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    Real Estate you should know

    I’ve Owned My Home For A Few Years: Now What?

    It’s not going to be news to anyone who plans to sell their home this year: The 2020 real estate market has been shaken...

    • Susana Murphy
    • September 29th, 2020
    • 4 min read

    It’s not going to be news to anyone who plans to sell their home this year: The 2020 real estate market has been shaken up completely by all the noteworthy events that have happened (so far). In many areas, the changes have favored sellers so far. Low inventory and interest rates continue to bring out buyers, leading to very fast sales. 

    For sellers, though, the “new normal” of 2020 might be short-term. (We'll always will keep you in the loop on what you need to know.) What’s more important to focus on isn’t what has changed this year, but in the past several years. Here’s what to think about if you’re considering selling after owning it for a few years:

    The Time To Address Home Maintenance Is Now

    The five year mark tends to be when key maintenance issues pop up.

    For instance, if you haven’t touched your HVAC system in this time period, it might already be due for replacement (or at least significant repairs). Water heaters are another likely candidate for replacement, especially if there have been significant changes to code requirements.

    A few years of weather also brings exterior problems, especially for your roof and gutter systems. Inside, wear and tear can be noticeable, particularly for flooring. If you have wall-to-wall carpet, expect to change it out for a fresher look. Paint colors — particularly beige hues and light neutrals — can often take on a yellow cast that can look dingy. 

    Prioritize projects according to your budget and the severity. A buyer can overlook less-than-perfect paint, but not a leaky roof or failing AC system. 

    Your Home’s Value Has Changed

    Of course, this is where the 2020 market comes into play.

    Since we've seen an uptick in buyers and lightning-quick sales, then you might be pleasantly surprised by our pricing strategy (and the comps that inform pricing). However, timing is everything: If mortgage rates increase, more listings hit the market or a shift in the economy happens, prices can take a hit. 

    While we all wish we could have a crystal ball to see where the market is heading, focus instead on what you can control to positively impact your home’s value. No matter where the market is headed, buyers are always interested in a home that is well-maintained and staged to show off its best features. While you’re addressing the aforementioned “five-year” issues, take the time to do a thorough decluttering (rent a storage unit if necessary) and ask us about a staging strategy.

    Buyer’s Tastes Have Changed

    In terms of home design, what may have caught your eye a few years back might already look out of date. 

    Trends have shifted dramatically for interior design as younger buyers enter the market. For instance, dark cabinetry and appliances have made a surprising comeback. Buyers also have stronger opinions about appliances that go beyond the cosmetic, favoring higher-tech options in the kitchen. 

    Further, there’s a dramatic change in how we live. Many workplaces have gone fully remote (indefinitely), making the home office more important than ever before. Features that were often considered “bonus” — media rooms and outdoor entertaining spaces — take on a whole new meaning after the experience of spending months cooped up indoors.

    What Buyers Are Looking For

    If you’re selling your home soon, you know how important it is that your home is in tip-top shape, but before you tackle any projects consider the features that buyers are actually looking for right now.

    Read the Blog

    The Real Question: Are You Ready?

    Purely looking at the numbers, five years is when you might notice that you have more equity in your home. The more equity you have, the less of an impact closing costs may have on your financial situation. 

    However, the biggest indicator that you’re ready to sell goes beyond a calculation. Meaning: A lot can change in five years, especially when it comes to your life. You might have gotten married or divorced, had children or became an empty nester, or your job has changed in a way that your commute no longer matters. Regardless of how the world has changed or what may change, the bottom line is that your home needs to fit your needs. 

    Let's Talk About You

    If you're considering selling your home, or if you're just curious about what it might sell for, click below to schedule a call.

    Click Here

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    About the author

    Susana Murphy

    508-345-5632
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    I'm Susana Murphy, and I founded ALANTE with a clear vision and a passion for redefining what real estate should be. Let me share with you why ALANTE exists, what we stand for, and what we aim to offer both our valued clients and our dedicated agents. ALANTE Real Estate wasn't just a business venture for me—it was a calling born out of a deep-seated belief in doing things differently, and doing them better. Having been in the real estate industry since 2005 myself as a top producing Realtor, I saw firsthand the immense potential for innovation and improvement. I recognized that traditional practices were falling short in meeting the evolving needs of clients and agents alike. My vision for ALANTE was simple yet profound: to elevate the real estate experience by combining cutting-edge technology combined with story driven marketing and timeless values. In an industry often defined by transactions, I wanted to focus on service. I wanted to create a space where clients felt heard, valued, and supported every step of the way, and where agents could thrive in an environment that prioritizes collaboration, growth, support and integrity. At ALANTE, we believe in offering our clients more than just transactions—we offer them transformative experiences. We understand that buying or selling a home is not just a financial decision; it's an emotional journey filled with dreams, aspirations, and life-changing moments. That's why we approach each interaction with empathy, expertise, and a genuine desire to exceed expectations. For our agents, ALANTE is more than just a brokerage—it's a community of like-minded professionals committed to excellence. We provide our agents with the tools, training, and support they need to succeed, all while fostering a culture of mutual respect, collaboration, and continuous learning. We believe that empowered agents create exceptional experiences for our clients, and that belief is at the core of everything we do. In an industry that's constantly evolving, we remain steadfast in our commitment to innovation and adaptability. We embrace technology not as a replacement for human connection, but as a catalyst for enhancing it. From advanced marketing strategies to streamlined processes, we leverage technology to enhance efficiency, transparency, and results. We don't just meet industry standards—we set new ones. We believe in raising the bar and redefining what it means to be a leader in real estate. Our dedication to excellence, integrity, and client satisfaction sets us apart, and it's what drives us to continually push boundaries and exceed expectations. So, whether you're a client looking for a personalized, unparalleled real estate experience or an agent seeking a supportive, forward-thinking brokerage, we invite you to join us on this extraordinary journey. Together, we're not just reimagining real estate—we're elevating it to new heights. Welcome to ALANTE Real Estate, where your vision meets our passion.

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