The Clark Group - Lifepoint Real Estate

Join us tomorrow, July 26th for Westerville's 4TH Friday event! We invite you to enjoy great food, live entertainment & festivities for the whole family at this wonderful local event. See you there!

NEW LISTING ALERT! This amazing Delaware home went UNDER CONTRACT today! View this wonderful home below and you'll understand why this home was snatched off the market.
Listing courtesy of Kristi Simpson of The Clark Group at LifePoint Real Estate.

156 N Franklin Street, Delaware, OH 43015 (MLS #224025568) :: LifePoint Real Estate Residential property for sale in Delaware,OH (MLS #224025568). Learn more from LifePoint Real Estate. Large kitchen overlooks the beautiful, secluded backyard.

Inflation is cooling – and that’s a good sign for mortgage rates.
Once the rate of inflation reaches the Fed's target of 2%, they may lower the Federal Funds Rate. When they do, mortgage rates are likely to respond.
But this isn't the only factor at play. For the latest updates on what’s happening, follow me.

How the Economy Impacts Mortgage Rates

As someone who’s thinking about buying or selling a home, you’re probably paying close attention to mortgage rates – and wondering what's ahead.

One thing that can affect mortgage rates is the Federal Funds Rate, which influences how much it costs banks to borrow money from each other. While the Federal Reserve (the Fed) doesn’t directly control mortgage rates, they do control the Federal Funds Rate.

The relationship between the two is why people have been watching closely to see when the Fed might lower the Federal Funds Rate. Whenever they do, that’ll put downward pressure on mortgage rates. The Fed meets next week, and three of the most important metrics they’ll look at as they make their decision are:

1. The Rate of Inflation
2. How Many Jobs the Economy Is Adding
3. The Unemployment Rate

What Does This Mean Moving Forward?

While mortgage rates are going to continue to be...

How the Economy Impacts Mortgage Rates As someone who’s thinking about buying or selling a home, you’re probably paying close attention to mortgage rates – and wondering what's ahead.

New trend alert.

The median price for new builds has dipped lower than the median for existing homes.

Plus, some builders are tossing in sweet perks like competitive mortgage rates and free upgrades.

So, if you aren’t already considering brand-new homes, it may be worth looking into. Drop a comment with your dream home feature, and let’s find your perfect fit together.

A Newly Built Home May Actually Be More Budget-Friendly

If you’re in the market to buy a home, there’s some exciting news for you.

Here are two key reasons working with your agent to look into new home construction could help you find a more budget-friendly option.

Reason 1: Lower Median Prices for Newly Built Homes

The median sales price for newly built homes is lower than the median sales price for existing homes today. This might seem surprising, but it’s true according to the latest data from the Census and the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

Why is that? Builders are focused on building what they can sell. And right now, there’s a very real need for smaller and more affordable homes – so that’s what they’ve been bringing to the market.

Reason 2: Attractive Incentives from Home Builders

Another big reason to consider a newly built home is the range of incentives that many home builders are offering...

A Newly Built Home May Actually Be More Budget-Friendly If you’re in the market to buy a home, there’s some exciting news for you.

Do high prices at the gas pump and grocery store have you worried more people are going to fall behind on their mortgage payments?

If you’re thinking that’ll lead to a surge of foreclosures, let this reassure you.

Serious delinquencies (loans that are 3 or more monthly payments past due) are on the decline – so there’s no wave of foreclosures on the horizon.

How Affordability and Remote Work Are Changing Where People Live

There’s an interesting trend happening in the housing market. People are increasingly moving to more affordable areas, and remote or hybrid work is helping them do it.

Consider Moving to a More Affordable Area

Today’s high mortgage rates combined with continually rising home prices mean it’s tough for a lot of people to afford a home right now. That’s why many interested buyers are moving to places where homes are less expensive, and the cost of living is lower.

If you’re hoping to buy a home soon, it might make sense to broaden your search area to include places where homes that fit your needs are more affordable. That’s what a lot of other people are doing right now to find a home within their budget.

Remote Work Opens Up More Home Options

If you work remotely or drive into the office only a few times each week, you have many more possibilities when...

How Affordability and Remote Work Are Changing Where People Live There’s an interesting trend happening in the housing market.

Having a hard time finding a place to call home in your budget?

Thousands of Americans are on the move in search of better affordability.

That’s because broadening where you're looking could help you find somewhere your money takes you a little further.

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 making a smart investment. Put simply, not all upgrades are...

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.

Looking to buy a home soon?

You’ll want to avoid common mistakes that’ll cost you time, frustration, and money. This includes things like putting off your pre-approval, holding out for perfection, and more.

And having a pro like me on your side is the best way to do that.

Have questions or need advice? Feel free to drop them below or DM me.

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.

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

Unlocking Homebuyer Opportunities in 2024

There’s no arguing this past year has been difficult for homebuyers. And if you’re someone who has started the process of searching for a home, maybe you put your search on hold because the challenges in today’s market felt like too much to tackle. You’re not alone in that. A Bright MLS study found some of the top reasons buyers paused their search in late 2023 and early 2024 were:

• They couldn’t find anything in their price range
• They didn’t have any successful offers or had difficulty competing
• They couldn’t find the right home

If any of these sound like why you stopped looking, here’s what you need to know. The housing market is in a transition in the second half of 2024. Here are four reasons why this may be your chance to jump back in.

1. The Supply of Homes for Sale Is Growing

2. There’s More New Home Construction

3. Less Buyer Competition

4. Home Prices...

Unlocking Homebuyer Opportunities in 2024 There’s no arguing this past year has been difficult for homebuyers.

Did you put off your home search because the market was too intense?

Here’s some good news: buyer demand is easing and inventory is growing. This means you may be able to avoid being in a multiple-offer scenario.

Want to learn more about the opportunities buyers have in the second half of this year? DM me.

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.

Thinking about buying a home? You want to consider everything from mortgage rates to your personal finances and goals.
My best advice: focus on what you can control and take the time to evaluate your situation.
These 4 questions can help you figure out if you’re ready.
If you want to have a conversation about how to prepare, send me a DM.

Wondering if the upcoming Presidential election will shake up the housing market?

Here's what you need to know. History shows home sales may slow down a bit in November, but they usually bounce back fast, prices keep climbing, and mortgage rates tend to dip a bit.

Overall, the impact is minor and short-lived. Have questions? Let's chat.

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 lender is a good first step. The pros can talk you through...

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.

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 inventory where they are today, buying a home that needs some...

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.

5787 Cali Glen Lane is officially UNDER CONTRACT! This beautiful home located in The Oaks at Highland Lakes did not last long, check it out below and you'll see why!
Listing courtesy of Amy Clark & Mallory Watson with The Clark Group at LifePoint Real Estate.

5787 Cali Glen Lane, Westerville, OH 43082 (MLS #224023648) :: LifePoint Real Estate Residential property for sale in Westerville,OH (MLS #224023648). Learn more from LifePoint Real Estate. WELCOME HOME! Gorgeous 5-Level Split Home Located in Desirable Oaks at Highland Lakes! Home Sits on 1/2 Acre Property w/ Pond & Wooded Views! Bright & Open First Floor w/ Hardwood Flooring.

7629 Elgin Trail Drive is officially SOLD to new owners! Congratulations to both parties involved in the sale of this tranquil Blacklick home!
Listing courtesy of Kristi Simpson with The Clark Group at LifePoint Real Estate.

7629 Elgin Trail Drive, Blacklick, OH 43004 (MLS #224018536) :: LifePoint Real Estate Residential property for sale in Blacklick,OH (MLS #224018536). Learn more from LifePoint Real Estate. Entry-level offers a spacious floor-plan with cathedral ceilings, office space, dining room and charmingly updated kitchen, half bath and master-suite! Kitchen opens to a beautiful patio and serene...