There are many benefits to working with a real estate professional when selling your house. During challenging times, like what we face today, it becomes even more important to have an expert you trust to help guide you through the process States Mike Eastwood Chief Executive Officer of West USA Realty of Prescott. If you’re considering selling on your own, known in the industry as a  For Sale By Owner (FSBO) , it’s critical to consider the following items. 1. Your Safety Is a Priority Your safety should always come first, and that’s more crucial than ever given the current health situation in our country. When you FSBO, it is incredibly difficult to control entry into your home. A real estate professional will have the proper protocols in place to protect not only your belongings but your health and well-being too. From regulating the number of people in your home at one time to ensuring proper sanitization during and after a showing, and even facilitating virtual tours, re...

  Even in today’s   sellers’ market , setting the right price for your house is one of the most valuable things you can do States Mike Eastwood Chief Executive Officer of West USA Realty of Prescott. According to the  U.S. Economic Outlook  by the  National Association of Realtors  (NAR), existing home prices nationwide are forecasted to   increase by 4.5% in 2021 . This means experts anticipate home values will continue climbing next year. Danielle Hale,   Chief Economist   for   realtor.com,   notes : “We expect price gains to ease somewhat in 2021 and end  5.7% above 2020 levels , decelerating steadily through the spring and summer, and then gradually reaccelerating toward the end of the year.” How to Price Your House When it comes to setting the right price for your house, the goal is to increase visibility and drive more buyers your way. Instead of trying to win the negotiation with one buyer, you should price your house s...

  We talk a lot about why it makes  financial  sense to buy a home, but more often than not, we’re drawn to the emotional reasons for homeownership states Mike Eastwood Chief Executive Officer of West USA Realty of Prescott. No matter the living space, the feeling of a home means different things to different people. Whether it’s a certain scent or a favorite chair, the feel-good connections to our own homes are typically more important to us than the financial ones. Here are some of the reasons why. 1. Owning your home is an accomplishment worth celebrating You’ve likely worked very hard to achieve this dream, and whether it’s your first home or your fifth, congratulations are in order for this milestone. You’ve earned it. 2. There’s no place like home Owning your own home offers not only safety and security but also a comfortable place where you can simply relax and kick-back after a long day. Sometimes, that’s just what we need to feel recharged and truly content. 3. Y...

  Over the past year, mortgage rates have   fallen   more than a full percentage point, hitting a new historic low 15 times states Mike Eastwood Chief Executive Officer of West USA Realty of Prescott. This is a great driver for homeownership, as today’s low rates provide consumers with some significant benefits. Here’s a look at three of them. 1. Move-up or Downsize:  One option is to consider moving into a new home, putting the  equity  you’ve likely gained in your current house toward a down payment on a new one that better meets your needs – something that’s truly a perfect fit, especially if your lifestyle has changed this year. 2. Become a First-Time Homebuyer:  There are many financial and non-financial benefits to owning a home, and the most important thing is to first decide when the time is right for you. You have to determine that on your own, but know that now is a great time to buy if you’re considering it. Just take a look at the cost...

  Once you’ve found the right home and applied for a mortgage, there are some key things to keep in mind before you close  states Mike Eastwood Chief Executive Officer of West USA Realty of Prescott . You’re undoubtedly excited about the opportunity to decorate your new place, but before you make any large purchases, move your money around, or make any major life changes, consult your lender – someone who is qualified to tell you how your financial decisions may impact your home loan. Below is a list of things you shouldn’t do after applying for a mortgage. They’re all important to know – or simply just good reminders – for the process. 1. Don’t Deposit Cash into Your Bank Accounts Before Speaking with Your Bank or Lender.  Lenders need to source your money, and cash is not easily traceable. Before you deposit any amount of cash into your accounts, discuss the proper way to document your transactions with your loan officer. 2. Don’t Make Any Large Purchases Like a New Car...

   In a year that was financially devastating for many Americans states Mike Eastwood Chief Executive Officer of West USA Realty of Prescott, some good news for most homeowners is the dramatic gain in home equity over the last twelve months. Last week,   CoreLogic   released its   2020 3rd Quarter Homeowner Equity Insights   report, which reveals four major findings: U.S. homeowners with mortgages have seen their equity increase by a total of $1 trillion since the third quarter of 2019. The average homeowner gained approximately $17,000 in equity over the past year. This is a 10.8% increase in equity over last year. The average household with a mortgage now has $194,000 in home equity. This has given many homeowners the ability to redesign their homes to meet their changing needs. Frank Martell,  President and CEO  of  CoreLogic , explains in the report: “The housing market has remained a strong pillar in an otherwise tumultuous economic year...

  Black Friday and Cyber Monday are behind us states Mike Eastwood Chief Executive Officer of West USA Realty of Prescott, yet finding the perfect holiday gifts for friends and family is certainly still top of mind for many right now. This year, there’s another type of buyer that’s very active this holiday season –  the homebuyer . Each month,  ShowingTime  releases their  Showing Index  which tracks the average number of appointments received on active U.S. house listings. The most recent index notes: “The Showing Index reported a  60.9 percent  jump in nationwide showing traffic year over year in October, the  sixth consecutive month  to see an increase over last year.” Here’s the breakdown of the latest activity by region of the country compared to this time last year: The Northeast increased by 65.5% The West increased by 64.7% The Midwest increased by 55.7% The South increased by 54.7% Why is the traffic so active? The health crisis...