Salome "Sally" Kvirikadze, Realtor in NJ

Focus on Time in the Market, Not Timing the Market

Should you buy a home now or should you wait? That’s a big question on many people’s minds today. And while what timing is right for you will depend on a lot of other personal factors, here’s something you may not have considered.

If you’re able to buy at today’s rates and prices, it may be better to focus on time in the market, rather than timing the market.

The Downside of Trying To Time the Market

Trying to time the market isn’t a good strategy because things can change. Here’s an example. For the better part of this year, projections have said mortgage rates will come down. And while experts agree that’s still what’s ahead, shifts in various market and economic factors have pushed back the timing of when that’ll happen.

The Advice You Need To Hear If You’re Ready and Able To Buy Now

Right now, you may be focused on what’s happening with mortgage rates...

Focus on Time in the Market, Not Timing the Market Should you buy a home now or should you wait?

Want to know what to expect from the housing market for the second half of the year?

Expert forecasts say:

Prices will keep rising, just at a slower pace.
Mortgage rates will come down slightly.
And sales will hold steady.

If you have questions about what’s ahead and want advice from a pro, I'm here to help.

Ready to plan your ultimate getaway?

Consider buying a vacation home to relax and enjoy the sun whenever you want.

From better weather to a gathering place for family and friends, many people are seeing the benefits of owning a second home.

Curious if it's right for you? Let’s chat!

What’s one of the top things today’s homebuyers say they need more information on?

It’s programs that can help with the upfront costs of buying a home.

There are over 2000 down payment programs available – and with how tight affordability still is, it’s worth seeing if there’s one that can help you.

Want to learn more? Connect with a trusted lender and local agent.

Worried About Mortgage Rates? Control the Controllables

Chances are you’re hearing a lot about mortgage rates right now. You may even see some headlines talking about last week’s Federal Reserve (the Fed) meeting and what it means for rates. But the Fed doesn’t determine mortgage rates, even if the headlines make it sound like they do.

The truth is, mortgage rates are impacted by a lot of factors: geo-political uncertainty, inflation and the economy, and more. And trying to pin down when all those factors will line up enough for rates to come down is tricky.

That’s why it’s generally not worth it to try to time the market. There’s too much at play that you can’t control. The best thing you can do is control the controllables.

And when it comes to rates, here’s what you can influence to make your moving plans a reality.

Your Credit Score

Credit scores can play a big role in your mortgage rate. That’s why it’s even...

Worried About Mortgage Rates? Control the Controllables Chances are you’re hearing a lot about mortgage rates right now.

With the Presidential election only months away, you may be wondering what impact that’ll have on the housing market.

Fortunately, the impact is usually small and temporary. History shows us the market remains strong during election years.

That's good news for you because it means this year's election shouldn't affect your move. If you want the data, shoot me a message.

Real Estate Is Still the Best Long-Term Investment [INFOGRAPHIC]

According to a recent poll from Gallup, real estate has been voted the best long-term investment for twelve straight years. That’s because a home is so much more just than a roof over your head. It’s also an asset that typically grows in value over time. If you’ve been debating if it makes more sense to rent or buy, DM me to talk about why homeownership can be a better bet in the long run.

Real Estate Is Still the Best Long-Term Investment [INFOGRAPHIC] According to a recent poll from Gallup, real estate has been voted the best long-term investment for twelve straight years.

Home Prices Aren’t Declining, But Headlines Might Make You Think They Are

If you’ve seen the news lately about home sellers slashing prices, it’s a great example of how headlines do more to terrify than clarify. Here’s what’s really happening with prices.

The key is knowing the difference between the asking price and the sold price.

Understanding Asking Price vs. Sold Price

In essence, the asking price, also known as a listing price, is the amount a seller hopes to get for their home when they list it. In reality, sellers can’t just put any price tag on their house and expect it to sell for top dollar.

Here’s the most important thing to note: Actual sold prices are still rising, and they’re expected to continue to do so at least over the next 5 years.

What Does This Mean for Home Prices?

So, while there's been an increase in price reductions recently, this doesn't mean overall home values are declining.

Why This...

Home Prices Aren’t Declining, But Headlines Might Make You Think They Are If you’ve seen the news lately about home sellers slashing prices, it’s a great example of how headlines do more to terrify than clarify.

Planning to buy your first home? It helps to start with a solid savings plan.

Set a budget, track your expenses, and focus on cutting down on any unnecessary spending. And, if you can automate your savings, that can go a long way to speeding up the process.

With the right strategies and planning, your dream home may be closer than you think.

Savings Strategies Every First-Time Homebuyer Needs To Know

If homeownership is on your goal sheet for your future, you’re probably working on your savings. And a big priority is making sure you’ve got a plan in place for things like your closing costs, down payment, and more.

Here are a few strategies that can help speed up that process.

Budget and Track Your Expenses: To start, create a detailed budget that tracks the money you’ve got coming in and the money going out. This’ll give you a better look at your finances as a whole.

Cut Down on Unnecessary Spending: Now that you have your budget sheet done and you know how you’re spending your money, look for any line items that aren’t absolutely essential. If you cut down on those, you can re-allocate that cash toward buying a home. Even the little things can add up.

Automate Your Savings: Once you know how much you want to set aside for your homebuying budget...

Savings Strategies Every First-Time Homebuyer Needs To Know If homeownership is on your goal sheet for your future, you’re probably working on your savings.

Thinking about buying a home? Consider the long-term wealth-building benefits.
Homeownership isn't just about having a place to live—it's a key to building wealth. As you pay off your mortgage, your equity grows, and any increase in your home's value adds to your net worth.
Just check out how home values have grown since 1991.

The Sweet Spot for Buying Luxury Homes

If you’ve been looking for a home at the high end of your market, but haven’t found the right one, you may have put your search on hold. But according to recent data, now may be the time to jump back in. Here’s why.

There Are More Luxury Homes To Choose From

What’s considered the top-end of the market, or a luxury home, will always vary by location. But generally speaking, they’re homes that are valued in the top 5% of any given market. According to a recent report from the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing, the selection of luxury homes is increasing.

There are considerably more single-family luxury homes available now than there were a year ago. In fact, there are even more than there were just a month ago. This means you should have a wider variety of top-of-the-line homes to choose from, each with unique features and styles.

Rising Luxury Home Prices Can Help You Build...

The Sweet Spot for Buying Luxury Homes If you’ve been looking for a home at the high-end of your market, but haven’t found the right one, you may have put your search on hold.

UNDER CONTRACT 🎉 in Howell, NJ!

I’m glad I get to work with such a great team. You all make every day a bit better. I am one of the Top 10 Individual Agents by Closed Volume for November 2023! 💫🏠🍾

💫 So happy for Paata and Nino who bought their first home! Enjoy your new home🏡 ! I am honored to have gotten this done for you. 😍❤️

💫 New beginnings. 💫 New memories. 💫New home.

Buying a 🏡 home is a big deal, so it's important to have the right team on your side. Your lender is one of those key players.

Before you sign on the dotted line, here are a few questions you should ask your lender before you buy a home:

1. What type of loan do you recommend for me?

2. Do I qualify for any down payment 💵 assistance programs?

3. What is the annual percentage rate % (APR)?

4. Can I lock in an interest rate % ?

5. What will my monthly payment 💵 be?

6. What will my closing costs 💰 be?

There are others, but this list is a great place to start. Feel free to save this post for later, or, even better, tag a friend who's starting their own home-buying journey!

As always, let me know if I can help in any way. That's why I'm here!

What if I told you there are 4 things ✔️ you could spend a little money 💰 on that would make your home sell faster and for more money 💵?

If I were selling my 🏡 home, I wouldn’t think twice about investing in these four places:

1) Deep cleaning service

2) Professional interior painter

3) Storage unit

4) Professional photographer + videographer

Ready to sell your home? Reach out today for a complimentary consult. I'd love to help you come up with a custom plan to sell your home quickly and for top dollar.

Today, here’s another one that hits closer to 🏠 home - What does your home design style say about you?

After all, our 🏠 homes are like a blank canvas. And the way we decorate (or not!) is a pretty honest window into our likes, dislikes, loves ❤️ and preferences.

With that in mind, I’m curious if these design styles and insights resonate with you:

✔️ Modern

✔️ Traditional

✔️ Eclectic

✔️ Farmhouse

✔️ Mid-century modern

Of course, these are just general trends — but I’m curious if they ring true for you. Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Waiting to buy a home until interest rates drop? Can I shoot straight with you? You *might* want to reconsider.

Let me explain.

While it's true that lower interest rates 📉 make it cheaper to borrow money, interest rates are just one factor that determine affordability.

Another is demand. When rates drop 📉, demand increases because more people can afford to buy. As a result, prices 💸 tend to inch upward as interest rates dip down.

In other words, if you wait to buy a home until interest rates drop, you may find you can't afford the home you want because prices 💵 have jumped even more.

If you're serious about buying, the best thing you can do is to talk to a trusted agent to discuss your options.

A good real estate agent can help you find a home that fits your budget and needs — regardless of what rates are doing.

Let me know if you want to talk more about navigating this market, I'm here to help you make the best decision for you and your family.

🛎️ New listing in 📍 K**b Hill Manalapan , NJ !!! 🛎️

2 bedrooms, 2 bathroom Condominium.

Country club living along the golf course packed with many amenities as golf pro shop, clubhouse, with onsite restaurant, banquet room for rental, tennis courts, basketball courts and outdoor in-ground pool.

🛑 For more details and private showings contact me at 📲 347-447-1139

❄️ Winter is coming in just a few short weeks. Are you ready? Is your 🏠 home ready?

If you're a homeowner 🏠 , it's important to take steps to prepare your home for the 🌧️ cold weather. By following a few simple tips, you can save yourself money and headaches down the road.

Follow these tips to prepare your home for winter:

1) Inspect your roof and gutters. Make sure there are no holes or leaks in your roof and that your gutters are clean and free of debris. Try using a telescoping gutter wand to keep the job quick and easy.
2) Check your heating system. Have your HVAC system inspected and cleaned by a qualified professional ahead of winter temperatures.
3) Check your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Make sure that they are working properly and that the batteries are fresh.
4) Insulate your home. Make sure your attic and walls are properly insulated. This will help to keep your home warm and reduce your energy bills.
5) Seal air leaks. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal any air leaks around your windows and doors.
6) Winterize your deck and patio. Protect patio furniture with weatherproof covers or, better yet, store it away in a garage or shed. If you have a wooden deck, apply a fresh coat of sealant.
7) Plan for power outages. Make sure your emergency supplies are accessible and that you have a way to heat the house and prepare food without electricity.

As a long-time resident, I know the challenges our homes face when temperatures drop. So feel free to give me a 📲 call, text, or DM me if you have questions about winterizing your home - that’s why I’m here!

🛎️ New listing in 📍 Manalapan, NJ !!! 🛎️

Five bedrooms, 2.5 updated baths with 2 large family rooms. Nice sized office with huge window overlooking front yard, perfect for work-from-home buyers.

🛑 For more details and private showings contact me 📲 347-447-1139

Thinking about going the For Sale By Owner (FSBO) route?

Taking the FBSO path is the road less taken (just 10% of home sales in 2022), but here are five signs you might be ready.

1) Real estate know-how

2) Time and availability

3️) Marketing savvy

4) Negotiation skills

5) Legal know-how

While selling your home independently can be rewarding, it's not for everyone. If you're unsure about any of these signs, you need my complimentary For Sale By Owner Guide!

Whether you choose to go FSBO or partner with an agent, this guide will equip you with valuable insights, tips, and tricks to navigate the process successfully.

Comment below or DM me, and I'll get it over to you ASAP.

Far too often, even as recently as this month, I've noticed sellers making THIS costly mistake.

Against my gentle encouragement, they price their home too high just to 'see what happens.'

And almost always, I can tell you exactly what happens from there. (And it isn’t happily ever after).

Are you curious about your home's value this fall? Send me a DM with your address, and I'll pull together a complimentary CMA report. No obligations, just valuable insights to show you what your home's worth.

Finding the right home in a low-inventory market can be a challenge.

But when you partner with an agent who has seen the highs and lows of the industry, you can find a home that’s perfect for you — if you know where to look.

That’s why it’s such a benefit to team up with an agent who knows the local market. They can give you access to every home that meets your criteria, whether it be:

1) On Market

2️) Off-Market

3️) Expired Listings

A great agent will scour the city to find ALL the properties that may work for you.

If you’re interested in talking more about buying and seeing all your options, DM me or comment below. I’d love to connect with you.

I’m not going to sugarcoat it. Buying a home can be stressful.

But you can keep buying stress to a minimum if you keep these three things in mind.

1) Stick to your budget.

2) Lean on your agent.

3) Follow your instincts.

Stress doesn’t have to overshadow your excitement about buying a new home. Just remember these three things and save this post for later, or share it with someone you know who's buying a new home soon!