Your new home awaits

Advanced Search

        Welcome to the Scout4Homes Blog!

April 27, 2023

Realtor who knows sign language

You may be wondering how do I find a realtor who knows sign language.

Whether for yourself or a family member sometimes communicating in sign language is needed. When we're talking about the biggest financial decisions you make in life it is important to be able to understand absolutely everything. Buying or selling real estate requires the advice of a professional you can trust. You would go find an agent who spoke Arabic if that was your native language why not ASL.

Good news though, we have a team member, Jessica Crockarell, who is fluent in sign language and working on qualification to officially be an interpreter. 

Jessica can help explain things like common real estate terms and what to expect next in your transaction using sign language when it is easier for you or a family member to understand.

If you don't happen to be in our geographic area we can connect you with an agent who is fluent in sign language in a different area just let us know where you need help.

Reach out to us if you need assistance with anything real estate

Posted in First time buyers
no comments yet
Aug. 10, 2022

FSBO Success Rate

A lot of people think they can save money by selling their home themselves. A few can. Statistics show that about 11% of sellers actually succeed in selling their own home. The downside is that they sell for approximately 26% less than they would get if they had an agent representing them. Most FSBO owners still pay for a buyer's agent to handle paperwork and bring the buyer. That means they are only saving the seller side commission and it wouldn't be worth selling for so much less.

Posted in FSBO Info
no comments yet
Jan. 15, 2022

Where is Real Estate going in 2022

The number one question we get right now from buyers and sellers alike is "what's happening in the market in the coming months".  Sellers are nervous about waiting and missing out.  Buyers are nervous about buying high and the market cooling off.

Well the market is going to cool off, but when I say that I mean price growth is going to slow down to much closer to normal than it has been in the last 2 years.  It doesn't mean we expect a crash, we absolutely don't.  It just means inventory will increase and start to level out with buyer demand.  

It's probably going to take 3 years for things to level back out to a balanced market.  In that time the interest rates are going to go up which reduces buying power.  

Want more info on buying or selling, click Contact us today!

Posted in Market Updates
no comments yet
July 6, 2021

Welcome back from the 4th

Does this feel like a pivot point in the summer? Like summer is 1/2 over?  It does to lots of people.  July 4th seems to kick everyone into gear to get done everything they wanted to get done this summer.  For some that's vacation, some it's a project, some it's a move.  Well don't let the "mid way" point in summer get away from you and overwhelm you.  Enjoy the long days and call me when you're ready for help with that move.

Posted in Market Updates
no comments yet
June 14, 2021

Is Summer the best time to buy?

Many families wait until summer to buy a new home thinking that it is easier to move when school is out and there are more homes on the market to choose from.  Often this can be the opposite of the truth. Unless you need to make your move to get into a desired school district sometimes the best selection, least competition and best pricing is actually in the winter months.  Generally speaking the only people selling their homes in the winter have a specific need to sell.  Likewise the buyers are trying to fill a specific need.  Often this results in a motivated seller that is more willing to make a deal.

Posted in Market Updates
no comments yet
June 8, 2021

First Step in Home Buying

I get on average 5 calls a week from first time buyers that say "I don't know where to start".  For each one of those I tell them they made the right first step.

A trusted local realtor can guide you down every step of the path to home ownership. 

They can help you understand how credit scores affect interest rates, what programs are available to help with down payments, in what instances can I have seller pay closing costs and so many more questions that all first time buyers have.

From there they will guide you to lenders, inspectors, and title companies that will help make the process as easy as possible.

So when you don't know where to start, just make the call.

Posted in First time buyers
no comments yet
Jan. 13, 2021

Why Not to Wait Until Spring to Make a Move

Why Not to Wait Until Spring to Make a Move

Why Not to Wait Until Spring to Make a Move | MyKCM

The housing market recovery coming into the new year has been nothing short of remarkable. Many experts agree the turnaround from the nation’s economic pause is playing out extremely well for real estate, and the current market conditions are truly making this winter an ideal time to make a move. Here’s a dive into some of the biggest wins for homebuyers this season.

1. Mortgage Rates Are Historically Low

In 2020, mortgage rates hit all-time lows 16 times. Continued low rates have set buyers up for significant long-term gains. In fact, realtor.com notes:

“Given this means homes could cost potentially tens of thousands less over the lifetime of the loan.”

Essentially, it’s less expensive to borrow money for a home loan today than it has been in years past. Although mortgage rates are expected to remain relatively low in 2021, even the slightest increase can make a big difference in your payments over the lifetime of a home loan. So, this is a huge opportunity to capitalize on right now before mortgage rates start to rise.

2. Equity Is Growing

According to John Burns Consulting, 58.7% of homes in the U.S. have at least 60% equity, and 42.1% of all homes in this country are mortgage-free, meaning they’re owned free and clear.

In addition, CoreLogic notes the average equity homeowners gained since last year is $17,000. That’s a tremendous amount of forced savings for homeowners, and an opportunity to use this increasing equity to make a move into a home that fits your changing needs this season.

3. Home Prices Are Appreciating

According to leading experts, home prices are forecasted to continue appreciating. Today, many experts are projecting more moderate home price growth than last year, but still moving in an upward direction through 2021.

Knowing home values are increasing while mortgage rates are so low should help you feel confident that buying a home before prices rise even higher is a strong long-term investment.

4. There Are Not Enough Homes for Sale

With today’s low inventory of homes on the market, which is contributing to this home price appreciation, sellers are in the driver’s seat. The competition is high among buyers, so homes are selling quickly.

Making a move while so many buyers are looking for homes to purchase may mean your house rises to the top of the buyer pool. Selling your house before more listings come to the market in the traditionally busy spring market might be your best chance to shine.

Bottom Line

If you’re considering making a move, this may be your moment, especially with today’s low mortgage rates and limited inventory. Let’s connect to get you set up for homebuying success in the new year.

Posted in Market Updates
no comments yet
July 31, 2017

Curious About Local Real Estate?

Receive the Latest Local Market Stats

Curious about local real estate? So are we! Every month we review trends in our real estate market and consider the number of homes on the market in each price tier, the amount of time particular homes have been listed for sale, specific neighborhood trends, the median price and square footage of each home sold and so much more. We’d love to invite you to do the same!

Get Local Market Reports Sent Directly to You

You can sign up here to receive your own market report, delivered as often as you like! It contains current information on pending, active and just sold properties so you can see actual homes in your neighborhood. You can review your area on a larger scale, as well, by refining your search to include properties across the city or county. As you notice price and size trends, please contact us for clarification or to have any questions answered.

We can definitely fill you in on details that are not listed on the report and help you determine the best home for you. If you are wondering if now is the time to sell, please try out our INSTANT home value tool. You’ll get an estimate on the value of your property in today’s market. Either way, we hope to hear from you soon as you get to know our neighborhoods and local real estate market better.

Posted in Market Updates
no comments yet
Previous Page

Helpful Resources

Connect Social

Popular Market Reports

Archives