Seasonal Shift
Autumn is most beloved for its breathtaking foliage, soothing warm scents and much needed almost-end-of-the-year family and friends gatherings. It is an equally wonderful time to purchase or sell real estate. Read more to find out why.
As autumn arrives, the real estate market shifts into its serious phase. Gone are the casual lookers; now, buyers and sellers engage with clear intent. Whether you know a home buyer or seller, this is the moment to shine. A clear purpose drives those who are entering the real estate scene in the months of October, November and December.
For sellers, it’s the chance to showcase a home to motivated individuals who are ready to make a move. With the activities of summer behind them, potential buyers are fully committed to their home search. Your listing won’t drown in a sea of options; it’ll stand out as a genuine contender for those who are eagerly seeking a new abode.
Buyers, get ready for a treat. With fewer properties on the market compared to the bustling spring and summer, your choices are focused and streamlined. The homes you encounter will have owners who mean business—they’re diving into the market, not just dipping their toes. This heightened seriousness means smooth negotiations, purposeful decisions and an overall streamlined process.
The next time you are talking with a friend or neighbor who is serious about moving, call Sunflower Peak Estates immediately. Together, we’ll make sure they fall in love with their next home.
Making A Move Easy on Kids, and Yourself.
With many families opting to move during summer and getting ready for back to school, here are a few to keep in mind for the young ones for a smoother move…
A Move Affects Children and Adults Differently.
Most often, a move represents an important step forward for the adults in the family because of a new job, promotion, transfer to a different office, or financial success has allowed them to buy a more comfortable house in a different neighborhood.
Moving from one house to another is seldom easy and enjoyable for adults (who chose to move), and can be especially troubling for children (who prefer to stay where they are). But if parents are mindful of their children’s concerns and needs, they can minimize distress and discomfort.
Describe the move in a truthful, positive way and plan together to make the new setting feel like home:
• Ask about their favorite activities (e.g., soccer), and plan to investigate youth programs in the new community.
• Ask what they like best about the present house (e.g., the swimming pool) and assure them that you’ll find a place for them to swim in the new town.
• Ask what they like best about the neighborhood (e.g., their friends), and make plans to invite the children on the block to a Welcome To the Neighborhood Party once you’ve settled in.
• Ask what they like the most about their school (e.g., their teacher), and let them know that you’ll request a tour of their new school and a chance to meet their teacher beforehand.
• Ask what they like most about their community (e.g., the video game parlor), and assure them that those activities will be available in the new location.
• Use children’s literature. Books can help children prepare for and understand difficult situations. Story characters who model successful coping strategies are an excellent resource for children.
• If the new home is too far away for the entire family to visit, show the children pictures of the house, yard, and neighborhood. Videotape it if you can. Include pictures of each child’s new room.
• Ask the children to name the house with an inviting description, like “Oak Hill,” for the big trees and sloping lawn.
• Young children need protection from fear of the unknown. Listen carefully to their concerns and respond quickly to relieve their apprehensions. It’s normal, for instance, for a young child to worry that his or her toy box and shelf of stuffed animals might be left behind. Uncover those anxieties by actively involving your children in the process.
• Don’t just promise to let them decorate their own rooms – take them to the paint store and let them bring home color swatches. Shop together for bedspreads and towels and carpets.
• They must leave old friends behind. Plan a They must leave old friends behind. Plan a going-away party and let them invite their own guests to bring closure to that parting.
• Take pictures of everyone and make a photo album. If a child is old enough, send him or her out with a roll of film in the camera and the assignment to photograph the scenes he’ll want to remember.
• Give each of them extra screen time so they can keep in touch with people who are important to them.
• Buy a stack of picture postcards that show positive views of your new community and encourage them to write messages to the friends and relatives they left behind.
• Try to pack children’s things last and include them in the packing process.
• Keep security objects such as a favorite teddy bear or blanket close by. Keep your routine as normal as possible. Regular eating and nap times are important.
Encourage children to get outside and get to know the people and the neighborhood.
Teenagers:
Most teenagers see themselves as adult members of the family, and may feel disrespected if they don’t hear about the move early in the process.
Also, they’ll need time to work through the ordeal of leaving their friends. Ending relationships and saying goodbyes takes time, and is best done before the move. Some relationships will be extremely difficult to bring to an end, and these will require thoughtful, personalized planning. How, for instance, do you move a 17-year-old a thousand miles from her steady boyfriend? Even though teens seem more advanced in their social skills, they may worry a lot about making friends and fitting in. Visit their new school and check out local activities and employment opportunities for young people.
Communities have their own culture and way of doing things, and this is often reflected in the way teens dress. How they look is really important to teens. Before spending money on a new school wardrobe, your teen may want to observe what’s “in.” Purchasing a few new outfits can often help a teen feel more comfortable.
It’s particularly important to let teens known that you want to hear about, and respect, their concerns. Blanket assurances may seem to your teen like you’re dismissing his or her feelings. It may help to explain that the move is a type of rehearsal for future changes, like college or a new job.
At any age, get help if emotional problems arise. Ask a teacher for assistance. Consider professional counseling. Don’t let a serious problem slide.
Eventually, the strangeness and temporary discomforts should diminish. New friends will become good friends. The new house may become the family gathering place that your grandchildren will visit on holidays. In the long run, everything will work out fine.
Big Mistakes Buyers Make And How to Avoid Them
Mistake #1 - Not knowing how much they can afford before they make an offer.
The easiest way to avoid this mistake is to get pre-approved for a mortgage by a Lender so you know in advance exactly how much you can afford.
Most pre-approvals are free and it will give you a basis to make a more informed purchasing decision when you find the house you like.
Mistake #2 - Not realizing that the wrong mortgage can cost thousands of dollars in needless interest and taxes.
Check with your accountant before you make your final decision on which mortgage you're going to choose. Your CPA can tell you what the long-term effects will be on your income, your taxes, and the equity you build in your home over time.
Most people aren't aware that with a standard 30year mortgage they'll be paying two-and-a-half times the amount of the mortgage in payments. With some advance planning and a simple strategy, they can cut the amount of interest they pay dramatically and own their homes sooner.
Mistake #3 - Not realizing in advance whom the real estate consultant represents.
Most people think that the agent they're working with is working for them. But unless they're working as your buyer representative, they represent the seller. There are different types of agency relationships you can have with a Realtor, so make sure you're clear on your options.
Mistake #4 - Not discovering hidden defects before they buy a home.
One of the most expensive mistakes is also one of the easiest to avoid, by having a professional pre-purchase home inspection. Don't get stuck with a money pit. The cost of a professional home inspection is usually a few hundred dollars, but the peace of mind it can give you and the expense you can avoid are worth thousands of dollars.
Mistake #5 - Not knowing how much their credit can affect their ability to buy or refinance a home.
Before you buy a home, many of the clouds on your credit history can be cleared up or even eliminated. Your mortgage professional can help you review and prepare your credit file in advance.