LAURA DARR, Realtor - Darr Realty Group - Keller Williams Realty

Trying to get your house ready to list? Here are a few general tips on where you’ll want to spend some time and effort.

Prioritize things that will make it inviting, show it’s cared for, and boost your curb appeal. But this is just a starting point.

If you want more specific advice to help your house stand out in our local market, DM me.



Laura Darr, Realtor | Keller Williams Realty | 770-601-8787 | [email protected] | LauraDarr.com | Your GEORGIA Realtor!

What To Know About Closing Costs

Now that you’ve decided to buy a home and are ready to make it happen, it’s a good idea to plan ahead for the costs that are a typical part of the homebuying process. And while your down payment is probably the number one expense on your mind, don't forget about closing costs. Here’s what you need to know.

What Are Closing Costs?

Simply put, your closing costs are the additional fees and payments you have to make at closing. Some of these are one-time expenses that are baked into your closing costs. Others, like homeowners’ insurance, are initial installment payments for ongoing responsibilities you’ll have once you take possession of the home.

How Much Are Closing Costs?

Freddie Mac says: “Closing costs vary greatly depending on your location and the price of your home. Typically, you...



Laura Darr, Realtor | Keller Williams Realty | 770-601-8787 | [email protected] | LauraDarr.com

What To Know About Closing Costs Now that you’ve decided to buy a home and are ready to make it happen, it’s a good idea to plan ahead for the costs that are a typical part of the homebuying process.

Planning to buy a home? Make sure you’re budgeting not just your down payment, but for your closing costs too.

And if you want to try to cut down on those a bit, try these tips. Negotiate with the seller for concessions, shop around for more affordable home insurance, and look into closing cost assistance programs. DM me for more homebuying tips.



Laura Darr, Realtor | Keller Williams Realty | 770-601-8787 | [email protected] | LauraDarr.com | Your GEORGIA Realtor!

Wondering what’s really happening with home prices? This visual should help.

Data shows home price appreciation is moderating nationally. That means prices are still rising, just not as fast. And if you compare the numbers for last year to 2024, you can see it.

But that’s just the national picture. If you want to know what prices are doing in our area, DM me.



Laura Darr, Realtor | Keller Williams Realty | 770-601-8787 | [email protected] | LauraDarr.com | Your GEORGIA Realtor!

The Real Story Behind What’s Happening with Home Prices

If you’re wondering what’s going on with home prices lately, you’re definitely not the only one. With so much information out there, it can be hard to figure out your next move.

Home Price Growth Is Slowing, but Prices Aren’t Falling Nationally

Throughout the country, home price appreciation is moderating. What that means is, prices are still going up, but they're not rising as quickly as they were in recent years.

What’s Next for Home Prices? It’s All About Supply and Demand

Nationally, the number of homes for sale is going up, but there still aren’t enough of them to meet today’s buyer demand. That’s keeping upward pressure on prices – even though recent inventory growth has caused that home price appreciation to slow. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at...



Laura Darr, Realtor | Keller Williams Realty | 770-601-8787 | [email protected] | LauraDarr.com

The Real Story Behind What’s Happening with Home Prices If you’re wondering what’s going on with home prices lately, you’re definitely not the only one.

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Thinking about downsizing but not sure what type of home you want?
If you haven’t considered a 55+ community, here are a few reasons you may want to:
- Lower maintenance
- Great on-site amenities
- Accessible floor plans
- Like-minded neighbors
Want to see what’s available in our area to find out if it’s right for you? DM me.



Laura Darr, Realtor | Keller Williams Realty | 770-601-8787 | [email protected] | LauraDarr.com | Your GEORGIA Realtor!

Could a 55+ Community Be Right for You?

If you’re thinking about downsizing, you may be hearing about 55+ communities and wondering if they’d be a good fit for you. Here’s some information that could help you make your decision.

What Is a 55+ Community?

It’s important to note that these communities aren’t just for people who need extra support – they can be pretty vibrant, too. Many people who are downsizing opt for this type of home because they’re looking to be surrounded by people in a similar season of life. U.S. News explains: “The terms ‘55-plus community,’ ‘active adult community,’ ‘lifestyle communities’ and ‘planned communities’ refer to a setting that caters to the needs and preferences of adults over the age of 55. These communities are designed for seniors who are able to care for themselves but may be looking...



Laura Darr, Realtor | Keller Williams Realty | 770-601-8787 | [email protected] | LauraDarr.com

Could a 55+ Community Be Right for You? If you’re thinking about downsizing, you may be hearing about 55+ communities and wondering if they’d be a good fit for you.

Want to know the top mistakes today’s homeowners are making when they sell? Here they are:

-Pricing your house too high
-Skipping necessary repairs
-Not being objective
-Not being willing to negotiate

DM me if you want to talk more about how an agent can help you avoid costly missteps like these.



Laura Darr, Realtor | Keller Williams Realty | 770-601-8787 | [email protected] | LauraDarr.com | Your GEORGIA Realtor!

How To Avoid Today's Top Seller Mistakes

Want to know some of the top mistakes sellers are making today and how to make sure they don’t happen to you too? The biggest missteps are pricing a house too high, skipping repairs, not being objective, and not being willing to negotiate. And the best way to avoid falling into any of these traps is to partner with a trusted real estate agent who knows exactly what to do. Let’s connect so you have someone to lean on for advice.



Laura Darr, Realtor | Keller Williams Realty | 770-601-8787 | [email protected] | LauraDarr.com

simplifyingthemarket.com

As inventory grows, the market is starting to balance out a bit. But don’t worry – this isn’t close to an oversupply that would cause a crash.
It just means buyers are regaining negotiation power as their options grow. And sellers need to price their house right and may want to consider some repairs to help it stand out.
Let’s connect to talk more about how this impacts you.



Laura Darr, Realtor | Keller Williams Realty | 770-601-8787 | [email protected] | LauraDarr.com | Your GEORGIA Realtor!

Are We Heading into a Balanced Market?

If you’ve been keeping an eye on the housing market over the past couple of years, you know sellers have had the upper hand. But is that going to shift now that inventory is growing? Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know.

What Is a Balanced Market?

A balanced market is generally defined as a market with about a five-to-seven-month supply of homes available for sale. In this type of market, neither buyers nor sellers have a clear advantage. Prices tend to stabilize, and there’s a healthier number of homes to choose from. And after many years when sellers had all the leverage, a more balanced market would be a welcome sight for people looking to move. The question is – is that really where the market is headed?

For now, this is still seller’s market territory – it’s just not...



Laura Darr, Realtor | Keller Williams Realty | 770-601-8787 | [email protected] | LauraDarr.com

Are We Heading into a Balanced Market? If you’ve been keeping an eye on the housing market over the past couple of years, you know sellers have had the upper hand.

Here’s an early 2025 housing market forecast.

Experts project mortgage rates will come down slightly, which should lead more buyers and sellers to move. And that’ll create a moderate increase in sales as activity ticks up. It’ll also likely push prices up a little bit nationwide, though price changes will vary by location.

DM me if you want to start planning for your move.



Laura Darr, Realtor | Keller Williams Realty | 770-601-8787 | [email protected] | LauraDarr.com | Your GEORGIA Realtor!

2025 Housing Market Forecasts: What To Expect

Looking ahead to 2025, it's important to know what experts are projecting for the housing market.

Mortgage Rates Are Projected To Come Down Slightly

Mortgage rates play a significant role in the housing market. The forecasts for 2025 from Fannie Mae, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), the National Association of Realtors (NAR), and Wells Fargo show an expected gradual decline in mortgage rates over the course of the next year.

And many experts believe these signs will encourage the Federal Reserve to lower the Federal Funds Rate, which tends to lead to lower mortgage rates.

Expect More Homes To Sell

The market will see an increase in both the supply of available homes on the market, as well as a rise in demand, as more buyers and sellers who have been sitting on the...



Laura Darr, Realtor | Keller Williams Realty | 770-601-8787 | [email protected] | LauraDarr.com

2025 Housing Market Forecasts: What To Expect Looking ahead to 2025, it's important to know what experts are projecting for the housing market.

Wondering if the election is going to have an impact on the housing market? Here’s your answer. Usually, it only has a small and temporary effect.

Sales usually slowdown briefly, but rebound fast.

Prices tend to stay on their current trajectory for your market.

And mortgage rates often trend down in the months leading up to the election.

DM me if you want to learn more.



Laura Darr, Realtor | Keller Williams Realty | 770-601-8787 | [email protected] | LauraDarr.com | Your GEORGIA Realtor!

What's the Impact of Presidential Elections on the Housing Market?

If you’ve been considering buying or selling a home this year, you’re probably curious about what the election might mean for the housing market – and if it’s still a good time to make your move.

Home Sales

In the month leading up to a Presidential election, from October to November, there’s typically a slight slowdown in home sales.

Some consumers will simply wait it out before they make their purchase decision. However, it’s important to know this slowdown is small and temporary.
Historically, home sales bounce right back and continue to rise the following year.

Home Prices

You may also be wondering about home prices. Do prices come down during election years? Not typically.

Home prices generally rise over time, regardless of an election cycle. So...



Laura Darr, Realtor | Keller Williams Realty | 770-601-8787 | [email protected] | LauraDarr.com

What's the Impact of Presidential Elections on the Housing Market? It’s no surprise that the upcoming Presidential election might have you speculating about what’s ahead.

“WHAT’S YOUR MAGIC NUMBER?” 🤔
📉 Mortgage rates are on the decline, and with so many buyers ‘waiting’ to make their move, this downward trend has everyone asking—when’s the right time to dive back into the housing market? 🏡
While we may not see those record-low pandemic rates again, experts are optimistic that rates could keep dropping as long as inflation stays in check. 📊
So, what’s the rate that would make you ready to buy? Share your ideal number in the comments! 💬 I’ll keep you in the loop and be the first to let you know when we hit that sweet spot. Let’s get the conversation started! 👇

Mortgage rates are declining. And that may make you wonder if it’s time to jump back into the market.

While they’re not going back to pandemic lows, experts say rates could continue to drop as long as inflation eases.

So, what number do you want to see rates hit before you’re ready to move? Drop it in a comment below. And I’ll be the first to let you know when we get there.



Laura Darr, Realtor | Keller Williams Realty | 770-601-8787 | [email protected] | LauraDarr.com | Your GEORGIA Realtor!

What Mortgage Rate Are You Waiting For?

You won’t find anyone who’s going to argue that mortgage rates have had a big impact on housing affordability over the past couple of years. But there is hope on the horizon. Rates have actually started to come down.

Expert Projections for Mortgage Rates

Experts say the overall downward trend should continue as long as inflation and the economy keeps cooling. But as new reports come out on those key indicators, there’s going to be some volatility here and there.

What you need to remember is it’s not wise to let those blips distract you from the larger trend. Rates are still down roughly a full percentage point from the recent peak compared to May.

Know Your Number for Mortgage Rates

So, what does this mean for you and your plans to move? If you’ve been holding out and waiting...



Laura Darr, Realtor | Keller Williams Realty | 770-601-8787 | [email protected] | LauraDarr.com

What Mortgage Rate Are You Waiting For? You won’t find anyone who’s going to argue that mortgage rates have had a big impact on housing affordability over the past couple of years.

Did you know? The supply of homes for sale has grown significantly this year.
Here’s what that growth means:
More options for your move
More negotiation power for you
More likely sellers will make some repairs
More moderate price growth
DM me if you want to talk more about how this benefits you when you buy a home.



Laura Darr, Realtor | Keller Williams Realty | 770-601-8787 | [email protected] | LauraDarr.com | Your GEORGIA Realtor!

How Growing Inventory Benefits Today's Buyers

While the number of homes for sale varies by local area, nationally we’re up over 36% year-over-year, but still down almost 29% compared to what’s normal. Here’s what that means when you buy: more options for your search, more negotiation power for you, it’s more likely sellers will make select repairs, and more moderate price growth. If you want to talk more about what rising inventory means for you, let’s connect.



Laura Darr, Realtor | Keller Williams Realty | 770-601-8787 | [email protected] | LauraDarr.com

How Growing Inventory Benefits Today's Buyers While the number of homes for sale varies by local area, nationally we’re up over 36% year-over-year, but still down almost 29% compared to what’s normal.

There’s some misinformation out there and it’s time to set the record straight.

If you think home prices are going to crash, you should know the national data doesn’t support that theory. There just aren’t enough homes on the market today.

What else have you heard about the housing market that you’re worried about? Drop a comment below and let’s have a conversation.



Laura Darr, Realtor | Keller Williams Realty | 770-601-8787 | [email protected] | LauraDarr.com | Your GEORGIA Realtor!

Today’s Biggest Housing Market Myths

Have you ever heard the phrase: don’t believe everything you hear? There’s a lot of misinformation out there. And right now, making sure you have someone you can go to for trustworthy information is extra important.

1. I’ll Get a Better Deal Once Prices Crash

If you’ve heard home prices are going to come crashing down, it’s time to look at what’s actually happening. While prices vary by local market, there’s a lot of data out there from numerous sources that shows a crash is not going to happen. So, if you think waiting will score you a deal, know that data shows there’s not a crash on the horizon, and waiting isn’t going to pay off the way you’d hoped.

2. I Won’t Be Able To Find Anything To Buy

If this nagging fear about finding the right home if you move is still holding you...



Laura Darr, Realtor | Keller Williams Realty | 770-601-8787 | [email protected] | LauraDarr.com

Today’s Biggest Housing Market Myths Have you ever heard the phrase: don’t believe everything you hear?

Want to know the top mistakes sellers are making today? It’s overpricing their house.

A price that’s too high is going to cost you. It turns buyers away and may mean you need a price drop to re-ignite interest in the home.

To make sure you don’t end up making this mistake, DM me, and let’s price it right from the start.



Laura Darr, Realtor | Keller Williams Realty | 770-601-8787 | [email protected] | LauraDarr.com | Your GEORGIA Realtor!

The Number One Mistake Sellers Are Making: Overpricing Their House

In today's housing market, many sellers are making a critical mistake: overpricing their houses. This common error can lead to a home sitting on the market for a long time without any offers. And when that happens, the homeowner may have to drop their asking price to try to re-ignite buyer interest.

If you’re thinking about making a move yourself, here’s what you need to know. The best way to avoid making a costly mistake is to work with a trusted real estate agent to find the right price. Here’s a look at what’s at stake if you don’t.

Not Paying Attention To Current Market Conditions

Understanding current market conditions is key to accurate pricing.

Real estate agents stay updated on market trends and how they impact the pricing strategy for your...



Laura Darr, Realtor | Keller Williams Realty | 770-601-8787 | [email protected] | LauraDarr.com

The Number One Mistake Sellers Are Making: Overpricing Their House In today's housing market, many sellers are making a critical mistake: overpricing their houses.

Not all agents are the same. When you’re making a move, you want to be sure you have a great agent by your side.

Here are a few tips on what to look for. You want someone with a strong reputation, in-depth knowledge of the local and national market, and good communication skills and availability.

I’d love to have a conversation to see if we’d be a good fit to work together.



Laura Darr, Realtor | Keller Williams Realty | 770-601-8787 | [email protected] | LauraDarr.com | Your GEORGIA Realtor!