally preparing for this moment for some time. But as winter turns to spring and your home sale shifts into high gear, there are steps that you should take to ensure your success. For those who want to ace their home sales in 2023, then keep these key strategies in mind.

Price your home correctly

The housing market has seen some pretty dramatic changes since the middle of 2022. As pandemic fears eased but inflation and recession worries grew, it became more expensive to buy a home. Interest rates have been rising steadily for several months and restrictions have tightened on home loans. Buyers will no longer be able to afford the record-high home prices we’ve seen over the last two years. As a seller, this makes it crucial for you to price your home correctly. There is still demand for homes, but as buyers tighten their purse strings they’re looking for homes that are appropriately priced. Work with your agent to determine comps in your area. These are recently sold homes that are comparable in size and amenities to yours. Use these as a guide to finding a price that isn’t so low you’ll leave money on the table but isn’t so high that you’ll scare potential buyers away. Appropriately priced homes are still selling well, so make sure yours is among them.

Get your home ready

With fewer buyers in the market and demand cooling for homes, buyers can be more discerning when it comes to deciding on a home. They want a home that reflects their tastes and priorities. That means spending time getting your home ready before any buyers visit. Thoroughly de-clutter, de-personalize, and clean your home. If your home is connected to a septic system, you may check if it already requires septic cleaning. Otherwise, a sewer line repair may be necessary if the sewer lines have some damages. Call a septic tank cleaning service before that happens. Make your home appealing to the widest swathe of people by repainting in neutral colors and staging. By investing in this preparation, you’ll have a wider pool of potential buyers and you’re more likely to sell your home at a higher price point.

Think of it as a business transaction

Your home is the center of your life. It’s the place where you’ve made memories that will last a lifetime. But if you want to sell your home quickly and for a great price, then you have to think of it as a business transaction. Now is the time to emotionally detach from your home. Begin the process of letting go, and start focusing on the future. Imagine yourself in your new home living your best life. While there is always a certain amount of sadness that comes with selling a home that you love, if you concentrate on the positives and think like a business person, you’ll help to ease the transition.

Work with a professional

One of the best ways you can ace your home sale in 2023 is to work with a professional real estate agent. They can help you make important decisions, advise you on the process, and advocate for you in negotiations. If you’re ready to sell your home, then contact us today! Our team of experts is standing by to answer all your questions.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Planning Your Spring Garden

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Planning Your Spring GardenWe know it’s still January, but it’s never too early to start planning your spring garden! In fact, thinking about the longer days and warmer temperatures to come are just the thing to beat the winter blues. If you’re ready to get to work on your spring garden, then this is what you need to do.

Plan your garden location

If you’re new to gardening, then it’s time to decide where you’ll put your garden. If you want to grow vegetables, then your garden needs to go in a sunny place. If you want to create flower gardens around your home, then pay attention to how much sun each spot gets so you can choose the right plants. If you want to add a patio in your garden, you may consider installing retractable awnings or some kind of cover. For larger landscaping projects, you may also need dump truck hauling services.

Know your planting dates

Part of being a gardener means learning more about your climate. It’s important to understand when you can start seeds so that young seedlings aren’t killed by frost before your new garden even gets started. Check the USDA growing zones map to find out your area’s first and last frost dates.

Browse seeds

One of our favorite things to do on a cold and dark winter’s night is to browse through seed catalogs. Dreaming about all the things that will be sprouting from the ground in just a few months can get you through the rest of winter. Choose seeds that are appropriate for your conditions so you’re sure to have the best outcome.

Consider your garden layout

It can be helpful to draw up a simple diagram to determine the layout of your garden. Think about companion planting so that you’re putting plants side by side that grow well together. It will also give you a better sense of how much room you have so that you don’t buy too many seeds or seedlings. Your layout will also serve as a guide if you want to build a Professional Wood Fence Installation around your garden. Garden ponds are an easy addition to most gardens. They can add a lot of aesthetic value and make a gorgeous addition to your garden when properly installed and managed by experts like The Pond Builders.

Purchase supplies

Sure, you can wait until spring to order fertilizer, but why wait? You’ll thank yourself later when spring suddenly arrives and you have everything you need to get started. This includes pots, soil, pruners, and gloves, among others.

Think about compost and water

One of the easiest ways to improve your garden is to use things you already have. Do you save kitchen scraps and yard waste to compost? If not, then you should consider it. Compost will greatly improve the quality of your soil and keep waste out of landfills. Do you save rainwater? If not, then think about setting up a rain barrel or two in your garden. Rainwater is better for your plants than tap water and you’ll save money in the long run by not using the garden hose to water your plants during dry spells.

Get your tools ready

There’s nothing better than having clean, sharp tools at your fingertips. If you didn’t clean and sharpen your tools this fall, then get a jump on it now.

Prepare for a late frost

Most gardeners are enthusiastic about getting their spring gardens started. But that can mean an unexpected late frost takes out your plants. Prepare for a late frost by gathering old sheets and towels that you can use to cover tender plants on those nights that dip below freezing.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Don’t Renovate These Things Before Selling

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Don’t Renovate These Things Before SellingGetting your house ready to put on the market means making repairs both large and small. Most buyers want to purchase a home that is move-in ready so it’s important to get yours up to snuff. You’ll have to prioritize and carefully consider which repairs to work on, and there will be a few that will be obvious to you, like hiring a roofing contractor to restore the roof back to good condition. That being said, certain other items won’t provide a return on your investment, and there will be others that a new homeowner will prefer to do themselves after moving in. These are the things that we recommend you don’t renovate before selling your home.

Kitchen cabinets

Kitchens can be a big selling point for a home. And if yours are a little dated then you may be tempted to replace or upgrade them. While we do encourage you to deep clean your kitchen and update certain items like lighting and hardware, leave the kitchen cabinets alone. This includes painting them. Kitchen trends come and go, and if you follow a trend that some homebuyers don’t find attractive it could work against you. It’s best to let the new owners determine how they’d like to update the kitchen cabinets.

Hardwood floors

Hardwood floors are a perennial favorite for homeowners. So don’t be tempted to cover them up with something more trendy. While wall-to-wall carpet may hide imperfections and vinyl laminate may be easier to clean, the new owners may not appreciate that the beautiful hardwood has been covered. Instead, clean and polish the floors before listing.

Cracks in sidewalks or driveways

Curb appeal is important when you’re selling your home. But don’t be tempted to go overboard. Yes, you should trim trees and bushes, powerwash surfaces, and update your mailbox and front porch light. But don’t try to fix cracks in sidewalks or driveways. Unless the damage is a serious hazard, this is not something that will be a deal-breaker for nearly all buyers. If it’s the winter time and there is snow, you could very easily lay down some driveway salt so that potentials buyers can take a look at the state of these surfaces. They will appreciate your transparency and consideration for their needs.

Window treatments

Does your home have broken blinds or outdated window treatments? If so, then you may feel compelled to replace them. But we recommend simply removing the old or broken window treatments instead of replacing them. It’s unlikely a buyer will decide not to put an offer on a house because there are no curtains or blinds. There’s even a hidden perk to simply removing them – you’ll be letting in more light. You should have as much natural light as possible when showing your home, so removing the window treatments makes sense. Just be sure to clean your windows until they sparkle.

Anything you can’t finish

If you’re not sure that you’re up to the task of a particular renovation, then don’t do it. Buyers will be more put off by an unfinished job. When you leave them with a partially completed renovation, then it is something they will have to deal with immediately after moving in. But if you leave it alone, then the new owners can choose if and when they’d like to take on that task. If you’re property is in need of a commercial flat roof repair, you should determine whether or not you can commit to the project until its completion.

Talk to your agent

Finally, when in doubt, talk to your agent. If you’re not sure whether or not you should renovate an item in your home before selling, then consult your agent. They may advise you to consider Home improvement Roanoke, by Rosen Contracting in Roanoke, Virginia. Your agent has the knowledge and experience to help you make the best decision.

Compliments of Virtual Results.

Creating a Cleaner New Year

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Creating a Cleaner New Year

Did you make a New Year’s resolution to get your house in order? Have you gotten started yet? Most of us desire to live in a clean home but have trouble motivating ourselves to do it. If you keep putting off cleaning your home for the New Year, don’t worry. We’re sharing our best tips to help you conquer that clutter and dirt and create the home environment of your dreams!

Get the family involved

If you’ve got a family, then you know that families can make huge messes. Maybe your spouse can never remember to hang up their coat or your kids dump their sports gear on the floor and never pick it up. There’s no reason that one person needs to be responsible for everyone else’s messes. Resolve to get the whole family involved with cleaning your home. There are age-appropriate chores for everyone from pre-schoolers to teenagers. Give everyone a regular task and you’ll be well on your way to a cleaner home this year.

Stay ahead of messes

Are you the type that puts off cleaning until the weekend? Then it’s time to change that habit. By tackling a quick chore or two every day you will no longer have to commit to marathon cleaning sessions. Put everything back in its place before heading to bed. Load the dishwasher after every meal. Hang up your wet towel after a shower to keep mold and mildew at bay. Have mold inspections Los Angeles routinely for the safety of your family. A few small daily habits will add up over time.

Use the right tools

Anyone who has ever tried to hammer a nail with a shoe knows that having the right tool for the job is key. You will dramatically decrease the time needed to clean when you use the right tools and products. Invest in tools and cleaning products that can serve a variety of purposes, which will save you both time and money. For plumbing issues like a blocked drain, you might not have the proper tools at home so hiring professionals would make more sense.

Make a list

Do you love making lists? Then use that to your advantage. Keep a running list of chores that need to be tackled. For instance, if it has been a long time since your roof was last inspected, you may include roofing repairs and residential or commercial roofing maintenance in your to-do list. This not only helps you keep track, but also gives you a feeling of satisfaction when you can cross those chores off your list.

Check your storage

Are your closets and other storage areas cluttered, disorganized, or overflowing? Then now is the time to tackle them. Go through items and get rid of those things you no longer need or want. Then organize what’s left so you can easily see and access what you have. You should also take a walk around your home and see if any other spaces can be used for storage. This could include a trunk in the living room that doubles as an ottoman or a shelf in your home office for extra supplies. If you see signs of mice infestations in these spaces, you may have to call in a rodent control expert to get rid of these pests before they wreak havoc in your home.

Focus on tasks instead of rooms

Finally, if you find that it’s just too overwhelming to tackle an entire room, then focus instead on tasks. When you get out the vacuum, vacuum all the rooms. The same goes for dusting. If you’re washing your sheets, do all the sheets and towels in the house. You’ll feel a greater sense of accomplishment and won’t get bogged down by a chore that feels too big to handle.

Compliments of Virtual Results

Buying a Home with a Septic Tank

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Buying a Home with a Septic Tank

You recently fell in love with a home and want to put in an offer, but it has a septic tank. While septic tanks are fairly common in the United States, they do require a bit of know-how so that you can keep them properly maintained. If you’ve never had a septic tank before, then it can be a little intimidating. Fortunately, septic tank maintenance is not terribly costly or labor-intensive, but you should know more about them before jumping in. Here’s what you should consider if you’re buying a home with a septic tank, while if you need a plumber to help you with the repairs, the use of the best plumber vancouver can be the best choice for you.

What is a septic system?

Understanding how a septic system works will help you keep it in good working order in your new home. A septic tank is an underground system that collects wastewater from your showers, tubs, sinks, washing machine, and toilets. It drains down through pipes and into your septic tank. Solid waste settles at the bottom and forms a layer of sludge. Lighter waste creates a scum on top while liquid waste, known as effluent, settles in between them. This effluent drains into a leach field that consists of gravel or soil which filters out the harmful bacteria. Use an oil skimming tool to remove waste oil if ever you have this issue on your septic.

What are the benefits of a septic system?

There are many perks of having a septic system for your home. These include:

  • No utility bill – If your home is hooked up to the municipal sewer system, then the costs of your sewer service are included in your utility bill. With a septic system, you avoid that cost.
  • Longevity – Septic tanks last up to 40 years, on average, as long as you keep them properly maintained. Regular maintenance includes getting residential drain cleaning and septic services through the help of a professional plumber, using water efficiently, properly disposing of your waste, and maintaining your leach field.
  • Emergencies are contained – When your conventional sewer backs up, you’re getting your neighbor’s sewage in your home, too. When you have a septic tank, it’s only your own. Conversely, your sewage does not encroach on your neighbor’s property, either.

What else should homeowners know about septic tanks?

If you’re considering buying a home with a septic tank, then it’s important to know that routine maintenance will keep your tank in working order and prevent most problems. Înva?? despre cele mai bune op?iuni pentru toaleta ta de la Sfaturi utile de la AquaRoo. Regular maintenance will keep sewage from backing up into your home. But be aware that all maintenance is the responsibility of the homeowner. The government is not responsible for your septic system since you are not connected to a city line.

Should you get a septic tank inspection?

Homebuyers should think about getting a septic tank inspection through residential plumbing services before buying a home. This can be part of your home inspection process. Depending on where you live, your state or municipality may require your lender to perform a septic tank inspection before the title will be transferred. Septic tank inspections will evaluate sludge levels in the tank, where the leach field is located, if the tank is the appropriate size for the home, the tank’s overall condition, how well it connects to pipes, and whether or not drain lines are getting equal amounts of water.

Check These Landscaping Issues Before Buying

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Check These Landscaping Issues Before Buying

There’s nothing quite like finding a home that’s just right for you when you’re out house-hunting. It’s got the perfect layout, it’s the perfect size, it’s in the perfect neighborhood, and it’s listed for the perfect price. Everything’s perfect, right? Yes – unless you’ve failed to look closely at the home’s landscape. Homebuyers tend to overlook landscaping issues that can turn into big problems after you’ve moved into a home. To help ensure that you don’t suddenly have to deal with an unexpected and expensive problem that may get in the way of a landscape installation project idea you may already have had in mind, then check for these landscaping issues before you buy.

Poor drainage

Standing water can be a big problem for homeowners. That’s why you need to check for drainage issues before you buy a home. Pooling water can cause major damage and attract pests like mosquitoes – no fun if you want to enjoy your outdoor space. If this is the case, then you may consider getting help from a mosquito control service to eliminate these disease-carrying pests. Check to see if the land around the home slopes away from the foundation. If so, then you likely won’t have any drainage problems. But if the ground slopes toward the home, then look for water damage. This can alert you to bigger problems down the line.

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Large trees

Mature trees can be a wonderful feature of any garden. They provide shade and habitats for birds and squirrels and other creatures. Unfortunately, they can also cause many problems for homeowners. Check the health of old trees before buying, especially those that are close to the home. A dead or dying tree is in danger of falling during a storm and can be a real hazard to everyone living there. Also, look for neighboring trees that hang over your property line. Even if the tree belongs to someone else, it could still make your yard messy or cause damage. If so, consider that you’ll need to work something out with a neighbor about the tree’s maintenance when you move in.

Invasive plants

Invasive plants may be tough to spot at first, but they can cause you many headaches after you move in. Non-native plants that spread aggressively can quickly and easily take over your entire yard. As a homeowner, you may end up spending a significant amount of time and money to eradicate them. Get familiar with invasive plants that are common in your area and be on the lookout for them when house-hunting. This can include English ivy, garlic mustard, tree of heaven, and kudzu.

Poorly installed walkways or patios

If the previous homeowner liked to DIY, then you should check the landscape for poorly installed patio pavers and other outdoor walkways. These can easily become uneven over time. You may inherit a tripping hazard that needs to be totally redone before you can safely enjoy your outdoor spaces. Authority Lawn and Landscape can fix this.

HOA rules

Finally, if you’re purchasing a home that is part of a homeowners association (HOA), then understand what landscape design and maintenance guidelines you will be expected to follow when you move in. If you’re an avid gardener, then you don’t want to find out too late that you’re prohibited from removing your lawn and planting the native garden you dreamed about.

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When Can Sellers Keep Earnest Money?

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When Can Sellers Keep Earnest Money?

When a buyer makes an offer on your home for sale, they will most likely include an earnest money deposit. This is a percentage of the purchase price – usually between one and three percent – that signals the buyer is making an offer in good faith. But what happens if the deal ultimately falls through? Does the seller get to keep the earnest money? Or should it be returned to the buyer? Let’s take a closer look at when the seller is legally allowed to keep an earnest money deposit if the sale doesn’t close.

First, understand the logistics

As a seller, there are different ways that you can handle the earnest money deposit. You should know who is holding the deposit, whether it is your agent, an escrow company, or a bank. The purchase contract will state specifically where the earnest money will be held. That money is then typically applied to the down payment at closing. Sellers can help to protect themselves by requiring that the earnest money check be cashed before being put in escrow. This helps to ensure that if the deal does fall through for reasons other than what is stated in the purchase contract that the seller can keep the money before the check is canceled.

Second, know the contingencies

During the pandemic, many buyers were making offers on homes with no contingencies. While this can be bad news for the buyers, for sellers it made things much easier. But the housing market has shifted and more buyers are making offers with contingencies. These are agreements between the buyer and seller that allow the buyer to back out of a sale. They can include:

  • Inspection contingency – If a home inspection uncovers problems that were not previously disclosed by the seller, then the buyer can back out of the deal with no penalties.
  • Financing contingency – If the buyer does not ultimately qualify for a mortgage, then they will not be penalized if the deal falls through.
  • Appraisal contingency – If the home appraises for less than the offered amount, then the buyer can walk away from the deal with no penalties.

Sellers must understand what contingencies they are agreeing to so that they know when an earnest money deposit needs to be returned to the buyer by law.

When sellers can legally keep the earnest money deposit

Now that you understand when the earnest money deposit needs to be returned to the buyer, let’s take a look at situations where the seller can keep the money. First, if contract deadlines are not followed, then sellers can keep the earnest money. That means if the home inspection isn’t conducted or a mortgage isn’t secured by a certain date and the buyer hasn’t made attempts to get permission in writing for an extension, then the seller can keep the money. Secondly, sellers can also keep the money if the buyer backs out for any reason other than what is stated in the contract. If your buyer walks away without giving a reason, then you are entitled to keep the earnest money. Real Estate Agent Tarneit combines local expertise with global service standards. We are passionate about connecting buyers and sellers in Tarneit with remarkable properties and exceptional experiences. Ultimately, it all boils down to what is stated in the contract. If the buyer did not adhere to the terms, then the seller is legally entitled to keep that money.

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New Rules for Homebuyers in 2023

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New Rules for Homebuyers in 2023

It’s a new year that brings with it a new landscape for the housing market. The last three years saw dramatic changes that upended the real estate market as we typically know it. Housing pricings skyrocketed, demand surged, and supply crashed, creating a frenzy in the market. Buyers became willing to take an all-or-nothing approach to buy a house including paying way above asking or forgoing an inspection. But things have changed. 2023 ushers in a new era of the housing market and these are the new “rules” that buyers should be aware of when purchasing a home this year.

You can sleep on it

During the pandemic, buyers needed to put in an offer on a house immediately. There was no time to “sleep on it” to determine whether or not the house was right for you or what offer to make. Fortunately, you don’t need to make those knee-jerk reactions now. In most markets, there are many more homes for sale and fewer buyers to compete with. If you find a home you’re just not sure about, then you have more room to think about it before taking action.

You don’t have to offer over the asking price

If you tried to buy a home in the last three years, then you no doubt put in an offer on a home that was way over the asking price. For desperate buyers, that was the best option for making their offers more attractive. But in 2023, you’re no longer going to see that kind of competition except in the hottest markets. Most of the time, you’ll be able to offer the asking price or even less and still have your offer taken seriously by the seller.

You don’t have to waive contingencies

Another tactic that homebuyers were using to have the winning offer was waiving most or all contingencies. This has always been a risky move. When you waive the right to a home inspection you could be on the hook for expensive repairs you didn’t know about. Or if you waived your appraisal contingency then you could find yourself in trouble if the home appraised for less than the price you offered. However, in 2023, buyers can once again feel confident including contingencies in their offers. When home inspection results show damages on the property’s roof, you may negotiate with the seller on who will shoulder the cost of repairs like hiring a roofing contractor. The property may also need a new gutter installation. You may also need to hire plumbers if there are issues with the plumbing system.

You don’t need 20 percent down

Saving for a down payment can be one of the biggest hurdles to becoming a homeowner. During the past three years, if you didn’t have at least 20 percent of the purchase price saved for a down payment, then you would have found it difficult to have your offer accepted. But in today’s market, buyers can once again look at loans that allow you to pay much less than 20 percent for your down payment. Government-backed loans such as FHA, USDA, and VA loans allow you to pay 3.5 percent or even less to buy a home. This is a wonderful way for first-time homebuyers to achieve their real estate goals without having to wait years to save for the down payment.

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