Are all real estate agents REALTORS?

No! All licensed real estate agents are salespersons, but not all agents are REALTORS. - Real estate agents are licensed professionals who facilitate property transactions between buyers and sellers. A REALTOR® is a member of NAR, National Association of REALTORS® as well as a licensed real estate professional. The term signifies a dedication to professionalism and an adherence to a higher set of standards, fiduciary duties, loyalty and ethical practices in the real estate industry. Beyond the duties of a real estate agent, a REALTOR® pledges to uphold integrity, honesty, and client interests through the NAR Code of Ethics.

How much is my home worth?

When it comes to determining the value of a home, there are several factors that need to be considered, such as the location, size and layout, condition, and features of the property, as well as the current market conditions in the area (how’s the supply and demand?). To get a more precise estimate of a home’s worth, I offer a 100% FREE home evaluation! Contact me today to find out what YOUR home is worth!

Whats the FIRST step if I want to purchase a home?

The first step when buying a home is to get pre-approved for a mortgage, which helps determine how much money you can borrow for a home. Pre-approval involves meeting with a lender and providing them with your financial information, such as income, debts, and assets. The lender reviews your information and lets you know how much they are willing to lend and at what interest rate. This is important because it helps you determine your budget for buying a home and shows sellers that you are a serious buyer. Getting pre-approved also speeds up the process once you find a home and want to make an offer on.

What is a seller's market?

A seller’s market takes place when demand exceeds supply. When there is less than a 6-month supply of inventory available, we are in a seller’s market and we will see greater appreciation. With a low inventory of homes on the market, we see a continued upward pressure on home prices. Common causes of a seller’s market include: -Low inventory or supply of homes on the market -Economic growth and job creation -Low interest rates or mortgage rates -Looser lending restrictions or easier access to mortgage financing -Low new construction development or slower pace of new home building

What is a buyer's market?

A buyer’s market occurs when supply exceeds demand, giving buyers an advantage in negotiations. More than a 7-month supply means we are in a buyer’s market and can expect depreciation in home values. Common causes of a buyer’s market include: -High inventory or supply of homes on the market -Economic downturn or recession -High interest rates or mortgage rates -Tighter lending restrictions or difficulty getting approved for a mortgage -Oversaturation of new construction home

Why is a home's assessed value different from it's market value?

The assessed value is for tax purposes set by a municipality. Market value is the price a property would sell in a competitive market. Professional appraisers calculate the assessed value, while buyers and sellers impact the market value. In a buyer’s market, purchasers might make a lower offer than the home's assessed value. However, if it’s a seller’s market, there’s a chance the home’s market value will be more than its assessed value. This occurs because of low inventory, which can bump the price up from its actual worth.