Why Most Sellers Hire Real Estate Agents Today

Written by Siesta Key Mortgage Syndicated User on June 16, 2025. Posted in Agent Value, For Sellers, Mortgage Siesta Key, Siesta Key Mortgage.

Selling your house without an agent as a “For Sale by Owner” (FSBO) may be something you’ve considered. But you should know that, in today’s shifting market, more homeowners are deciding that’s just not worth the risk.According to the latest data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the number of homeowners selling without an agent has hit an all-time low (see graph below):And for the small number of homeowners who do decide to sell on their own, data shows they’re still not confident they’re making a good choice.A recent survey finds three out of every four homeowners who don’t...

Your House Didn’t Sell. Here’s What To Do Now.

Written by Siesta Key Mortgage Syndicated User on June 12, 2025. Posted in Agent Value, For Sellers, Mortgage Siesta Key, Selling Tips, Siesta Key Mortgage.

When your house doesn’t sell, it doesn’t just feel frustrating – it feels personal. You put time, money, and emotional energy into this move. You told your friends and family it was happening. And now that your listing has expired without a buyer? You’re left feeling stuck, and maybe even a little embarrassed.And here’s what most agents won’t tell you. Over 70% of homeowners who re-list with a different agent sell their house. Re-list with the same agent? That stat drops to only 50%, according to the latest data from REDX. That’s like leaving the fate of your sale to a coin toss. And...

The Rooms That Matter Most When You Sell

Written by Siesta Key Mortgage Syndicated User on June 5, 2025. Posted in Agent Value, Mortgage Siesta Key, Open Houses, Selling Tips, Siesta Key Mortgage.

Now that buyers have more options for their move, you need to be a bit more intentional about making sure your house looks its best when you sell. And proper staging can be a great way to do just that.What Is Home Staging?It’s not about making your house look super trendy or like it belongs in a magazine. It’s about helping it feel welcoming and move-in ready, so it’s easy for buyers to picture themselves living there.It’s important to understand there’s a range when it comes to staging. It can include everything from simple tweaks to more extensive setups, depending on your needs and...

Home Projects That Add the Most Value

Written by Siesta Key Mortgage Syndicated User on May 30, 2025. Posted in Agent Value, Infographics, Mortgage Siesta Key, Selling Tips, Siesta Key Mortgage.

Some HighlightsWhether you’re planning to move soon or not, you want to be strategic about which home projects you take on. ?Because not all of them will be worth it.Before you decide what upgrades to tackle, talk to an agent who knows what’s in demand in your area and where you’re most likely to recoup the costs. Connect with a local agent so you know which projects are actually worthwhile.?

The Secret To Selling Your House in Today’s Market

Written by Siesta Key Mortgage Syndicated User on May 28, 2025. Posted in Agent Value, For Sale by Owner, For Sellers, Home Prices, Mortgage Siesta Key, Selling Tips, Siesta Key Mortgage.

A few years ago, homes were flying off the shelves and getting multiple offers well over their asking price. It felt like you could name your price and still have buyers lined up at the door.But today’s housing market is different. Buyers are getting more selective now that inventory has grown. Homes are sitting a little longer. And more sellers are having to cut their prices.So, how do you still come out on top? It all starts with one thing, pricing your house right from the start. Today, that matters more than ever – and it can make or break your sale.There’s a Real Price Disconnect...

Common Real Estate Terms Explained

Written by Siesta Key Mortgage Syndicated User on May 26, 2025. Posted in Agent Value, Buying Tips, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Mortgage Siesta Key, Siesta Key Mortgage.

If you’re a first-time homebuyer, chances are you’ll come across some terms you’re not familiar with. And that can be overwhelming, especially while going through one of the biggest purchases of your life. The good news is you don’t need to be an expert on real estate jargon. That’s your agent’s job. But getting to know these basic terms will help you feel a lot more confident throughout the process.Terms Every Homebuyer Should KnowOnce you’re familiar with this terminology, you’ll have a better understanding of important details – from contracts to negotiations. So, when those...

4 Ways To Make an Offer That Stands Out This Spring

Written by Siesta Key Mortgage Syndicated User on April 14, 2025. Posted in Agent Value, Buying Tips, For Buyers, Mortgage Siesta Key, Siesta Key Mortgage.

Now that spring is here, more and more buyers are jumping back into the market, and competition is heating up.If you’re serious about landing a home you’ll love, you need more than just a wish list. You need a smart strategy – and that starts with working with a great agent who can help you put together a strong offer.Here are some top tips your agent will share with you that are helping buyers stand out (and win) in today’s market.1. Don’t Lowball on PriceIt’s tempting to start with a super low offer in an attempt to save money. But in a competitive spring market, that could backfire. If...

Why You Don’t Want To Skip Your Home Inspection

Written by Siesta Key Mortgage Syndicated User on April 10, 2025. Posted in Agent Value, Buying Tips, For Buyers, Mortgage Siesta Key, Siesta Key Mortgage.

When you finally find the home you want to buy, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement. You’ve toured the place, imagined your furniture in it, maybe even pictured your morning coffee on the porch. The last thing you want is to slow down the process with more steps or lose out to another buyer’s offer because they skipped their inspection.But here’s the thing. Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. And no matter how perfect that house seems, skipping a home inspection is a risk that could cost you a lot more than just time.What Exactly Is a Home...

The Truth About Newly Built Homes and Today’s Market

Written by Siesta Key Mortgage Syndicated User on April 8, 2025. Posted in Agent Value, Inventory, Mortgage Siesta Key, Siesta Key Mortgage.

Headlines are talking about the inventory of new homes and how we’re back at the levels not seen since 2009. And maybe you’re reading that and thinking: oh no, here we go again. That’s because you remember the housing crash of the late 2000s and you’re worried we’re repeating the same mistakes.But before you let fear take hold, remember: headlines are designed to be clickbait. And a lot of the time, they do more to terrify than clarify. That’s because they don’t always give you all the context you need. So, let’s take a step back and look at what the data really says.Why This Isn’t Like...

Buyers Have More Negotiation Power – Here’s How To Use It

Written by Siesta Key Mortgage Syndicated User on March 27, 2025. Posted in Agent Value, Buying Tips, For Buyers, Mortgage Siesta Key, Siesta Key Mortgage.

You may have heard there are more homes for sale right now. And while that’ll vary depending on the market, it means that overall, things are starting to lean in a more balanced direction. As that happens, some sellers are a bit more open to compromise. Here’s what that means for you.You may be regaining some negotiating power. That can translate into savings, perks, or even better terms on your purchase – if you know what levers to pull during negotiation.Why an Agent Is an Essential Part of the Negotiation ProcessThe complicated part is knowing what is and isn’t on the table. That’s where...

Category: Agent Value