Scrolling through my Facebook page I see a lot of people looking to make the next year better. Friends aren’t the only ones -- news outlets from Forbes to Vogue are offering tips for how to improve your life in the coming year. This practice isn’t new. The start of another year brings pens to paper for resolutions on everything from dieting and exercise to spending less time on social media.
Whether it’s on Facebook or flipping through the pages of a magazine, I must admit I do look forward to the upcoming year and the inspiration of all things new. However, this year, I’m also looking back. A great way to appreciate the future is to learn from the past -- and I did a lot of learning last year!
What lessons did I learn about real estate in 2017? I’ll share my top 3:
What I Learned in 2017
1. Optimism matters. No matter what your industry, be optimistic -- this is great advice in life and business! While the housing inventory in the Tampa Bay areas remain low, mortgages are less of an issue. We are 10 years past the mortgage crisis from 2007, and, by the end of 2017, mortgages were offered with 3% down or no money down to more buyers. Mortgage rates are predicted to rise in 2018, which is still historically low and likely to stay less than 5%.
Sellers should be especially optimistic; Florida is seeing an influx of homebuyers from high tax states like New York due to tax reform and from areas like Puerto Rico, which was hit by hurricanes this past year.
2. The early bird really does get the worm. Want to start house hunting but are not sure where to start? Talk to a mortgage or loan officer; many offer free advice and can put you on a plan to establish your credit or make it better. Jonathan Huff at Riverview Mortgage and Lee Pierson at AFI both helped me personally and professionally last year. Call them! Because housing inventory is low, you want to be ready to jump on the house you love when you find it, so it’s crucial to have a team ready. Just like writing your goals and keeping them visible helps you focus, so does having a home buying or selling team ready to go when you are.
3. My Time Is an Investment, and So Is Yours. Don’t get lost in keeping up with everyone else, you’ll never get ahead by “keeping up with the Jones’”. Keep the focus on you and your family. Home ownership can potentially be your best and largest investment, so learn all you can. Cowen Property Group agents can help you with your investment.
We are looking forward to being optimistic, setting business goals, and investing in you this 2018! Call or email us today if you have any Tampa/St. Pete real estate questions.
Whether it’s on Facebook or flipping through the pages of a magazine, I must admit I do look forward to the upcoming year and the inspiration of all things new. However, this year, I’m also looking back. A great way to appreciate the future is to learn from the past -- and I did a lot of learning last year!
What lessons did I learn about real estate in 2017? I’ll share my top 3:
What I Learned in 2017
1. Optimism matters. No matter what your industry, be optimistic -- this is great advice in life and business! While the housing inventory in the Tampa Bay areas remain low, mortgages are less of an issue. We are 10 years past the mortgage crisis from 2007, and, by the end of 2017, mortgages were offered with 3% down or no money down to more buyers. Mortgage rates are predicted to rise in 2018, which is still historically low and likely to stay less than 5%.
Sellers should be especially optimistic; Florida is seeing an influx of homebuyers from high tax states like New York due to tax reform and from areas like Puerto Rico, which was hit by hurricanes this past year.
2. The early bird really does get the worm. Want to start house hunting but are not sure where to start? Talk to a mortgage or loan officer; many offer free advice and can put you on a plan to establish your credit or make it better. Jonathan Huff at Riverview Mortgage and Lee Pierson at AFI both helped me personally and professionally last year. Call them! Because housing inventory is low, you want to be ready to jump on the house you love when you find it, so it’s crucial to have a team ready. Just like writing your goals and keeping them visible helps you focus, so does having a home buying or selling team ready to go when you are.
3. My Time Is an Investment, and So Is Yours. Don’t get lost in keeping up with everyone else, you’ll never get ahead by “keeping up with the Jones’”. Keep the focus on you and your family. Home ownership can potentially be your best and largest investment, so learn all you can. Cowen Property Group agents can help you with your investment.
We are looking forward to being optimistic, setting business goals, and investing in you this 2018! Call or email us today if you have any Tampa/St. Pete real estate questions.
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