Thursday, February 6, 2025 / by Vic Markarian
There’s no denying affordability is tough right now. But that doesn’t mean you have to put your plans to buy a home on the back burner.
If you’re willing to roll up your sleeves (or hire someone who will), buying a house that needs some work could open the door to homeownership. Here’s everything you need to know so you can decide if this is the right move for you.
What’s a Fixer-Upper?
A fixer-upper is a home that’s livable but requires some renovations. Think cosmetic updates like wallpaper removal and new flooring or more extensive repairs like replacing a roof or updating plumbing.
While fixer-uppers need a little TLC, here’s why they may be worth considering, especially right now:
They Usually Have a Lower Price Point. Because of the repairs involved, these homes are usually less expensive up front than move-in-ready options. According to a survey from StorageCafe, fixer-uppers come with price tags that ...
Read More
home buyer, home buying process, home prices, home buying, buyer's market, homeownership, los angeles, glendale, buying a home, real estate advice for 2025, real estate tips 2025, real estate trends 2025, buyer tips 2025, homebuying, top realtor, the perks of buying a fixer-upper
Thursday, February 6, 2025 / by Vic Markarian
If you want to sell your house, having the right strategies and expectations is key. But some sellers haven’t adjusted to where the market is today. They’re not factoring in that there are more homes for sale or that buyers are being more selective with their budgets. And those sellers are making some costly mistakes.
Here’s a quick rundown of the 3 most common missteps sellers are making, and how partnering with an expert agent can help you avoid every single one of them.
1. Pricing the Home Too High
According to a survey by John Burns Real Estate Consulting (JBREC) and Keeping Current Matters (KCM), real estate agents agree the #1 thing sellers struggle with right now is setting the right price for their house (see graph below):
And more often than not, homeowners tend to overprice their listings. If you aren’t up to speed on what’s happening in your local market, you may give in to the temptation to price high so you can have a ...
Read More
home seller, selling homes, los angeles, glendale, for sellers, real estate advice for 2025, real estate tips 2025, real estate trends 2025, 2025 housing market, selling myths, seller tips 2025, the 3 biggest mistakes sellers are making right now
Thursday, January 30, 2025 / by Vic Markarian
In a recent survey, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) asked sellers what they want most from a real estate agent. The number one answer was to help market their house.
It makes sense. The way your agent markets your house can be the difference between whether or not it stands out and gets attention from buyers. That’s why it’s so important to work with an expert local agent that knows what they're doing.
According to that same report from NAR, here are some of the most common methods real estate agents use to market homes, and how you benefit when your agent uses them effectively (see graph below):
Listing on the MLS – Real estate agents have access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) database. And that’s great for you because having your house on the MLS helps it get more visibility from other agents and buyers. And the more people who see it, the more likely it is to sell.
Using a Yard Sign & ...
Read More
home seller, home buying process, home prices, selling homes, for sellers, real estate advice for 2025, real estate tips 2025, real estate trends 2025, real estate market trends 2025, seller tips 2025, the secret to selling using an agent to get your house noticed
Thursday, January 30, 2025 / by Vic Markarian
A recent report from Realtor.com says 20% of Americans don’t think homeownership is achievable. Maybe you feel the same way. With inflation driving up day-to-day expenses, saving enough to buy your first home is more of a challenge. But here’s the thing. With the right resources and help, you can still make it happen.
There are options that can help make buying a home possible today — even if your savings are limited or your credit isn’t perfect. Let’s explore just two of the solutions that could help get you into your first home no matter the market.
1. FHA Loans
If your down payment savings and your credit score aren’t where you want them to be, an FHA loan could be your pathway to buying a home. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Bankrate, the big perks of an FHA home loan are:
Lower Down Payments: They typically require a smal ...
Read More
home buyer, vic markarian realty, home buying, buyer's market, glendale, for buyers, buying a home, for sellers, rent vs. buy, real estate advice for 2025, real estate tips 2025, real estate trends 2025, 2025 housing market, buyer tips 2025, glendale real estate agent, homebuying, realtor in glendale, first-time homebuyer, real estate market trends 2025, two resources that can help you buy a home right now
Thursday, January 23, 2025 / by Vic Markarian
There’s one big mistake you need to avoid when you sell your house this year: setting your price too high. It might seem like overpricing gives you room to negotiate or could really boost your profit, but the reality is, it usually backfires.
In fact, Realtor.com says almost 20% of sellers — that’s one in five — have to reduce their price to get their house sold. And you don’t want to be one of them. Here’s why starting too high can lead to trouble, and how to avoid it.
Overpricing Pushes Buyers Away
With mortgage rates and home prices where they are right now, buyers are already stretching their budgets to make a move. So, when they see a house that’s priced too high, they’re not thinking, “I can negotiate.” They’re more likely to think, “next” and skip over your house entirely. An article from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) explain ...
Read More
home seller, selling homes, real estate market trends 2025, seller tips 2025, if your house’s price is not compelling, it’s not selling
