Blog - Sunrise Homes & Renovations, Inc.

How Often Should Your Real Estate Agent Contact You?

May 8, 2019 by Rhonda Costa

If this is your first time working with a real estate agent, you may be wondering how often you’ll be in contact with your real estate agent. Obviously, you want to be sure they’re still working for you even when you don’t hear from them. So how often should your real estate agent contact you, and when?

When Your Agent Will Likely Contact You

Expect a call from your agent when the following situations occur:

Your agent wants permission to have an open house at your home
Your agent is giving you feedback about the open house
A buyer wants to view your home
A buyer wants to come back and see it again
An offer has been made on your home
Your counteroffer has been approved/rejected
A prospective buyer has made an offer on a different home
A home inspection/photographer’s/home staging appointment is pending
A change is needed in your listing (raise/lower price, etc.)
Other pertinent information becomes available

When Your Agent Might Not Call You

The buyers who viewed your home have not made an offer or expressed interest
No one has called about viewing your home
No action is pending

Is No News Good News?

You might go several days or even weeks without hearing from your real estate agent. No news or contact from your real estate agent isn’t necessarily good news or bad news. It’s just indicative that there’s been no activity on your home sale.

You can certainly reach out to your real estate agent, but that won’t change the fact that they have no news for you. If too much time passes with no activity, your agent will certainly contact you to make a new plan about your home listing.

There’s really no set schedule for how often a real estate agent should contact you except that they will always keep you abreast of pertinent information to do with selling your home. Remember that your agent is working for you even when they go “radio silent.”

Your agent’s primary work before the sale is behind the scenes; attending other open houses and networking with other agents and brokers to spread the word about your home for sale. Be patient and know that the wheels are turning, even if they aren’t squeaky!

Can I Sell A House That Still Needs Repairs?

May 7, 2019 by Rhonda Costa

Can I Sell A House That Still Needs Repairs When you started thinking about putting your house up for sale, you probably made a list of repairs that need to be done ahead of time. If that list was long, you might be at a point where you’re asking if it’s all worth it. Will prospective buyers really notice the little things? And even if they do, will that affect how much you’re able to get for your home?

You Can Sell An Imperfect House

Your house doesn’t need to be perfect in order to sell it. Many older homes have some issues like outdated kitchens and bathrooms or wall-to-wall carpeting that needs to be replaced or gotten rid of.

But be aware that a house in need of repair or is different than a house that needs updating. Outstanding repairs are a red flag to buyers that you haven’t maintained the home as you should have over the years. Buyers may suspect that your home needs even more repairs than the obvious issues. So first off, you might have more buyers walk away from a house in need of repair and second, you will probably get less money for your home.

Outstanding Repairs Give Buyers Leverage

When you try to sell a home that’s in need of repairs, you give buyers leverage to get a lower price out of you. For instance, if your house needs a new furnace, the buyers might say, “Well, we’ll make an offer but it’s lower by this amount because we know we’ll have to get a new HVAC system as soon as we move in”.

That amount for the HVAC system will usually be more than what you could have paid for a new furnace before listing your home. You can almost always sell your house for more by taking care of repairs first.

One thing that real estate agents advise is to get an independent home inspection report before you sell. This will give you an official list of all the repairs that need to be done. Then you can pick and choose among which repairs you should take care of.

This also helps to avoid unpleasant surprises later on. Even though finishing repairs can be costly and time-consuming, many home sellers find that it’s worth it to do as much as possible before listing. The final purchase price often ends up reimbursing you for your expenses, if not for your time.

Be sure to consult with your trusted real estate professional to help you prioritize home improvement projects prior to listing.

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – May 6th, 2019

May 6, 2019 by Rhonda Costa

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – May 6th, 2019 Last week’s economic news brought good news to U.S. consumers on several fronts. Mortgage rates fell and national unemployment fell to its lowest rate in 50 years. Inflation slowed and the Federal Reserve held its target federal funds rate steady.

Freddie Mac analysts credited strong labor markets, high consumer confidence and falling mortgage rates as factors setting the stage for more home sales.

Pending Home Sales Rise as Construction Spending Falls

The National Association of Realtors® reported higher pending home sales in March; home sales under contract but not completed rose 3.89 percent in March as compared to February’s negative reading of -1.00 percent growth. Pending home sales provide a gauge for completed sales and mortgage loan volume.

Increasing home sales will help balance a lop-sided housing market fueled by an acute shortage of homes for sale and rapidly rising home prices that provided prospective home buyers with few options. High demand for homes drove prices up as buyers competed for available homes in popular metro areas.

Real estate pros repeatedly say building more homes is necessary for bringing housing markets back into balance, but construction spending was -0.90 percent lower in March. Analysts expected spending to dip -0.40 percent; February’s reading showed an increase of 0.70 percent in construction spending; Builders face ongoing headwinds including shortages of buildable lots and higher materials prices.

Mortgage Rates Fall as Fed Holds Key Rate Steady

The Federal Reserve did not raise its current federal funds rate range of 2.25 to 2.50 percent and inflation is growing slower than expected. These factors and low unemployment boosted consumer confidence in April; more home buyers were expected to enter the housing market as mortgage rates fell last week.

Discount points averaged 0.50 percent for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages and 0.40 percent for 15-year fixed rate mortgages and 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages.

Labor Sector: Lowest Unemployment Rate in 50 Years

ADP reported 275,000 new private sector jobs in April; the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 263,000 more public and private-sector jobs; this exceeded expectations of 213,000 jobs added and the reading of 189,000 public and private sector jobs added in March. First-time jobless claims were unchanged from the prior week’s reading of 230,000 first-time claims filed.

Consumer confidence rose to an index reading of 129.20 in April; analysts expected a reading of 126.90 percent based on the March index reading of 124.20.

What‘s Ahead

This week’s scheduled economic news includes readings on inflation, job openings and weekly readings on first-time jobless claims and mortgage rates.

Last week’s economic news brought good news to U.S. consumers on several fronts. Mortgage rates fell and national unemployment fell to its lowest rate in 50 years. Inflation slowed and the Federal Reserve held its target federal funds rate steady. Freddie Mac analysts credited strong labor markets, high consumer confidence and falling mortgage rates as factors setting the stage for more home sales.

Pending Home Sales Rise as Construction Spending Falls

Mortgage Rates Fall as Fed Holds Key Rate Steady

Freddie Mac reported that the average rate for 30-year fixed rate mortgages fell six basis points to 4.14 percent; the average rate for 15-year fixed rate mortgage was four basis points lower at 3.60 percent. Rates for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages averaged nine basis points lower at 3.68 percent. Discount points averaged 0.50 percent for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages and 0.40 percent for 15-year fixed rate mortgages and 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages.

Labor Sector: Lowest Unemployment Rate in 50 Years

National Unemployment fell to 3.60 percent for the first time since 1969; this reading was lower than the expected reading of 3,70 percent the March reading of 3.80 percent. Public and private sector payrolls grew in April. ADP reported 275,000 new private sector jobs in April; the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 263,000 more public and private-sector jobs; this exceeded expectations of 213,000 jobs added and the reading of 189,000 public and private sector jobs added in March. First-time jobless claims were unchanged from the prior week’s reading of 230,000 first-time claims filed.

Consumer confidence rose to an index reading of 129.20 in April; analysts expected a reading of 126.90 percent based on the March index reading of 124.20.

What’s Ahead

This week’s scheduled economic news includes readings on inflation, job openings and weekly readings on first-time jobless claims and mortgage rates.

Understanding the Factors That Impact Your Credit Score

May 3, 2019 by Rhonda Costa

Understanding the Factors That Impact Your Credit Score Most consumers believe if they pay their bills on time, they need not worry about their credit score. Oftentimes, it is a rude awakening when they apply for a mortgage loan, car loan, or any revolving credit to learn they are not going to get the lowest rates available due to their credit score. This is because paying bills on time only accounts for 35 percent of your credit score. The remaining 65 percent is spread out among other factors that impact your credit score.

Credit Usage And Impact On Score

Nearly one-third, 30 percent, of your credit score is based on how much of your available credit you are using. For example, if you have combined credit available of $100,000 and you use $90,000, you will suffer a decline in your credit score. Those consumers who have similar credit lines and are using $9,000 will get a slight bump in their score.

New Credit vs. Old Credit

We seldom think about how long we have held a line of credit open. However, some consumers “exchange” credit lines for other credit lines due to special offers made by credit card companies. This is not necessarily a good idea since 15 percent of your credit score is determined by the age of your credit accounts. The longer you have had an account, the better in most cases. The calculation will take all open credit accounts, take the amount of time they have been open and get an “average age”. If you have six accounts which have been open less than a year and six that have been open five years, the newer accounts will count against you in this case.

Mixing Up Credit Lines

A consumer who has only a mortgage and a single credit score will take a modest hit on their credit score versus a consumer who has multiple credit cards, a mortgage, and an auto loan. The types of credit you have will account for 10 percent of your credit score and the more varied your open credit lines, the better. While it is inadvisable to open new credit lines simply to show a variety of types, having installment loans, retail credit cards, and traditional credit cards is a good idea.

New Lines Of Credit Opened

One danger many consumers are unaware of is suddenly opening new lines of credit. For example, a new homeowner may open a new account with a home improvement store, a general retail store, and a new credit card to help them furnish and repair their new home. This could be a red flag since the credit lines are new, and there is no established history on the mortgage, or the new credit lines. Since this factor accounts for 10 percent of your credit score, you could suffer a temporary decline in your credit score.

Consumers should be aware of the factors which impact their credit score, and also be aware of the factors that do not impact their scores. Understanding your credit score may be the most important tool you have when buying a home, or refinancing your current mortgage.

Taking a good look at your credit and finding out how much financing you are pre-approved for is as important as working with a great realtor. Be sure to contact your trusted real estate professional to help you find just the right property for you.

FOMC Statement: No Changes to Key Fed Rate

May 2, 2019 by Rhonda Costa

FOMC Statement No Changes to Key Fed Rate The meeting of the Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee ended Wednesday with the Committee’s customary post-meeting statement recapping monetary policy matters considered by the Committee. Members voted not to change the current target rate range of the federal funds rate. The current rate range of 2.25 percent to 2.50 percent.

Federal Funds Target Rate Range: Monetary Policymakers Remain “Patient“

FOMC members cited low inflation pressures, global and domestic economic and financial developments as supporting the Committee’s decision to leave the Federal funds rate unchanged despite recent political pressures to lower the rate and increase the Fed’s accommodative stance toward boosting the economy.

FOMC members evaluated actual and expected economic conditions, labor markets and readings on global and domestic current events and economic news. Based on their assessments, FOMC members again asserted their willingness to be patient concerning Committee decisions to change the federal funds rate range.

The Fed’s dual mandate of supporting maximum employment and stable pricing as indicated by low national unemployment rates and the benchmark inflation rate of two percent are foundational influences on any decision about changing the Fed’s key interest rate range; the national unemployment rate has hovered near a historically low rate of 3.80 percent in recent months and inflation is also below the Fed’s benchmark of two percent.

Fed Chair: No Strong Case for Moving Federal Funds Rate in Either Direction

Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell said during his post-meeting press conference that FOMC members did not see a strong case for moving the federal funds rate in either direction. Mr. Powell cited improvements in global economic conditions within Europe and China and said that trade negotiations with China and Japan were also improved.

When asked about lowering the Federal funds rate based on lower inflation rates, Chairman Powell said that maintaining inflation near two percent was important, but viewed lower inflation during the first quarter of 2019 as a result of transitory influences. He reassured his audience that short-term fluctuations in the inflation were not considered a problem.

Chairman Powell said that the Fed is not influenced by political pressure and that the Fed’s monetary policy is not based in any way on political commentary or pressures. Mr. Powell said the outlook for domestic economic growth was good based on consumer spending and business investments. He said that resolution of trade issues would likely improve consumer sentiment.

Inexpensive Curb Appeal Tips That Work

May 1, 2019 by Rhonda Costa

Inexpensive Curb Appeal Tips That Work No doubt you’ve been told that curb appeal will help sell your home. But if money is short you’ll need to do some curb appeal on a budget tricks.

Following are some inexpensive curb appeal tips that really work.

Fresh Coat Of Paint

A fresh coat of paint adds curb appeal without busting the budget. With a gallon of paint you can freshen up the window ledges, shutters, front door and the garage door. Add a fresh coat of paint to decks and railings, and street lampposts, as well.

Solar Lighting

You can find inexpensive solar lighting stakes at discount stores around the country. Add these to the edges of the driveway, along the front pathway and around front hedges for nighttime curb appeal.

Metallic Paint

If you can’t afford brand new hardware for your front door, consider investing in a small tub of metallic paint. Refinish the doorknob, door knocker and the metal porch light fixtures.

Annuals

Landscaping can be pricey, but with a couple dozen inexpensive blooming annuals you can transform your front walkway. Choose the most colorful annuals you can find at your local discount store. Plant right alongside the path leading to your front door. Fill in empty spaces in between plants with colored mulch.

Wreath

Simply hanging an attractive wreath on your front door adds a tremendous amount of curb appeal that can be seen all the way from the road. To avoid marring the wood, use a wreath hanger that installs over the top rim of the door.

New House Numbers

Pick up a set of brand new house numbers from your local hardware store. Hang them front and center next to your mailbox on your porch, on your mailbox post or over your garage door.

Refreshed Mailbox

Mailboxes get ignored so many times. It’s a shame because it’s easy to add curb appeal with an inexpensive magnetic mailbox cover. If you have a different kind of mailbox, consider just giving it a fresh coat of spray paint.

Bird House

Another inexpensive way to add curb appeal is with a decorative bird house or similar lawn ornament next to your front porch. These are on long stakes that you simply push into the ground. Tick one into your hedges for a charming look.

You can complete these inexpensive curb appeal tips with a minimum of time and money. Yet, they’ll have a similar impact as if you spent hundreds of dollars.

Be sure to contact your trusted real estate professional for more tips and tricks on how to ramp up curb appeal that will generate the most interest in your property.