REALTOR Roundup

When it comes to buying a home, I’m a firm believe that it’s a great investment but the timing has to be right for you. Beyond the down payment and closing costs, knowing the long-term cost of homeownership will help you get the right home for you. With declining interest rates and already low inventory, it’s important to be prepared and have realistic expectations because the market could get hot! Whether the time is now or you’ve just started planning, there are things to keep in mind when buying a home.

As the calendar flips to a new year, families often find themselves reflecting on their goals and aspirations. For many, the dream of upgrading to a new home takes center stage, aligning seamlessly with the spirit of fresh beginnings that the new year brings.

There’s no denying we are in a different real estate climate. Very unique things are happening on the market right now. Residentially, we have homes appreciating in areas, but days on the market are also skyrocketing. We also have the increasing wage/affordability gap that’s been a hot topic for a while now. When it comes to investing in real estate, everyone has their strategy, but several factors should be taken into account, including quality of work, location, and source of financing, especially if the end goal is to sell in the short term in 2024. There’s an inherent risk in any investment you make, but the well-prepared investors account for variables on the front end when purchasing, to reduce risk.

In simple terms, here are the fundamental factors you’ll want to consider when preparing to finance a house. If you want to buy a home, especially your first one, you're going to need to understand how to qualify for a mortgage. while it’s a pretty straightforward process, there are a few considerations to prepare for.

A common theme in American culture is the hustle-and-grind mentality, chasing the American dream, growth, gains, crushing goals, and climbing ladders. Many of us are taught that success looks like constantly striving for more. This work ethic can be beneficial in many respects, but it can also be hurtful when not considering that individuals’ needs and approaches may vary and fluctuate at different seasons of life. People can get burnt out, struggle with comparison, sacrifice health and relationships for work, or embark on goals or journeys left unfinished.

As you know, our world can act like a rollercoaster ride, right? Crazy highs and those not-so-fun lows. So, when the market decides to take a cool down, that's our cue to step up our game and show it who's boss. Now, let's kick back, grab a cup of something good, and chat about why keeping a pipeline warm is our best strategy during the slowdown.

As we wind down the holiday season, it's a perfect moment to hit pause, reflect on the year so far, and set the stage for what's coming next. While 2023 is still unfolding, there's no harm in using this quieter market time to start laying the groundwork for the year ahead. When you've got your eyes on the prize for 2024, the time to kick things into gear is right now.

Fall is undeniably a beautiful season in the state of Tennessee, nestled within the best country in the world. Despite the inevitable bumps, bruises, mistakes and corrections we encounter in life, I’m thankful to call this nation my home.