If you’ve been working from home this year, chances are you’ve been at it a little longer than you initially expected. Businesses all over the country have figured out how to operate remotely to keep their employees healthy, safe, and productive. For many, it may be carrying into next year, and possibly beyond.
While the pandemic continues, Americans are re-evaluating their homes, floorplans, locations, needs, and more. Some need more space, while others need less. Whether you’re renting or own your home, if remote work is part of your future, you may be thinking about moving, especially while today’s mortgage rates are so low.
A recent study from Upwork notes:
“Anywhere from 14 to 23 million Americans are planning to move as a result of remote work.”
To put this into perspective, last year, 6 million homes were sold in the U.S. This means roughly 2 – 4X as many people are considering moving now, and there’s a direct connection to their ability to work from home.
The same study also notes while 45.3% of people are planning to stay within a 2-hour drive from their current location, 41.5% of the people who are citing working from home as their primary reason for making a move are willing to look for a home more than 4 hours away from where they live now (See graph below):In some cases, moving a little further away from your current location might mean you can get more home for your money. If you have the opportunity to work remotely, you may have more options available by expanding your search. Upwork also indicates, of those surveyed:
“People are seeking less expensive housing: Altogether, more than half (52.5%) are planning to move to a house that is significantly more affordable than their current home.”
Whether you can eliminate your daily commute to the office, or you simply need more space to work from home, your plans may be changing. If that’s the case, it’s time to connect with a local real estate professional to assess your evolving needs and determine your path together.
This has been a year of change, and what you need in a home is no exception. Let’s connect today to make sure you have expert guidance on your side to help you find a home that fits your remote work needs.
The number of houses for sale today is significantly lower than the high buyer activity in the current housing market. According to Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for the National Association of Realtors (NAR):
"There is no shortage of hopeful, potential buyers, but inventory is historically low."
When the demand for homes is higher than what’s available for sale, it’s a great time for homeowners to sell their house. Here are three ways low inventory can help you win if you’re ready to make a move this fall.
With so many more buyers in the market than homes available for sale, homebuyers are frequently entering into bidding wars for the houses they want to purchase. This buyer competition drives home prices up. As a seller, this can definitely work to your advantage, potentially netting you more for your house when you close the deal.
Rising prices mean homes are also gaining value, which drives an increase in the equity you have in your home. In the latest Homeowner Equity Insights Report, CoreLogic explains:
“In the second quarter of 2020, the average homeowner gained approximately $9,800 in equity.”
This year-over-year growth in equity gives you the ability to put that money toward a down payment on your next home or to keep it as extra savings.
When we’re in a sellers’ market like we are today, you’re in the driver’s seat if you sell your house. You have the power to sell on your terms, and buyers are more likely to work with you if it means they can finally move into their dream home.
Yes, especially if you want to sell your house at the perfect time. Today’s market gives sellers immense negotiating power. However, it won’t last forever, especially as more sellers return to the housing market next year. If you’re considering selling your house, the best time to do so is now.
If you’re interested in taking advantage of the current sellers’ market, let’s connect today to determine your best move in our local market.
In today’s real estate market, setting the right price for your house is one of the most valuable things you can do.
According to the U.S. Economic Outlook by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), existing home prices nationwide are forecasted to increase 4.7% in 2020 and 4.1% in 2021. This means experts anticipate home values will continue climbing into next year. Today, low inventory is largely keeping prices from depreciating. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at realtor.com, notes:
“Looking at the sheer number of buyers, low mortgage rates, and limited sellers, the strength of home prices–which are now growing at the highest pace since January 2018–makes sense.”
When it comes to pricing your home, the goal is to increase visibility and drive more buyers your way. Instead of trying to win the negotiation with one buyer, you should price your house so that demand is maximized and more buyers want to take a look.
As a seller, you might be thinking about pricing your house on the high end while so many of today’s buyers are searching harder than ever just to find a home to purchase. You’re thinking, higher price, greater profit, right? But here’s the thing – a high price tag does not mean you’re going to cash in big on the sale. It’s actually more likely to deter buyers and have them looking at the houses your neighbors are selling instead.
Even today, when the advantage tips toward sellers because there are so few houses for sale, your house is more likely to sit on the market longer or require a price drop that can send buyers running in the other direction if it isn’t priced just right.
It’s important to make sure your house is priced correctly by working in partnership with a trusted real estate professional. When you price it competitively, you won’t be negotiating with one buyer over the price. Instead, you’ll have multiple buyers competing for the home, and that’s what ultimately increases the final sale price.
The key is making sure your house is priced to sell immediately. That way, it will be seen by the most buyers. More than one of them may be interested, and your house will be more likely to sell at a competitive price.
If you're thinking about listing your house this fall, let’s discuss how to price it right so you can maximize your exposure and your return.
4 years ago, a small group of reefers began a partnership with an orphanage in Guatemala. Our own Christina Watson, who adopted 2 children from Guatemala, had a special relationship with this orphanage, called Casa Bernabe. Her second child lived there for 4 years during the difficult adoption process. As a way to give back, Christina began leading mission trips of Ocean Reefers back to her children's beginning.
Center Rear - The 2017 Team led by Christina Watson and Mike & Laurie Tein.
When it started, groups of 28 to 35 traveled down to the orphanage and painted, babysat, built fences, fixed roofs; taught Zumba, volleyball, and soccer. Of all these things, the soccer was by far and away the most popular with the kids.
Pastor Carlos blesses and distributes food in Guatemala barrio
“Each trip, we brought new gear, professional coaches, and a lot of players. We've been back 5 times and have made our mark in several ways, but soccer has always been our jam. So when asked to take their program to the next level, the generous people of our little hamlet came through.
In late February, and just in time for the lockdown, the brand-new artificial turf soccer field was completed, right on campus! In a culture where soccer is such a big part of daily life, in a place where the rains turn the concrete-like dirt to a mud slick, this gift is one that the kids could barely wait to use. The plaque reads: We thank God for the generosity of the good people in Ocean Reef for this soccer field.
The rain turns the concrete-like dirt to mud. The astroturf was completed in February 2020
Our 6th mission trip was scheduled for June 13-20 but had to be canceled due to COVID19. In place of a live visit, we have funded 4 "feeding events" where we sent funds to the local church who bought supplies and rallied the volunteers to distribute food to the neediest areas.
The beautiful thing about our trips is watching not only the smiles on the faces of the orphans that we have come to bless but also the smiles of the team members, whose hearts are changed in ways they never imagined,” says Watson.
Eve Tatlock entertains a youngster on the 2019 Trip.
The Ocean Reef Orphans groups include members, employees, and friends of this community. They anticipate return trips in safer times when the borders open. The team will find more ways to help. So to be a part of this incredible journey or learn more about us please go to orcfororphans.com.
Christina Watson brings years of business experience to Watson Luxury Properties. Her business management skills have been put to good use, coaching the family firm to new heights. She is a licensed sales associate as well, and under the tutelage of her sister, Bobbie, she has learned the ins and outs of the real estate market on the reef. Christina also leads a mission trip to an orphanage in Guatemala where her daughter lived before she came home. Together with the generous people in Ocean Reef, the team have conducted 6 trips and made a great impact. Christina is also an advocate of the Academy at Ocean Reef where she has served on the Board and where her 2 children attended for many years.
Come and see North Key Largo Real Estate at the Ocean Reef Club. Enjoy the fabulous family friendly festivities on offer.
To keep up with the Watsons follow their antics on Instagram and Facebook. Staying up to date with events on The Reef in these interesting times has never been easier with the Ocean Reef Press. Don't lose sight of home prices and new listings in this always interesting marketplace.
Watson Luxury Properties is based at Ocean Reef, right on the Golf Course! We are North Key Largo Real Estate's property experts who really 'Know The Reef.'
We know Real Estate at the Ocean Reef Club as well as Ocean Reef Club Rental Properties. Specialists in a broad field for many decades, our family team can help you with your investment or home search.
Perhaps you began your search in the nearby Key Largo Real Estate market but didn't find what you were seeking. Allow us to help you find your home in North Key Largo Real Estate's exceptional family-oriented environment.
Watson Luxury Properties at Ocean Reef Club - has been member owned and family operated since 1998
'Where Quality Service Is A Family Value'
The Watson family adheres to this adage, doggedly. We deliver client services with consistent levels of excellence.
Ask us anything, with over 50 years of combined experience in North Key Largo's exclusive Ocean Reef Club Real Estate sales and rentals, we 'Know The Reef!'
Our team is never happier than when we are out on property showings. Whether it is a water view, a slot for your boat or a peaceful golf course abode, we just know we have the perfect spot for you.
The Reef's full service marina offers a perfect place to purchase a slip for your boat. It is a world class marina and boasts some of the world's most elegant and quietly famous, beautiful yachts.
13B FAIRWAY LAKES - WITHIN STRIKING DISTANCE OF THE GOLF COURSE
PERFECTLY APPOINTED MARINA SLIPS FOR EASE OF ACCESS
Our two championship golf courses offer open fairways and beautiful foliage - with some challenging greens. What about a game of Golf this Independence Day weekend? Come see a little slice of heaven from your golf cart on our beautiful award-winning landscaped roads and pathways. This oasis never gets tiresome.
MICHAEL WATSON - ALWAYS IN THE SPORTING FRAME OF MIND
Because we are family operated we know a real estate showing is never 'just' a showing.
Please join us for a true lifestyle experience, by way of a showing. If your search for Premium Key Largo Real Estate didn't satisfy your tastes, we are happy to offer Ocean Reef Club Real Estate listings to improve the day.
And if COVID travel is restrictive we offer the ever more popular, increasingly effective virtual 'in person' tours
FABULOUS FEATURE? WE THINK SO! For your piece of paradise think about this water front land. This one is on the market and waiting for you. What an open water view too! Start building your dream home now in the friendly and safe confines of the Ocean Reef Club. We can't say enough good things about this view and the potential for your future enjoyment here.
Of course our family team would love to meet you to discuss your options. Our slower pace can really do wonders for everyone's state of mind. in particular clearing ones own mind to ascertain what is truly going to make you and everyone you love and cherish, absolutely happy.
North Key Largo Real Estate as it is known to locals offers buyers premium listings wrapped in this special environment. Watson's team offer condominiums, and homes with or without yacht slips, as well as waterfront homes, wooded hammock homes and homes with that great Golf Course view.
One feature many love about The Reef is 'safety.' The Reef is a well managed haven of elegance and a way of life that truly welcomes families within the community.
You can find us at 9 Barracuda Lane, Key Largo or call us and we would be happy to meet you socially. Perhaps join us you over the Independence Day weekend. Chat with us during Tee time on the Golf course. Or with lines in the water, we love to spend time in and on the ocean.
Enjoy Summer Golf - or just golfing in general - we've discovered that choosing to get your game right starts here. It really really does. Especially with the Big Cups Golf Tournament. A tradition not to be missed.
From Scott Kirkwood, Director of Golf, from the "Golden Tees""We have an exciting slate of summer tournaments this year, and the next one is coming up on Saturday, July 4. The annual Independence Day Big Cup Golf Tournament will be held on the Dolphin Course.
'You can make your own tee-time on ForeTees and the format will be individual stroke play. The catch is, the holes will be much larger than normal, more than twice the size! See how low you can go with our always popular Fourth of July tradition,' says Kirkwood.
If you are in love with the idea of Golf but cant imagine yourself out there, for love nor money, with no clue what to do. Or have played before but know you can do better, consider a training session with Derek Swoboda, who talks about Bioswing Dynamics and the Blueprint For Your Golf Swing. He is going to measure your Shoulder Plane, Torso Plane and Hip Plane and then you'll get to see how good you can really be.
North Key Largo is our Ocean Reef Club home and here at Watson we are so excited for the upcoming Independence Day 2020 events, primary amongst them would be the fireworks on Buccaneer Island from 9pm to 930pm. If you aren’t scheduling something from the list golf, fishing, shopping, drive in movie, this year it's Robin William's in 'Jumanji' it's not too late to register for Independence Day 2020 Ocean Reef activities.
Or simply arrive and enjoy. And what fabulous choices. Whether it's a new home or a fun Independence Day weekend with family and the possibility of a prime piece of Ocean Reef Club Real Estate. We hope you enjoy the decades of expertise presented to you by the member owned, family operated Watson Luxury Properties team. And we can't wait to meet you. We are here and loving the life, ready to share that enthusiasm with you.
Cheers!
#golfclubabode #boatlsip #yachtmarina #worldclassyachts #internationalairport #waterview #OceanReefRealEsatet #OceanReefRentalProperties #KeyLargoRealEstate #watsonorc #realestate #luxurycondo #luxurylife #oceanreefclub #keylargorealestate #floridakeysrealestate #watsonluxuryproperties #marketing #realestatemarketing #newlisting #northkeylargorealestate #watsonluxuryproperties