Blog • C21 Blog • July 26, 2024

3 Things to Look for in a Loan Officer

by Leah Parrott

When you’re buying a home, you have a whole team behind you to make the homebuying process happen. Your real estate agent is there to guide you through every step of the process; your home inspector helps you make sure that the home is in the right condition. One of the other important members of your team is your loan officer!

It’s worth taking the time to carefully select the best loan officer for your homebuying experience. Here are three essential qualities to look for when choosing a loan officer:

1. Communication: Communication is one of the main things that can make or break a real estate transaction, so this is one of the most important qualities of a loan officer. You want someone who will keep you informed, answer your questions promptly, and guide you through each step of the process. When reviewing different lenders, pay special attention to their communication style and responsiveness.

2. Speed to Close Escrow: In today’s fast-paced market, the ability to close quickly is incredibly important. Because the market is moving so quickly, you can’t rely on having the highest and best offer. Sellers will have been putting priority on offers that can close quickly. With this in mind, you need to find a lender who can close in as little time as possible. Ask the lenders about their track record of closing escrows quickly and efficiently. Remember, a 30-day close is no longer the norm!

3. Transparency About Costs: Make sure your loan officer is upfront about all costs associated with getting a mortgage through them. Don’t be afraid to ask hard questions–they should be prepared to answer them! During your chat with the lenders, ask about origination fees, any points you might be paying upfront, and other expenses you should expect. A good loan officer will explain the entire loan process and ensure you understand all the costs involved.

Because your loan officer will help you get pre-approved and close on your home, they play a big role in the home buying process from start to finish. Choosing a loan officer with great communication skills, the ability to close quickly, and who is straightforward about loan costs will help you have a smooth and successful homebuying journey.

If you’re looking for trusted loan officers in our area and you’re ready to get started, let’s chat! Contact me today for your FREE copy of my Buyers’s Guide and I’ll give you the inside scoop on the best lenders in our area.

Blog • C21 Blog • June 19, 2024

Sellers, Let Me Save You from Bad Advice

by Leah Parrott

If you’re thinking of listing your home soon and not considering working with a buyers agent, it could cost you. Before you list your home, let’s go over some recent changes in the real estate landscape, specifically regarding the National Association of Realtors (NAR). As a seller, it’s essential to understand how these changes might affect your selling experience.

Here’s why:

This July, NAR is implementing changes that sellers need to be aware of. One of the biggest changes is that sellers will need to factor in how they will compensate a buyers agent for finding them a buyer as they can no longer list compensation on the MLS. This means that if you choose not to work with a buyers agent, you may risk having fewer buyers look at your home.

By not offering compensation to a buyer agent, your home may not attract as many potential buyers. Buyers work with agents to help them navigate the market, find the right home for them, and deal with negotiations on their behalf. If you choose to not offer compensation to buyers agents, your home may receive less exposure and fewer showings when it hits the market.

This can cause a cascade of consequences. With fewer buyers considering your home due to the lack of compensation for their agents, your property could end up sitting on the market longer. As you know, this can lead to stagnation and send a red flag to buyers when they wonder why the home hasn’t sold yet. This can ultimately result in lower offers and a less competitive selling position.

Not working with a buyers agent also means you could miss out on potential offers and opportunities. Buyers agents have access to a network of clients actively looking for homes. By excluding them, you may be excluding a significant pool of potential buyers who are working with agents.

As your real estate professional, you’ll be guided through these changes and will be provided with all the support and knowledge on these upcoming changes to make informed decisions.

When we work together, you’ll get all of the insights into the current market and you’ll know exactly how to navigate the process of offering compensation for buyers agents moving forward.

Ready to get started? Contact me today for your FREE copy of my Seller’s Guide and let’s chat about all the changes.

Blog • May 17, 2024

4 Tips to Make Your Home Sell for Top Dollar

by Leah Parrott

Looking to sell your home for top dollar in our real estate market? Then it’s time to get strategic! If you follow these 4 tips, you’re sure to make your home stand out to buyers.

1. Declutter Like a Pro: Clutter makes it hard for buyers to see the good parts of your home because they’re too focused on your stuff. Whether it’s boxing up extra items, stashing them in storage until you can move, or just tidying up closets, a clutter-free home instantly feels larger and more inviting. Potential buyers will notice the sense of openness and possibility that comes with a well-organized space.

2. Depersonalize for Success: Pack away family photos and personalized decor to help buyers envision themselves living in your space–rather than living with your family. By neutralizing the decor, you make it easier for buyers to imagine themselves making your house their home. For the best results, consider hiring a professional stager to help create a universally appealing atmosphere that resonates with a wide range of potential buyers.

3. Maintenance Matters: Don’t overlook the power of a little TLC! Make sure your home looks its best before buyers see it by addressing repairs, touching up scuffed paint, and replacing those dead lightbulbs to present your home in the best possible light. A well-maintained home signals to buyers that you’ve taken good care of the property, which can make them feel more confident when deciding to buy.

4. Craft a Killer Marketing Plan: When it comes to selling your home for top dollar, it’s all about getting noticed. That’s where a marketing plan, created by your amazing real estate agent, will come in. With a strategic marketing plan, you can give your home the best chance of getting in front of the right buyers and standing out from the competition. With professional photography, engaging listing descriptions, and targeted advertising to showcase your home’s unique features, you can easily attract potential buyers.

Remember, giving buyers the right things to focus on during showings and open houses is key to selling your home for top dollar. Follow these 4 essential tips, and you’ll be well on your way to a successful sale! Want more customized guidance for your home? Contact me today for your FREE copy of my Seller’s Guide and to get started!

Blog • April 23, 2024

The REAL Value of a Real Estate Agent

by Leah Parrott

When it comes to finding your next home, it’s easy to focus just on the house-hunting process and how your agent can find you that next home. But the value of a real estate agent is not just in finding you a home — it goes way beyond just that.

Before you even step foot into a potential property, your agent is already hard at work behind the scenes doing things like:

Prepping Your Finances: Your agent will connect you with the best local lenders so you can find the right financing options and get pre-approved. This will allow you to make fast decisions and offers when the perfect home pops up.
Selecting the Right Neighborhoods: From trendy neighborhoods to family-friendly locales, your agent will help you identify areas that match your lifestyle and future plans.
Personalizing Listing Selections: Your agent will take the time to understand your wants, needs, and goals for your new home. With this deep understanding, they will be able to hand-pick listings that align with your unique needs and wants.

Once you’ve found the perfect house to put an offer on, your agent’s expertise will truly shine with:

Analyzing the Market and Offer: Your agent will dive into the stats and market data to ensure that you make the right, strategic offer on a home that will be a sound investment.
Negotiating in Your Best Interest: Your agent will use their negotiation skills to advocate for your best interests and secure the best possible deal for you on your new home.
Connecting You to the Pros: Need an inspector? A reliable contractor? Your agent has you covered and can connect you to anyone in their network of trusted professionals in the area.

The real value of your real estate agent is in the work that they handle on your behalf and the knowledge and expertise they provide so you can have a smooth, easy homebuying experience.

Want to connect so you can see the value of a real estate agent in action? Contact me today for your FREE copy of the Buyer Guide or Seller Guide and let’s get started!

C21 Blog • March 19, 2024

What to Do with Your Low Interest Rate

by Leah Parrott

If you scored one of the historically low interest rates on a mortgage from 2020-2022, you probably feel like you should hold onto it. Many homeowners are in the same situation and feel like they can’t upgrade their home and move because their interest rate is too good to let go.

But you don’t have to give up your low interest rate to get into a new home!

In fact, you can play this scenario out in a way that will allow you to become a real estate investor and build your wealth. Here’s how to put that low interest rate to good use while also upgrading to a new home.

The idea is to keep your original mortgage and rate, turn your first home into a rental, and then buy a new home.

To do this, you’ll pull the equity out of your current home with something like a home equity loan. Your lender will be able to help you find the best option for how to tap into your equity. Then, with the equity you pull out, you’ll be able to put a down payment on a second home.

In the negotiation stages of buying the new home, you can take advantage of sellers with high equity and ask for an interest rate buydown. The buyers will buy your interest rate down by a certain number of percentage points, giving you a lower interest rate on your new mortgage.

You’ll then move into your new home and turn your first home into a rental. Turning your home into a rental will provide passive income that will cover all of your mortgage and maintenance costs along with profit that can go towards your new home’s mortgage payment.

This will allow you to build equity back up in your first home and your second home, all while keeping that low, low interest rate.

Using this plan will help you retain your original interest rate while also becoming a real estate investor and building equity in two homes at the same time, creating a way for you to build wealth quickly.

If you want to get started on your journey to buying a new home this spring, contact me today for your FREE copy of the Buyer Guide and to get started!

Blog • February 19, 2024

Want to Buy a Home This Spring? Then Get Started Now!

by Leah Parrott

If you’d like to buy and move into a beautiful new home this spring, then your countdown has already started!

While the spring might seem far away now, the rush of real estate’s biggest season will be here before you know it. There are many things you’ll need to do to get prepped and ready to buy a home.

Here are a few things you should get started on now in January so you’re ready for the spring market!

– Get your finances in order: Now is the time to pull up your budget, your paystubs, your debt, and your credit score. First, make sure that your credit score is strong and that your debt is in a manageable spot. Your lender will look closely at both of these things and it will play a part in your interest rate and your qualification for a mortgage. Then make sure that your expenses, income, and budget are all lined up. Lastly, check your savings account for your down payment and closing costs and make sure that it’s in good shape.

– Get organized: You’ll need all of your financial paperwork around your taxes, income, debts, and assets handy for your lender. Gather all that paperwork now and organize it in folders or a binder so you’ll be prepared to get pre-approved when you’re ready to start looking at homes.

– Start doing your real estate homework: Your agent will guide you through every step of the buying process, but it’s so helpful for buyers to have some background knowledge of the real estate process. You’ll feel much more confident and informed if you read up on the steps of buying a home and what you should be looking for as a buyer.

– Find the right agent: It’s recommended that you interview at least 3 real estate agents so you can get an idea of what communication and working style best meets your needs. You’re looking for a knowledgeable, experienced agent you can trust and feel comfortable working closely with!

If you want to get started on your journey to buying a new home this spring, contact me today for your FREE copy of the Buyer Guide and to get started!

C21 Blog • October 20, 2023

Considering a fixer-upper? What you need to know

by Leah Parrott

“Fixer-uppers are tempting prospects. Such properties let you buy into a desirable neighborhood at far below typical market value. That’s because you’re not buying a typical house.”

Check out this post from the Century 21 Blog on the 3 steps to take to ensure buying a fixer upper is right for you —

Considering a fixer-upper? What you need to know

C21 Blog • September 22, 2023

Fall Flowers: 5 Flowers to Plant this Fall

by Leah Parrott

“Love gardening? Don’t put the shovel and gardening gloves away just yet. You’re in luck because there are beautiful flowers that will bloom in the fall.”

Check out which flowers to plant this Fall in the Century 21 Blog —

Fall Flowers: 5 Flowers to Plant this Fall

C21 Blog • August 18, 2023

Dressed for Success: Outdoor Improvements

by Leah Parrott

“It’s the season for outdoor improvements. Where to invest? Here’s how to decide.”

Check out this Century 21 Blog on where to put your hard earned money and why — Dressed for Success: Outdoor Improvements

C21 Blog • June 16, 2023

Does Your Home Meet The Electrical Codes?

by Leah Parrott

“You may not be an electrician, but you should know whether or not your home’s electrical system is up to code. Electric codes are put in place to protect you and your home from an electrical fire — and failure to ensure that your system meets these codes could put you at risk of serious harm and property damage. Don’t know what to look for?

Check out this quick list of the safety measures each room in your house should contain. —

Does Your Home Meet The Electrical Codes?