EXIT Realty Corp. International is on the cutting edge of all things real estate. Please enjoy these blogs available exclusively from EXIT Realty Corp. International. The real estate sales team known as the “Chad Schwendeman Real Estate Group” led by Chad Schwendeman, Broker/Owner of EXIT Lakes Realty Premier with offices […] The post EXIT Realty’s Top Team in North America for 2020 Announced appeared first on Real Estate Industry Leaders.

Check out this blog by Keeping Matters Current. If you’ve been working from home this year, chances are you’ve been at it a little longer than you initially expected. Businesses all over the country have figured out how to operate remotely to keep their employees healthy, safe, and productive. For many, it may be carrying into next year, and possibly beyond. While the pandemic continues, Americans are re-evaluating their homes, floorplans, locations, needs, and more. Some need more space, while others need less. Whether you’re renting or own your home, if remote work is part of your future, you may be thinking about moving, especially while today’s mortgage rates are so low. A recent study from Upwork notes: “Anywhere from 14 to 23 million Americans are planning to move as a result of remote work.” To put this into perspective, last year, 6 million homes were sold in the U.S. This means roughly 2 – 4X as many people are considering moving now, and there’s a direct connection to their ability to work from home. The same study also notes while 45.3% of people are planning to stay within a 2-hour drive from their current location, 41.5% of the people who are citing working from home as their primary reason for making a move are willing to look for a home more than 4 hours away from where they live now (See graph below):In some cases, moving a little further away from your current location might mean you can get more home for your money. If you have the opportunity to work remotely, you may have more options available by expanding your search. Upwork also indicates, of those surveyed: “People are seeking less expensive housing: Altogether, more than half (52.5%) are planning to move to a house that is significantly more affordable than their current home.” Whether you can eliminate your daily commute to the office, or you simply need more space to work from home, your plans may be changing. If that’s the case, it’s time to connect with a local real estate professional to assess your evolving needs and determine your path together. Bottom Line This has been a year of change, and what you need in a home is no exception. Reach out to your trusted real estate professional today to make sure you have expert guidance on your side to help you find a home that fits your remote work needs. The post Why Working from Home May Spark Your Next Move appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

EXIT Realty Corp. International is on the cutting edge of all things real estate. Please enjoy these blogs available exclusively from EXIT Realty Corp. International. The top brokerages in the EXIT Realty family were honored recently during an awards presentation broadcast throughout the US and Canada. #1 Highest Grossing Office […] The post EXIT Realty’s Highest Grossing Offices for 2020 Announced appeared first on Real Estate Industry Leaders.

EXIT Realty Corp. International is on the cutting edge of all things real estate. Please enjoy these blogs available exclusively from EXIT Realty Corp. International. “This idea started as a question someone asked one of our agents, ‘How is your sister doing since she can’t do any of her usual […] The post EXIT Realty Group Hosts “Kiss a Pig for Family Literacy” appeared first on Real Estate Industry Leaders.

Check out this blog by Keeping Matters Current. Some Highlights Your agent now has over 6 months of experience selling houses during the pandemic and can make the process easier and safer for you today. COVID-19 protocols and technology usage recommendations from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) are making it possible to sell houses right now, while agents continue to abide first and foremost by state and local regulations. Reach out to a local real estate professional to discuss how to sell your house safely in today’s housing market. The post Tips to Sell Your House Safely Right Now [INFOGRAPHIC] appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

EXIT Realty Corp. International is on the cutting edge of all things real estate. Please enjoy these blogs available exclusively from EXIT Realty Corp. International. Tammy Cilibraise, Broker/Owner of EXIT Colonial House Real Estate in Sheridan, Michigan, started a fundraising initiative called the Paws for Claws Auction to help a […] The post EXIT Colonial House Real Estate Helps Local Cat Shelter with Paws for Claws Auction appeared first on Real Estate Industry Leaders.

EXIT Realty Corp. International is on the cutting edge of all things real estate. Please enjoy these blogs available exclusively from EXIT Realty Corp. International. EXIT Realty Corp. International announced the company’s 2020 Brokers of the Year during an awards presentation recently broadcast throughout the U.S. and Canada. Canada: Mary […] The post 2020 Brokers of the Year Announced by EXIT Realty Corp. International appeared first on Real Estate Industry Leaders.

Check out this blog by Keeping Matters Current. In the second half of this year, the housing market surged with activity. Today, real estate experts are looking ahead to the winter season and the forecast is anything but chilly. As Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for the National Association of Realtors (NAR), notes: “It will be one of the best winter sales years ever.” The typical winter slowdown in the housing market is simply not on the radar. Here’s why. While today’s historically low mortgage rates are expected to remain low, they won’t be this low for much longer. This could be the last chance for homebuyers to secure such low rates, and they’re ready to take action. In a recent article, Bankrate explained: “If you’re looking to buy a home…expect mortgage rates to remain low into 2021. However, the possibility of rates falling to 2.5 percent or lower has faded as the U.S. economy has rebounded.” As long as we continue to see low interest rates, we’ll see hopeful buyers on the hunt for their dream homes. Yun confirmed: “The demand for home buying remains super strong…And we’re still likely to end the year with more homes sold overall in 2020 than in 2019…With persistent low mortgage rates and some degree of a continuing jobs recovery, more contract signings are expected in the near future.” The challenge, however, is the lack of homes available for sale. With that in mind, all eyes are on homeowners to see if they’ll sell this winter or wait until spring. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist for realtor.com, says it’s best for sellers to capitalize on this moment sooner rather than later: “We currently see buyers sticking around in the housing market much later than we usually do this fall. If that trend continues, we will see more buyers in the market this winter, too. So, this winter is likely to be a good time to sell.” With buyers ready to stay active this winter, sellers who want to close a deal on the best possible terms shouldn’t wait until spring to put their homes on the market. Bottom Line Experts agree the winter housing market could potentially be bigger than ever. Whether you’re ready to buy or sell, contact a local real estate professional today so you can be in your dream home by the new year. The post Winter Will Bring a Flurry of Activity to the Housing Market appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

EXIT Realty Mountain View is a female Veteran Owned and Operated, full service real estate brokerage. A Message From Our Broker/Owner Every year we celebrate this day with a little time off. The banks are closed, federal offices are typically closed, but small businesses are open. Restaurants, Breweries, Pubs (are typically) all open. I am a Veteran, I served 6 years on active duty in the US Army. I was a Military Police Officer, I was a Retention NCO at one point, a team leader, and a friend. I was also a student and I was mentored by so many great Non-Commissioned Officers and Officers. I deployed to Panama for 6 months, I served at Fort Lewis, WA | Fort Greely, AK and Fort Campbell, KY (Air Assault) which truth be told was my favorite duty station. Screaming Eagle and a Hooligan… I couldn’t have asked for a better Squad Leader when I arrived there. He made sure I got to PLDC, he helped me fight for my promotion and he had my back when he didn’t have to even when I screwed up. Probably one of the greatest leaders the Army could’ve offered up and he really did shape my thinking on what kind of leader I wanted to be for my soldiers. He was a no bull shit leader: you owned it when you screwed up, so did he, you had the loudest, biggest voice when it needed to be, so did he, you had the kindest voice when it needed to be, so did he you were stern and firm but you listened with both of your ears, paid close attention to your surroundings with both of your eyes and only spoke with your one voice AFTER you processed all you had heard and seen, and so did he. Donald Lawson probably wouldn’t want me to recognize that because he is also humble, but ever single thing I learned from him has stuck with me all of these years. I learned how to lead, because of what I learned not only from all those I was lucky enough to be lead by but especially him I am now the proud, competent and resourceful leader of my own company. LOYALTY is the biggest quality that he taught me and I was lucky enough to learn that it above all else is what makes you a strong solid leader. Thank you to all of the VETERANS, RETIRED SERVICE MEMBERS and ACTIVE DUTY Members of our Armed Forces for towing the line, holding the line and shaping the future of our nation and the defenders of our freedom. I salute you. – Brandy Brown

EXIT Realty Corp. International is on the cutting edge of all things real estate. Please enjoy these blogs available exclusively from EXIT Realty Corp. International. The agents of EXIT Assurance Realty in Groton, MA,  deducted 1% from their commission on every deal over $1,000 from January 1, 2020 until July […] The post EXIT Assurance Realty and Spirit of EXIT Helping Habitat for Humanity in North Central Massachusetts appeared first on Real Estate Industry Leaders.

EXIT Realty Corp. International is on the cutting edge of all things real estate. Please enjoy these blogs available exclusively from EXIT Realty Corp. International. Marc Austin Highfill, Owner of EXIT First Realty, took top honors during the EXIT Realty Corp. International annual awards event broadcast recently across the U.S. […] The post Marc Austin Highfill Named EXIT Realty’s 2020 Tri-Real-A-Thon Winner appeared first on Real Estate Industry Leaders.

Check out this blog by Keeping Matters Current. Today, on Veterans Day, we honor those who have served our country and thank them for their continued dedication to our nation. In the United States, there are many valuable benefits available to Veterans, including VA home loans. For over 75 years, VA home loans have provided millions of Veterans and their families the opportunity to purchase their own homes. As we consider the full impact of VA home loans, it’s important to both understand these great options for Veterans and to share them with those we know who may be able to benefit most. For a variety of different reasons, many Veterans don’t use their VA home loan options, so being knowledgeable about what’s available and how they work may be a game-changer for many. Facts about 2019 VA Home Loans (most current data): 624,546 home loans were guaranteed by the Veterans Administration. 306,879 VA home loans were made without a down payment. 2,055 grants totaling $118 million were provided to help seriously disabled Veterans purchase, modify, or construct a home to meet their needs. VA Home Loans Often Offer: No down payment options as long as the sales price isn’t higher than the home’s appraised value. Better terms and interest rates than loans from other lenders. Fewer closing costs, which may be paid by the seller. Bottom Line The best thing you can do today to celebrate Veterans Day is to share this information with those who can potentially benefit from these loan options. For more information, contact a local real estate professional who can assist you in the process. Thank you for your service. The post VA Home Loans: Helping Heroes Find a Home appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

EXIT Realty Corp. International is on the cutting edge of all things real estate. Please enjoy these blogs available exclusively from EXIT Realty Corp. International. Just over 20 years ago, Mike Alley was a top-producing agent at an independent company when he first encountered EXIT Realty at a NAR® Midyear […] The post Fourth Time’s a Charm appeared first on Real Estate Industry Leaders.

EXIT Realty Corp. International is on the cutting edge of all things real estate. Please enjoy these blogs available exclusively from EXIT Realty Corp. International. EXIT Realty Corp. International is pleased to announce that CKM Solutions Group has become its newest Premier Partner. CKM’s Crisis Knowledge Management (CKM) Certification was […] The post CKM Solutions Group Becomes EXIT Realty’s Newest Premier Partner! appeared first on Real Estate Industry Leaders.

EXIT Realty Corp. International is on the cutting edge of all things real estate. Please enjoy these blogs available exclusively from EXIT Realty Corp. International. For the second consecutive year and fourth time overall, EXIT Southeast was named Region of the Year by EXIT Realty Corp. International.  Regional Owners Stacy […] The post EXIT Southeast Named International Region of the Year appeared first on Real Estate Industry Leaders.

Check out this blog by Keeping Matters Current. For years, real estate has been considered the best investment you can make. A major reason for this is due to the net worth a household gains through homeownership. In fact, according to the 2019 Survey of Consumer Finance Data from the Federal Reserve, for the average homeowner: “…a primary home accounts for 90% of the total wealth of a family in the U.S.” How do homeowners gain wealth? Most large purchases, like cars and appliances, depreciate in value as they age, so it’s understandable to question how owning a home can increase wealth over time. In a simple equation, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) explains how the combination of paying your mortgage and home price appreciation grow overall wealth: Principal Payments + Price Appreciation Gains = Housing Wealth Gain As home values increase and you make payments toward your home loan, you’ll gain wealth through equity. The same article from NAR also addresses how wealth gains tend to play out over time: “Housing wealth accumulation takes time and is built up by paying off the mortgage debt and by price appreciation. And while home prices can fall, home prices tend to recover and go up over the longer term. As of September 2020, the median sales price of existing home sales was $311,800, a 35% gain since July 2006 when prices peaked at $230,000.” Taking a look at how equity has grown for the typical homeowner, it’s clear to see how real estate is a sound long-term investment. NAR notes: “Nationally, a person who purchased a typical home 30 years ago would have typically gained about $283,000 as of the second quarter of 2020.” (See graph below): Bottom Line Whether you’re a current homeowner planning to put your equity toward a new home or have hopes of buying your first home soon, homeownership will always be a great opportunity to build your net worth and overall wealth. Owning a home is truly an investment in your financial future. The post Homeownership Is a Key to Building Wealth appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

Check out this blog by 719Lending You bought a house! Congratulations! Now that you are a homeowner, you will need to set up all of the utilities and accounts needed to take care of your home. While the specifics can vary based on city, county, or state, here are a few types of services that you will need to look into as a new homeowner. Electric. Some areas provide electricity through a third-party company, while others operate it as part of the city’s infrastructure. Either way, you can find information to set up your electricity on your city’s website. Water. When renting, water is often included in your rent. As a homeowner, you are responsible for paying this utility. Waste water/sewer. Some cities include this in your water bill, while others have a separate service. You can find out if yours is included on your city’s website. Gas. If you have gas in your home for cooking, fireplaces, or heat, you will need to pay for this utility. Not all homeowners will have or use gas. Trash. Sometimes this is included in your sewer bill, but it may be separate. Trash and recycling are other utilities that are often contracted out to a third-party private company. Internet/phone/cable. These services are almost always provided through a private company. Not all companies operate in all areas. Your real estate agent will be able to tell you which internet providers offer services to your new home. Property Owners’ Association. Not all homeowners will be part of a POA, but if you are, you will have monthly dues. This is an important service to ask about before you purchase your home, as dues can be costly in high cost-of-living areas or if a lot of amenities are included in your community. The post Setting Up Utilities at Your New Home appeared first on 719 Lending.

EXIT Realty Corp. International is on the cutting edge of all things real estate. Please enjoy these blogs available exclusively from EXIT Realty Corp. International. Communities across the U.S. and Canada will see a further bump in support as the funds pledged by EXIT Realty Corp. International to support local […] The post EXIT Realty Corp. International’s Pledges to Charity Reach $6 Million appeared first on Real Estate Industry Leaders.

Check out this blog by Keeping Matters Current. In today’s real estate market, the buzz is all about how it’s a great time to sell your house. Buyer demand is high, and there simply aren’t enough homes available to buy to meet that growing need. This means now is the time to make a move so you can close the deal on your ideal terms. Even in today’s strong sellers’ market, there are homeowners who are choosing not to sell due to ongoing concerns around the health crisis, financial uncertainty, and life in general. According to Zillow, here are the top three reasons homeowners who are thinking of selling sometime in the next three years are not putting their houses on the market right now: 34% – Life is too uncertain right now 31% – Financial uncertainty 25% – COVID-19 health concerns If you identify with any of these, you’re not alone. Whether it’s the future of your employment situation or simply being uncomfortable having guests in your home for showings, life feels a lot different than it did at this time last year. The good news is, real estate professionals have spent the majority of 2020 figuring out how to sell homes safely, and it’s paying off for those who are choosing to move this year. Real estate agents are doing two things very well to make selling your house possible: 1. Agents Are Implementing Technology in the Process While abiding by state and local regulations as a top priority, real estate agents are making sales happen safely and effectively by leveraging key pieces of technology. Agents know exactly what today’s buyers and sellers need and how to put the necessary digital steps in place. For example, agents have capitalized on the technology buyers find most helpful when deciding on a new home: Virtual tours Accurate and detailed listing information Detailed neighborhood information High-quality listing photos Agent-led video chats They’re listening to their audience and leveraging the tools that help buyers get an initial look at a home without having to step inside. This helps reduce the number of people entering your home, so only those who are very seriously interested need to take the next step: in-person showings. 2. Agents Are Facilitating Safe and Effective In-Person Showings After leveraging technology, if you have serious buyers who still want to see your house in person, agents are following the guidelines set by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and utilizing safe ways to proceed. Here are a few of them, understanding again that the agent’s top priority is always to follow­ state and local restrictions first: Limiting in-person activity R­­­equiring guests to wash their hands or use an alcohol-based sanitizer Removing shoes or covering them with booties Following CDC guidance on social distancing and wearing face coverings Getting comfortable with your agent – a true trusted advisor – taking these steps under the modern-era safety standards might be your best plan. This is especially important if you’re in a position where you need to sell your house sooner rather than later. As Jeff Tucker, Senior Economist for Zillow notes: “Homeowners who feel life is uncertain right now may think they can still get a strong price if they delay selling until they have more clarity. The catch is that waiting to sell may raise the cost of a trade-up. This fall’s record low mortgage rates, which make a trade-up more affordable on a monthly basis, are not guaranteed to last.” Bottom Line In this new era in our lives, things are shifting quickly, and virtual strategies for sellers may be your ideal option. Opening your doors up to new approaches could be game-changing when it comes to selling your house while the market is leaning in your favor. As always, a trusted real estate professional can help you safely and effectively navigate all that’s new when it comes to making your next move. The post Is it Safe to Sell My House Right Now? appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

EXIT Realty Corp. International is on the cutting edge of all things real estate. Please enjoy these blogs available exclusively from EXIT Realty Corp. International. Steve Morris, Founder and Chairman of EXIT Realty Corp. International, recently announced that the single-level residual income paid to-date by the company to EXIT associates […] The post A Half a Billion Dollars Changes Lives appeared first on Real Estate Industry Leaders.