Why 2018 Will Be the Year to Buy

There are some changes coming to the mortgage world. Here’s what you need to know.

Buying a home? Click here to perform a full home search

Selling a home? Click here for a FREE Home Price Evaluation

I’m delighted to be joined once again today by Barry Krevoy from Loan Depot, my preferred lender, to discuss some new changes in the mortgage world. But first, we want to say thanks. This has been a great year for us and we’re so grateful for our businesses, our family, and our friends. We’re looking forward to 2018 and whatever it has to bring. Barry has a bit of insight into what we’re going to see.

The big news is that conventional, FHA, and VA loan limits are being raised. In most areas, the limits are going from $424,100 to $453,100. In high-cost areas, the limits are going from $636,150 to $679,500.

This is going to make homes more affordable for everyone, but it’s going to make them especially affordable for those seeking to purchase a home with a jumbo loan. Instead of having to take out a jumbo loan, which is more expensive and harder to qualify for, they might be able to buy their home with a conventional or FHA loan. This is going to be a tremendous boost for the economy throughout the country. This is probably the most dramatic increase we’ve seen in the market in a long time.

All signs point to 2018 as the year to buy.

When it comes down to it, the signs point to 2018 being a great year to buy. When you take these higher loan limits and combine them with the low interest rates we are continuing to see, there haven’t been many better times to purchase a home. 

If you have any questions in the meantime, you can reach Barry at 949-735-4009 or email bkrevoy@loandepot.com. As always, please don't hesitate to reach out to me with any real estate questions. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Join Us at the VAREP Appreciation Mixer

You are invited to our VAREP appreciation mixer! Join us on December 19 at the Auld Dubliner.

To RSVP To The Event Click Here

To Learn More About VAREP Click Here

I’m here with Barry Krevoy from the Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals, also known as VAREP.

Our Orange County chapter is proud to present our appreciation mixer on December 19 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Join us at the Auld Dubliner at 2497 Park Avenue in The District.

If you were involved in VAREP this year, we want to see you there. Bring a friend, bring your family members, and bring any veterans who are interested in the organization. Members, nonmembers, and sponsors are all welcome.

Members, nonmembers, sponsors, and, of course, veterans are all welcome.

RSVP to Delores White here. We’ll have a lot of fun and good food, so come and hang out with us.

As always, if you have any questions, just give us a call or send us an email. We would be happy to help you!

8 Great Tips for Listing During the Wintertime

I have eight tips to share with you that will help your home show better if you’re listing it now in the wintertime.

Buying a home? Click here to perform a full home search

Selling a home? Click here for a FREE Home Price Evaluation

If you’re listing your home in wintertime, there are certain things you need to think about that you wouldn’t have to think about during the other seasons. Some of these things can vary depending on which coast you live on, but they’re important to keep in mind nonetheless.

Here are eight tips to follow to make sure you list your house appropriately for the wintertime and your house sells for top dollar:

1. Take listing photos of the home during springtime or use photos that were taken during the springtime to post online. This way, the trees along the exterior of your home have leaves on them and don’t look barren.

2. Don’t over-decorate for the holidays. This way, the inside of your home won’t look so cluttered. Sellers want to see your home—not the holidays.

3. Maintain good curb appeal. In the winter, your lawn will need a different kind of maintenance, and your home’s exterior might need more artificial lighting to brighten its appearance.

I have eight tips to share with you that will help your home show better if you’re listing it now in the wintertime.

4. Remember your safety manners. On the east coast, you’ll have to deal with ice, snow, and sleet, so it’s a good idea to sprinkle salt along your driveway and entryway to keep people from slipping. On the West Coast, you’ll typically only need to deal with rain, so keep a mat by the door or an area where people can take off their shoes.

5. Declutter the area around the door. On the east coast, you might have a lot of snowshoes, scarves, hats, and heavy coats lying around, so set up a hanger or a coat rack so people have a place to hang their own coats when they walk in.

6. Make sure your house is functional. Make sure you turn on the heater before you list the property. If there are any mechanical issues with your heater, get them fixed. There’s nothing worse than walking into a house that’s freezing instead of warm and cozy.

7. Make sure you have plenty of light. Since the sun sets earlier this time of year, consider setting timers on your outside lights to activate late in the afternoon or evening so buyers have a well-lit home to visit after they get off work.

8. Heed the advice your agent gives you. If you use their expertise and follow their direction, your home will sell for a higher price and you’ll be much better off in general.

If you have any more questions about preparing your house to be listed in winter or you’re curious about our market, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’d be happy to help you.