{"id":3460,"date":"2023-12-06T12:16:35","date_gmt":"2023-12-06T17:16:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dominicksellshomes.com\/?p=3460"},"modified":"2023-12-06T12:39:22","modified_gmt":"2023-12-06T17:39:22","slug":"december-newsletter-7","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dominicksellshomes.com\/2023\/12\/06\/december-newsletter-7\/","title":{"rendered":"December Newsletter"},"content":{"rendered":"

December Market Update & Newsletter<\/h1>\n

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As we all know, today’s headlines tend to focus more on capturing attention rather than accurately representing reality.\u00a0 It would be nice if the headlines provided insight into the facts and accurate analysis to follow, wouldn’t it?\u00a0 Unfortunately, many of these headlines contain misleading statements such as “skyrocketing inventory”, “crashing sales”, and “declining prices”.\u00a0 Did inventory go up 4% from last month, which oh by the way was a historical low?\u00a0 Did prices decline in Austin, Texas and Boise, Idaho where they experienced massive price growth the last 2 years, but oh by the way here in the NOVA they went up 3.9%?<\/p>\n

How many of you have seen the “sky is falling” reporting when interest rates rise but\u00a0barely a peep when rates decrease, as they have recently. Currently, interest rates are at their lowest levels in the past two months. Why not say something about leading indicators of market activity, like loan applications (which are on the rise!) rather than sensationalizing lagging data?\u00a0 Why am I going on so much about this?\u00a0 It’s because this imbalanced reporting can lead to people making incorrect decisions when it comes to selling or buying a property.\u00a0 \u00a0One of my favorite sayings is “Poor observation leads to poor interpretation”.<\/p>\n

Now to shed some light (green and red befitting the Christmas season) on the true situation.\u00a0 It’s important to note that our inventory has either remained stable or slightly decreased.\u00a0 While our sales are maintaining a good balance, they are lower compared to previous years. However, it’s worth noting that there are still daily transactions happening in the real estate market.\u00a0 As a result, the supply of available homes is currently at a low level of just a 1.2 months’ supply. The decline in sales can be attributed to lower inventory levels compared to previous years. If you would like more information on the reasons behind this, I have discussed them at length in previous articles and blog\u00a0posts on my website.\u00a0 And of course feel free to reach out to me for more details. If there were more houses available for sale, it’s a surety\u00a0that sales would increase, given the robust demand that persists in our market.\u00a0 Moreover, with the recent decrease in interest rates, we anticipate even stronger demand in the short term and into 2024.<\/p>\n

Now, let’s talk about the great news regarding RE\/MAX Gateway’s year-to-date success. Our transaction count through 11 months is up by 1%. Our sales have increased by 4%, and the number of listings we have taken has only decreased by 5%.\u00a0 In contrast, the Northern Virginia market is down by 24% in transactions. This means that our agents have outperformed the market by 25%!\u00a0 Our sales volume is down by 4%, while the Northern Virginia market is down by nearly 21%.\u00a0 Once again, we are outperforming the rest of the local market.\u00a0 I love my company.\u00a0 Not just for the incredible job we do for our clients in the real estate realm, but also all we do for the community.\u00a0 Last Saturday we had our first Breakfast with Santa to benefit Toys for Tots and had over 200 guests stop by to donate toys and have some fun.\u00a0 This coming Saturdays’ should be even better!<\/p>\n

If you are looking for results, feel free to reach out to us – we get the job done! If you are seeking accurate and reliable information about the real estate market or if you want to discuss the reasons behind low inventory levels, I encourage you to contact me. I will provide you with the proper insights and data needed to make well-informed decisions that align with your financial, housing and lifestyle needs.<\/p>\n

Merry Christmas and enjoy the holiday season!<\/p>\n

It’s a good life.<\/p>\n

Kris Kringle<\/p>\n

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THE TOP 5 WAYS TO EFFECTIVELY STAGE YOUR HOME IN THE WINTER<\/h2>\n

\u00a0<\/i>Read the full article at americanlifestylemag.com<\/i><\/p>\n

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Depending on where you live, winter can give your home a dreary effect, especially when trying to sell.\u00a0 Instead, aim to wow potential buyers as they peruse through your home with staging tips that will take your space from drab to fab.<\/p>\n

Set the scene<\/strong><\/p>\n

While the warmer months may be more ideal for the overall home selling process, winter doesn\u2019t have to be a dead end. Just like every other season, there are pros and cons\u2014and it\u2019s important to play to what everyone loves about the season. Add more pillows and throws to the living room to create a cozy ambiance, frame winter wonderland pictures, and make use of warm-toned\u00a0 colors as much as possible.<\/p>\n

Start from the outside<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sprucing up the exterior of your home may be easier when it\u2019s sunny, the garden is prospering, and flowers are in bloom, but curb appeal in winter exists too. If snow is on the ground, make sure to shovel and salt your driveway and walkways. Add some winter porch decor \u2014like a doormat, a lantern, or a pinecone wreath for the full winter effect. Don\u2019t forget about the less glamorous work, like cleaning out the gutters and trimming the bushes and trees.<\/p>\n

Light it up<\/strong><\/p>\n

We all dread the loss of natural light as we head further into winter, but don\u2019t let that affect how your home looks. Open your curtains, blinds, and turn on the main lights in your house. The right lighting makes all the difference\u2014and not just on Instagram.<\/p>\n

Make the fireplace the focal point<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you have a working fireplace, play it up by decorating the mantle with pictures of winter scenes, and even light the fire to top off the cozy feeling of your interior. Place candles on top of the mantle as well, but don\u2019t light them if they\u2019re scented, as that may deter people from appreciating the ambiance.<\/p>\n

Store away winter gear<\/strong><\/p>\n

No one wants to see dripping wet snow boots in the entryway, or hats and gloves lying around. Decluttering is important all year round, but in the winter, these items can be especially unsightly. Make sure to sweep up any debris that gets dragged in from outside. Don\u2019t underestimate the power of a Swiffer\u00ae!<\/p>\n

Staging your home in winter is just as important as staging in sunnier months. Make a positive impact with these tips!<\/p>\n

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Recipe of the Month<\/h2>\n

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Candy Cane Cloud Dessert<\/strong><\/p>\n

Yield: 5 Servings<\/p>\n

Total Time: 15 Minutes<\/p>\n

INGREDIENTS<\/b><\/p>\n