Blog - Debbie Marett

Market Info

Existing-Home Sales Fall 3.3% In June

In keeping with the challenges of low inventory and high home prices, existing-home sales fell 3.3% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.16 million in June, according to the National Association of REALTORS®’ (NAR) most recent existing-home sales report. NAR’s latest data on existing homes found that year-over-year, sales fell 18.9% (down from 5.13 […]
Market Info

4 Reasons Not To Always Believe Online House-Value Estimtes

Prospective homebuyers often check national brokerages online for information. It’s logical to see houses for sale with list prices. But what about the ones that are not for sale? We all look at them, as almost every house has an estimated value. But it would be good to know why the ‘what-they’re-worth’ prices listed should […]
Selling

First Impressions Matter – Get Your Home Market Ready

If you are considering selling your home, there are several things you can do now to make the best first impression on potential buyers. Taking the time to declutter, deep clean and make simple repairs will show buyers that your house and property are well-maintained and ready for a new owner. Increase Curb Appeal A […]
Buying

Do You Need Down Payment Assistance?

You may be surprised to know that many of the homes listed in the MLS are eligible for a number of assistance programs to help you get into a home! But if you are not sure on a particular property and just need to know what might be available, you can search on your own […]

Market Info Existing-Home Sales Fall 3.3% In June In keeping with the challenges of low inventory and high home prices, existing-home sales fell 3.3% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.16 million in June, according to the National Association of REALTORS®’ (NAR) most recent existing-home sales report. NAR’s latest data on existing homes found that year-over-year, sales fell 18.9% (down from 5.13 […]

Market Info 4 Reasons Not To Always Believe Online House-Value Estimtes Prospective homebuyers often check national brokerages online for information. It’s logical to see houses for sale with list prices. But what about the ones that are not for sale? We all look at them, as almost every house has an estimated value. But it would be good to know why the ‘what-they’re-worth’ prices listed should […]

Selling First Impressions Matter – Get Your Home Market Ready If you are considering selling your home, there are several things you can do now to make the best first impression on potential buyers. Taking the time to declutter, deep clean and make simple repairs will show buyers that your house and property are well-maintained and ready for a new owner. Increase Curb Appeal A […]

Buying Do You Need Down Payment Assistance? You may be surprised to know that many of the homes listed in the MLS are eligible for a number of assistance programs to help you get into a home! But if you are not sure on a particular property and just need to know what might be available, you can search on your own […]

Uncategorized Are you Putting your Faith in Zestimate? Excerpts from Inman Article Admit it, you have Googled your property address or gone to Zillow to see how much your home is worth. Haven’t we all? Everyone probably has checked online to see what the online AVMs (automated valuation models) say their home might be worth at one time or another. It may be […]

Buying Congratulations! You’ve Found a Home Congratulations! You have applied for a mortgage, are pre qualified and found a home to buy ! You’re undoubtedly excited about the opportunity to decorate your new home, but before you make any large purchases, move your money around, or make any big-time life changes, consult your loan officer – someone who will be able […]

Market Info The worst thing clients can do presently is wait to see if rates dip. Market Update with Mark Sprague Summer 2023 By Mark Sprague, State Director of Information Capital Independence Title The market had hoped that moderating inflation would have a positive impact on rates by the middle of this year. Not going to happen. Not happening for the rest of the year. While inflation has shrunk / slowed, […]

Buying 5 Powerful Reasons to Own Instead of Rent 5 Powerful Reasons to Own Instead of Rent Owning a home has great financial benefits. In a recent research paper, Homeownership and the American Dream, Laurie S. Goodman and Christopher Mayer of the Urban Land Institute explained: “Homeownership appears to help borrowers accumulate housing and nonhousing wealth in a variety of ways, with tax advantages, greater […]

Buying Things to Avoid After Applying for a Mortgage Congratulations! You’ve found a home to buy and have applied for a mortgage! You’re undoubtedly excited about the opportunity to decorate your new home, but before you make any large purchases, move your money around, or make any big-time life changes, consult your loan officer – someone who will be able to tell you how […]

Home Improvement 5 Things New Homeowners Waste Money On Becoming a homeowner is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with financial responsibilities. While it’s natural to invest in your new space, it’s important to spend wisely and avoid unnecessary expenses. Unfortunately, many new homeowners fall into common traps and end up wasting their hard-earned money on things that don’t add much value or […]

Market Info Mid-Year Market Update The real estate industry is an ever-changing landscape where the future is difficult to predict. Whether you are a potential homebuyer, seller, or investor, staying informed about the latest developments is crucial for making informed decisions. Below are a few of the latest trends in the market as well as some predictions for the rest […]

Market Info Why the Median Home Price Is Meaningless in Today’s Market The National Association of Realtors (NAR) will release its latest Existing Home Sales (EHS) report later this week. This monthly report provides information on the sales volume and price trend for previously owned homes. In the upcoming release, it’ll likely say home prices are down. This may feel a bit confusing, especially if you’ve been following along and seeing the blogs […]

Selling Should You Reduce Your Listing Price after Two Weeks in the Current Market, or Is That Too Soon? Over the past few years, homeowners have gotten used to the idea that pretty much every house sells quickly and for over the asking price. Houses were selling in such record time that most sellers never even had to consider the thought of reducing their price. But the market has changed recently, due in large part to […]

Uncategorized Thank you for a great 2022!

Selling Why You Need A REALTOR® to Sell Your Home With so much at stake in the selling of a home, here’s why you should work with a skilled professional list and sell your home. For many people, owning a home is one of the largest financial transactions they’ll make, which is why 87% of sellers rely on an agent to be their guide. It’s […]

Uncategorized Homestead Exemptions – 2023 Time to File If you purchased a home in 2022, it is time to file your HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION. It is free and most of the time, you can do it online. If I can be of service or answer questions, please reach out! Homestead exemptions remove part of your home’s value from taxation, so they lower your taxes. […]

Uncategorized November 2022 Central Texas Housing Report ABOR: Median price for a home in Austin-Round Rock MSA stays flat, no sales or price records set. November housing inventory nearly quadruples. AUSTIN, Texas —For the first time since February 2019, median home prices in the Austin-Round Rock MSA experienced a 0% year over year increase, according to the Austin Board of REALTORS® November […]

Market Info October 2022 Central Texas Housing Report

Buying Should You Still Buy a Home with the Latest News About Inflation? While the Federal Reserve is working hard to bring down inflation, the latest data shows the inflation rate is still high, remaining around 8%. This news impacted the stock market and added fuel to the fire for conversations about a recession. You’re likely feeling the impact in your day-to-day life as you watch the cost of goods and services climb. […]

Buying Pre-Approval Is a Critical First Step on Your Homebuying Journey If you’re planning to buy a home this year, one of the first steps on your journey is getting pre-approved. Especially in today’s market when mortgage rates are higher than they were just a few months ago, getting a mortgage pre-approval can be a game changer. Here’s why. What Is Pre-Approval? To better understand why pre-approval is key, it’s important to know what […]