On The Market?
Spring is normally the busiest time of year for home sales. But this year has been different. Home are still selling, but it's taking a little longer.
Here are a few things you should know if you are thinking about buying or selling:
~~Buyers are currently being screened to ensure they are pre-qualified. No casual lookers.
~~Most open houses are being done virtually and are highly successful.
~~Expect few face-to-face meetings with your agent. Zoom and FaceTime are being used extensively.
~~When viewing a home, plan on wearing a mask and following extensive protocols about not touching any surfaces, cabinet and closet doors being left open, things like this.
~~Over the past few months, mortgage interest rates have been lower than we've ever seen. And experts expect that trend to continue.
~~The process will be slower, as it is taking longer to schedule home inspections and repair estimates from tradespeople.
~~A bigger inventory of homes on the market is on the horizon for buyers. Many sellers are on the sidelines, still residing in their property and not wanting strangers (agents and potential buyers) walking through their home at the moment due to the health crisis. Once it is clear the risk is minimal, we will see a big increase in the number of homes for sale.
~~Buyers are also waiting in the wings for the coronavirus pandemic to end and the economy to get back on its feet.
Here is the recent data on Metro Atlanta Real Estate (data supplied from FMLS includes all residential property types. ) April 2020 vs. April 2019: 9476 new listings in April 2020 which is down almost 27% from April 2019. There were 6218 pending sales in April 2020 which is down 32% from April 2019. Both of these numbers indicate that sellers have elected to stay on the sidelines a little while longer before putting their homes on the market. However, in April 2020 homes are on the market for an average of 42 days which is down only 10% from April 2019. Another positive note for sellers is that the average home price in April 2020 is $330,499, up from $318,340 in 2019. This is an increase in average sales price of 3.8%.
Our local Realtor friend Lee Ann Wynns, with Dorsey Alston, summarizes by saying: "Yes, it is possible to buy or sell a house right now. While the market is down in new listings and pending sales, the good news is that prices are up! We are seeing homes sell in a day and with multiple offers because the inventory is so low. Buyers who need to buy are out there."
If you are selling, be sure to come in first and meet with an Enhance Design Consultant to discuss smart updates to make to your home to get top dollar. And if you are buying, we can assist you with turning your new purchase into your perfect forever home. Relax ...... we're here to help!
What We Are Doing
The Enhance Floors Design Center is open Monday - Saturday 10 til
5. We are seeing clients by appointment only. We are only scheduling one appointment at a time to limit the number of clients in the showroom. We are cleaning and sanitizing regularly, washing our hands often, and wearing masks when working with clients. We have a "Sanitation Station" for your use, stocked with disposable gloves, masks. and hand sanitizer.
To reduce the amount of time you will be in the Design Center, call or email us to discuss your project prior to your appointment. We can send you some educational information in advance, so that you have fewer questions and know a little bit more about what you need to look at prior to your arrival.
We can also work with you virtually to view products via Facetime or Zoom and can have complimentary samples sent to you home.
Our Installers are also working, wearing masks and gloves at all times. We are avoiding close contact and following appropriate social distancing, in the showroom and in your home.
We promise to stay home if we are sick and do ask that you only come into the Design Center or allow our Estimator and Installers into your home if no one in your family is currently diagnosed with COVID19 or has been exposed to the virus.
Great Time To Buy
It is National Karastan Month, and it is the best time of the year to buy! Take advantage of sale prices on all Karastan carpets (plushes, patterns, even top-of-the-line wool carpet) and LuxeCraft LVP. What? You didn't know Karastan had luxury vinyl? You definitely want to take a look at these gorgeous wood stylings -- species like walnut, hard to find cypress, maple, oak, hickory. Even herringbone patterns for a unique installation.
And not only is all Karastan carpet and LVP on sale this month -- you can also take advantage of 18 Month Interest FREE financing on installed purchases over $2500. Now is the time to make your dream home a reality with beautiful new Karastan floors!
Design Tip
Give your bedroom a new and refreshing summer make over. Choose some vibrant colored sheets and bedding sets. Match the theme with some white lamps, fun accent rugs, and a decorative wall decoration on your bedroom wall - a collection of straw hats is fun.
How Much Does It Cost?
We just installed gorgeous COREtec LVP in the Family Room, Dining Room, and Hall of a Kennesaw home. The visuals of this wood-look plank are incredible, and this great looking floor could not be any easier to take care of! These areas, 490 square feet, were installed for a little over $3000.
I Was FLOORED By Enhance
Lori in Woodstock writes: "I would like to recognize everybody that I worked with including the lady at the store that I talked to and the owner. He was wonderful. The workers were amazing. They moved everything out of the way. I would definitely use Enhance Floors & More again."
Thank you, Lori. We appreciate the great review! We have extended the Decorating Dollars you earned until 5/31. Please give us a call to set up a time to come in and "spend" them.