on Saturday, 24 June 2017.
Posted in Newsletters
1. Prices Will Continue to Rise
CoreLogic’s latest Home Price Index reports that home prices have appreciated by 7.1% over the last 12 months. The same report predicts that prices will continue to increase at a rate of 4.9% over the next year.
The bottom in home prices has come and gone. Home values will continue to appreciate for years. Waiting no longer makes sense.
2. Mortgage Interest Rates Are Projected to Increase
Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey shows that interest rates for a 30-year mortgage have remained around 4%. Most experts predict that they will begin to rise over the next 12 months. The Mortgage Bankers Association, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the National Association of Realtors are in unison, projecting that rates will increase by this time next year.
An increase in rates will impact YOUR monthly mortgage payment. A year from now, your housing expense will increase if a mortgage is necessary to buy your next home.
3. Either Way, You are Paying a Mortgage
There are some renters who have not yet purchased a home because they are uncomfortable taking on the obligation of a mortgage. Everyone should realize that, unless you are living with your parents rent-free, you are paying a mortgage - either yours or your landlord’s.
As an owner, your mortgage payment is a form of ‘forced savings’ that allows you to have equity in your home that you can tap into later in life. As a renter, you guarantee your landlord is the person with that equity.
Are you ready to put your housing cost to work for you?
4. It’s Time to Move on with Your Life
The ‘cost’ of a home is determined by two major components: the price of the home and the current mortgage rate. It appears that both are on the rise.
But what if they weren’t? Would you wait?
Look at the actual reason you are buying and decide if it is worth waiting. Whether you want to have a great place for your children to grow up, you want your family to be safer or you just want to have control over renovations, maybe now is the time to buy.
If the right thing for you and your family is to purchase a home this year, buying sooner rather than later could lead to substantial savings.
on Tuesday, 14 August 2018.
Posted in Newsletters
Whether you are buying or selling a home, it can be quite the adventure. In this world of instant gratification and internet searches, many sellers think that they can ‘For Sale by Owner’ or ‘FSBO,’ but it’s not as easy as it may seem. That’s why you need an experienced real estate professional to guide you on the path to achieving your ultimate goal!
The 5 reasons you need a real estate professional in your corner haven’t changed but have rather been strengthened by the projections of higher mortgage interest rates and home prices as the market continues to pick up steam.
1. What do you do with all this paperwork?
Each state has different regulations regarding the contracts required for a successful sale, and these regulations are constantly changing. A true real estate professional is an expert in his or her market and can guide you through the stacks of paperwork necessary to make your dream a reality.
2. So you found your dream house, now what?
There are over 230 possible steps that need to take place during every successful real estate transaction. Don’t you want someone who has been there before, someone who knows what these actions are, to ensure you achieve your dream?
3. Are you a good negotiator?
So maybe you’re not convinced that you need an agent to sell your home. After looking at the list of parties that you will need to be prepared to negotiate with, you’ll soon realize the value in selecting a real estate professional. From the buyers (who want the best deals possible), to the home inspection companies, all the way to the appraisers, there are at least 11 different people who you will need to be knowledgeable of, and answer to, during the process.
4. What is the home you’re buying/selling really worth?
It is important for your home to be priced correctly from the start in order to attract the right buyers and shorten the amount of time that it’s on the market. You need someone who is not emotionally connected to your home to give you its true value. According to a recent article by the National Association of Realtors, FSBOs achieve prices significantly lower than the prices of similar properties sold by real estate agents:
“FSBOs earn an average of $60,000 to $90,000 less on the sale of their home than sellers who work with a real estate agent.”
Get the most out of your transaction by hiring a professional!
5. Do you know what’s really going on in the market?
There is so much information out there on the news and on the internet about home sales, prices, and mortgage rates; how do you know what’s going on specifically in your area? Who do you turn to in order to competitively and correctly price your home at the beginning of the selling process? How do you know what to offer on your dream home without paying too much, or offending the seller with a lowball offer?
Dave Ramsey, the financial guru, advises:
“When getting help with money, whether it’s insurance, real estate or investments, you should always look for someone with the heart of a teacher, not the heart of a salesman.”
Hiring an agent who has his or her finger on the pulse of the market will make your buying or selling experience an educated one. You need someone who is going to tell you the truth, not just what they think you want to hear.
Bottom Line
You wouldn’t replace the engine in your car without a trusted mechanic, so why would you make one of the most important financial decisions of your life without hiring a real estate professional?
on Saturday, 24 June 2017.
Posted in Newsletters
1. Demand Is Strong
The latest Buyer Traffic Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows that buyer demand remains very strong throughout the vast majority of the country. These buyers are ready, willing and able to purchase… and are in the market right now! More often than not, multiple buyers are competing with each other to buy a home.
Take advantage of the buyer activity currently in the market.
2. There Is Less Competition Now
Housing inventory is currently at a 4.2-month supply, well under the 6-months needed for a normal housing market. This means, in the majority of the country, there are not enough homes for sale to satisfy the number of buyers in that market. This is good news for home prices. However, additional inventory could be coming to the market soon.
There is a pent-up desire for many homeowners to move, as they were unable to sell over the last few years because of a negative equity situation. Homeowners are now seeing a return to positive equity as real estate values have increased over the last two years. Many of these homes will be coming to the market this summer.
Also, builder's confidence in the market has hit its highest mark in over 11 years. Experts are predicting that new construction of single-family homes will ramp up this summer.
The choices buyers have will continue to increase. Don’t wait until all this other inventory of homes comes to market before you sell.
3. The Process Will Be Quicker
Fannie Mae anticipates an acceleration in home sales that will surpass 2007's pace. As the market continues to strengthen, banks will be inundated with loan inquiries causing closing-time lines to lengthen. Selling now will make the process quicker and simpler. According to Ellie Mae’s latest Origination Insights Report, the time to close a loan has dropped to a new low of 42 days, after seeing a 12-month high of 48 days in January.
4. There Will Never Be a Better Time to Move Up
If you are moving up to a larger, more expensive home, consider doing it now. Prices are projected to appreciate by 4.9% over the next year, according to CoreLogic. If you are moving to a higher-priced home, it will wind up costing you more in raw dollars (both in down payment and mortgage payment) if you wait.
You can also lock in your 30-year housing expense with an interest rate around 4% right now. Rates are projected to increase in the next 12 months.
5. It’s Time to Move on with Your Life
Look at the reason you decided to sell in the first place and determine whether it is worth waiting. Is money more important than being with family? Is money more important than your health? Is money more important than having the freedom to go on with your life the way you think you should?
Only you know the answers to the questions above. You have the power to take control of the situation by putting your home on the market. Perhaps the time has come for you and your family to move on and start living the life you desire.
That is what is truly important.
on Thursday, 10 September 2015.
Posted in Newsletters
Hello, and Welcome to the Jane Clark Family. We are happy to have you as a new client. We think you made a wise decision to take advantage of Jane’s 16 years of Real Estate Experience and her astute negotiating talents. You may have already researched the Jane Clark Realty Group and discovered that I am the #1 Kw McKinney Listing Agent, and, the Jane Clark Realty Group, which includes some of the best Buyer's Agents in the real estate industry, is the top producing Kw McKinney group.
on Wednesday, 31 January 2018.
Posted in Newsletters
A recent survey by NeighborWorks America reported that:...
Owning a home remains a core element of the American Dream
on Thursday, 10 September 2015.
Posted in Newsletters
Hello, and Welcome to the Jane Clark Family. We are happy to have you as a new client. We think you made a wise decision to take advantage of Jane’s 19 years of Real Estate Experience and her astute negotiating talents. You may have already researched the Jane Clark Realty Group and discovered that I am the #1 Kw McKinney Listing Agent, and, the Jane Clark Realty Group, which includes some of the best Buyer's Agents in the real estate industry, is the top producing Kw McKinney group.
on Thursday, 10 September 2015.
Posted in Newsletters
Hello, and Welcome to the Jane Clark Family. We are happy to have you as a new client. We think you made a wise decision to take advantage of Jane’s 19 years of Real Estate Experience and her astute negotiating talents. You may have already researched the Jane Clark Realty Group and discovered that I am the #1 Kw McKinney Listing Agent, and, the Jane Clark Realty Group, which includes some of the best Buyer's Agents in the real estate industry, is the top producing Kw McKinney group.
on Thursday, 10 September 2015.
Posted in Newsletters
Hello, and Welcome to the Jane Clark Family. We are happy to have you as a new client. We think you made a wise decision to take advantage of Jane’s 16 years of Real Estate Experience and her astute negotiating talents. You may have already researched the Jane Clark Realty Group and discovered that I am the #1 Kw McKinney Listing Agent, and, the Jane Clark Realty Group, which includes some of the best Buyer's Agents in the real estate industry, is the top producing Kw McKinney group.
on Thursday, 28 January 2016.
Posted in Newsletters, Collin County Living
Curb appeal means the aesthetic charm of a home when first seen from the road according to the Urban Dictionary. Another definition says it’s the attractiveness of the exterior of a residential property. However you define curb appeal, we all want it. You don’t need to wait until your house goes on the market to cultivate this allure either. Start making your home’s exterior and landscape enticing before the time comes to sell it.
Curb Appeal
Do the Following
- Spiff Up the Front Door: A fresh coat of paint in red, green, blue or whatever color gives off the same vibe as your house’s interior says this home has personality. A swag or generic wreath also ups the ante and decreases the boring look many front doors portray. Polish any metal doorknobs, knockers or bells.
- Manicure the Front Yard: Trim hedges, bushes and any grass that has grown over the sidewalk or paths. Fill containers with bright, colorful, blooming flowers.
- Add Mulch: Dress up your flower beds with beauty bark or some other protective covering.
- Light the Way: Visitors and prospective buyers like to see where they are going. Choose solar lamps to show how much you care about the environment.
- Change Numbers: Install new house numbers big enough for first responders to see easily and attractive enough to make a good first impression.
- Upgrade the Driveway: Redo the concrete if the old is cracked and spread a new load of gravel for a refreshed look.
- Buy a New Mailbox: Throw out your old mail receptacle if it’s dented, chipped or doesn’t close properly. Get one that locks so your mail and that of the next homeowner stays secure.
- Install Art Outside: Add what fits best into your garden design like wind chimes, birdbaths, a water feature or sculptures. Be sure these pieces are weather-resistant.
Not everything you do automatically increases curb appeal so plan your strategy to avoid making big mistakes.
Don’t Do the Following
- Make the Entrance Puzzling: You don’t want visitors to have to guess which door is the front one. The entrance should be obvious, warm and inviting.
- Plant Annuals in Front: Instead use perennials that last to power up and beautify your landscape.
- Follow Weird Trends: Hardscaping the entire yard, using colored mulch and trimming hedges into shapes of ex-presidents all come to mind as being turnoffs to potential buyers.
- Veer Away From the Neighborhood Style: You don’t want to have the home people point to and say, “what was he thinking?” Instead your house should harmonize with those around it.
- Plant Close to Walkways or the House: Hedges hanging over paths or walkways look unkempt. Trees that seem small when sowed into the ground can grow very large with a root system that can disturb your foundation.
on Tuesday, 10 April 2018.
Posted in Newsletters
If your house no longer fits your needs and you are planning on buying a luxury home, now is a great time to do so! Recently, the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing released its Luxury Market Report which showed that in today’s premium home market, buyers are in control.
on Tuesday, 07 June 2016.
Posted in Newsletters
It may be a seller’s market, but that shouldn’t stop you from fixing up your home before you list it. As you know, kitchens sell homes. However, what you might not know is how to create a space that seals the deal. If you update your kitchen’s finishes and stage the space properly, your home won’t be sitting on the market for long. Here are eight ways to prep your kitchen for resale.
1. Get the wood look. If you need to replace your flooring, consider this: Hardwood is king when it comes to resale value. It’s the floor that buyers look for when they’re house shopping, and it will instantly increase the value of your kitchen.
Does that mean you have to install hardwood for your home to sell? Not at all. Quality hardwood isn’t cheap. It normally runs at least $4 per square foot. You can opt for less expensive flooring that has the wood look, such as vinyl and porcelain tile, which can carry lower price tags. Installing vinyl is DIY-friendly, which can keep your return on investment high.
2. Paint your cabinets. Cabinets are one of the first things buyers will notice about your kitchen. If your cabinets aren’t in tiptop shape, a new paint might be the best and most economical way to give them a modern makeover since new cabinets can easily cost more than $10,000.
A do-it-yourself paint job can cost less than $100 (plus hours of tutorials). If you don’t think you can pull it off, hire a professional. Expect to pay a pro anywhere from several hundred dollars to $2,000.
White is both a popular and timeless choice that will have broad appeal to home buyers. It also keeps your space light and open. Avoid colorful or dark tones and stick to a neutral palette.
3. Replace your cabinet hardware and faucet. These are minor upgrades that can boost your kitchen’s curb appeal for less than $1,000. The type of finish you choose ultimately depends on your kitchen’s style. Oil-rubbed bronze will do the trick, though stainless steel and chrome are more trendy choices.
If you don’t currently have cabinet hardware, consider investing in a style that suits your kitchen. It can give your cabinets an entirely new look and feel. It’s an additional cost but is more affordable than replacing your cabinets.
4. Go granite or solid surface. Here’s the deal: Buyers expect a durable, solid-surface worktop like granite. It’s already as standard a finish as stainless steel. If you have dated laminate countertops, now is the time to upgrade.
There are many options available for countertops. Granite and quartz are two popular choices. Quartz countertops are a hot commodity right now and will certainly help sell your home. Some may even argue that quartz is the new standard instead of granite.
So what will it cost? An entry-level granite costs around $45 to $55 per square foot installed. Quartz normally runs $65 to $85 per square foot installed. While that isn’t chump change, it’s a small price to pay for a sold home.
5. Install a designer backsplash. If you haven’t replaced your backsplash in more than a decade, chances are it’s too dated. A flashy glass mosaic or a creative blend of glass and tile can leave an impression on home buyers. Don’t forget about quality stone like marble and travertine either.
Glass mosaics usually cost anywhere from $10 to $60 per square foot. Stay on the lower end of that spectrum to maximize your return on investment.
6. Paint the walls. A new paint job is usually one of the first expenses that homeowners pencil in when they’re preparing to list their home, and for good reason. Your kitchen walls have to look presentable. Patch up areas that need TLC or select an entirely new color.
When you’re deciding on a new color, the lighter, the better. Remember, you want your kitchen to feel as open and expansive as possible. Grays are certainly en vogue, but off-whites, creams, beiges and tans have broad appeal too. Choose a softer tone to offset dark cabinetry and furniture.
7. Boost and update the lighting. Lighting is a key feature in creating an open and inviting space that buyers will love. Swap out any dim or broken bulbs for new ones. If you have pendant lights or lamps, make sure they’re still in style. If not, invest in modern lighting fixtures that will have appeal in today’s housing market.
Adding undercabinet lighting is another quick fix you can make to improve your kitchen’s lighting. It’s relatively inexpensive and will brighten up your counter space.
8. Stage it well. You can upgrade or improve every finish in your kitchen, but it won’t mean a thing if potential buyers can’t envision the space as their own. It’s also important to keep your kitchen as clean as possible while you’re showing it.
Here are a few tips for proper staging:
- Declutter. Clearing your counters is an absolute must, but don’t stop there. Get rid of the items you no longer use. Clean out and organize your pantry and cupboards — buyers will likely take a peek. Scrub down places you haven’t seen or touched in years.
- Make it flow. Tables, chairs and decor should feel natural and open, not cramped and closed. Consult with a real estate agent or interior designer if you need help reimagining your layout to improve your kitchen’s flow.
- Use fruits and fresh flowers as decorations. They’re inexpensive props that add color to your kitchen. Plus, they breathe life into the space and make it feel lived
on Wednesday, 11 February 2015.
Posted in Newsletters
Thank you so much for being a part of my Highland Springs Senior Lifestyle seminar. It was a pleasure meeting you and sharing experiences and information together.
on Thursday, 22 October 2020.
Posted in Newsletters
on Thursday, 10 September 2015.
Posted in Newsletters
Hello, and Welcome to the Jane Clark Family. We are happy to have you as a new client. We think you made a wise decision to take advantage of Jane’s 16 years of Real Estate Experience and her astute negotiating talents. You may have already researched the Jane Clark Realty Group and discovered that I am the #1 Kw McKinney Listing Agent, and, the Jane Clark Realty Group, which includes some of the best Buyer's Agents in the real estate industry, is the top producing Kw McKinney group.
Written by Jane Clark Realtor
on Wednesday, 06 February 2019.
Posted in Newsletters
One of the biggest challenges sellers face when listing their house is decluttering. Cleaning out some of the more personal decorating choices allows buyers to imagine themselves living in the house.
Those planning to sell soon are in luck! Marie Kondo, the inventor of the KonMari Method of Tidying Up, has gained popularity with her new Netflix series. She gives some great tips for sorting through years of accumulated possessions that we all collect in our homes.
“The KonMari Method™ encourages tidying by category – not by location – beginning with clothes, then moving on to books, papers, komono (miscellaneous items), and, finally, sentimental items. Keep only those things that speak to the heart, and discard items that no longer spark joy. Thank them for their service – then let them go.”
When you subjectively look at all of your belongings, you can sort through the ones that mean the most to you. Not only will you increase space for more joy-bringing items in your new home, but you will also have a much easier time packing remaining belongings!
“Remember, tidying up isn’t about getting rid of stuff. It is about creating an environment that sparks joy and improves your quality of life.”
When selling your house, first impressions matter! Before you or your agent schedule a photographer to take photos for your listing, make sure to tour your home with fresh eyes. Look for any imperfections that a buyer might notice.
When you sort through your more sentimental items, consider packing them away to ensure that you know where they all are. That way, they are safe during open houses and showing appointments. This will also cut down on the amount of packing you need to do right before you move!
Bottom Line
Whether you are selling your house to move up to a larger one, downsizing, or moving in with family, only bring the items that truly spark joy for you. This will not only help cut down on the items you move but also ensures that you’re off to a great start in your new home!
