If you've been looking at buying or selling your home right now, you've probably seen that there is a housing shortage.

This isn't localized to our area, it is a problem across the United States. Interest rates are historically low, millennials are ready to purchase their first homes, and there is a lack of inventory in the real estate market right now. So, what should you keep in mind with the current housing shortage?

Be Ready to Make an Offer

If you're currently house hunting, do your due diligence now to be ready to make an offer. With low inventory levels, there is a lot of competition for those new listings. Be ready to look at listings when they hit the market. Also, be prepared to put an offer in sooner, rather than later. Otherwise, you might just miss your chance.

Now is a Great Time to List Your Home

The old data that says spring is the best time to sell your home no longer holds up. With the current market, anytime is a great time to list your home and get top dollar for it. So, don't wait until the Spring to put your house on the market. Contact us today to get comps and pricing for your home.

Lowest Interest Rates

These historically low-interest rates could not have been predicted a year ago, but people are taking advantage of them. People who didn't think they could afford a home before can get one with the best interest rates seen in decades. These rates are one of the reasons for the shortage of real estate inventory. 

New Builds

If you're waiting to purchase a new build home, you could be waiting some time. There is a shortage of materials and skilled labor to complete as many newly built homes as are needed in this market. With that in mind, it will also cost you much more to construct a new home than it has in years past. 

Equity

If your family is living in cramped quarters, this newfound equity in your home could allow you to purchase a larger home with a similar monthly payment. Talk to a realtor to get an idea of what your house could list for. Also, speak to a lender to see what interest rate you could get and what that means for a monthly payment. You might be surprised.

If you're curious about your equity, or anything else related to the housing shortage, contact us! Our team is here to answer any question you might have and help you get to the house you've been dreaming of. Call or email us to get started. 

Here's the latest market report from Fidelity National Title. Their current report indicates that it is a STRONG seller's market.

They use an index that measures the current rate of sale vs. the amount of inventory available. Anything over 30 is a seller's marketing. Anything under 30 means it is a buyers market. As of today, the index lists Fruita at 59, which is up from last month's 55.

The median list price increased from last month and now sits at $492,000 and the 7-day average days on market has decreased to 74.

To view the full market reports click below.

• Fruita
• Clifton
• Glade Park
• Grand Junction
• Palisade

Here's the latest market report from Fidelity National Title. Their current report indicates that it is a STRONG seller's market.

They use an index that measures the current rate of sale vs. the amount of inventory available. Anything over 30 is a seller's marketing. Anything under 30 means it is a buyers market. As of today, the index lists Fruita at 55, which is just down from last month's 59.

The median list price decreased from last month and now sits at $452,500 and the 7-day average days on market has decreased to 85.

To view the full market reports click below.

• Fruita
• Clifton
• Glade Park
• Grand Junction
• Palisade

Did you have an amazing Thanksgiving?

Were you able to see your family and friends? Maybe you had to get creative with technology to visit with everyone. However you celebrated this year, we know you’ve got some leftovers to eat! So, here are five creative ways to use those delicious Thanksgiving Leftovers.

Leftover Stuffing Waffles

These waffles use your extra stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. They’re quick, filling, and look delicious. Put some of that extra ham or turkey on top to really make the meal complete!

Thanksgiving Crunch Wrap

Are you a fan of Taco Bell’s Crunchwrap Supreme? Well, this takes that idea to a whole new level. The best thing is that you can fill these with whatever leftovers you’ve got and they’ll be delicious.

Crustless Ham and Leek Quiche

Ready to give your family a delicious breakfast with minimal work? Use that leftover ham with some leeks and eggs and voila! Breakfast. After cooking all day yesterday, you deserve an easy button.

Thanksgiving Leftover Hand Pies

Here’s another great recipe that you can throw all of your leftovers into. These hand pies are super packable too, so if you’re headed outside these will be a great companion.

Cranberry Rum Punch

Sit back and enjoy your day with this delicious cocktail. Instead of making the cranberry simple syrup just use your leftover cranberry sauce. The amount of cranberry sauce determines the level of sweetness.

While these 5 creative Thanksgiving leftover meals are out of the ordinary for what we’ve usually done, we love trying new things! So, take it easy on yourself today and utilize those delicious leftovers for something great!

As you get ready to list your home, you've got many things on your mind.

You want to make sure that you get the most money out of your investment, but what does that actually mean when it comes to your home? Here are a few things to keep in mind when selling your home.

Clean and Declutter

Doing a deep clean on your home before it goes on the market is a great idea! You don't want to give any reason for a potential buyer to pass on your home. Buyers can be really picky and sometimes they aren't able to look past what is in front of them. That includes your belongings. So, be sure to declutter your space and take some of your more personal effects out of the house when selling your home.

Choose the Right Agent

There are tons of agents in the area, but you need to choose the right one for you. Some agents and agencies specialize in high-end properties. Others like to work with homes in a specific area. Depending on your location and your home, choose an agent that is right for you. Robinson and Co. Realty has many different agents, each bringing a little something different to the table. So, contact us and see who fits your needs.

Setting the Price

This is one of the benefits of an agent. They know the market and can look at comparable homes that have recently sold to determine a great listing price for your home. If you need to get a certain amount out of your home, let your agent know that as well. That might be no problem, or you might get some homework to make certain upgrades. 

Taxes

Know how this will affect your finances in the next year. For most homeowners, they've lived in their house long enough that they won't have to pay any taxes, but it's always better to know everything before you sell your home. Just check in with your financial person to get the details.

There are other things to think about when selling your home, but for the most part, these are the big ones. They are also items that your agent can advise you on or point you in the right direction of finding an expert to answer your questions. If you're ready to sell your home, contact us! We'd love to help you make this process as easy as possible.

Is it time to sell your home to something larger or smaller?

If you're ready to sell your current home, most likely you've got a current mortgage. So, what does that mean for you? How does it work to sell a home with a mortgage? Here are a few things to think about.

Find Out Your Current Mortgage Amount - contact your lender to get your final payoff amount. This is a little different than what appears on your statement because it will include accrued interest. When you sell your home, the loan amount and closing costs get paid off first. Then, you, the seller, get paid any additional amount from the home sale. 

Know Your Equity - equity is the amount of money you'll earn on your current home at the time of the sale. If you're going to purchase a new home, you can use the equity in your current house to help fund your new house. Lots of people who are buying and selling a home at the same time figure the equity from their current property into the payment for their future house. You might even be able to get more house for the same monthly payment you currently have - it just depends on the numbers.

Contingency Sale - if you are buying and selling at the same time, it will typically be a contingent sale. This means, when you put an offer in on a home you want to purchase, you make a rule that says you need to sell your current home before you can move forward with your new home. While this is a less appealing offer than someone who puts in without contingency, it is a pretty typical type of offer. If you don't put a contingency on your offer, you might have to carry two loans at the same time - at least until your current home sells.

While this might sound daunting, your real estate agent and your lender can help you navigate the housing market with no problems! That's what they are there for. So, if you're ready to size up or size-down on your current home, contact us! We'd love to help you sell a home with a mortgage and find you the perfect new space for your family.

Here's the latest market report from Fidelity National Title. Their current report indicates that it is a STRONG seller's market.

They use an index that measures the current rate of sale vs. the amount of inventory available. Anything over 30 is a seller's marketing. Anything under 30 means it is a buyers market. As of today, the index lists Fruita at 59, which is just up from last month's 54.

The median list price increased from last month and now sits at $457,000 and the 7-day average days on market has decreased to 100.

To view the full market reports click below.

• Fruita
• Clifton
• Glade Park
• Grand Junction
• Palisade

If you were going to list your home this spring and didn't, we all understand.

It was an uncertain market and showings were difficult to schedule. But, if you're still on the fence about listing your home, now is a GREAT time, and here's why.

Lack of Listings - if you've been following the local market at all you know that it is a seller's market. The inventory of houses for sale is low. The houses that do come up for sale get snatched up within a week (typically only a few days). With so few listings in our area and a ton of potential buyers, it makes it an excellent time to sell. 

Higher Home Prices - a low housing inventory means that prices are higher than they've been in a while. Take advantage of the high price of your home! If you've been waiting for your home's maximum value, this might just be it. 

Eager Buyers - since the spring market was so uncertain, buyers are ready to make the move and make it quickly. The buyers who come to showings are in the market to purchase a new home, they aren't just looking at what's in their neighborhood.

Advanced Technology - with the restrictions on everything, realtors, and lenders have had to up their technology game. They've become adept at using technology to list, show, and sell houses. Plus, closings are so much easier with e-signatures and remote closings. 

Low Interest Rates - if you're selling your home to purchase a new one, you'll also get the advantage of low interest rates for a new mortgage. Now is a great time to lock in a low fixed interest rate on any other property you're eyeballing.

A Change of Pace - people are searching for smaller communities and more space to recreate. This makes Fruita and the surrounding areas so appealing to buyers flocking from larger cities. We've got the small-town feel, and the space to get outside and still socially distance safely. 

If you're on the fence at all about listing your home right now, contact us. It is a great time to sell your home, and we'd love to list it for you. Contact us today to get started to see how much your home could be worth. (970) 858-9870 / info@robinsonandcorealty.com. 

Have you started house hunting? That's great!

It can be a super fun process, but when you start looking avoid big purchases when applying for a home loan. While you might think that you're in the clear once your initial credit check clears, you aren't. A pre-approval doesn't mean that you are guaranteed a mortgage, it can be denied at any time in the process.

Your lender keeps track of your finances until the loan is completely closed. This means they watch your income, credit score, assets, and other financial information. But, don't let this scare you! Just try to be conservative in your spending until your loan is completely processed.

Why No Big Purchases?

There is a lot of things banks and lenders look at, but large purchases can drastically affect your credit score and your debt-to-income ratio. Those items are some of the main factors in lending. Opening new lines of credit and obtaining extra loans can drop your credit score. If that happens it could cost you some great interest rates. 

What is Considered a Big Purchase?

This all depends on your financial situation. A new car might not even be a drop in the bucket to a famous actor/actress who is worth millions, but to the average Joe, that would be a big purchase. Sometimes, even new appliances and furniture for your home will affect your loan process. So, just be mindful of what you're spending before loan closing time. If you have questions about what you can spend without affecting your loan, ask your loan officer. They will be able to give you a better idea of how much will affect your finances. 

What About Cash?

Cash is a great option if you've got it and you can use it for a necessity before your closing. However, if you've got cash in the bank to use for closing costs don't spend it all. If you've got cash to cover your downpayment, closing costs, and a little reserve for closing time, go ahead and use the extra. 

Other Things That Affect Loans

Big purchases aren't the only things that can affect your loan amount and rate, here are a few other things to keep in mind.

1. Don't quit and get a new job
2. No new credit cards
3. No new cars or trade-ins
4. Don't forget to pay your bills on time
5. Don't transfer large sums of money between accounts
6. Avoid undocumented deposits into your bank account

Again, if you've got something coming up before your closing, it is best to discuss it with your lender or avoid big purchases when applying for a home loan. They can figure out how you can manage it without it affecting your rate or loan amount. If you're looking to get a great realtor to help you with the local market, contact us! We'd be happy to help you find the home you're looking for.

Fall has arrived in Fruita and we couldn't be more thrilled!

Fall brings cooler temperatures, great colors, and beautiful decorations. At Robinson and Co Realty, we've started decorating for the season and it is giving us all the feels! So, we looked online for some additional inspiration for fall decorations. Check out these beautiful fall decorations for your home. 

Unexpected Placements - we love these little white pumpkins popping up in unexpected places in Country Living's Best Fall Decorating Ideas article. While there is such a thing as overdoing it, we think these add the perfect touch of fall without going overboard. 

Chunky Knits - fall means cooler temps at night, which is the perfect excuse to roll out the red carpets for those chunky knit fabrics. Warm sweaters, blankets, and everything else to keep you cozy and make your home look more like fall. 

Set the Table - fall place settings really bring the fall feels home. Gourds, pumpkins, colorful corn and so many other things can be used to set the tone.

Hang a Wreath - wreaths are an easy way to change with the seasons. Plus, they come in so many different styles, you're sure to find one to suit your tastes.

Spruce Up Your Bathroom - freshening up your bathroom is a great thing, and adding some fall blooms to a vase will make it look lovely! So, bring those bright colors from your porch inside your house. 

Fresh Fruit - with a namesake like Fruita, why not use some fresh fall fruits to add a little extra to your centerpieces and other fall displays. This example from Good Housekeeping uses pears as place cards!

There are so many different fall decorations for your home! We hope these photos were as inspirational to you as they were to us! Let's get decorating!