COVID-19

Five Reasons Why Buying (or Selling) Now May Be a Good Move for You

As I write this, DC is entering phase II of its coronavirus re-opening plan and life pre-COVID-19 seems simultaneously like it was yesterday and ages ago. While I definitely find myself on the cautious side of the “getting back to normal” spectrum, I have been able to help many clients navigate buying and selling homes during this pandemic.

This is what an open house on your home may look like…agent with a phone, gimbal and Zoom welcoming prospective buyers and their agents.

This is what an open house on your home may look like…agent with a phone, gimbal and Zoom welcoming prospective buyers and their agents.

Additionally, while we don’t have a vaccine or cure (yet), agents, lenders, title companies, inspectors, etc. have become adept at new ways of doing business, while still looking out for our clients. In fact, if you have been considering making real estate moves — from buying a first home to moving up, there are several reasons why now may be the right time to map out your plan and get started:

  1. You’ll never be more aware of your real home needs. Pre-pandemic we all had crazy long lists of what we wanted in our next house; however, spending more time at home has helped us prioritize what really matters — whether that’s simply more square footage (indoors or outdoors) or spaces to meet specific needs, like work and working out.

  2. Interest rates are low. Like really low. I’ve had clients lock in well below 3% recently, and this means you can afford even more house than before or save even more. If you are renting, for example, it’s not uncommon for a mortgage payment for a comparable home to be less than the rent in our area normally, and It may be even more affordable now. (Also, you don’t need 20% or even 10% down to buy.) Meanwhile, if you are selling and moving up, applying your equity to a new property at a lower interest rate is a no brainer.

  3. There’s less “froth” in the market. While, yes, limited inventory means we are seeing multiple offers and homes going above list price often, COVID-19 has put things in perspective for everyone. I have found that means parties are more rational and cooperative than ever (no buyers asking for a new HVAC when the current one is working fine), and contract to close is the smoothest I’ve seen it.

  4. Tech tools mean you can make the most of your time. While virtual tours aren’t new, they are being used on listings at all price points now (and buyers are becoming comfortable with making decisions sometimes based solely on them). As a seller (especially if you are living in your home while it’s listed), this means you can do a lot to market your home without having to constantly open your doors for showings and open houses, which is inconvenient and also can pose health concerns. As a buyer, you can make the most of your time but exploring properties from your computer or phone using pre-produced tours or with your agent taking you along virtually first.

  5. Your happiness is one thing you shouldn’t put on hold. As we spend more time at home, the value of it to your mental well-being is greater than ever. While real estate is a financial investment, I often encourage my clients looking for their primary residence with a happiness filter first and we’ll still ensure they aren’t paying more than they should based on the market…that intangible value of the perfect fit is more than just icing on the cake.

3D tours allow you to walk through a home, zoom in and out and even measure distances!

3D tours allow you to walk through a home, zoom in and out and even measure distances!

If you have questions about specifics of how we can partner to navigate buying and selling safely or want to put together options for your next move, drop me a line by clicking on the button below. Here’s to happiness at home and healthy times ahead for all!

Amber Harris is the owner of At Home DC, an interior decorator and a licensed real estate agent with Keller Williams Capital Properties working with clients in DC, Maryland and Virginia. 

Five Ways to Add Value to Your Life & Home While Social Distancing

Changing a Light Fixture and Painting a Door Can Change the Feel of a Space (Photo: Beth Caldwell Photography)

Changing a Light Fixture and Painting a Door Can Change the Feel of a Space (Photo: Beth Caldwell Photography)

Times are undoubtedly strange and, as we all practice social distancing and try to maintain our sanity, why not take on a project or two that will help you enjoy your space more…and maybe add some value to your home?

Here are a few ideas of things big and small you do as you take a break from working remotely, homeschooling kids and/or binging on online content:

  1. Get on the Kondo Train: There’s no time like being stuck in your home to do an audit of how much stuff you have — that you use AND that you don’t. Whether you are a fan of KonMari and Marie Kondo or just want to do some spring cleaning and purging your own way, set aside time to go through your closets, cabinets and drawers. You’d be surprised how many batteries you actually have and may discovery you have more strainers than you could ever use in your kitchen.

  2. Embrace Your Inner Cinderella: In the interest of sanitization and general cleanliness, take time to tackle the not-as-regular tasks — from washing your baseboards to emptying kitchen cabinets and drawers to remove crumbs and dust. To make things manageable, create a list of these tasks and schedule time to tackle one every few days.

  3. Become a Caulking Master: Have you noticed caulk pulling away around the bathtub or gaps between your countertop and backsplash in the kitchen? This is one task we almost always attend to before listing a home — because it prevents water penetrating areas it shouldn’t and it makes bathrooms and kitchens show better. You’ll find plenty of YouTube tutorials on this DIY project or just check out this easy step-by-step article. Having done this myself, I will say you’ll get better with practice…so what better time to learn?

  4. Update Small Fixtures & Finishes: From changing the knobs and pulls on dressers or cabinets to replacing a bathroom mirror, vanity light or hardware (see above and below), there are so many simple projects you can take on that will help you add style and value to your spaces with minimal effort.

  5. Change Your Palette or Wall Art: While it may feel like the walls are closing in on you, instead of ignoring them, focus on them! Perhaps you’ve been thinking about updating the wall color in your bedroom or adding wallpaper to an accent wall or powder room…I say, go for it! If that’s a bit too much, go through those old photos (digital and not) and consider adding a picture ledge or new gallery wall with treasured photos placed in new frames.

Upgrading Your Bathroom Hardware Is Easy

Upgrading Your Bathroom Hardware Is Easy

You may find that working on one or more of these projects is a welcome distraction and therapeutic during these uncertain times, and that the end result will boost your mood and more for months and years to come. Finally, please put you and your household's health first. If your chosen task requires supplies from the hardware store or otherwise, consider ordering online and following best practices when handling packages once received.

And, as always, if you are looking for specific ideas for your home, I’m available for virtual consultations…just reach out!

Amber Harris is the owner of At Home DC, an interior decorator and a licensed real estate agent with Keller Williams Capital Properties working with clients in DC, Maryland and Virginia.