Keeping It Real Estate with Colleen Benson

Ep 116: Are Reduced Homes a Good Value Buy?

With the real estate market cooling off a bit, buyers are starting to find some reduced prices on homes. If you’re currently searching for a good deal, are these reduced homes a good place to look?
On today’s episode, Colleen will answer that question that came into the show recently and she’ll also tackle a few others. As always, this mailbag edition is a great way to learn more about a handful of different topics that people are curious about right now.
Here are some of the key points Colleen covers:
What’s the best way to find good value properties on the market? (0:43)
Colleen’s suggestions on good spots for retirees to live. (2:13)
Is it reasonable to expect sellers to cover some closing costs now? (3:25)
How you determine square footage for homes with mother-in-law suites? (4:13)
See our listings and connect with us here: http://bensonbrokergroup.com

Ep 115: Real Estate Headlines – The Housing Market’s Not Crashing & Top Buyer Regrets

Today’s episode is broken into two parts as we take a look at some recent real estate headlines.
First, spoiler alert! The housing market is not going to crash. That’s at least the opinion of Dave Ramsey’s team published an article recently that breaks down the reasons he thinks the housing market is not in for a big price crash.
Their main point is that simple supply and demand still rules the day.
Current inventory is half of what it was in 2007 and that’s still driving the issue.
They also point to a stat that indicates there are 12 million more households wanting to own a home (using 2020 numbers) compared to 2007. So, there’s your demand. Hear Colleen’s opinion about this article and if she thinks this mentality is true for Oregon by listening to the show. 2:22
The second half of this episode covers a recent article from HomeLight that found 70% of buyers have at least one regret about their homebuying experience. Here are some of the key points Colleen covers.
The top regrets were tied at 22%. Feeling that you overpaid for a home and underestimating how much maintenance would be required. 5:20
20% said they decided which home to buy too quickly. 7:04
12% wish the home was in a more central location and another 12% regret buying in an area with a different political climate than what they prefer. 9:49
 
See our listings and learn more: https://www.bensonbrokergroup.com/

Ep 114: Real Estate Dictionary

Whether you’re new to real estate or a seasoned veteran, it’s never a bad thing to revisit the basics to make sure you have a clear understanding when it comes to buying and selling a home.
On this episode, we’ll open the real estate dictionary to look at some of the key terms you might see or hear during the process. We’ll look at a few on both the buying and selling side and get Colleen’s breakdown of each.
Here are some of the things you'll learn on this episode: 
Why should the average buyer be aware of ‘days on market’ and why it’s important. (1:08)
The different types of mortgage loans and how they work. (4:44)
What’s important during the due diligence process for the buyers and sellers. (9:26)
What do sellers need to know about contingencies. (12:20)
What are iBuyers?(14:48)
 
See our listings and learn more: https://www.bensonbrokergroup.com/

Ep 113: Mailbag: Flipping Old Homes, New Construction Prices, and Much More

With the housing market changing, but still doing strong, what kind of questions are buyers and sellers asking? On today’s episode, we’re opening up the mailbag to answer your questions on flipping old homes, new construction versus aged homes, and much more.
Listen to the episode to learn the answers to these questions and more: 
Felix is wondering where he can find old homes suited in order to flip? (0:41)
Will is wondering if new construction is easier to buy than an aged home that needs remodeling? (4:33)
Bruce just bought a new home and the previous owners left behind some junk. Does he now own this stuff? Does he have to get rid of it and incur the cost of doing so? (7:26)
 
Learn more: https://www.bensonbrokergroup.com/blog

Ep 112: Mailbag – Should I Still Expect to Get Above Asking Price for my Home?

Let's open up the mailbag to answer some of your questions on buying, selling, and everything in between.
What you’ll learn on today’s episode:
“We are thinking of leaving some personal items behind when we sell our home. Can we negotiate with personal items when a buyer asks for a discount because of needed repairs?” (0:36)
“I have been outpriced out of South Salem. What are some alternative neighborhoods that have the same appeal but are more budget-friendly?” (3:56)
“I have heard of home prices dropping, we are finally getting ready to sell. Now we are worried we’re going to miss out on all of the value growth our house had over the past several years. What do we do?” (5:28)
“I have smart tech throughout my home. Do these things really add value?” (7:39)
“Should I still expect to get above the asking price for my home?” (10:29)
“My dad says a two-bedroom house is harder to sell in the future. Should I focus only on three-bedroom houses?” (12:10)
 
Learn more: https://www.bensonbrokergroup.com/blog

Ep 111: Mailbag: Can My Family Help Pay my Down Payment?

We’re answering some of your questions on today’s show! Allie, a listener in North East Salem, wrote in saying her father wants to help with her down payment so she can afford her first home. Are there any limits she should know about?
Ben, asks where he can put his money to improve the value of his house? Paint and landscape are really important for a first impression, but things like a new roof can be a negotiation point. And should you be worried if buyers start asking for discounts? Let’s explore these questions and more.
 
Key Points:  
0:32 – Can my family help with my down payment?
1:11 – Where should I put money to improve the value of my home?
2:46 – I’m worried buyers will ask for a discount because of repairs
7:31 – How do you know when you're emotionally ready to sell?
 
Learn more: https://www.bensonbrokergroup.com/blog

Ep 110: A Few Signs You Might Hate Your Home After Awhile

A recent Realtor.com article outlines a few signs you’ll hate your home after the initial excitement of a new house wears off. Does Colleen agree?
A front door that opens into a wall might not seem like a big deal when you tour the home, but after a while, it may start to feel cramped. Long hallways are classic for some of us, but the newest style is an open landing area. A dead-end living room, with one way in and out, can certainly feel smaller than you’d like after a while. Join us today as we explore 7 things that you may or may not hate after a while in your new home.
 
Key Points:  
1:18 – Front door that opens into a wall
2:57 – Front door that faces the stairs
4:43 – Unnecessarily long hallways
5:25 – Guest bathroom at the entrance of the home
6:06 – Not having two sinks in the bathroom
8:06 – A dead-end living room
9:01 – Adjoining bedrooms
9:57 – “Male” centered features
10:48 – Bi-folded doors  
 
Learn more: https://www.bensonbrokergroup.com/blog

Ep 109: Mailbag – ARMs, Home Upgrades, and More

Let’s answer some questions from buyers and sellers in the area! Brent is thinking of using an adjustable-rate mortgage to buy his home, but he knows they became a big issue in 2008 and the rate may go up in the future. How does Colleen advise those interested in ARMs? Colleen recommends meeting with a lender and wants to remind you that we’re not in the same position as we were in 2008.
Dan in Salem just sold his home with a different realtor and is having some seller's regret: his house took 3-weeks to sell and sold below value. What did he do wrong? This could happen for various reasons including the agent's workload or the presentation of the home. Join us today as Collen explores these questions and more!
 
Key Points:  
0:37 – What is your advice on adjustable-rate mortgages?
3:28 – Our house sold below value what did we do wrong?
6:14 – What home upgrades could increase the value of our home?
10:22 – Should I try to buy again with the rental market just as competitive?
 
Learn more: https://www.bensonbrokergroup.com/blog