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How To Avoid Elder Financial Scams, Cyber Security & More
I’ve recently read several articles on scams. And it didn’t occur to me until today, that Halloween would be the perfect day to send you something scary. Though being scammed did not make “The Top 10 Fears in America 2023” list, from personal experience it’s definitely one of my top fears! I have summarized the top scams apparently aimed at the elderly (eek, turning 60 in February may indeed make me a candidate for this category!) I experienced the TOP scam targeting seniors – tech support scams. And the crazy thing is, I am fairly tech literate!
Are Higher Mortgage Rates Here To Stay?
The higher the rate, the more expensive it is to borrow money when you buy a home. That’s because, as rates trend up, your monthly mortgage payment for your future home loan also increases.
Understand AVMs to Maximize Your Home’s Appraisal Value
The most important step homeowners can take to prepare for an AVM-based valuation is to ensure their property information is accurate in all government records and also in any informal online listings. This is especially important for older homes whose improvements and renovations might not be reflected in public property records. AVMs have the ability to read the internet, so the more positive data about a property, the better. Make sure any unique features or amenities are thoroughly described in all records.
How Inflation Affects Mortgage Rates
When you read about the housing market in the news, you might see something about a recent decision made by the Federal Reserve (the Fed). But how does this decision affect you and your plans to buy a home? Here’s what you need to know.
Five Rights to Selling Your Home
In order to sell your home in smallest amount of time and for the greatest return, you need to make sure that it gets maximum buyer exposure by following the five rights: house right, yard right, price right, market right, and selecting the right realtor®. I’d be delighted to talk with you about how we can work together to get the best price in the shortest time for your home. – With Team Marti, you get two for the price of one, Merle AND Marti Reeder!
The True Value of Homeownership
Buying and owning your home can make a big difference in your life by bringing you joy and a sense of belonging. And with June being National Homeownership Month, it’s the perfect time to think about all the benefits homeownership provides. Of course, there are financial reasons to buy a house, but it’s important to consider the non-financial benefits that make a home more than just where you live. Here are three ways owning your home can give you a sense of accomplishment, happiness, and pride.
Real Estate Is Still Considered the Best Long-Term Investment
With all the headlines circulating about home prices and rising mortgage rates, you may wonder if it still makes sense to invest in homeownership right now. A recent poll from Gallup shows the answer is yes. In fact, real estate was voted the best long-term investment for the 11th consecutive year, consistently beating other investment types like gold, stocks, and bonds.
What Sellers Need to Know About Home Inspections
Home inspections are popular again, and that means buyers are likely to require one before purchasing your house. As you get ready to sell, let’s work together to make sure you’re prepared for what an inspection will cover. AND just as importantly, let’s be sure you don’t put money into anything you don’t have to! We’ve got tips & tricks for helping you prepare your home so it’s market-ready and you get TOP DOLLAR for it, with the least amount of hassle. LET’S GET TOGETHER SOON — While there are few listings on the market, rather than wait for everyone else to join the listing club!
7 Tips for Choosing a Great Real Estate Agent
Here are seven reasons to choose Team Marti to guide you as you prepare to transition homes, from our client testimonials to Marti’s extensive list of awards and titles. Our team is prepared to assist you in your real estate journey. Contact us at (253)234-7626 today or schedule an appointment to chat.
The Worst Home Price Declines Are Behind Us
If you’re following the news today, you may feel a bit unsure about what’s happening with home prices and fear whether or not the worst is yet to come. That’s because today’s headlines are painting an unnecessarily negative picture. Contrary to those headlines, home prices aren’t in a freefall. The latest data tells a very different and much more positive story. Local home price trends still vary by market, but here’s what the national data tells us.
Happy Small Business Week!
Team Marti started off with Marti jumping in as a newly licensed real estate broker in October 2004. Feeling she couldn’t properly represent anyone on such an enormous sale until she was fully educated, she didn’t do her first transaction until six months later. And that was an $85,000 condo. The owner told her “I can’t afford to sell for a dime less”. And a few days later, the caller said, “I’d like to buy this condo but I can’t afford a dime more.” And she had her first two deals!
Want To Sell Your House This Spring? Price It Right.
Over the last year, the housing market’s gone through significant change. While it’s still a sellers’ market, homes that are priced right are selling, and they get the most attention from buyers right now. If you’re thinking of selling your house this spring, it’s important to lean on your expert real estate advisor when it comes to setting a list price. As Realtor.com explains: “Move-in-ready homes with curb appeal and in desirable areas—and that are priced to sell—are especially likely to move quickly this spring.” In today’s market, how you price your house will not only make a big difference to your bottom line, but to how quickly your house will sell.
