The Amazing Growth Pensacola saw in 2013: What That Means for You

There are many great Pensacola area homes for sale. Click here to perform a full home search, or if you're thinking of selling your home, click here for a FREE Home Price Evaluation so you know what buyers will pay for your home in today's market. You may also call me at (850) 466-6920 for a FREE home buying or selling consultation to answer any of your real estate questions.

Today I wanted to go over some of the market highlights from 2013. Before I get into that, I wanted to point out that our blog has a free home search and free home evaluation if you’re thinking about selling your home.

In December 2013, we finished the year strong and exceeding December 2012 by 21%. Also, fourth quarter sales were up 16% from 2012 and total sales rose 18% in comparison to 2012. The average days on market dropped to 100 days, which is the lowest since 2007.

While the distressed inventory fell slightly, the overall inventory jumped nearly 10% from November capping a yearlong trend that a low of 3,100 homes in January increased 30% to 4,035. In 2014, we expect sales to continue to improve and prices to continue rising. We can’t think of a better time than now to get in on the ground floor as home prices start to go up.

If you’re thinking about buying a new home in 2014 and have a home to sell, we just implemented a “Builder Trade-in” program. Give us a call or send us an email to get more information on this phenomenal, new program. My phone number is (850) 466-6920 and my email is GordonFirstTeam@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks and have a great day!

Top 10 Roadblocks to Watch for in Your Next Renovation Project!

These ten roadblocks almost derailed these homeowner’s renovation dreams on House Hunters: Renovation.

10. Measure twice, build once! These homeowners added 6 inches to their wall after sending measurements for custom cabinets.

9. Look out for wood paneling. This stuff does not come off easy!

8. Hire a pro to do your wallpaper!

7. Make sure your oven hood actually vents! For these homeowners, the oven was venting into the wall causing them to completely gut the wall.

6. Mold. Nothing derails a renovation project like mold; you will end up gutting the room and eventually your wallet!

5. Be careful of what is under your carpet! These homeowners found a surprise patch of parquet flooring when tearing out their carpet and takes even more time to rip out.

4. You! You can be one of the biggest roadblocks in your project. We know this can be an extremely stressful project, but try and keep it together!

3. Be careful picking your designer. This couple found themselves with a designer picking his own colors to paint their house!

2. If choosing a quartz surface, measure your countertop thoroughly! Quartz is cut from slabs and is useless if cut too small.

1. Beware of stone! These renovators received 55 out of 80 pieces of tile chipped and when they received more, they didn’t like it.

Thankfully, these roadblocks didn’t stop these renovators from completing their project; but they can be a headache! Keep this in mind when starting your home renovation project.

Buyers click here to search all area homes for sale.

Sellers click here to find out what your home is worth. 

3 Tips for Preparing Your Home for Sale

Today I wanted to discuss with you on what you can do to tell your home quickly and for the most amount of money. There are several things I would like to cover in obtaining that objective. The first thing you could do is get your home inspected. There is nothing worse than when a buyer makes an offer and has your home inspected, several issues come up and they begin nickel and diming you on the value of your home.

Secondly, home warranties have been found statistically to add value to your home as it makes your home more attractive to buyers. Lastly, find yourself a good home stager. It has been proven and is something all new home builders are doing with their model homes. It is done for good reason because it adds value to the property and creates an emotional buyer causing them to pay more money.

If you need help doing any of these things before you list your home, give me a call at (850) 466-6920 or email me at GordonFirstTeam@gmail.com. Thanks and have a great day!

Should You Consider Entering the Market Now?

The market is doing much better this year and homes sales are starting to slow, which is expected in the fourth quarter. The inventory is going up and prices are holding firm and this should stay as long as the job market remains strong and interest rates don’t rise too much more. This creates very affordable housing in Pensacola. We are also seeing many of our homes with multiple offer situations. Even though prices are rising as quickly as they were, inventory is a point where buyers are starting to enter the market because interest rates are rising and moving to capitalize on them. If rates do rise, this will make housing less affordable and prices could fall, making now a great time to sell as well.

If you have further questions, visit my website, give me a call at (850) 466-6920 or email me at GordonFirstTeam@gmail.com. Thanks and have a great day!