FYI 2024-03-08

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Dream to Doorstep

Insights and knowledge to make informed decisions on your journey to homeownership

How to write an irresistible offer which sellers will never refuse (7 minute read)

Crafting an offer is like a well-played symphony – consider it your chance to woo the seller effortlessly. Think of sending a love letter to the home (yes, you read that right!) alongside your offer, or sweeten the pot by revealing a predetermined amount you're willing to sprinkle above the asking price in case of a bidding showdown. And here's a game-changer: contingencies. If you've got your financial game on lock and have locked eyes with your dream home, going contingency-free is your golden ticket to making that offer shine like a star in a clear night sky.

How do I learn more about the neighborhood my chosen property is located in? (4 minute read)

Good neighborhoods are made up of good schools, useful local amenities like grocery stores, parks and libraries, and have less homes with a foreclosure sign or for sale sign. Start your search close to work and look out for big red flags. Sometimes, it's the small stuff - think uniform front fences and oversized ADT signs - signaling potential security concerns. Drive by the neighborhood, especially after sundown, and see how that community feels. Trust your instincts and let your senses be your guide.

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Building Wealth

Connecting Investments, Homeownership, and Financial Freedom

Invest in index funds to save your $$$ from deflation in your bank account (5 minute read)

Owning $$$ gets exciting when you can pick an index fund - basically, a cozy spot to park your money, letting it grow securely for the long haul instead of gathering dust in your bank account and offering a mind-numbing 0.01% interest annually. Index funds are just funds that follow a specific index. Take VOO, for instance, tracking the S&P index, cap-weighted for the crème de la crème of the top 500 companies in the US. They are a popular choice for people seeking a low-cost, diversified, and passive investment strategy for long term goals like retirement. Vanguard and Fidelity are good places to get started.

Let’s discuss the real cost of renting vs owning a house (8 minute read)

Renting is like a short-term gig – you pay the bills, but it's not a long-lasting commitment. Now, owning? It's like a serious relationship - there are responsibilities, but you're building equity, essentially a secret savings account. However, don't forget about maintenance costs and unexpected surprises that come with homeownership. First time buyers should keep in mind that closing costs will be big additional expenses when you get a mortgage. But here's the kicker – your monthly mortgage interest is your new tax write-off! Renting might feel carefree and easy, but you're essentially padding someone else's savings account. With owning, you're investing in your own space.

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Spill the Tea

Personal Stories & Expert Advice - Hear from people who have been there and done that

🎤 With Sidney Torres - Real estate mogul and host of CNBC's "The Deed"

> Buying now with higher rates vs waiting until they come down? What are your thoughts?

‘If you're buying your first home, I think it's very very important that you look for something where you can have a 'double' — where you can live on one side and rent the other. You might be a little inconvenienced with sharing, but in the long run, it's going to make a big difference because it's basically like a savings account. The value of the neighborhood is going up, the house is rising in value, and you're paying down your debt. You're basically building up your savings account and you have a place to live.’

🎤 With Laura - First time homebuyer

> What’s the best home buying advice you’ve received?

‘Do your own research and learn as much as you can about the home buying and closing processes.You shouldn't be sitting back waiting for your agent to tell you everything. The more you know, the better you can work with your agent and the lender and in turn make better decisions for the house(s) you put offers in on. Pull up county records, flood maps, permits, survey maps, plot maps, neighborhood info, know how far away the nearest fire station is, etc etc. If you're waiting for responses from the seller, your lender, your agent, put some work in on searching for more info. Have a good idea of possible comps, be researching decent inspectors and contractors. Solicit recommendations from friends/neighbors/agent, etc. It's an intense process no matter what, but if you know a good deal about the ins and outs, it can help make you more informed to make objective decisions’

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In The Spotlight

Exclusive deals and real estate news about market trends, property values, and predictions

Apple offers airtags to keep track of your keys (sponsored)

Quick tip: Apple's got these cool things called AirTags. They're like trackers for your keys, wallet, or anything you misplace (we've all been there). Just attach one, and voila – no more "where did I put that" moments. Life just got a bit easier, huh?

Consumer Advocates for Home Buyers Offer a Free Virtual Class on Home Buying (1 minute read)

The nonprofit National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents (NAEBA) is proud to announce its upcoming free Home-Buying Class scheduled for March 19, 2024, from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm Eastern Time. This virtual event is all about arming you with the deets and tools to strut through the real estate market like a pro and snag your dream home with confidence. It's not just a class; it's your golden ticket to homeownership savvy!

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