This Month in Real Estate - Dec 2018

CHATTANOOGA HOME SALES

Chattanooga (January 20, 2019) - Home prices were consistently up again in most markets in 2018 but at reduced levels compared to recent years. High demand for few homes for sale fueled price increases, but evidence is mounting that inventory will finally improve in 2019. This may apply some downward pressure on prices for beleaguered home buyers. A fourth interest rate hike by the Federal Reserve in 2018 spooked the stock market to close out the year. The Fed has indicated that the number of rate increases in 2019 will be halved, which may be of little comfort to an already compressed consumer. More >>>>

NATIONAL HOME SALES

Existing-Home Sales See 6.4 Percent Drop in December

WASHINGTON (January 22, 2019)– After two consecutive months of increases, existing-home sales declined in the month of December, according to the National Association of Realtors®. None of the four major U.S. regions saw a gain in sales activity last month.

Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist, says current housing numbers are partly a result of higher interest rates during much of 2018. “The housing market is obviously very sensitive to mortgage rates. Softer sales in December reflected consumer search processes and contract signing activity in previous months when mortgage rates were higher than today. Now, with mortgage rates lower, some revival in home sales is expected going into spring.” More >>>>

If you’re interested in buying or selling a home or development property, we’d love to help. Please reach out for any questions or to learn more about the process. We’re here as a resource for you!

Cheryl Fuqua, ABR, CRS
(423) 505-4880
Cheryl@cherylfuqua.com

Brad Fuqua, Broker
(423) 605-5167
Brad@bradleyfuqua.com

This Month in Real Estate - October 2018

Chattanooga (November 21, 2018) - If the last few months are an indication of the temperature of housing markets across the country, a period of relative calm can be expected during the last three months of the year. A trend of market balance is emerging as we approach the end of 2018. Prices are still rising in most areas, and the number of homes for sale is still low, but there is a general shrinking of year-over-year percentage change gaps in sales, inventory and prices. More.

NATIONAL HOME SALES - OCTOBER 2018

Existing-Home Sales Increase for the First Time in Six Months
WASHINGTON (November 21 19, 2018) – Existing-home sales increased in October after six straight months of decreases, according to the National Association of Realtors®. Three of four major U.S. regions saw gains in sales activity last month.

Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist, says increasing housing inventory has brought more buyers to the market. “After six consecutive months of decline, buyers are finally stepping back into the housing market,” he said. “Gains in the Northeast, South and West – a reversal from last month’s steep decline or plateau in all regions – helped overall sales activity rise for the first time since March 2018.” Click here for Fuqua Group’s National Housing Statistics Report for October 2018.

Looking to buy or sell a home in the Chattanooga or north Georgia area? We can help. Call today for more information on the home buying process or for a free right-price analysis of your home. No obligations. We’d love to hear from you.

Cheryl Fuqua, ABR, CRS
(423) 505-4880

Brad Fuqua, Broker
(423) 605-5167

Home Conditioning Checklist

The flowers are blooming and sky is finally blue! If you're like me, these are my signals for a top to bottom cleaning and organizing session. If you're thinking about selling your home in the coming months - or even if you're not - this checklist can help you get your home clean and ready for the year ahead! 

Exterior
Trim lawn, shrubs, trees, and around sidewalks
Put away bikes, toys, tools
Clean or paint front door
Place a pot of flowers next to the door
Fix the doorbell
Keep walks clear of ice, snow, leaves
Replace burnt out light bulbs

Throughout the House
Shampoo carpets, wax floors
Wash windows, clean blinds
Create space. Scale down collectibles and family photos
Organize closets and cupboards
Pack and store unused items
Remove bugs and cobwebs from light fixtures and corners of rooms
Wash and touch up paint as needed on doors and walls, particularly knobs and switches

Kitchen
Keep countertops clear
Polish appliances, do not use refrigerator as a bulletin board
Clean the oven and degrease the fan hood
Clean and organize cabinets
Keep the sink and faucet shining

Basement
Brighten the walls and floors with paint
Clean the outside of the water heater and furnace, replace furnace filter
Put in bright overhead lights

Make Repairs
Replace washers on leaky faucets
Oil squeaky hinges, nail down squeaky floor boards and steps
Wax sticky drawers
Put sliding doors on track
Replace broken windows
Replace torn screens

Living Areas
Keep drapes and blinds open
Arrange furniture to maximize space and flow of traffic
Hang a mirror where it will reflect outdoor light to add dimension
Remove ashes from the fireplace; set logs in the winter, place green or flowering plant on the hearth in the summer

Bathrooms
Polish fixtures and mirrors
Wash the shower curtain
Repair, caulk, and clean grout
Hang towels neatly
Put away cosmetics and hair appliances
Keep the toilet clean and the lid down

Garage
Sweep the floor, clean oil stains left from cars
Remove cobwebs
Hang tools or place them on shelves
Replace bulbs, make sure electronic garage door opener works