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benefits of getting pre-approved as a buyer

The Benefits of Getting Pre-Approved as a Buyer

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Buying a home is a process. Part of the process is preparing to purchase a new home. The benefits of getting pre-approved as a buyer start by giving you, the buyer, a clear financial picture.

Find out what you can afford.

One of the biggest benefits of getting pre-approved as a buyer is that it eliminates doubt. The pre-approval letter shows the maximum amount you can borrow plus a specific interest rate and the loan terms.

Understanding what you can afford is a good first step when starting your search for a new home. Armed with a budget, you can now talk to your Realtor about what you are looking for in a home.

Pre-approval could give you an edge.

Depending on what type of market we’re in, having a pre-approval letter in-hand can give buyers an advantage. More specifically, this is true in a seller’s market where inventory is low and demand is high.

Sometimes two buyers could make an offer simultaneously. Typically, if one potential buyer has mortgage pre-approval and the other doesn’t, sellers tend to favor those who are pre-approved.

It provides bargaining power.

Next on the list of benefits of getting pre-approved as a buyer is flexibility. Being pre-approved may give you more wiggle room when it comes to negotiations.

When sellers know a buyer is pre-approved, they may be more willing to compromise on certain things to ensure the sale happens.

Being pre-approved saves time.

Closing on a new home takes time. On average, according to Forbes Advisor, the closing process can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days.

But if you have a pre-approval letter, it speeds up the process. You may be moving into your new home sooner than you think!

Pre-approval gives a buyer confidence.

Last but not least, being pre-approved as a buyer gives you confidence. When you are pre-approved, a lender has determined that you are qualified for a home loan.

Being pre-approved upfront gives buyers peace of mind from the start.

Summary

To summarize, there are two main takeaways. First, getting pre-approved as a buyer gives you a better understanding of what you can afford. Second of all, it shows sellers you are serious about buying a home. But, remember, pre-approval letters are usually only valid for 60 to 90 days. Talk to your Realtor more about your budget and what you are looking for in your new home. Keep reading our blogs for more industry insights!

things to keep in mind when buying a home in the fall

8 Things to Keep In Mind When Buying a Home in the Fall

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Just as the seasons change, so do peak real estate times. That means now is the ideal time to share eight things to keep in mind when buying a home in the fall that may work to a buyer’s advantage!

Less competition.

Fall is typically considered the off-season in real estate. Therefore, buyers may have less competition.

What’s more, inventory more often than not tends to stay the same, which means there are still plenty of homes available.

Buyers have time to negotiate.

Less competition also means the odds of getting caught in a bidding war go down. Hence, buyers can take back a little more control.

This includes everything from negotiating the price to asking for your preferred closing date.

More available help.

In general, since it’s slower, real estate professionals and other service workers have more time on their hands. Thus, they have more time to focus on you!

Expect prompt responses from your Realtor, lenders, contractors, inspectors and more this time of year.

Sellers are motivated.

Some sellers may have come on strong in the peak spring and summer months. They may have overpriced their properties or struggled to find the right buyers.

New sellers usually have a good reason for listing their homes this time of year. In the end, all signs point to motivated sellers, which is good news for buyers!

You might enjoy better rates.

As the year winds down, mortgage lenders and bankers may be open to discussing a slightly better deal just to get the deal done.

No matter what, it’s always good to shop around and ask about savings when it comes to interest or even down payments.

First-time buyers get tax breaks.

Remember, first-time homebuyers receive property tax and mortgage deductions. This holds true even if you don’t close until December.

You’ll see the house in a different light.

Next on the things to keep in mind when buying a home in the fall is how it looks without the spring flowers and summer sun. When you shop for a house in the fall, you may get a better idea of what it’s like on a cloudy or rainy day.

You may also get a better look at the exterior without all that landscaping acting as camouflage.

Save on home décor.

Who doesn’t love shopping for their new home? If you move into your new home at the end of the year, you will hit the jackpot on year-end and holiday sales!

You will be able to bargain hunt for everything from new furniture to new appliances to new throw pillows.

Summary

Did these things to keep in mind when buying a home in the fall come as a pleasant surprise? If you think the time is right to start your home search, connect with a local Lee County Realtor today. For more industry insights and home buying-and-selling tips, keep reading our blogs.

recognizing September as Agent Safety Month

NAR: Recognizing September as Agent Safety Month

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September is one busy month, but recognizing September as Agent Safety Month doesn’t need to get pushed off your action-packed calendar! Take a minute to look over these helpful safety tips and more.

Did you know?

The National Association of REALTORS® created the REALTOR® Safety Program more than 10 years ago. The program is designed to keep agent safety at the forefront of a Realtor’s daily planning.

By practicing precaution, the number of safety incidents happening in the industry can be reduced. That’s why recognizing September as Agent Safety Month continues to be a top priority in Lee County.

Safety tips for Realtors

The good news is Realtors have quick access to plenty of safety-oriented materials nowadays. The NAR alone offers personal protection resources, tips, videos, webinars and more—all about safety.

Here are several tips to help get you started when it comes to formulating a safety plan.

Tell people where you are going.

Tell people—colleagues, friends, family—where you are going, who you are meeting (including providing names and contact info) and when you expect to be finished. Consider creating a Google calendar that you share with those closest to you, for instance.

Set a safe schedule.

Set a schedule you are comfortable with. If that means no meetings after dark, so be it. Clearly communicate your available hours for in-person meetings and showings in your marketing materials and website.

Keep up with your car maintenance.

From regular oil changes to tire checks to keeping jumper cables in your car, be prepared. Also, try and keep your gas tank half-full in case you get lost or the property is more remote than expected.

Stay charged.

Make sure your phone is fully charged and you have a car charger with you too. Consider using a mobile hotspot to help with cell phone reception. Plus, a personal hotspot is good for data security in general.

Be wary of what you share. 

Guard your personal information along with your clients’. Be careful not to “overshare” personal information with new or potential clients as well.

Pick public spaces.

Meet new clients in your office or a public place like a coffee shop for initial meetings.

Be observant.

Follow behind your clients while showing them a property. Do not lead them. This helps you stay aware of what is happening at all times.

Use the 10-second rule.

Apply the 10-second rule. Give yourself time (at least 10 seconds) to assess a situation and your surroundings when you arrive.

Follow best practices for open houses.

Put “best practices” into place for open houses. Don’t host them alone if possible. Check all rooms, windows and doors before leaving and locking up. Be sure to check closets and the backyard too.

Know your way out.

Always have a backup plan and exit strategy in case something goes awry.

Summary

By recognizing September as Agent Safety Month, you recognize that it is actually a year-round task. Take this month to update your safety plan. Then talk about it with your colleagues and family. Finally, put it into place. Keep reading our blogs for more industry news and additional real estate resources.

pros of hiring a property management company for your rental home

The Pros of Hiring a Property Management Company for Your Rental Home

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Owning a rental property can be a great source of income, but it also comes with a lot of responsibilities. These responsibilities include the upkeep of the rental property, including cleaning and any repairs, as well as the marketing of it. If you’re overwhelmed with the responsibilities of your rental or are looking to own a rental property, consider the pros of hiring a property management company for your rental home.

Tenant screening 

Tenant screening can be a tedious process, and without the right experience, you could end up with a less-than-desirable tenant. Experienced property managers see thousands of applications, so they are trained to notice any potential red flags when reviewing application paperwork.

Good property management companies have a reliable screening process. This process helps select tenants on your behalf who will rent long-term, pay rent on time, minimize wear and tear, and cause fewer problems overall.

Contact point for renters

It is not always convenient to answer calls or have to drive over to your rental property to inspect issues. With a property manager, you can avoid having to do that. A property manager can address any problems at your rental home and can arrange services for any issues or repairs.

 Marketing your property

Marketing is a vital part of renting out your property, and a property manager can help you market effectively. Skilled managers have experience with advertisements and should be able to get potential residents relatively quickly. A property management company can also help you keep your property from staying vacant for too long by preparing it for rent and by determining the optimal rent rate.

Determining rent rate

When preparing your property for rent, you may need to make some cosmetic improvements. This is done in order to shorten vacancy periods and maximize your revenue. The revenue you make is determined by the rent you set. Setting the rent too high can turn potential tenants away, while setting it too low can cause you to lose money on your property. It is critical that you choose the right price, and having a property manager who is knowledgeable about the local real estate market can assist you in doing so.

Rent collection

 The collection of rent and late fees is an extremely important part of property management. Rent must be collected every month to ensure consistent cash flow, and it is important that the renters know that.

One of the pros of hiring a property management company for your rental home is that you have a buffer between yourself and the tenant. The property manager will collect rent, manage late payments, and handle any evictions if needed.

 Avoid legal issues

 With experience comes knowledge. Any experienced landlord knows that one bad rental situation can cause a great deal of financial and legal trouble. A good property management team understands the local landlord-tenant laws and fair housing laws and can help protect you from potential lawsuits.

 Lower repair and maintenance costs

 Hiring a property management company typically gets you access to professional maintenance help and a network of licensed contractors. This can save you money and help stop small issues from becoming bigger ones if they are not handled properly. These experts can conduct routine inspections to help prevent problems and reduce the cost of emergency repairs.

Personal benefits

With someone else handling your property and renters, you should have fewer inconveniences and complications to worry about. Using a property management company can help you stress less and give you more time to yourself.

Summary

 There are many pros of hiring a property management company for your rental home, including reduced stress, lower costs, and increased income.

Are you a rental property owner looking for a property management company in the Lee County area? Check out our list of property management LCAR affiliates. If you are still looking for a rental property, you can contact us at the Lee County Association of Realtors to get matched up with a local Realtor to help you in your search.

For more real estate news and advice, continue reading our blogs!

how homeownership can help during rising inflation

How Homeownership Can Help During Rising Inflation

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Americans across the country are concerned about inflation—and understandably so. If you’ve heard the news, but need a little economics refresher, we’ve got you. Inflation is a fluctuating value. It assigns value to money, causing currency to be worth more or less than it was previously. As of June 2022, inflation was up drastically by 9.1 percent in the past 12 months, as per the Consumer Price Index, or CPI. Though this may seem worrying, there are ways how homeownership can help during rising inflation.

Homes are an appreciating asset.

Some people like to get a return on their money by investing in stocks, bonds, or even a home. Unlike cars or boats, homes tend to grow in value over time. And, unlike renting, your money will be going toward something that you can own.

Another facet of how homeownership can help during rising inflation is the future economic value of your house. If you end up deciding to sell it, your home will likely be worth more during a time when the dollar value is rising. That gives you extra financial capital at your disposal.

Homes mean fewer future moving costs.

Rent prices have also seen a sharp rise in the past few months—and it’s a trend that’s likely to continue. Unfortunately, that can mean some people may have to move again and again as they seek rentals with prices that fit their budgets.

Having to pay to move multiple times can actually eat into your savings, making eventual buying even more difficult.

While it will require a bit of number crunching, you should think about how often you plan to move in the next few years. It can put the costs in starker relief, and it may even give you a good push into home buying.

Fixed-rate mortgages don’t vary from year to year.

Unless you refinance for a better value, fixed-rate mortgages don’t vary from year to year.

That’s a huge advantage over renting—and it means your home will likely get more affordable over time. Just remember that this applies to fixed-rate mortgages only!

Remember: You can always refinance.

Mortgage rates have recently climbed a bit.

While this may keep you from buying for the time being, it may also be helpful to remember that you can eventually refinance when rates are lower. You can also lock in a mortgage rate with your lending company or pay to have it extended.

Talk to your lender—and your Realtor—about options!

Summary

If you need one last nudge to explore the market, now you have one: knowing how homeownership can help during rising inflation.

Still have questions? Want to start house-hunting?

We’re here to help! Contact us to find a Realtor. You can also learn more about the market on our blog here.

searching for a home long-distance

5 Tips for Searching for a Home Long-Distance

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Searching for a home can be taxing. Searching for a home long-distance carries its own set of challenges. Whether you’re moving across the state or moving across the country, check out these tips to help the process go a bit smoother.

Outline your priorities.

Before you even start your remote home search, make a list of priorities when it comes to your new home. Separate wants from needs, and place each in order of importance. For example, if having two full bathrooms is a MUST-have, then place that high up on the “needs” list. If it would be nice to have a pool (but you could do without), that would fall somewhere on the “wants” side.

Consult this list often when searching for a home long-distance to keep yourself on track.

Do your research.

You may have heard things about the area you are anticipating moving to, but doing your own due diligence to confirm what you’ve heard is always a good idea. And thanks to the internet, it’s easy! Check out municipal and tourism websites and social media pages. Read the news from that region. Look at reputable sources for city data like U.S. News and World Report’s real estate section.

You can also join community Facebook groups, for example, and ask the locals themselves any questions you may have about neighborhoods, schools, city amenities and more.

Work with a Realtor.

We always think working with a Realtor is a good idea, but even more so when you are searching for a home long-distance. Choose a Realtor in the area you will be moving to. You can look at online reviews, or ask those community Facebook groups for recommendations. You can also contact the area’s local association of Realtors to get connected with someone.

Realtors will be knowledgeable about the area and its housing market and will therefore be able to better-assist you with your remote home search. Your Realtor can also visit homes on your behalf and do virtual walk-throughs, take photos and videos to send you, etc.

Take advantage of technology.

Speaking of virtual walk-throughs, technology like this should be your best friend when it comes to remote home shopping. If you’re searching across the country, for example, it’s not feasible to think you’ll be able to make multiple visits to see homes in person. Plus, by the time you get there, they could get scooped up by another buyer.

Ask your Realtor to walk through the home while you’re on FaceTime with them. Browse online listings from trusted sites and rely on high-quality listing photography. Ask if a property has 3D or virtual tour technology available.

Technology also comes in handy when working with your Realtor. He or she will be just a quick text, phone call or FaceTime away when you have questions.

Plan a visit, if possible.

Again, this tip may not be doable for everyone depending on distance and schedules. However, if you can get to the area to get a feel for it in person, doing so will help familiarize yourself with the city and its neighborhoods beyond the limits of online research. If you don’t find your new home while you’re there and you return to remote searching, at least you will have a better idea as to what to look for—and where.

Summary

Searching for a home long-distance doesn’t have to be daunting. Use these tips as a guide, and most importantly—get connected with a local Realtor who can show you the ropes! Keeping reading our blog for more helpful tips for buyers and sellers.

Questions to Ask Yourself When Considering a Neighborhood

6 Questions to Ask Yourself When Considering a Neighborhood

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Maybe you’re a longtime local looking for a change. Or, you’re an out-of-town buyer who has a bit to learn about the area. Either way, these questions to ask yourself when considering a neighborhood can have a big impact on your quality of life. Don’t make an offer without running through them first!

Will you be dealing with a Homeowner’s Association (HOA)?

Opinions on HOAs can be mixed. Some love how they ensure that home values stay high in the neighborhood with regulations in place. Others think they can be a little overbearing.

They will also come with additional costs, so you should keep the financial aspect in mind as well. When perusing a potential neighborhood, be sure to ask whether there is an HOA and if so, how that specific HOA operates.

What is the neighborhood close to?

Proximity can be a big advantage—or disadvantage, depending on what’s near your neighborhood.

Grocery stores, schools, and great downtown areas are all a plus. Sewage treatment plants, livestock farms, and highways, on the other hand, can ding your property value—and make life a whole lot more stressful.

It’s always wise to take a drive around the area, just to see if you’ll like where you’ll be living.

What are the schools like?

Speaking of schools—they’re one of the questions to ask yourself when considering a neighborhood. What schools is the neighborhood zoned for, and what are they like?

You don’t even need to have children to benefit from a great school system. The better the education, the higher your home value will be—and it could even make it easier to sell in the future.

Is it safe?

Some neighborhoods are safer than others. Buying a home is a big investment—and you will do yourself a disservice if you don’t determine how safe the area is.

If you don’t know where to start, call the local police departmentand ask them about safety and crime rates.

Is it new construction or an established development?

New construction neighborhoods may be in the development phase for months or years to come. While they offer the advantages of a brand-new house, you may find the construction distracting or overwhelming.

Meanwhile, established developments likely will not have the same level of activity. As a drawback, they may need updating.

How do the other homes look?

The appearance and value of surrounding homes can impact your house’s property value. Take a little time to drive around the neighborhood. You can also look up estimates on nearby homes online.

Summary

The homebuying process can be confusing. Even with these questions to ask yourself when considering a neighborhood to help, you’ll benefit from having expert guidance. That’s why it’s so important to hire a skillful, experienced Realtor who knows the area inside and out.

Well, our members fit the bill! Contact the Lee County Association of Realtors to begin. As for learning more about how to navigate the market, browse our blog here.

Advice for Home Buyers in Today's Market

6 Pieces of Advice for Home Buyers in Today’s Market

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Congratulations! You’re starting your home buying journey—or you’re about to. During this process, there are a few ways that you can leverage your resources to find your new place. These pieces of advice for home buyers in today’s market can make all the difference. Please keep in mind that these are just suggestions—not things that you necessarily have to do to make your home buying journey a success!

Obtain your pre-approval letter ASAP.

You don’t want to add any extra obstacles between you and your new home. Obtaining your mortgage preapproval letter should be step one.

Consider shopping around for more than one preapproval.

Don’t worry—you’re not bound to your first preapproval letter from a lender. While time does matter in this seller’s market, you may consider shopping around for more than one lender to compare loan costs and program options. Your Realtor should also be able to recommend a lender.

Look lower, because prices may go high.

It can be daunting looking at the homes on the market—especially if you don’t know the pricing trends. As buyers keep outbidding each other in this fast-paced market, the price a home is listed for may not reflect its final price. You can set more realistic expectations by looking at homes $5,000 or $10,000 below what you can afford with the expectation that bidding will drive the price higher.

Budget for a longer timeline.

Another one of the most important pieces of advice for home buyers in today’s market involves the timeline. Because of the competitive market, you may be up against many highly-motivated, qualified buyers. That doesn’t mean you won’t find your home. It just means you may need to expect to extend your home search timeline.

Act fast.

Because of low inventory and high demand, you may not have a moment to delay. Act fast if you see a home you love!

Contact the Lee County Association of Realtors.

With a market like this, you’ll want a Realtor on your side. Reach out to us to find a Realtor knowledgeable about today’s local market!

Summary

If these pieces of advice for home buyers in today’s market have you motivated to start looking, we can’t wait to work with you. And, if you have any questions or concerns along the way, we can help with those too.

Whether you want to buy, sell, or rent, you can reach out to us here. Finally, for more real estate tips and advice, browse our blog.

numbers to know about the National Association of REALTORS

10 Numbers to Know About The National Association of REALTORS®

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From phone numbers to statistics to followers, numbers matter. Here are 10 numbers to know about the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) that offer industry insights, highlights and more.

1,556,762 members

In this case, it’s one of the record-setting numbers to know about the National Association of REALTORS! Membership is currently at an all-time high for America’s largest trade association.

172 billion

The total number of people reached through NAR’s national and local earned media communications in 2020 was 172 billion. That’s a 36 percent increase from 2019!

40,500 followers

Sometimes being a follower is a good thing—like when it comes to following along with the other 40,500 people on board with the “REALTORS are Good Neighbors” Facebook page.

Did we mention that’s a 30,000-follower increase from last year?

3 billion

As in three billion impressions during NAR’s “That’s Who We R” national consumer advertising campaign in 2020!

1,608 pounds

That’s 1,608 pounds of food donated from REALTOR groups through the NAR’s partnership with the Food Recovery Network, which roughly translates into about 1,340 meals.

$800,000+

And the giving continues with more than $800,000 raised as part of the REALTORS Relief Foundation 20th Anniversary Commemorative Event, Hope Rising.

800,000

In this case, 800,000 refers to the number of members who cumulatively saved more than $75 million from one or more of the products offered through the REALTOR Benefits Program.

$93,800

Every time a house is sold, approximately $93,000 becomes money-in-motion circulating back into the economy.

In fact, the real estate industry accounted for $3.83 trillion in economic activity in 2020, which makes it about 18.3 percent of the U.S.’s total Gross Domestic Product.

235,000 REALTORS

To clarify, there are 235,000 REALTORS with some sort of NAR credentials. Those designations and certifications include everything from Accredited Buyer’s Representative to At Home with Diversity certification.

1-800-874-6500

Finally, out of all the numbers to know about the National Association of REALTORS, this one may be the handiest! For any membership questions or inquiries, you can always call one of their information specialists to help.

Summary

Before we wrap this up, there is one more number we’d like to share: (334) 321-0606. If you are considering becoming a Lee County REALTOR, give us a call to find out more! Or, if you need help locating a REALTOR, we can help with that too. Keep reading our blogs for more real estate industry news and trends!