In recent emails I've discussed many home buying/selling topics, including ways to make your offer stand out, escalation clauses and appraisals. For a library of recent newsletters, please CLICK HERE. This month I decided to just tackle a few misconceptions I hear often, although there are many more! The purpose of my newsletters is to help you be as prepared as possible, so that together we can achieve your real estate goals. As always, feedback & questions welcomed!
 


True or false? Common real estate myths debunked
 
#1. It's better to wait out the market until prices go down and interest rates go down. False. This is simply not the truth. These days the average buyer is spoiled by low interest rates, and while we can't foresee the future, it's very unlikely interest rates will go as low as they were in 2012-2013... ever again. While they are very volatile right, they still remain historically low in comparison to prior years, and all things considered, affordability is at quite a high right now. (See historic interest rate chart & affordability) As for prices, they've taken quite a jump since 2012, both in the city, surrounding suburbs, and even out past 95... While we all hope prices will even out eventually, it's always about supply and demand - and low inventory is still a concern.   
 
#2. You need 20% down to buy a home. False. There are some incredible first-time homebuyer programs out there (MassHousing.com) that offer competition rates and no-PMI programs at as a low as 3% down. Yes, the lower down payment sometimes puts a buyer at a disadvantage against 20% buyers or cash buyers in a multiple offer situation. But it's case-by-case, area-relative and I've helped many clients become homeowners with lower down payments, even in this crazy market!
 
#3. You don't need an agent to buy or sell my home. False. This is one of my favorites, and yes, as a realtor I'm a little biased - but I've seen it all. With the internet and so much information accessible to the consumer, it's easy to imagine one might be able to represent themselves. But as a buyer, are you really comfortable to make yourself stand up against 7 other offers, or negotiating on your own behalf? As a seller, do you know the ins and outs of the market, creative marketing strategies or have relationships with hundreds of agents? In either case, you can be almost sure the other side has an agent, and while I could list a thousand reasons why you need an experienced professional on YOUR side (and not just any agent, but that's for another time!), I'll just leave it as food for thought for now...
 
#4. Fall is a terrible time to buy! False. I'm a true believer that fall is the BEST time of year to buy a home. There may be less inventory, but there's also far less competition. There's also typically a new batch of homes that come on after Labor Day, when New England is back from vacation and back to school. So for those on a month-to-month or flexible lease, or in a situation that made it harder to compete in the hot spring market (need to sell to buy, for instance), consider a fall home search. Besides, houses are so much prettier to look at when the leaves are turning!

*Please note all of the above are opinions based my experiences, regular discussions with colleagues and trusted lenders, and lots of market research!


& in other news....
This month officially marks my TWO YEAR anniversary at Keller Williams Realty!
 It couldn't be more true - taking the leap and joining KW was the best career decision I ever made. I can't believe it's been two years, and excited to see what the future brings! 2015 has been a record-breaking year, but this summer especially - I'm honored to be able to help so many clients and meet so many great people! I'm also proud to announce that recently I achieved the following recognition among our Chestnut Hill Brookline & Newton offices of over 200 agents:


THANK YOU to all of my friends, family, vendors and clients.
Each year I grow my business I'm always overwhelmed with gratitude and amazed by the continued loyalty and support. 
I know say it often, but I just can't stress it enough -
you truly are the heart of my business and I couldn't do it without you!


If you or anyone you know is looking to buy or sell this year, I'm happy to help! You can feel confident any referrals will receive top-notch service. Don't hesitate to call me at 508-439-3099
 or email [email protected].

Sincerely,

Melanie K. Fleet
Keller Williams Realty
Real Estate Agent

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