Found 10 blog entries tagged as real estate.

Though things are looking up for the housing inventory, which is projected to increase after hitting record lows in the first half of 2021, it is likely going to remain a seller's market for a while. In light of this knowledge, what can you do to give yourself the best chance at securing the home of your dreams this summer? Read on to see our top tips for becoming a competitive buyer. 

1. Take the Time to Get Pre-Approved 

Entering an offer situation that could end up in a bidding war without pre-approval often means the difference between nabbing your dream home or losing out. Getting fully qualified beforehand makes a seller more confident in your offer and increases your odds of acceptance. 

2. Consider a Fixer-Upper 

Many home buyers are…

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In one of the most competitive real estate markets in recent history with the inventory at an all-time low, it's crucial as a buyer to be as competitive as you possibly can from the outset. The most surefire way to increase your chances of success? Get pre-approved for a home loan. Mortgage preapproval means a lender has reviewed your finances, determined how much you're qualified to borrow, and conditionally committed to actually granting you a mortgage - and here's why it's so important. 

First, pre-approval is the only true way to know your price range. If you are looking at houses outside of this range, you will lose out to bidders who can afford a higher offer. 

Next, with extremely limited housing inventory, buyer competition is at a…

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If you are a frequent viewer on ArthurRue.com then you are seeing our BRAND NEW WEBSITE and hope you appreciate our upgrades! For our first-time guests, welcome! We hope you enjoy all of the user-friendly features our state-of-the-art website offers and the ease with which you locate your perfect beach vacation rental or home to purchase! 2020 proved to be a challenging year. With the start of 2020, the uncertainty of future vacations was a harsh reality. But the human need for rejuvenation and togetherness ultimately rose to the challenge, with ArthurRue.com seeing over 300 thousand visitors. Vacation homes and condos provide a safe alternative to busy resorts, allow for social distancing, and reconnecting to what matters most: family. We even have…

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A recent joint study from the National Association of REALTORS and Google found that 90% of home buyers searched online during their hunt for the perfect home. Now more than ever, prospective buyers are turning to the internet to begin their journey to homeownership. This is why as a home buyer, it's imperative to use the most comprehensive website that shows you every available home for sale or lease while keeping your personal information safe. Compared to other sites, ArthurRue.com is the clear winner on this front- keep reading to dive into why. 

ArthurRue.com Displays ALL MLS Listing 

Some brokerage websites refuse to display all current listings because they want agents to pay to list on their platforms- not so with ArthueRue.com. We list…

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The average mortgage rate for a 30-year fixed loan has jumped to 3.02% after three weeks of numbers holding steady. According to Freddie Mac, this marks the first time since July 2020 that interest rates have passed 3%. 

What does this mean for you? Primarily, if you are considering buying a home, it may be in your best interest to get the process going sooner rather than later to lock in the lowest rates possible. Due to the most recent stimulus package, spending has increased. Sam Khater, the chief economist for Freddie Mac, says this is creating supply chain shortages that are causing downstream inflation, leading to higher mortgage rates. 

However, Freddie Mac thinks interest rates will still remain low for the rest of the year. They…

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With 2020 finally behind us and greater hope for the coming year, we can't help but wonder what lies ahead in 2021, and what the state of the real estate market will be. Like time itself, the real estate markets stops for no one. Markets like New Jersey (especially the Shore) are particularly in demand, as people still seek to escape the big city and shelter in place in the suburbs where they can be comfortable with their family, work from home, and have the benefit of the ocean close by! 

Yes the market is moving and homes are in demand, but there also remains great uncertainty,  so a practical approach is best if you're looking to sell and move on. Working with market experts like those at the Arthur Rue Agency gives you the best chance to succeed…

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As we enter the last month of the year, you may be wondering what state the housing market is in and where it's headed. The answer is simple: look to the economic principle of supply and demand.

Housing inventory is low, which means prices are trending upwards. A scarce supply equals higher demand, which drives up sale prices. Consumers are willing to pay more for what they want- and considering interest rates are currently at an all-time low, they want to buy as soon as possible. This lack of inventory and desire to buy now is also leading home seekers to engage in bidding wars, which is another factor driving up price points. 

As a result of the present-day market landscape, experts from Zillow, Zelman, NAR, Freddie Mac, and others project that…

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Though summer has come to a close and the holidays are right around the corner, the luxury housing market is holding steady in vacation destinations like Palm Beach, Aspen, the Hamptons, and coastal New Jersey. According to Redfin, luxury home sales jumped 41.5% in the third quarter of 2020, marking the largest year-over-year shift since 2013. 

Why the boom? Buyers are thinking about where they see themselves in the new year- even projecting as far ahead as summer 2021. Where would they like to purchase their next vacation home to spend time in after the winter season? Prospective buyers are also searching for things they didn't know they wanted in a home before the current health climate, including more square footage, outdoor amenities like pools and…

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Set the Mood with Autumn Scents

Play up the holiday aspects of the season with autumn scents. At showings, set out homemade pumpkin rolls, serve hot apple cider, or place a tray of cinnamon sticks on the countertop. 

Use Fall Colors to Your Advantage 

Decor including pillows, throw blankets, candles, and wreaths in bold fall accent colors will help buyers envision themselves in your home for future holidays. 

Create Seasonal Curb Appeal 

A buyer's first impression is crucial, so your front yard should already look impeccable if you're thinking of selling. But while you're at it, add seasonal touches like potted fall flowers (think marigolds and chrysanthemums) as well as pumpkins and other types of squash for an infusion of holiday…

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Despite uncertainty created by the current health climate over the last few months, economists have noted a distinct pattern in the housing market: instead of slowing down, it is actually booming. According to Bank of America, mortgage purchase applications have risen drastically and are currently clocking in above pre-lockdown levels. Keep reading for the five explanations for this surge in market activity. 

  1. The Disproportionate Recession: State lockdowns and stay-at-home orders affected lower income populations more dramatically than higher income brackets- and research shows that lower income groups are less likely to be homeowners. 
  2. Interest Rates Are at an All-Time Low: Last week, interest rates plunged to a new historic low. Compared to…

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