If you’re one of the many homeowners thinking about taking your house off the market for the holidays, hang on. You definitely don’t want to miss the great selling opportunity you have right now. Here’s why this month is the optimal time to make sure your house is available for holiday buyers.
The latest Existing Home Sales Report from The National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows the inventory of houses for sale has dropped to an astonishing all-time low. It now sits at a 2.5-month supply at the current sales pace.
Historically, a 6-month supply is necessary for a ‘normal’ or ‘neutral’ market, in which there are enough homes available for active buyers (See graph below):When the supply of houses for sale is as low as it is today, it’s much harder for buyers to find homes to purchase. This means competition among purchasers rises and more bidding wars take place, making it essential for buyers to submit very attractive offers.
As this happens, prices rise and sellers are in the best position to negotiate deals that meet their ideal terms. So, if your neighbors decide to remove their listings this season, your house may quickly rise to the top of a holiday buyer’s wish list if you stay on the market.
Today, there are many buyers who are ready, willing, and able to purchase. Record-low mortgage rates and a year filled with unique changes have prompted buyers to think differently about where they live and to take action. The supply of homes for sale is not keeping up with this high demand, making now the optimal time to sell your house.
Home prices are appreciating in today’s sellers’ market. Making your home available over the next few weeks will give you the most exposure to buyers who will be actively competing against each other to purchase it.
Today’s real estate market has high buyer interest and low housing inventory. With so many buyers competing for a limited number of homes, it’s more important than ever to know the ins and outs of making a confident and competitive offer. Here are five keys to success for this important stage in the homebuying process.
A recent article from Freddie Mac offers guidance on making an offer on a home in today’s market. Right off the bat, it points out how emotional this can be for buyers and why trusted professionals can help you stay focused on the most important things:
“Remember to let your homebuying team guide you on your journey, not your emotions. Their support and expertise will keep you from compromising on your must-haves and future financial stability.”
Your real estate professional should be your primary source for answers to the questions you have when you’re ready to make an offer.
Having a complete understanding of your budget and how much house you can afford is essential. The best way to know this is to reach out to your lender to get pre-approved for a loan early in the homebuying process. Only 44% of today’s prospective homebuyers are planning to apply for pre-approval, so be sure to take this step so you stand out from the crowd. It shows sellers you’re a serious, qualified buyer and can give you a competitive edge if you enter a bidding war.
According to the Realtors Confidence Index, published monthly by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the average property being sold today is receiving more than three offers and is only on the market for a few weeks. These are both results of today’s competitive market, showing how important it is to stay agile and vigilant in your search. As soon as you find the right home for your needs, be prepared to work with your agent to submit an offer as quickly as possible.
It’s only natural to want the best deal you can get on a home. However, Freddie Mac also warns that submitting an offer that’s too low can lead sellers to doubt how serious you are as a buyer. Don’t submit an offer that will be tossed out as soon as it’s received. The expertise your agent brings to this part of the process will help you stay competitive:
“Your agent will work with you to make an informed offer based on the market value of the home, the condition of the home and recent home sale prices in the area.”
After submitting an offer, the seller may accept it, reject it, or counter it with their own changes. In a competitive market, it’s important to stay nimble throughout the negotiation process. Your position can be strengthened with an offer that includes flexible move-in dates, a higher price, or minimal contingencies (conditions you set that the seller must meet for the purchase to be finalized). There are, however, certain contingencies you don’t want to forego. Freddie Mac explains:
“Resist the temptation to waive the inspection contingency, especially in a hot market or if the home is being sold ‘as-is’, which means the seller won’t pay for repairs. Without an inspection contingency, you could be stuck with a contract on a house you can’t afford to fix.”
Today’s competitive market makes it more important than ever to make a strong offer on a home, and a trusted expert can help you rise to the top along the way.
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.
Join in Lobstermania at the Ocean Reef Club this July 29th and July 30th.
VALUABLE INFORMATION - Link to Monroe County Sheriffs Office Lobster Mini Season Information
This July 29 marks the beginning of Ocean Reef 'Lobstermania.' Although it's a short two day precursor to the official opening of Lobster Season in August, it's the perfect reason to indulge in a month-long rental or purchase of a home at North Key Largo Real Estate's private fishing and golf club. How else will you catch and consume your delicious fresh Florida Spiny Lobster?
LOBSTERMANIA - untangle the secret of how to net the right sized bug...and you get a madcap weekend full of fun competitions, prizes and activities. It's always the last Wednesday and Thursday of July - when the Florida Keys in general and Ocean Reef Club in particular, go crazy for lobster.
Members of the Ocean Reef Club and their guests are offered two days to forage and then feast! While the focus is on the hunt for lobster – there is life beyond the bug.
Lobstermania, for those who want to relax as the festivities unfold offers an alternative schedule. But for the adventuring crustacean hunters among you - once you have your bag limit - drop your catch off by 5pm and return later to enjoy a freshly prepared dinner.
LOBSTERMANIA TWO-DAY COMPETITION WEDNESDAY, JULY 29 & THURSDAY, JULY 30
9:00AM – 4:00PM
Heaviest lobster wins in this two-day competition. Bring your bugs to the weigh scale outside Orvis, dock side to enter this complimentary competition. Details: 305-367-6526
AWARDS PRESENTATION
THURSDAY, JULY 30 5:00 P.M.
BURGEE BAR
All weigh-in participants invited.
COOK-YOUR-CATCH
DINNER SPECIAL
WEDNESDAY, JULY 29 & THURSDAY, JULY 30
ISLANDER, GIANNI & BURGEE BAR
Drop your lobster off by 5:00 p.m. and return to enjoy a succulent dinner, freshly caught with your own two hands.
Reservations: 305-367-5931
Link to Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission Lobster Mini Season Informational Film by FWC Officer Bobby Dube
Beyond the excitement of a fresh-from-the-ocean delicacy only available here in the Florida Keys, there is everything else to love. When you can fly right into the Ocean Reef Airport's private 4,000 ft runway, perhaps it isn’t unreasonable to throw your catch in a cooler and bring it home with you.
But why leave when the good life and luxury surround you? The immaculately tended, well-masterminded homes, the nature, the azure blue water that wraps and weaves its glistening way throughout this North Key Largo private fishing and golf club all beckon you to stay.
LAUNCH YOUR BUG HUNT FROM YOUR DOCK & GO
The scene here fits perfectly with the concept of epic Yoga sunrise and sunset poses. Whether you want to hunt lobster or immerse yourself in golf, fishing, tennis or croquet. The hustle of Miami is 60 miles away! And the rich culture, both literary and piratical, of Key West is 120 miles straight down US1.
And although the Ocean Reef Club marinas are occasionally home to south Florida’s largest collection of mega-yachts, the way the Equity Members feel about keeping their sanity intact, it’s no surprise it’s incredibly peaceful and with a dress code, rather well-heeled.
Truly, the Ocean Reef Club is a place in which to invest. This is a one-of-a-kind experience that many do find difficult to leave behind. So the quandary is to buy and live, to buy for investment, or to rent once in a while?
As ‘Lobstermania’ presents the good life, and a perfect opportunity to sample the adventure surrounding you here with a test of one's bug hunting skills. It also offers the opportunity to contemplate one's options.
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!
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