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Seeing your house sit on the market without any bites is the ultimate frustration.

After months of sitting on the sidelines, many homebuyers who were priced out by high mortgage rates and affordability challenges finally have an opportunity to make their move.

That’s right—according to a recent study from Zillow, in 22 of the 50 largest metro areas, monthly mortgage payments are now lower than rent payments.

If you’re wondering if you should buy now or wait, here’s what you need to know. 

Make it Inviting

You want your house to sell quickly and for top dollar. But pricing it too high can seriously jeopardize those goals. So, once your house is listed, watch out for these 4 signs that it's overpriced. And if any of these are happening to you, be sure to lean on your agent to course correct.

When it’s time to buy or sell a home, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is who you’ll work with as your agent.

Should you buy a home now or should you wait? That’s a question a lot of people have these days.

Believe it or not, almost 80% of first-time homebuyers qualify for down payment assistance, but only 13% actually use it. 

All parties will find a time to meet at the closing office (on the closing date agreed to in the contract or a change in date agreed upon by all parties) to sign all the closing documents. Typically, the sellers have signed their agreements and do not attend closing. I will be there representing you as my client. If you have obtained a lawyer, they will be there also in their office to close along with the title company "closer" who will go over all the documents with you, will get all signatures needed ¬tarize, then they will get the deed recorded and transferred with the county, supplying you with all copies.

An appraisal is the estimation of a home's current market value. A licensed appraiser contracted by the lender completes this estimation, which is calculated by comparing recent nearby sold homes to the property that is being appraised.

The purchase agreement says exactly how many days you have to get all inspections done, and respond to those inspection via an "inspection response."

Now what?

If the seller receives multiple offers, they COULD choose to call for “highest and best.” This means they will notify all buyers that they have received multiple offers, and will put out a deadline to revise your offer if you wish, and re-submit. If your current offer is already the best offer you are willing to submit, you can simply re-submit the same offer by the given deadline. The sellers do not HAVE to call for highest and best. If one offer stands out and they’d like to accept one, they have that right. They don’t have to give you a chance to revise or counter. That is why it is important to always put your best foot forward from the beginning! If you want the home, don’t play games.

CONTRACT DETAILS

When you find the home you LOVE- it’s time to make an offer! We will go over the purchase agreement together, fill in our price and terms, and I will submit it to the listing agent. The offer MAY include a deadline for the seller to respond to us (typically around 24 hours, sometimes shorter).

HOW SHOWINGS WORK

You want to avoid doing any of the following during the process of buying a home, because they will affect your ability to get approved for the mortgage loan. Discuss with me or your lender before doing any of these items. NOTE: Your financial status is rechecked the week before closing .

A pre-approval is needed to submit an offer. It gives the seller proof that a lender has reviewed your preliminary documents and has determined you are very likely going to be approved for a loan to buy their house. Cash offers require a proof of funds letter from your bank.

UPFRONT

1. Buyer Consult

THE VALUE I BRING TO MY CLIENTS

Every seller wants to get their house sold quickly, for as much money as they can, with as few headaches as possible.

Mortgage rates are trending down and that’s great news for your bottom line.

If you’ve been hesitant to list your house because you’re worried no one’s buying, here’s your sign it may be time to talk with an agent.

Even though affordability is improving, buying a home can still feel tough right now.

Mortgage rates have hit their lowest point in over a year and a half.

A shift is underway in the housing market this season.