Where is the market going?

If I had a crystal ball I would answer this with confidence.  In real estate there are many unknowns and predicting the future is nearly impossible.  The one thing that is constant is what the market is doing right now.  


Your best bet is to not count on the market to give you rapid returns like we saw in some areas of the country in 2005 to 2007.  Look at your home as just that, the place where you build your life and realize your dreams.  Home ownership has many benefits and those must be weighed when making a purchase.  I'm not saying to make your home purchase purely emotional, as you do need to take into account the financial side of it, but keep them in balance. 


The market in every part of the country is different, and we are very fortunate to have a strong real estate market here in the Tri Cities area.  Our business sector is growing, our population is expanding and our jobs are stable.  


If you want to know what is happening in your area, talk with a Realtor to find out.  They generally have the most up to date market conditions specific to your area as well as interest rates and market movement.  


Cheers, 


Steve 

I'm now with Ever Star Realty!

I am excited to annouce that I have become part of the Ever Star Realty team and will be on board with them in the next day.  Ever Star Realty is a fast growing team of professionals who exhibit all the qualities I hold fast to in order to be the best agent I can be for my clients.  Their passion and dedication will be a great fit and will allow me to expand my selling efforts a bit more into commercial real estate as well. 

You can find them at:  http://www.everstarrealty.com/   and I'll be available at the following e-mail:  Steve@EverStarRealty.com

Cheers,

Steve

What's my house worth?

At a client's Open House today I had a neighbor come by and look around.  After some chatting I discovered she was there to really assess the neighborhood and she if her house was worth what she thinks it is and if she can sell it for that.  If she can get the price she wants she is looking to downsize.  I had just conducted a CMA for my client as we were at the 30 day on the market point - and I'm glad I did!  I had all the information at my fingertips to provide the high solds, the low solds and the in-between solds.  This allowed me to give the potential seller what the market is dictating in her area and what she could expect in terms of days on the market based on various price points.  Of course, the condition of her home, the builder who was used and any updates can all have a substantial impact on a homes price.  She was excited to hear that the price she is looking for is a realistic selling price.  So what I'm I trying to say here?  Well if you're a Realtor - remember to check in with your client every 30 days of a listing with market activity so you can make decisions on the home's marketing efforts and pricing - and if you're a home buyer/seller - get to those neighborhood open house listings - you can find a wealth of information at your disposal!  


Cheers, 
Steve 

Back at it!

Well I was off for a bit, switching from PC to Mac and the verdict is in = I love the Mac!  What a great machine, seamless programs and just plain simple to use, yet powerful.  

OK, got that out of the way - so on with the business of Real Estate!  Here in Tri Cities it is the Parade of Homes week - a great time to get out and see what is happening with builders at all different price points.  You can go from a wonderful entry level home to a luxury home tour all in a day.  

The fun part for current homeowners is they can get some great ideas on spacing, colors and decorating - maybe even look at what they can do if they want to remodel or heck, sell the old home and find a new one!  

For those who are not yet in the home ownership realm, but are getting close it's also a great chance to see what you like in a home and don't like.  If you are thinking of going the 'build a new home' route - you get a chance to see what each builder is capable of and what type of work you can expect from them. 

If you have a Parade of Homes in your area, I would encourage you to get out and take a look - it's a fun and informative way to see what your real estate market is up to! 

Cheers, 

Steve 

Open Houses

The Open House - a time honored real estate tradition that is and continues to be a great way to market your home.  Many agents will tell that homes don't sell this way and that it's of greater value to the Realtor.  I couldn't disagree more.  I've sold my FSBO homes twice at Open House and my last two listings sold via Open House as well. 

The internet does a great job of getting people into your home through photos and a general description, but getting people physically into your home is the moment of truth.  Buyers know when they have stepped into the right home and an Open House is a low pressure look on their own environment that many buyers desire.  Often times buyers are just wanting to get a feel for the area or neighborhood and your home may be the one that moves them to a purchase decision.

When you have an Open House get your home ready!  Clean, organize any clutter and make it look like a model home - this really does make a difference.  I've seen clients dismiss a great home due to clutter and the home not being cleaned.  It's hard to see past these things as the home buying process becomes so emotional - more on that some other time!

When selling your home it's imperative you market it in every way possible that makes sense - get your home in front of qualified buyers who are actively looking - an Open House will get neighbors and friends to come by - but it will also get serious prospects into your home as well.  Good luck and good selling!

Steve

Home Warranty

Whether buying or selling a home one your most valuable tools is a Home Warranty.  It's been my experience as a homeowner as to the absolute value of these warranties.  Example: I recently had work done on my air conditioning unit that would have run into the 100's of dollars - because I had a home warranty provided by my Realtor when I purchased the home, it was a simple phone call and $60 deductible payment.  I have used this warranty five times in the last year saving me nearly two thousand dollars in repair costs. 
When you buy or sell your home always request a home warranty - when selling it's a great marketing tool and when buying a home it will give you peace of mind if unseen repairs come up! 

Have a great Holiday Weekend and be safe!

Welcome!

Hello and Welcome to SteveLambertRealtor Blog!  I hope to share some of my thoughts, insights and just general views on the real estate market I call home ... Tri Cities Washington.  The Tri Cities market has been performing quite well and we are weathering this economic crisis with a strong job market and a robust real estate market as well. 

The Tri Cities market has been most active in the $225K and under range, while the $350K and above market has seen quite an increase in activity lately as well.  The lack of a tax credit seems to be slowing the market in the $150K to $175K range, however our strong job market is keeping inventory moving right along.  Could it be better?  Always! Could it be worse?  Always!  Same answer, as it's all in how you see the market yesterday, today and tomorrow!

Interest rates are at historic lows and this is also helping to drive the market, as well as allowing homebuyers to get more home for the money - 6% versus 4% makes quite a difference in the monthly P&I payment!  As always, shop shop shop banks for a rate and terms that will work best for you. 

Information is knowledge and knowledge is power - so get all the information you can when you are out looking to buy or sell your home - and as always - if you're in the Tri Cities area - feel free to look me up and let's see if I can be of help in the process. 

Cheers,

Steve Lambert