Pricing Your House Right Still Matters Today

While this isn’t the frenzied market we saw during the ‘unicorn’ years, homes that are priced right are still selling quickly and seeing multiple offers right now. That’s because the number of homes for sale is still so low. Data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows 76% of homes sold within a month and the average saw 3.5 offers in June.

To set yourself up to see advantages like these, you need to rely on an agent. Only an agent has the expertise needed to find the right asking price for your house. Here’s what’s at stake if that price isn’t accurate for today’s market value.

The price you set for your house sends a message to potential buyers. 

Price it too low and you might raise questions about your home’s condition or lead buyers to assume something is wrong with it. Not to mention, if you undervalue your house, you could leave money on the table, which decreases your future buying power.

On the other hand, price it too high and you run the risk of deterring buyers from ever touring it in the first place. When that happens, you may have to do a price drop to try to re-ignite interest in your house when it sits on the market for a while. But be aware that a price drop can be seen as a red flag for some buyers who will wonder why the price was reduced and what that means about the home.

A recent article from NerdWallet sums it up like this:

"Your house’s market debut is your first chance to attract a buyer and it’s important to get the pricing right. If your home is overpriced, you run the risk of buyers not seeing the listing . . . But price your house too low and you could end up leaving some serious money on the table. A bargain-basement price could also turn some buyers away, as they may wonder if there are any underlying problems with the house."

Think of pricing your home as a target. Your goal is to aim directly for the center – not too high, not too low, but right at market value. 

Pricing your house fairly based on market conditions increases the chance you’ll have more buyers who are interested in purchasing it. That makes it more likely you’ll see multiple offers too. Plus, when homes are priced right, they still tend to sell quickly.

To get a high-level look into the potential downsides of over or underpricing your house and the perks that come with pricing it at market value, see the chart below:

Lean on a Professional’s Expertise to Price Your House Right

So why is an agent essential in finding the right price? Your local agent has the skill and the insight necessary to find the market value of your home. They’ll use their expertise to determine a realistic listing price by assessing:

• The prices of recently sold homes

• The current market conditions

• The size and condition of your house

• The location of your house

Bottom Line

Pricing your house at market value is critical, so don’t rely on guesswork. Let’s connect to make sure your house is priced right for today’s market.

The Value of an Agent When Buying Your New Construction Home

Buying a new construction home can be an exciting experience. From being the very first owner, to customizing your home’s features, there are a lot of benefits. But navigating the complexities of buying a home that’s under construction can also be a bit overwhelming. This is where a skilled real estate agent can make all the difference.

An article from The Mortgage Reports sums it up like this:

“Your Realtor or real estate agent will be key to helping you navigate this process. . . . they can guide you through construction and help anticipate and solve for any possible snags along the way.”

Here’s how your agent is an invaluable resource in your search to find and buy your new home.

Agents Know the Local Area and Market

Your agent is well-versed in the emerging communities and upcoming developments that could influence your decision. For example, you'll want to be aware if there were any plans to construct a highway through the woods behind your prospective backyard. It’s important to consider how the neighborhood and the surrounding area might evolve before making your home purchase. Your agent can help you find a community that perfectly aligns with your preferences, lifestyle, and future needs. 

Knowledge of Construction Quality and Builder Reputation

An agent also has the expertise to evaluate the construction quality and reputation of different builders. Their knowledge and experiences with local builders allow them to offer insights into each one’s track record, customer satisfaction, and construction practices. This information can help you avoid any potential risks and help you confidently select a builder known for delivering quality homes.

Assistance with Customization and Upgrades

The most obvious benefit of opting for new home construction is the opportunity to customize your home to suit your preferences. Your agent will guide you through that process and share advice on the upgrades that are most likely to add long-term value to your home. Their expertise ensures you focus your budget on areas that will give you the greatest return on your investment later on.

Understanding Builder Contracts and Negotiations

Builder contracts can be complex and differ from traditional home purchase agreements. Your agent can help you navigate these contracts to make sure you fully understand the terms and conditions. They’re also skilled negotiators who can advocate on your behalf, potentially securing better deals, upgrades, or incentives for you throughout the process.

Bottom Line

The guidance and expertise of a local real estate agent can make all the difference in turning your vision of the perfect home into a reality. Let’s connect so you can feel confident about purchasing your new construction home.

Al Fresco Soirées: Make the Most of Your Outdoor Entertaining

Courtesy of The Scout Guide

If backyard barbecues, dinner under twinkling lights, or cocktail hour spent on the terrace are your favorite way to entertain, these tips from four Scouted experts are sure to take your next outdoor gathering to the next level.

Decor should be natural.

 Kathleen Varner, owner of Kathleen Varner Petals & Props in Birmingham, Alabama, shares her number one tip for outdoor decorations: keep it simple. “I don’t like to be too fussy with arrangements outside, decorations should be natural and approachable,” she says. Her go-to decor options for outdoor occasions include potted plants scattered about, bowls of citrus on tabletops, or a few stems cut from your very own yard.

Keep it casual. 

If there’s ever a time to make things less formal, it’s when entertaining al fresco. One great way to accomplish that, according to Zach and Riley McDonald, owners of Ramblewood Events in Chattanooga, Tennessee, is to give guests the opportunity to serve themselves. “This makes guests feel more at home and can help assuage any awkwardness that may come with wanting seconds,” they share. If you don’t want to totally give up control, offering a self-serve drink or dessert bar is a good option.

Think seasonally. 

It’s no secret that fresh ingredients taste better when enjoyed in season, so when it comes to menu planning, head to your local famer’s market, says Carey Semprevivo and chef Pablo Toxqui, co-founders of Haute Feast in Long Branch, New Jersey. “We love to offer a crudité of colorful veggies, including items that are more non-traditional for a fun twist,” Semprevivo says. She recommends serving things like scallions, crisp romaine leaves, or colorful pole beans, alongside your favorite dip. “Garnish with some fresh herbs and edible flowers and your guests won’t be able to resist,” Toxqui adds.

It’s all about the prep. 

Whether you’re entertaining indoors or out, Zach and Riley McDonald share the secret to looking like you could host a party in your sleep is to plan ahead. For cocktail hour, a pitcher of batch drinks allows for plenty of time to greet guests and socialize prior to the meal. Sufficient meal prep, setting the table in advance, and easy hors d’oeuvres mean you can enjoy your party. “Guests came to be with you and socialize, not watch you work and be in the kitchen cooking,” the duo confirms.

Consider your tableware.

When hosting an outdoor soiree going casual is not only expected, it’s encouraged, especially when it comes to tableware. In place of less eco-friendly options like paper plates, Varner encourages stocking up on a set or two of melamine plates. “Just about indestructible, and perfect for outdoor entertaining, melamine has come a long way,” she says. “I have a set of marbled ones from Hammett, but have also been eyeing ALKMY and a’mano for their great selection of chic options.” 

Stay hydrated. 

“In the summer we drink a lot of agua fresca,” Toxqui says. “This non-alcoholic beverage is made from fresh fruit, water, citrus, and a sweetener, and is a very easy beverage to make for outdoor gatherings thanks to its ability to batch in large quantities, and it feels fancy compared to just having a plain water pitcher.” For an adult spin on this fruit-forward hydrator, He recommends serving aqua fresca alongside your favorite spirits for easy cocktails. Give it a spin with Toxqui’s recipe below. 

Watermelon Agua Fresca

Yields 4 servings

INGREDIENTS:

• 16 ounces fresh watermelon juice (either made with a juice extractor, or in a blender)

• 2 ounces filtered water

• 1 ounce fresh lemon or lime juice

• 1 ounce agave syrup

• 1 pinch of large flake sea salt

INSTRUCTIONS:

Mix all ingredients together and chill until ready to serve. When ready to serve, shake or stir well and pour in a glass over ice. Garnish with a citrus wheel or an edible flower.

Put it on ice. 

During warmer months, having cool drinks on hand is key. As part of party prep, Nicole Kaney, founder and owner of NK Productions of Sarasota, Florida, ices down all of the drinks and coolers the night before to ensure that they’re properly chilled by party time, adding more ice as needed. She notes that you can never have too much ice, so she keeps an extra cooler nearby, for drinks and coolers.