Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate
Professionals Weigh In
MADISON,
N.J., Dec. 26, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Better Homes
and Gardens Real Estate LLC, a leading lifestyle real estate brand
that is aligned with one of America's most trusted brands,
understands that people want to live their best life in their most
cherished purchase – their home.
To that end, Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate professionals
regularly provide their clients with counsel and guidance on how to
maximize homeownership at any point in the real estate journey.
Better Homes and Gardens magazine frequently features this
expert insight in print and online for the benefit of their
readers. Here's a look at the top 10 trending topics for homebuyers
and sellers to consider in the year ahead.
Top 10 Insights for Buying or Selling a Home in 2024
- Understand that owning a home helps your overall financial
picture. "Homeownership is the fastest and most reliable
way to stabilize your housing expense and build wealth at the same
time," says Doug Shepherd,
broker at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Champions. "The best
advice for first-time buyers is that if you are going to remain in
an area for more than two or three years, you should own it instead
of rent."
- Start with an experienced real estate agent. "Speak
with at least two brokers, as rates and fees can vary,"
says Gaetano Marra,
broker/owner of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gaetano Marra
Homes. "Look for reviews. If you can't find any online in this day
and age, there is likely a reason!"
- Determine how much you can afford. "A wise way to
calculate what a buyer can afford is to spend 25% of their
take-home income on the mortgage payment, inclusive of the
principal payment, interest, taxes, and insurance," Marra
says.
- Start with a starter home. "For most people, that is
where wealth begins," says Jack
Gross, president and CEO at Better Homes and Gardens Real
Estate Cassidon Realty. "In some markets, that could be a one- or
two-bedroom apartment condo. In other markets that could be a
townhome or a small single detached ranch. In most cases, it's
a home that is under the median price point for the local
market."
- Condo or townhome? "It's important to evaluate
the financial aspects of owning a condo or townhouse," says
Dana Hall-Bradley, realtor/owner at
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Fine Living. "A buyer should
think about long-term plans and whether expenses associated with
owning a condo or townhome are worth it in the long run. Will the
home appreciate like a single-family home? Is it good for resale?
What if there are assessments in the future? Can I afford
them?"
- Build-to-rent homes are an emerging new solution.
"Build-to-rent communities offer single-family, home-style
living with rental agreements and amenities typically found in
condominiums or apartment complexes," says Jan Carlisle, a realtor with Better Homes &
Gardens Real Estate Paracle. "They offer a good compromise for
those who have considered owning a home but either can't or don't
want to take the plunge."
- Is new for you? "New construction homes are built
with the latest energy-efficient materials and appliances, which
can save you money on energy bills in the long run,"
says Steve Poulos, co-owner and
broker at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Northwest Home Team.
"Most new construction homes come with a builder's warranty, which
means any issues or defects that arise within the first few years
are covered by the builder." According to Jessica Poulos, co-owner and broker at Better
Homes and Gardens Real Estate Northwest Home Team, many new
developments are built in previously undeveloped areas of a city or
county, meaning there is likely less infrastructure nearby—think
restaurants, shops, and schools. On the flip side, she says a
new community could be a good indicator of the area's health and
potential for growth, calling new construction a 'safe' bet.
- Thinking about selling? Focus on the
outdoors. "When deciding on what outdoor projects to take
on to increase that curb appeal, view it from a buyer perspective,"
says Scott Beaudry,
broker/owner of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Universal. "I
often suggest the acronym PLACE: Paint, Landscape, Appealing,
Clean, Enjoy." Beaudry suggests pressure-washing the
driveway, cleaning the roof, mowing the lawn, and adding
edging around flower beds – projects that can often make a big
difference in your home's perceived value. "The area does not need
to be large or over-sized to attract a buyer,"
says Sandra Harvey, a Realtor
with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Metro Brokers. "Some
buyers prefer a smaller, beautiful space without spending a lot of
time on the upkeep."
- What is downsizing and is it for you? "Downsizing
can be a wonderful opportunity to create a home that fits your
needs and supports your best life in your senior years,"
says Jana Adams an
associate broker at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Wine
Country Group. "With careful planning and consideration, it can be
a positive and empowering experience and prepare you for taking on
the new transition in your life."
- To-do list for moving into a new
house. Tom Mallette,
broker/owner at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Heritage,
suggests preparing the home before moving in. "Having things
like new paint and flooring installed when the home is empty is
actually a great idea as it will make the vendors' jobs so much
easier (and may save you money!) if they do not have to move and
work around furnishings," Mallette says.
About Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC
The
Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate network is a
dynamic real estate brand that offers a full range of services to
brokers, sales associates and home buyers and sellers. Better Homes
and Gardens Real Estate LLC is a subsidiary of Anywhere Real Estate
Inc. (NYSE: HOUS), a global leader in real estate franchising and
provider of real estate brokerage, relocation, and settlement
services. The growing Better Homes and Gardens®
Real Estate network includes approximately 12,400 independent sales
associates in over 400 offices serving home buyers and sellers
across the United States,
Canada, Jamaica, The Bahamas, Australia, and Turkey.
Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, the Better
Homes and Gardens Real Estate logo, and BHGRE® are
registered service marks owned by Meredith Operations Corporation
and licensed to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. Better
Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of
the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is
independently owned and operated.
Media Contact:
Misty Beard, 973-407-2331 or
Misty.Beard@bhgre.com
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SOURCE Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC