We always get questions from clients who ask, “Is this a good time to sell our house? Is it a good time to buy?” Our response – It’s always a good time for both because odds are, there are other people asking the same questions you.

According to THIS….It’s Time Now.

This past year we had many families that we helped whether it was moving up to a larger home or scaling back for more relaxed lifestyle changes. With continued low interest rates and buyer demand, it is the best time to list your home.

These two in particular situations are great examples as to why it is a perfect time for either.

The Awesome Family (names changed to protect the innocent 😉 ….) was one of our first clients many years ago. We helped them find their first apartment. When it was time for them buy a home, they called us. That was in 2011 right after they got married. Fast forward to 2021: They had been married for 10 years, had 3 adorable kiddos, and needed more space. They knew the equity they had in their home and listened to us as we explained what we could sell their home for. The issue was finding the home that checked every box. We looked for weeks during the craziness this spring. Knowing they wanted to stay within the neighborhood their current home was in, we had our sights set on anything that would come up with their criteria. Then, it happened! That perfect home came on market – it felt like the right fit, checked EVERY box – especially when it was one block away from their current home. They moved up for a larger home and more space yet already knew their neighbors!

The Dynamic Duo wanted to downsize yet stay within the same area of town and price point of their current home however was looking for something that was maintenance-free on the exterior – no more lawn care or snow removal. Their current home was very unique and would get an offer within days. Finding what they wanted was a struggle because there were not many of these condo-townhome-duplex type properties on the market. If there were, they were gone fast. hey knew exactly what type of property they were looking for, what their budget would need to be with HOA fees, what they were getting back for their home. Another example of knowing the time was right, it felt right for our clients to make that lifestyle change of taking it easy and enjoying a smaller space. They moved up “in time” that they would have to enjoy life a little less hectic.

With both of these clients (and many others), we ask they do the following before making that next step to move up:

Are you outgrowing your current home or is it too big for you and you want to downsize?

Are you preapproved? Do you have a budget?

What’s your home worth based on our Comparable Market Analysis?

Make a Pros and Cons list of reasons you want to move.

Consult your LOCAL Real Estate Professional who would have all the info you need to assist you in making that decision, once you answered the above questions.

Think it’s time? Let us know!

Whether you are a Realtor, consumer, or someone who just loves to keep up with Real Estate trends (watching HGTV does not count), you will notice this market is, well, there’s alot of different words: crazy, busy, slowing down, picking up, ridiculous, weird, mind blowing….. For as long as I have been a Realtor (started before the bubble burst in 2008), I have never experienced a market like this.

This past spring, we saw record numbers of buyers and very little inventory. This summer, it continued however, the amount of multiple offers and ridiculous bidding wars subsided. People were enjoying life, the summer of pool weather and vacations, time with friends and family. We were trying to make up for all that lost time the year before.

So, why is the market still strong and stable? My person opinion….look around. Look at the amount of homes that are slowly starting to come on the market. Look at the different wants and needs of style, location, preference of what kind of home when it was built, or how much work is to be done. Look at the companies who are hiring into the area. I saw more people moving into the Greater Peoria Area this spring than out. Sure, there were many leaving for retirement or a warmer climate however there are many who choose Peoria as their forever home. Look at the growth throughout the entire Greater Peoria Market. There is change everywhere!

I included the latest stats from the Peoria Area Association of Realtors below. Pendings are up – listings, showings, and closings were down. It’s the summer lull and it’s ok.

Pay attention to LOCAL statistics and LOCAL knowledge. Your Realtor has the tools and insight into guide you as you prepare for your next steps. Who knows – you may decide this market is….your time.

If we look at the calendar, we are technically in Spring! The winter weather is thawing out and the warmer temps are coming! It’s also time to take care of a few to-dos around and outside of your home:

Back in college, the word statistics made me bored and quite blah. However, nowadays – when it comes to local Real Estate statistics, we get excited!!!!!!!

This past week (January 31 – February 6), there were:

132 NEW LISTINGS – 30% UP FROM THE WEEK BEFORE! We are still low on inventory however, this helps. If you have been considering selling your home, now is the time. Need to find something else? We can still help!

155 PENDINGS – 31% UP FROM THE WEEK BEFORE. This is great news! People are finding the home they have been looking for!

THERE WERE 1,268 SHOWINGS – 7% UP FROM THE WEEK BEFORE. Even in a pandemic, Arctic temps, and snowmageddon…..we were still out there showings homes!

95 PROPERTIES SOLD, WITH AN AVERAGE OF 74 DOM – 22% UP FROM THE WEEK BEFORE.

Numbers speak for themselves. Hopefully, this helps a little bit in showing you what is going on in the market! Questions? Let us know!