Tag: buying a house in Overland Park

The State of the 2023 Real Estate Market

The current and predicted state of the 2023 real estate market certainly looks different than it did a year ago. Unfortunately, sellers want to sell like it’s 2022 and buyers want to buy like it’s 2008.

As everyone knows, mortgage interest rates have skyrocketed and are double what they were last year. There are mortgage companies that are closing their doors, sellers who can’t get their homes sold, and buyers who are disappointed that their dream home they didn’t get last year now seems like it will never happen.

Life happens and people move

Many homeowners who have a lower interest rate may choose to stay put for now. But there are also plenty of sellers who may need to downsize, move out of town for family reasons, or relocate due to a new employment opportunity.

Without knowing where interest rates will end up and what that will do to our economy and inflation overall, we have to take real estate a step at a time. And we will! No matter what you may hear or read, the sky is not falling.

One thing about real estate is true. People will always be moving. Real estate happens because life happens. I recently sold a house for a family who moved to Colorado, another past client who got married and moved into his house, as well as a family who moved to California to be closer to family members.

Baby boomers are still going to downsize

I work primarily with baby boomers that are in the process of downsizing. The reasons for their downsizing are many but add a possible recession into the mix and that gets them thinking and moving even faster. Many of my boomers that are on a current 5 Year Plan, have indicated to me they want to move things up and do something by the end of 2023. Some of them are going to get serious about getting rid of their stuff – sooner than later!

Regardless of the current economy or inflation, we have to deal with it is what it is. In other words, I bought my first house in the early 80s when interest rates were 16.75%. I was pregnant with my daughter and we were renting a small 2-bedroom house. I wanted to get situated for the new addition to our family. Had we waited for rates to come down, it could have taken years. We made the necessary adjustments and made it happen.

How to adjust to an uncertain real estate market

First of all, set aside everything else for a minute. Before anything, you need to decide what’s important to you. What are the alternatives if you sell your house in 2023 or don’t? If you’re selling your home, why are you doing that? Do you have the time and the health to wait until the real estate market corrects? And will it ever?

If you’re buying, how important is it to you to become a homeowner? Why are you doing that? If you decide to forge ahead, you need to know that there are many great programs and options out there to get into a mortgage interest rate that works for you.

I’ve been selling real estate for over 35 years and rates had never been at 3- 4% until recently. So live your life and quit trying to predict what’s going to happen. Do what matters to you. Quit listening to others.

The predicted state of the 2023 real estate market – 3 things I know for sure

Rates will remain higher than in 2022

At this time, I would imagine rates will probably end up around 6% or a little bit lower. What can you do about that? Absolutely nothing. I don’t like the price of a dozen eggs either but I can’t change it.

If you’re buying your first home, rates may be higher than you want but your rent will continue to go up as well. Are you going to continue to move every year to save a few bucks on your apartment rent because a new complex offers you a deal?

Home prices will decline

Will home prices decline or readjust? Home prices must re-correct every few years to get the market leveled off. It tends to happen every ten years or so. Trouble is, if you have to sell that house you overpaid for in 2021 or 2022, it’s not worth what you paid for it then so it becomes a real problem when the market shifts.

Home sales will decrease

It’s only natural that people tend to want to hunker down when the going gets tough. If you want to sell in 2023, be a smart seller and understand what it’s going to take to be the best house to choose from. There is no runner-up in the game of real estate. You either win or you lose.

So, if you’re selling, sell smart and do it now because as home sales drop, you’ll have more opportunities. Pick the best agent who has experience in navigating a challenging market. Home staging is more important now than ever. If you are still living in your home, hire the best stager to create that model home look that every buyer wants and will pay more money to get.

And if you’re buying, you’re going to have to lower your expectations a bit. It’s ok. Rates may drop a little later in the year but be smart and buy now while other buyers are waiting for the rates to drop. You’ll be in a better buying position with less competition and won’t be overpaying for a home like your friends did. Don’t despair, you’ll make the home that’s currently affordable for you into your dream home in no time. The state of the 2023 real estate market is not your opportunity for trying to keep up with The Joneses.

In conclusion

We have no idea what might happen with real estate or anything for that matter. Keep your blinders on and focused on what’s important to you. The last few years have proven to be unimaginable in so many different respects. What I know for sure, is once you decide something, do it and do it now. We never know how long we have or what the country is going to experience that could affect our destiny even more. In all actuality, real estate changes with the times, the same as your life!

I want to be your Realtor!

Check out today’s new listings either below or in the sidebar. Call or text me at (913) 515-3250 to see inside one of these homes. I AM NEVER TOO BUSY to show you a house. Real estate is my main hustle after 35 years! Everything else I do is bells and whistles to enhance your experience!

Remember…the Realtor you choose determines the results you get. Choose carefully!

  • List View
  • Map View

See all Real estate matching your search.
(all data current as of 3/26/2023)

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

 
 

Home Staging Services for Realtors

Home staging services for Realtors vary with the company or home stager you hire. Since 2006, Overland Park Home Staging has been staging occupied homes. We work with what your clients have to create our signature Model Home Look. This is the look we strive for so your listing looks better than the competition. Even if your clients don’t have great stuff, their house will look amazing when we are finished with it.

Hiring a professional home stager for your upcoming listing will make you look more professional to your clients. It sends the message that you are committed to getting their home sold fast and for top dollar. Let them know you work with an award-winning home stager. That can also eliminate any home staging questions your clients may ask. You can just tell your clients that you rely on and trust the advice of your home stager. If they need more information, refer them to OverlandParkHomeStaging.com.

Perhaps you aren’t in a position to pay for these services. Whether you pay or you let your client know that would be one of their expenses in preparing their home for the market, home staging shouldn’t be overlooked.

Home staging is one of the only 3 reasons a house is going to sell especially in a changing market. If you aren’t offering home staging services, or at least having a conversation about it, your competition is.

You have two options to choose from:

Home Staging Consultation

We walk through and around the house and create a punch list of to-dos for your clients of what should be done before the house comes on the market. This includes decluttering, depersonalizing, and rearranging their things.

This typically takes about one hour. Your clients will receive a follow-up email so they have a list to work from. The cost for this Home Staging Consultation is $75.

If rearrangement of furniture is necessary, it would be done in the next follow-up appointment.

Now to Wow Styling Session

After your clients complete their list of to-dos, we will come back and fine-tune things and put the finishing touches on their home. This is to prepare the home for the Photo Shoot. We always recommend professional photos as part of the Home Selling Process.

A Styling Session also prepares your clients for how their home needs to look for showings. They will realize that the way they live in their home and the way they sell their house are two different ways.

This session also takes about one hour. They can contact us directly when they are ready or you can schedule. This appointment should be booked a day or two before their Photo Shoot. The cost is $75.

Sometimes clients need complete room rearranging of their furniture which would happen at this appointment. Should this be necessary, most agents have their clients pay us directly for anything over our one-hour Styling Session. That fee is $75 per hour.

Why us?

Overland Park Home Staging offers home staging services for Realtors based on our real estate experience.

Melinda Bartling, Queen of Staging, and owner of Overland Park Home Staging is an award-winning home stager and one of the first stagers in the Kansas City area. She was formally trained in Chicago in 2006 by the lady that created the concept of Home Staging in 1973. By following the proven 10 Home Staging Guidelines for every home she stages, Melinda transforms homes from “Now to WOW!” She created her 7 little best-kept Home Staging Secrets that she uses on every house and other stagers only wish they knew.

She credits her success to understanding what buyers want in the house they buy. When you give the buyers what they want, they will buy the house faster and pay more money for it every time. That concept begins with the home staging and the way buyers feel when they enter a home. She knows buyers will make a decision about buying within 10 seconds of entering a home.

Melinda is considered to be a home staging expert and is often contacted for professional advice. She was regularly highlighted in The Kansas City Star and recently featured in an article in The New York Times, Dressing Your Home for Success. As a Realtor since 1987, she is also a 15-year recipient of The Five Star Professional Realtor Award in Kansas City.

How to schedule home staging services for Realtors

Either you or your clients can schedule.

To schedule your Home Staging Consultation ($75), Styling Session ($75), or both ($150), call or text Melinda at (913) 515-3250 or contact her here. Your payment verifies your appointment. Once payment is received, your appointment will be scheduled. Our Venmo is @MelindaBartling.

home staging services for realtors

We know you may need to reschedule your appointment for various reasons. Just let us know. We work on a very tight schedule. Should you cancel your appointment, no refund will be issued but a credit will be extended. This is the only way to keep our schedule full and allow us to get to everyone as soon as possible. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Pricing Your Home to Sell

The real estate market may be changing but if you’re not pricing your home to sell, you could be in for a huge surprise. There are still lots of buyers who are ready, willing, and able to buy your home for top dollar. But that doesn’t mean you can overprice your home and expect them to come running.

Today’s home buyers are savvy. They have done their research. They have spent hours looking at homes in person and online. After all, there are so many places to check out…Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com, etc. And they always think one website will have a house and different information than another.

Home buyers that I work with typically know way more about a house I am going to show them than I know about it. They have looked at it online from every possible angle, taken every tour, and know its history. In addition, they know when you bought it, how much you paid for it and they are comparing it to others they’ve seen. They have probably driven by and will rule it out if it’s new to the market and they think it’s overpriced.

You see, it’s about them – your buyers and the experience they will have buying your home. By overpricing your home, it will make them leery. Buyers already think they are overpaying for a home. And then when you inflate the price, they will not trust you or the transaction. Nothing I do or say will change their minds. But price your home right and stage it so they fall in love, they will line up to bid the price up because it’s what they want to do.

Pricing your home to sell

Pricing your home to sell starts with being realistic, looking at the comparable homes that have sold, and trusting your agent. Unfortunately, there are lots of agents who will tell you what you want to hear. Believe me, in over 35 years of selling real estate, many agents are still using the same tired old tactics to get another listing. Overprice it, tell the sellers what they want to hear, and beat them up to lower their price later. That’s the 3P Marketing Plan of the ’90s:

  • Put the sign in the yard
  • Put it in MLS and
  • Pray

What else can you do when you’ve overpriced a home?

The only 3 reasons a house sells are:

  1. The right price
  2. The right staging and
  3. The right Realtor

Which comes first? Any house will sell if it is priced right. The agents who are good at pricing a home to sell are ahead of the rest. But unfortunately, they are few and far between.

The right home staging is important but even I will admit, some attempt at home staging is better than no staging at all. The difference is homes that are styled and staged to look drop-dead gorgeous get you more money – that’s all. It’s your money you’re either making or losing.

But making it all happen is having the right Realtor who can help you understand how real estate works. Selling your home is simple, but it’s not easy. The Realtor you choose will determine the results you get. Make sure the process starts with pricing your home to sell. After all, it’s your money. And the faster your house sells, the more money you will get!

If you’re thinking of selling a home in or around Overland Park and want to know what I do to help you sell faster and for thousands over the asking price, text or call me at (913) 515-3250 or contact me here.

Check out today’s new listings either below or in the sidebar. Call or text me at (913) 515-3250 to see inside one of these homes. I AM NEVER TOO BUSY to show you a house. Real estate is my main hustle after 35 years! Everything else I do is bells and whistles to enhance your experience!

  • List View
  • Map View

See all Real estate matching your search.
(all data current as of 3/26/2023)

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

 
 

12217 Carter Street

SOLD in Overland Park, KS

Impressive 2-story with great curb appeal in Kensington Manor and the red-hot Blue Valley School District. You’ll love the open floor plan, and newly renovated kitchen with crisp white cabinetry, tiled backsplash, granite counters, cooktop island, beautiful flooring, and new stainless appliances. The 1st floor offers a great flow and includes a fireplace, lots of built-ins, and a delightful wet bar. The upstairs has 4 bedrooms with the possibility of two primary bedrooms – at opposite ends of the hallway. The lower level has substantial storage and space to escape or work out. Enjoy the gorgeous landscaped backyard while relaxing on your modern deck that’s perfect for entertaining family and friends. Loads of updates and upgrades in this well-maintained, lightly lived-in home including a new HVAC system. Fun, friendly, and active subdivision that’s close to Kensington Park, dining, shopping, and convenient to highway access.

Check out the beautiful photos here.

Check out today’s new listings either below or in the sidebar. Call or text me at (913) 515-3250 to see inside one of these homes. I AM NEVER TOO BUSY to show you a house. Real estate is my main hustle after 35 years! Everything else I do is bells and whistles to enhance your experience!

  • List View
  • Map View

See all Real estate matching your search.
(all data current as of 3/26/2023)

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

 
 

2022 Kansas City Spring Parade of Homes

The 2022 Kansas City Spring Parade of Homes started on Saturday, April 23rd, and runs through Sunday, May 8th. This year there are over 200 homes on tour throughout all the metropolitan counties.

The parade is designed for homebuyers to see the top new homes, learn more about premier builders and visit different communities. In addition, the houses are open daily from 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. and the admission is FREE!

Start your 2022 Kansas City Spring Parade of Homes at any new home subdivision and pick up a guide there.

How will the 2022 Kansas City Spring Parade of Homes inspire you?

Looking at new homes is part of what I do every day. I absolutely love new construction. If you’re like me and also love interior design, be sure to visit some of the new home subdivisions during the 2022 Kansas City Spring Parade of Homes and wander through the furnished homes.

As a result, you’ll either fall in love or go home and be content with what you have. Who knows, you might get some new inspiration to incorporate into your current home. Even more, I love getting fresh ideas from the new home designers. It’s always fun to see the latest trends and how you can incorporate them into your own home!

You DO need a buyer’s agent for new construction

Furthermore, please have a buyer’s agent represent you when building or buying a new home. The builder pays for you to be represented so it doesn’t cost you to have representation but can really cost you if you don’t. Above all else, it’s your protection against the “what ifs.” The agents working at the subdivision work for the builders. They are looking out for their best interests. Without your own buyer representation, you don’t have anyone looking out for your best interests during the building or completion process.

If you see a house you absolutely have to have while on the 2022 Kansas City Spring Parade of Homes or want to discuss your options with buying a new construction or spec home, call me at (913) 515-3250 or contact me here.  I’m always here to help and answer any questions.

Want to know the latest stats in your neighborhood? Don’t rely on the Zillow Zestimate. Here’s a quick tool that will research your subdivision and provide you with a report within minutes – direct from the local Multiple Listing Service. It’s fast and it’s FREE! Click here and insert your address.

Check out today’s new listings either below or in the sidebar. Call or text me at (913) 515-3250 to see inside one of these homes. I AM NEVER TOO BUSY to show you a house. Real estate is my main hustle after 35 years! Everything else I do is bells and whistles to enhance your experience!

  • List View
  • Map View

See all Real estate matching your search.
(all data current as of 3/26/2023)

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

 
 

How is the Market? Kansas City Real Estate

Everybody always asks me, how is the market? It’s an ice breaker question at any event or party attended. After all, there are alot of rumors regarding real estate in Kansas City and the suburbs. Not all rumors are true!

As you can see, the Kansas City real estate market remains a seller’s
market. With 0.7 months of inventory available, we are in desperate need of more homes to come on the market.

With the average days on the market of 31 days from list date to contract
date, it’s obvious we have a shortage of homes that are priced right and look
good.

How is the market?

Quite honestly, if sellers and their agents would list homes at the right price, as well as stage them to sell, the market would be better. But while the price is important, no one is going to buy a house they don’t see themselves living in. This is where the most important denominator of home staging comes into play. The price can always be adjusted but until someone falls in love with your home, nothing else really matters.

Are you thinking of selling in Overland Park?

If you are considering selling in the Overland Park real estate market, we would love to talk to you. Selling your home in Overland Park can cost you thousands of your hard-earned equity if you don’t do it right. It’s a perfect time to sell with prices skyrocketing over last year once again.

Let us show you how we sell our average staged home in 3 days or less, with
multiple offers and for thousands of dollars over the asking price.

Every day your home is on the market, it is costing you money. Why be an
average house on the Overland Park real estate market when you can be SOLD
FAST! We focus on driving your price up versus negotiating it down. It all
starts with the power and magic of Home Staging!

Also, to find out instantly your home’s Zaccurate Value from the
local Multiple Listing Service versus the unreliable Zestimate, click here.

Or to schedule a walk-through for the current market value opinion of your
home and to see how your home’s value may have changed, call or text us at (913) 515-3250 or contact us here.

Check out today’s new Overland Park listings

Check out today’s new listings either below or in the sidebar. Call or text me at (913) 515-3250 to see inside one of these homes. I AM NEVER TOO BUSY to show you a house. Real estate is my main hustle after 35 years! Everything else I do is bells and whistles to enhance your experience!


  • List View
  • Map View

See all Real estate matching your search.
(all data current as of 3/26/2023)

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

 
 

8206 W 144th Street

For Sale In Overland Park – $395,000

SOLD FOR THOU$$$$$$ANDS OVER ASKING PRICE!

Blue Valley Schools under $400k plus a putting green? This terrific 2 story has an open floor plan, loads of updates, and a finished walk-out lower level. The a/c and hot water heater were replaced in 2021. This layout is perfect for working from home (while working on your golf game) as well as entertaining friends and family. The formal dining room is the perfect space for your home office. You’ll love the pretty kitchen with white cabinets, glass fronts, granite, stainless appliances, breakfast bar plus dining area that walks out to the recently stained deck. Upstairs on the bedroom level is a large main bedroom with a bath that has heated tile floors! A jack and jill bathroom is between bedrooms 2 and 3. The 4th bedroom is off to itself for a little more privacy. The lower-level rec room with built-in cabinets and wet bar offers one large open space that’s perfect for so many uses: the kids, a man cave, exercise area, or all of the above. A cedar closet provides off-season storage. There is also a 3rd full bath plus plenty of storage. Walk out from the lower level to a lovely yard, vegetable garden area, and the putting green! Extras include a “smart” sprinkler system plus a workshop with a sink in the garage. This home is well maintained, pet-free, clean, and move-in ready! Convenient location with easy access to shops, great dining, and highway access.

Check out the photo slideshow here!

The Coming Soon Sign – Pros and Cons

Home sellers are always asking if I can put up a coming soon sign so their house gets more visibility. Yes, I can…but is that to your advantage? I want to share my opinion of the pros and cons of coming soon signs.

There are many schools of thought. Obviously, there is the home seller’s train of thought and the Realtor’s train of thought. My thoughts are always based on what works versus the seller’s thoughts of what they see others doing and what everybody is trying to sell you.

The pros and cons of a coming soon sign

Pros of a coming soon sign

As a home seller, you want to make sure your home is getting as much exposure as it can possibly get. But likes on Zillow don’t really matter. Random exposure is not as important as the right exposure. For example, I know you’ve seen houses on Zillow that have hundreds of views as well as saves, and yet it hasn’t sold yet. Those are random likes. When marketing your home, I expose it to Realtors who have buyers who are ready, willing, and waiting for a house like yours to come on the market. That is what is going to get your home sold with multiple offers and for thousands of dollars over your asking price.

Cons of a coming soon sign

For many reasons, a coming soon sign definitely gets the attention of the neighborhood! Your neighbors might tell some of their friends that a house in their neighborhood will be on the market soon. They might even mention it on their social media. But are their friends, YOUR buyers? In other words…

  • Are they working with a Realtor?
  • Have they been in the home buying process for a few months now?
  • Are they preapproved for a home loan? Do they have a house to sell?
  • Are they prepared to close in 30 days? Do they know how the current market works?
  • How many houses have they looked at?
  • Have they made offers that weren’t accepted?
  • And most importantly, how many houses have they lost?

Buying a home has changed

You see, home buying has changed. Until a buyer goes through the “how to buy a house when there’s no inventory phase” of the home buying process, they are not going to buy your house for over asking price. They just aren’t. Those people are not your buyer.

Home buyer case study

My recent buyers had every intention of finding a newer, larger home before they ever put their home on the market. Ashley had purchased the current home years ago when she was single. It was just right for her needs. But after getting married and having a baby, a 2 bedroom with no basement didn’t suit them so much anymore.

They did their due diligence and got preapproved for a home loan without having to sell their current home. That way, there was no pressure. They could take their time and find the right house without trying to coordinate two moves.

Long story short, we probably looked at 30 houses and wrote 10-15 offers…that they didn’t get. Every time they lost out to another offer, I tried to find out why. With every lost house, they became more informed of how to buy a house when there is no inventory. We kept coming up with a better game plan. They became better and stronger buyers. They learned the secret of buying a house in today’s market from not winning. Finally, they bought a house that worked for them and it didn’t break the bank.

When should you use a coming soon sign?

On the other hand, a coming soon sign might work for a house that:

  • Doesn’t show well and needs an extra push to get everybody’s attention
  • Might be in an area where similar houses don’t get multiple offers or
  • Is just flat out overpriced

Not to mention, there are license laws about what “coming soon” even means and the logistics of it. Formerly coming soon became coming soon to MLS. There are huge fines ($1,000) to pay if a house is shown to anyone before its active date. Any home for sale has to be available for anyone to see at the same time. That puts you as the homeowner under duress as well because unfortunately aggressive buyers and agents have been known to knock on a door of a coming soon house – just to take a peek.

The home buying process is all about elimination. Buyers are looking at houses to eliminate them because they know they can only buy one. That way, when they find the right one, they will know it’s the one and will fight their hardest to make it their own.

As a seller, you want all the exposure you can get but believe me, when I tell you a coming soon sign is not going to make your life easier. What I’ve found is it takes the anticipation, momentum and the thrill out of the process of coming on the market.

Hiring the right Realtor

Selling your home always starts with hiring the right Realtor. There are plenty of buyers out there that are looking for a house just like yours. Let my 34 years of experience of selling homes for top dollar and faster than the others work for you. I have perfected a marketing plan that works in all markets. Let me create my signature Model Home Look for you using your own things. It’s what every buyer wants and will pay extra money to get. It will definitely work for you…if you allow it to happen.

As your Realtor, it is my job to get your home not only priced right and looking fabulous with its model home look but to also get you multiple showings. Premarketing only takes away from the surprise of a new house on the market and the urgency to see it. Don’t give home buyers and their agents a reason to eliminate it before they get a chance to see it.

You don’t need a 59 Point Marketing Plan to sell your house in today’s market. My 3 Steps is easy and works!

What’s next?

Call or text me at (913) 515-3250 to find out how easy it will be to sell your home without all the confusion of a coming soon sign.

Check out today’s new listings either below or in the sidebar. Call or text me at (913) 515-3250 to see inside one of these homes. I AM NEVER TOO BUSY to show you a house. Real estate is my main hustle after 35 years! Everything else I do is bells and whistles to enhance your experience!

  • List View
  • Map View

See all Real estate matching your search.
(all data current as of 3/26/2023)

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

 
 

What You Need to Know about Real Estate in 2022

My state of the real estate market address

The post-pandemic future of Covid and real estate in 2022 is uncertain. No one can definitely predict what’s going to happen this year, but as a 15-year winner and recipient of the 2022 Five Star Professional Real Estate Agent award in Kansas City and Overland Park, I want to address the 3 most important things for sure.

The top 3 things that matter for home sellers and home buyers

  1. Inventory
  2. Interest rates
  3. Prices

Real estate in 2022

Let’s get down to it. There is always speculation, but in my opinion, the only things that matter in real estate start with inventory. If I could just get those baby boomers moving on down the road, it would open up a whole lot of inventory. But boomers are typically stubborn and if they’re not ready, they are not going anywhere. I will continue to try by educating them on the benefits of downsizing and selling their homes while they still can.

Is there even any housing inventory out there?

As in previous years, there is still such a lack of inventory, so I predict buyers will be in the same situation when trying to buy real estate in 2022. For every house that comes on the market, there are at least 10 if not 50 buyers (depending on the price range) who want to buy it.

For example, I had a cute little 50-year-old home that had never had any updates. In other words, picture grandma’s house if you will. It was extremely well maintained but had lots of wallpaper, old, stained carpet, heavy drapes, and an outdated kitchen with mismatched appliances and original bathrooms with colorful tile. But it also was in a great neighborhood, had virgin hardwood floors under the carpet, a nice big eat-in kitchen, a spacious newer deck that overlooked the fenced backyard, and came with an older washer and dryer! After looking at the comparable houses that had recently sold in that neighborhood, we priced it at $215,000 which is exactly where we felt it was worth. I had over 70 showings, over 20 offers and it sold for $254,000. It sold for $39,000 over the asking price, had no inspections, and closed in 10 days.

My point being, yes there is inventory but when you have 70 showings on one house, there are obviously more buyers than houses for sale.

Interest rates

It’s a well-known fact that The Federal Reserve is expected to raise mortgage interest rates several times in 2022. It is predicted that interest rates will rise to at least 3.5% by year-end. Now granted, that’s not a lot considering I bought a house in the ’80s at 16.75%.

But for today’s buyers, for rates to go up even half a point can affect what they qualify for when buying a home. As a result, even at a 3.5% interest rate, that shouldn’t keep buyers from wanting to get into a house. But those carry-over buyers that didn’t get a house in 2021, will find their buying power at a higher interest rate will give them less to spend. That is unless they were able to save additional money in 2021.

Another real-life situation is I have some buyers that wrote a new construction contract in January of 2021. Well, needless to say, their home was supposed to be finished and closed in December. However, due to supply shortages, delivery issues, and now with so many workers out with Covid, the best guess for completion is now mid-April. And that date is a moving target.

Prices

Oh, those prices…what will buyers be willing to pay in 2022? WIT – whatever it takes. Buyers want what they want and many are sick and tired of not being able to become homeowners.

What are their options? Potential homebuyers are sick and tired of paying rent which continues to increase. Landlords know they are in the driver’s seat and can charge overinflated prices for rent because they can. The average rent increases 10% a year. I am working with some buyers who are paying top dollar for a rental house at $2,400 a month. That’s almost $30,000 a year for rent. They told me they are willing to pay $30,000 over the asking price for a house since that’s what they will be forking out in the next year if they continue to have to pay rent.

In conclusion

Real estate in 2022 will be a big year for many people. It’s my belief, after 2 years of Covid, people are desiring to be closer to their families so inventory may be a bit higher than in 2021. I already have many clients who have told me they will be selling this year to move closer to family.

My best guess is we will remain in a seller’s market throughout 2022. Buyers will continue to make multiple offers and pay way over the asking price for at least another year.

What are your options?

If you’re selling…

If you’re considering selling your home in 2022 you should be educated and know how real estate has changed. Have a plan to sell. Don’t call one of those companies who will sell your house with no showings or whatever they tell you to make you bite. All of those companies that pop up when there is an opportunity in the marketplace should be thoroughly scrutinized.

I’ve been selling real estate for 35 years and there have been so many gimmick and pop-up companies over the years. At the end of the day, real estate has existed well over 100 years and I tell my sellers that no one will get them more money than I will with 35 years of negotiating skills. Real estate lessons come from experience. My services will pay for themselves.

Would you like to know the real estate activity in your neighborhood? I have a great tool for that. You can simply put in your address and it immediately pulls up your subdivision so you can take a closer look at what houses like yours are selling for.

Or if you want to schedule a FREE in-person market evaluation, please call or text me at (913) 515-3250 or contact me here. I’ll be happy to stop by and give you a more accurate value of what you can expect to sell for in this market. While I’m there, you can also get all of your questions about your house, the market, or anything else that’s on your mind. I promise you’ll be better informed when I leave than you were when I arrived. People tell me all the time, “Oh, I didn’t know that.” Real estate changes daily. Don’t leave it to chance.

If you’re buying…

If you’re buying in 2022, reach out here for a free buyer consultation or call or text me at (913) 515-3250. It’s important to know upfront, how things have changed for home buyers, and what you need to do to be a buyer in today’s market.

You can check out today’s new listings either below or in the sidebar. Call or text me at (913) 515-3250 to see inside one of these homes. I AM NEVER TOO BUSY to show you a house. Real estate is my main hustle after 35 years! It’s why I’ve been a Five Star Professional Real Estate Agent for the last 15 consecutive years. Everything else I do is merely bells and whistles to enhance your experience!

  • List View
  • Map View

See all Real estate matching your search.
(all data current as of 3/26/2023)

Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.

 
 

2022 Five Star Professional Real Estate Agent

For the last 15 consecutive years, I’ve been awarded the Five Star Professional Real Estate Agent award from Five Star Professionals. Less than 1% of the over 12,000 local Realtors have received this distinction. And less than 2% of the local Realtors are awarded the award itself so it’s a very small group of award winners. The award winners are listed on their website.

This prestigious award is presented based on evaluations from consumers themselves. In order to qualify for this honor, a Realtor must first pass the award criteria based on their license is in good standing, a minimum number of years in business, as well as the number of transactions closed for the previous year. After that, the nominees are voted on by their clients based on 10 critical benchmarks.

2022 Five Star Professional Real Estate Agent criteria

  1. Customer service
  2. Integrity
  3. Market knowledge
  4. Communication
  5. Negotiation skills
  6. Closing preparation
  7. Post sale service
  8. Finding buyers the right home
  9. Exceptional marketing for sellers
  10. Overall satisfaction

In addition, those consumers are asked if they would recommend their Realtor to a friend.

In conclusion

I feel honored to receive this 2022 Five Star Professional Real Estate Agent award for another year. I appreciate each and every one of you that have supported me along my 35-year journey in real estate. My goal is to treat every client like I would like to be treated myself. Whether you are buying or selling real estate, I will manage your transaction like it was my own.

If you are selling your home, I will make sure everything is perfectly staged using your own things before your house comes on the market. Your staging is at no additional cost to you.

Buying a home? I will make sure you are up-to-date on not just receiving the latest listings as they become available, but you will also be informed of how to be the best buyer so you are the winning contract in a multiple offer situation.

I have remained a solo agent for over 35 years so I am able to give you all my attention during your real estate transaction. Real estate is a personal journey for each of you. For that very reason, you will never be passed off to someone else who doesn’t know your story.

Schedule an appointment

I’m never too busy to take your call or answer your text. YOU are my number one priority always.

In addition, I AM NEVER TOO BUSY to talk to you about real estate – whether it’s showing you a house or helping you get your house ready to sell. Real estate is my main hustle after 35 years! Everything else I do is merely bells and whistles to enhance your experience!

Let’s talk about your plans for real estate in 2022. With an ever-changing world and real estate market, I want to answer all of your questions and see if this is a good time for you to pursue your dreams.

For more information about me or my services, visit my website or call or text me direct at (913) 515-3250 or contact me here. I’d love to help you in 2022 so you can recommend me for the 2023 Five Star Professional Real Estate award!