Taking Your Best Shot at House Hunting

It’s that time of year again. Homeowners have been painting, repairing, trimming and planting in an effort to get their properties ready for the spring real estate selling season. 

It’s an annual ritual that, according to those in the industry, hasn’t created enough volume in recent years. Perhaps this year we’re poised for a change. 

If you’re in the market for buying or selling, don’t underestimate the impact changing homes could have on your financial situation. Remember that overreaching for a real estate purchase could potentially impact your financial plans for the future. It’s always good to review a home buy within the context of your complete financial picture — particularly before you make any big decisions. Let us know if we can help you with your long-term retirement goals. 

[CLICK HERE to read the article, “Existing-Home Sales Spring Ahead in March,” from National Association of Realtors, April 20, 2016.] 

[CLICK HERE to read the article, “Home sellers see strongest appreciation since the recession,” from MarketWatch, April 21, 2016.] 

When you’re looking to sell, remember that shoppers and lenders are more guarded in home purchases these days, and they often won’t spend more than what a home’s currently valued at. It’s important to check recent comparable home sales to help you establish an accurate market price. 

Also, never underestimate the power of staging and sprucing. There’s a fine line between making a house look homey and leaving it so cluttered with personal items that it’s hard for a potential buyer to see it as their own. There are plenty of online resources to help guide you on preparing your home for sale, or you can work with a professional in your area. With today’s low inventory, the houses that look good and are priced right sell the fastest. 

[CLICK HERE to read the article, “5 Mistakes People Make When Selling a Home,” from CheatSheet.com, March 17, 2016.] 

[CLICK HERE to read the article, “Staging Tips for Spring,” from HGTV, 2016.] 

Retirees in the market to buy likely have a different set of criteria than the last time they went home shopping. If the kids have moved out, a smaller space may be more preferable. It’s important to have space for visitors, but the best option to cut down on price, utilities and maintenance may be a smaller home with a few pullout couches and cots for overnight stays. 

For baby boomers, there’s also the consideration that this might be the last home they own. In order to “age in place,” many are more focused on certain features than in the past. For example, one-story houses may be more popular among people considering mobility issues. Wider hallways and open spaces could be two features to look for, as well as some nice window views for those days when you just want to kick back and relax at home with family and friends.

[CLICK HERE to read the article, “7 Home Buying and Selling Tips from the Property Brothers,” from HGTV, 2016.] 

[CLICK HERE to read the article, “How to Renovate Your House to Age in Place,” from U.S. News & World Report, Sept. 10, 2015.] 

We are an independent firm helping individuals create retirement strategies using a variety of insurance products to custom suit their needs and objectives.

The information contained in this material has been obtained from third-party sources believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed; it is not intended to be used as the sole basis for financial decisions.

If you are unable to access any of the news articles and sources through the links provided in this text, please contact us to request a copy of the desired reference.

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