Inger Hiller - 8z Real Estate

Home builders are going smaller. 🏡

In 2022, the average size of a new home was 2,560 square feet. Fast forward to the end of 2023, and that figure shrunk to 2,375 square feet.

Now, with the median price per square foot in the U.S. holding steady at around $192, that 185-square-foot decrease translates to $35,520 in savings!

The takeaway? If finding the “one” within your budget has been challenging, consider exploring slightly smaller, new builds.

Not only could they fit snugly within your budget, but they might also come bundled with great perks like price reductions or mortgage rate buy-downs.

Interested in a list of newly built homes in our area? Send me a DM!

🎉🎂 Happy Birthday to our wonderful June stars, Lynsey Adragna & Katie Herman! 🎂🎉

Wishing you both a fantastic year ahead filled with joy, success, and countless blessings. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to the Parker 8z Real Estate team. We are so grateful to have you both on board!

SO EXCITED FOR MY BUYERS! 🎉🎉🎉 I love helping first time home buyers get under contract on a house! We actually looked at over 30 homes and ended up offering on one that just went on the market a day earlier. They had 3 offers but we carefully crafted the winning offer and had great communication with the listing agent which put us over the edge! Congratulations!🍾🎈🎉🎊 🏠

Check out your monthly market stats from the Denver Metro. If you'd like to learn more about your specific neighborhood, shoot me a message!

Come and tour my gorgeous new listing.
This showstopper is just over 1 year old in The Canyons neighborhood of Castle Pines. Situated on an amazing lot on a cul-de-sac, overlooking the entire valley and views of the Reuter Hess Reservoir, this home has just under 6000 finished square feet, 5 beds, 5 baths, a walkout basement with a full kitchen. Beautiful modern hardwood floors throughout the entire main and lower living spaces. This home is offered at $1,565,000. Must See!

Listings are sitting on the market longer on average, and de-listings as well as price reductions are more common. One could even make the argument that we’re finally seeing a real shift toward a buyer’s market.

Read more about the current housing market trends at https://bit.ly/3RmSrEe 🔗

Beautiful New Listing Offered in The Canyons. Gorgeous Views. Walkout full finished basement with kitchen for generational living. Nearly 6000 square feet.
https://ingerhiller.8z.com/properties/7406-canyon-sky-trail-castle-rock-co-us-80108-rec3684813

This stat blew me away...

👉 80% of sellers only speak with ONE agent before choosing who will represent them in the sale of their home...

Knowing that, I want to share a few questions you should absolutely ask when interviewing a listing agent:

✔️ What is your experience selling homes similar to mine?
✔️ How will we communicate throughout the sale process?
✔️ What % of your listings sell for higher than the asking price?
✔️ What unique qualities separate you from other agents?

Want to talk more about selling or how I would answer these questions? Reach out, I'd love to chat!

Ever wonder what furniture should stay and what should go before your house hits the market? 🤔

This is one topic I cover with my seller clients as they think about putting their homes up for sale.

There's no one-size-fits-all approach but here's how I tackle it:

We'll do a home walkthrough. I'll swing by and together, we'll make our way through your home reviewing details, decor and repairs to make ahead of listing.

With your permission, I'll snap a few pictures of your current furniture, decor and layout to capture the essence of your home.

Together with a professional staging company, I'll make recommendations for what pieces I'd like to see remain in your space for showings and what items we'll bring in for staging. (This gives my clients clarity on what items to pack up and what to leave out!)

Rest assured, we'll make this process as smooth and streamlined as possible.

Thinking about selling but feeling a bit overwhelmed? Shoot me a DM, and let's start the conversation!

Your home is amazing - so why isn't it selling?

It may be time to re-evaluate the price.

Here’s the thing: Overpricing your home can lead to a longer time on the market, and that's not what you want.

Pricing your home just right can actually benefit you in the long run by:
✅ Attracting serious buyers
✅ Leading to faster offers
✅ Saving you from the headache of having your home sit on the market for months.

Curious how much your home is worth? Shoot me a message!

When the perfect home is full of hidden problems 🫠

It happens all the time: We find the most perfect home but it has its fair share of issues. In fact, in 86% of cases, home inspectors find issues that need attention.

It's all part of the buying process — After all, it's better to find issues now (and know if they're anything major) than after you've signed on the dotted line.

Situations like this highlight the importance of having a trusted and experienced agent by your side.

What questions do you have about inspections? Comment below or shoot me a message!

Check out this gorgeous new listing in Highlands Ranch! Contact me for a private showing or more information.

706 Ridgemont Cir, Highlands Ranch, CO 80126 - For Sale Listed for sale at $1250000. Welcome to your sanctuary in Highlands Ranch with breathtaking views from every level! This home offers an unparalleled ...

Join me and Candice Puchir this Saturday at the Open House for my new Listing at 7406 Canyon Sky Trail in The Canyons.
Saturday May 25th from 11:00am - 3:00pm
$1,565,000

Let's face it: not every home that's 'under contract' actually makes it to closing.

These common pitfalls can derail your selling plans in a hurry. 👇

🔴 Inspection Issues
Did you know that a failed inspection accounts for 15% of unsuccessful home sales? It's true.

🔴 Appraisal Challenges
Appraisals can be a tricky business. If the appraisal doesn't come back at the right value, it can derail your entire home-buying process.

🔴 Change of Heart
Sometimes, sellers have a change of heart or a personal situation that prevents them from going through with the sale. That's life and 100% okay.

But fear not - you can navigate the selling process with confidence and avoid these costly mistakes. As an agent, I'm happy to guide you every step of the way.

Ready to get started? Send me a DM to learn more about how I can help you sell your home successfully.

Sellers: If the shoe was on the other foot and you were the potential buyer, would you want the homeowner to be present during showings?

Buyers are most relaxed without the sellers present — which is exactly how you want them to feel as they tour your home and envision themselves living there. They're freer to chat, ask questions, open cabinets and linger.

So long as sellers have done their part to clean, declutter, and get outta dodge, they can leave the rest to me. I’ll make sure buyers know their home's special features, upgrades, and quirks.

Have questions about selling? Send me a message, let's chat!

Back in December, we were given some temporary hope as mortgage rates quickly fell to the 6.5% range, and the Fed suggested that there would be three to four rate cuts this year. But so far, no cuts.

Will we see mortgage rates drop in 2024? Read more at 8z.com/newsletters 🔗

Is the news keeping you from making a smart move in real estate?

Here's the truth - headlines shouldn't be the only factor in your decision.

The real estate market is always changing, and what might be a good time to buy for someone else might not be the best time for you.

So, how do you know when it's the best time for YOU to buy?

It's all about understanding your personal circumstances and goals. Are you ready to settle down in a specific area? Do you have a stable income and savings for a down payment?

These are the questions you should be asking yourself. By focusing on your own needs and priorities, you'll be able to make the best decision for your future.

Agree or disagree? Comment your thoughts below!

I'm so excited for this amazing value in Castle Rock for under $800,000. A spacious Ranch plan built in 2017 of almost 4000 finished sq feet, 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and 3 full garage bays. Call me today for a private tour.

Your dream home can absolutely become your reality... but there’s a catch.

What you jot down on your dream home wishlist might not always match what you end up with.

The reality is, the perfect home might offer something unexpected, something even better!

For example, a buyer set on a four-bedroom house might discover a charming three-bedroom with a spacious bonus room that could easily become another bedroom or a home office.

Don't overlook a home just because it doesn't tick every single box on your wishlist. Go see it, explore the possibilities, and you might just be pleasantly surprised!

And one more thing I’ll never stop saying: Remember the things you can't change - like lot, location, and price. Check those boxes first, then focus on what you can change!

Congratulations to my Seller for getting this home in Aurora UNDER CONTRACT in just one day for over list price! Working collaboratively with my seller allowed us to be the ultimate team!
Way to go!! 😀

The last thing I want for my buyers...

Being stretched too thin by their mortgage payments.

Finance experts wag their fingers at spending 30% or more of your gross income on housing. But with 37.2% of homeowners grappling with this reality, if you're among them, you're certainly not alone.

Below are some methods I’ve seen implemented to reduce the burden 👇

1️⃣ See if you can ditch your private mortgage insurance. Your lender may be willing if your mortgage balance has reached 80% of your home's original value or the halfway point of your amortization schedule.

2️⃣ Take a deep dive into your monthly spending to see where your money is going. For instance, eating out could be an opportunity to cut back.

3️⃣ Consider house hacking by renting out a bedroom, parking space, or an in-law suite.

4️⃣ Raise your income (obviously this is much easier said than done) but there are a few creative ways to approach it. Whether it’s mustering up the courage to ask for a raise, exploring a new side hustle, or up-skilling yourself with online courses.

5️⃣ Keep an eye on interest rates. If they drop below what you're currently paying, refinancing could be a smart move.

Please reach out if you have any questions, I'm happy to help!

Did you know the average American buys their first home at 36?

But what if your dream home is calling to you sooner (or later)?

Life throws a lot our way, and buying a house is a big decision. Saving for a down payment, navigating the market, and feeling confident – it all takes time, and that's perfectly okay!

There's no one-size-fits-all timeline for homeownership. Whether you're starting to budget for a down payment or just curious about the process, I'm here to be your guide.

Let's take it one step at a time and make your dream a reality, whenever you're ready. Contact me today for a free consultation, and let's chat about your homeownership goals!

I'm so excited for my new listing in a great area of Aurora. This would make a great first home for a family moving to the Denver area. A ranch plan with 2 Primary Bedrooms with ensuite baths. 4 bedroom, 3 bath 2500 sq ft home with a full third of an acre, attached 2 car garage and no HOA. The Lynn Knoll neighborhood is quiet and neighbors have pride of ownership in their homes and neighborhood.
$525,000

466 Titan Court Explore this inviting ranch-style home nestled in the Lynn Knoll neighborhood of Aurora. Boasting a spacious layout with remodeled interiors both upstairs and downstairs, this residence offers ample space for comfortable living. Featuring four bedroom...

What are you supposed to do when you want to buy — and there just aren’t many homes to choose from?

Don't panic. There are ways you can navigate low inventory to your advantage. Here are four:

1️⃣ Get pre-approved for a mortgage. This will show sellers that you mean business and are ready to make a deal.
2️⃣ Act fast! When you find a home you love, don't wait to make an offer – it could be gone in the blink of an eye.
3️⃣ Work with a real estate agent who has their finger on the pulse of the market. They can help you find hidden gems that may not be listed online.
4️⃣ Be flexible with your search criteria. You may need to let go of certain features to find a home that fits your budget and timeline.

Remember, low inventory may seem daunting, but with the right strategy, mindset, and agent, you can find your dream home 🏡

The secret to saving on closing costs when buying?

✅ Days on market.

When a home sits on the market for a longer period, sellers are often motivated to seal the deal.

Here's your tip: Look for homes that have been listed for more than 30 days to uncover potential opportunities. By targeting these properties, you could snag a great deal and ease your worries about closing costs.

Looking for more hidden tips to help you secure your next home without breaking the bank? Let's chat.

Beautiful Ranch in Castle Rock with a Beautiful New Price!

Summer will be here before you know it, and that means it’s time to start thinking about prepping your home for the hotter months ahead. Check out our April Newsletter for the key items to address before summer. 8z.com/newsletters 🔗

There are more buyers than there are homes on the market. That’s fantastic news for sellers, but only if they know how to leverage the low inventory like a pro.
To help, here are a few tips:

✔️ Price it right: With low inventory, buyers are often willing to pay a premium for the right home. Work with a trusted agent to determine a competitive price but don’t go overboard. Buyers can sniff out overzealous sellers.

✔️Make it shine: With fewer options on the market, your home needs to stand out. Make sure it's clean, decluttered, and staged to perfection.

✔️Be flexible: With low inventory, you’ll have more negotiating power. But staying flexible on closing dates, repairs, and other factors can make your home even more attractive.

✔️Create urgency: Consider setting a deadline for offers or hosting an open house to generate interest. An agent can share what works best in your neighborhood.

Tag a friend who’s planning to sell, or DM me if you’d like to talk more about selling this spring. I’m here to help however I can.