How is the Real Estate market today? 

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By Mary Webster, Keller Williams Ballantyne-Area Agent

I get asked this question about 5-10 times every week, at every event I attend, in most conversations I have; it is literally the question I hear most often. The answer is always GREAT! However, we are dealing with a changing real estate market, and those changes need to be recognized. Every day we are bombarded with news about the world, the country, the local news and even neighborhood news. At times it can be numbing and overwhelming; however, most of this news is out of our control. I hear news about the real estate market every day, on the national, state, and local level. Despite what the news tells us every day, the only real estate news that counts is what is directly relevant to your home and situation.

The Charlotte (and surrounding area) real estate market is very hyper-local right now. In general, we have a strong market, as Charlotte is a popular place to live – over 100 people are moving here every day! However, the market has changed from the market of 2-3 years ago, and it is more important than ever to seek out professional real estate advice and guidance. The market varies from town to town, school area to school area, and even neighborhood to neighborhood. One neighborhood may be very popular, and homes are selling quickly. Two streets over, the homes may be sitting for weeks or months. Even within the same neighborhood we are seeing variations in sales and popularity. For sellers, it is important right now to understand that selling their home is a beauty contest and a pricing strategy. For buyers, the choices are improving as inventory increases; however, prices remain steady and mortgage rates are still in the 6-7% range. Sub 4% mortgage rates are well behind us. 

If you are thinking about buying or selling a home, it is important to find a trusted real estate agent as far in advance as you can. I often meet with clients’ months in advance. I work with sellers to help them start getting their house ready and orchestrate their move. I recommend the same time frame with buyers, as they may need to get their credit in order or save for a down payment. Guess what? Conversation and planning is free and helps you start the process in a productive direction. I can provide you with the hyper-local facts you need to make the plans and decisions that are best for you and your family. I can also refer you to excellent agents all over the country or world through our extensive Keller Williams network. So, reach out and let’s get you started on your next real estate adventure!   

Mary Webster has been a real estate agent at Keller Williams Ballantyne for over 12 years, and is licensed in both NC and SC. After a career in maternal health care that spanned 30 years and 6 family moves, she decided to change careers and focus her attention on providing the best care possible to her real estate clients. She loves a good project and enjoys all challenges! Please contact her at the following to explore your real estate ideas: 704-517-0205; [email protected]; www.mwebproperties.com.