Louisville's real estate market in 2014 is ready for action! All you need to do is jump IN!

Every time we transition from one year to the next everyone winds up discussing statistics, numbers, sales and the like. We love evaluating the past to predict the future, but at the end of the day, those are all the things that we have no control over. Today, I want to talk about what we do have control over: the coming months and year ahead in your life. The year 2014 promises lots of good things and with the phenomenal interest rates, motivated sellers, excited buyers and excited marketplace – it’s a FANTASTIC time to get out there and get involved in real estate! So I'd like to ask you three questions:

What is Happening in 2014?
We’re looking at interest rates that are hovering in the low to mid-4 percent range, which is CRAZY if you think about it! Not too long ago rates were as high as credit cards! Inventory levels are low enough where sellers are walking away satisfied yet buyers are motivated to act quickly and swiftly rather than dragging their feet too long and create a lagging marketplace.

What is Going to Happen in 2014?
This is something that everyone wants to know and no one can answer it! Sure we had a great year – and for many in the real estate industry, it was our best year ever! But that doesn’t matter to you. What matters to you the most is what you want to accomplish this year. Do you want to move up into your forever home? Is this the year when you realize your dream of living energy conscious and buying a GREEN home? Is downsizing something you’ve been wanting to do and it’s finally the time to do it? Regardless of your lifestyle and desires – now is a fantastic time to go for it because you have the power to control all that is around you and - right now - the market is practically handing it to you.

Is Real Estate Investment Your Next Step?
With market conditions like these, investing in real estate is the next ideal step for those who have the money to do so. Whether you are a first-time investor or a seasoned veteran, with interest rates like these it makes senses to create a portfolio of one, two or multiple properties with lasting returns on your investment.

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No one knows what is in store in 2014. It's important to concentrate on what you can make happen during this year. Remember, only you have the power to make it a great year in real estate for youself! And we are your partners in making it happen! Call or email us today.
502.458.2722 or jp@jpsold.com

Happy Holidays!

Can you believe 2014 is just days away? As the new year approaches, I couldn't help but reflect on the past year. Our team had the best year in the history of the company and we couldn't have done it without you. From the bottom of my heart I wanted to thank you for your support and your referrals. Have a happy and safe Christmas and New Years!

10 Reasons Why Now is a Great Time to Sell Your Home

 
Traditional school of thought dictates that selling a home during the holidays is a bad idea. People are busy celebrating with their families and will hardly go shopping for a home, right? Not so!  There are numerous advantages to listing a home during this season and below are ten great reasons to put a home on the market now. 

More serious buyers – Less time wasted

These are people who are interested in buying so there is a far greater chance of actually selling the property.  Nothing is more promising to a seller than a motivated and qualified buyer that knows what they want and is actively seeking to get it.

Fewer Homes On the Market

The less competition there is, the higher the chance there is for homes on the market to sell. Where during the peak season sellers might be dealing with some interest from buyers on their home, nonetheless there is more selection for buyers to choose from and they can stray to another property.

In January Inventory Increases – Chances of Selling Decreases

With so many homeowners assuming the holidays is a taboo time to sell there is a plethora of new listings in January, resulting in a diminished chance of your home selling.  Also, there is a risk that the price you may receive on the home can be less.

Decked Halls Look Great!

Homes are very appealing to prospective buyers when they are decorated for the holidays.  With all the festive décor, lights, greenery and added beauty of the season – the home shows very well and attracts buyers faster than if shown during other times of the year.

More Time To Browse Homes

Buyers have extra time off from work and are on vacation, which translates to a more aggressive buying pattern and more chances of your home being viewed.

More Emotional Buyers

Because of the high stress of the holidays, buyers tend to be more emotional during this time than in the summer months. A more emotional buyer will tend to pay more for a new property, so selling your home during the holidays could make you more money. 

Show The Home With Flexibility

Sellers that have their home listed prior to the holidays have the added advantage to be able to “pause” the process so they can celebrate the holidays, essentially not showing the home during a period of time during the break.  When the festivities die down, things can pick up again and the seller has not only managed to save potentially lost time but can also jump right back into the market.

Transferred Employees

January is typically the month where employees are transferred into new position. In order to capture this demographic of buyers, your home must be on the market since these buyers cannot wait until the spring to buy. 

Sell Now For More Money Then Delay Closing

Extended occupancy can be negotiated, leaving both parties the leniency to get through the holiday season and past the New Year so that all sides can rest assured the deal is done but it can follow through at a more convenient time.  For sellers this option is great because they are able to secure a higher selling price on the property before the market is inundated with new listings come January when the selling values drop.

Fewer Foreclosures On the Market

Many banks will suspend foreclosure listing during this time of year, especially on properties where there are still families occupying the home.  As a result of this, some of the competition that arises for sellers from low-priced foreclosures can be avoided during the holidays.

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Keep in mind that the idea of your home’s value increasing significantly over the next several months is a myth.  The truth is that housing values likely only go up when consumer income rises.  Pay rates increase at a rate of three to five percent each year and that is 
about the maximum yearly increase we can expect to see in a home as well.  So if you are wondering whether or not to put your home on the selling market now, or to wait – one important factor is that waiting will not provide much benefit.

Effectively Prepping Your Home

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You want to sell your home quickly. The fastest way to do so is to start depersonalizing your home to create a blank canvas. You don't want to distract the buyer with your personal belongings, so pack up the photos, and let the buyer imagine their own photos on your walls and knick-knacks on your shelves all the while saying, "I can see myself living in this home!" Less is more.

To help create the blank canvas, paint is inexpensive and it will increase the value of your home, but you need to choose a neutral palette. The goal is to appeal to the masses because when you do, you get more showings, which leads to more offers and then, ultimately, the highest price possible for your property.