Carl Van Loan - 8z Real Estate

07/22/2025

A little late, but great to see Thom Lincoln on his way across country! Double splits kind of night… The last picture is a blast from the past..

07/27/2024

Love me some opening ceremonies! Takes me back. Let’s Go USA!!

06/14/2024

05/30/2024

Your home is amazing - so why isn't it selling?

It may be time to re-evaluate the price.

Here’s the thing: Overpricing your home can lead to a longer time on the market, and that's not what you want.

Pricing your home just right can actually benefit you in the long run by:
✅ Attracting serious buyers
✅ Leading to faster offers
✅ Saving you from the headache of having your home sit on the market for months.

Curious how much your home is worth? Shoot me a message!

05/28/2024

When the perfect home is full of hidden problems 🫠

It happens all the time: We find the most perfect home but it has its fair share of issues. In fact, in 86% of cases, home inspectors find issues that need attention.

It's all part of the buying process — After all, it's better to find issues now (and know if they're anything major) than after you've signed on the dotted line.

Situations like this highlight the importance of having a trusted and experienced agent by your side.

What questions do you have about inspections? Comment below or shoot me a message!

05/23/2024

Let's face it: not every home that's 'under contract' actually makes it to closing.

These common pitfalls can derail your selling plans in a hurry. 👇

🔴 Inspection Issues
Did you know that a failed inspection accounts for 15% of unsuccessful home sales? It's true.

🔴 Appraisal Challenges
Appraisals can be a tricky business. If the appraisal doesn't come back at the right value, it can derail your entire home-buying process.

🔴 Change of Heart
Sometimes, sellers have a change of heart or a personal situation that prevents them from going through with the sale. That's life and 100% okay.

But fear not - you can navigate the selling process with confidence and avoid these costly mistakes. As an agent, I'm happy to guide you every step of the way.

Ready to get started? Send me a DM to learn more about how I can help you sell your home successfully.

05/21/2024

Sellers: If the shoe was on the other foot and you were the potential buyer, would you want the homeowner to be present during showings?

Buyers are most relaxed without the sellers present — which is exactly how you want them to feel as they tour your home and envision themselves living there. They're freer to chat, ask questions, open cabinets and linger.

So long as sellers have done their part to clean, declutter, and get outta dodge, they can leave the rest to me. I’ll make sure buyers know their home's special features, upgrades, and quirks.

Have questions about selling? Send me a message, let's chat!

05/16/2024

Check out your monthly market stats from the Denver Metro. If you'd like to learn more about your specific neighborhood, shoot me a message!

05/14/2024

Back in December, we were given some temporary hope as mortgage rates quickly fell to the 6.5% range, and the Fed suggested that there would be three to four rate cuts this year. But so far, no cuts.

Will we see mortgage rates drop in 2024? Read more at 8z.com/newsletters 🔗

05/09/2024

Is the news keeping you from making a smart move in real estate?

Here's the truth - headlines shouldn't be the only factor in your decision.

The real estate market is always changing, and what might be a good time to buy for someone else might not be the best time for you.

So, how do you know when it's the best time for YOU to buy?

It's all about understanding your personal circumstances and goals. Are you ready to settle down in a specific area? Do you have a stable income and savings for a down payment?

These are the questions you should be asking yourself. By focusing on your own needs and priorities, you'll be able to make the best decision for your future.

Agree or disagree? Comment your thoughts below!

05/07/2024

Your dream home can absolutely become your reality... but there’s a catch.

What you jot down on your dream home wishlist might not always match what you end up with.

The reality is, the perfect home might offer something unexpected, something even better!

For example, a buyer set on a four-bedroom house might discover a charming three-bedroom with a spacious bonus room that could easily become another bedroom or a home office.

Don't overlook a home just because it doesn't tick every single box on your wishlist. Go see it, explore the possibilities, and you might just be pleasantly surprised!

And one more thing I’ll never stop saying: Remember the things you can't change - like lot, location, and price. Check those boxes first, then focus on what you can change!

05/02/2024

The last thing I want for my buyers...

Being stretched too thin by their mortgage payments.

Finance experts wag their fingers at spending 30% or more of your gross income on housing. But with 37.2% of homeowners grappling with this reality, if you're among them, you're certainly not alone.

Below are some methods I’ve seen implemented to reduce the burden 👇

1️⃣ See if you can ditch your private mortgage insurance. Your lender may be willing if your mortgage balance has reached 80% of your home's original value or the halfway point of your amortization schedule.

2️⃣ Take a deep dive into your monthly spending to see where your money is going. For instance, eating out could be an opportunity to cut back.

3️⃣ Consider house hacking by renting out a bedroom, parking space, or an in-law suite.

4️⃣ Raise your income (obviously this is much easier said than done) but there are a few creative ways to approach it. Whether it’s mustering up the courage to ask for a raise, exploring a new side hustle, or up-skilling yourself with online courses.

5️⃣ Keep an eye on interest rates. If they drop below what you're currently paying, refinancing could be a smart move.

Please reach out if you have any questions, I'm happy to help!