Vanessa Speight Realtor

09/24/2024

Have you heard the good news? Mortgage rates are trending down.

And, if you’re looking to buy a home, that helps your bottom line. As rates drop, your monthly payment on your next home does too.

The change we’ve already seen could save you hundreds of dollars a month.

09/23/2024

Is Your House Priced Too High?

Every seller wants to get their house sold quickly, for as much money as they can, with as few headaches as possible. And chances are, you’re no different.

But did you know one of the biggest things that could jeopardize your success is the asking price for your home?

1.You’re Not Getting Many Showings or Offers

One of the most obvious signs your house may be overpriced is a lack of showings. If it's been on the market for several weeks and only a few buyers have come to see it—or worse, you haven’t gotten any offers—it could be a clear indication the price isn’t matching up with what buyers expect.

2.Buyers Have Consistent Negative Feedback after Showings

And if after the showings you do have, comments from the potential buyers aren’t great, you may need to course correct. If they consistently say it's overpriced compared to other homes they’ve seen, it’s time to reconsider your...

Every seller wants to get their house sold quickly, for as much money as they can, with as few headaches as possible.

09/20/2024

Checklist for Getting Your House Ready To Sell

Getting your house ready to sell? Here’s a few tips on what you may want to do to prepare. Focus on making it inviting, showing it’s cared for, and boosting your curb appeal. If you want specific advice to help your house stand out in our local market, let’s connect.

Getting your house ready to sell? Here are a few tips on what you may want to do to prepare.

09/18/2024

Mortgage rates have hit their lowest level since February 2023 – and that’s big news.

So if you’ve been sitting on the homebuying sidelines waiting for this to happen, it’s time to talk about making your move. Because the monthly savings is going to be a game changer for your purchasing power.

DM me and I’ll show you how the recent decline may help you get a better monthly payment than you’d expect.

09/17/2024

Planning to buy a home? Make sure you’re budgeting not just your down payment, but for your closing costs too.

And if you want to try to cut down on those a bit, try these tips. Negotiate with the seller for concessions, shop around for more affordable home insurance, and look into closing cost assistance programs. DM me for more homebuying tips.

09/16/2024

September 29 – October 5 is the best week to buy a home this year, according to a study from Realtor.com.

And with mortgage rates coming down like they have recently, that makes this sweet spot even hotter.

So, if you’re looking to make a move, DM me so we can make sure you’re ready to go.

09/13/2024

Wondering what’s really happening with home prices? This visual should help.

Data shows home price appreciation is moderating nationally. That means prices are still rising, just not as fast. And if you compare the numbers for last year to 2024, you can see it.

But that’s just the national picture. If you want to know what prices are doing in our area, DM me.

09/12/2024

What To Know About Closing Costs

Now that you’ve decided to buy a home and are ready to make it happen, it’s a good idea to plan ahead for the costs that are a typical part of the homebuying process. And while your down payment is probably the number one expense on your mind, don't forget about closing costs. Here’s what you need to know.

What Are Closing Costs?

Simply put, your closing costs are the additional fees and payments you have to make at closing. Some of these are one-time expenses that are baked into your closing costs. Others, like homeowners’ insurance, are initial installment payments for ongoing responsibilities you’ll have once you take possession of the home.

How Much Are Closing Costs?

Freddie Mac says: “Closing costs vary greatly depending on your location and the price of your home. Typically, you should be prepared to pay between 2% and 5% of the home purchase price in closing fees.”

Tips To...

Now that you’ve decided to buy a home and are ready to make it happen, it’s a good idea to plan ahead for the costs that are a typical part of the homebuying process.

09/11/2024

The Surprising Amount of Home Equity You’ve Gained over the Years

There are a number of reasons you may be thinking about selling your house. And as you weigh your options, you may find you’re unsure how you’re going to deal with one thing about today’s housing market – and that’s affordability. If that’s your biggest concern, understanding how much equity you have in your house could help make your decision that much easier. Here are two key factors that have a big impact on your equity.

How Long You’ve Been in Your Home

First up is homeowner tenure. That’s how long homeowners live in a house, on average, before selling or choosing to move. From 1985 to 2009, the average length of time homeowners stayed put was roughly six years.

But according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), that number has been climbing. Now, the average tenure is 10 years.

Here’s why that’s such a big deal. You gain equity as you pay...

There are a number of reasons you may be thinking about selling your house.

09/10/2024

Why Pre-Approval Should Be at the Top of Your Homebuying To-Do List

Since the supply of homes for sale is growing and mortgage rates are coming down, you may be thinking it’s finally your moment to jump into the market. To make sure you’re ready, you need to get pre-approved for a mortgage.

That’s when a lender looks at your finances, including things like your W-2, tax returns, credit score, and bank statements, to figure out what they’re willing to loan you. After that process, you’ll get a pre-approval letter to show what you can borrow. Here are two reasons why this is essential in today’s market.

Pre-Approval Helps You Know Your Numbers

While home affordability is finally starting to show signs of improving, it’s still tight. So, it’s a good idea to talk to a lender about your loan options and how today’s changing mortgage rates will impact your monthly payment. The pre-approval process is the perfect time...

Since the supply of homes for sale is growing and mortgage rates are coming down, you may be thinking it’s finally your moment to jump into the market.

09/09/2024

Early Housing Market Forecasts for 2025

Thinking about moving in 2025? Here’s what experts say you can expect. Mortgage rates are projected to come down. More homes are expected to sell. And prices are forecast to go up. Let's connect to talk about what this means for your plans to move.

09/06/2024

Want to know the top mistakes today’s homeowners are making when they sell? Here they are:

-Pricing your house too high
-Skipping necessary repairs
-Not being objective
-Not being willing to negotiate

DM me if you want to talk more about how an agent can help you avoid costly missteps like these.