FOR SALE! 37 Salmon Brook St, Granby CT @ $234,900!

"Come see this value priced cape set on an open 1.6 acre level lot. Inside find a generous sized eat in kitchen with center island, pantry, bay window, and ample cabinet space. Hardwood floors throughout. Newer roof, vinyl siding, & energy efficient windows. ​"

Want more info on this lovely home? Click on the link below:
https://37salmonbrookst.thebestlisting.com/

#ForSale #Granby #SellingCT #SimardRealtyGroup #joineXpRealty

The price of any item is determined by supply, as well as the market’s demand for the item. The National Association of REALTORS (NAR) surveys “over 50,000 real estate practitioners about their expectations for home sales, prices and market conditions” for their monthly REALTORS Confidence Index.

Their latest edition sheds some light on the relationship between seller traffic (supply) and buyer traffic (demand).

Buyer Demand
​The map below was created after asking the question: “How would you rate buyer traffic in your area?

The darker the blue, the stronger the demand for homes is in that area. The survey shows that in 3 of the 50 U.S. states, buyer demand is now very strong; only 2 of the 50 states have a ‘weak’ demand. Overall, buyer demand is slightly lower than this time last year but remains strong.

Seller Supply 
​The index also asked: “How would you rate seller traffic in your area?”

As the map below shows, 18 states reported ‘weak’ seller traffic, 29 states and Washington, D.C. reported ‘stable’ seller traffic, and 3 states reported ‘strong’ seller traffic. This means there are far fewer homes on the market than what is needed to satisfy the buyers who are looking for homes.
Bottom LineLooking at these maps, it is not hard to see why prices are appreciating in many areas of the country. Until the supply of homes for sale starts to meet buyer demand, prices will continue to increase. If you are debating listing your home for sale, meet with a local real estate professional in your area who can help you capitalize on the demand in the market now.

SOURCE KCM
#FirstTimeHomeBuyers #pricing #SimardRealtyGroup #eXpRealty

For Sale!  13 N Pond Rd, Southwick, MA @ $249,900!

"Unique opportunity to build your dream home on North Pond! Enjoy epic views from this elevated .82 acre lot. Over 170 feet of shoreline frontage on North Pond (Congamond Lakes) can now be yours. Allows for water sports of all kinds as well as great fishing. "

Read more here:
https://13npondrd.worldsbestlisting.com/
​

#ForSale #NorthPond #SellingMA #SimardRealtyGroup #eXpRealty

Some Highlights:

• The “cost of waiting to buy” is defined as the additional funds necessary to buy a home if prices and interest rates were to increase over a period of time.
• Freddie Mac forecasts interest rates will rise to 3.8% by Q4 2020.
• CoreLogic predicts home prices will appreciate by 5.4% over the next 12 months.
• If you’re ready and willing to buy your dream home, now is a great time to buy.

SOURCE KCM
#BuyingMyths #RentVSBuy #Infographics #SimardRealtyGroup #eXpRealty

When people talk about homeownership and the American Dream, much of the conversation revolves around the financial benefits of owning a home. However, two recent studies show that the non-financial benefits might be even more valuable.

In a recent survey, Bank of America asked homeowners: “Does owning a home make you happier than renting?” 93% of the respondents answered yes, while only 7% said no. The survey also revealed:

• More than 80% said they wouldn’t go back to renting
• 88% agreed that buying a home is the “best decision they have ever made”
• 79% believed owning a home has changed them for the better

Those surveyed talked about the “emotional equity” that is built through homeownership. The study says more than half of current homeowners define a home as a place to make memories, compared to 42% who view a home as a financial investment. Besides building wealth, the survey also showed that homeownership enhances quality of life:

• 67% of current homeowners believed their relationships with family and loved ones have changed for the better since they bought a home
• 78% are satisfied with the quality of their social life
• 82% of homeowners said they were satisfied with the amount of time they spend on their hobbies and passions since purchasing a home
• 75% of homeowners pursued new hobbies after buying a home

Homeowners seem to be very happy.

Renters Tell a Different Story…
According to the latest Zillow Housing Aspirations Report, 45% of renters regret renting rather than buying — more than five times the share of homeowners (8%) who regret buying instead of renting. Here are the four major reasons people regret renting, according to the report:

• 52% regret not being able to build equity
• 52% regret not being able to customize or improve their rentals
• 50% regret that the rent is so high
• 49% regret that they lack private outdoor space

These two studies prove that renting is just not the same as owning.

Bottom Line
There are both financial and non-financial benefits to homeownership. As good as the “financial equity” is, it doesn’t compare to the “emotional equity” gained through owning your own home.

SOURCE KCM
#BuyingMyths #HousingMarketUpdates #RentVSBuy #SimardRealtyGroup #eXpRealty

For Sale  4 Randall Ave, East Granby CT @ $289,950!

"Want a like new home? Come see 4 Randall Ave East Granby. This fabulous home has undergone a complete remodel and awaits a new lucky owner. Neutral fresh paint in all rooms. Great open floor plan with the kitchen open to the dining area and living room. In the kitchen find granite tops, white cabinets, a center island with seating, stainless appliances, and subway tiled backsplash."

See more photos and info of this amazing property here: 
https://4randallave.thebestlisting.com/

#ForSale #EastGranby #SellingCT #SimardRealtyGroup #joineXpRealty

Every year, ‘Black Friday’ is a highly anticipated event for eager shoppers. Some people prepare for weeks, crafting and refining a strategic shopping agenda, determining exactly when to arrive at each store, and capturing a wish list of discounted must-have items to purchase. But what about buying a home? Is there a ‘Black Friday’ for the home-buying process? Believe it or not, there is.

According to a new study from realtor.com, the week of September 22 is the best time of year to buy a home, making it ‘Black Friday’ for homebuyers.

After evaluating housing data in 53 metros from 2016 to 2018, realtor.com determined that the first week of fall is when buyers “tend to find less competition, more inventory, and the biggest reductions on list price.”

The report explains,
“During the first week of fall, buyers tend to face 26% less competition from other buyers, and they are likely to see 6.1% more homes available on the market compared to other weeks of the year…nearly 6% of homes on the market will also see price reductions, averaging 2.4% less than their peak.”

What’s so different about the first week of fall?
George Ratiu, Senior Economist with realtor.com says,
“As summer winds down and kids return to school, many families hit pause on their home search and wait until the next season to start again…as seasonal inventory builds up and restores itself to more buyer-friendly levels, fall buyers will be in a better position to take advantage of today’s low mortgage rates and increased purchasing power.”

Learn more about how prices, listings, and buyer competition stack up during the first week of fall in your metro area.

Bottom Line
If you want to take advantage of the ‘Black Friday’ of home buying, contact a local real estate professional so you can learn about the benefits of making your next move this fall.

SOURCE KCM
#Pricing #HousingMarketUpdate #RealEstateAdvice #SimardRealtyGroup #eXpRealty

Price Improved for 57 George St in Bristol now at $254,900!

"Stately, well cared for five bedroom Colonial with over 3200 + sq ft. Character and charm resound throughout. So much home here, a must see. Featuring crown molding, built-ins, large rooms, hardwood floors,etailed Woodwork, and generous sized pantry. Walk in closets. This home sits on an open large lot and boasts a detached three car garage."

Read more property info here: https://57georgest.thebestlisting.com/

#PriceImproved #PriceReduced #57GeorgeSt #Bristol #SimardRealtyGroup #eXpRealty

With the fall season upon us, change is in the air. For many families, children are growing up and moving out of the house, maybe leaving for college or taking a jump into the working world. Parents are finding themselves as empty nesters for the first time. The question inevitably arises: is it finally time to downsize?

If you’re pondering that thought, you may also be wondering if you should fix-up your house before you sell it, or go straight to the market as-is, allowing a potential buyer to do the updates and remodeling. If you’re one of the many homeowners this camp, here are a few tips to help you decide which way to go.

1. Analyze Your Market
A real estate professional can help you to understand your market and the potential level of buyer interest and demand for your home. Are you in a seller’s market or a buyer’s market? This can change based on the price range of your home, too. A professional can also give you some insight on what you can change or remodel, and how to declutter your house to make it attractive to buyers in your area.

2. Get an Inspector
Right now, the average length of time a family stays in a home is between 9-10 years. That’s a little longer than the historical average, so if you’ve been living in your home for a while, it might be time to make some significant improvements. Think: electrical system, HVAC units, roof, siding, etc. An inspector can give you a better idea of the condition of your home, if it is up to current code standards, and recommendations on how to have your house ready before you put it on the market.

3. Decide If You Need to Remodel
You may also be thinking about driving buyer appeal with something like a kitchen or a bathroom remodel. If so, first dig into the market value of your home, and compare it to the actual cost of the remodel. A local real estate professional can help you determine your home’s market value, and you’ll want to get a few quotes from contractors on the potential remodel pricing as well. Once you have those two factors narrowed down, you can to decide if a remodel will give you a return on your investment when you sell. Oftentimes, it is actually more advantageous to price your house to sell, list it competitively, and then let the buyer pick the colors they want for their bathroom tiles and the type of countertop they prefer. The 2019 Cost vs. Value Report in Remodeling Magazine compares the average cost for remodeling projects with the value those projects typically retain at resale.

Bottom Line
Nationwide, inventory is low, meaning there is less than the 6-month housing supply needed for a normal market. This drives buyer demand, creating a perfect time to sell. If you’re considering selling your house, sit down with a local real estate professional. Partner with someone who can help you confidently determine what will be the best choice for you and your family.

SOURCE KCM
​#HousingMarketUpdate #ForSellers #ForBuyers #SimardRealtyGroup #joineXpRealty

For Sale! 57 George St, Bristol CT @ $264,900!

"Stately, well cared for five bedroom Colonial with over 3200 + sq ft. Character and charm resound throughout. So much home here, a must see. Featuring crown molding, built-ins, large rooms, hardwood floors,etailed Woodwork, and generous sized pantry. Walk in closets. "

Know more about this gorgeous property here: https://57georgest.thebestlisting.com/

#ForSale #57GeorgeSt #Bristol #SimardRealtyGroup #eXpRealty