Kevin Shirley, Associate Broker (DC), GRI, e-PRO, ASP
Most REALTORS use some kind of database to manage their contacts, but for many, the word “database” is synonymous with “headache.” But it doesn’t have to be that way. This one-hour class will teach you the hows and whys of getting your database up to speed (in a fun and painless way!).
As we approach the anniversary of the hardships we’ve faced through this pandemic and the subsequent recession, it’s normal to reflect on everything that’s changed and wonder what’s ahead for 2021. While there are signs of economic recovery as vaccines are being issued, we still have a long way to go. It’s at times like these we want exact information about anything we’re doing. That information brings knowledge, and this gives us a sense of relief and comfort in uncertain times.
If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home today, the same need for information is very real. But, because it’s such a big step in our lives, that desire for clear information is even greater in the homebuying or selling process. Given the current level of overall anxiety, we want that advice to be truly perfect. The challenge is, no one can give you “perfect” advice. Experts can, however, give you the best advice possible.
Let’s say you need an attorney, so you seek out an expert in the type of law required for your case. When you go to her office, she won’t immediately tell you how the case is going to end or how the judge or jury will rule. If she could, that would be perfect advice. What a good attorney can do, however, is discuss with you the most effective strategies you can take. She may recommend one or two approaches she believes will be best for your case.
She’ll then leave you to make the decision on which option you want to pursue. Once you decide, she can help you put a plan together based on the facts at hand. She’ll help you achieve the best possible resolution and make whatever modifications in the strategy are necessary to guarantee that outcome. That’s an example of the best advice possible.
The role of a real estate professional is just like the role of a lawyer. An agent can’t give you perfect advice because it’s impossible to know exactly what’s going to happen throughout the transaction – especially in this market.
An agent can, however, give you the best advice possible based on the information and situation at hand, guiding you through the process to help you make the necessary adjustments and best decisions along the way. An agent will lead you to the best offer available. That’s exactly what you want and deserve.
If you’re thinking of buying or selling this year, let’s connect to make sure you get the best advice possible.
As we look back over the past year, we’ve certainly lived through one of the most stressful periods in recent history. After spending so much more time at home throughout the health crisis, some wonder if they should move to improve their mental health and wellbeing. This is no surprise since the U.S. Census Bureau reported an increase in the percentage of adults with symptoms of anxiety and depression in a recent Household Pulse Survey.
There’s a logic behind the idea that making a move could improve someone’s quality of life. When people change their scenery, they often feel happier. Catherine Hartley, an Assistant Professor at New York University’s Department of Psychology and co-author of a study on how new experiences impact happiness, mentioned:
“Our results suggest that people feel happier when they have more variety in their daily routines—when they go to novel places and have a wider array of experiences.”
If you’re looking for a new experience, planning a move into a new home may be something you’ve started to consider more carefully. If so, you’re not alone. The 2020 Annual National Movers Study by United Van Lines shows:
“For customers who cited COVID-19 as an influence on their move in 2020, the top reasons associated with COVID-19 were concerns for personal and family health and wellbeing (60%); desires to be closer to family (59%); 57% moved due to changes in employment status or work arrangement (including the ability to work remotely), and 53% desired a lifestyle change or improvement of quality of life.”
So, if you’re thinking of moving this year to help boost your happiness factor, here are a few questions to ask yourself as you make your decision.
Is the weather important to you? Does it have a tendency to impact your mood? The World Population Review shares:
“What states have the best weather? When evaluating each state for temperature, rain, and sun, some states stand out. Although climate and weather preferences are personal and subjective, some criteria are considered to make up the best weather, according to Current Results: Comfortable temperatures from 63°F to 86°F for more than half of the year; dry weather with no more than 60 inches of rain per year; Mostly clear skies with an average of sunshine for at least 60% of the year.”
“Better weather” can mean different things to different people – some prefer the heat, others cooler temperatures, and some want to experience all four seasons. Think about what makes you feel happiest if you’re looking for a new location.
With the COVID-19 pandemic, some people are deciding to move to lower-density areas. Robert Dietz, Chief Economist at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), mentions:
“The third quarter Home Building Geography Index (HBGI) reveals that a suburban shift for consumer home buying preferences in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic is accelerating as telecommuting is providing consumers more flexibility to live further out within large metros or even to relocate to more affordable, smaller metro areas.”
Can you work from home? Are you open to a longer commute in the future? If so, a move to the suburbs or even a quieter rural area may be a win for you. Or, if you’ve always dreamed of life in the city, now may be your chance to move into town.
As we look beyond the trials of the pandemic, many are hoping for a new beginning, and that may mean moving. Let’s connect today to talk about your unique goals and options in today’s market.
Kevin Shirley, Associate Broker (DC), GRI, ASP, e-PRO
Real estate trackers stay informed via the most recent listing and sales numbers, which is the most reliable information of all. It’s helpful for planning purposes—even though what has happened in the past is only a suggestion of how real estate in {Your Region} will perform in coming months. To get another indicator of future activity, we can watch the broader national trends, along with the analyses and predictions of the top real estate experts. But it’s not always clear which trend is emerging or which expert is right.
Case in point concerns younger families abandoning more urban areas to take up residence in the suburbs. Everyone acknowledges this group has been slow to settle into their first single-family homes, but now there is a trend that has them selling their expensive condominium in downtown core areas, then using the proceeds for down payments on a house in the suburbs.
Real estate commentators who see this trend can bring convincing logic to their argument. Condominiums in most major downtown city cores have become increasingly expensive. For the lucky owners, it means they have gained significant real estate equity. However, especially for those with growing families, the downside is that they can’t afford to grow into a larger condo in their current neighborhood. Their best option is to sell the condo and move to the suburbs, where their money will get them more real estate. Of course, the COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to this continuing trend.
Urban Studies Professor Joel Kotkin confirms that the first group of millennials, now entering their 30s, “are beginning, like preceding generations, to move to the suburbs.” It’s a trend that sounds reasonable enough … but not to everyone.
Others disagree, convincingly. In fact, it’s more than a disagreement: they propound the opposite — a movement is toward city cores. The 36th edition of the incredibly respectable Urban Land Institute/PricewaterhouseCoopers Emerging Trends in Real Estate report says, right there in Chapter 3, that “vibrant urban centers are almost a universal trend” in all 75 markets surveyed. That’s quite a few markets (compiled by 1,400 contributors). Lest anyone be unclear about the emerging trend itself, those quotes come from the section called “Continuing Urbanization Trend.”
To be fair, both perceived trends are subject to qualifications and footnotes that, it’s fair to say, muddle the picture. Under the Urban Land Institute/PwC’s Continuing Urbanization Trend heading, for instance, lies the statement, “Interviewees…cited activity in the traditional downtown area and also in suburban nodes.” In other words, perhaps the Urbanization Trend could also be sort of suburban, sort of. Hoping to spot a trend, real estate watchers could conclude that young families are moving to and fro …
In any case, you don’t have to fall into the Millennial, Gen X, GenY, Boomer, or even the Greatest Gen category to follow one distinctly local trend: if you will be looking for a new home — or have one to list — giving me a call is the thing to do!
Kevin Shirley, Associate Broker (DC), GRI, e-PRO, ASP
Homeowners don’t have to live in the kind of wintry landscape that features blizzards and snowdrifts to want to winterize their home before the onslaught of the chilliest temperatures. In even the mellowest of climates, winterization is a way to shrink energy bills. And even if the recent shocking downward spirals in world oil prices have sent your home heating costs to the bottom of your budget-tightening to-do list, remember that if and when you eventually put your home on the market, low utility expenses can be a strong selling point.
Regardless of how you set your internal thermostat, the Big Three of energy cost reduction always include the following:
Two tips that could seem counterproductive will cut energy costs in many a home. You’d think you should just switch ceiling fans off until spring, but not so. For cooling, the blades are set to spin counterclockwise so that cool air won’t be wasted down near the floor. The tip is to reverse the fan’s rotation to clockwise. That will act to push warmer air down from the ceiling. Wait until the blades come to a stop, then slide the small direction switch (it’s usually next to the pull cord). The second tip is actually one you can do any time of the year since hot water heaters are typically set to heat to 140 degrees. In truth, most of us don’t need it that hot. Try resetting the temperature to 120 degrees, and see if it’s sufficient. If so, in a year, you’ll save more than a few dollars!
For a few dollars, a tube of caulk can be a final defense against the creep of cold outside air. Use caulk to seal cracks in the walls and gaps around your windows and doors. There are inexpensive extra measures in extremes, such as see-through plastic sheets to cover windows with a second seal (doing both would keep the most remote Siberian cabin as buttoned-up as a baby kangaroo). If a drafty door will have to wait until spring for full renewal, an interim trick is to roll up a bath towel and place it against the threshold. This temporary fix keeps out the worst drafts and doesn’t cost a dime.
If you have water-served central air, good maintenance requires draining the water hoses during the colder months when it’s out of service. Split air conditioners don’t have that issue, but some of them need an exterior cover for preventing drafts (if you haven’t felt any on chilly evenings, it’s not necessary). If you haven’t already removed any window units, better go to the hardware store to buy exterior covers: a lot of chilly air can make its way in through uncovered vents.
The Big Three tips alone comprise a home-winterization program that costs less than a burger and fries — yet can result in measurable energy savings. If you have found any other simple energy savers, I hope you’ll share: Drop me an e-mail or give me a call at the office!
Kevin Shirley, Associate Broker (DC), GRI, ASP, e-PRO
Homeowners, take note: Stop neglecting your filters!
That was only one of many “bad home habits” blogger Annie Stevens admitted to in a recent confessional outpouring on the Aussie web site Domain. “Bad home habits” may not be a phrase local homeowners are accustomed to thinking about, but it’s an idea worth mulling — especially if selling your area home is something that could be in your immediate (or even middling) future.
In its mildest form, a Stevens bad home habit would be one that needs to be straightened out before John and Jane Q. Public come to look your house over after it’s listed. In the extreme, a bad home habit can lead to escalating maintenance issues. Neglecting your filters is one of those.
Filters you neglect can be the thin, washable, plastic-and-foam panels you slide in and out of your window air conditioner. If you have one, you are among the many area homeowners who were grateful to have it last summer.
Filters you neglect can also be one of the larger, paper-foil-and-mesh replaceable thingies that you are supposed to replace in the workings of your central air unit. They can also be the cottony stuff you wad into your tropical fish aquarium, but that’s not the kind that’s a big homeowner concern. That one is strictly between you and the fish.
In all but that last example, neglecting your filters can lead to an air circulation problem or even a burnt-out blower motor. This bad home habit can be blamed on the location of the filters. Being out of sight, it’s hard to remember they are even in there, much less that they require your tender ministration.
Another of blogger Stevens’ bad home habits is “buying exercise equipment you will never use.” It’s easy to see why this is a lousy budgeting habit, but not really a bad home habit. After all, if you turn the garage into a home gym, it could be a selling point when you’re ready to sell. And if you don’t ever use the exercise equipment, it will be appealingly shiny and new (even if you are more out of shape than you want to be). Potential homebuyers won’t care about that.
Stevens actually described eight bad home habits, but some of them don’t really apply to local homeowners (she writes from Australia). For instance, leaving half-drunk cups of tea around the place is not a typical U.S. homeowner failing. And sleeping with your phone is more of a poor lifestyle habit since constantly checking an iPhone in the middle of the night disrupts a regular sleep cycle.
Much more applicable is Bad Home Habit #6: Letting dirt build up on the things you forget to clean. It’s easy to forget to clean areas and things that are in dim, out-of-the-way corners, but when it comes to getting your home into shape for open houses and showings, it’s incredible how prospective buyers somehow seem to make a beeline for them. Fortunately, a few serious deep-cleaning sessions will cure any vestige of bad home habit #6.
It’s a Murphy’s Law kind of rule that any neglected maintenance feature will tend to go completely kaput just when you least want it to. If you’re thinking of getting your home ready for the resale marketing, catching it in advance is definitely to your advantage. Also, to your advantage: giving me a timely call!
Kevin Shirley, Associate Broker (DC), GRI, ASP, e-PRO
This past year was unlike any other, as the Covid-19 pandemic upended our lives immeasurably. The time that so many of us spent at home inspired change in how we live in our homes. Remodeling spending spiked in 2020 among people who were able to work from home, and many homeowners made smaller tweaks to their homes to increase their comfort and beautify their surroundings.
While features like open floor plans and indoor-outdoor living are likely to remain popular for years to come, 2021 is expected to bring new interior design trends to the forefront. Not every trend fits every home, but consider these options for inspiration when updating your current home (or shopping for a new home) this year:
As always, I’m here for you should you have any questions on the real estate market. If you’re interested in buying or selling, now’s a great time.
Kevin Shirley, Associate Broker (DC), GRI, e-PRO, ASP
Homeowners often want to make adjustments to a home after a purchase. As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to seek out the best deals to complete your home renovation project.
When you decide to make repairs on your home as a first-time homeowner, you may need to research what is involved in the process. Many homeowners undertake small DIY projects. However, larger home renovation projects may require a qualified company’s assistance to meet local regulations.
Like most first-time homeowners, you probably don’t want to continue living in a home exactly as it was purchased. You want to add your own personal touch to your home. If you have just bought a new home and are considering making repairs, figuring out a plan is the first step.
Home renovation projects can be as simple as hiring a handyman. Other projects may require that you have obtained permits, insurance, and are working with licensed contractors.
As you get ready to take on your home repair project, it is a good idea to start with a plan. A comprehensive plan for completing your renovation should include the following:
By mapping out each step of the process, you can ensure that all of the necessary steps have been taken to guarantee your project’s success. It is an excellent idea to do plenty of research as you approach each stage to have a thorough understanding of what you will be getting into.
Regarding a budget, homeowners should make sure that they have incorporated the cost of the current project and maintenance costs for the year. Dennis G. Stearns, a financial planner in Greensboro, N.C., “estimates that owners of a newer home that do some work for themselves but contract major work out to others will pay 3.6 percent of the original purchase price annually for maintenance and 4.5 percent if it’s an older home.” according to an article by Ron Lieber of The New York Times.
If you plan on a significant renovation of your home, you may need to obtain permits to do the work. Otherwise, you may face hefty fines if you don’t obtain the proper permits before starting work. Many home improvement projects require that you obtain permission from the city or county. The work must meet code requirements and must also be done by a licensed professional. By contacting local, licensed home contractors, you can find out whether your job requires a permit.
You should also ensure that you get proof of the contractor’s license and check if the contractor has sufficient liability insurance to cover any issues. In many cases, you could potentially be held liable for damages if something goes wrong or the contractor gets hurt on your property.
“Having a license and insurance demonstrates a contractor’s credibility and knowledge,” says Bob Peterson, CGR, CAPS, CGP, co-owner of Associates in Building & Design Ltd., in Fort Collins, Colo., and chairman of the NAHB Remodelers Council. “The license shows that contractors have taken an exam and proved they know building codes and processes. A license minimizes the risk to homeowners of getting ripped off,” he says.
Asking for several estimates before deciding on a single home contractor can give you a better idea of the cost range for a project of your size. You should also ask for multiple estimates to compare the services offered by each home contractor to see which company can provide the most value.
DIY projects are popular with first-time homeowners. However, there is a risk that you can end up taking on more than you can handle. Make sure that you have done the research before getting started to have a good understanding of the total cost to complete the project, the required materials, and how long it will take to complete the job.
You should also make sure that you actually have the skills to get the job done because some jobs may require you to hire a contractor. Don’t be tempted to take shortcuts or skip out on obtaining permits if needed. If you are unsure if your project is actually a DIY project, calling a few local home contractors can help clarify things.
While it may be your goal to dive in and do everything at once, it is vital to prioritize the most important projects to complete first. The most important projects that should be done on your home are the ones that are likely to incur additional costs if they are not taking care of immediately. These projects can include:
By prioritizing your projects, you can come up with a solution that works within your budget. You also want to make sure that you don’t forget about scheduling routine maintenance when making repairs on your home.
As a first-time homeowner, it may be challenging to determine the right course of action to initiate a home repair job. However, if you plan in advance and make sure that you do the research to understand what is required before you get started, you can avoid unnecessary headaches.
It is also crucial that you ask family and friends for recommendations. Finding a contractor via a referral can help to ensure that you pick the right person for the job the first time.
By Kevin Shirley, Associate Broker (DC), ASP, GRI, e-PRO
Identity theft can cause you huge problems and may even lead to you losing the title of your home. That’s why you need to take preventive measures to protect yourself and your family.
Title insurance is a type of insurance coverage that can help you deal with issues arising from problems with your title. These can be existing issues that you did not know about or new ones brought on through fraud and identity theft.
In the age of information, the threat of identity theft is becoming increasingly real and pervasive. Hackers, phishers, and other nefarious thieves can break into our systems in multiple ways, pilfering vital private information, which can then be used to cause a financial disaster for unwitting victims. Luckily title insurance exists, offering you some protection and assistance against these fiends and their attempts to steal the value of your home.
There are many ways that identity theft can cause financial loss and damage to property. By assuming the role of a person who has legal ownership of a property, they can receive money for its sale without having the right to legally transfer it. They can also steal the owner’s identity to illegally refinance a property for personal gain. These are difficult problems to combat, and without assistance, they can lead to financial ruin.
With title insurance, both the lender and the homeowner are protected against this damage and sometimes even get compensation to help pay for costs associated with identity theft issues. A company like First Canadian Title will act as a shield against these issues, giving you a barrier that can be important when title issues rear their ugly head.
While title insurance is not required in every location, it is still a vital precaution that must be carefully considered if you are a homeowner. By discussing this with your lawyer, your broker, and an agent, you can learn about the available protection. That will give you all of the information you need to make an informed decision about purchasing this extra level of protection.
The main thing that title insurance will protect you against is title fraud. This is where a person or entity can use stolen personal information or forged documents to get the title of the property transferred to their name. This is often done without the real owner, even knowing that it is taking place. The criminal can then get a mortgage on your house and vanish with the money, leaving you, the victim, responsible for paying the mortgage that you didn’t apply for.
Two major types of title insurance can be purchased by someone looking to buy a home. The first is an owner’s policy that will protect the person who has ownership of the title against unknown issues, fraud, and damages that can arise due to identity theft.
It is also possible to purchase a lender’s policy. That is a plan that protects the financial institution offering the mortgage from loss or damages that can arise if it becomes impossible to collect on the value of the loan made due to a defect or problem with the title. In most cases, a lending company will purchase title insurance to protect themselves from these potential hazards.
Identity theft leading to problems with titles and mortgages is becoming an increasingly common issue. Anne Swarbrick of Burlington, Ontario, spoke about her own situation in an interview with the Global News Wire. She says, “Two years ago, we began receiving collection notices to an unknown name at our address. As returning all earlier mail marked “addressee unknown” hadn’t worked, my husband hand-delivered the envelopes to the relevant banks with explanations. Regardless, a collection agency began to call. It took a lot of talking to convince the investigator that we had no connection to this now-apparent fraudster. Once convinced, this knowledgeable gentleman encouraged us to report the situation to the police. He and the police educated us about identity theft and how close we had been.”
The effect of identity theft of titles can be hazardous for retired people on fixed incomes. Often their homes will represent a significant portion of their assets. If they lose that equity or suddenly find themselves in debt due to fraud, it can destroy the rest of their financial lives. Unfortunately, these people are also those who are most prone to attacks from hackers and phishers using technology to steal innocent victims’ identities.
It’s always important to be very careful with your personal information. Bank statements and other pieces of hard mail that have account numbers on them should be shredded as soon as they are no longer needed. It is also essential to avoid phishing scams online and not fall for fake emails or communications from people looking to collect information about you. Unfortunately, you simply can’t trust anyone unless you personally know them, and even then, you should keep your most vital personal data close.
While it is a dangerous world out there, purchasing title insurance can give you an ally in the battle against identity theft. The services of companies offering this coverage typically include compensation for loss, protection against future damage, as well as assistance in recovering from an identity theft attack.
Kevin Shirley, Associate Broker (DC), GRI, e-PRO, ASP
If you go looking for insights from successful real estate investors, depending on which areas they concentrate on, you could come up with various takes. Despite the distinct differences that separate the commercial and residential investment spheres, there are some time-worn truisms about the real-life experience that would have most investors nodding their heads —
You could say that prioritizing when to sell is what distinguishes real estate investors from most of the rest of us — real estate consumers who are contented homeowners. In my profession, I get to facilitate winning transactions for investors and real estate civilians alike. I hope you’ll give me a call for all your own real estate dealings!
