Selling

Best States to Survive a Recession in 2020

With the talk of a looming 2020 recession, I recently came across this article that I found quite interesting.

Fit Small Business just released the results of its 2019 study that dug into national and state-based economic data to rank each state on how best equipped they were to survive a recession in 2020. All of them boast business diversity and minimal per-capita debt, but the changes over the last two years were remarkable.

Here’s what they said about our beautiful state of Indiana.

“Indiana is No. 4 in our recent 2019 study from Fit Small Business, up from the 10th position in 2017. Indiana’s debt-to-income ratio dropped from 1.34 in 2017 to 1.165 in 2019, while its GDP grew from $273 billion in 2008 to $367 billion in 2019. Indiana also has the eighth-highest exports per capita at $4,122.

The real estate market has also evolved in Indiana since 2017 with a drop in median home value from $186,000 to $147,000 in 2019. While this indicates a drop in demand, it also suggests more affordable housing for residents—key for those who want to get back on their feet after a hard-hitting recession. Last, but certainly not least, Indiana boasts a low income tax rate of 3.23%—the nation’s fourth lowest.”

This is excellent news for the real estate market in Indiana! So if you are thinking of buying/selling, it may be the right time for you. Give me a call at 317-625-0655.

Want to dive deeper into the study? The following 11 metrics were analyzed and compared to their 2017 study. The full report can be found here

• Stabilization (aka surplus or emergency) funds available (15%)
• Economic strength and diversity (15%)
• Debt-to-income ratio (10%)
• Unemployment rate (10%)
• Median home value (10%)
• Exports per capita (10%)
• Export diversity (10%)
• Deposits per capita (7.5%)
• Average credit card debt (5%)
• State income tax rate (5%)
• 2008 recession performance (2.5%)

Until next time, make it a great day!

6 Home Repairs You Shouldn’t Put Off

When homeowners are thinking of selling their home, I provide a free Room By Room Analysis with “No Strings Attached”. What this means is that I walk the property (inside and out) and give my two cents on repairs/improvements that could be done to yield a quick home sale as well as sell for the most $$$.

Whether you are ready to sell or not, below are some home repairs that should be done sooner than later. If not handled timely, it can cost you more time/dollars in the long run.

Caulking

It doesn’t cost much, but it does an important job – keeping water (as well as air) from being in / coming in places that it shouldn’t be

Roof Repairs

A leaky roof can lead to big problems — structural damage, mold, loss of personal property

Pest Problems

Rodents 🐿️ 🐜 🦇 that crawl and fly — if they’ve taken up residence in your home, they can cause havoc at inspection time

A Plumbing Leak 💧

Any type of leak can do significant damage to your home. Your significant other may want new kitchen cabinets, though imagine the cost of having to replace the flooring as well as the basement ceiling. YIKES!

Peeling Paint

Fresh paint definitely makes your house looks pretty, but it also keeps your home dry and rot-free. If it’s starting to peel, it’s time to inspect

Drainage Problems

Clogged gutters, downspouts that don’t direct away from the house, improper grading – all put your home’s foundation at risk and invite water indoors. Check them out next time it rains

Until next time, make it a good one!

Best Trends of 2019 for Updating Your Home

If you are thinking of selling soon or just want to update your home, we have been seeing these trends all year long. And of course, it’s no surprise if you are a regular viewer of HGTV. (Hello – Who isn’t??) Sellers who want a quick sale for the highest dollar are furiously updating their homes in hopes of finding that buyer. These small updates can help set your home apart from the competition.

Smart Home Systems

It’s for convenience and security. You can install these yourself or you can have a system customized to your house. If you are selling and want to keep costs down, think automated thermostats and front door doorbell cameras.

Outdoor Living Rooms

Buyers are looking for outdoor spaces that are indeed an extension of the house. Think backyard living room. Staging it as a comfy gathering space with accent lighting can help them visualize.

Farmhouse Modern Look

This may not be your style though it’s easy to recreate this sought-out look with a few natural elements. You don’t have to spend a lot though it’s the look that most buyers are relating to when walking through a house.

Bold Accents

Again this may not be your style though it creates the WOW factor. No more all white on white kitchens. Buyers want color! Maybe a brick wall??

If this overwhelms you, please take a deep breath. Give me a call at 317-625-0655 or shoot me a text. I can give you an unbiased view on your home and let you know what is a “must” or “nice to do” when selling your home.

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