Tori Tuttle - Realtor

Hot take: The best time to sell a home isn’t spring 🤯

There I said it!

It’s not when prices are high, rates are low, or when your partner, your mom, your best friend, or the guy on YouTube says you should. 

The best time to sell is when it’s right for you. It’s when selling and moving are part of your journey to the next chapter in your life. Full stop.
 
With that said, there are benefits to selling in each season, provided it’s right for you.

Of note: 

• I love to tell my spring sellers that homes sold in May net a 12.8% seller premium. That’s $$$ above the home’s market value. Plus, in the spring, curb appeal is best (sorry winter), and buyers are on the hunt.

• Extended daylight hours make it easier for buyers to schedule viewings and attend open houses after work or on weekends, making summer a great time to list. Plus, families with kids will always prefer a move in between school years.

• The decline in seller premiums typically begins in the fall around September, when it drops to just 8%. By then, most families with school-aged kids have bought and settled into the new school year so foot traffic definitely slows down.

The upside for fall sellers? They can sell and buy to host the holidays in their new home.

• With fewer homes on the market, my winter sellers get the chance to stand out. Plus, winter buyers are often relocating for work or personal reasons, making them more likely to make offers.

What season do you think is best? Drop an emoji
🌷for Spring
☀️ for Summer
🍂 for Fall
❄️ for Winter

Source: The Best and Worst Time To Sell A House | Bankrate

It's been a while since I shared a bit about me and how I got here, so I thought I'd take a moment to do that!

Swipe through to learn more about why I got into real estate, my favorite things, and a few interesting tidbits you may not know.

Your turn—comment below and tell me something about you!! 🤩

Move over, Taylor. 😉

Asking your lender this ONE question could save you big.

Does my loan have a pre-payment penalty?

Making just ONE extra payment each year can shave years off your mortgage term and save you thousands in interest.

Let’s look at a client with a 30-year mortgage of $400,000 at a 6% interest rate. Without extra payments, the total interest paid over the loan term is approximately $463,353

With ONE extra payment of $2,400 each year ($200/mo) the interest drops to $368,734, and the loan would be paid off 5 years earlier than the original term.

And the savings hitting their pocket? $94,619 over the life of the loan

BUT Make sure to ask your lender about pre-payment penalties (penalties can be steep - often 2% of the loan balance).

Check with your lender so you can save on your timeline.
And if you need a lender recommendation, send me a message!

Make money while saving up for a down payment??

Yes, it's possible! And it's free, no-risk and you can withdraw the funds any time.

Here's the breakdown:

Compare keeping $50,000 in a regular checking account versus stashing it in a High-Yield Savings Account (HYSA) like SoFi, which offers an impressive 4.6% interest rate (at the time of sharing this post).

After 5 years, that $50,000 in a checking account might barely keep pace with inflation, while the same amount in a HYSA could potentially grow to over $60,000!

Plus, here's the kicker: HYSA deposits are FDIC-insured up to $250,000, so your money is safe and protected until you need it.

Don't let your money sit idly in a checking account when it could be working for you.

Drop me a message and I'll send over my favorite HYSA available today.

8 seconds.... ⏰

That’s the amount of time you have to make an impression on a potential buyer.

This is what my clients focused on to ensure they hit the mark from the get-go.

1. They got to work on curb appeal
With winter winding down, it was time to spruce up the exterior.

They did this by planting pops of spring flowers, refreshing mulch, and hiring a few helping hands to ensure their yard was free of debris, dead leaves, and drooping tree limbs.

2. They decluttered

Clutter can turn off buyers in seconds — I’ve seen it firsthand.

My clients took a critical look at their space and cleared countertops, tidied closets, and removed personal momentos to help buyers envision themselves living there.

I encourage my clients to put themselves in the shoes of a stranger walking through the house — what would they nix to create a more inviting atmosphere?

3. They agreed to staging

The final touch! My clients agreed to staging (with no out of pocket cost to them). The stagers brought in a few key pieces that tied the space together perfectly.

One reason I typically recommend it? It’s been reported that professionally staged homes spend 73% less time on the market compared to homes that haven’t been staged. (Real Estate Staging Association)

If you’re curious about what your home is worth in today’s market – Let’s find out! A CMA will provide you with a detailed assessment of your property’s value based on recent sales, market trends, and local expertise.

Send me a DM and I’ll reply with a personalized CMA! 📲🤩

How do you know it’s the right time?

The right time to move on?

Spending many hours with sellers over the years, l’ve learned the telltale signs that it’s time for a change.

Here are a few questions to help you determine where you stand...

1. Has my home started to feel either too spacious or too snug? It’s like a little kid outgrowing their favorite outfit - your needs might have outgrown your home.

2. How is my home equity? If it’s standing strong, selling now could open the doors to a handsome profit, providing a solid foundation for your next purchase.

3. Is home maintenance starting to resemble a never-ending marathon I didn’t sign up for? If the chores outweigh the joys, it might be high time to find a home that demands less of your attention.

4. Have I recently been through a major life event? Be it diplomas, diapers, diamonds, divorce, or death, these major life shifts often call for a change in address.

If these questions have put your mind in motion, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to help you decipher your next steps.

This amazing home in Hurst is
LEASED!!! 🎉🏡

Big thank you to my wonderful clients for trusting me with their lease search! I am so happy for them and can’t wait for them to make new memories in their new home.

If you need an agent to help in your home search, shoot me a DM-I’d love to chat! *

I am so honored to work with such wonderful clients! Thank you so much for trusting me with the purchase of your first home! 💗🏡

While Super Bowl Sunday is thrilling, the real excitement lies in what comes next...

If you’re playing around with selling, here’s why the day after the Super Bowl should pique your interest.

• The day after the Super Bowl signifies the start of the spring real estate season, revving up after the holiday lull.

• Mid-February means motivated buyers are beginning their house-hunting journey, providing sellers with an opportunity to face less competition.

• Listing your property in February and March not only means less competition but also faster closing times. Banks tend to have fewer mortgage applications, expediting paperwork processing.

• With motivated buyers and less competition, sellers who list early may even see a higher sale price.

Feel free to DM me or comment below — let’s work together to create your game plan and explore if selling soon(er) might be the right move for you.

Just moved in? Here’s how to quickly fall in love with your new neighborhood:

1) Host a housewarming and invite neighbors over for drinks and appetizers.

2) Get involved. Attend local town hall meetings to listen and learn the latest news and happenings.

3) Explore meetup.com for local interest groups. Shared hobbies are a fantastic way to connect.

4) Peruse a local farmers market to support local businesses and take in the community vibe.

5) Join your area’s association. Most neighborhoods have an association. Join yours to get involved and meet neighbors!

6) Take after-dinner strolls. Explore the neighborhood by going on leisurely walks at a time when most of your neighbors are home. It’s a great way to discover hidden gems and meet fellow residents.

What’s the best way for new neighbors to settle in? Share your thoughts and what’s worked for you below.

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This great home in Fort Worth, TX is officially LEASED! 🥳 Thank you to my amazing clients for trusting me to help them with their lease. I am so excited for them to start their lives in this new home!

Ever wondered about the various factors influencing your home’s worth? Here’s a quick rundown:

1) Proximity to amenities, schools, and transportation.

2) Square footage and the number of bedrooms and bathrooms.

3) Age and condition.

4) Recent sales prices of similar homes in your area.

5) The current state of the local property market.

6) Special features, home upgrades, and construction quality.

7) Local factors like employment rates and overall economic health.

8) The number of homes available vs. buyers.

Want to know what your home is worth in today’s market? DM me your address and email, and I’ll send you a Comprehensive Market Analysis specific to your home.

Just moved in? Here’s how to quickly fall in love with your new neighborhood:

1) Host a housewarming and invite neighbors over for drinks and appetizers.

2) Get involved. Attend local town hall meetings to listen and learn the latest news and happenings.

3) Explore meetup.com for local interest groups. Shared hobbies are a fantastic way to connect.

4) Peruse a local farmers market to support local businesses and take in the community vibe.

5) Join your area’s association. Most neighborhoods have an association. Join yours to get involved and meet neighbors!

6) Take after-dinner strolls. Explore the neighborhood by going on leisurely walks at a time when most of your neighbors are home. It’s a great way to discover hidden gems and meet fellow residents.

What’s the best way for new neighbors to settle in? Share your thoughts and what’s worked for you below.

This gorgeous house in McKinney, TX is officially SOLD!! 🏡🤩

It was so great helping my first-time home buyer clients and I am excited for them to start their life in this beautiful home!!  If you have questions about buying or selling, shoot me a DM—I’d love to chat! 📲☺️

IT’S CLOSING DAY!!!! I am beyond excited for these amazing friends and clients for purchasing their first home!🏡 Congratulations Lauren and Brady!! 🎉 🤩

Happy New Year! 🥳 It's a great start to the year with my represented buyers going UNDER CONTRACT at this fantastic home in McKinney, TX! 🏡

I am so happy for these amazing friends and clients and can't wait to get them into their new home! 😄

Tired of drinking eggnog? HEARD! Shake things up this holiday season and try one of these festive refreshments instead! Follow these 3 recipes and be sure to dazzle ALL of your holiday guests!

Step aside, eggnog. There are new holiday bevies on the menu!

Enjoy, friends! And if you give it a try, come back and let me know what you think in the comments.

Who says staycations are reserved for summer? Dive into the holiday spirit with a winter staycation right here in Dallas:

• Visit a hotel that goes all out like The Ga***rd Texan Resort and The Adolphus Hotel
• Sip and savor holiday cocktails and cuisine at The Henry, Tipsy Elf, or Royal 38!
• Shop local and discover unique gifts at M'antiques, Scardello, or LaVie Style House.
• Take in the winter scenery by ice skating at the Galleria or driving around Highland Park to see Christmas lights!
• Leave plenty of time for soaking up the season's essence—quality time with loved ones.

How are you planning to revel in Dallas' festive offerings? Drop your plans in the comments and bookmark this post for holiday inspiration!🤩🎄

Halloween is knocking at the door, which means it's time to start planning your trick-or-treat adventures with your little ghosts and goblins. 👻🎃

Have fun and be safe this Halloween!

Settled into your new neighborhood but looking to make meaningful connections? ☺️

Two things I encourage you to keep in mind:

1) Don’t be shy!
2) Take this guide to heart.

Join local meetups/events: Explore your passions by joining clubs or attending events. From bookworms to sports enthusiasts, there's a group for everyone.

Visit community centers: Discover hidden talents and meet like-minded people at local centers offering fitness classes and workshops.

Support local businesses: Nurture community ties by becoming a regular at local shops and eateries. You'll quickly become a familiar face.

Join local Facebook groups: Stay in the loop with neighborhood news, events, and discussions. It's a virtual way to connect with your community.

Explore parks and trails: Enjoy the outdoors while meeting fellow nature lovers. Parks and trails are hubs for active individuals seeking connections.

Attend HOA meetings: If applicable, participate in Homeowners Association meetings. You’ll meet neighbors, make connections, and be able to shape your neighborhood.

Engage with schools: Connect with fellow parents and educators by participating in school activities, PTA meetings, or volunteering.

Host a meet-and-greet: Break the ice by hosting a casual gathering like a potluck or barbecue. It's a friendly way to introduce yourself and meet new folks.

Remember, building connections takes time, so say yes, initiate conversations, and take advantage of opportunities to meet others.

DFW is waiting to welcome you with open arms!

Buying and selling a home can conjure up some hair-raising situations. 👻

But just like anything, facing those fears head-on is key to keeping them in their place and you moving forward.

With that in mind, here are a few spooky scenarios and how I keep my clients calm, cool, and hardly breaking a sweat.

1) Buying and selling at the same time - No doubt it’s a balancing act, but things like bridge loans, leasebacks, and contingencies help facilitate the process.

2) Inspection surprises - Discovering hidden issues during an inspection does happen, but with my expertise and a team of dedicated local professionals at my back, we'll head off problems early on so you can steer clear of unsettling surprises.

3) Low appraisals - Low appraisals are nightmares for buyers and sellers, but second opinions, renegotiating the price, or making up the difference out of pocket can bail buyers out of hairy situations in no time.

4) Contingencies - Sometimes a buyer’s offer is contingent on the sale of their existing home. This can stall the sales process but have no fear, I’m well versed in contingencies and will guide you through.

5) Death by paperwork - Transaction paperwork can feel like a never-ending maze of forms and contracts, but I'll do the heavy lifting, and we'll breeze through it with ease.

6) Closing conundrums - The final stages of closing can be tense, with unexpected delays and last-minute expenses. The good news is I’ve seen it all and can smooth out the bumps to ensure a painless and panic-free closing.

Bought or sold a home and faced a nerve-wracking moment during the process? Share your experience or drop your questions below. ⬇️

Searching for the perfect mortgage but tired of the same old options? You're in the right place! 😊

Here are three lesser-known loan types that might be your ticket to homeownership.

1) FHA 203(k) Loan

Ever fallen in love with a fixer-upper but hesitated due to renovation costs? Say hello to the FHA 203(k) loan. This loan combines your home purchase and renovation budget into one convenient loan so you can transform the space into the home you've always wanted, all while securing a mortgage.

2. USDA Programs

Dreaming of a home in a quieter, more rural setting? USDA programs could be the answer. These loans offer special terms for eligible rural and suburban homebuyers, including no down payment requirements.

3. New Construction Programs

Have your eye on a new construction neighborhood? New Construction programs can help you build your dream home from the ground up. While some builders offer their own financing and incentives, you can also look into construction-to-permanent loans that allow you to fill out one application for both the construction and mortgage.

Keep in mind each loan type has its own criteria and benefits, so be sure to chat with a mortgage professional to determine the best fit for your next home.

If you’d like the names of a few lenders in our area who are experienced and trustworthy — send me a DM. I’d love to pass their info along to you! 📲

Is selling near the holidays a bad idea? 😱

Sellers ask me all the time if they should list their homes in November or December... or wait until after the holidays have come and gone.

It’s a great question and one you might be mulling over this fall. My answer always starts with, “It depends.” But is quickly followed by these pros and cons:

PROS TO SELLING DURING THE HOLIDAYS

• Less competition: Many homeowners hold off, so no doubt your home will stand out.
• Serious buyers: Holiday buyers are highly motivated, usually by job changes or life changes. They need a home — and they need it now.
• Feel-good ambiance: Holiday decor and a warm, inviting atmosphere help buyers fall in love with your home.
• Tax benefits: Some buyers likely want to close by the end of the year for the tax benefits.

CONS TO SELLING DURING THE HOLIDAYS

• Busy, busy, busy: Would-be buyers are busy (just like you!), so selling now might mean fewer showings.
• Decor dilemmas: Overly personalized holiday decorations could make it harder for buyers to imagine themselves in the space.
• Delayed transactions: Holiday closures, such as title companies or lenders, could potentially delay the process.
• Lowball offers: Some buyers might assume holiday sellers are desperate, leading to low offers.

Remember, whether you decide to wait or list now, a well-presented home and a strategic approach mean success in any season.

If you want to talk through your options to see what’s best for you this fall, reach out! That’s why I’m here.

Your home is more than four walls. 🏡

It's a treasure trove of opportunity and a tool for getting you where you want to be.

FACT: U.S. homeowners have an average of $274,000 in equity — equity that could be working for you in one of these three ways:

1) Renovate and renew. Has your kitchen been begging for an upgrade? Or does your living room need a modern twist? Your equity can foot the bill for those long-awaited renovations.

2) Move up without selling out. Found your dream home but don't want to say goodbye to your current property? That equity can open doors to a new home without parting ways with your current one. Plus, you can rent out your current home for an additional income stream. 💸

3) Long-term investing. Whether it's starting a business, funding your or your child’s education, or venturing into the world of investments, your home's equity is a potent resource.

Ready to make your equity work as hard as you do? I’d love to talk about your options and map out a strategy that fits your goals. Just reach out to get started! 📲

Source: Homeowner Equity Insights – Q1 2023 | CoreLogic®

Want to know what's making homes more affordable? 🏡 Step into my office...

If you're a first-time buyer, you'll be thrilled to hear that the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) is offering a special mortgage rate discount in 2023 to make homes more affordable.

To qualify, you need to be a first-time buyer, use a conventional 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, and earn an income at or below the typical household income for your area.

The best part? Eligible buyers can get mortgage rate discounts of up to 1.75 percentage points, which could translate to a 20% reduction in your monthly mortgage payments!

But here’s the thing — that’s not the only perk of being a first-time buyer.

There are other home buying assistance programs for those trying own homeownership for the first time.

The Conventional 97% Loan
This option is perfect for borrowers with a solid income who simply lack the funds for a large down payment. This program was brought to us by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

HomeReady® or Home Possible
These two sister programs from Fannie Mae are for low- to moderate income borrowers with fair credit scores, limited cash for down payments and hopes for reduced private mortgage insurance (PMI) rates.

Good Neighbor Next Door – if you're a teacher, first responder, or eligible healthcare professional, this program is for you! This initiative offers up to a 50% discount on homes in revitalization areas, allowing you to build equity on a tight budget.

Navigating all these programs can be tricky, which is why I'm here to support you every step of the way. So….let's chat!

Comment or DM me today to find out more about these programs and other little-known resources available in our community.

Together, let’s make your dream of homeownership a reality!

Source: Good Neighbor Next Door | HUD.gov / U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

14 First-Time Home Buyer Grants and Programs in 2023

Want to know what's making homes more affordable? Step into my office...

If you're a first-time buyer, you'll be thrilled to hear that the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) is offering a special mortgage rate discount in 2023 to make homes more affordable.

To qualify, you need to be a first-time buyer, use a conventional 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, and earn an income at or below the typical household income for your area.

The best part? Eligible buyers can get mortgage rate discounts of up to 1.75 percentage points, which could translate to a 20% reduction in your monthly mortgage payments!

But here’s the thing — that’s not the only perk of being a first-time buyer.

There are other home buying assistance programs for those trying own homeownership for the first time.

The Conventional 97% Loan
This option is perfect for borrowers with a solid income who simply lack the funds for a large down payment. This program was brought to us by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

HomeReady® or Home Possible
These two sister programs from Fannie Mae are for low- to moderate income borrowers with fair credit scores, limited cash for down payments and hopes for reduced private mortgage insurance (PMI) rates.

Good Neighbor Next Door – if you're a teacher, first responder, or eligible healthcare professional, this program is for you! This initiative offers up to a 50% discount on homes in revitalization areas, allowing you to build equity on a tight budget.

Navigating all these programs can be tricky, which is why I'm here to support you every step of the way. So….let's chat!

Comment or DM me today to find out more about these programs and other little-known resources available in our community.

Together, let’s make your dream of homeownership a reality!

Source: Good Neighbor Next Door | HUD.gov / U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

14 First-Time Home Buyer Grants and Programs in 2023

In a perfect world, buying and selling simultaneously would go just according to schedule⌚️

The reality is it doesn't always pan out as nice and timely as you would like.

Thankfully, there are a few tricks and strategies you can utilize to smooth out any wrinkles in the plan ✅

1) Leasebacks - Leasebacks allow you to sell your home and then rent it back temporarily from the new owner. It buys you time to find and close on your dream home without rushing or having to move twice.

2) Bridge loans - This type of loan acts as a temporary financing solution, bridging the financial gap between selling your current home and purchasing a new one. They often involve two phases.

Phase 1 - You may not have to make monthly payments on your new home, but interest accrues.

Phase 2 - Once your current home sells, you use the proceeds to pay off the bridge loan, including accrued interest.

Keep in mind a bridge loan can free you from the contingency of selling your current home before buying a new one. Translation? You get a competitive edge in a hot real estate market where homes are snatched up quickly.

If you’re planning to buy and sell at the same time, here are a few more dos and don'ts:

• Sync your closing dates as best as you can.
• Have a backup plan for where you’ll go if the timing doesn't perfectly align. Investigate the strategies mentioned above.
• Communicate often with your real estate team. No question or concern is off-limits.
• Try not to let all the details get the best of you. Remember, this is temporary, and oh-so-soon, you’ll be settled into your new home.

Want to Learn More About Buying & Selling? Message me for a free copy of my “buying & selling simultaneously” guide!