The Value of an Agent When Buying Your New Construction Home

Buying a new construction home can be an exciting experience. From being the very first owner, to customizing your home’s features, there are a lot of benefits. But navigating the complexities of buying a home that’s under construction can also be a bit overwhelming. This is where a skilled real estate agent can make all the difference.An article from The Mortgage Reports sums it up like this:“Your Realtor or real estate agent will be key to helping you navigate this process. . . . they can guide you through construction and help anticipate and solve for any possible snags along the way.”Here’s how your agent is an invaluable resource in your search to find and buy your new home.Agents Know the Local Area and MarketYour agent is well-versed in the emerging communities and upcoming developments that could influence your decision. For example, you'll want to be aware if there were any plans to construct a highway through the woods behind your prospective backyard. It’s important to consider how the neighborhood and the surrounding area might evolve before making your home purchase. Your agent can help you find a community that perfectly aligns with your preferences, lifestyle, and future needs. Knowledge of Construction Quality and Builder ReputationAn agent also has the expertise to evaluate the construction quality and reputation of different builders. Their knowledge and experiences with local builders allow them to offer insights into each one’s track record, customer satisfaction, and construction practices. This information can help you avoid any potential risks and help you confidently select a builder known for delivering quality homes.Assistance with Customization and UpgradesThe most obvious benefit of opting for new home construction is the opportunity to customize your home to suit your preferences. Your agent will guide you through that process and share advice on the upgrades that are most likely to add long-term value to your home. Their expertise ensures you focus your budget on areas that will give you the greatest return on your investment later on.Understanding Builder Contracts and NegotiationsBuilder contracts can be complex and differ from traditional home purchase agreements. Your agent can help you navigate these contracts to make sure you fully understand the terms and conditions. They’re also skilled negotiators who can advocate on your behalf, potentially securing better deals, upgrades, or incentives for you throughout the process.Bottom LineThe guidance and expertise of a local real estate agent can make all the difference in turning your vision of the perfect home into a reality. Connect with an agent in your area so you can feel confident about purchasing your new construction home.

There's Only Half the Inventory of a Normal Housing Market Today

Wondering if it still makes sense to sell your house right now? The short answer is, yes. Especially if you consider how few homes there are for sale today.You may have heard inventory is low right now, but you may not fully realize just how low or why that’s a perk when you go to sell your house. This graph from Calculated Risk can help put that into perspective: As the graph shows, while housing inventory did grow slightly week-over-week (shown in the blue bar), overall supply is still low (shown in the red bars). Compared to the same week last year, supply is down roughly 10% – and it was already considered low at that time. But, if you look further back, you’ll see inventory is down even more significantly.To gauge just how far off from normal today’s inventory is, let’s compare right now to 2019 (the last normal year in the market). When you compare the same week this year with the matching week in 2019, supply is about 50% lower. That means there are half the homes for sale now than there’d usually be. The key takeaway? We’re still nowhere near what’s considered a balanced market. There’s plenty of demand for your house because there just aren’t enough homes to go around. As Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), explains:“There are simply not enough homes for sale. The market can easily absorb a doubling of inventory.”So, if you want to list your house, know that there’s only about half the inventory there’d usually be in a more normal year. That means your house will be in the spotlight if you sell now and you may see multiple offers and a fast home sale. Bottom LineWith the number of homes for sale roughly half of what there’d usually be in a more normal year, you can rest assured there’s demand for your house. If you want to sell, connect with a local real estate agent now so your house can shine above the rest while inventory is so low.

Ultimate Three-Day Itinerary in Coastal Mississippi

Experience the ultimate long weekend getaway with three days in dazzling Coastal Mississippi! Nestled along the picturesque shores of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, we invite you to indulge in a blissful blend of relaxation, adventure, and unforgettable experiences. From pristine beaches and world-class casinos to delectable seafood and plush accommodations, our Gulf Coast offers a perfect escape for those seeking a memorable weekend filled with sun, sand, and excitement! If you’re flying here, you’ll start your adventure at Gulfport-Biloxi

Rainy Day on the Mississippi Gulf Coast

Rainy day? No problem! We still have plenty for you to experience on the Mississippi Gulf Coast! Kid-friendly activities Infinity Science Center— This NASA Space Center provides an innovative, hands-on experience for the whole family! Lynn Meadows Discovery Center— Lynn Meadows is the ultimate interactive experience for children! With more than 15,000 square feet of indoor exhibits, your child will love spending the day at Lynn Meadows Discovery Center. Escape at Margaritaville Resort— Escape offers 55,000 square feet of fun-filled arcade