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Showing posts from 2023

Citrus County Real Estate Market Report - December 2023

Welcome to the Citrus County Real Estate Market Report for December 2023. As we approach the end of the year, it's crucial to stay updated on the current state of the market. In this report, we will discuss recent trends, inventory levels, buying activity, and interest rates. Whether you're a potential buyer or seller, we have valuable insights to help you navigate the real estate market in Citrus County, Florida. Current Market Overview As of November 2023, inventory levels in Citrus County have seen a rise, providing buyers with more options. However, buying activity has shown a slight decline. With more homes on the market and slower sales, it's natural to observe a slight adjustment in the days on market across various price categories. These trends are in line with the current market conditions. Favorable Interest Rates A positive note for buyers is the downward trend of interest rates. As of today, the average 30-year mortgage rate stands slightly above 7%,

RES Luxury Group - 11/29/2023 10:19:59 AM

Three Reasons to Buy a Home During the Holidays The holiday season is often seen as a time of relaxation, celebration, and spending precious moments with loved ones. It's no surprise that the real estate market tends to slow down during this time of the year, with many sellers opting to take their homes off the market until the new year. However, there are compelling reasons why buyers should consider taking advantage of this seemingly quiet period and make a move during the holidays. In this article, we will explore three reasons why buying a home during the holidays can be a wise decision. 1. Motivated Sellers and Buyers One of the key reasons to buy a home during the holidays is the presence of motivated sellers and buyers. For sellers who have their homes on the market during this time, their motivation is often driven by a pressing need for a quick sale or a deadline-driven situation. This means that they are likely to be more willing to negotiate on price and terms. As a

RES Luxury Group - 11/29/2023 10:19:19 AM

Three Reasons to Buy a Home During the Holidays The holiday season is often a time when people's minds are preoccupied with festivities, family gatherings, and gift shopping. The idea of buying a home during this busy time might seem counterintuitive. However, there are actually several compelling reasons why purchasing a home during the holidays can be advantageous. In this article, we will explore three key reasons why buying a home during the holiday season can be a smart decision. 1. Motivated Sellers and Buyers One of the primary reasons to consider buying a home during the holidays is that both sellers and buyers tend to be highly motivated. For sellers, having their house on the market during this period shows a clear determination to sell. These motivated sellers are more likely to negotiate and consider competitive offers. As a buyer, this means that you have an opportunity to find motivated sellers who are ready to close a deal before the end of the year. Moreover,

Real Estate Market: October 2023 Insights

Navigating the Citrus County Real Estate Market Hello everyone, Ruth Squires here from RES Luxury Group with eXp Realty. Welcome back to another episode of our Monthly Market Stats. Today, we're diving into the real estate trends for Citrus County, Florida, for October 2023. Let's get right into it. Inventory is On the Rise First up, let's talk inventory. As of today, we have 1,031 active homes on the market in Citrus County. That's a 0.75% increase from last month. While this may seem like a small percentage, it's a significant indicator of where the market is heading. A Dip in Buying Activity On the flip side, buying activity has seen a slight decline, down by 0.5%. This is likely influenced by the rising interest rates we've been experiencing. So, if you're a buyer, this is something to keep an eye on. The List-to-Sale Ratio For those of you looking to sell, the list-to-sale ratio currently stands at 96.84%. This

Buy Now or Later - Can You Still Get a 2% Mortgage?

Is Now the Time to Buy with Rising Interest Rates? Are you considering purchasing a home but unsure about the impact of rising interest rates? It's a common concern, and in this article, we'll explore the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision. As of the recording of this message, interest rates stand at 7.81% and are predicted to continue climbing. While there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer, let's delve into the benefits of owning versus renting and the risks associated with waiting for lower rates. The Benefits of Owning If you're currently renting, one of the major drawbacks is the lack of control. Your landlord can raise rental rates, decide to sell the property, or face financial difficulties, leaving you in a precarious position. Owning a home grants you stability and control over your living situation. Instead of paying a landlord and building equity for someone else, you are building equity in your own property. While there may be financ

How to Hire the Right Real Estate Agent

How to Hire the Right Real Estate Agent How to Hire the Right Real Estate Agent If you're reading this blog, I imagine you have experienced some of the horrors of dealing with real estate agents. The vast array of financial professionals and their backgrounds, their expertise, their knowledge, everything can vary from such an extreme. And I think part of that is the entry aspects into our business. So you do have to spend time studying real estate, real estate law, transaction information, and codes of conduct, and ethics, and so on and so forth. And then you take a test, and you pass that test, and guess what, you're a licensed realtor. So I do feel that it's very important that you take the responsibility of hiring the right agent very seriously. And we see a lot of different things happen out there in the marketplace. One of the things that we hear often are horror stories about the realtor or the professionals involved in the transactions. Not a

Cost of Waiting to Buy or Sell a Home - Ruth Squires

Cost of Waiting to Buy or Sell a Home - Ruth Squires Cost of Waiting to Buy or Sell a Home Introduction There are a lot of economic factors that are affecting people's decisions to buy or sell a home currently, and I want to discuss what the potential costs of waiting are that you should be considering. So one of the questions we often hear is, interest rates are so high, I want to wait until the rates start to come back down. And a question to ask yourself is, what's the magic interest rate that is going to be the prime time for you to purchase a home? The thing that I want to mention is also that there are many ways to mitigate or manage the high rate environment. This is not anything new. Interest rates have always fluctuated. In the height of previous years, we had double-digit interest rates above 20%. So this is not unusual, and it's not as bad as I think people like to, and the media especially makes

RES Luxury Group - 8/22/2023 8:27:27 AM

Understanding Loan Information: What You Need to Know by Ruth Squires - RES Luxury Group of EXP Realty Are you planning to finance a home but unsure about the loan process? Many buyers are unaware of the money needed to buy a house or the different types of lenders available. In addition, terms like PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance) can be confusing. In this article, I'll break down these important loan details to help you navigate your options. How Much Money Do You Need to Buy a House? When it comes to buying a house, the amount of money needed varies based on individual circumstances. Here are some key financial aspects to consider: Earnest Money Deposit When you make an offer to purchase a property, it's customary to provide an earnest money deposit. This deposit, usually around 2% of the purchase price, demonstrates your interest and commitment to the seller. However, the deposit amount can range from $500 to $50,000 depending on your situation. Home Inspections

4 Costly Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a New Build Home

4 Costly Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a New Build Home 4 Costly Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a New Build Home By Ruth Squires Welcome to RES Luxury Group! We want to ensure that you make informed decisions when purchasing a new construction home. Our team is here to guide you through the process and provide you with white glove service and red carpet treatment. When it comes to buying a new build, there are four costly mistakes that you should avoid: 1. Understanding the Builder's Contract Many builders have their own contracts for purchasing new build homes. These contracts differ from standard real estate contracts, so it's crucial to thoroughly read and understand them. If you're unsure about any terms or have questions, consult a trusted attorney who specializes in real estate. Our team can connect you with real estate attorneys who can assist you. 2. Knowing the Difference Between a Spec Home and a Custom Home A spec

R.E.S. Luxury Group Monthly Gatherings

R.E.S. Luxury Group Monthly Gatherings R.E.S. Luxury Group Monthly Gatherings Hey, R.E.S. Luxury Group friends and family. Ruth Squires here, and I'm excited to announce a new series of activities that we are going to be hosting. We are capping off 2023. It's August already. I can't believe there's so few months left of the year, and we want to make this year go out with a bang. We thought it would be fun to host monthly gatherings where we all get together, we just enjoy each other's company, and have a good time. So the first of the series is going to be this month, August 23rd, from 2 to 4 p.m., and we will be going to downtown Inverness to the Depot. If you're not familiar, the Depot is the new park in downtown Inverness that was just renovated, I believe it was last year or the year before. Inverness did a beautiful job, absolutely incredible park. So we're going to gather there. We're specifically going to the train s

Three Important Resources for Buying a Home | Ruth Squires

Three Important Resources for Buying a Home | Ruth Squires Three Important Resources for Buying a Home So you've found your trusted local realtor, but what other resources do you need when buying a home? Here are the top three: 1. Financial Person Whether you're financing or paying cash, having a resourceful and expert lender or banker is crucial. They will help orchestrate the money and ensure the smooth financial aspect of the transaction. Connect with your financial advisor or your bank institution representative to be prepared. 2. Quality Title Company A reliable title company plays a critical role in guiding the transaction. They handle timelines, title search, and ensure everything is in order with the property's history. They are also the fiduciary of the money, holding the escrow deposit until closing. While sellers typically choose the initial title agent, it's advisable to request your trusted title agent for a smoother