Katie Loija, Real Estate

04/11/2023

Very interesting market forecast that was shared with me. Buckle up, it could be a rough ride for some. For me I see opportunity.

The Credit Crisis has started. Bloomberg is reporting that Banks stopped lending in the wake of the SVB Banking Crisis. With loans declining by $105 Billion ...

08/23/2022

HOW TO REDUCE HOMEBUYING STRESS

Buying a home can be stressful (especially in a hot market).

But you’re in luck: There are ways to combat any worries you have and make homebuying a more enjoyable journey.

Are you getting ready to purchase a home? Want to ease the stress of it all? Here are four strategies that could help.

1) Prep your finances early. Having your finances in order can help make the process significantly smoother. You should have plenty saved up for your down payment and closing costs, and be sure to gather all the documentation you’ll need to apply for a mortgage (W-2s, bank statements, etc.).

2) Communicate openly about what you want. Knowing your needs and deal breakers — and communicating them early on — is critical to a hassle-free process. We’ll go over your budget, home purchase goals and any questions and concerns you might have along the way.

3) Delegate where possible. You don’t have to do everything on your own; in fact, that could make the process more stressful. Instead, rely on the experts — your loan officer, home inspector and other pros involved in the process. Lean on us for help and support, and don’t feel like it all rests on your shoulders. Family and friends could help carry some weight, too.

4) Keep the big picture in mind. There may be hiccups along the way, but never lose sight of the big picture: your dream home and all that comes with it. Keeping things in perspective can help you weather anything that might come your way.

*Get in touch so you can have an experienced real estate agent by your side and reduce your homebuying stress considerably.

07/26/2022

4 REASONS A HOME IS A RETIREMENT ASSET

As a homeowner, your house is likely your biggest asset.

It can help you build wealth and improve your finances — and in retirement, it might serve as a much-needed source of financial support.

That last part is important. Whether you’re 25 or 55, having a plan is critical to an enjoyable and worry-free retirement.

Want to know how your home can help you plan for your golden years? Here are four ways it can factor in:

1) You can leverage your home equity. Most homeowners are sitting on serious amounts of equity right now. You can tap into that by taking out a home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC). In retirement, these can be great options for covering medical bills, paying off higher-interest debts, or funding home improvements.

2) You can sell and use the profits. Many retirees choose to sell their homes and downsize to a smaller property. If you decide to take this route, you can use the sale proceeds to support your retirement — plus, you’ll enjoy a smaller home that’s easier to maintain.

3) You can refinance. Refinancing could help in a couple of ways: A regular refinance may help you reduce your monthly payment and create liquidity. But if you opt for a cash-out refinance, it could also give you funds to use toward your retirement goals.

4) You can rent out your home. Your house can become a source of regular income in retirement if you rent out a room or the whole home for short- or long-term tenants. Get in touch to learn about local laws and restrictions.

A home can be a valuable financial asset at any life stage. Are you interested in buying a new property? Get in touch today for help

07/20/2022

What Is Home Staging—and Why Is It So Important for Selling Your House?
Home staging is a hot topic when it comes to selling your house—but what is it? And how can it actually help your home sale?

A recent survey from the International Association of Home Staging Professionals shows that staging helps sell homes three to 30 times faster than the nonstaged competition. Further, staging can help increase the sale price by up to 20% on average.

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If you're looking to list your home for sale, one of the most important parts of the process is coming across the right buyer: the person (or people) who will act quickly, offer enough money, and take care of your former home. To do that, you'll want to make your home appear as attractive as possible to draw in potential buyers. That might mean getting the best photos taken, writing the perfect listing, boosting your curb appeal—and even hiring a professional to help stage your property.

05/04/2022

ABOUT HOME INSPECTIONS

You probably know that home inspections are often part of the homebuying process.

But do you know why they’re so important — or what they mean for your home purchase or sale?

Home inspections can play a big role in whether your homebuying (or selling) efforts are successful.

Are you hoping to buy or sell a house soon? Here’s what you should know about how a home inspection might impact your goals.

Inspections aren’t required. A home inspection is generally encouraged for buyers, but it’s not required. In a hot market, buyers might waive their right to an inspection to win a bidding war. But be careful: This could hurt you financially if you find yourself having to make large repairs and renovations.

The results can influence your deal — and your price. If the inspector finds issues, the buyer will often want to renegotiate. They might ask the seller to make repairs before closing or offer a lower price point to account for them. If they have an inspection contingency, a buyer can even pull out of the deal without losing earnest money.

You have to pay for an inspection. Home inspection costs vary by market and inspector, but they typically cost between $250 and $500 per property. Since the inspection is for the buyer’s benefit, they cover this cost out of pocket, usually as part of the closing costs.

Sellers sometimes get pre-listing inspections. By getting one before the home hits the market, sellers can identify any problems that could hold back their sale. In many cases, sellers are required to disclose any issues their inspector finds if they haven’t been fixed.

If you’re preparing to buy or sell a home, get in touch today to start working with an experienced real estate professional

04/07/2022

5 KITCHEN FINISHES THAT ADD VALUE TO YOUR HOME.
I've done them all! If you're looking to do these before you sell, make sure to pick products that appeal to the broader buyer. I can help give you some direction from my own experiences.

Give your kitchen a facelift (and increase its value) without spending a fortune.

03/29/2022

Thinking about selling? We're approaching a window that statistically shows the best time for you to sell.

04/24/2021