Cameron Anderson

Someone recently asked me if they need an agent to help them purchase a New Construction home. They also asked about build quality and overall experience with Toll Brothers, MainVue and TriPointe homes. Here is my response:

“Hello, I would say that in terms of quality, all of the builders mentioned are on the higher end and offer similar build quality. I have helped several clients purchase and negotiate terms with both Main Vue and Toll Brothers and I have to say that I like Main Vue build process slightly more than Toll Brothers. However, I do feel that Toll Brothers offers more floor plans to choose from and more upgrades options. In terms of needing an agent to help you purchase a new construction home. The truth is that not everyone NEEDS an agent, however, there are several key reasons why a lot of people Choose to have an agent on their team. Reason ☝️One: One of the biggest reasons is reviewing and negotiating builder contracts. You see, builders pay expensive attorneys to draft contracts that are heavily weighted in favor of the builder. Sometimes there are terms, restrictions, fees, and other dialogue that can be misleading or difficult to understand. As a Realtor and New construction broker, it is my duty to understand and be able to catch these tricky terms translate them for you. Reason ✌️ Two: Builder credits- the builders will almost Never tell you this, but sometimes you can get extra special incentives or builder credits simply by having your agent ask for them(not every situation, this is a case by case basis) Reason 3️⃣ Three: builder owned mortgage companies-often a builder will incentivize potential buyers with flashy offers when it comes to financing terms and credits, if you use their own mortgage company. As an agent, I know and have seen some people get taken advantage of when they choose to work with a builder loan company(not all builder owned mortgage companies, it’s on a case by case basis). The reason the builder can offer a “rate buydown” or “builder credit” is because they know, all that money is coming back to them and more. They build it into fees, or into the home, or restrict you to using the credit for upgrades on the home. They want you to use their loan companies because they make More Money!
Reason 🍀 Four: The agents who sit the model homes are mostly great people, but make no mistake, they work for the builder, they get their check from the builder, they get their bonuses from selling homes from the builder and they have a legal obligation to represent the builder’s interests. They might act friendly and helpful and provide you information, but they do not work for the buyer, they do not represent the buyer, they have no legal duty or obligation to the buyer. So you need to understand, if there are any issues with a particular parcel of land, or material defects, or building delays, or issues with the home or the community, they will not disclose unless they must by law. For ALL these reasons and more, it is a very wise decision to work with an agent who is familiar with different builders, familiar with their contracts, familiar with the different build processes and materials used in their homes. An agent who really KNOWS New Construction and the New Construction game. Anyone is welcome to message me for a Free New Construction consultation. No Obligation to work with me. I can provide you even more knowledge and understanding when it comes to New Construction. FYI my family owns a Construction company in Sequim, WA. I worked at the company for 4 years. I grew up around custom homes and new construction my whole life. My knowledge and expertise comes from real world experiences. 🎤 drop.”

Today’s housing market is very different from the housing bust in 2008. Back then, there were a lot of distressed sales that led to a major drop in home prices. That’s not happening now. Want to learn more about the current market and how it’s different from 2008? Reach out to me today.

An Expert Gives You Clarity in Today’s Housing Market

The housing market has been going through shifts lately. That’s why it’s so important to work with an industry professional who can be your guide throughout the process.

A real estate expert uses their knowledge of what’s really happening with home prices, housing supply, expert projections, and more to give you the best advice. Someone who can provide clarity like that is critical right now.

Unfortunately, when information in the media isn’t clear, it can generate a lot of fear and uncertainty in the market. As Jason Lewris, Co-Founder and Chief Data Officer at Parcl, says:

“In the absence of trustworthy, up-to-date information, real estate decisions are increasingly being driven by fear, uncertainty, and doubt.”
But it doesn’t have to be that way. Buying a home is a big decision, and it should be one you feel confident making...

An Expert Gives You Clarity in Today’s Housing Market The housing market has been going through shifts lately.

When thinking about where you’ll go after you sell your house, consider the benefits of both newly built homes as well as existing ones. Let’s chat today about the options in our market and what’s right for you.

Leverage Your Equity When You Sell Your House

One of the benefits of being a homeowner is that you build equity over time. By selling your house, that equity can be used toward purchasing your next home.

Bankrate explains it like this:

“Home equity is the portion of your home you’ve paid off – in other words, your stake in the property as opposed to the lender’s. In practical terms, home equity is the appraised value of your home minus any outstanding mortgage and loan balances.”

>>Majority of Americans Have a Large Amount of Equity
If you’ve owned your home for a while, you’ve likely built up some equity – and you may not even realize how much. Based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau and ATTOM, the majority of Americans have a substantial amount of equity right now.

And having such large amounts of equity is a benefit to homeowners in more ways than one. “Record levels of home equity...

Leverage Your Equity When You Sell Your House One of the benefits of being a homeowner is that you build equity over time. 

Owning a home is a major way to build wealth. That’s why housing makes up a critical piece of someone’s net worth. DM me to talk about the value of investing in homeownership today.

Buying a Home May Make More Sense Than Renting [INFOGRAPHIC]

If you’re trying to decide whether to rent or buy a home, there are a few things you should consider. Homeownership can help you escape the cycle of rising rents, builds your wealth, and serves as a hedge against inflation. If you’re ready to take advantage of the benefits of homeownership, DM me to explore your options.

Buying a Home May Make More Sense Than Renting [INFOGRAPHIC] Some HighlightsIf you’re trying to decide whether to rent or buy a home, there are a few things you should consider.Homeownership can help you escape the cycle of rising rents, builds your wealth, and serves as a hedge against inflation.

4 Tips for Making Your Best Offer on a Home

Are you planning to buy a home this spring? When you find the home you want to buy, remember these four tips to make your best offer.

>>1. Lean on a Real Estate Professional

Rely on an agent who can support your goals. Agents are local market experts. They know what’s worked for other buyers in your area and what sellers may be looking for in an offer. It may seem simple, but catering to what a seller needs can help your offer stand out.

>> 2. Know Your Budget
Understanding your budget is especially important right now. The best way to understand your numbers is to work with a lender so you can get pre-approved for a loan. It helps you be more financially confident, and it shows sellers you’re serious. That can give you a competitive edge.

>>3. Think Through Everything Before Making an Offer
Today’s market isn’t moving at the record pace it did during the...

4 Tips for Making Your Best Offer on a Home Are you planning to buy a home this spring?

There are clear financial benefits to downsizing. When you move to a smaller home, you may be able to lower your bills and improve your bottom line. Want to look into your downsizing options? Reach out to me today.

2 Things Sellers Need To Know This Spring

A lot has changed over the past year, and you might be wondering what’s in store for the spring housing market. If you’re planning to sell your house this season, here’s what real estate experts are saying you should keep in mind.
>> 1. Houses That Are Priced Right Are Still Selling
Houses that are updated and priced at their current market value are still selling. Jeff Tucker, Senior Economist at Zillow, says:
“. . . sellers who price and market their home competitively shouldn’t have a problem finding a buyer.”
The need to price your house right is so important today because the market has changed so much over the past year. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at realtor.com, explains:
“With a smaller pool of buyers today and more competition from other homes on the market, homesellers will likely need to adjust their price expectations in the market this...

2 Things Sellers Need To Know This Spring A lot has changed over the past year, and you might be wondering what’s in store for the spring housing market. 

Historically, whenever the economy has slowed down, mortgage rates have fallen. While the past can’t predict the future, we can certainly learn from it. If you’re thinking about making a move this year, let’s talk about your goals.

Could a Multigenerational Home Be the Right Fit for You?

During the pandemic, many of us reexamined the meaning of home for ourselves and our loved ones. Today, that can be seen in the recent rise in multigenerational households. According to Jessica Lautz, Deputy Chief Economist and Vice President of Economic Research at the National Association of Realtors (NAR):

“Multi-generational buying may be a home where families live in the same home with elderly parents, children who have boomeranged back home, or other extended family members. While this is not a new concept of living, it is one which has gained recent popularity.”

And citing data from Pew Research Center, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) says:

“. . . multigenerational living has made a comeback in recent years, particularly after the 2008 financial crisis and during the pandemic.”

So, if buying a multigenerational home has crossed...

Could a Multigenerational Home Be the Right Fit for You? During the pandemic, many of us reexamined the meaning of home for ourselves and our loved ones. 

There are plenty of great reasons to own a home. A major one is that it allows you to accumulate wealth. As the largest asset for most homeowners, housing is a major factor in building your net worth. Let’s chat about your homeownership goals today.

Is It Really Better To Rent Than To Own a Home Right Now?

You may have seen reports in the news recently saying it’s better to rent right now than it is to own your home. But before you let that impact your decisions, you should understand what these claims are based on.

A lot of the time, these reports are assuming things that aren’t realistic for the average household. For example, the methodology behind one of those reports says that renting is the smarter financial option because of the opportunity to invest money elsewhere. It assumes renters take the money they’d spend on costs tied to buying a home and put it in an investment portfolio.

But here’s the thing – most people who rent aren’t making those investments. Ken Johnson, Co-Author of the BH&J National Price-to-Rent Index, explains:

“One of the difficulties with the rent and reinvest model is many people . . . simply rent and...

Is It Really Better To Rent Than To Own a Home Right Now? You may have seen reports in the news recently saying it’s better to rent right now than it is to own your home. But before you let that impact your decisions, you should understand what these claims are based on.

In today’s market, the way you price and market your house makes all the difference when you sell. DM me today to get expert advice on selling your house this spring.

Where Will You Go After You Sell Your House? [INFOGRAPHIC]

If you’re thinking of selling your house, be sure to explore all the options you have for your next home. Both newly built homes and existing homes offer plenty of unique benefits. If you have questions about the options in our area, DM me and let’s discuss what’s available and what’s right for you.

Where Will You Go After You Sell Your House? [INFOGRAPHIC] Some Highlights If you’re thinking of selling your house, be sure to explore all the options you have for your next home. Both newly built homes and existing homes offer plenty of unique benefits.

Equity Gains for Today’s Homeowners

Today’s homeowners are sitting on significant equity, even as home price appreciation has eased recently. If you’re a homeowner, your net worth got a boost over the past few years thanks to rising home prices. Here’s what it means for you, even as the market moderates.

>>How Equity Has Grown in Recent Years

Because of the imbalance between how many homes were for sale and the number of homebuyers in the market over the past few years, home prices appreciated substantially.

And while price appreciation has slowed this year, that doesn’t mean you’ve lost all the equity in your home. In fact, the latest Homeowner Equity Insights report from CoreLogic finds the average homeowner’s equity has grown by $34,300 over the past year alone.

And if you’ve been in your home longer than that, chances are you have even more equity than you realize.

>>Why This Is...

Equity Gains for Today’s Homeowners Today’s homeowners are sitting on significant equity, even as home price appreciation has eased recently. If you’re a homeowner, your net worth got a boost over the past few years thanks to rising home prices. Here’s what it means for you, even as the market moderates.

Once you decide to sell your house, you probably want to maximize your earning potential and you want the process to go quickly. Small projects that boost your home’s curb appeal don’t require a lot of time or money, but they can make a difference with buyers. Let’s chat about what you can do that will provide the best return on your investment.

An Expert Makes All the Difference When You Sell Your House

If you’re thinking of selling your house, it’s important to work with someone who understands how the market is changing and what it means for you.

>>1. They’re Experts on Market Trends

An expert real estate advisor knows about national trends and your local area too. More importantly, they’ll give insight to what all of this means for you, so they’ll be able to help you make a decision based on trustworthy, data-bound information.

>>2. A Local Professional Knows How To Set the Right Price for Your Home

Real estate professionals look at a variety of factors, like the condition of your home and any upgrades you’ve made, with an unbiased eye. They compare your house to recently sold homes in your area to find the best price for today’s market so your house sells quickly.

>>3. A Real Estate Advisor Helps Maximize Your Pool of...

An Expert Makes All the Difference When You Sell Your House If you’re thinking of selling your house, it’s important to work with someone who understands how the market is changing and what it means for you. Here are five reasons working with a professional can ensure you’ll get the most out of your sale.

One of the major benefits of owning a home is building . Over the past few years, homeowners have gained record amounts of equity, which gives them greater financial security. Want to know how much equity you have in your home and how you can leverage it? Reach out to me today.

What You Should Know About Rising Mortgage Rates

After steadily falling over the winter, mortgage rates have started to rise in recent weeks. This is concerning to some potential homebuyers as the combination of higher mortgage rates and higher prices have made homes less affordable. If you’re planning to purchase a home this year, you too may be wondering if now’s the right time to buy or if you should hold off on your search until rates come back down.

The recent uptick in rates has been driven by what’s happening with inflation. Joel Kan, Vice President and Deputy Chief Economist at the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), explains:

“Mortgage rates increased across the board last week, pushed higher by market expectations that inflation will persist, thus requiring the Federal Reserve to keep monetary policy restrictive for a longer time.”

>>Advice for Home Shoppers

If you’re thinking about pausing...

What You Should Know About Rising Mortgage Rates After steadily falling over the winter, mortgage rates have started to rise in recent weeks. This is concerning to some potential homebuyers as the combination of higher mortgage rates and higher prices have made homes less affordable. So, if you’re planning to purchase a home this year, you too m...

In today’s housing market, there are more people who want to buy a home than there are houses for sale. While inventory is up from last year, it’s still below pre-pandemic levels – meaning it’s still a sellers’ market. If you want to take advantage of this sweet spot, let’s connect today.

One Major Benefit of Investing in a Home

One of the many reasons to buy a home is that it’s a major way to build wealth and gain financial stability. According to Freddie Mac:

“Building equity through your monthly principal payments and appreciation is a critical part of homeownership that can help you create financial stability.”

With spring approaching, now’s a great time to consider if buying a home makes sense for you. The best way to figure that out is to talk with a trusted real estate professional.

>>The Largest Part of Most Homeowners’ Net Worth Is Their Equity

You may be surprised to learn just how much of a homeowner’s net worth actually comes from owning their home. Scholastica Gay Cororaton, Research Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), shares:

“Homeownership is the largest source of wealth among families, with the median value of a primary residence worth about...

One Major Benefit of Investing in a Home One of the many reasons to buy a home is that it’s a major way to build wealth and gain financial stability. According to Freddie Mac:

A homeowner’s net worth is 40X greater than that of a renter. You’re missing out on that wealth generation when you’re stuck renting. DM me today if you’re ready to build wealth through homeownership.

Checklist for Selling Your House This Spring [INFOGRAPHIC]

As you get ready to sell your house, there are specific things you can add to your to-do list. These include decluttering, taking down personal photos and items, and power washing outdoor surfaces. DM me so you have advice on what you may want to do to get your house ready to sell this season.

Checklist for Selling Your House This Spring [INFOGRAPHIC] Some Highlights As you get ready to sell your house, there are specific things you can add to your to-do list. These include decluttering, taking down personal photos and items, and power washing outdoor surfaces.

How To Make Your Dream of Homeownership a Reality

According to a recent Harris Poll survey, 8 in 10 Americans say buying a home is a priority, and 28 million Americans actually plan to buy within the next 12 months. Homeownership provides many financial and nonfinancial benefits, so that interest is understandable.

If you’re aiming to buy a home, here’s what you need to know to accomplish that goal.

>>Save for Your Down Payment

Your down payment is a big chunk of what you pay up front for your home. For most home purchases, buyers put down some amount of cash up front and then take out a loan to pay for the rest.
It’s a longstanding myth that you need to pay 20% of the purchase price for your down payment. In reality, 20% down isn’t always required. Regardless of how much money you can save for your down payment, know there’s help available. A local lender can show you options to help you get...

How To Make Your Dream of Homeownership a Reality According to a recent Harris Poll survey, 8 in 10 Americans say buying a home is a priority, and 28 million Americans actually plan to buy within the next 12 months. Homeownership provides many financial and nonfinancial benefits, so that interest is understandable.