Melissa Carrier-Realtor at City Scape Metro Group

01/21/2019

In today’s fast-paced world, where answers are a Google search away, there are some who may wonder what the benefits of hiring a real estate professional to help them in their home search are.

The truth is, with the addition of more information, comes more confusion.

Shows like Property Brothers, Fixer Upper and the dozens more on HGTV have given many a false sense of what it’s like to buy and sell a home.

Now more than ever, you need an expert on your side who is going to guide you toward your dreams and not let anything get in the way of achieving them.

Buying and/or selling a home is definitely not something you want to DIY!

Here are just some of the reasons you need a real estate professional in your corner:

• There’s more to real estate than finding a house you like online!

There are over 230 possible steps that need to take place during every successful real estate transaction. Don’t you want someone who has been there before, someone who knows what these actions are, to ensure you achieve your dream?

• You Need a Skilled Negotiator

In today’s market, hiring a talented negotiator could save you thousands, perhaps tens of thousands of dollars. Each step of the way – from the original offer, to the possible renegotiation of that offer after a home inspection, to the possible cancellation of the deal based on a troubled appraisal – you need someone who can keep the deal together until it closes.

• What is the home you’re buying or selling worth in today’s market?

There is so much information out there on the news and on the internet about home sales, prices, and mortgage rates; how do you know what’s going on specifically in your area? Who do you turn to in order to competitively and correctly price your home at the beginning of the selling process? How do you know what to offer on your dream home without paying too much, or offending the seller with a lowball offer?

Dave Ramsey, the financial guru, advises:

“When getting help with money, whether it’s insurance, real estate or investments, you should always look for someone with the heart of a teacher, not the heart of a salesman.”

Hiring an agent who has his or her finger on the pulse of the market will make your buying or selling experience an educated one. You need someone who is going to tell you the truth, not just what they think you want to hear.

Bottom Line

Today’s real estate market is highly competitive. Having a professional who’s been there before to guide you through the process is a simple step that will give you a huge advantage!

Let's discuss your selling/buying options today, you can call or text me directly at: (703) 423-0370 or schedule your call here: https://meetme.so/johnmurdock

01/16/2019

How Rising Interest Rates Affect Purchasing
Power. You probably instinctively realize that rising interest rates will affect home buyers. The interest rate you pay can make a big difference in the size of the home loan you will qualify for as well as the price of the home you’ll be able to buy. Mortgage brokers use the monthly mortgage payment to determine how much you can afford to pay. Of course the larger the payment, the harder it is to qualify.

Interest Rate And Its Effect On Affordability
All mortgage payments include principal and interest as part of the total cost. Lenders use this payment to determine how much you can borrow for the home loan. Commonly, you can have 31-35% of your total monthly gross income as a loan payment. It follows that you want the principal portion of your home mortgage payment to be as high as it can be so you qualify for a more expensive home.

Risks Of Waiting To Buy
We are still seeing all-time low rates but more increases are predicted. A home mortgage is the best hedge against inflation. By purchasing a home now, you lock in your monthly housing cost, which as we’ve already seen is the largest monthly expense for most families.
Interest rates are one of the biggest factors that affect your ability to finance a home purchase. Along with your credit score and employment history, the amount of interest you pay on the loan has a big impact on affordability.

01/11/2019

Have you heard about CityScape Rewards?! If you introduce us to someone looking to buy or sell a home, you automatically become a member of our REWARDS PROGRAM! Perks include CUSTOM GIFTS delivered to your front door every MONTH, quarterly members-only appreciation events, and more! This is the first round of gifts going out for 2019 members – find out how to get yourself on the list for next month at www.CsmgRewards.com!
John Murdock Melissa Carrier-Realtor at City Scape Metro Group Melissa Rothbart Carrier Sam Saïd Sam G. Saïd - Realtor Brittany Lynn Patti Siliwono-Fadel

01/10/2019

https://youtu.be/5PE3OaWAseU

TO ALL REAL ESTATE AGENTS OUT THERE!
Want to increase your income by 114% and your closed transactions by 50%?
Watch this video to find out how you can attend BOLD, one of the most successful real estate trainings in the world for absolutely free. First step of BOLD is January 16th. Comment below this video with your contact info and we will reach out with all the details you need to join.

01/03/2019

ready to make 2019 one for the books 💫

12/11/2018

Closing Day 🏡. Such a pleasure working with these two. Wishing them a lifetime of happiness in their new home.

11/23/2018

Now is a great time to buy a home. Call me today if you are thinking about buying, selling, or investing.

11/22/2018

Happy Thanksgiving 🦃🍽. Thankful for my family, friends, and clients.

11/20/2018

Wishing you a HAPPY THANKSGIVING! May you have an abundance of things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving Day, and beyond. We wish you, and all of your loved ones, a very happy, healthy and safe Thanksgiving!

11/13/2018

Amazon announces it picks New York City and Northern Virginia for its HQ2 headquarters.

An announcement is expected as soon as Tuesday, capping public contest that started with 238 candidates and ended with a surprise split of its so-called HQ2.

11/11/2018

Thank you for your service. You are appreciated. Happy Veterans Day 🇱🇷