Gainesville Archives

Why Buyers Need an Expert Agent by Their Side

Sheila Davis Real Estate The process of buying a home can feel a bit intimidating, even under normal circumstances. But today’s market is still anything but normal. There continues to be a very limited number of homes for sale, and that’s creating bidding wars and driving home prices back up as buyers compete over the available homes.

Navigating all of this can be daunting if you’re trying to do it alone. That’s why having a skilled expert to guide you through the homebuying process is essential, especially today. Bankrate shares this perspective:

“Advice and guidance from a professional real estate agent can be invaluable, particularly amid a hot or unpredictable housing market.”

Here are just a few of the ways a real estate expert makes a big difference:

Experience – Real estate professionals know the ins and outs of what’s happening today, how it impacts buyers, and how to navigate any hurdles that may pop up.
Education – Knowledge is power when it comes to buying a home. Your advisor will simply and effectively explain market conditions and translate what they mean for you so you can feel confident in your decision.
Negotiations – Your real estate advisor advocates for your best interests. Having an expert on your side provides assistance with the purchase agreement. An agent can also help you negotiate potential seller concessions if the inspection reveals issues with the home.
Contracts – Real estate advisors guide you through the disclosures and contracts necessary in today’s heavily regulated environment.
Pricing – Making an offer and negotiating with a seller can be one of the most difficult and stressful parts of the homebuying process. A skilled agent will help you understand what similar homes are selling for so you have the full picture of what you may want to offer.

All of these reasons combined may be why 86% of recent buyers used an agent according to the latest Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR). NAR also has this to say about why an agent is so essential today:

“A great real estate agent will guide you through the home search with an unbiased eye, helping you meet your buying objectives while staying within your budget. Agents are also a great source when you have questions about local amenities, utilities, zoning rules, contractors, and more.”

What’s the Key To Choosing the Right Expert?

It starts with trust. You’ll want to know you can trust the advice they’re giving you, so you need to make sure you’re connected with a true professional. No one can provide perfect advice because it’s impossible to know exactly what’s going to happen at every turn – especially in today’s market. But a true professional can give you the best possible advice based on the information and situation at hand.

They’ll help advocate for you throughout the process and coach you on the essential knowledge you need to make confident decisions. That’s exactly what you want and deserve.

Bottom Line

It’s critical to have an expert on your side who is skilled in navigating today’s housing market. If you’re planning to buy a home this year, let’s connect so you have a real estate advisor on your side to give you the best advice and guide you along the way. Give us a call today! Sheila Davis Group 770-235-6907

Powerful Job Market Fuels Homebuyer Demand

The spring housing market has been surprisingly active this year. Even with affordability challenges and a limited number of homes for sale, buyer demand is strong, and getting stronger.

One way we know there are interested buyers right now is because showing traffic is up. Data from the latest ShowingTime Showing Index, which is a measure of buyers actively touring homes, makes it clear more people are out looking at homes than there were prior to the pandemic (see graph below):

And though there’s less traffic than the buyer frenzy of the past couple of years, we’re not far off that pace. There are a lot of interested buyers checking out available homes right now.

But why are buyers so active at a time when mortgage rates are higher than they were just last year?

The Job Market Is Growing at a Stronger-Than-Expected Pace

With inflation still high, the Federal Reserve (the Fed) repeatedly hiking the Federal Funds Rate, and a lot of chatter in the media about a recession, it might surprise you just how strong today’s job market is. What might be even more surprising is the fact that it appears to be getting stronger (see graph below):

Each month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports how many new jobs were added to the U.S. job market. The graph above shows 88,000 more jobs were created in April than in March. In fact, the April numbers beat expert projections. That’s a solid indicator the job market is growing.

Unemployment Is at a Near All-Time Low

Ever since the Fed began fighting inflation, many people expected the low unemployment rate we’ve seen over the past couple of years to rise – but that hasn’t happened.

In fact, what has happened is the unemployment rate has dropped to 3.4% – a 50-year low (see graph below):

With so many people steadily employed and financially stable right now, they’re still able to seriously consider buying a home.

What This Means for You

If you’re thinking about selling your house this year, a market with active buyers is music to your ears. That’s because there’ll be increased interest in your home when you put it on the market, especially at a time when the number of homes for sale is so low.

To get started, your best resource is an experienced real estate agent. They can help you price your house appropriately, navigate the offers you’ll receive, negotiate effectively, and minimize your stress and hassle.

Bottom Line

There are plenty of buyers out there right now trying to find a home that fits their needs. That’s because the job market is strong, and many people have the stable income needed to seriously consider homeownership. To put your house on the market and get in on the action, let’s connect. Sheila Davis 770-235-6907

The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. Keeping Current Matters, Inc. does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. Keeping Current Matters, Inc. will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on the information or opinions contained herein.

Number of Homes for Sale Up from Last Year, but Below Pre-Pandemic Years

The biggest challenge in the housing market right now, and likely for years to come, is how few homes there are for sale compared to the number of people who want to buy. That’s why, if you’re thinking about selling your house, this is a great time to do so. Your house would be welcome in a market that has fewer homes for sale than it did in the years leading up to the pandemic.

According to the latest Monthly Housing Market Trends Report from realtor.com:

“There were 65.5% more homes for sale in January compared to the same time in 2022. This means that there were 248,000 more homes available to buy this past month compared to one year ago. While the number of homes for sale is increasing, it is still 43.2% lower than it was before the pandemic in 2017 to 2019. This means that there are still fewer homes available to buy on a typical day than there were a few years ago.”

The graph below shows how today’s inventory of homes for sale compares to recent years:

What Does This Mean for You?

Fewer homes for sale means buyers have fewer choices than they did prior to the pandemic—and that frustration is leading some to give up on the homebuying process altogether. But with mortgage rates sitting lower than they were at the peak last fall, more buyers are willing to come back into the process—they just need to find homes to buy. This is welcome activity for the spring market, especially if you’re thinking of selling your house.

With a renewed interest in buying a home for many, the New York Times (NYT) reports:

“Home buyers are edging back into the market after being sidelined last year . . .”

So, if you want to take advantage of a sweet spot in the market, this spring could be your shot.

Bottom Line

The housing market needs more homes for sale to meet the demand of today’s buyers. If you’ve thought about selling, now’s the time for us to connect and get ready for you to make a move this spring. Give us a call at The Sheila Davis Group 770-235-6907 and please check out our website at https://www.lakelaniersfinest.com/

Lake Lanier Real Estate 1st Quarter 2022 Market Update

The spring lake market is fast paced! Don’t go it alone! Give us a call for expert help with selling or buying! Sheila Davis Group Lake Lanier Real Estate 770-235-6907

Just Listed in Sidney on Lanier neighborhood

Home for sale Sidney on Lake Lanier Gainesville Georgia

New to the Market!: 2309 Crystal Court, Gainesville, GA 30506

Elegant 6 bedroom, 5 bath Builder’s personal home in the Sidney on Lanier neighborhood with seasonal lake views, a gorgeous pool, outdoor fireplace, finished Terrace level +much more, $1,100,000, FMLS #6952791, Sheila Davis 770-235-6907 Click here for more listing details

Lake front on Lanier in the city! 186 Thompson Place

Lake front on Lanier in the city! 186 Thompson Place, Gainesville waterfront 4BR | 3.5BA with one level living, large flat grassy backyard w/room for a pool, level walk or golf cart ride to the lake and a private platform dock with an EZ Dock wave runner platform and room to dock your boat $875,000, FMLS#6932728, Nicole Columbo 678-858-0265 or Sheila Davis 770-235-6907

Peaceful neighborhood just across Thompson Bridge Road from the Chattahoochee Country Club and Marina plus the golf course, park, boat ramps and just minutes to downtown Gainesville, schools, shopping, Northeast GA Medical district, and several churches. See Additional Listing Details here

New Construction in Bay Pointe – one of Lake Lanier’s hottest new neighborhoods!

New Construction in Bay Pointe – Lake Lanier’s hottest new neighborhood! Covered slip A-10 at the community dock is included in the purchase. FMLS#6886930, $1,740,000, Agent, Stephanie Gillespie 770-654-4161, Act now and 5431 Mayflower Court can be customized into your dream lake home!

Additional listing details at: https://search.sheiladavisco.com/idx/details/listing/c032/6886930/5431-Mayflower-Court-Gainesville-GA-30504?widgetReferer=true

Just Sold on Lake Lanier: 6341 Cheslea Drive, Gainesville $649,000

Just Sold on Lake Lanier: 6341 Cheslea Drive, Gainesville $649,000 Congrats to our agent Michelle Sparks and sellers on the sale of this adorable lakefront home.

For help finding your own Lake home call Michelle 404-379-5798 or contact us here

SOLD: 2302 Boy Scout Camp Road

SOLD: 2302 Boy Scout Camp Road, Gainesville a Lake Lanier lot on a peninsula with grand views! $512,500, Congratulations to our agent, Stephanie Gillespie and her buyers on the purchase of this special lot. Looking forward to seeing what they build here! If you are looking for your piece of paradise on the lake (or selling your current home) you can reach Stephanie at 770-654-4161 or contact us here

Enjoy the virtual tour of this Gorgeous Pointe South home on Lake Lanier

Enjoy the Virtual tour on this move-in ready spacious 4 bedroom, 4 Bath Luxury home in the Pointe South subdivision on Lake Lanier, $849,000, Sheila Davis 770-235-6907 FMLS #: 6895259, 5439 Spinnaker Lane, Gainesville 30504
The home is situated on a cul-de-sac in a private setting with 300 ft of lakefront overlooking the lake! Gorgeous landscaping with water views & access for a kayak or canoe from the lot. Not a dockable property due to US Army CORPS criteria. Just minutes to Sunrise Cove Marina and University Yacht Club for your boat. Link to Additional Listing details