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6 Signs You Should Sell Your Home

6 Signs You Should Sell Your Home

6 Signs You Should Sell Your Home

6 Signs You Should Sell Your Home

At some point, you might find yourself contemplating: Is it time to consider selling my house?

 

Based on data from the National Association of Realtors®, homeowners typically reside in a house for approximately ten years before deciding to sell. Does this duration strike you as surprisingly brief or excessively lengthy? In reality, the length of time varies significantly among individuals, primarily influenced by their specific reasons for selling.

 

The choice to sell your home can stem from various reasons. It might be a well-pondered decision you’ve contemplated for a considerable duration, or it could be a spontaneous choice that emerged in the spur of the moment.

 

A swift decision to sell a home may arise from a sudden defining event like a transfer, death, or divorce. Conversely, in many instances, the process is more gradual, influenced by various factors such as children leaving the nest, a longing to be nearer to family, retirement plans, or the aspiration to reside in a smaller, larger, newer, or different neighborhood. Typically, this type of decision undergoes a gestation period lasting around two to four years.

 

Numerous common reasons, both financial and emotional, drive us to sell our current homes. Sometimes, these reasons can catch us by surprise. If you’re contemplating whether it’s the right time to list your house, here are some unmistakable signs indicating it’s time to sell, even if you haven’t reached the ten-year mark.

 

It’s a seller’s market

Let’s begin with one of the most evident motives for selling: It’s currently a seller’s market, offering you the opportunity to reap a substantial profit from your property. You need to gauge the key indicators of a strong seller’s market.

 

Here are a few indicators to watch for: First, observe an uptick in the price per square foot for real estate in your area. Second, notice a decrease in the amount of time properties stay on the market. Third, keep an eye on the increased brokerage activity in your neighborhood. If your location is particularly in demand, you might even receive a letter or a visit from a listing agent eager to assist you in capitalizing on the current market momentum.

 

If any of these conditions hold true in your area, it might be worth considering selling your property.

 

Local homes are selling for a lot

To monitor comparable home prices in your neighborhood, make sure to check online real estate listings and pay attention to the “recently sold” flyers you receive in your mailbox.

 

If other houses on your street with the same bedroom/bathroom count as yours are selling for a price that would leave you more than content, it could be the right moment to consider moving on.

Another indicator of a thriving home sales market is the correlation between asking prices and sale prices. In a seller’s market, if prospective buyers swiftly make offers, matching or even exceeding the sellers’ asking prices, it becomes evident. As a result, you may receive an offer from a buyer that you simply can’t turn down.

 

You’re financially stressed

Not all individuals sell their real estate solely to boost their financial reserves. Some homeowners sell their property because they underestimated their ongoing housing costs and seek relief from their mortgage burden. Others choose to capitalize on their equity for various purposes beyond financial gain.

 

if your property taxes or mortgage payments have become overwhelming, the most viable solution could be to sell your current home and seek a more affordable option. Opting to sell is a better alternative than grappling with a burdensome mortgage loan, which could potentially lead to the risk of foreclosure.

In order to ensure financial ease, it is recommended that your monthly housing expenses, encompassing mortgage interest, principal, property taxes, homeowners insurance, and any applicable HOA or condo fees, should not surpass 28% of your gross monthly income.

Prior to selling your home with the aim of reducing your monthly living expenses, it is crucial to ensure that you can find another home available for rent or purchase within your budget. Additionally, verify that you meet the qualifications for a loan at the prevailing interest rates when you decide to make the transition.

 

You’ve outgrown your home

The starter home that once suited you while anticipating your first child may no longer be suitable now that you have three preteens and pets. Although it may be bittersweet to part with the memories you’ve created in your current home, if it is causing you more stress than comfort, Shayanfekr suggests it might be time to take the leap and consider selling the property.

 

Other life changes, such as death, serious illness, or divorce, can also be significant factors influencing the decision to sell a home. These emotionally challenging experiences may create a strong need for change. Another factor to consider is relocation due to a new job opportunity.

 

You’re tired of home maintenance

On average, homeowners spend approximately $2,000 per year on maintenance services. This expense covers scheduled services like landscaping, snow removal, septic service, private trash and recycling, as well as housecleaning—excluding any unexpected repair costs.

Tired of witnessing these payments gradually draining your bank account? You have the option to sell your current property and consider purchasing lower-maintenance real estate, like a condo or new construction.

Alternatively, you might want to explore the possibility of renting, where a landlord can handle concerns such as leaky pipes and other property-related hassles, allowing you to experience a more carefree living situation.

 

You’ve built up enough home equity

Selling your home too soon, especially if you have a mortgage, might not allow you to build substantial equity beyond the initial down payment. During the initial stages, a significant portion of your mortgage payments mainly goes towards covering interest expenses.

In reality, unless the housing market experiences a significant boom (as mentioned earlier), selling your home could lead to a financial loss. In some cases, you might even end up owing more than what you can acquire from the sale, considering the closing costs involved.

Keep in mind that selling your home isn’t cost-free. You’ll need to allocate funds to cover various expenses related to hiring a real estate agent, the closing process, and, naturally, the purchase of another home.

 

Staying in your current home for at least five years, unless you have an urgent need to move. Rapidly selling can send potential buyers a negative message.

Buyers become uneasy when it seems like you’re selling too soon. They may wonder what’s wrong with the house or why you’re leaving so quickly. It can lead them to imagine various negative scenarios, like potential structural issues, troublesome neighbors, or other concerning issues.

Another reason to reconsider selling is if you don’t meet the qualifications to avoid paying capital gains tax on your profit from the sale. Typically, you can exclude the gain if you’ve owned and lived in the home for at least two of the past five years. Selling before the two-year mark, without qualifying for any exceptions, could result in a costly mistake. Paying capital gains tax might significantly reduce the equity you originally planned to have from the sale.

But beware of snap decisions

Certainly, there are no guarantees that selling will be the best long-term option for you. Take your time to carefully consider whether selling is the right decision for you, and collaborate with your real estate agent to analyze the local home sales market before setting the price for your home. Underpricing could lead to a buyer snagging it for too cheaply, while overpricing may deter the right buyer from considering it.

Ultimately, selling your home is a deeply personal decision. Prioritize what will help you live a fulfilling life, even if it’s not necessarily “happily ever after,” but rather “happily for now.”

Experts in Residential Real Estate in Orlando

If you are BUYING or SELLING real estate it’s quiet often the single most important financial decision you make. For the last 30 years we have helped clients buying and selling property in Orlando and the surrounding areas. Put simply, this means the knowledge and expertise accumulated over this time ensures our clients get the best representation possible.

Our experienced agents will help and guide you through the entire process providing valuable support every step of the way.

Ready to make a Move?

Bardell Real Estate are the experts in helping you with your selling, buying or renting needs near Orlando, Florida. Make your Disney area experience a forever memorable one. Call us now to speak to a real estate agent.

 

Beautifully Updated Haines City Home Just Listed

Beautifully Updated Haines City Home Just Listed

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2790 Kokomo Loop, Haines City, FL

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$535000

4 Beds 3 Baths 7841 sqft Lot

Welcome to your beautifully updated dream home in the sought-after gated golf community at Southern Dunes. This stunning property sits on a spacious newly fenced corner lot, exuding pride of ownership from the moment you arrive on the beautifully paved driveway. Step into the immaculate garage, boasting star treatment with durable epoxy flooring. As you enter the front door, you are welcomed into a tastefully tiled hallway which provides convenient access to the garage, where you’ll find the washer and dryer. The formal living and dining room areas have beautiful wooden flooring bringing warmth and depth to these rooms. At the heart of the home lies the modern, fully equipped kitchen, with lustrous granite countertops and matching backsplash perfectly complemented with stainless steel appliances. An abundance of storage and counterspace, making it perfect for culinary enthusiasts and entertainers alike. Natural light floods the family room and adjoining dinette and kitchen area through beautiful French doors, enhanced by a transom window, providing a seamless transition to your private oasis. The expansive master bedroom boasts patio sliding doors with direct access to the pool area. Prepare to be pampered in the master bathroom suite, thoughtfully designed with a walk-in shower, indulgent garden tub, and a generously-sized walk-in closet. The built-in vanity offers ample counter space and under sink storage. On the opposite side of the family room, you’ll find additional bedrooms, including a second ensuite with a walk-in shower, ensuring utmost comfort and convenience. Adjacent to the other guest bedrooms lies the beautifully updated family bathroom, boasting contemporary style and functionality. Step onto the newly laid polyaspartic coated pool deck, a striking blend of practicality and beauty, leading to the beautifully resurfaced pool—an absolute stunner! The small, covered lanai area provides a shady retreat for al fresco dining. Located within one of Florida’s top-rated golf courses, the Clubhouse offers onsite dining, bringing added convenience and leisure to your doorstep. Grocery stores, restaurants, medical facilities are all close by.

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Ready to make a Move?

Bardell Real Estate are the experts in helping you with your selling, buying or renting needs near Orlando, Florida. Make your Disney area experience a forever memorable one. Call us now to speak to a real estate agent.

 

Real Estate Agent vs. Broker vs. Realtor

Real Estate Agent vs. Broker vs. Realtor

Real Estate Agent vs. Broker vs. Realtor

Real Estate Agent vs. Broker vs. Realtor

If you’re looking to purchase or sell a home, having some assistance is essential. But who should you enlist for the job? Professionals in the real estate industry are known by different titles, such as real estate agent, real estate broker, or Realtor®.

Ready to make a Move?

Bardell Real Estate are the experts in helping you with your selling, buying or renting needs near Orlando, Florida. Make your Disney area experience a forever memorable one. Call us now to speak to a real estate agent.

 

Renting Out a House With a Mortgage

Renting Out a House With a Mortgage

Renting Out a House With a Mortgage

Renting Out a House With a Mortgage

Investing in a rental property presents an excellent opportunity for creating passive income, especially when you possess a property that you’re ready to lease out. However, if the property currently carries a mortgage that you are paying off, you might be curious about the feasibility of renting it out without breaching the terms of your mortgage agreement.

In general, the answer is affirmative; however, it’s essential to take specific factors into account. Continue reading to discover what those considerations are and explore the tools available to assist you in efficiently managing your rental property like an expert.

Can You Rent Out a House With a Mortgage?

The majority of mortgage agreements contain a section outlining the necessary steps to take before renting out your home. Consequently, whether you can rent out your house or not will hinge on the specific terms and conditions stipulated in your mortgage agreement.

Suppose your mortgage lender permits it; in that case, you should ascertain the essential steps you must undertake to prevent occupancy fraud, as defined by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as “when the borrower declares their intention to reside in the property they are purchasing when, in reality, it is an investment property.”

Certain mortgage lenders might impose additional conditions that you need to adhere to, such as a waiting period before renting the property to tenants and one-time fees to be accounted for. For instance, loans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Federal Housing Administration (FHA) usually necessitate living in the property for one year before allowing rental arrangements in most cases.

Due to these considerations, it’s crucial to inform your mortgage lender about your intentions and have a discussion regarding the necessary steps to take before proceeding with finding tenants.

What to Know About Renting Out a House With a Mortgage

To ensure compliance with your mortgage lender’s agreement, here are the essential steps to consider when planning your next course of action:

Research loan restrictions: Different types of mortgage loans, including conventional loans, FHA loans, USDA loans, Veterans Affairs (VA) loans, adjustable-rate loans, and fixed-rate mortgage loans, each come with specific terms. Depending on your loan type, verify whether there are any restrictions regarding renting out the property.

Review your mortgage contract: Examine the document for any loan restrictions, take note of the stipulated waiting period before renting out the property, and pay attention to any occupancy requirements specified in the agreement.

Inquire with  your HOA about its rental policy: Certain single-family homes and condominiums may fall under the purview of an HOA, which may have its distinct policies concerning rentals. If your property is part of an HOA, it’s essential to ask about any rental restrictions to stay informed.

Consult local landlord-tenant laws: To ensure compliance with local regulations, refer to the pertinent landlord-tenant laws that govern aspects such as applicant screening, rent collection, security deposits, non-discrimination policies, and other essential guidelines.

Consider capital gain consequences: Depending on the state, residing in the property for a specific duration may be necessary to avoid capital gains taxes, which are levied on the profits property owners earn from selling their property. If you have resided in the property for less than two years, you might no longer be eligible for an exemption from paying taxes on capital gains.

Do I Need to Tell My Mortgage Provider that I’m Renting Out My House?

Indeed, it is necessary to inform your mortgage lender of your intention to rent out your house before proceeding to find tenants.

Neglecting to do so could lead to a breach of the agreement and potentially incur substantial fees. To avoid such repercussions, make sure to get in touch with them before taking any further actions.

3 Tips for Renting Out Your House

After notifying your mortgage lender and receiving approval to rent out your home, the subsequent crucial task is to secure tenants. Here are valuable tips to guide you in becoming a landlord and successfully renting out your home for the first time.

Find the right rent price through a competitive analysis: Begin by researching local rental comparables to gauge the rates that other landlords are currently charging for properties similar to yours in the area.

Opt for a lawyer-reviewed lease agreement: When seeking your mortgage lender’s approval to rent out your property, it’s crucial to ensure the utmost protection for yourself and your asset. To achieve this, having a well-crafted lease agreement is essential.

Looking for rental services in Orlando – we can help.

We work with our Owners and tenants as individuals and never under estimate what it takes to keep you happy with your choice of Management Company.

By doing our due diligence with our clients, tenants, and vendors we create a service that exceeds expectations and generates positive referrals. Click HERE to learn more and how one of our property management professionals can help you!

Ready to make a Move?

Bardell Real Estate are the experts in helping you with your selling, buying or renting needs near Orlando, Florida. Make your Disney area experience a forever memorable one. Call us now to speak to a real estate agent.

 

Remarkable Home in Orlando Just Listed

Remarkable Home in Orlando Just Listed

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9332 Everwood St, Orlando, FL

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$479000

4 Beds 2 Baths 0.32 acres Lot

Welcome to your dream home in the sought-after Deerwood community in Orlando! Mature trees line the streets, offering a picturesque setting and a sense of stability. You’ll appreciate the friendly atmosphere that comes from living in an established neighborhood where neighbors quickly become friends. This exceptional property goes above and beyond, offering a wide array of features that cater to your every need and desire. From a refreshing inground swimming pool in a fenced, south facing rear yard to ample storage space for your outdoor toys this home has it all. Formal living and dining rooms provide plenty of space to entertain while the kitchen and family room, complete with feature brick fireplace and transom windows offer an extensive area to relax with lots of natural light. Enjoy the beauty of Florida’s weather year-round with a large Florida room that seamlessly blends the indoors with the outdoors. This versatile space allows you to bask in natural sunlight while being protected from the elements, making it perfect for entertaining guests or simply relaxing with a good book. For those who value a dedicated workspace, this home offers a home office where you can focus with minimal distractions and a beautiful view over the pool and mature landscaping. Experience the perfect blend of spacious living, community charm, excellent schools, and the convenience of proximity to UCF and downtown Orlando. Schedule a viewing today and see all that this property has to offer! New roof in 2022.                          

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Ready to make a Move?

Bardell Real Estate are the experts in helping you with your selling, buying or renting needs near Orlando, Florida. Make your Disney area experience a forever memorable one. Call us now to speak to a real estate agent.

 

Existing-Home Sales Retreated 3.3% in June; Monthly Median Sales Price Reached Second-Highest Amount Ever

Existing-Home Sales Retreated 3.3% in June; Monthly Median Sales Price Reached Second-Highest Amount Ever

Existing-Home Sales Retreated 3.3% in June; Monthly Median Sales Price Reached Second-Highest Amount Ever

WASHINGTON (July 20, 2023) – Existing-home sales slipped in June, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. Sales varied among the four major U.S. regions, with the Northeast experiencing gains, the Midwest holding steady, and the South and West posting decreases. All four regions recorded year-over-year sales declines.

Total existing-home sales1 – completed transactions that include single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops – receded 3.3% from May to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.16 million in June. Year-over-year, sales fell 18.9% (down from 5.13 million in June 2022).

“The first half of the year was a downer for sure with sales lower by 23%,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun. “Fewer Americans were on the move despite the usual life-changing circumstances. The pent-up demand will surely be realized soon, especially if mortgage rates and inventory move favorably.”

Total housing inventory2 registered at the end of June was 1.08 million units, identical to May but down 13.6% from one year ago (1.25 million). Unsold inventory sits at a 3.1-month supply at the current sales pace, up from 3.0 months in May and 2.9 months in June 2022.

“There are simply not enough homes for sale,” Yun added. “The market can easily absorb a doubling of inventory.”

The median existing-home price3 for all housing types in June was $410,200, the second-highest price of all time and down 0.9% from the record-high of $413,800 in June 2022. The monthly median price surpassed $400,000 for the third time, joining June 2022 and May 2022 ($408,600). Prices rose in the Northeast and Midwest but waned in the South and West.

“Home sales fell but home prices have held firm in most parts of the country,” Yun said. “The national median home price in June was slightly less than the record high of nearly $414,000 in June of last year. Limited supply is still leading to multiple-offer situations, with one-third of homes getting sold above the list price in the latest month.”

Properties typically remained on the market for 18 days in June, identical to May but up from 14 days in June 2022. Seventy-six percent of homes sold in June were on the market for less than a month.

First-time buyers were responsible for 27% of sales in June, down from 28% in May and 30% in June 2022. NAR’s 2022 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers – released in November 20224 – found that the annual share of first-time buyers was 26%, the lowest since NAR began tracking the data.

All-cash sales accounted for 26% of transactions in June, up from 25% in both May 2023 and June 2022.

Individual investors or second-home buyers, who make up many cash sales, purchased 18% of homes in June, up from 15% in May and 16% the previous year.

Distressed sales5 – foreclosures and short sales – represented 2% of sales in June, virtually unchanged from last month and the prior year.

According to Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage(link is external) averaged 6.96% as of July 13. That’s up from 6.81% the previous week and 5.51% one year ago.

Single-family and Condo/Co-op Sales

Single-family home sales decreased to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.72 million in June, down 3.4% from 3.85 million in May and 18.8% from the previous year. The median existing single-family home price was $416,000 in June, down 1.2% from June 2022.

Existing condominium and co-op sales recorded a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 440,000 units in June, down 2.2% from May and 20.0% from one year ago. The median existing condo price was $361,600 in June, up 1.9% from the previous year ($354,800).

Regional Breakdown

Existing-home sales in the Northeast grew 2.0% from May to an annual rate of 510,000 in June, down 21.5% from June 2022. The median price in the Northeast was $475,300, up 4.9% from the prior year.

In the Midwest, existing-home sales were unchanged from one month ago at an annual rate of 990,000 in June, slumping 19.5% from one year ago. The median price in the Midwest was $311,800, up 2.1% from June 2022.

Existing-home sales in the South faded 5.4% from May to an annual rate of 1.91 million in June, a decrease of 16.2% from the previous year. The median price in the South was $366,600, down 1.2% from June 2022.

In the West, existing-home sales declined 5.1% from the previous month to an annual rate of 750,000 in June, down 22.7% from one year ago. The median price in the West was $606,500, down 3.4% from June 2022.

About NAR

The National Association of REALTORS® is America’s largest trade association, representing more than 1.5 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries. The term REALTOR® is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.

# # #

For local information, please contact the local association of REALTORS® for data from local multiple listing services (MLS). Local MLS data is the most accurate source of sales and price information in specific areas, although there may be differences in reporting methodology.

NOTE: NAR’s Pending Home Sales Index for June is scheduled for release on July 27, and Existing-Home Sales for July will be released on August 22. Release times are 10 a.m. Eastern.


1 Existing-home sales, which include single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, are based on transaction closings from Multiple Listing Services. Changes in sales trends outside of MLSs are not captured in the monthly series. NAR benchmarks home sales periodically using other sources to assess overall home sales trends, including sales not reported by MLSs.

Existing-home sales, based on closings, differ from the U.S. Census Bureau’s series on new single-family home sales, which are based on contracts or the acceptance of a deposit. Because of these differences, it is not uncommon for each series to move in different directions in the same month. In addition, existing-home sales, which account for more than 90% of total home sales, are based on a much larger data sample – about 40% of multiple listing service data each month – and typically are not subject to large prior-month revisions.

The annual rate for a particular month represents what the total number of actual sales for a year would be if the relative pace for that month were maintained for 12 consecutive months. Seasonally adjusted annual rates are used in reporting monthly data to factor out seasonal variations in resale activity. For example, home sales volume is normally higher in the summer than in the winter, primarily because of differences in the weather and family buying patterns. However, seasonal factors cannot compensate for abnormal weather patterns.

Single-family data collection began monthly in 1968, while condo data collection began quarterly in 1981; the series were combined in 1999 when monthly collection of condo data began. Prior to this period, single-family homes accounted for more than nine out of 10 purchases. Historic comparisons for total home sales prior to 1999 are based on monthly single-family sales, combined with the corresponding quarterly sales rate for condos.

2 Total inventory and month’s supply data are available back through 1999, while single-family inventory and month’s supply are available back to 1982 (prior to 1999, single-family sales accounted for more than 90% of transactions and condos were measured only on a quarterly basis).

3 The median price is where half sold for more and half sold for less; medians are more typical of market conditions than average prices, which are skewed higher by a relatively small share of upper-end transactions. The only valid comparisons for median prices are with the same period a year earlier due to seasonality in buying patterns. Month-to-month comparisons do not compensate for seasonal changes, especially for the timing of family buying patterns. Changes in the composition of sales can distort median price data. Year-ago median and mean prices sometimes are revised in an automated process if additional data is received.

The national median condo/co-op price often is higher than the median single-family home price because condos are concentrated in higher-cost housing markets. However, in a given area, single-family homes typically sell for more than condos as seen in NAR’s quarterly metro area price reports.

4 Survey results represent owner-occupants and differ from separately reported monthly findings from NAR’s REALTORS® Confidence Index, which include all types of buyers. The annual study only represents primary residence purchases, and does not include investor and vacation home buyers. Results include both new and existing homes.

5 Distressed sales (foreclosures and short sales), days on market, first-time buyers, all-cash transactions and investors are from a monthly survey for the NAR’s REALTORS® Confidence Index, posted at nar.realtor.

 

SOURCE

Ready to make a Move?

Bardell Real Estate are the experts in helping you with your selling, buying or renting needs near Orlando, Florida. Make your Disney area experience a forever memorable one. Call us now to speak to a real estate agent.