home sellers in kissimmee Archives - Goodwin Realty & Associates

The Average Homeowner Gained More Than $55K in Equity over the Past Year

by | Mar 26, 2022 | Goodwin Realty & Associates, Inc, Home Buyers, Kissimmee Realty, Osceola Realty | 0 comments

If you’re a current homeowner, you should know your net worth just got a big boost. It comes in the form of rising home equity. Equity is the current value of your home minus what you owe on the loan. Today, you’re building that equity far faster than you may expect – and this gain is great news for you.

Here’s how it happened. Home values are on the rise thanks to low housing supply and high buyer demand. Basically, there aren’t enough homes available to meet this high buyer interest, so bidding wars are driving home prices up. When you own a home, the rising prices mean your home is worth more in today’s market. And as home values climb, your equity does too. As Dr. Frank Nothaft, Chief Economist at CoreLogic, explains:

“Home prices rose 18% during 2021 in the CoreLogic Home Price Index, the largest annual gain recorded in its 45-year history, generating a big increase in home equity wealth.”

The latest Homeowner Equity Insights from CoreLogic shed light on just how much rising home values have boosted homeowner equity. According to that report, the average homeowner’s equity has grown by $55,300 over the last 12 months.

Want to know what’s happening in your area? Here’s a breakdown of the average year-over-year equity growth for each state based on that data.

How Rising Equity Impacts You

In addition to building your overall net worth, equity can also help you achieve other goals like buying your next home. It works like this: when you sell your house, the equity you built up comes back to you in the sale.

In a market where you’re gaining so much equity, it may be just what you need to cover a large portion – if not all – of the down payment on your next home. So, if you’ve been holding off on selling and worried about being priced out of your next home because of today’s home price appreciation, rest assured your equity can help fuel your move.

Bottom Line

Equity can be a real game-changer if you’re planning to make a move. To find out just how much equity you have in your home and how you can use it to fuel your next purchase, let’s connect so you can get a professional equity assessment report on your house. Just call Goodwin Realty & Associates at (407) 846-2787. We’ve been guiding and assisting Central Florida home sellers and home buyers for over 48 years!

Goodwin Realty: Why a Move Could Bring You More Happiness This Year

by | Jan 24, 2022 | Goodwin Realty & Associates, Inc, Osceola Realty | 0 comments

Over the past two years, we’ve lived through one of the most stressful periods in recent history. Because of the health crisis, many of us have spent more time at home and that’s led us to re-evaluate both what we need in a house and how much we appreciate having a safe space. If you’ve found your current home isn’t filling all your needs, you may be wondering if it’s time to find a new one.

There’s reason to believe a change of scenery could boost your happiness. Catherine Hartley, an Assistant Professor at New York University’s Department of Psychology and co-author of a study on how new experiences impact happiness, says:

“Our results suggest that people feel happier when they have more variety in their daily routines—when they go to novel places and have a wider array of experiences.”

A move could be exactly the new experience you’ve been looking for. If that’s something you’re considering to better your lifestyle, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Approach Your Decision Thoughtfully and Explore Your Options

Buying and selling a home is a major life change, and it’s not a decision you should enter lightly. But, if you’re questioning whether or not a move would bring you more happiness, it’s important to explore if it’s the right choice for you.

To find out more and discuss your options, reach out to a local real estate professional. They’ll explain the process – including how to list your existing house and search for a new one – in clear and simple terms.

You should also think about your lifestyle and what you’re hoping to get out of your move. What needs aren’t being met in your current home? What features would bring you more joy and make your life easier? For example, are you now working remotely and need a home office? Do you crave more fresh air and open outdoor space to unwind in? Knowing the answers to these questions can help you get started and position your real estate advisor to work with you so you can find just the right home.

Consider a Location with Weather That Will Boost Your Mood

Home features aren’t the only thing to consider. You should also weigh your options when it comes to location. Is the weather something that’s important to you? Does it have a tendency to impact your mood? If it does, you may want to factor it into your next move. The World Population Review shares:

“What states have the best weather? When evaluating each state for temperature, rain, and sun, some states stand out. . . . Climate and weather preferences are personal and subjective. . . . “

Better weather can mean different things to different people. Some prefer the heat, others cooler temperatures, and some want to experience all four seasons. Think about what makes you feel happiest and prioritize that in your home search. If you’re moving to a whole new location, your agent is a great resource with a strong network to support you along the way.

Bottom Line

Moving could provide you with a fresh beginning and the chance to find happiness in your new home. Let’s connect today to talk about your goals and options in the current market. Call us at (407) 846-2787 – we’ve been assisting Osceola County Home sellers and buyers for over 48 years!

Are Home Warranties a Good Idea?

by | Sep 29, 2015 | Goodwin Realty & Associates, Inc | 0 comments

When buying older homes it is sometimes very wise to consider purchasing a home warranty. Home warranties can bring peace of mind as well as financial security to your purchase.
Home warranties are purchased to cover or reduce the cost to repair or replace certain home systems and appliances that come with an older home that can potentially bring unforeseen expense to the homeowner. Sellers use them as an incentive to attract more home buyers, who may feel m,ore solace knowing the home comes with a warranty.

What is the cost of a home warranty?

Typical home warranties range from $350 to $600 per year. They can cover the following:

Kitchen appliances
Garbage disposals
Plumbing
Sump pump – or well water pump
Water heater
Ceiling fans and exhaust fans
Air Conditioning and Heating systems – possible additional costs for these to be insured
Swimming pools and septic systems may also be covered – usually at an additional cost and depending on the current condition.

What else should I know?

With most home warranties the home owner does not pick the service technician when a repair is needed, the warranty company does.

Make sure the details on warranties as they may not cover everything your logic tells you they should. Look closely for the right warrant for you. Once you have the warranty it’s too late top change. Consumers should shop around and compare contracts . Pay close attention to what’s covered and what’s not in the warranty. It’s very important.

Are they worth it?

Home owner warranties are worth it if you feel that there is a good chance a high price item in the house may fail. Certainly purchasing one before you sell can be an added plus when you place your home on the market. Buyers should be having homes inspected prior to purchase – so asking the home inspector’s opinion always makes sense.

In the end, it really comes down to what you feel is right for you, and how insured you like to be in your life!