Pete Sambets, Associate Broker - Rockland County Real Estate

The Biggest Mistakes Homebuyers Are Making Right Now

Want to know the biggest mistakes homebuyers are making today? They include everything from putting off pre-approval for too long, holding out for the perfect home, buying more than they can afford, and skipping out on hiring a pro. Let’s connect to make sure you have a pro on your side who can help you avoid these mistakes.



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The Biggest Mistakes Homebuyers Are Making Right Now Want to know the biggest mistakes homebuyers are making today?

Trying to get your house ready to list?

If your home is between 20-39 years old, it’s entering the prime remodeling years. And to make sure it shows well and appeals to today’s buyers, you may need to tackle some strategic updates.

Have a project on your mind but you’re wondering if it’s worth the time and money?

Comment below and I’ll help you prioritize your to-do list.



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Why Fixing Up Your House Can Help It Sell Faster

If you’re thinking about selling your house, you should know there are buyers who are ready and able to pay today’s high prices. But they want a home that’s move-in ready.

It makes sense when you think about it. They’re having to pay a lot of money for a house in today’s market. That means they may not be able to easily afford upgrades after they move in. So, if your home is outdated or needs some work, buyers might pass it by or offer a lower price than you were hoping for.

If your house falls into this category, it's important to consider making selective updates to help it appeal to buyers, so it sells faster. But how do you know where to spend your time and money?

Why You Need a Real Estate Agent

By working with a local real estate agent to be strategic about the improvements you make, you can be sure you’re...



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Why Fixing Up Your House Can Help It Sell Faster If you’re thinking about selling your house, you should know there are buyers who are ready and able to pay today’s high prices.

How To Determine if You’re Ready To Buy a Home

If you’re trying to decide if you’re ready to buy a home, there’s probably a lot on your mind. Instead of trying to time the market, focus on what you can control. Here are a few questions that can give you clarity on whether you’re ready to make your move.

1. Do You Have a Stable Job?

One thing to consider is how stable you feel your employment is.

2. Have You Figured Out What You Can Afford?

If you have reliable paychecks coming in, the next thing to figure out is what you can afford.

3. Do You Have an Emergency Fund?

Another key factor is whether you’ll have enough cash leftover in case of an emergency.

4. How Long Do You Plan To Live There?

5. Above all else, the most important question to answer is: do you have a team of real estate professionals in place?

If not, finding a trusted local agent and a...



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How To Determine if You’re Ready To Buy a Home If you’re trying to decide if you’re ready to buy a home, there’s probably a lot on your mind.

Choosing the right agent is a big deal.
One key thing to look for? A local real estate expert.
You want to find someone who knows the area like the back of their hand, including where you're most likely to find the home you're looking for.
It can make a world of difference in your homebuying journey.



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Ready to retire? Downsizing can simplify your life.
From less maintenance to financial savings, there are many perks to opting for a smaller home.
Plus, your equity can help make it happen.
Ready for the next step? Let’s chat and explore your options.



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How Do Presidential Elections Impact the Housing Market?

Are you wondering if the upcoming election will have an impact on the housing market? Here’s what history tells us you need to know if you’re considering a move. Data shows home sales slow in November but quickly bounce back and rise the following year. Prices usually keep climbing. And mortgage rates typically come down slightly. Presidential elections have only a small and temporary impact on the housing market. If you have questions, let’s connect.



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How Do Presidential Elections Impact the Housing Market? Are you wondering if the upcoming election will have an impact on the housing market?

Searching for that perfect home?

You should know, that no house is ever truly perfect. There’s always going to be something you’d like to change.

It’s time to consider the potential instead of holding out for perfection.

A house that needs a little elbow grease could be a hidden gem.

With an open mind and an expert guide, we’ll find the right home for you.



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The Price of Perfection: Don’t Wait for the Perfect Home

In life, patience is a virtue – but in the world of homebuying, waiting too long in hopes of finding the perfect home actually isn't wise. That’s because the pursuit of perfection comes at a cost. And in this case, that cost may be delaying your dream of homeownership.

The Cost of Holding Out for Perfection

Nothing in life is ever perfect – and that's true when you search for a home too. Unless you’re building a brand-new home from the ground up, chances are there are going to be some features or finishes you wouldn’t have picked yourself.

But here’s the trade-off you'd be making without even realizing it. In all that time you’d spend searching for the perfect place, you’d overlook a lot of homes that would’ve worked for you.

It’s Time To Redefine Perfection

Especially with affordability and...



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The Price of Perfection: Don’t Wait for the Perfect Home In life, patience is a virtue – but in the world of homebuying, waiting too long in hopes of finding the perfect home actually isn't wise.

Thinking of selling? You can’t just pick any price.

With moderating demand and a growing number of homes for sale, your asking price matters even more right now.

Buyers have more options, and they’re not going to look at a home that’s overpriced.

Want to price your house so it stands out and avoids a price cut? With my local market expertise, we can find the right price.



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Not a Crash: 3 Graphs That Show How Today’s Inventory Differs from 2008

Even if you didn't own a home at the time, you probably remember the housing crisis in 2008. That crash impacted the lives of countless people, and many now live with the worry that something like that could happen again. But rest easy, because things are different than they were back then.

Homeowners Deciding To Sell Their Houses

Although the supply of existing (previously owned) homes is up compared to this time last year, it’s still low overall. And while this varies by local market, nationally, the current months’ supply is well below the norm, and even further below what we saw during the crash.

New Home Construction

People are also talking a lot about what's going on with newly built houses these days, and that might make you wonder if homebuilders are overdoing it. Even though new...



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Not a Crash: 3 Graphs That Show How Today’s Inventory Differs from 2008 Even if you didn't own a home at the time, you probably remember the housing crisis in 2008.

Homeowners Gained $28K in Equity over the Past Year

If you own a home, your net worth has probably gone up a lot over the past year. Home prices have been rising, which means you're building equity much faster than you might think. Here’s how it works.

Equity is the current value of your home minus what you owe on the loan.
Over the past year, there have still been more people wanting to buy than there are homes available for sale, and that’s pushed prices up. That rise in prices has translated directly into increasing equity for homeowners.
How Much Equity Have You Earned over the Past 12 Months?

According to the latest Homeowner Equity Insights from CoreLogic, the average homeowner's equity has grown by $28,000 in the last year alone.

What If You Bought Your House Before the Pandemic?

If you bought your house before the pandemic, the equity news is...



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Homeowners Gained $28K in Equity over the Past Year If you own a home, your net worth has probably gone up a lot over the past year.

Things To Avoid After Applying for a Mortgage [INFOGRAPHIC]

There are a few key things you’ll want to avoid after applying for a mortgage to make sure you’re in the best position when you get to the closing table. Don’t change bank accounts, apply for new credit, make any large purchases or transfers, and don’t co-sign loans for anyone. Here’s a good rule of thumb. Always connect with your loan officer before making any financial decisions once you’ve started the mortgage process.



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Things To Avoid After Applying for a Mortgage [INFOGRAPHIC] There are a few key things you’ll want to avoid after applying for a mortgage to make sure you’re in the best position when you get to the closing table.

Buying a home? Don't skip the inspection.

It protects your financial interest and helps you understand the home's condition. If issues arise – like an old roof or HVAC repairs – your agent has your back.

They can help you negotiate repairs with the seller so you can feel confident about buying your home.



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The Difference Between an Inspection and an Appraisal

When you decide to buy your first home, you may come across a number of terms and conditions you’re not familiar with. While you may have a general idea of what an inspection is, maybe you’re not sure why you need one or how it’s different from an appraisal. To keep it simple, here’s an explainer of each one and what they mean for you as a homebuyer.

Home Inspection

Once you’re under contract on a home you’d like to buy, getting an inspection is a key part of the process. An inspection gives you a clear idea of the safety and overall condition of the home – which is important for such a big transaction.

And don’t worry – you don’t have to go through that process alone. Your real estate agent will be your advocate and negotiate with the seller for you.

Home Appraisal

While the inspection tells you about...



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The Difference Between an Inspection and an Appraisal When you decide to buy your first home, you may come across a number of terms and conditions you’re not familiar with.

Did you know?

Real estate has been voted the best long-term investment for 12 years straight.

That’s because history shows home values usually go up. And when that happens, it helps homeowners grow their net worth.

So, if you’re debating renting or buying, remember to factor this into your decision.

When you’re ready to start your homeownership journey, let's connect.



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If your house didn’t sell, it's natural to feel frustrated.
And when you’re ready, it’s worth it to take a look at what happened.
One thing to consider is the price.
Was it priced right? If not, that could’ve turned buyers away.
If you want someone’s help figuring out the right price or getting it back on the market with a fresh strategy, let's connect and make it happen.



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Housing Market Forecast for the 2nd Half of 2024 [INFOGRAPHIC]

Wondering what the second half of the year holds for the housing market? Here’s what expert forecasts say. Home prices are expected to climb moderately. Mortgage rates are forecast to come down slightly. And, home sales are projected to hold steady. If you have questions about what to expect for the rest of the year, DM me so we can have a conversation about what it means for you and your plans.



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Housing Market Forecast for the 2nd Half of 2024 [INFOGRAPHIC] Wondering what the second half of the year holds for the housing market? Here’s what expert forecasts say. 

Wondering what will happen with the housing market in the second half of the year?

According to the experts, home prices are set to climb moderately, mortgage rates might dip a little, and home sales are expected to stay steady.

Have questions about what this means for you? Let's chat about your plans.



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Have you heard? Inventory is growing.

And not all that growth is because more homeowners are putting their houses up for sale (new listings). It’s also that some homes are taking a bit longer to sell (active listings).

If you want to make sure your listing doesn’t stick around long enough to go stale, DM me to chat about the marketing strategies I’ll use to draw in more buyers.



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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...



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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.



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The Downsides of Selling Your House Without an Agent

Considering selling your house without an agent? You should know there are some serious downsides to handling it on your own. You’ll be missing out on marketing tools that draw in more buyers, pricing and market expertise, essential negotiation skills, in-depth knowledge of the fine print in contracts, and so much more. Don’t take all of this responsibility on. Instead, DM me so you have someone with the knowledge and experience you’ll need on your side.



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The Downsides of Selling Your House Without an Agent Considering selling your house without an agent? You should know there are some serious downsides to handling it on your own.

Thinking about selling your house without an agent?

You should know there are some major downsides.

You’d miss out on marketing tools, expert pricing, top-notch negotiation skills, and the know-how to handle all the fine print.

Why take on all that stress alone? Let’s chat and make sure you have the support you need.



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You can’t control what happens in the broader economy or how it impacts mortgage rates. But you can control the controllables.

And if you’re looking to buy a home, your credit score is one big area you could focus on.

A good score can help you secure the best rate possible – and that’s especially important today.



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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!



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What You Need To Know About Today’s Down Payment Programs

There's no denying it's gotten more challenging to buy a home, especially with today's mortgage rates and home price appreciation. And that may be one of the big reasons you’re eager to look into grants and assistance programs to see if there’s anything you qualify for that can help. But unfortunately, many homebuyers feel like they don’t know where to start.

A recent Bank of America Institute study asked prospective buyers where they lack confidence in the process and need more information. And this is what topped the list:

53% said they need help understanding homebuying grant programs.

So, here’s some information that can help you close that gap.

What Is Down Payment Assistance?

Contrary to what you may have heard, typically you don’t have to put 20% down unless it’s specified by your loan...



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What You Need To Know About Today’s Down Payment Programs There's no denying it's gotten more challenging to buy a home, especially with today's mortgage rates and home price appreciation.

Do Elections Impact the Housing Market?

The 2024 Presidential election is just months away. As someone who’s thinking about potentially buying or selling a home, you’re probably curious about what effect, if any, elections have on the housing market.

Home Sales

During the month of November, in years when the Presidential election takes place, there’s typically a slight slowdown in home sales. As Ali Wolf, Chief Economist at Zonda, explains: “Usually, home sales are unchanged compared to a non-election year with the exception being November. In an election year, November is slower than normal.”

Home Prices

What about home prices? Do they drop during election years? Not typically. As residential appraiser and housing analyst Ryan Lundquist puts it: “An election year doesn’t alter the price trend that is already happening in the market.”

Mortgage...



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Do Elections Impact the Housing Market? The 2024 Presidential election is just months away.

Considering selling your house on your own?
Here’s why teaming up with an agent can make the process smoother.
An agent knows the local market and how to set a competitive price that draws in buyers.
An agent will handle all the legal documents and ensure accuracy, reducing risks and delays.
Remember, a pro by your side can save you time, stress, and potential pitfalls.



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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...



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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.