Susy Karlen - Delaware Realtor

Today’s Biggest Housing Market Myths

Have you ever heard the phrase: don’t believe everything you hear? There’s a lot of misinformation out there. And right now, making sure you have someone you can go to for trustworthy information is extra important.

1. I’ll Get a Better Deal Once Prices Crash

If you’ve heard home prices are going to come crashing down, it’s time to look at what’s actually happening. While prices vary by local market, there’s a lot of data out there from numerous sources that shows a crash is not going to happen. So, if you think waiting will score you a deal, know that data shows there’s not a crash on the horizon, and waiting isn’t going to pay off the way you’d hoped.

2. I Won’t Be Able To Find Anything To Buy

If this nagging fear about finding the right home if you move is still holding you back, you probably haven’t talked with an expert...



Susy Karlen, Real Estate Agent
C: (302)277-7786

Today’s Biggest Housing Market Myths Have you ever heard the phrase: don’t believe everything you hear?

Are you thinking about selling your home but not sure how much equity you have? I can’t stress enough its importance of knowing before listing your property.

But first, let’s scratch the surface of what equity is. Equity is the difference between the current value of your home and the amount you owe on your mortgage. Knowing how much equity you have can greatly impact your decision to sell.

One option is to use online tools or websites that provide estimated values based on recent sales in your area (my website provides such a tool).

Another option is to have a local real estate agent provide you with an equity analysis (I provide equity analysis).

But why does equity matter when selling your home? Well, for one, it can affect how much profit you make from the sale. The more equity you have, the higher your potential profits will be.

So, take some time to calculate your home's equity before making any decisions about selling. If you're not sure where to start, reach out today. Susy Karlen, C:(302)277-7786 O:(484)406-3004

Homeownership is wealth building for you and your family.
Ask me about the process of buying a home and let’s explore your options.

Susy Karlen, Real Estate Agent🏡
Foraker Realty
📲302.277.7786

Simple steps to build your credit Helpful tools and resources

Is Affordability Starting To Improve?

Over the past couple of years, a lot of people have had a hard time buying a home. And while affordability is still tight, there are signs it's getting a little better and might keep improving throughout the rest of the year. Here’s a look at the latest data on the three biggest factors affecting home affordability.

1. Mortgage Rates

Mortgage rates have been volatile this year, bouncing around from the mid 6% to low 7% range. But there's some good news. Data from Freddie Mac shows rates have been trending down overall since May. When rates decline, it's easier to afford the home you want because your monthly payment will be lower. Just don’t expect them to go back down to 3%.

2. Home Prices

The second big thing to think about is home prices. Nationally, they’re still going up this year, but not as fast as they did a couple of...



Susy Karlen, Real Estate Agent
C: (302)277-7786

Is Affordability Starting To Improve? Over the past couple of years, a lot of people have had a hard time buying a home.

Wondering what’s For Sale in Bear, DE?

Take a look, see something you like, call me and let’s take a look together. (302)277-7786

Homes for Sale - Susy Karlen - The Brian Foraker Team See all of our nearby houses for sale and property listings on Susy Karlen’s website. Start your home search here with open house and neighborhood info!

Browse new real estate properties and homes for sale in Susy Karlen’s websites!

View the latest available house listings! and then give me a call. C:(302)277-7786. O:(484)406-3004
*Can't wait to talk to you!

Real Estate - Susy Karlen - The Brian Foraker Team Browse new real estate properties and homes for sale in Susy Karlen’s websites! View the latest available house listings!

If you’re thinking about buying a home, there are 3 reasons you may want to make your move this fall.

1) Inventory is growing, giving you more options
2) Newly built homes may be more budget-friendly than you’d expect
3) Mortgage rates have come down from their peak last October

Want to talk about what this means for your move? DM me.



Susy Karlen, Real Estate Agent
C: (302)277-7786

What is my home worth? With Susy Karlen’s help, get a free market value estimate of your home's worth for free.

What's Your Home Really Worth? What is my home worth? With Susy Karlen’s help, get a free market value estimate of your home's worth for free.

What Credit Score Do You Really Need To Buy a House?

When you're thinking about buying a home, your credit score is one of the biggest pieces of the puzzle. Think of it like your financial report card that lenders look at when trying to figure out if you qualify, and which home loan will work best for you. As the Mortgage Report says:

"Good credit scores communicate to lenders that you have a track record for properly managing your debts. For this reason, the higher your score, the better your chances of qualifying for a mortgage."

The trouble is most buyers overestimate the minimum credit score they need to buy a home. According to a report from Fannie Mae, only 32% of consumers have a good idea of what lenders require. That means nearly 2 out of every 3 people don’t.

So, here’s a general ballpark to give you a rough idea. Experian says:

“The minimum credit score needed to buy...



Susy Karlen, Real Estate Agent
C: (302)277-7786

What Credit Score Do You Really Need To Buy a House? When you're thinking about buying a home, your credit score is one of the biggest pieces of the puzzle.

Are you team or team ?
As a real estate agent, I know the importance of having a functional space in your home. And with more people working remotely and prioritizing their health and fitness, the debate between a home gym or home office has become even more relevant.

Which one would you choose? A home gym to stay fit and healthy, or a home office for maximum productivity?

Share your thoughts in the comments below and let's see which option wins by majority vote!

Affordability has been a challenge for a while now.
There are three main factors that impact it: mortgage rates, home prices, and wages.
Here’s the good news. There are early signs that all three are starting to improve. Mortgage rates are coming down, home price growth is moderating, and wages are going up.
If you’re thinking about kicking off your search, DM me.



Susy Karlen, Real Estate Agent
C: (302)277-7786

Browse new real estate properties and homes for sale in Susy Karlen’s websites!

View the latest available house listings! and then give me a call. C:(302)277-7786 O:(484)406-3004
*Can't wait to talk to you!

Real Estate - Susy Karlen - The Brian Foraker Team Browse new real estate properties and homes for sale in Susy Karlen’s websites! View the latest available house listings!

Helpful Negotiation Tactics for Today’s Housing Market

If you haven’t already heard, homebuyers are regaining some negotiating power in today’s market. And while that doesn’t make this a buyer’s market, it does mean buyers may be able to ask for a little more. So, sellers need to be ready for that possibility and know what they’re willing to negotiate.

Whether you’re looking to buy or sell a house, here’s a quick rundown of potential negotiations that may pop up during your transaction. That way, you’re prepared no matter which side of the deal you’re on.

What Can You Negotiate?

Most things in a home purchase are on the negotiation table. Here’s a list of just a few of those options, according to Kiplinger and LendingTree:

• Sale Price
• Home Repairs
• Fixtures
• Closing Costs
• Home Warranties
• Closing Date

One thing is true whether you’re a buyer or a...



Call/Text:(813)240-7752
website www.SusyLovesDE.com

Helpful Negotiation Tactics for Today’s Housing Market If you haven’t already heard, homebuyers are regaining some negotiating power in today’s market.

Make the MOST out of your SUMMER!
There’s still time to create unforgettable memories with your loved ones. As a real estate agent, I understand the importance of finding the perfect home for your family, but also the value of enjoying quality time together.

Here are my top tips to make the most of these last days of summer:
1️⃣ Embrace outdoor activities: Go hiking, have a picnic, or soak up the sun at the beach while the weather is warm!
2️⃣ Plan a family getaway: Even a short weekend trip can create lasting memories and provide a refreshing break before school starts.
3️⃣ Host a backyard BBQ: Gather friends and family for good food and great company right in your own backyard.
4️⃣ Explore local events: Discover summer festivals and fairs in your community for fun activities suitable for all ages.
5️⃣ Take time to unwind: Amid all the excitement, remember to relax. Take a leisurely walk, enjoy a book outdoors, or simply savor the beautiful weather.
Ready to make the most of your summer?

Share your favorite activities or plans in the comments below! Don't let these last days slip away without taking advantage of all that summer has to offer.

REAL ESTATE TIP:
Stay Informed: Your FICO Score Matters!

Your FICO credit score plays a crucial role in achieving your real estate goals, whether you're buying or selling a property. Understanding the components of your FICO score can help you make informed decisions and secure better deals.

Here’s why it matters:
-Payment History: Timely payments boost your score.
-Credit Utilization: Keep balances low to show responsible credit use.
-Credit History Length: Longer histories improve your score.
-New Credit: Too many new accounts can negatively impact your score.
-Credit Mix: A variety of credit types can positively influence your score.

By staying informed and managing your credit wisely, you'll be better positioned for success in the real estate market. Ready to make your move? Know your score and how it affects your buying or selling power!

Hey Delaware, new home coming soon in Greenwood.
Give me a call for more information or to schedule your tour.

Susy Karlen
C: (302)277-7786

*can’t wait to talk to you!

📢 Coming Soon! 🏡✨
🌟 Welcome to your dream home in Greenwood, DE!

🏡 This charming 3 bed, 2 bath ranch, built in 2020, offers:

Modern living on a spacious 1.10-acre lot 🌳
An oversized detached garage, perfect for storage or a workshop 🔧
An open floor plan boasting a bright, airy ambiance ☀️
✨ This home provides the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Don’t miss out on this exceptional property!

🔜 Stay tuned for more details and the opportunity to make this dream home yours!

https://www.forakerrealty.com/listing-detail/1148734780/44_NICHOLAS_MILL_ST-Greenwood-DE?

Thinking about selling, but not sure where you’ll go?

The good news is the supply of newly built and existing homes for sale has grown this year. That gives you more options – each with their own perks.

So, which will you choose? A charming existing home or a shiny new build?

Let me know which features you’re looking for in your next home. Drop your answer below.



Call/Text:(813)240-7752
website www.SusyLovesDE.com

Right now, over 2/3 of homeowners have at least 50% equity in their homes.

And that much equity can go a long way toward buying a new place.

Curious about how much equity you have? I can walk you through a Professional Equity Assessment Report on your house. Drop a comment below if you’re interested.



Call/Text:(813)240-7752
website www.SusyLovesDE.com

3 Reasons Why We’re Not Headed for a Housing Crash

Back in 2008, there was an oversupply of homes for sale. Today, there’s an undersupply. The three main sources of inventory show this isn’t like the last time. Existing homes, new homes, and foreclosures are all way below the levels we saw during the housing crash. Inventory data shows there just aren’t enough homes available to have a repeat of what happened back in 2008.



Call/Text:(813)240-7752
website www.SusyLovesDE.com

3 Reasons Why We’re Not Headed for a Housing Crash Back in 2008, there was an oversupply of homes for sale.

(302)277-7786

Let’s GO! Give me a call and let’s started on your homeownership journey.

🎉 We are still celebrating the new low interest rates that our new homebuyers are cashing in on! 🌟

🏡 Our Welcome Home and Home Again programs are here to help make your dream of homeownership a reality. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a repeat buyer, we have options available to assist you.

Here are some program insights:

- Welcome Home: Available for first-time homebuyers with interest rates as low as 5.625%
- Home Again: Available for first-time and repeat homebuyers with interest rates as low as 6.75%
- Some products contain unassisted loans- no down payment or closing costs assistance but contain low interest rates
-Delaware Diamonds offers $10,000 in Down Payment and Closing cost assistance to Public or Private School employee, Hospital Employee (Bayhealth, Beebe, Nemours, St. Francis, The VA Hospital, Christiana Care), First Responder, Active Military, Veteran, or State Employee (including state corporations like OSHA). These funds are forgivable after 10 years*

All first mortgage products are available with down payment and closing costs assistance, if needed. Available loan products include:

-FHA, VA and USDA 30 year fixed-rate loans.
-Conventional 30-year fixed-rate loans.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to finally own your own home. Contact a participating lender today to get started on your application or visit our website for our top 10 lenders at www.KissYourLandlordGoodbye.com/lenders/.

Let's welcome you home! 🏠💙

This is what I’m talking about on my last reel/video!
Let’s GO!

Instant Reaction: Jobs, August 2, 2024
"Mortgage rates are plunging on the news of weak job growth and rising unemployment."
https://www.nar.realtor/blogs/economists-outlook/instant-reaction-jobs-august-2-2024

Research home values, real estate market trends, schools, community info, and homes for sale in Middletown. https://susykarlen.forakerrealty.com/d8r9j1hw

Why the Sandwich Generation Is Buying Multi-Generational Homes

Are you a part of the Sandwich Generation? According to Realtor.com, that’s a name for the roughly one in six Americans who take care of their children and their parents or grandparents at the same time.

If that sounds familiar to you, juggling all the responsibilities involved certainly must have its challenges. But it turns out there’s one pretty significant benefit: it can actually make it a bit easier for you to buy a home.

How Can It Help You Buy a Home?

Here are a few ways their caretaking situation might be helping those 33% buy a home:

• Sharing Expenses

• Built-In Childcare

Beyond just the financial reasons, buying a multi-generational home has other advantages. The Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) highlights some of the most popular...



Call/Text:(813)240-7752
website www.SusyLovesDE.com

Why the Sandwich Generation Is Buying Multi-Generational Homes Are you a part of the Sandwich Generation?

Welcome to this stunning home by in Hockessin Valley, set on a spacious 0.7-acre lot. This bright and airy residence features 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, 3,425 sq ft. and a 2-car garage, all complemented by 9-foot ceilings and original hardwood floors throughout the main and upper levels.

Call or text me today to set-up a showing.

Susy Karlen (302)277-7786
courtesy: Brian Foraker

232 PEOPLES WAY - MLS#DENC2061974 - Susy Karlen - The Brian Foraker... View photos and detailed information for 232 PEOPLES WAY, MLS , don't miss your chance to own this hot property!