Marcia Tolin

It’s exciting to put a house on the market and to think about making new memories in new spaces. However, despite the anticipation of what’s to come, we can still have deep sentimental attachments to the home we’re leaving behind. Growing emotions can help or hinder a sale depending on how we manage them. When it comes to the bottom line, homeowners need to know what it takes to avoid costly mistakes when it’s time to move.... https://marciatolinrealtor.com/3-must-dos-when-selling-you/

Here’s to a Wonderful 2021! https://marciatolinrealtor.com/heres-to-a-wonderful-2021/

The housing market was a shining star in 2020, fueling the economic turnaround throughout the country. As we look forward to 2021, can we expect real estate to continue showing such promise? Here’s what four experts have to say about the year ahead. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist, National Association of Realtors (NAR) In 2021, I think rates will be similar or modestly higher, maybe 3%So, ... https://marciatolinrealtor.com/four-expert-views-on-the-20/

There are many benefits to working with a real estate professional when selling your house. During challenging times, like what we face today, it becomes even more important to have an expert you trust to help guide you through the process. If you’re considering selling on your own, known in the industry as a For Sale By Owner (FSBO), it’s critical to consider the following items.... https://marciatolinrealtor.com/why-selling-your-house-on-y/

This year challenged us to reprioritize everything from the way we use our time to where we work, how we socialize and gather together, and our needs at home. For many, this also meant making decisions about how to best support and engage with our extended families, near and far. In some cases, we weren’t able to see our relatives and loved ones who were living in senior facilities.... https://marciatolinrealtor.com/more-generations-are-living/

As the economy recovers from this year’s health crisis, the housing market is playing a leading role in the turnaround. It’s safe to say that what we call home is taking on a new meaning, causing many of us to consider buying or selling sooner rather than later. Housing, therefore, has thrived in an otherwise down year. Today’s high buyer demand combined with low housing inventory means we’re seeing home prices [ 250 more words ] https://marciatolinrealtor.com/real-estate-is-a-driving-fo/

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, median rent continues to rise. With today’s low mortgage rates, there’s great opportunity for current renters to make a move into homeownership that stretches each dollar a little bit further. While the best timeline to buy a home is different for everyone, the question remains: Should I continue renting or is it time for me to buy? [ 484 more words ] https://marciatolinrealtor.com/rent-vs-buy-how-to-decide-w/

Tomorrow, Americans will decide our President for the next four years. That decision will have a major impact on many aspects of life in this country, but the residential real estate market will not be one of them. Analysts will try to measure the impact feasible changes in regulations might have on housing, the effect of a possible first-time buyer program, and any number of other situations based on who wins. [ 495 more words ] https://marciatolinrealtor.com/4-reasons-why-the-election-/

Some Highlights In today’s hyper-competitive market, buyers are often willing to overlook cosmetic or minor repair needs if it means snagging a home in their price range. With so few houses available for sale today, you may be able to skip the bigger renovations before you sell and cash in on the current demand for your house. If you’re ready to move, let’s connect to determine your best next steps in this sellers’ market. https://marciatolinrealtor.com/should-i-renovate-my-house-/

The number of houses for sale today is significantly lower than the high buyer activity in the current housing market. According to Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for the National Association of Realtors (NAR): There is no shortage of hopeful, potential buyers, but inventory is historically low. When the demand for homes is higher than what’s available for sale, it’s a great time for homeowners to sell their house. [ 292 more words ] https://marciatolinrealtor.com/three-ways-low-inventory-is/

The demand for homes this year is extraordinary as record-breaking numbers of hopeful buyers continue to shop for homes. In a normal year, the peak homebuying season comes to a close by early fall. However, 2020 is anything but a normal year, and the housing market is no exception. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for the National Association of Realtors (NAR), [ 436 more words ] https://marciatolinrealtor.com/buyer-interest-is-growing-a/

Many people are eager to buy a home right now while affordability continues to be a highlight of the current housing market. However, a recent survey by Sparks Research shows that 20% of first-time homebuyers cite a lack of financial education as a barrier to homeownership. This is definitely understandable. If you don’t feel comfortable with the financial process of buying a home, it’s hard to make a confident decision. [ 378 more words ] https://marciatolinrealtor.com/how-down-payment-assistance/

Equity continues to rise, helping American homeowners secure a much more stable financial future. According to the most recent data from CoreLogic, the average homeowner gained $9,800 in equity over the past year. In addition, experts project 2020 home prices to continue rising. With prices going up, equity gains will also keep accelerating. Black Knight just reported: [ 442 more words ] https://marciatolinrealtor.com/two-important-impacts-of-ho/

Some Highlights Demand from homebuyers has skyrocketed this year, which means today’s sellers are poised to win big. This ideal moment in time to sell your house won’t last forever, though. With more sellers coming to the market in the spring, waiting until next year means buyers will have more choices, so your home may not stand out from the crowd. Let’s connect today to discuss why now may be the right time to make a move on your terms. https://marciatolinrealtor.com/selling-your-house-is-the-r/

As we enter the final months of 2020 and continue to work through the challenges this year has brought, some of us wonder what impact continued economic uncertainty could have on home prices. Looking at the big picture, the rules of supply and demand will give us the clearest idea of what is to come. Due to the undersupply of homes on the market today, there’s upward pressure on prices. [ 247 more words ] https://marciatolinrealtor.com/home-values-projected-to-ke/

Many housing experts originally voiced concern that the mortgage forbearance program (which allows families impacted financially by COVID to delay mortgage payments to a later date) could lead to an increase in foreclosures when forbearances end. Some originally forecasted that up to 30% of homeowners would choose to enter forbearance. Less than 10% actually did, and that percentage has been dropping steadily. [ 802 more words ] https://marciatolinrealtor.com/why-todays-options-will-sav/

The September Jobs Report issued by the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the unemployment rate dropped to 7.9%. Though that percentage is well below what experts projected earlier this year, it still means millions of people are without work. There’s no way to minimize the tremendous impact this pandemic-induced recession continues to have on many Americans. However, the latest [ 292 more words ] https://marciatolinrealtor.com/americans-are-gaining-confi/

The 2020 housing market has surpassed all expectations and continues to drive the nation’s economic recovery. The question is, will this positive trend continue throughout the rest of the year, especially given the uncertainty around the current health crisis, the upcoming election, and more? Here’s a look at what several industry-leading experts have to say. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist, National Association of Realtors [ 204 more words ] https://marciatolinrealtor.com/real-estate-continues-to-sh/