Is It Time To Put Your House Back on the Market?

Is It Time To Put Your House Back on the Market?

If you took your house off the market in late 2024, you’re not the only one. Newsweek reports that data from CoreLogicand the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) says nearly 73,000 homes were pulled from the market in December alone – that’s more than any other December going all the way back to 2017 (see graph below):

Whether it was because offers weren’t coming in, the timing around the holidays felt overwhelming, or they wanted to see if the market would improve in the new year – a lot of other homeowners decided to press pause, too.

But now, with spring fast approaching, it’s time to reassess. The market is already picking up, and waiting any longer to jump back in may only mean you’d face more competition from other sellers down the road.

Why Now Could Be the Right Time 

Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at CoreLogic, explains that some of those sellers may have pulled their listings late last year with the goal of trying again this spring: 

“Another reason for a step back could be that sellers wanted to wait and see how spring home buying season goes, and if mortgage rates fall, which would bring more home buyers and competition back in the market.”

That’s because spring is when buyer demand is typically at its highest point for the year. More people start their home search once the weather warms up. They’re eager to close on a home so they can move in during the summer. So, it’s a great window for sellers. It means more buyers.

And while mortgage rates haven’t fallen dramatically, they have come down some in recent weeks. Early signs already show buyers are becoming more active as a result. Since January, demand has picked up – and that should continue as spring draws even closer.

What To Do Differently This Time

Start by checking the status of your listing agreement. Because even if you pulled your listing, you may still be under contract. And until your listing expires, your agent or brokerage is your best resource on what else you could try to get it sold. Realtor.com offers this advice:

“If you aren’t sure of the status of your listing, whether active, expired, or withdrawn, take a look at your listing agreement and talk to your real estate agent.”

If your contract is still active, now’s the perfect time to reconnect with your agent to explore strategies to get your home sold this time around. If your contract has expired and you’re considering other options, reach out to a trusted real estate professional who can help you figure out where to go from here.

Either way, take some time to reflect on your last experience. What held you back from getting it sold before? And what can you do to improve your chances this time around? 

Be sure to include your agent in this thought process. They’ll give you an objective point of view and some advice based on what may have gone wrong last time, like: 

• Your Pricing Strategy: Did buyers overlook your house because it was priced too high? Your real estate agent can help you analyze the latest sales in your area to make sure you’re hitting the right number. Believe it or not, you could actually be leaving money on the table by not pricing competitively. When it’s priced appropriately for the market, your opportunities for multiple offers and buyer competition increase.

• Your Marketing Approach: Was your home staged to look its best? Did you use a skilled photographer for your listing photos? Small tweaks can make a big difference in how buyers see your house. Something as simple as taking new photos now that it’s spring can help your house show better than it did in the winter listing.

• Offering Concessions: Were you willing to offer incentives to buyers? As the supply of homes for sale grows, more sellers are entertaining the idea of concessions or incentives to get the deal done. If you weren’t open to those conversations, that may have been a factor, too.

• Showings and Flexibility: Did you have limits on when buyers could see the home? If your house is accessible and available, you’ll likely get more offers.  

Bottom Line

If your house didn’t sell last year, spring may be your second chance. With buyer activity rising, it’s the perfect time to talk to an agent about coming back into the market with a fresh strategy. 

What do you want to do differently this time around? Talk to your agent to go over your options and make a plan.

A home addition can completely change the way you live and enjoy your space. Whether your family is growing or you just need more room, these projects can be game-changers. But with so many options available, choosing the right one for your needs can feel overwhelming. Read on to gain a better understanding of the different types of home addition projects worth considering for your home renovation needs.

Extra Bedroom

Adding an extra bedroom is one of the most common home additions, especially for families looking to accommodate a growing household. It can provide the perfect personal retreat for a family member or become a guest room for visiting relatives. This type of addition also tends to boost your property’s resale value, as buyers often prioritize homes with more bedrooms. However, it’s essential to plan carefully—consider the ideal location, such as close to existing bedrooms or away from noisy areas of the house.

Sunny Seating Room

A sunroom or bright seating area addition can make any home feel more connected to nature. This space is often filled with floor-to-ceiling windows or skylights to welcome sunlight throughout the day. It’s perfect for cozy morning coffee breaks, quiet reading time, or hosting guests in a uniquely relaxing setting. Besides its aesthetic appeal, a sunroom adds functional square footage and a touch of luxury to your home. To make the most of this space, consider using energy-efficient glass or insulated flooring to maintain comfort year-round.

Garage Additions

Garages are versatile spaces, offering much more than just car storage when they feature the right modifications. Expanding or converting your garage can leave you with a home gym, studio, or a small apartment for rental income or multi-generational living. It’s a cost-effective way to maximize the footprint of your existing property without building upward or outward extensively. Before starting this project, think about your long-term needs—do you want to maintain part of the garage for vehicles, or will it be a dedicated living space? Proper insulation and updated electrical systems are a must with garage conversions.

At-Home Office

The rise in remote work has made home offices one of the most sought-after types of home additions. A dedicated workspace not only boosts productivity but also adds a professional touch to virtual meetings. Design the space to suit your needs, adding ample desk space, soundproofing for focus, and abundant natural light for a calming atmosphere. Adding a home office is often more affordable than larger projects, yet it can improve daily life significantly. Be sure to plan for connectivity and storage solutions by incorporating high-speed internet and filing systems.

General Bump-Outs

A bump-out is a practical solution for homeowners seeking extra space but not a full new room. This small-scale addition extends an existing room, like a kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom, to make it more comfortable and functional. For example, a kitchen bump-out could allow space for a breakfast nook or larger appliances, while a bathroom bump-out could make room for a double vanity or luxury shower. These projects are more budget-friendly and quicker to complete than full additions, as they don’t require as much extensive construction.

Understanding different types of home additions can help you when tackling your next big renovation project. Home additions often offer greater value than new home purchases, ensuring you and your family get the most out of your humble abode!

 

Are You Buying at the Right Price? Don’t Guess—Work with a Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA)

Are You Buying at the Right Price? Don’t Guess—Work with a Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA)

Buying a home is one of the most significant investments you’ll ever make. Naturally, you want to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money. But how do you know if the price of your potential home is accurate? Pricing a home correctly is just as important for buyers as it is for sellers. This is where a Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA) comes in.

Why Pricing Matters When Buying a Home

Understanding how the price of a home is determined is crucial for making a smart investment. Overpaying for a home can lead to financial strain, while underpaying might mean missing out on a great opportunity. The key is to find the right balance—a price that reflects the home’s true market value.

The Role of a Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA)

A PSA is a REALTOR® who has undergone specialized training to help buyers like you determine the most accurate price for a home. They take the guesswork out of pricing by conducting a thorough Comparative Market Analysis (CMA). This analysis considers various factors, including recent sales of similar properties, current market trends, and the unique features of the home you’re considering.

How a PSA Can Help You

1. Accurate Pricing: A PSA uses strategic methods to determine the most accurate price for the home you’re interested in, ensuring you’re making a smart investment.
2. Confidence in Your Purchase: With a PSA, you can be confident that the home you plan to buy is priced correctly, giving you peace of mind.
3. Market Insight: PSAs have a deep understanding of the local real estate market, which allows them to provide valuable insights and recommendations.
4. Maximizing Your Investment: By ensuring the home is priced accurately, a PSA helps you get the best value for your money, whether you’re in a buyer’s or seller’s market.

Why Choose a PSA?

When you work with a PSA, you’re not just getting a REALTOR®—you’re getting a certified pricing expert. They bring a level of expertise and precision to the table that can make all the difference in your home-buying journey. With their help, you can avoid the common pitfalls of overpaying or missing out on a great deal.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re ready to buy a home and want to ensure you’re getting the best value, don’t guess—work with a PSA. As a certified Pricing Strategy Advisor, I can help you determine the most accurate price for the home you’re considering, giving you the confidence you need to move forward.

Contact me today to learn more about how I can assist you in making the smartest investment.

 JUST Listed: 9125 SW 77th Ave, #103, Miami, FL 331561

We are thrilled to announce the latest listing in Miami! Located at 9125 SW 77th Ave, #103, this property offers a perfect blend of comfort, style, and convenience. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or looking to upgrade, this spacious and remodeled unit is sure to impress.

Key Features:

• Low HOA Fees: Enjoy the benefits of a well-maintained community without the burden of high HOA fees.

• Outdoor Space: Relax and unwind in your own private outdoor area, perfect for entertaining or simply enjoying the beautiful Miami weather.

• Spacious Layout: This unit boasts a thoughtfully designed layout that maximizes space and functionality.

• Recently Remodeled: Move right into a home that has been updated with modern finishes and fixtures.

Additional Highlights:

• No Rental Restrictions: This property offers flexibility for investors or those looking to rent out their unit.

• Prime Location: Situated in a desirable area of Miami, you’ll have easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Contact Information:

For more details or to schedule a viewing, please contact Scott Lehr at 954-281-2166 or email Scott@ScottLehrRealtor.com. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to own a piece of Miami real estate!

How to Create a Digital Scrapbook of Your Home Buying Journey

Physical scrapbooks aren’t immune to damage over time, even if you preserve them well. So, consider learning how to create a digital scrapbook instead. In this format, you get a scrapbook that you can’t lose or damage. Plus, it’ll be easier to share with family and friends. You can also use content you’d never be able to with a physical version, like home videos. Digital scrapbooks are a great way to keep memories of special moments — like buying your first home! And if you don’t know your way around a computer, don’t worry. We’ve prepared a detailed guide with all the info you’ll need!

Digitizing Your Home Buying Memories

So, you’re wondering how to create a digital scrapbook of your home-buying journey. The good news is that it won’t be that different from working on a physical one. In both cases, you start by gathering your materials — in this case, photos and important documents you gathered while browsing and buying your new home. 

We’re talking about stuff like signed contracts and snapshots of you and your family during intense house-hunting. If you have listing images of the home you bought in the end, that’s perfect, too. For some more flavor, you can include messages you exchanged while browsing homes, as well as any notes you made. Of course, you’ll need all of this in a digital format. Scanning documents is the easy part since you can do that at any copy shop. Heck, you can even do it at home if you have a basic printer and scanner set up.

On the other hand, we don’t advise scanning photos on a cheap home printer. You won’t get usable images, at least not the high quality you need. Luckily, affordable digitizing services can professionally convert your photos to a digital format. With Capture, you can quickly get all of your photos, videos, and even entire albums digitized.

Use Cloud Storage for Easy Access

While learning how to create a digital scrapbook of your home-buying journey, you need more than digitized content. Once you digitize your photos and documents, consider how you’ll keep them. As mentioned above, a cloud storage platform is likely your best option.

Otherwise, you can keep the files on your computer. However, that’s not a good long-term option, as hard drives are prone to failure. Plus, other computer malfunctions can prevent you from accessing the files when needed.

Sure, you can make backups, but they won’t be worth much to you unless they’re on multiple computers. Ultimately, cloud storage is the superior choice because it spreads out your files and makes back-ups with a very low chance of failure. Of course, this is only true if you use a reputable cloud storage platform with years of continuous operation and plenty of positive reviews under its belt.

The most commonly used options are Dropbox, Google Drive, and iCloud — the last being your easiest choice if you’re using Apple devices. This isn’t a very difficult choice since all the major platforms offer similar features at fairly similar prices.

Once you pick your storage provider, you should organize your folders properly before uploading anything. For instance, you can label different folders as “Important Documents,” “Moving Day,” or “Closing The Deal.” That way, you’ll know where to put all the photos and documents right away.

Capturing Key Moments from Your Home Search

Naturally, it takes more than a bunch of photos and documents to learn how to create a digital scrapbook. A scrapbook is more than a glorified photo album — it’s a piece of storytelling. And a deeply personal one to boot. To tell the story properly, you should start thinking about it while you’re still in the process of buying a home. That way, you won’t forget anything meaningful that you’d want to include in the scrapbook.

And once you have all the materials, remember — you don’t want to start with a picture of your family in front of the newly moved-in home. Instead, remember that you’re telling a story here — and that the point is to illustrate every stage of the process. So, snap photos of hidden gems you found during the home search and the favorite homes you eliminated before buying your new place.

While house-hunting, try to snap discreet photos of your family reacting to different homes — both good and bad. Also, don’t forget to take pictures during important milestones and crucial home features. You don’t want a scrapbook of a home-buying journey without a cute photo of you and your loved ones getting the keys.

Record Your Thoughts

Remember how we said that a scrapbook is more than a photo album? That’s precisely why it needs to include more than pictures. And we’re not just talking about loan documents either. The scrapbook will feel way more personal and memorable if you also include personal notes.

To stay on top of everything that happens as you buy your home, try keeping a journal. It doesn’t have to be too detailed since you’ve probably got your hands full. You can simply keep notes in a notebook or on your phone so you can remember what stood out during certain open houses — or why you passed on individual homes. If any funny quotes from your loved ones or other people involved in the process stand out, make sure to include them in your notes.

Choosing the Right Digital Scrapbook Platform

If you’re not well-versed in graphic design software, don’t worry — you can opt for plenty of different digital scrapbooking platforms that don’t require any prerequisite knowledge. For example, Canva has plenty of templates you can use to create scrapbook pages instantly. It’ll only take minutes to insert your photos, notes, and documents — and there’s a simple drag-and-drop editing feature that takes no effort to use.

Wrapping Up

Now you have the info you need to learn how to create a digital scrapbook of your home-buying journey! Just remember to back up your finished digital scrapbook, not just the individual elements you used to create it.

Once you do, you’ll have a long-lasting, memorable little time capsule of your memories and feelings. You and your loved ones will always be able to remember when you bought your home fondly!

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Spring 2024 Housing Market: Rising Inventory Creates Buyer Opportunities

Rising Inventory Means This Spring Could Be Your Moment

Rising Inventory Means This Spring Could Be Your Moment

Want to know two reasons this spring might finally be your time to buy? Inventory has grown and sellers may be more willing to negotiate as a result. That means you’ve got more options and more power than buyers have had in years. Let’s break it down.

1. You Have More Homes To Choose From

The number of homes for sale this February was higher than it’s been in any of the past five Februarys – and that’s great news for your home search. The graph below uses the latest data from Realtor.com to show the supply of homes on the market has grown by 27.5% in just the last year:

More choices for your search is a good thing – and experts also say that inventory is projected to continue rising this year, which is even better. It means it should be easier to find something that checks your most important boxes. But that’s not all this does for you. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, explains some of the other perks of more inventory, beyond just having more homes to consider:

“Buyers will not only have more home options . . . but they are also likely to find somewhat lower asking prices and more time to make decisions – all buyer-friendly factors as we inch closer to the busy homebuying season.”

2. You May Find Sellers Are Doing Price Cuts

Now that buyers have more options, some homes are sitting on the market a little longer – especially those that were priced too high from the start. And the result is more sellers are having to drop their prices to draw buyers back in. Just take a look at the numbers.

According to Realtor.com, the number of listings with price reductions has gone up compared to the last few years (see graph below):

This is a sign sellers are more willing to compromise today. If you look back to more normal years in the market (2017–2019), you’ll see that the number of price cuts happening today is much closer to what’s typical – and for most buyers, that’s a big relief.

What does that mean for you? It could give you a better chance to negotiate – whether that’s on price, closing costs, or even repairs. While not every seller will adjust their price, more of them are willing to do it – giving you more leverage than buyers have in quite a while.

Bottom Line

If you’ve been on the sidelines, waiting for the right time to buy, this spring could be the opening you’ve been hoping for.

Of course, every market is different, and working with a local expert can help you work through your options. If you want to talk about what’s happening in our area or get started on your home search, let’s connect.

How does today’s rising inventory impact your homebuying plans?

What You Need To Know About Pre-Approval

Before you even start looking at homes, there’s something you should do first – and that’s get pre-approved for your mortgage. Pre-approval is when a lender checks your finances and decides how much you’re qualified to borrow for your home loan. This helps you determine your budget and makes your offer stand out for sellers. Connect with a trusted lender to get the process started.

Selling your home is one of the most significant financial decisions you’ll make. Naturally, you want to get the most out of your investment. But how do you determine the right price for your home? Pricing it too high could mean it sits on the market for months, while pricing it too low could leave money on the table. This is where a Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA) comes in.

Why Pricing Your Home Correctly Matters

Pricing your home accurately is crucial. It’s not just about attracting buyers; it’s about ensuring you get the best possible return on your investment. An overpriced home can deter potential buyers, while an underpriced home can lead to a quick sale but a significant financial loss. The key is to find that sweet spot—the price that reflects your home’s true market value.

The Role of a Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA)

A PSA is a REALTOR® who has undergone specialized training to help sellers like you determine the most accurate price for their homes. They take the guesswork out of pricing by conducting a thorough Comparative Market Analysis (CMA). This analysis considers various factors, including recent sales of similar properties, current market trends, and the unique features of your home.

How a PSA Can Help You

1. Accurate Pricing: A PSA uses strategic methods to determine the most accurate price for your home, ensuring it’s competitive in the market.

2. Confidence in Your Sale: With a PSA, you can be confident that your home is priced correctly, increasing the likelihood of a successful sale.

3. Market Insight: PSAs have a deep understanding of the local real estate market, which allows them to provide valuable insights and recommendations.

4. Maximizing Your Investment: By pricing your home accurately, a PSA helps you get the most out of your investment, whether you’re selling in a buyer’s or seller’s market.

Why Choose a PSA?

When you work with a PSA, you’re not just getting a REALTOR®—you’re getting a pricing expert. They bring a level of expertise and precision to the table that can make all the difference in your home-selling journey. With their help, you can avoid the common pitfalls of overpricing or underpricing and ensure your home is presented in the best possible light.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re ready to sell your home and want to ensure it’s priced right, don’t guess—work with a PSA. As a certified Pricing Strategy Advisor, I can help you determine the most accurate price for your home, giving you the confidence you need to move forward.

Contact me today to learn more about how I can assist you in getting the most from your investment.

Learn more at PricingStrategyAdvisor.org.

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NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS®

Is the Housing Market Starting To Balance Out?

Is the Housing Market Starting To Balance Out?

For years, sellers have had the upper hand in the housing market. With so few homes for sale and so many people who wanted to purchase them, buyers faced tough competition just to get an offer accepted. But now, inventory is rising, and things are starting to shift in many areas.

So, is the market finally balancing out? And does that mean buyers will have it a bit easier now? Here’s what you need to know.

What Makes It a Buyer’s Market or a Seller’s Market?

It all comes down to how many homes are for sale in an area compared to how many buyers want to buy there. That’s what ultimately determines who has the most leverage.

• A Seller’s Market is when there are more buyers than homes available, so sellers hold the power. This leads to rising prices, multiple offers, and homes selling quickly – often above the asking price – because there isn’t enough to go around.

• A Buyer’s Market is when there are more homes than buyers. In this case, the tables turn. Sellers may have to offer concessions and incentives, or negotiate more to get a deal done. That’s because buyers have more choices and can take their time making decisions.

You can see this play out over time using data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) in the graph below:

Where the Market Stands Now

While it’s still a seller’s market in many places, buyers in certain locations have more leverage than they’ve had in years. And that’s thanks to how much inventory has grown lately. As Lance Lambert, Co-Founder of ResiClub, explains:

“Among the nation’s 200 largest metro area housing markets, 41 markets ended January 2025 with more active homes for sale than they had in pre-pandemic January 2019. These are the places where homebuyers will be able to find the most leverage or market balance in 2025.”

Here’s a look at some of the strongest seller’s markets and buyer’s markets today, according to that research:

Do you know how to adjust your plans based on who’s got the most negotiating power? Because an agent does.

Clever strategies can make buying in a seller’s market easier – and vice versa. And that’s exactly why you need to hire a pro. A local real estate agent knows their market like the back of their hand. They’re super familiar with what the supply and demand balance looks like and how to help their clients get a deal done either way. So, as long as you have a skilled pro by your side, it doesn’t really matter if your town is on the list or not.

With their expertise, you’ll be able to plan ahead and buy (or sell) no matter what the market looks like.

Bottom Line

With inventory rising, the market may be starting to balance out – but it all depends on where you want to buy or sell.

Are you wondering if buyers or sellers have the upper hand in our area? Let’s connect so you can find out.

2025 Florida Home Buyer’s Guide: Expert Checklists & Market Strategies | RESF & Scott Lehr

2025 Florida Home Buyer’s Guide: Expert Checklists & Market Strategies | RESF & Scott Lehr

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Fort Lauderdale real estate pro Scott Lehr PA reveals step-by-step home buying process, mortgage rate hacks, and 7 negotiation tactics. Download free 2025 buyer's checklist.

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🏡 2025 Florida Home Buyer’s Guide: Expert Checklists & Market Strategies 🏡

Are you planning to buy a home in Florida in 2025? Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, the Florida real estate market can be both exciting and overwhelming. That’s why we’ve teamed up with RESF & Scott Lehr to bring you the ultimate 2025 Florida Home Buyer’s Guide: Expert Checklists & Market Strategies. This guide is packed with actionable tips, checklists, and insider strategies to help you navigate the market like a pro.

📥 Download the 2025 Florida Home Buyer’s Guide Here 📥

Why Florida Real Estate is a Smart Investment in 2025 🌴

Florida continues to be one of the hottest real estate markets in the U.S. With its booming economy, no state income tax, and year-round sunshine, it’s no wonder people are flocking to the Sunshine State. Here’s what you need to know:

• Growing Demand: Florida’s population is growing rapidly, driving up demand for homes.

• Diverse Markets: From Miami’s luxury condos to Orlando’s family-friendly suburbs, there’s something for everyone.

• Market Trends: Interest rates, inventory levels, and buyer preferences are constantly evolving. Stay ahead with our expert insights.

What’s Inside the 2025 Florida Home Buyer’s Guide? 📋

Our guide is designed to simplify your home-buying journey. Here’s a sneak peek:

1. Expert Checklists: From pre-approval to closing, we’ve got you covered.

2. Market Strategies: Learn how to negotiate, identify undervalued properties, and maximize ROI.

3. Local Insights: Discover the best neighborhoods, schools, and amenities.

4. Financial Tips: Understand down payments, mortgages, and hidden costs.

📥 Download the 2025 Florida Home Buyer’s Guide Now 📥