Orlando Real Estate - Buy, Sell, Rent

07/12/2024

In life, patience is a virtue – but in the world of homebuying, waiting too long in hopes of finding the perfect home actually isn't wise. That’s because the pursuit of perfection comes at a cost. And in this case, that cost may be delaying your dream of homeownership.

The Cost of Holding Out for Perfection

Nothing in life is ever perfect – and that's true when you search for a home too. Unless you’re building a brand-new home from the ground up, chances are there are going to be some features or finishes you wouldn’t have picked yourself.

But here’s the trade-off you'd be making without even realizing it. In all that time you’d spend searching for the perfect place, you’d overlook a lot of homes that would’ve worked for you.

It’s Time To Redefine Perfection

Especially with affordability and inventory where they are today, buying a home that needs some...



Words From the Wise! Brought to you by Kurt and Lana Gies

In life, patience is a virtue – but in the world of homebuying, waiting too long in hopes of finding the perfect home actually isn't wise.

07/11/2024

Retirement is a time for relaxation, adventure, and enjoying the things you love. As you imagine this exciting new chapter in your life, it's important to think about whether your current home still fits your needs.

If it's too big, too costly, or just not convenient anymore, downsizing might help you make the most of your retirement years. To find out if a smaller, more manageable home might be the perfect fit for your new lifestyle, ask yourself these questions:

• Do the original reasons I bought my current house still stand, or have my needs changed since then?
• Do I really need and want the space I have right now, or could somewhere smaller be a better fit?
• What are my housing expenses right now, and how much do I want to try to save by downsizing?

If you answered yes to any of these, consider the benefits that come with downsizing.

Your Equity Can Help...



Words From the Wise! Brought to you by Kurt and Lana Gies

Retirement is a time for relaxation, adventure, and enjoying the things you love.

07/11/2024

??Today’s Words of Wisdom

There are a few key things you’ll want to avoid after applying for a mortgage to make sure you’re in the best position when you get to the closing table. Don’t change bank accounts, apply for new credit, make any large purchases or transfers, and don’t co-sign loans for anyone. Here’s a good rule of thumb. Always connect with your loan officer before making any financial decisions once you’ve started the mortgage process.



Wisegiesrealty.com
Wisegiesconstruction.com
Buying, building, renovating, selling, designing your real estate dreams!

There are a few key things you’ll want to avoid after applying for a mortgage to make sure you’re in the best position when you get to the closing table.

07/09/2024

If you’re thinking about selling your house, here’s something you really need to know. Even though it’s still a seller’s market today, you can’t pick just any price for your listing.

While home prices are still appreciating in most areas, they’re climbing at a slower pace because higher mortgage rates are putting a squeeze on buyer demand. At the same time, the supply of homes for sale is growing. That means buyers have more options and your house may not stand out as much, if it’s not priced right.

Those two factors combined are why the asking price you set for your house is more important today than it has been in recent years.

And some sellers are finding that out the hard way. That’s leading to more price reductions. That’s because they haven’t adjusted their expectations to today’s market.

If you want to avoid making a pricing mistake that could turn away...



Words From the Wise! Brought to you by Kurt and Lana Gies

If you’re thinking about selling your house, here’s something you really need to know.

07/09/2024

??Today’s Words of Wisdom

Did you know?

Real estate has been voted the best long-term investment for 12 years straight.

That’s because history shows home values usually go up. And when that happens, it helps homeowners grow their net worth.

So, if you’re debating renting or buying, remember to factor this into your decision.

When you’re ready to start your homeownership journey, let's connect.



Wisegiesrealty.com
Wisegiesconstruction.com
Buying, building, renovating, selling, designing your real estate dreams!

07/08/2024

??Today’s Words of Wisdom

Homeownership continues to top the list as a big part of the American Dream.

A recent Bankrate survey found that 78% of people rank it above other milestones like retirement and career success.

Why? Security and wealth-building. A fixed-rate mortgage keeps expenses stable, and as you pay down your mortgage, you build equity and financial stability.

Let’s make your homeownership dream come true.



Wisegiesrealty.com
Wisegiesconstruction.com
Buying, building, renovating, selling, designing your real estate dreams!

07/08/2024

Even if you didn't own a home at the time, you probably remember the housing crisis in 2008. That crash impacted the lives of countless people, and many now live with the worry that something like that could happen again. But rest easy, because things are different than they were back then.

Homeowners Deciding To Sell Their Houses

Although the supply of existing (previously owned) homes is up compared to this time last year, it’s still low overall. And while this varies by local market, nationally, the current months’ supply is well below the norm, and even further below what we saw during the crash.

New Home Construction

People are also talking a lot about what's going on with newly built houses these days, and that might make you wonder if homebuilders are overdoing it. Even though new homes make up a larger percentage of the total inventory than the norm...



Words From the Wise! Brought to you by Kurt and Lana Gies

Even if you didn't own a home at the time, you probably remember the housing crisis in 2008.

07/07/2024

??Today’s Words of Wisdom

If you’ve already applied for a mortgage, there are some things you’ll want to avoid doing. So, contact your loan officer before making any financial moves or decisions. 



Wisegiesrealty.com
Wisegiesconstruction.com
Buying, building, renovating, selling, designing your real estate dreams!

07/06/2024

If you own a home, your net worth has probably gone up a lot over the past year. Home prices have been rising, which means you're building equity much faster than you might think. Here’s how it works.

Equity is the current value of your home minus what you owe on the loan.
Over the past year, there have still been more people wanting to buy than there are homes available for sale, and that’s pushed prices up. That rise in prices has translated directly into increasing equity for homeowners.
How Much Equity Have You Earned over the Past 12 Months?

According to the latest Homeowner Equity Insights from CoreLogic, the average homeowner's equity has grown by $28,000 in the last year alone.

What If You Bought Your House Before the Pandemic?

If you bought your house before the pandemic, the equity news is even better. According to data from Realtor.com, home...



Words From the Wise! Brought to you by Kurt and Lana Gies

If you own a home, your net worth has probably gone up a lot over the past year.

07/06/2024

??Today’s Words of Wisdom

Just applied for a mortgage? Heads up – there are a few things to avoid to keep your closing smooth:
-Don't change bank accounts
-Don't apply for new credit or close accounts
-Don't make large purchases or transfers
-Don't co-sign loans
Pro tip: Once you’ve started the process, always check with your loan officer before making any financial moves.



Wisegiesrealty.com
Wisegiesconstruction.com
Buying, building, renovating, selling, designing your real estate dreams!

07/05/2024

There are a few key things you’ll want to avoid after applying for a mortgage to make sure you’re in the best position when you get to the closing table. Don’t change bank accounts, apply for new credit, make any large purchases or transfers, and don’t co-sign loans for anyone. Here’s a good rule of thumb. Always connect with your loan officer before making any financial decisions once you’ve started the mortgage process.



Words From the Wise! Brought to you by Kurt and Lana Gies

There are a few key things you’ll want to avoid after applying for a mortgage to make sure you’re in the best position when you get to the closing table.

07/04/2024

Everyone’s vision for the future is personal and unique. But for many, common goals include success, freedom, and prosperity — values closely tied to having your own home and the iconic feeling of achieving the American Dream.

So, why is buying a home important to so many today? One reason is the financial and physical security it provides. Many people see homeownership as a way to reduce stress because owning a home with a fixed-rate mortgage stabilizes what is likely their largest monthly expense.
Another factor is the potential for building wealth. That’s because, over time, homeowners gain equity as they pay down their mortgage and as home prices appreciate, leading to longer-term financial stability.
But what about the responsibilities that come with owning and maintaining a home? According to a survey by Entrata, only 23% of renters feel homeownership is...



Words From the Wise! Brought to you by Kurt and Lana Gies

Everyone’s vision for the future is personal and unique.