MJB Fine Homes & Realty

10/02/2024

Understanding Your Homeowners Insurance: HO-3 vs. HO-5 🏠

As a homeowner, it’s crucial to understand the nuances of your insurance coverage. At MJB Fine Homes and Realty, we’re here to guide you through the differences between the popular HO-3 and the more comprehensive HO-5 policies.

🔍 HO-3 Insurance: This is the most common policy, covering your home and belongings against all perils except those explicitly excluded. It’s a reliable choice for standard coverage.

💎 HO-5 Insurance: For those seeking enhanced protection, HO-5 is the gold standard. It covers your home and personal property on an open-peril basis, meaning unless something is specifically excluded, it’s covered! This option offers higher limits and fewer restrictions, ensuring peace of mind.

🔑 Key Takeaway: Your home is one of your most valuable assets. Ensuring it’s well-protected with the right insurance policy is essential. If you have questions about which policy suits your needs best, our team at MJB Fine Homes and Realty is here to

10/02/2023

When it comes to home prices and inventory, it's local supply and demand that matters most. Here's a quick anecdote on the local property market. If you'd like to see more details, or would be interested to see the current housing statistics in a nearby market, you know who to call/email/DM 🙂!

08/09/2023

The Value of an Agent When Buying Your New Construction Home

Buying a new construction home can be an exciting experience. But navigating the complexities of buying a home that’s under construction can also be a bit overwhelming. This is where a skilled real estate agent can make all the difference.

Here’s how your agent is an invaluable resource in your search to find and buy your new home.

Agents Know the Local Area and Market

Your agent is well-versed in the emerging communities and upcoming developments that could influence your decision. Your agent can help you find a community that perfectly aligns with your preferences, lifestyle, and future needs.

Knowledge of Construction Quality and Builder Reputation

An agent also has the expertise to evaluate the construction quality and reputation of different builders. This information can help you avoid any potential risks and help you confidently select a...

Buying a new construction home can be an exciting experience.

08/08/2023

There's Only Half the Inventory of a Normal Housing Market Today

Wondering if it still makes sense to sell your house right now? The short answer is, yes. Especially if you consider how few homes there are for sale today.

You may have heard inventory is low right now, but you may not fully realize just how low or why that’s a perk when you go to sell your house.

While the housing inventory did grow slightly week-over-week, overall supply is still low. Compared to the same week last year, supply is down roughly 10% – and it was already considered low at that time. But, if you look further back, you’ll see inventory is down even more significantly.

To gauge just how far off from normal today’s inventory is, let’s compare right now to 2019 (the last normal year in the market). When you compare the same week this year with the matching week in 2019, supply is about 50% lower. That means there are half the homes...

Wondering if it still makes sense to sell your house right now?

08/04/2023

Home Prices Are Making a Comeback

Home prices are making a comeback. Let’s connect so you can stay up to date on prices in our area.

08/03/2023

Reluctant to list your house because you’re not sure if homes are selling right now? Based on current home sales data, roughly 11,000 homeowners are selling their homes daily. That’s over 450 an hour or eight homes every minute. But here's the key: your house won't sell if we don't list it. DM me today to get started.

08/02/2023

How To Know If You’re Ready to Buy a Home

If you’re trying to decide if you’re ready to buy a home, there’s probably a lot on your mind.

Instead of trying to time the market, it may help to focus on what you can control. Here are a few questions that can give you clarity on whether you’re ready to make your move.

1. Do You Have a Stable Job?

One thing to consider is how stable you feel your employment is. Buying a home is a big purchase, and you’re going to sign a home loan stating you’re going to pay that loan back. That can feel like a big obligation. Knowing you have a reliable job and income coming in can help put your mind at ease.

2. Have You Figured Out What You Can Afford?

To make sure you have a good idea of what you’ll need to save and what you can expect to spend on your monthly payment, talk to a trusted lender. They’ll be able to tell you about the pre-approval process and what you can borrow, current mo...

If you’re trying to decide if you’re ready to buy a home, there’s probably a lot on your mind.

08/01/2023

Sellers: Don’t Let These Two Things Hold You Back

Many homeowners thinking about selling have two key things holding them back. That’s feeling locked in by today’s higher mortgage rates and worrying they won’t be able to find something to buy while supply is so low. Let’s dive into each challenge and give you some helpful advice on how to overcome these obstacles.

Challenge #1: The Reluctance to Take on a Higher Mortgage Rate

The Advice: Waiting May Not Pay Off

While experts project mortgage rates will gradually fall this year as inflation cools, that doesn’t necessarily mean you should wait to sell. Mortgage rates are notoriously hard to predict. And, right now home prices are back on the rise. If you move now, you’ll at least beat rising home prices when you buy your next home. And, if experts are right and rates fall, you can always refinance later if that happens.

Challenge #2: The Fear of Not Finding Som...

Many homeowners thinking about selling have two key things holding them back.

07/31/2023

Pricing Your House Right Still Matters Today

While this isn’t the frenzied market we saw during the ‘unicorn’ years, homes that are priced right are still selling quickly and seeing multiple offers right now. That’s because the number of homes for sale is still so low. Data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows 76% of homes sold within a month and the average saw 3.5 offers in June.

The price you set for your house sends a message to potential buyers.

A recent article from NerdWallet sums it up like this: "Your house’s market debut is your first chance to attract a buyer and it’s important to get the pricing right. If your home is overpriced, you run the risk of buyers not seeing the listing . . . But price your house too low and you could end up leaving some serious money on the table. A bargain-basement price could also turn some buyers away, as they may wonder if there are any underlying pro...

While this isn’t the frenzied market we saw during the ‘unicorn’ years, homes that are priced right are still selling quickly and seeing multiple offers right now.

07/28/2023

Key Housing Market Trends [INFOGRAPHIC]

If you’re considering buying or selling a home, you’ll want to know what’s happening in the housing market. Housing inventory is still very low, prices are climbing back up, and homes are selling fast when priced right. If you want more information about our local area and what the trends mean for your plans to buy or sell, let’s connect.

If you’re considering buying or selling a home, you’ll want to know what’s happening in the housing market.

07/27/2023

Why the Median Home Sales Prices Can Be Confusing

The median home sales price can be confusing. Let’s connect so you have an expert to explain what’s really happening with home prices in our area.

07/26/2023

If you’re thinking about buying a home soon, one thing you can do to help you get ready is focus on your credit score. Higher scores can help you get a lower mortgage rate and better loan terms. A loan officer can provide even more strategies to help you improve your credit score. If you're ready to buy now, DM me for other valuable tips on the homebuying process.