It’s true. The market remains a "challenge" for buyers at all price points, and yet the market ebbs and flows each month, each week, each day. So, can serious buyers still secure superior properties as they compete in the multiple offer madness? Absolutely! I always like to discuss and analyze the unique buying power of each of my clients, and every situation is different. Overall, we want to write the cleanest offer possible. We write to win! So what does "clean" look like in today’s market? Here are just a few things we discuss:

• Money talks! Many homes are selling over list price, so be prepared to put your best foot forward. If you have cash to cover an appraisal gap and a large down payment, you look even better to sellers, and just may have a leg up on your competition. 
• Home to sell? Let’s find a way for you to be non-contingent. Creative financing options exist and you don’t know until you explore every option. Let’s chat! 
• Inspection Contingency? Some buyers are forgoing this contingency, which sellers love. Other buyers choose to do a “Peace of Mind" inspection or they write a clause stating that they will not be asking for repairs.
• Flexible close date? Excellent! Sellers are often suggesting their preferred closing timeframe and if you can work around that, you just might win!

This is just a sampling of what our buyers are writing in order to win. If you are wondering what you can do to win in this market and need help planning for success, don’t hesitate to reach out. We are happy to help!

We have lots of clients calling us this month to ask us about timing their move from their starter home to a more spacious abode. Here are some of the points we are discussing, as we advise based on current market conditions:

1. You have equity! Since we are at a highpoint in the real estate market, our clients are realizing that they can move equity gained in their current home into their next home, thereby putting more money down, securing an amazing interest rate and purchasing a new home that truly fits their family’s needs.
2. Mid-range homes are moving quickly, often in multiple offers! If you currently own a moderately priced home, you are in the driver’s seat where offers are concerned. Many buyers are willing to work with whatever closing date you prefer, thereby allowing you to find your next home and close on both with ease.
3. There is more inventory in higher price ranges! Concerned with how you will find the next home, given our inventory shortage? You are covered! The inventory of larger homes is more plentiful than in the lower price ranges, and we will make sure that you find the dream home that fits all of your needs in the time frame you desire.

Is your family growing and you need more space? Are you ready to move from townhome to dream home? Do you know anyone like this? We would be happy to help. Call today for a free consultation. Let’s dig into your hopes and dreams for your next move, so we can determine if now is the right time for YOU.

So… do you happen to know a friend or family member, maybe a son or a daughter, who is looking to be a homeowner AND investor? As we know, real estate investment properties represent an amazing opportunity to create passive income. Yet, this opportunity once seemed unreachable for those who were just starting out or those who don’t have a 25% down payment. I am here to tell you: “opportunity knocks!”
Did you know that there are loan programs that allow owner-occupied buyers to purchase a duplex for as low as 3% down? A triplex or 4-plex for 5% down? What an incredible way to jump into homeownership! This option allows buyers to live in one unit and collect rent on the rest, thereby significantly offsetting the total cost of ownership.
​
Who do you know that might benefit from learning about this type of opportunity? Just a note; there are income restrictions on these programs, as they are meant to help those who are not (yet) millionaire investors. We are looking for newbies that are interested in investing by “dipping a toe” before taking any leaps into single unit investing. It never hurts to inquire, so call us today and we can help you figure out if this is the right opportunity for you!

Many of our clients are calling us early this year, as they are getting the “itch” to get moving on moving (did you get that?). Good move! As we start a new year and look at some of the changes in our market, I have been encouraging our clients to start planning now, so we can make sure they are educated and that they have a plan in place for that moment when they finally realize-It IS Time! So, what is going on in the market and how does it affect you?
As you have likely noticed, interest rates have crept up slightly from last year, and are hovering around that 5% mark. This is still being regulated by the Fed slightly, and we really should be up closer to around 6%. Will 6% happen this year? No one can say for certain, yet I would say that if you know your move is inevitable, we should get together and start planning sooner than later, as a 1% rate hike can certainly affect affordability in every price range (unless you have cash, of course!).
What about inventory?
Well, as we look at our stats that wrapped up 2018, we notice a few things. First off, our months supply is still a lowly 2.1 months of inventory overall. This is down 8.7% from the previous year. Remember, a balanced market is around 6 months of inventory, so it is still a great time for sellers.
Never fear, buyers! We are seeing more inventory, in most of our price ranges and areas, coming onto the market this winter. We should see more houses for you to choose from, if you are looking to make a move. Homes for sale is slightly down overall, yet in some of our mid to higher price ranges (think $300,000 and up), we have seen a 10.5% increase in listings. Good news, as this market shifts into 2019.
Overall, we are noticing a slight shift in the market, yet the outlook for 2019 is a positive one for those with a move on their radar. Every area within the Twin Cities is slightly different where these trends are concerned, so if you would like a more in depth look at YOUR area, we would love to share it with you. Give a call, shoot us a text or an email and we would be happy to spend some time with you discovering the best strategy around your plans this year!

How does having an awesome buyer specialist benefit you? Let’s find out with this month’s Buyer Bulletin.

I have recently been enjoying the book “Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action” by Simon Sinek. Whether you happen to run a team, a business, a family or your own life, I would highly recommend you give it a read! Simon invites his readers to ask “Why” rather than “How” or “What” when considering the important things in our lives and businesses.
I can tell you a lot about “what” our real estate team does every day to help people. I can tell you “how” we grew and “how” we do business. What will truly inspire you, however, is “why.” Why do we do what we do? Why do you? Digging… Digging…
As a wide eyed “20 something,” I recall hearing stories from friends and coworkers about their real estate experiences. Interestingly enough, they did not sound too happy about most of the on goings in their home purchases and sales. Their Realtors had often over promised and under delivered or had not represented their clients’ best interests in a way that showed them to care more for their client than a paycheck. “There has to be a better way,” I thought; and soon after hearing several such stories, I decided “I can create a better way!”
Through much fun, heartache, success, failure, anxiety, and market tribulation over the past 13 years, I have found that building a team of dedicated individuals who seek to serve at the highest level has been one of the most rewarding endeavors I could have pursued! Why? Because at the end of each day, we can say that every decision we make is in order to add smiles to the client experience. We are not a production team; we are a personal team. We love to make our clients’ moves easy and successful and that’s what we do!
What’s your “Why?” Why do you do what you do? I will bet that if you shared it with someone you just might inspire them-the world needs you; go and inspire!

Due to low inventory in our area, many homes are being sold in multiple offers. Do you have to offer full price?