top of page

March 2022 - Cat's Real Estate Newsletter

In this month's newsletter, read about...

  • becoming Biden's beach buddy

  • the current cost of buying in DC Metro

  • the new version of a popular '80s design trend

  • spring home maintenance tips

 

Could You Be Biden's Next Beach Buddy?


Ever dreamed of owning a little piece of paradise at the beach? Becoming President Biden's beach house neighbor is more attainable than you may think! With the demand for vacation rentals higher than ever, renting your beach home is an easy way to make money when you aren’t using it — you may even be able to cover all of your costs!


The sun sets over the ocean and a sandy beach with a wooden fence in the foreground.

If you'd like to explore buying a second home or investment property, let me help you! I am excited to announce that I am now a licensed real estate agent in Delaware, with expertise in the Rehoboth, Dewey, Lewes, Bethany, and surrounding areas. As a Delaware property owner myself,

I’d be happy to share my experience with you and help you find your perfect sandcastle...or sand-condo!

 

DC Metro Market Analysis


An infogrphic showing Median sold price ($526,000) in DC Metro and the percent increase from various time periods.

The DC Metro housing market is still hot with no reprieve in sight! A nearly 40% decrease in inventory over February 2021 continues to foster a fiercely competitive seller’s paradise, pushing the median sold price up 10.6% over the same period last year. Combine that with rising interest rates and the typical spring uptick, and we may get a frenzy of fearful buyers wanting to get their hands on property ASAP to avoid even higher costs later.

A line graph showing interest rates for various types of home loans from 2019 to today.

It is easy for buyers to lose hope or feel discouraged in this market, but a good agent can help win deals! It’s important to know that price is not the only factor that makes an offer competitive. Sellers are looking for a fast closing, few contingencies, and lenders with a track record of closing on time. Recent wins for buyers include beating out 16 offers on a home in Shepherd Park and presenting an offer too good for the seller to refuse resulting in the open house being canceled.

Another great tool only available to Compass agents like myself is access to our private exclusive listings. These homes aren’t available to the general public, so you won’t find them on typical home search websites. If you've scoured the internet for your dream home and are coming up empty handed, ask me about our private listings!

A savvy agent can increase your odds in this hyper-competitive market. Let me help you!

 

Cat’s Reno Corner: Everything Old Is New Again


Wallpaper!!! It’s back and thankfully, much easier to use than its parent product from the ‘80s. Now in peel and stick format, it’s my newest remodel passion. Not only is it quick, easy, and inexpensive, but it can totally transform a room. More importantly, it peels right off if you later want to change the design. I recently added wallpaper to a small guest room, and just look at the difference it makes!

Two images of a small bedroom, one of them has a wall painted white, the other shows the wall after applying a blue and white peel and stick wallpaper.

 

Spring Home Maintenance Tips


Keeping a home hospitable, aesthetically pleasing, and safe requires regular maintenance, and with our busy lifestyles, it’s easy to put off necessary routine tasks. Here’s a quick reminder of 5 essential items to check off of your list this spring!

  1. Get your HVAC serviced. With temperatures on the rise, don’t get caught with a malfunctioning air conditioner this summer!

  2. Inspect the exterior of your home. Look for flaking paint, mold, and damage to the roof, siding, gutters, and fences.

  3. Inspect unfrequented interior areas. Check basements and attics for water damage and mold.

  4. Perform a safety check. Replace smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries and test them. Ensure fire extinguishers are in working order. Vacuum out your dryer’s lint trap. Make sure power banks are charged and flashlights are handy in case of an electricity outage.

  5. Clean up the yard. Prune shrubs and bushes to remove dead branches and overgrowth, put down fresh mulch to help suppress weeds, and divide perennials that have outgrown their space.

 

Need an Agent Outside of DC Metro or Delaware?


If you’re moving out of the area and are looking for an agent, let me tap into my Compass network to find you the perfect match! Just contact me here with a few details on the location, budget, and what type of property you’re looking for, and I’ll connect you.

 

Can I Ask for a Favor?


As I'm getting my new real estate gig off the ground, I'd be forever grateful for any referrals you send my way. If you, a family member, or a friend are looking to buy or sell a home, please reach out!

Related Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page