Adding Value by Dennis O'Hagan

In Honor Of American Workers...

It may be the weekend we celebrate summer's final hurrah, but Labor Day is really about our national tribute to the US labor force. We are proud and grateful to all those who have contributed to our country's economic well-being.

In honor of all the men and women who are committed to keeping America working, I wish you a well-deserved holiday.

Dallas Area Home Prices Inch Higher, But Below Nationwide...

Dallas-area home price gains continued to lag national increases in the latest housing market update.  Dallas home prices were up 2.7% in June from a year ago, according to the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price Index. Nationwide prices were 3.1% higher during the same period.  Dallas-area home price increases are now at the lowest levels in seven years in the closely watched Case-Shiller study.  "Home price gains continue to trend down but may be leveling off to a sustainable level," S&P's Philip Murphy said in the report. "While housing has clearly cooled off from 2018, home price gains in most cities remain positive in low single-digits.

The rate of home price growth in the Dallas area is half what it was a year ago.  Even though Dallas-area home prices are rising more slowly, they're still at record levels and are more than 50% ahead of where they were before the recession.  While lower mortgage rates have fueled an increase in home sales in recent months, there's no sign that housing appreciation will surge.

• Dallas Morning News, August 28, 2019

Low-Cost Home Finance Keeps DFW Market Relatively Hot...

This late in the summer, the home buying season usually starts to wind down.  The kids are back in school. Vacation days are mostly gone. Home shoppers traditionally slow down.  But this year, the housing market is getting a double shot of espresso thanks to some of the lowest mortgage rates on record.  This week, nationwide home finance rates averaged 3.55% for 30-year loans -- the lowest cost in three years.  The lowest long-term mortgage average Freddie Mac has ever recorded in its weekly nationwide survey was 3.41% in mid 2016.  "The drop in mortgage rates continues to stimulate the real estate market and the economy," Sam Khater, Freddie Mac's chief economist, said in the new report. "Home purchase demand is up five percent from a year ago and has noticeably strengthened since the early summer months, while refinances surged to their highest share in three and a half years.

• Dallas Morning News, August 23, 2019

HUMOR: Just The Facts...

Staging Can & Will Help Get Your Home Sold Quicker...

Staging the major rooms in your home can increase the resale price. Interested in learning more? Message me for more tips on selling your home.

Real Estate HUMOR: Half Bath...

Here Are Some "Redecorating On A Budget" Ideas...

It's easy to sink a lot of money into a complete home redecoration plan. Design shows on TV make it look easy to add a pop of color here or a new sofa there. Redoing your home can be expensive, but it doesn't have to be. Before making a redecoration plan, consider these ideas that can save you money.

Do It Yourself
So many things we think we can't do, we absolutely can, and for a fraction of the price. When you get into plumbing or electrical, you may want to call a professional. But you can do basic home remodeling on your own. Do you want to change the floor? There are plenty of easy options available at big-box stores. Do you want to build a new room divider or add color to the room? You can do that easily, too.  

Rearrange Things
Sometimes, the itch to redecorate can be scratched by rearranging what you already have. Consider new configurations for your sofa, entertainment center and other furniture pieces for a whole new look. You can even swap in some accessories from other rooms to give the newly arranged room a fresh feeling. 

Paint Is Cheap
If you do want to get your hands dirty, the single least expensive thing you can do to spruce up the look of a room is to paint it. Pick any color, from light to dark, to change the entire feel of the room. Are you tired of white walls? Choose a bold red. Are you concerned that too much color will feel make the room look small? Paint just one feature wall. 

Secondhand Adventure
A new furniture piece can go a long way toward giving you a sense of enjoyment in your space. But you don't have to buy completely new. A fun activity you can do with the whole family is thrifting or antiquing. Visit local thrift stores, flea markets and antique stores to find that perfect secondhand piece to liven up your space. 

Add Accessories
A small change can bring big results. A simple accessory in a favorite color can change the entire look of a room. And you can get inexpensive accessories at almost any store. For example, you could buy new pillows to add a pop of color to your sofa, loveseat or chairs. 

Do you want help with more budget-friendly redecorating ideas? Call us today for ideas to make your home look its best.

How To Know When It's Time To Put Your Home On The Market...

Moving is never easy, but sometimes it is necessary. If you think you may be on the cusp of a move, take a look at these telltale signs it's time to put your home on the market and move to a new home!
 
#1: Lack of Space
 
Have you outgrown your home? Are you tired of constantly bumping into family members trying to make it to the bathroom or sharing an office with a newborn? One of the top reasons people sell their homes is because of lack of space to accommodate a growing family. As your children grow up, they will want more space of their own and sometimes this requires making a move into a larger and more spacious home. If your mother-in-law is moving in, you may want to start searching for a home with a guest house or mother-in-law suite! 
 
#2: Too Much Space
 
Do you have rooms that are empty in your home? If your children have left you an empty nest, then it may be time to downsize and move into a home that is more appropriate for your smaller family.
 
#3: Location
 
Last summer you may have taken a vow to never endure the hot Texas heat again. You may have even been searching online for homes in a cooler location. After weathering the dry heat for years, you may decide to sell your home and move to a colder climate. Moving to a better location is another top reason why many people sell their homes.
 
#4: Financial Reasons
 
Do you have high utility bills or a hefty mortgage? It may be time to move from that expensive area to a more affordable community to bring you peace of mind and less financial stress.
 
#5: Relationship Status Change

If you have gotten married, it may be time to find your first house together to begin your marriage. That small apartment or bungalow may have worked for just you, but when your significant other moves in, having only one sink or bathroom may not be ideal to start your marriage.
 
#6: Retirement
 
If you have retired, you now have time to golf, play tennis, go on vacations and hang out with grandchildren. If your current home is too much maintenance for you to handle after retirement, it may be time to move on to a home that better suits your needs.
 
#7: Wanting a Shorter Commute
 
Driving to and from work in traffic isn't anyone's idea of a good time. Moving closer to your office is a big factor when it comes to selling a home. If the longevity of your career looks promising, living closer to work is a great reason to put your home on the market.
 
Thinking about making a change? We'd love to help. Contact either Cheryl or Den today to learn more about your options.

Some Of The Benefits Of Homeownership...

What benefits of homeownership are you most excited about?  Ready to find your dream home?  Message me so I can help you get started! 

Housing Market Gets a Nice Bounce In July...

Housing Market Gets a Nice Bounce In July