Are you torn between whether to buy a home now or wait? Consider this. Forecasts show prices will climb for at least the next 5 years. If you wait, the price of a home will be higher later on. But, if you buy a $400K now, you could gain roughly $83K in equity as prices rise. If you’re able to buy now, this equity is one reason why it’ll be worth it in the long run. Let’s connect if you’re ready to talk through ways we can make it happen.
The Secret To Selling? Using an Agent To Get Your House Noticed
In a recent survey, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) asked sellers what they want most from a real estate agent. The number one answer was to help market their house.
It makes sense. The way your agent markets your house can be the difference between whether or not it stands out and gets attention from buyers. That’s why it’s so important to work with an expert local agent that knows what they’re doing.
According to that same report from NAR, here are some of the most common methods real estate agents use to market homes, and how you benefit when your agent uses them effectively (see graph below):
- Listing on the MLS – Real estate agents have access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) database. And that’s great for you because having your house on the MLS helps it get more visibility from other agents and buyers. And the more people who see it, the more likely it is to sell.
- Using a Yard Sign – A yard sign may seem simple, but it’s one of the best ways to catch the attention of people driving or walking by. And when it does, they’ll help spread the word to friends and family who are looking to buy that there’s a house for sale in the area. It also puts your agent’s contact information on display, making it easy for interested buyers to get in touch.
- Having an Open House – An open house is a great way to create a sense of competition and urgency among buyers – and that can lead to stronger offers. And since you’ll only need to leave once for many buyers to visit, it makes the process easier for you, too. Plus, an open house helps your agent get real-time feedback about what buyers love and what they’re not as sold on.
- Showcasing on Your Agent’s Website – Having your house on your agent’s website presents it in a professional way to buyers. And odds are, people visiting your agent’s website are serious and ready to make a move, so this is a smart way to get in front of motivated buyers.
- Social Networking – Posting your house on social helps get your house in front of buyers who may not have seen it with traditional marketing. It also makes it easy for people to share your listing with friends and loved ones.
- Providing Virtual Tours – For buyers who are relocating from out of town, virtual tours allow them to check out your house anytime from wherever they are. This helps reach more potential buyers who may not be able to come to see your house in person.
- Using Video – Video is an excellent way for your agent to show off some of the top features of your house like your kitchen, large closets, outdoor entertainment areas, and other key details that could attract buyers.
- Sending Emails – Sending out information about your house to your agent’s expansive database is another way they’ll get it in front of even more people. Great agents may even send emails teasing that your house is coming to the market as a way to boost interest and excitement before it officially has an open house.
Here’s what it comes down to. Most good agents will write a description of your house for the listing and pair it with high-quality photos. But a great agent will do so much more than that.
They’ll not only lean on their expertise, they’ll put in the time and effort to make sure your house makes an impression on buyers, and ultimately, sells.
Bottom Line
As a seller, working with a creative local real estate agent is a smart way to ensure your house grabs the attention of the right buyers. If you’re ready to sell and want to talk about strategies we can use to get your house sold, let’s chat.
Two Resources That Can Help You Buy a Home Right Now
A recent report from Realtor.com says 20% of Americans don’t think homeownership is achievable. Maybe you feel the same way. With inflation driving up day-to-day expenses, saving enough to buy your first home is more of a challenge. But here’s the thing. With the right resources and help, you can still make it happen.
There are options that can help make buying a home possible today — even if your savings are limited or your credit isn’t perfect. Let’s explore two solutions that could help get you into your first home, regardless of the market.
1. FHA Loans
If your down payment savings and credit score aren’t where you want them to be, an FHA loan could be your pathway to buying a home. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Bankrate, the big perks of an FHA home loan are:
- Lower Down Payments: They typically require a smaller down payment than conventional loans, sometimes as low as 3.5% of the home’s purchase price.
- Lower Credit Score Requirements: They’re designed to help buyers with credit scores that might not qualify for conventional financing. This means that when conventional loans aren’t an option, you may still be able to get an FHA loan.
The first step is to connect with a lender who can help you explore your options and determine if you qualify.
2. Homeownership Assistance Programs
And if you need a more budget-friendly down payment, that’s not your only option. Did you know there are over 2,000 homeownership assistance programs available across the U.S. according to Down Payment Resource? And more than 75% of these programs are designed to help buyers with their down payment. Here’s a bit more information about why these could be such powerful tools for you:
- Financial Support: The average benefit for buyers who qualify for down payment assistance is $17,000. And that’s not a small number.
- Stackable Benefits: To make it even better, in some cases, you may be able to qualify for multiple programs at once, giving your down payment an even bigger boost.
Rob Chrane, CEO of Down Payment Resource confirms a little-known fact:
“Some of these programs can be layered. And so, in other words, you may not be limited to just one program.”
If you want to learn more or see what you qualify for, be sure to lean on the pros. A trusted real estate agent and a lender can guide you through the process, explain the help that’s out there, and connect you with resources to make buying a home a reality.
Bottom Line
If you’re ready to stop wondering if buying a home is possible and start exploring solutions, let’s connect.
Sold! Amazing Opportunity Awaits On This “Diamond in the Rough” on Ravenna in Seattle
Listed at $699,000
Click Here For Full Details, Dozens of Photos, 3D and 4K Video Tour at the Property Website
Looking for a rehab project, starter home or a lot to build your dream home? Look no more!
Amazing opportunity awaits on this “diamond in the rough” in Ravenna. Ideally located near restaurants, grocery, transits and I-5 access. The light-filled 1,420 s.f. floorplan features 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths with partially finished basement on a 3,801 s.f. lot.
Open living and dining area with wood burning fireplace. Hardwood floors throughout. Kitchen with ample storage. Bright and cozy nook overlooking backyard. Two spacious bedrooms with large closets and adjacent full bath.
Downstairs basement with large rec room space (could be 3rd bedroom), laundry area with full bath and ample storage. Extra unfinished space (approx. 480 s.f.) waiting for your imagination.
Partially fenced yard with large patio and lawn space with room to relax, entertain or play! Alley access to detached carport with two parking space.
Seattle schools – Green Lake Elementary, Eckstein Middle School & Roosevelt High.
August 2019 – Eastside, King & Snohomish County Real Estate Market Update – Housing Trends and Current Pricing
Watch the latest episode of our Eastside, King & Snohomish County Real Estate Market Update for a recap on our local housing market. We will dive into current inventory levels and housing prices for homes in the Eastside, King & Snohomish County Washington.
Would you like to know more about our local real estate market? Contact us here. We are happy to help!
April 2019 – Eastside, King & Snohomish County Real Estate Market Update – Housing Trends and Current Pricing
Watch the latest episode of our Eastside, King & Snohomish County Real Estate Market Update for a recap on our local housing market. We will dive into current inventory levels and housing prices for homes in the Eastside, King & Snohomish County Washington.
Would you like to know more about our local real estate market? Contact us here. We are happy to help!
March 2019 – Eastside, King & Snohomish County Real Estate Market Update – Housing Trends and Current Pricing
Watch the latest episode of our Eastside, King & Snohomish County Real Estate Market Update for a recap on our local housing market. We will dive into current inventory levels and housing prices for homes in the Eastside, King & Snohomish County Washington.
Would you like to know more about our local real estate market? Contact us here. We are happy to help!
“Tony & Alise set the standard for a positive buying experience.”
Tony & Alise set the standard for a positive buying experience. I never felt like they were trying to sell me a home, they were trying to find me MY home. As a 1st time buyer, I really felt like they were on my side, they were the first to show me what was comparatively worse/better with homes we looked at. This was my first time working with Tony & AlIse, but it won’t be my last.
Nick Coleman
Purchased in Seattle – October 2018
“Your regular communication was very helpful through a changing housing market.”
Your market evaluation process was very helpful. Even though we went out at a higher price it turns out that the number you predicted was exactly right. Your help in preparing the house and your regular communication was very helpful through a changing housing market.
All in all you made what can be a difficult and disruptive situation very smooth and it was appreciated.
You were very clear about each step and that helped us know what to expect at each phase of the selling and closing.
We would be happy to recommend you any time.
Dave and Judy Palmer
Sold in Seattle – October 2018
“The photos and video tours were amazing.” Our Amazing Marketing Leads to another Successful Sale
Tony and his team did an outstanding job marketing our home and guiding us through the selling process. The photos and video tours were amazing. What we appreciated the most was Tony and team’s frequent communication every step of the way!
Lorne and Katie Sleipness
Sold in Seattle – August 2018
Happy Client Returns for 4th Successful Transaction and are now Headed to Retirement!
Dear Tony:
I want to thank you for the amazing, no-hassel job and exceptional work you did for me on the sale of my triplex apartment building in Seattle. You managed to make more money for me than the initial sales price even though the building never actually went on the market! That’s some kind of magic!
The process was so easy with you taking care of the details and interacting with the buyer on my behalf. This is the 4th sale you have handled for me and my husband and you have never disappointed. Your care and advice have been invaluable to us.
Thank you again.
Linda Shirley
Sold in Seattle – August 2017
Overseas owner successfully completes sale of Seattle Home.
We were completely satisfied with Tony’s service. I particularly appreciated that Tony was willing to work with us, since we live in Japan. This meant that all of the documents had to be signed electronically and he was able to make this process work well and patiently explain when we did not understand. He responded to all of our inquiries in a timely and thoroughly professional way. It was a pleasure to work with him.
Diane Musselwhite and Hikaru Ogawa – Sold in Seattle – 2016
Market Appreciation Prompts Sale of Rental Property in Ballard Area of Seattle
Your level of service was outstanding. We appreciated your experience and honesty. The home sold in 6 days, I couldn’t be more excited. Getting a pre-sale Inspection was something I had not heard of before, but really helped sell our townhome. I can’t believe how many business cards were placed on the kitchen counter. Tony really listened to us and understood our situation and his level of service is nothing but exceptional.
Steve and Julie Kennedy – Sold in Seattle – 2015
Job relocation from the East Coast to Seattle results in this family landing their dream home
Tony helped us navigate a very tricky relocation to the West Coast from Boston. He worked tirelessly to show us over a dozen houses in two days, and then helped us negotiate a bid on a property that we loved. As luck would have it, we were then forced into a difficult bidding war with another buyer. Tony was very skillful in putting together a bid package that helped us win the house of our dreams. I recommend him highly!
Evan McGlinn and Bradley O’Brien – Purchased in Seattle – 2014
Upswing in market prompts landlord to sell Seattle home
Tony, this is the third house you have sold for us. Could there be any better recommendation? You are so professional, keeping us informed at every step of the process. You negotiate for us and tell us how to get the property ready for the best possible price in the current market. Your photography is outstanding. The paperwork is so easy with your technical online ability and you explain clearly to all our concerns. We will be contacting you again with our next sale!
Real Estate Agent Reference – Woodinville/Seattle
I have had the distinct pleasure of buying and selling three properties with Tony Meier. He has consistently provided me with excellent service from beginning to end. Tony has a unique way of making you feel like you are his only client when you are working with him. His attention to detail, depth of market knowledge and business savvy give you the piece of mind as potential buyer/seller knowing that you are in the best of hands throughout the whole process.
I was tickled pink at the maximized value that Tony helped me achieve on the sale of my townhouse in Woodinville. I would be happy to answer any questions you might have about what a pleasure it has been working with Tony throughout my real estate investments.
Nichole Werner – Purchased in Woodinville & Seattle, Sold in Woodinville & Seattle – 2006
Real Estate Agent Review – Seattle, Bellevue
We had so much fun at the housewarming party that you hosted for us. It was a HUGE success! My friends are still talking about the awesome food presentation. Mark and I not only enjoyed working with you, but we genuinely think of you as a friend. We’ll be in touch and please use us for references anytime.
Mark Engbaum and Renee Korsmo – Sold in Bellevue, Purchased in Seattle
Real Estate Agent reference – Seattle
Buying a home from 3,000 miles away, on a limited budget, and in unfamiliar territory, Tony had his work cut out for himself when helping us find our home. He stayed in constant communication with us so we knew he’d be available for each and every question we had.
While staying in touch with us he also gave us the space to make our own decisions without pressure.
We are happy with our home and have enjoyed working with Tony and will recommend his expertise to others as well as use him again when the need arises.
Real Estate Review – Seattle
I am quite satisfied with your service and how last minute issues were effectively dealt with, keeping the unwanted excitement level low. Calls were returned promptly and Tony was always accessible to answer questions or quickly deal this anything needed to keep the transaction on schedule.
I would not hesitate to use Tony in the future and recommend him to anyone considering selling or buying real estate.
Real Estate Agent Reference – Seattle
I had worked with Tony before when he helped me purchase my first house. A couple of months later, I contacted him again, this time to help sell a property that my parents owned in Seattle. Our experience with the first agent we’d hired was very negative, and when I talked to Tony, I was happy to realize that his services weren’t limited to the Eastside, and he works within a 20-30 mile radius, so he agreed to help with the sale.
After looking at the house, Tony recommended several things we had to do to make the house more presentable. He took care of these improvements by referring a contractor he’s worked with before. The contractor gave me an estimate, took care of the repairs/improvements as promised, and about 10 days later, we put the property on the market again. In the 4 months that the property was on the market with the first agent, we’d received not one offer. After listing the property with Tony, we had multiple offers within a week, and accepted a full price offer shortly thereafter. The deal closed about 2 weeks after that. Overall, I can’t think of a more positive and painless experience. Throughout the entire process Tony was his usual self, following up with all the necessary paperwork, keeping us informed and updated on all the details, and accessible whenever needed, right up until the closing day.
His goal is to establish long term relationships with his clients. Whether you’re thinking about buying or selling, if you’re in the market and looking for an agent, I’d highly recommend him.
Real Estate Broker testimonial – Seattle
Having never done this before, I can’t think of anything that would have made it better. It was very easy and met, if not exceeded, my expectations. As a first time home buyer, I was nervous about the process and anxious about doing it on my own. Your helpful guidance and grounded approach made it easier than I ever imagined it could be! I want to thank you for the time you spent educating me about the process, for your no pressure approach and your genuine interest in making the experience a pleasant one. Your prompt response to my phone calls and emails was especially reassuring! You had answers to all my questions—from how big was her couch? to explaining the inspection agreements—I appreciated all of your efforts and your knowledge! I love my new condo and can’t wait to make it a great first home. When the time comes to look for another, I would call you first (but I hope it’s not for a while!). Thanks for all you do! I would happily refer to you anyone!
Real Estate Broker Review – Seattle
I’ve known Tony for many years, almost since I moved to Seattle in 1993. When Maria and I decided to buy our first home, we called Tony. After talking with us and evaluating our needs and wish list, Tony assisted us in finding our perfect home in less than a week. What’s more, Tony’s professional contacts and knowledge of the market allowed us to close in less than 2 weeks.
Tony is a one-stop shop. Not only did he find us a competitive mortgage, but he also arranged for all of the necessary details – including the inspection. With Tony’s guidance, we completed our home buying process from start to move-in within one month. Finally it was an enjoyable, painless experience. If you would like to discuss Tony’s skills, feel free to call me or Maria. I would recommend his services to anyone.
Scott Marlow and Maria Comstock – Purchased in Seattle
Real Estate Agent review – Seattle
We had intended to meet with 3 realtors to pick one. You were the first we met with and we knew you were the one we wanted to work with immediately. That first meeting where you took the time to understand our needs and likes and dislikes left us feeling like WOW! This is going to be a great experience.
You exceeded our expectations when it came to being our advocate: someone who was strong and wouldn’t back down to pressure. We found that you gave us great guidance, not always what we wanted to hear but great guidance nonetheless. You gave us 150% when it came to service. We will tell everyone we know about our experience with you and will send our friends to you.