1.) How long have you been in the real estate profession?
8 years
2.) How long have you been with O’Neal Real Estate?
8 years
3.) What are some spring market trends? (interior or exterior)
Fresh landscaping, light colors for paint and trim, brightly painted front doors.
4.) What can homeowners do to spruce up their curb appeal?
Add flowers, new mulch or rocks, and paint shutters and front door.
5.) What are your best tips for homeowners selling or buying in the spring season?
Make outside areas inviting.
6.) What are your favorite things about real estate (buying and/or selling) in the spring? (trends or looks? Market differences?)
The weather is so nice that more people are anxious to get out and look for houses and land.
7.) What are some features in a home that most people want? Big yard? Privacy fence? Certain exterior colors or materials?
Most people need fences for their pets and young kids so if a house already has a fence, that’s a bug plus. I see a lot of buyers that like it when the brick exterior is painted a light color. It just makes it look so fresh and inviting.
8.) How popular are “fixer-upper” or investment houses?
Fixer-upper houses are very popular. People love buying a house that has been updated and feels new.
9.) What are some frequently asked questions you get as a real estate agent?
How does the process work? Can I buy a house with no money down? When is the best time of year to put my house on the market?
10.) What do you think is important in succeeding in the real estate profession?
Knowledge-knowledge of the market, the process, and the best resources for my clients.
11.) Do most clients prefer homes on land and more rural or closer to the city?
I see a lot of clients that want about an acre and an updated house just outside of town.
12.) Can you walk me through the typical buying/selling process and explain any potential challenges that you or the buyer/seller might encounter?
For my clients that are getting ready to sell, I like to go to their house and go over things that will help their house sell quickly and for the most money possible. Then when they are ready, I have professional pictures made and get it listed on the mls and start a marketing program that they are comfortable with. For my buyer’s I always recommend them getting a pre-approval from a local lender before we start looking. Knowing their loan type and price range at the beginning, makes the process so much easier.
13.) Can you provide insights into the current market conditions and how they may impact my buying or selling decisions?
- For buyer’s: more competition will come with lower rates. Even though you could get a lower rate in a few months, the house you want could be harder to get and come at a higher price.
- For Sellers: more competition that will come with lower rates will most likely help your property sell for more.
14.) How do you stay updated with changes in the real estate industry and market dynamics?
Watching and reading everything I can and communicating with agents in my area on a weekly basis.
15.) How do you foresee market conditions evolving in the near future, and what implications might this have for buyers or sellers?
I think interest rates will come down a little more this summer so more buyers will start their buying process. More competition could drive home prices up and help sellers get more for their property.
16.) Are there any emerging trends in home features or amenities that are particularly popular among buyers?
A lot of buyers are looking for houses that have hard flooring throughout, light paint colors, statement light fixtures, outdoor entertaining areas.
17.) Are there any challenges or opportunities specific to the current market that buyers or sellers should be aware of?
We need more rural properties on the market. Updated houses on 3 or less acres are in demand.
18.) Can you explain the process for both a seller and a buyer starting from listing a home to it being sold by a buyer?
For my clients that are getting ready to sell, I like to go to their house and go over things that will help their house sell quickly and for the most possible. Then when they are ready, I have professional pictures made and get it listed on the mls. For my buyer’s I always recommend them getting a preapproval before we start looking. Knowing their loan type and price range at the beginning, makes the process so much easier.