September Market Update & Newsletter

Is it seasonality or is it a slowdown? This is the big question on many minds in the real estate business. One of you asked me about it this morning! Until recently, we had always experienced a slower August, but during the COVID/Pandemic years, which really leveled out the traditional calendar driven ups and downs, we did not experience the same seasonality in the market as we had in years prior. Traditionally, we’d see the market slowdown in July and August because of vacations and kids returning to school or college. The holiday season would normally bring a similar situation in late November and December. With the low-rate environment between 2020 and 2022 and the work-from-home/remote work situations, the real estate market never slowed down during that time. Too many real estate professionals are not used to the current market that we are in. Most are also not accustomed to rates being in the 6% and 7% range – or sometimes even higher. Today’s market requires a skilled and experienced Realtor to help you navigate the real estate market if you are looking to sell or buy. After 34 years in the business I’ve seen most every market imaginable, and with the resources I have access to and the predicative work I do you can bet we can help you navigate this market too.

With the combination of the lock-in effect of low rates, lack of new homes being built over the last 14 years, and people staying in their homes longer than ever before, the result continues to be low inventory levels of homes for sale. Mortgage rates have more than doubled in the last year so this, too, has greatly impacted the real estate market with some countervailing forces.

I believe we are in a seasonal slowdown right now, not a market shift. I expect things to pick up after Labor Day and we should continue to have a normal pace of sales until mid-November. Interest rates will continue to fluctuate up and down right around 7%, which today’s buyers are now accustomed to. Some houses will still generate multiple contracts and others will stay on the market for weeks. We will basically rounding into a more normal market. My advice is to be patient. If you are a seller don’t expect multiple offers and a quick sale because it may not happen. Everything will be OK – your house will sell if you get it in the right condition and price it properly. If you are a buyer, there will be a house for you – be patient, but also move quickly if you find the right one (and do the prep work in advance to be ready to move quickly!) because there are other people looking as well.

I am here to help you so please feel free to reach out to see how I can help you with selling your house or buying your next home!

It’s a good life.

Chris

5 TIPS FOR A DOG-FRIENDLY YARD

Read the full article on news.remax.com

Bought a house so your dog could have their dream yard? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. A survey by Realtor.com revealed that nearly 95% of pet owners consider the needs of their furry friends when shopping for a new home. When curating a dog-friendly dwelling, there are factors to consider for their comfort and safety. Check out these tips for creating a pet-friendly yard sure to make tails wag.

Plant Non-Toxic Flora and Fauna

Dog owners know that anything outside – from sticks to plants – is susceptible to becoming a snack. That’s why it’s important to plant flowers and plants that are non-toxic to dogs. The Pet Poison Hotline identifies the top ten plants that are poisonous to pets as: Autumn Crocus, Azalea, Cyclamen, Kalanchoe, Lilies, Oleander, Dieffenbachia, Daffodils, Lily of the Valley, Sago Palm, and Tulips and Hyacinths. Other common plants that may be toxic to pets include Peony, Geranium, and more. This goes for fertilizer and mulch, too. When purchasing lawn fertilizer, opt for a choice that is deemed pet safe. And when choosing a type of mulch, avoid cocoa bean mulch – a darker, round shape made from cocoa beans – as it is toxic to dogs.

Create a Potty Spot

Looking to protect the lawn from the perils of dog business? Use absorbent material like turf or mulch to carve out a space as a designated potty spot. Plus, keep pet-safe patch-up products on hand for when inevitable dead spots of grass do arise.

Invest in Secure Fencing

Fencing a yard is often a steep cost, but can be worth it for your pet’s safety – and your own peace of mind. Consider the design and height of fence depending on what type of dog you have, and how prone they are to escape. While it’s a safe choice for pets and children alike, a fenced-in yard can also potentially increase your home’s resale value.

Provide Shade

Summer isn’t quite over yet – and for those who live in warmer climates, temps can stay high year-round. This makes it essential to provide some form of shade in the yard in order for your dog to enjoy the outdoors without overheating.

Have the Right Tools on Hand

Consider yard accessories to make your pup’s experience more enjoyable – and your care for them a bit easier. Invest in items like an outdoor water bowl for hydration, a paw-wipe station to get rid of mud, and a potty scoop tool to make yard cleanup easier.

Recipe of the Month

Maple Pork Ribs

Total Time: 5 hours ~ Serves: 2 servings

INGREDIENTS

1 pound boneless country-style pork ribs
2 teaspoons canola oil
1 medium onion, sliced and separated into rings
3 tablespoons maple syrup
2 tablespoons spicy brown or Dijon mustard

DIRECTIONS

Trim and cut ribs into 3-inch pieces. In a large skillet, brown ribs in oil on all sides; drain.
Place ribs and onion in a 1-1/2-qt. slow cooker. Combine syrup and mustard; pour over ribs.
Cover and cook on low until meat is tender, 5-6 hours.

6 HOME ORGANIZATION BASICS FOR BUSY HOUSEHOLDS HEADING BACK TO SCHOOL

Read the full article at news.remax.com

Big box store displays of pencils, notebooks and folders are a sign that summer is coming to an end. That means families are gearing up for change with children soon heading back to school. Adjusting to new schoolyear schedules is time-consuming, as is purchasing school supplies, fitting growing feet into new shoes, and getting everyone ready for the big first day. Check out these six basic yet helpful tasks to help keep your home organized heading into the fall.

1.Make a daily or weekly cleaning schedule

We’ve all been there – planning to tidy up every day but instead letting clutter accumulate. It can be a vicious cycle. With schedules getting even busier come school time, maintaining a regular cleaning schedule can bring more than organization to your home – it can bring peace of mind, too. Write down a cleaning schedule for daily and weekly tasks – and place it in plain sight via paper or a wipe-erase board. This can help form new, more organized habits over time, changing the ambiance of your home. Plus, if your children are able to help out, get creative with your own unique spin on a traditional chore chart, instilling accountability. After all, many hands make light work (or so they say).

2.Invest in upgraded storage solutions – and a label maker

Ready for the harsh truth? Americans spend two and a half days per year searching for lost items, according to a study by Pixie Technologies. Implementing storage solutions into crowded areas of the home can make for better organization habits and prevent you from running late because you just couldn’t find something (namely a phone, wallet, or keys). Drawer dividers, clear bins for shelves, under-the-bed storage tubs, wall hooks, and other simple solutions are available at most department, container, and home improvement stores. Don’t forget to make use of blank space, like the back of doors or the back of cabinets, including under the bathroom sink. Add removable labels to keep it clear what belongs in each zone. This can be extra helpful when different members of the household store away or restock items into common spaces.

3.Optimize the entryway/mudroom

Whatever space lies beyond the front door typically becomes a dumping ground for that day’s shoes, outerwear, sports equipment, and more. Whether this space is large – like a whole mudroom – or a smaller entryway nook, optimize it with shoe trays, extra hooks for backpacks, wall shelving for keys, and bins for shoes, equipment, and pet supplies. Ahead of the winter (which will come quicker than you think), consider adding a boot wipe outside to combat some of the mess grass, mud and snow can bring.

4.Clean out the pantry

‘Tis the season for after school snacking. The extra-busy time of year also means a few extra-hasty meals. Make eating easier by cleaning out your pantry now and disposing of, or donating, unwanted goods. Don’t forget to check expiration dates and clean out the fridge and freezer, too. Whether in drawers, cabinets or the fridge, carve out easily accessible space to store snacks kids can reach.

5.Ok, actually clean out every space

Well, this one feels obvious. But oftentimes, clutter and unwanted items crowd the essentials, making an entire space – like a clothing or linen closet – feel overwhelming. Instead of tackling every nook-and-cranny at once, start with one spot at a time and conduct a realistic purge. Paper stacks, junk drawers, communal closets, the basement and garage are all good places to start.

6.Don’t forget the car

The house is where you sleep at night – but when balancing multiple busy schedules, it can sometimes feel like your car is your second home. In the wake of summer fun (which may have involved sand or dripping ice cream cones), consider having your car professionally detailed for a clean slate to start off the school year in. Then, use built-in storage, like behind the seats, or try some small storage bins, to keep essentials on hand during transit. These are items like hand sanitizer, tissues, an umbrella, a hairbrush, or whatever items are must-haves for you and your family. To save space, look for either a car-specific organizer or a toiletry kit to hang from headrests on the back of chairs. And to combat mess after meals on-the-go, consider picking up a car trash can.

The year ahead will surely bring early mornings, late nights, accomplished milestones and lasting memories. Implementing new organization tactics into a household can be the key to helping save time amid busy days.