If buying or selling a home is one of your new year’s resolutions for 2025, there’s no better time than the present to start working on it.
“The start of a new year is a great time to assess your current and future needs in a home,” says Catherine Nimmo, Sales Associate at ERA Justin Realty. “Perhaps you have a new baby coming. Maybe you have a kid getting ready to go off to college. Or you’re getting ready to retire. All of these things can affect your housing needs.”
Here are a few things to think through and bring your goals into focus for the new year.
Know Your Why. “You’re dreaming of making a move for a reason. What is it?” asks Jennifer Darby Metzger, Broker/Owner of ERA Justin Realty. “No matter what’s happening in the real estate market, YOUR reasons to buy or sell at this time are the most important factor to consider.” A real estate expert knowledgeable in your area can help you navigate choices that make the most financial sense for you.
Know What Your Next Home Needs “How would you describe your dream home? What would you love to have and why?” asks Nimmo, ” The number of homes on the market is rising, but overall nationwide supply is low. “So knowing what you could live without is equally important,” adds Nimmo. The more flexible you are, the easier it will be to find a home that works for you.
Know if You’re Ready to Buy Keep your budget in mind while you weigh your wants and needs. “Knowing how much money you have available in savings or are eligible to borrow is essential when determining your budget,” says Metzger, “Partnering with a mortgage lender early on in the process is the best way to determine whether you’re in a good position to buy.” This could include assessing your current home’s equity, planning how much to put on a down payment, and getting a pre-approval mortgage letter that spells out how much home you can afford.
“Buying and selling a home takes expertise to navigate,” says Nimmo, “The good news is it gets easier every time.” That’s why it’s important to have a seasoned real estate professional on your side who knows your area.
If you’re ready to make a move in 2025, Catherine Nimmo or any of the real estate professionals at ERA Justin Realty can help. Give us a call at (201) 939-7500.