Here are some local Fort Mill - Tega Cay Area 4th of July Events You Might Want To Know About -

Double-check before heading out because things change quickly these days!

Everyone dreams of living in an organized and clean home. Walking into a space where everything is neat and tidy and there's a place for everything and there's no dust or dirt to be seen.  Life doesn’t always work this way though and keeping one's home like this 24-7 while it's on the market can be difficult, if not impossible. Our homes tend to look more “lived in” with a pile of shoes by the front door, school books on the kitchen table, and pet hair on the sofa.

When you have your home listed for sale, then you know the stress of looking around your home after a phone call requesting a showing with a few minutes’ notice. You want your home to show well so the buyers can see the beauty of the home you love, but with such short notice, how can you convert the lived-in look to a show-ready property?

Fortunately, we have a few tricks for helping you keep your home show-ready at any time.

• Plan in Advance – Before you even list your house, consider the adjustment you’ll need to make in your lifestyle. Move non-essential items to a storage unit, to not only create visual appeal but make it easier to clean quickly.

• Containers – A simple way to quickly eliminate toys, clothes, shoes, sports equipment, and other items is storage bins. Keep some handy to throw excess items into before a buyer shows up, and move them to the garage or basement, or even the back of a vehicle.

• Establish a Routine – Get everyone in the family involved in establishing a daily routine. The less clutter that accumulates, the easier it is to move out of sight quickly. All family members should have morning and evening duties to keep the home tidy. If things are kept up on a daily basis, it will make the clutter and mess less overwhelming.

Unfortunately, your life doesn’t stop just because you’ve listed your home for sale. Keep it show-ready by preparing in advance, so those last-minute buyers can see your home’s charm and not the day’s clutter. Remember to call The Linda Hall Team of Century 21 First Choice for any of your real estate needs!

MAY 2020 New Listings:

We start by looking at the NEW LISTINGS that came on the market in May and we begin with 2018, where we see there were 528 NEW LISTINGS that came on the market. In May of 2019, we find an increase of +15.2 percent with 608 NEW LISTINGS. The following year in May of 2020, we decreased by -38.3 percent with only 375 NEW LISTINGS. 

MAY 2020 Homes for Sale:

We again, start by looking at May of 2018, where we see there were 922 HOMES FOR SALE. In May of 2019, we find an increase of +9.2 percent with 1,007 HOMES FOR SALE. The following year in May of 2020, we decreased by -46.7 percent with 537 HOMES FOR SALE. 

MAY 2020 Pending Sales:

Let's view May of 2018, where we see there were 407 PENDING SALES. In May of 2019, we increased by +18.9 percent with 484 PENDING SALES. The following year in May of 2020, we increased by +9.9 percent with 532 PENDING SALES. 

MAY 2020 Median Days on Market:

Let's view May of 2018, where we see there were 13 MEDIAN DAYS ON MARKET. In May of 2019, we increased from the previous year with 15 MEDIAN DAYS ON MARKET. This year in May, we decreased by -53.3 percent with only 7 MEDIAN DAYS ON MARKET. 

MAY 2020 Months Supply of Homes for Sale:

In May of 2018, the MONTHS SUPPLY OF HOMES FOR SALE was 2.7. In May of 2019, we increased by +3.7 percent with a 2.8 MONTHS SUPPLY OF HOMES FOR SALE. This year in May, we decreased by -50 percent with 1.4 MONTHS SUPPLY OF HOMES FOR SALE. 

So there is your comprehensive LOCAL look at the real estate market. As you can see the market is definitely favoring sellers. The supply is down and the demand is high. If you are considering a sale of your home then now might be a perfect time. Please reach out to the Linda Hall Team. We'd love to assist you!!

Most areas of the country are experiencing a brisk real estate market. Well priced homes are moving quickly and often sellers can have multiple offers from which to choose. How can you make your offer stand out and put you in a better position to get the home? Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to make your offer more attractive to sellers.

4 Tips for Making a Competitive Offer

1. Offer a Fair Price - When the market is moving quickly, this is not the time to throw out a low ball offer and hope they negotiate. Write an honest price based on market values. The Linda Hall Team will happily assist you in finding what price that might be.

2. Have a Pre-Approval - It may not be enough to simply offer a pre-qualification letter. When issuing a pre-approval the lender verifies your qualifications and an underwriter gives preliminary approval based not he actual home and a good appraisal.

3. Flexible Timing - Not everything comes down to price. A seller who is relocating might be more interested in an offer which gives them extra time to move or is an offer that will move along quickly.

4. Attractive Terms - Most offers include contingencies for items like an appraisal, inspection, title, and loan approval among others. Working with your lender and real estate agent, consider removing any contingencies you don't need.

The most important thing in a competitive real estate market is being prepared. Working with your lender and real estate agent will help you understand your options and you will be able to write a solid offer quickly, putting you in the best position to have your offer accepted. Contact the Linda Hall Team today to get started!

It may come as a shock that many people have purchased a home before ever setting foot inside. These buyers may have had to move from another country or even from the other side of the country, and they may not have had the time or resources to visit a home before the big move. Not everyone always has the option (or desire) to rent for a few months while they find a permanent home in their new location. Most homebuyers would prefer to purchase a house before they arrive, so they can move their belongings and quickly get settled into their home.

There are a few things the Linda Hall Team can do to make the process more manageable if you're considering buying a house without physically stepping foot inside. The first step is to know that we will really listen to what your needs are in the home itself as well as the community you want to live in. We will get to know you and your circumstances to help us vet potential properties for you. We'll also be able to provide you with a link to a virtual tour if it's offered, or schedule a meeting where we will walk you through the house virtually. This will help you feel like you're there in person and give you the chance to ask us about any potential issues that may pose a problem in the future. You'll also be able to see any features that you love, which will help you make your final decision.

When the time comes for you to move in, be prepared for the unexpected. There will always be a few things that you didn't expect when you've purchased a home. However, we will try to be as detailed as possible when it comes to the home and the community to help you make the best possible purchase. It really is possible to find your dream home, even if you can't see it before closing. The Linda Hall Team's grasp of technology will help your journey through the buying process go smoothly. Contact us today so we can help you get started!!

APRIL 2020 New Listings:

We start by looking at the NEW LISTINGS that came on the market in April and we begin with 2018, where we see there were 668 NEW LISTINGS that came on the market. In April of 2019, we find an increase of +3.3 percent with 690 NEW LISTINGS. The following year in April of 2020, we decreased by -21.6 percent with 541 NEW LISTINGS. 

APRIL 2020 Homes for Sale:

We again, start by looking at April of 2018, where we see there were 1,405 HOMES FOR SALE. In April of 2019, we find an increase of +6.5 percent with 1,497 HOMES FOR SALE. The following year in April of 2020, we decreased by -19.8 percent with 1,200 HOMES FOR SALE. 

APRIL 2020 Pending Sales:

Let's view April of 2018, where we see there were 536 PENDING SALES. In April of 2019, we increased by +3.9 percent with 557 PENDING SALES. The following year in April of 2020, we decreased by -2.2 percent with 545 PENDING SALES. 

APRIL 2020 Median Days on Market:

Let's view April of 2018, where we see there were 16 MEDIAN DAYS ON MARKET. In April of 2019, we increased from the previous year with 17 MEDIAN DAYS ON MARKET. This year in April, we decreased by -35.3 percent with 11 MEDIAN DAYS ON MARKET. 

APRIL  2020 Months Supply of Homes for Sale:

In April of 2018, the MONTHS SUPPLY OF HOMES FOR SALE was 3.2. In April of 2019, we increased by +3.1 percent with a 3.3 MONTHS SUPPLY OF HOMES FOR SALE. This year in April, we decreased by -27.3 percent with 2.4 MONTHS SUPPLY OF HOMES FOR SALE. 

So there is your comprehensive LOCAL look at the real estate market. As you can see the market is definitely still active and if you are considering a sale of your home then now might be a perfect time. Please reach out to the Linda Hall Team. We'd love to assist you!!

Real estate offers a solid investment opportunity that can provide not only an income stream but long-term value appreciation as well. It’s never too late to begin investing in real estate. Regardless of the ups and downs of the market, people will always need housing, so real estate will remain a good way to create wealth.

By understanding some of the basics of real estate investing, you can begin to create a successful investment plan.

• Start Now – Every market offers opportunities for buyers; there is no perfect time to get started.

• Understand the Risks – Before investing, you should be certain that you can hold the property until conditions are right to sell.

• Do Your Homework – Know the market and understand the trends which can affect your purchase and ownership.

• Invest for the Long-Term – Real estate investing should not be viewed as a “get rich quick” scheme. While you might find an opportunity to have a quick flip, most real estate equity is realized over years, not months.

• Understand your Expected Cash Flow – In simple terms, cash flow is what is left over after all expenses are paid. For a rental property, expenses could include mortgage, interest, maintenance, insurance, utilities, rental agents, and more.

• Budget for the Unexpected – Even the most carefully planned project can have unexpected costs. Have a back-up plan to meet these costs.

Real estate can offer solid investment opportunities. Even a first-time investor can realize profit and positive cash flow with careful planning and research. Start building your real estate portfolio now; a real estate purchase could provide a low-risk addition to your other investments for both income and asset value growth. Contact the Linda Hall Team of Century 21 First Choice to discuss your options. 

Believe it or not, there are lots of things you can do to prep your house for a sale without even going to the store. Your real estate plans don’t have to be completely on hold even while we’ve hit the pause button on other parts of daily life. Tackling small projects such as the following will go along way in getting your home ready for when the market is back on track and it will be sooner than you think!

Clean beyond basics. Beyond disinfecting all of your high-touch surfaces, it's a great time to buckle down on the tasks you usually avoid doing such as:

1. Cleaning your vents and baseboards.
2. Emptying and wiping down your bathroom cabinets and drawers.
3. Cleaning your oven and refrigerator.

Organize your space. There is no shortage of home organization projects that can yield BIG results, and the options below won't require a trip to the store.

1. Clean out and organize your closets.
2. Tidy up your entryway and clean your doormats.

Freshen your walls. Walls may not be the first thing you think of when it comes to home projects, but a few updates can make a big difference.

1. Touch up your interior wall paint.
2. Swap out any personalized photos and frames.

Evaluate your lighting. Lighting is one of the most important elements in design, and our homes can go from stark and unwelcoming to cozy and warm just by swapping out a few bulbs.

1. Replace your light bulbs.
2. Clean your lamps and shades.
3. Wash your windows, curtains, and blinds.

Dig into your kitchen. Beyond the regular duties of washing dishes or cleaning out the fridge, the tasks below will help your kitchen look better and function more smoothly.

1. Clean out and organize your closets.
2. Wipe down and declutter your cabinets.

Tidy up your yard. Whether you have a small outdoor balcony or a sprawling yard, here are a few places to start. 

1. Sweep your patio and deck.
2. Clean and prep your planters.
3. Scrub your outdoor furniture.

Everyone is being affected in some manner by the outbreak of COVID-19 coronavirus. During this time, our buyers have more questions than normal about the home buying process and their ability to buy a new home. While we can’t predict what the next few weeks and months will bring, the more we can educate you, the better we can help you navigate the buying process smoothly during the pandemic. Here are a few common real estate buyer questions as they relate to the Coronavirus outbreak.  

 1. Can we still go see home listings in person? – This is the hardest question to answer and it will depend on the home, the seller, the agent and any fast-changing governmental policies put in place. As of the writing of this blog, the Linda Hall Team is allowed to show you a home in person. We do have procedures we will discuss with you that will help protect you, us and them. We also have virtual tours we can make available.  

 2. How can I stay safe while visiting homes? – Everyone’s health has to be the priority; this includes the buyers, sellers, and agents. If you are going to see a home in person during this time, carry hand sanitizer and wipes to use before, during and after the tour. We will drive separately from you and meet with you at the home. During the tour, designate one person to open doors, drawers, and closets and use disposable gloves during the showing. Again, these rules may change and physical showings may become unallowed. We'll let you the State-regulated rules when you call us.  

3. What happens if I lose my job during the escrow period? –Most real estate contracts include a contingency that protects the buyer in the event they can’t get final loan approval and close the loan. Typically during the process, this contingency is removed after a set time frame, or after receiving the loan approval. Since every aspect of real estate is negotiable, consider asking for the contingency deadline to be extended and in place until the close; we will talk through this aspect with the seller to set the right expectation.  

 4. Will I still have access to the home during the escrow period? – It’s very common for the buyer to have easy access to the home during the escrow period; home inspections, appraisals and other visits at owners' discretion during escrow. These activities and expectations may have changed. We'll discuss this with you.   

5. Will I get a better deal if I wait to buy a new home? – We all know there’s no crystal ball, but with everything that’s going on, sellers on the market should be very motivated to sell. There are also historically low-interest rates on home loans. There is no way to predict the future, so if the right home comes along, it makes sense to consider it.  

 Contact the Linda Hall Team of Century 21 First Choice to discuss all of your real estate purchasing options.