Kayleigh Andersen, Realtor

04/17/2024

We typically think home buying is all about square footage and bed/bath count...

And it is certainly the starting point! But these days, I’m hearing from buyers who are in search of a few extras.

Here’s a snapshot of what buyers are asking for in their search right now:

💻Home Office Spaces: The percentage of U.S. companies offering flexibility increased from 51% at the start of 2023 to 62% around November. _– Forbes _ With remote work still going strong, a dedicated (and quiet!) workspace is a must for many.

🌳Outdoor escapes: Private yards, access to parks and trails, or even balconies for apartment dwellers are in high demand. Since 2020, the number of people who spend time in nature has increased by more than 25%, according to the 2022 Outdoor Participation Trends Report.

💡Energy efficient upgrades: Lower utility bills *and* kinder to the environment - sign buyers up! Energy-star appliances, solar panels, and high-efficiency windows are increasingly sought-after features.

📦Move-in ready condition: Minimizing upkeep and maintenance is a big plus — especially for my young families and empty nest buyers.

🚪Open layout: No matter what they say, buyers still love those open floor plans with easy flow from kitchen to living rooms. “Our lifestyles have become less formal than previous generations, and open-concept floor plans were popularized as a more casual way of living.” – Lindsay Speace, Interior Designer (Better Homes & Gardens)

➡️If you’re thinking about selling, send me a message. I can help match your home’s features to the wants of my buyers!

03/25/2024

✨Trust your Zestimate? ✨

Not so fast!

Your Zestimate might be misleading you...in a big way.

Get this:

1. Our local market is a mystery to Zillow.
One huge reason your Zestimate could be off is that it’s in the dark about hyper-local market conditions. It’s like navigating a new city without GPS – it finds itself going in circles.

2. Your home is unique; Zestimate algorithms don’t recognize that.
Zestimate algorithms are oblivious to what makes your home unique. They rely heavily on publicly available data, missing out on your home’s special features and upgrades.

3. Zillow has admitted they’re not always accurate. 
Zestimate has reported that Zestimates are a “starting point” and not meant to replace a formal appraisal. 

➡️If you want to know what your home is REALLY worth, here’s what I’m going to do: DM me your Zestimate, and I’ll send you a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) tailored to your home — no strings attached.

03/15/2024

Looking for a unique gift for friends, family or clients? Or something fun for date nights?

Syracuse’s Habitat for Humanity currently has a fund raising event going on called Brews for Builds. For $30 you receive a passport to local breweries & restaurants where you can get 19 free beers and 1 free coffee. It’s such a steal and helps our community at the same time!

Tim and I both have one and we’re excited to explore new spots we haven’t been to yet in the Syracuse area! Syracuse Habitat for Humanity

Here’s the link if you’re interested!

Brews for Builds is a collaboration between CNY Breweries/Bars & Syracuse Habitat for Humanity to bring people together for good times for a good cause.

01/30/2024

☀️ There are only a handful of financial tools that change everything about how you view your home and your ability to achieve your financial goals.
Say hello to a HELOC.

HELOC stands for Home Equity Line of Credit, and it’s like having your very own personal assistant helping you access your home’s equity when, where, and how you need it.

Here’s how it works: A HELOC allows you to tap into the equity you’ve built up in your home over time. It’s a flexible line of credit that you can use for all kinds of purposes, like home improvements, education expenses, or even consolidating high-interest debt.
One of the best things about a HELOC is that you only pay interest on the amount you borrow, not the entire credit line. That means you have the freedom to use what you need, when you need it, without paying unnecessary interest.

Imagine having the financial flexibility to tackle renovation projects, invest in your child’s education, or simplify your debt with a few clicks of a mouse. A HELOC empowers you to make headway in your goals, all while leveraging the value of your home.

If you’re a homeowner looking to make the most of your equity, consider a HELOC and unlock your home’s potential.

Tag a friend who could benefit from this info, or send me a DM if you’re curious about how much equity you have to work with - I’m happy to crunch the numbers for you!

12/20/2023

THIS is what makes being in real estate so rewarding. ✨

From the outside, the profession sounds pretty simple and straightforward: help people buy and sell homes.

Whew! It is so, SO much more than that.

Here's what truly makes being in real estate so fulfilling:

Helping Make Dreams Real: There's something magical about being a part of someone's journey to find their dream home. Guiding them through the process, witnessing their excitement when they find "the one," and knowing that you played a role in making their dreams come true is incredibly rewarding.

Creating Connections: Real estate is all about building connections. It's about forging relationships with clients, understanding their unique needs and desires, and becoming their trusted advisor. The bond you form with clients goes far beyond transactions – it's about being there for them during one of the most significant moments of their lives.

Embracing Challenges: Real estate is a dynamic and ever-changing industry. It presents challenges that test your problem-solving skills, negotiation prowess, and adaptability. Overcoming these challenges not only strengthens your abilities but also provides a sense of fulfillment and personal growth.

Celebrating Milestones: From housewarming parties to closing celebrations, being in real estate allows you to be a part of countless joyous milestones. Witnessing the happiness and satisfaction on your clients' faces when they achieve their goals is an incredible feeling that makes all the hard work worthwhile.

So, if you're considering buying or selling a home, or if you simply want to chat about real estate, I'm here to help. Let's navigate this exciting journey together and discover why being in real estate is so rewarding. Reach out and let's make your real estate dreams a reality. 🏡❤️

12/18/2023

Buying your first home can feel like a tug of war between your dream wishlist and your budget constraints.

The good news is “No” today isn’t “No” forever.

Let me explain.

Meet my friend Amanda. She purchased a home a few years back, buying a 2/1 in a growing neighborhood. As life moved forward, so did her dreams and her budget.

So, she sold that place and used her profits to level up to her next home. And guess what? She's planning to do it all again.

The moral is this: Your first home is exactly that — a first home.

And while it might not check every box, it's the foundation that leads you toward where you want to be in 5, 10, or 15 years.

Not to mention that along the way, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind that comes with having home equity, giving you options if you want to refinance when rates drop or take cash out for big-ticket purchases.

What’s more, when the time is right for you to sell, you’ll likely reap even more financial rewards.

Right now, owners who purchased their homes 3-6 years ago are seeing a 22.1% appreciation in their home’s value. Those who purchased 7-10 years ago are enjoying an even bigger percentage jump — 46.6%.

So if you keep thinking about buying your first home but over and over again get cold feet because it feels too hard or too complicated or too out of reach, you can move forward.

Reach out to me today and let’s discuss your options! I can even send you a ✨ free ✨ copy of my First Time Homebuyer’s Guide!

12/15/2023

✨ Ready to freshen up your home on a budget? You don’t need to spend a fortune to make a big impact. Here are five home improvement ideas under $1,000 that can add serious style and function to your space.

Not all home improvements have to be major renovations. Small changes can make a big difference in the look and feel of your home. 🏡

Ready to get started or want more ideas? Send me a message! I’d be happy to help brainstorm more budget-friendly upgrades for your home. 🛠️

Don’t forget to save this post for later or share it with a friend who might find these tips useful! 📩

12/13/2023

Wondering what it actually costs to buy a home? 🏡

Buying a home is a significant financial commitment, and understanding the potential costs involved is essential. Let's take a look at three fictional scenarios to help illustrate potential costs at different price points.

1. Scott | The Starter: Scott is a newbie in the home buying game, considering a townhouse that has a market price of $250,000. With a 20% down payment, a 30-year mortgage, and an interest rate of around 5%, Scott’s monthly payment would come to about $1,074. Include property taxes, insurance, and any potential HOA fees, and his total monthly expenses would come up to around $1,374.

2. Emily & Matt | The Upgraders: Emily and her husband Matt are expecting a baby and need more room. The home of their dreams carries a price tag of $500,000. With a 10% down payment, a 30-year mortgage, and an interest rate of 5%, their monthly payment would be around $2,684. Incorporating property taxes, insurance, and potential HOA fees, the total monthly expense would be approximately $3,484.

3. Hilary | The Idealist Hilary has discovered her dream property in the perfect neighborhood. This exquisite property is priced at about $1 million. With a 20% down payment, a 30-year mortgage, and an interest rate of 5%, Hilary's monthly payment would be $4,295. Include property taxes, insurance, and possible HOA fees, and Hilary’s total monthly outlay is estimated at about $5,895.

Using these characters can get a rough idea of what you would be paying at different price points. For accurate prices, interest rates, and monthly expenses, talk with a trusted mortgage advisor and get personalized information.

Ready to take the next step? I would be happy to connect you with a trusted mortgage lender and get you set up to receive automated emails each time a home that fits your criteria hits the market (before Zillow!) Send me a message and let's get started today!

12/11/2023

✨ After all it does for you, your home deserves some TLC before the new year.

The good news is you don’t have to do it all at once. You can take it one drawer, cabinet, or closet at a time. More on that in a second.

🤚 But first, some stats that may give a little pep to your decluttering step this December:

• In the U.S., 11.1% of households rent storage space.
• About 18% of people renting a storage unit have a four-bedroom home (or larger).
• Nearly half of self-storage customers rent for at least a year.
• The national average for a storage unit per month is $100.04.

Steer clear of adding your name to these stats by seriously decluttering your home one small space at a time.

Here’s how:

Before the holidays and the onslaught of gifts, go through old toys your kids don’t play with and haul them off to a local thrift store or charity.

Pick one drawer or closet every day, set your phone timer for 15 minutes, and see how far you can get. It's incredible how much stuff can accumulate in those hidden spaces! Toss & donate old magazines, manuals, electronics, clothes you no longer wear, and expired meds.

In the kitchen? Clear out dishes you don't use. How many sets do you need? A general rule of thumb is to take the number of people in your house and double it. Also, take a peek in your fridge and pantry and bid farewell to those forgotten items lurking in the back.

Don't forget about unused home decor. If it's been collecting dust, it's time to pass it on or sell it online.

Tackle all your storage areas, from the basement to the attic. Use labels and bins to keep everything in its place.

If you need more suggestions, drop it in the comments! If you need help with real estate, shoot me a message. I’m here to help! Happy decluttering!

12/09/2023

What you can expect when you work with ME!

Selecting a realtor can be a stressful job! Here are some reasons why I think I stand out amongst the rest!

12/08/2023

Transform your home into a winter haven and create an idyllic cabin-in-the-woods atmosphere with this step-by-step checklist.

Set the Stage
• Cozy candles - Try wood wick candles if you like the flickering light + crackling pops.
• Chunky blankets - Add texture and warmth with plush throws, heirloom quilts, or a blanket the whole family can share.
• Featured fireplace - Don't have the real thing? No worries—find a fireplace video on YouTube for that comforting ambiance.
• Smooth jazz - Set the mood with Spotify playlists that capture the season's essence.

Elevate the vibe
• Classic board games - Every cabin in the woods has a cabinet of classic board games like Scrabble, Checkers, Sorry, or Scategories.
• Rocking chairs - Nothing says “Welcome to our Cabin” like rows of rocking chairs. If you have one or more in other rooms, bring it to the living from for the holiday season.

Indulge in Comfort Food (and Drink!)
• Soups, stews, and chowders hit the cozy cabin bill. Need some inspo? Search for Martha Stewart’s Vegetable Bean or Potato, Broccoli, and Cheddar Soup.
• Top off your cabin-inspired meal with a fresh-baked apple pie and hot cocoa.
• Or skip the hot chocolate altogether and go straight for the Jingle Juice—a merry blend of Cran-Apple Juice, Red Moscato, Prosecco, Vodka, and frozen cranberries. If you’re going for cabin cozy, why not go all the way?

Enjoy, friends, and from my home to yours, once again, happy holidays!