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.
Nicole from Reno Nevada is a first time home buyer and want to know the benefits of purchasing a Condo. #Homebuyers #FirstTimeHomebuyers #Condos #Condominiums #RealEstatewithMrG
Having a hard time finding a first home that’s right for you and your wallet? Well, here’s a tip – think about condominiums, or condos for short. Learn more in this video!
There’s no denying the last couple of years have been tough for anyone trying to buy a home because there haven’t been enough houses to go around. But things are starting to look up.
There are more homes up for grabs this year. The graph below uses the latest data from Realtor.com to show in April 2024 there were more homes for sale than there were over the last few years (2021-2023):
“There were 30.4% more homes actively for sale on a typical day in April compared with the same time in 2023, marking the sixth consecutive month of annual inventory growth.”
But does this growing inventory make house hunting easier? Yes and no.
Using the latest weekly data from Calculated Risk, the graph below shows, that even with the growth lately, there are still way fewer homes for sale than there were in the last normal year in the housing market:
What Does This Mean for You?
If you’ve been looking to buy but put your plans on hold because you just couldn’t find what you were searching for, you might see more options now than you did over the past few years – but don’t expect a huge selection.
To check out your growing options, it’s a good idea to work with a local real estate agent you trust. Real estate is all about location. And an agent can help you get the scoop on the homes available in the area you’re interested in. Bankrate explains:
“In today’s homebuying market, it’s more important than ever to find a real estate agent who really knows your local area — down to your specific neighborhood — and can help you successfully navigate its unique quirks.”
Bottom Line
Let’s team up so you have someone who can keep you in the loop on everything that might impact your move, like how many homes are up for sale right now.
Having a hard time finding a first home that’s right for you and your wallet? Well, here’s a tip – think about condominiums, or condos for short.
They’re usually smaller than single-family homes, but that’s exactly why they can be easier on your budget. According to the latest data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), condos are typically less expensive than single-family homes (see graph below):
So, if you’re comfortable with a smaller space and want to buy your first home this year, adding condos to your search might be easier on your wallet.
Besides giving you more options for your home search and maybe fitting your budget better, living in a condo has a bunch of other perks, too. According to Rocket Mortgage:
“From community living to walkable urban areas, condos are great options for first-time home buyers and people looking to enjoy homeownership without extensive upkeep.”
Let’s dive into a few of the draws of condos for first-time buyers from Bankrate:
They require less maintenance. Condos are great if you want to own your place but don’t want to mow the lawn, shovel snow, or fix the roof. Your real estate agent can help explain any associated fees and details for the condos you’re interested in.
They allow you to start building equity. When you buy a condo, you build equity and your net worth as you make your mortgage payments and as your condo’s value goes up over time.
They often come with added amenities. Your condo might come with access to amenities like a pool, dog park, or parking. And the best part? You don’t have to take care of any of them.
They provide you with a sense of community. Buying a condo means you’ll be living close to other people, which is nice if you enjoy having neighbors around and making friends. Many condo communities hold fun events like barbecues and parties during holidays for everyone to enjoy.
Remember, your first home doesn’t have to be the one you stay in forever. The important thing is to get your foot in the door as a homeowner so you can start to gain home equity. Later on, that equity can help you buy another place if you need something different.
Ultimately, owning and living in a condo is a lifestyle choice. And if it’s one that appeals to you, they could provide the added options you need in today’s market.
Bottom Line
It might be a good idea to think about condos in your home search. If you’re ready to see what’s out there, let’s get in touch today.
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.
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.
