Welcome to my new blog. I always wanted to have a professional looking blog, and have given this a lot of thought. The template is called the “Hemingway Rewritten”, and I figured I always wanted to write and have lots of characteristics of this great American writer like a round belly and white beard. But seriously, the header photo has a beautiful country image, a site that I enjoy seeing now living in Virginia. But my roots are from Brooklyn, New York, and grew up in a land of concrete front lawns and the smell of asphalt on a hot summer morning. And on that hot summer day, you cooled down by not going to a beach a few minutes from your house (I am right by Buckroe Beach), but by opening up a fire hydrant, (aka Johnny pump) and using a seared open tin soda can to jettison the water on your friends and oncoming cars.
I will always love Brooklyn, and do miss it (I spent 49 years there), but Hampton is now my home. I’ve grown accustomed to say hello to strangers I pass on the street, enjoy having the beach 3 minutes away, enjoy a bit slower pace (but really not that much slower) and love not having to spend 45 minutes looking for a parking space.
After teaching for over 21 years in Brooklyn, my main profession now is Real Estate, (however, I was also a Real Estate Agent there as well) and my blog will be focused mostly on those matters. Sure I will talk about new listings, mortgage rates and new construction. But real estate is much more than that. It is about what concerts, shows, and exhibits that are happening in the area as well as sporting events. It is about new stores and restaurants and the local economy. And that is what I am going to accomplish in my new blog.
But those who know me as friends, clients, students and social media friends, you know that I love comedy as well, so you will see some funny posts as well.
On my sidebar, I have listed centers of music, arts, plays, performers, etc. The list will increase as I add more to my blog. For me, the area to which you reside has to be fun, and entertaining. I hope you agree.
Selling your house is a big decision. Your home is one of the biggest investments you’ve probably ever made, and it’s a place where you’ve created countless memories. That combo means there’s going to be a lot of emotions involved. You want someone who understands your perspective, knows what it feels like, and is an expert at helping homeowners just like you navigate the process of selling a home.
That’s where a good listing agent, also known as a seller’s agent, comes in. Here are just a few skills you’ll want your agent to have.
The Ability To Turn Something Complex into Something Simple
Some agents are going to use big, fancy real estate terms to try and impress you. But you shouldn’t have to know all the industry jargon in order to understand what they’re saying. If anything, it’s an agent’s job to keep it simple, so you don’t get overwhelmed or confused.
A great agent is going to be someone who is very good at explaining what’s happening in the housing market in a way that’s easy to understand. But they’ll take it one step further than that. They’ll explain what’s going on and, specifically, what that means for you. That way you’re always in the loop and it’s a lot easier to feel confident when you’re making a big decision. As Business Insider explains:
“Maybe you have a better rapport with one of the agents you’re considering, or you just feel like they’re easier to approach. You’re going to be working closely with this person, so it’s important to choose an agent you’re comfortable with.”
A Data-Based Approach on How To Price Your House
While it may be tempting to pick the agent who suggests the highest asking price for your house, that strategy may cost you. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement when you see a bigger number, but overpricing your house can have consequences. It could mean your house will sit on the market longer because the higher price is actually turning away buyers.
Instead, partner with an agent who’s going to have an open conversation about how they recommend you should price your house. They won’t throw out a number just to win your listing. A great agent will back up their number with solid data, explain their pricing strategy, and make sure you’re both on the same page. As NerdWallet explains:
“An agent who recommends the highest price isn’t always the best choice. Choose an agent who backs up the recommendation with market knowledge.”
A Fair, but Objective Negotiator
The home-selling process can be emotional, especially if you’ve been in your house for a long time. But that sentimental tie can make it harder to be objective during negotiations. That’s where a trusted professional can really make a difference.
They’re skilled negotiators who know how to stay calm under pressure. You can count on them to handle the back-and-forth and have your best interests at heart throughout the process. Not to mention, they’ll be able to rely on their market expertise and what they’re seeing work in other transactions to offer the best advice possible. As Rocket Mortgage explains:
“Whether this is your first or third time selling a house, listing agents work to help make the home selling process smoother and less stressful. These real estate professionals know the ins and outs of the industry and can help you secure the best deal.”
Bottom Line
Whether you’re a first-time seller or you’ve been through this before, a great listing agent is the key to your success. Let’s connect so you have a skilled local expert by your side to guide you through every step of the process.
Thinking about buying a home or selling your current one to find a better fit? If so, you might be wondering what’s going on with home prices these days. Here’s the scoop.
As you can see, home prices were rising for most of 2023. But over the course of December and January, they were virtually flat – which is pretty normal for that time of year.
But here’s what you need to know now. As of February, when the spring market kicked off, prices were on the rise again.
Home Prices Are Going Up in Most of America’s Top Cities
After seeing a jump in home prices nationally in February, you might be wondering if they’re going up in your area, too. While it depends on where you live, prices are rising in 18 of the top 20 cities Case-Shiller reports on in the monthly price index (see chart below):
Most experts also think home prices will keep rising and end the year on a high note. Forbesexplains why:
“Even as mortgage rates have reached their highest level since November, persistent demand coupled with limited housing supply are key drivers pushing home values upward.”
How This Impacts You
For Buyers: If you’re ready, willing, and able to buy a home, purchasing before prices go up even more might be a smart choice, since home values are expected to keep climbing.
For Sellers: Prices are going up because there still aren’t enough homes available for sale right now compared to today’s buyer demand. So, if you work with an agent to price your house right, you might receive multiple offers and sell quickly.
Bottom Line
The data shows home prices are increasing nationally. Let’s chat to see exactly what’s going on with prices in our neighborhood.
Ready to take the next step in your real estate journey? Contact Christopher Garguilo today for personalized service that spans the nation. Call now and start your seamless real estate experience!
As your home-based business flourishes, the need for more space becomes undeniable. Whether it’s additional storage for inventory, a larger area for production, or simply a more comfortable space for day-to-day operations, upgrading to a larger house can be a pivotal step in your business growth. However, this transition involves more than just acquiring extra square footage. In this article, we’ll explore key considerations to ensure that your new home not only fits your living needs but also effectively supports and enhances your business operations.
Assess Business Space Needs
Conduct a thorough assessment of your business space requirements to ensure adequate room for current operations and future growth. Consider factors such as workspace layout, storage needs, and equipment requirements. By accurately estimating your space needs, you can avoid overcrowding and optimize workflow efficiency. Whether you need additional office space, storage facilities, or dedicated production areas, careful planning ensures that your new premises meet the evolving needs of your home-based business.
Obtain Licenses and Permissions
Before expanding your home-based business, ensure compliance with local regulations by obtaining the necessary licenses and permissions. This step is crucial for legal protection and maintaining credibility with clients and stakeholders. Depending on your business activities and location, you may need permits for zoning, health and safety, or environmental compliance. By proactively addressing regulatory requirements, you can mitigate risks and operate your expanded business with confidence and peace of mind.
Soundproof for Productivity
Investing in soundproofing materials can minimize distractions and create a conducive work environment, crucial for maintaining focus and productivity. By reducing noise from external sources or within the household, you can enhance concentration and workflow efficiency. Soundproofing solutions such as acoustic panels or double-glazed windows can significantly improve the quality of your work environment, enabling you to perform at your best throughout the day.
Add Functional Lighting
Adequate lighting is essential for productivity and comfort. Installing functional lighting solutions ensures optimal visibility, reducing eye strain and enhancing the overall workspace ambiance. Natural light can uplift mood and energy levels, while task lighting provides focused illumination for specific work activities. By incorporating a combination of natural and artificial lighting sources, you can create a well-lit environment that promotes productivity and enhances the aesthetic appeal of your workspace.
Invest in New Exterior Signage
Consider installing exterior signage to increase your business’s visibility and attract potential clients. A well-designed sign not only enhances brand recognition but also establishes your presence in the local community. Eye-catching signage with clear branding and contact information can pique curiosity and encourage passersby to inquire about your products or services. By leveraging signage as a marketing tool, you can effectively promote your home-based business and attract a steady stream of customers.
Create an Entrance for Client Convenience
Creating a separate entrance for business clients enhances professionalism and convenience. It provides a dedicated space for client interactions, maintaining privacy and security for both parties. A separate entrance also helps distinguish between personal and business activities, reducing disruptions and improving the overall customer experience. By prioritizing client convenience, you demonstrate a commitment to professionalism and establish a positive reputation for your home-based business within your community.
Boost Your Business Skills
Enhancing your business skills through online education empowers you to lead your business with confidence while balancing your professional and academic commitments. Pursuing an online business degree offers flexibility and convenience, allowing you to continue operating your home-based business while advancing your knowledge and expertise. By gaining new insights and strategies, you can make informed decisions that drive the growth and sustainability of your business in the long run. For further exploration of online education benefits, click for more.
Purchasing a larger home to accommodate your growing home-based business is a significant decision that intertwines personal and professional aspirations. As you embark on this exciting journey, remember to prioritize practicality alongside your ambitions. Consider factors like zoning regulations, potential for future expansion, and the suitability of the space for both living and working. By doing so, you’ll not only create a more efficient work environment but also ensure that your new home serves as a foundation for both business success and personal comfort.
Topic Question for Video Podcast for “Real Estate with Mr. G” May 13th Podcast.
Cooper from Brooklyn, NY is a Generational Z first time homebuyer. He is asking how purchasing a home will become a reality for him, and others his age.
On the May 12th Video Podcast of “Real Estate with Mr. G, we will discuss – Tips for Younger Homebuyers: How To Make Your Dream a Reality!
Topics include: Options for Down Payment, Cast a Broad Net, Close Look at Wants and Needs, and MUCH, MUCH MORE!
Wonderful episode for the younger generation, but it will help the older as well! #homeownership #realestategoals #firsttimehomebuyers #genzhomebuyers #RealEstatewithMrG
Hey, Gen Z. While becoming a homeowner may seem out of reach right now, options like down payment assistance programs and more can help make it possible. With the right tips and the help of an expert like me, it may be more achievable than you think. Let’s make it happen together and this video will help!
First Time Homebuyers_ How to Make Your Dream a Reality!
When you’re planning a move, it’s normal to wonder where you’ll end up and what your future home is going to look like. Maybe you’ve got a specific picture of that house in your mind. But unless you came into this process knowing you want to buy a newly built home, you may not have pictured new home construction.
A trusted real estate agent can help walk you through these two reasons you may want to reconsider that.
1. Adding Newly Built Homes Could Give You More Options
There are two types of homes on the market: new and existing. A newly built home refers to a house that was just built or is under construction. An existing home is one a previous homeowner has already lived in. Right now, the inventory of existing homes is tight. But there may be options for you on the new home side of things.
Data from the Census and the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows that newly built homes are a bigger part of today’s housing inventory than the norm (see graph below):
From 1983 to 2019 (the last normal year in the market), newly built homes made up only 13% of the total inventory of homes for sale. But today that number has climbed to over 33%.
Rest assured, after over a decade of underbuilding, builders aren’t overdoing it today. Even with an increase in new construction today, there’s still a significant housing shortage overall. But for you, the uptick in new builds can be a game changer because it gives you more options for your search.
2. Newly Built Homes May Be More Affordable Than You’d Think
You may still be wondering if a new build could really be an option for you. If you’ve previously written them off because you thought they would be out of your budget, consider this. The price gap between a newly built home and an existing house is shrinking. Here’s why.
Builders are going to build what’s in demand. And they know people need more options right now, especially ones that are smaller and potentially more affordable. So, they’re focusing on building smaller homes at lower price points. The graph below shows the price difference between new and existing homes is shrinking as that happens:
As LendingTree explains:
“In the past, newly built homes have been much more expensive than existing homes — but that gap has been getting smaller recently. In some places today, you may find that the cost to build versus buy is roughly the same.”
“While new builds are still sold for slightly more than existing homes, the price gap has significantly narrowed . . .”
Not to mention, some builders are even offering price cuts and mortgage rate buy-downs right now to sweeten the deal. Today there are many reasons new builds may be worth considering. Other buyers sure seem to think so.As Freddie Macsays:
“As the supply of existing homes for sale remains low and home prices continue to rise, more buyers are choosing to purchase new homes than in previous years.”
Just know that buying a newly built home isn’t the same as buying an existing one. Builder contracts have different fine print. So, partner with a local agent who knows the market, builder reputations, and what to look for in those contracts so you have an expert on your side to help you explore this option.
Bottom Line
If you want to find out what builders are doing in our area, let’s connect and check it out together. And if you’re willing to cast a wider net to open up your options even more, we can talk about broadening your search to include other towns nearby.
If you’re thinking of buying or selling a house, it’s important to know it doesn’t just impact you—it helps out the local economy and your community, too.
Every year, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) puts out a report that breaks down the financial impact that comes from people buying and selling homes (see visual below):
When a house is sold, it really boosts the local economy. That’s because of all the people needed to build, fix up, and sell homes. Robert Dietz, Chief Economist at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), explains how the housing industry adds jobs to a community:
“. . . housing is a significant job creator. In fact, for every single-family home built, enough economic activity is generated to sustain three full-time jobs for a year . . .”
It makes sense that housing creates a lot of jobs because so many different kinds of work are involved in the industry.
Think about all the people involved with selling a house—city officials, contractors, lawyers, real estate agents, specialists, etc. Everyone has a job to do to make your deal go through. So, each transaction is a big help to those who work and live in your community.
Put simply, when you buy or sell a home, you’re helping out your neighbors. So, when you decide to move, you’re not just meeting your own needs—you’re also doing something good for your community. Just knowing your move helps so many people around you can give you a sense of empowerment as you make your decision this year.
Bottom Line
Every time a home is sold, it really helps out the local economy. If you’re ready to move, let’s get in touch. It won’t just change your life—it’ll also do a lot of good for the whole community.
always love Brooklyn, and do miss it (I spent 49 years there), but Hampton is now my home. I’ve grown accustomed to say hello to strangers I pass on the street, enjoy having the beach 3 minutes away, enjoy a bit slower pace (but really not that much slower) and love not having to spend 45 minutes looking for a parking space.
