Stevie Hahn, Realtor

11/03/2024

Will it ever be worth it?
To walk away from your low interest rate??

It depends on circumstances, but these are the most common reasons I've seen past clients make the move:

A growing family & the need for more space
New job or a job transfer
Remote work creating location flexibility
Desire to be closer to family
Desire for better quality of life (shorter commute, less traffic, close access to nature)
Retiring or looking for less upkeep
If you're in this position, it might help to ask yourself:

✨ What benefits would a move bring to my life? ✨ What tangible and intangible value will it create?

The right decision isn't always obvious but talking to an agent who has insight into what's happening in your market can help you decide what's best for you.

10/16/2024

I've surveyed hundreds of them...

And there's ONE thing home buyers have in common when house hunting.

NO SURPRISES.

If you’re thinking of selling in the next few months, here’s your gentle nudge to take care of a few things...

✓ Evaluate major home systems - HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and roof.
✓ Fix leaky faucets and creaky doors. (I love YouTube for home repair tutorials)
✓ Tighten loose cabinet pulls or door k***s.
✓ Give walls, doors, and ceilings a paint refresh (white always brightens a room!)
✓ Freshen up the yard by trimming trees and shrubs and laying mulch.
✓ Deep clean carpets or consider replacing.
✓ Declutter and depersonalize

These are just a few of the things I encourage my sellers to do. If you’re serious about prepping your home for buyers AND getting top dollar, send me a message, and I’ll send over my Home Prep Checklist that will guide you through the process.

10/14/2024

You started daydreaming about paint colors and furniture layouts and...you didn't get the house you wanted. 😩

Know that this is totally normal, especially in a low-inventory market.

It's my job to understand the seller's needs so we can write an offer that meets them, to the best of our ability...

But if we hear "no" here's what we'll reflect on:

❓ Was the winning offer a higher price, more favorable terms, a quicker closing date, or a larger earnest money deposit?
❓ Should we consider more flexible terms like shortening the closing timeline?
❓ Were there market factors at play that we're likely to see again?
❓ Did we put our best price forward? Often times we won't get the chance to go up on price once we submit.

Nothing is guaranteed in real estate but we will be as strategic as possible to get to 'offer accepted!' on your perfect home.

Have questions about the market in Jacksonville? Send me a DM!

10/13/2024

Wondering what to expect when buying a $550K home with a 5% down payment? Here’s a breakdown of typical costs! 🏡

💸 5% Down Payment: $27,500
🔑 Title Fees: $2,750
📄 Mortgage & Loan Costs: $5,225
🏡 Prorated Property Taxes: $3,300
🏢 HOA Fees (3 months): $600
🏠 Homeowner’s Insurance: $600

Total estimated closing costs: $12,475
📉 Estimated Total Upfront Costs: $39,975

Want a personalized closing breakdown for another price point? Send me a DM and I can provide an estimate.
Keep in mind, this is an estimate, and actual costs may vary based on the specific property, lender terms, and local rates.

10/11/2024

How did we end up in the last quarter of 2024?? 😮‍💨

Before the rest of the year slips between my hands, I wanted to share some goals for Q4 so you can keep us honest. Hold us to it!

What's on your goals list for the rest of the year? Drop it below!

10/04/2024

POV: you're popping bubbly and decking the halls in your brand new home.

Think three months isn't enough time to find your dream home?

The good news: I've got a fast-track timeline to help you make the most of the 90 days you've got left of 2024.

Here's the game plan

OCTOBER:
• Secure a pre-approval letter ASAP. Understanding your budget and buying power will streamline your house hunt.
• Connect with an agent: A skilled agent will be your advocate and representative to guide you throughout the entire process.
• Research online listings and attend open houses. This will help you refine your priorities and prepare you to make an offer quickly.

NOVEMBER:
• Find your perfect match and be ready to pounce on it as soon as it hits the market.
• Make an offer. Give your highest and best first and ask for a quick closing date.
• Once your offer is accepted, schedule a thorough inspection the same day so you can uncover any potential issues.

DECEMBER:
• Close the deal and secure your keys. Pop the bubbly — you're a holiday homeowner!
• Lock in reliable movers to ensure a smooth transition into your new space. (I can recommend a great one!)
• Embrace the holiday spirit but keep decorating and meals simple this year. The best gift you can give yourself is time with loved ones in your new home!

Questions? Send me a DM - I'm here to be a resource for you!

09/13/2024

In remembrance of 9/11, I want to spotlight an initiative that stands with those who stand for us.

Home for Heroes offers substantial closing cost savings for veterans, front-line workers, teachers, and others. The program connects buyers and sellers with agents, loan specialists, and other home service providers who offer special rebates for our community heroes.

Here's how it works:

• If you work with a Homes for Heroes agent to buy a home, you'll get a check for 0.7% of the purchase price after closing. (For a $450,000 home, that’s $3,150).

• Selling your home with a Homes for Heroes real estate agent will earn you a 25% discount on the agent's gross commission at closing.

• If you use a Homes for Heroes provider's mortgage, home inspection, or title services, you can receive rebates that range between $50 (home inspection) and $500 (lender fees) on average.

Buyers and sellers also receive extra support and step-by-step guidance through the home buying or selling process

As we honor the spirit of unity and bravery today, help me spread the word about this great resource. Tag a friend or loved one who may be eligible — and reach out with questions!

[Homes for Heroes: Discounts for Home Buyers and Sellers - NerdWallet](https://loom.ly/kv4wTiA)

The Homes for Heroes network can help teachers, first responders, service members and health care providers save on mortgage closing costs.

09/11/2024

Today, I want to take a moment to give a huge shoutout to my incredible partner, Keri Carpenter. 🙌💛 Keri goes above and beyond for our clients, ensuring they are not only happy but completely comfortable throughout the entire process. Her dedication to making sure everyone feels taken care of is unmatched, and I am beyond grateful for her.

But it’s not just about her work ethic—Keri is one of the most caring and nurturing people I’ve ever met. Her enthusiasm is contagious, and I’ve honestly never met anyone with more energy, optimism, and pure joy for what they do. It’s been an honor to work alongside her for nearly 2 years, and I can’t wait for the many more amazing years ahead! 🎉💼

On top of all that, I’m incredibly thankful for our 11 years of friendship. 🫶 Here’s to celebrating not just our work, but the friendship that has grown stronger every day.

Keri, you’re one of a kind! 💫 Let’s continue to make magic together!

09/09/2024

🏡 Did you know? When you purchase a home "as is," you still have the right to do a home inspection! 🔍

Buying "as is" doesn't mean you have to skip the inspection process. In fact, it’s highly recommended! Here’s why:

✅ Get clarity on the home’s condition: Even though the seller won’t make repairs, an inspection helps you understand any potential issues before you commit.

✅ Negotiate with confidence: You can still use the inspection results to negotiate the price or even walk away if the home has major issues.

✅ Plan for future repairs: Know what you’re getting into and budget for any repairs or improvements.

💡 Pro Tip: Always have a professional home inspector on your team, even with "as is" purchases!

Have questions about buying a home or the inspection process? Drop them below or send me a DM! 🏠

09/08/2024

🌟 A Heartfelt Closing 🌟
This Del Webb Nocatee home was especially meaningful, as our incredible sellers honored the memory of their beloved mother throughout the process. ❤️ Her strength and love live on in the resilience they’ve shown during this emotional journey. We know she would be so proud.

✨ On a brighter note, Keri has listed the attached unit—
✅ Huge corner lot!
✅ Extended screened-in back patio!

PLUS, our Northwoods listing on Jacksonville’s Northside is now under contract! 🎉

If you’re thinking about selling, let’s chat and make your next move just as successful. 🏡

09/06/2024

Back in December 2023, housing experts predicted a decline in interest rates by Q3 of 2024. Here's a comparison to see how those predictions panned out:

Predicted Rates (December 2023):

- Mortgage Bankers Association: 6.1%
- National Association of Realtors: 6.3%
- Fannie Mae: 6.7%

Actual Rates (August 2024):

- August's average 30-year fixed mortgage: 6.77 percent

Interest rates haven't dipped as much as originally anticipated. But growth in home prices have slowed, showing signs of stabilization in the market.

Here's the takeaway:

Waiting for significantly lower rates will likely push prices up as more buyers enter the market.

In today's market, take advantage of:

1. Seller credits to reduce closing costs
2. Mortgage rate buy downs to lower your monthly mortgage payment.
3. Working with an experienced agent who will negotiate the most favorable terms for you.

Send me a DM with questions - I'm here to be a resource!
Instant Reaction: Mortgage Rates, December 14, 2023 Economic Developments - December 2023 | Fannie Mae. Mortgage rates forecast: Expected trends for 2024

09/06/2024

Keri and I are on the hunt for some amazing homes for our buyers, and we need your help! 🙌 Do you know of any homes that match these needs? Let’s connect and find their dream homes together! 💫

1️⃣ First Buyer: Looking for a 4 bed, 2 bath under $450K in St. John’s County.
2️⃣ Second Buyer: Needs at least 4 bedrooms in Sawgrass with a pool, budget up to $1.2 million.
3️⃣ Third Buyer: Searching for 4 beds + 2 flex spaces, ideally with a pool, up to $700K in Nocatee.

If you or someone you know is thinking about selling, now’s the time! 🏡 Send us a message and let’s get these buyers into their perfect homes! 🔑✨