And just like that, it's FEBRUARY 2025!

How you doin??

Feb 01, 2025

Hello February!

We made it through the first month of the year! January was not as busy as I had anticipated, but activity picked up toward the end. February and March are shaping up to be busy months. Historically, this period is one of the best times for buyers, with increased inventory and sellers becoming more eager to close deals. As we move closer to summer, competition should level out, creating a more balanced market.

Our current inventory and recent sales have been closing close to the list price. However, we’re noticing that buyers are testing the waters with their offers. Regarding the recent changes to commission structures, while adjustments have been made, buyers and sellers are still generally paying what they were before. There have been a few unique situations that weren’t ideal for buyers, but overall, most agents have adapted well and are effectively communicating these changes to consumers.

Looking ahead, I haven’t heard strong indications—positive or negative—about interest rates. While a new administration is in place, historically, it has little direct impact on the housing market despite common misconceptions.

As I enter my 25th year in real estate, I remain optimistic and excited. We are rebranding, updating systems, and ready for whatever comes our way. I’m also proud to share that, despite all the changes last year, I ranked #24 in the United States among CENTURY 21 agents—out of 135,000 agents nationwide. I look forward to continuing that momentum into 2025!

The bottom line is that it’s still a good time to buy and sell. If you're curious about the current market conditions or have any real estate questions, don't hesitate to reach out. I'm here to help you navigate this market and make the most of your real estate purchase or sale. 407-948-8295

The Secret To Selling? Using an Agent To Get Your House Noticed

In a recent survey, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) asked sellers what they want most from a real estate agent. The number one answer was to help market their house.

It makes sense. The way your agent markets your house can be the difference between whether or not it stands out and gets attention from buyers. That’s why it’s so important to work with an expert local agent that knows what they're doing.

According to that same report from NAR, here are some of the most common methods real estate agents use to market homes, and how you benefit when your agent uses them effectively (see graph below):

Listing on the MLS – Real estate agents have access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) database. And that’s great for you because having your house on the MLS helps it get more visibility from other agents and buyers. And the more people who see it, the more likely it is to sell.
Using a Yard Sign – A yard sign may seem simple, but it’s one of the best ways to catch the attention of people driving or walking by. And when it does, they’ll help spread the word to friends and family who are looking to buy that there’s a house for sale in the area. It also puts your agent’s contact information on display, making it easy for interested buyers to get in touch.
Having an Open House – An open house is a great way to create a sense of competition and urgency among buyers – and that can lead to stronger offers. And since you’ll only need to leave once for many buyers to visit, it makes the process easier for you, too. Plus, an open house helps your agent get real-time feedback about what buyers love and what they're not as sold on.
Showcasing on Your Agent’s Website – Having your house on your agent’s website presents it in a professional way to buyers. And odds are, people visiting your agent’s website are serious and ready to make a move, so this is a smart way to get in front of motivated buyers.
Social Networking – Posting your house on social helps get your house in front of buyers who may not have seen it with traditional marketing. It also makes it easy for people to share your listing with friends and loved ones.
Providing Virtual Tours – For buyers who are relocating from out of town, virtual tours allow them to check out your house anytime from wherever they are. This helps reach more potential buyers who may not be able to come to see your house in person.
Using Video – Video is an excellent way for your agent to show off some of the top features of your house like your kitchen, large closets, outdoor entertainment areas, and other key details that could attract buyers.
Sending Emails – Sending out information about your house to your agent’s expansive database is another way they’ll get it in front of even more people. Great agents may even send emails teasing that your house is coming to the market as a way to boost interest and excitement before it officially has an open house.

Here’s what it comes down to. Most good agents will write a description of your house for the listing and pair it with high-quality photos. But a great agent will do so much more than that.

They’ll not only lean on their expertise, they’ll put in the time and effort to make sure your house makes an impression on buyers, and ultimately, sells.

Bottom Line

As a seller, working with a creative local real estate agent is a smart way to ensure your house grabs the attention of the right buyers. If you’re ready to sell and want to talk about strategies we can use to get your house sold, let’s chat.

To get the most accurate estimate, let’s connect. That way you have expert guidance and up-to-date market insights to set the best possible price for your home.

Sellers, wanna try out something really neat? If you own a home and would like to keep track of your equity and value, I have access to a really cool product called HomeBot. You can sign up here: HOMEBOT AI. I love this technology! It gets delivered once a month and the info is easy to read and understand. It’s a free app to use. I highly recommend you try it out. I have 500 spaces available and they are first come, first served. As always, you can always call me to get a personal evaluation of your home. 407-948-8295.

RECENT HOME SALES

Share @HOME with David Dorman

FIND OUT YOUR HOME’S ESTIMATED VALUE. CLICK HERE!

I have known Susie Carlton for over 15 years and she is one of my favorite humans! She’s caring, smart, and simply the best! I trust her with my own family! Check out the program below. It’s kind of amazing!

About our sponsor… See below.

I have been training with Andrew Noble at Smart Fitness for 7 years or so..(I lost track). Smart Fitness is unique in its approach. You won’t find a bunch of gym rats or grunting weightlifters. I go there 2 times a week for 20 minutes, in my work clothes. It’s low-impact strength training that I can commit to. I’ll be honest. I hate working out and he knows it lol! I go because I know I need to, and because I know that Andrew truly cares about my health. He’s not only my trainer but has become my friend. You can expect one on one low impact training and also guidance to help you live a healthier life. Check out the testimonial below.