Keeping It Real Estate

A ​recent ​Zillow ​survey ​finds ​that ​three ​out ​of ​four ​home ​buyers ​report ​having ​at ​least ​one ​regret ​about ​the ​home ​that ​they ​purchased. ​So ​what ​we're ​going ​to ​do ​on ​today's ​show is ​explore ​some ​of ​the ​top ​triggers ​of buyer’s ​remorse ​and ​look ​at ​ways ​that ​you ​can ​avoid ​having ​that ​feeling ​the ​next ​time ​you ​purchase ​a ​home.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Intro 2:00 – Too much maintenance 4:42 – Home too small 6:14 – Wrong location 9:10 – Older home needing repair   10:35 – Total environment 11:12 – Not enough research 12:01 – Our experience with this   Get in touch with Benson Broker Group: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/ Find out how much your home is worth: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/home_value  Watch our show & see featured listings on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3uGMsBW

When it comes to deciding where to live in retirement, many Baby Boomers are choosing to downsize their home. There are many benefits to going this direction, but there are also several challenges that we often see.   Here’s what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 - Intro 1:41 – Why downsize? 3:47 – Emotional concerns 6:20 – Health issues 9:50 – Financial considerations 11:32 – Market conditions 13:10 – Role the agent plays   Get in touch with Benson Broker Group: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/   Find out how much your home is worth: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/home_value    Watch our show & see featured listings on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3uGMsBW

Our feature listing this week is a wonderful home in Waldport, Oregon. We’ll tell you all about it in this video and share some pictures of the home on Edgewater Drive.   Plus, we’ll answer a question form Bill that covers a topic we get asked about all the time. Is it difficult to buy and sell a home at the same time? If you’re going through that experience for the first time, we’ll tell you what you need to know because it can be a little difficult trying to navigate on your own. Join us as we share the steps and some tips to help you through that process.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 - Intro 0:57 – Listing of the week 7:32 – Buying & selling a home at same time   See the featured listing here: https://www.bensonbrokergroup.com/homes-for-sale/OR/waldport/97394/875-sw-edgewater-dr/bid-394-24-278   Get in touch with Benson Broker Group: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/   Find out how much your home is worth: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/home_value    Watch our show & see featu

Every seller who decides to put their home on the market wants to get as much as they can at the closing table. It’s not uncommon for that person to have a price in their head before meeting with a real estate agent and then they find out it might not be that valuable.   Today we want to talk through this scenario thanks to a question we received from someone recently. Here it is:   I have spoken with a couple of realtors about selling my home and can’t seem to agree with any of them on a listing price. They all think I should price it lower, but I really think I can get a higher value for the home. How should I handle the situation of a disagreement over listing price with a realtor?   Find out how Colleen handles the price discussion with sellers and learn more about a great event coming up in the Salem area on this episode.

On this episode, we're zooming in on how national real estate trends are directly affecting your local market. Are sellers in your area more open to concessions? How have recent shifts in interest rates influenced the local real estate scene? And has the rise in remote work been a boon or a drag for your local housing market?   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 - Intro 2:27 – More seller concessions 4:29 – Interest rates 6:10 – Low existing home sales 7:31 – Realtor concerns 10:00 – Remote work impact   Get in touch with Benson Broker Group: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/ Find out how much your home is worth: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/home_value  Watch our show & see featured listings on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3uGMsBW

On this episode, we're zooming in on how national real estate trends actually differ from what we are seeing around Oregon to start 2024. While many of the headlines are full of doom and gloom, Salem and surrounding areas have had a great start to the year. We’re going to highlight a few of the key stats that capture this positive momentum and then share a great story from the closing table about a multigenerational home we worked on last month.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 – Intro 0:46 – Market update 4:06 – Local perspective 6:00 – Closing Recap   Get in touch with Benson Broker Group: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/ Find out how much your home is worth: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/home_value  Watch our show & see featured listings on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3uGMsBW

We’re excited to bring our podcast to YouTube so that we can expand the show by sharing photos of the homes we feature on the show. To kick it off, we have two great homes to showcase in this episode. The first is a 3br/2ba home in Dallas, Oregon that is listed for $530,000. It features a large flat driveway with an RV parking pad and some beautiful touches throughout the home. The second home is a cute home in West Salem, Oregon that you’ll find for under $400,000. It’s a new home, built in 2015, with a very manageable lot. Check out the listings below:  https://wvmls.paragonrels.com/paragonls/publink/view.mvc/?GUID=a453f22b-271e-49e0-a3ac-0a4fa0dfedd1&Report=Yes https://www.bensonbrokergroup.com/homes-for-sale/OR/salem/97304/909-limelight-ave-nw/bid-178-813059    Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: 0:00 - Intro 1:10 – Home in Dallas, Oregon 4:57 – Home in Salem, Oregon   Get in touch with Benson Broker Group: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/ Find out how much your home is worth: https://benson

We all like to get a good deal, especially when it comes to a major purchase like buying a home. Today, we talk through an older article with tips and tricks on how to find a bargain-priced home. Colleen shares which of these pointers she agrees with and which ones she feels have changed over time.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Homes on the market for more than 30 days may open up a bargain. Stay away from turnkey and fixer-upper homes. Should you shop for alternatives to single-family homes? Seek out less desirable or outdated homes.  Find foreclosure options…if they exist.   Get in touch with Benson Broker Group: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/   Find out how much your home is worth: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/home_value 

You may have heard some recent buzz about real estate commissions in the news. Following a lawsuit in Missouri, we discuss some potential shifts and perspectives regarding commission structures. Right now, buyers don’t pay a realtor fee and the sellers do. How could this potentially impact homebuyers? Colleen shares what she foresees happening and how much to be concerned about it.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: How standard real estate commissions work. What changes could buyers face? Will first-time homebuyers have a harder time?   Get in touch with Benson Broker Group: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/ Find out how much your home is worth: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/home_value 

It can be tempting to sell your house on your own and avoid paying commission. But did you know that more often than not, sellers end up losing more when doing it on their own instead of working with a realtor? We talk through the common pitfalls faced when doing a for sale by owner on today’s show. Then you can decide for yourself if it’s still worth the risk.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: The hidden costs of inexperience get exposed. There are safety and security concerns. Navigating the negotiations adds to profitability and ease of the sale. Lost opportunities mean less business. You’ll want to know how to sort through the serious buyers.   Get in touch with Benson Broker Group: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/ Find out how much your home is worth: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/home_value 

Have you heard the news? We talk about some of the national headlines making the rounds about real estate and find out from Colleen if it rings true locally. According to recent studies, 8 out of 10 Americans think it’s a bad time to buy a home. Is that really true? While the mortgage rates are high, Colleen thinks it’s actually a great time to buy. Buyers have plenty of time to do inspections or voice concerns in a way they haven’t in the past few years.   Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode: Is it a bad time to buy a home? Will prices of homes drop anytime soon? Homebuilder confidence is declining Last minute cancellations are a major fear among sellers   Get in touch with Benson Broker Group: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/ Find out how much your home is worth: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/home_value 

It’s spooky season! Colleen and Walter kick off the episode by sharing some of their feelings about Halloween scares and haunted houses before they share the top fears that many homebuyers and sellers face. Before you cover your eyes or run away in fear, don't worry! Listen in as Colleen advises on how to overcome these fears and navigate your home buying or selling process with ease.    Here are some of the top fears we discuss today: Hidden issues and needed repairs after the purchase scare potential buyers. The fear of missing out can cause some people to overspend. The unknown may be scariest of all! No seller wants to accidentally underprice their home. The idea of getting no offers at all can cause anxiety. Unqualified buyers can make for a scary situation when it’s time to close.   Get in touch with Benson Broker Group: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/ Find out how much your home is worth: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/home_value 

Football is back, the air is getting crisp, and the holidays are on the horizon. But what about real estate? Is fall a good time to buy a home?  In this episode, we talk about what you need to know if you’re looking for a home this fall and how the seasons may (or may not) change your home buying strategy. Listen in as Colleen shares her expert insights and valuable tips on how to make the most out of your home buying journey in the fall of 2023. We'll uncover some hidden benefits to purchasing a home this time of year and much more!   Here are the tips we discuss today: Don’t stress over trying to time the market. Check your credit score for accuracy. You have time to consider the home after touring. Pre-approvals are important to do first. Don’t ignore new construction as an option. Use an experienced real estate agent. Let the rain highlight potential issues.   Get in touch with Benson Broker Group: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/ Find out how much your home is worth: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/home_val

Have you ever wondered how house shows like Love it or List It or House Hunters compare to reality? Whether you watch them for entertainment or find it educational, they can be fun to watch from time to time. On today’s show, we peel back the layers a bit to find out what’s fact and what’s fiction on these popular TV shows. We also cover five takeaways you can learn from house shows like these. As you go on your own home search, make sure to remember reality is a little more complicated than it looks on TV!   Here’s what we cover on today’s podcast: Why are real estate TV shows so popular? Do these shows provide educational value? The budget is part of the process. Compromise always happens. Understand what the real value of renovation is. Location, location, location! Teamwork is vital. Thankfully, there isn’t that much office drama as on the show!   Get in touch with Benson Broker Group: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/ Find out how much your home is worth: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/home_value 

Ever wondered what "cozy" truly implies in a real estate listing, or why "rustic" can be a tricky term? If you've ever skimmed through a real estate listing, chances are you've come across some puzzling terminology.   On this week's episode, we pull back the curtain on the coded language of real estate listings. We unpack the meaning behind terms like "fixer upper", "handyman special", and "motivated seller", and discuss how these phrases impact your perception as a buyer. With technology shaking up the traditional real estate market, we also explore how AI is reshaping the language of listings and what new words we might expect in the future.   Here are some of the things we’ll tackle on today’s show: What should you expect when a home is listed as a ‘fixer-upper’? Does motivated seller mean you can get a better deal? Cozy might be a nicer way of describing a home on the smaller size. What ‘as is’ means and why it’s not as bad of a thing as it used to be. What questions get raised when you see a ‘cash only’

If you're in the real estate market, it's crucial to keep up with the ever-changing trends and tactics. In today's digital age, old-school strategies are rapidly losing their effectiveness, and the need to adapt to more modern methods is becoming increasingly clear.   Here are some of the things we’ll tackle on today’s show: Why you don’t want to list at a higher price to give yourself room to negotiate. Are open houses still used as a primary selling tool? Is it still a good idea to buy the worst house in the best neighborhood? Why you don’t have to save 20% for a down payment before buying a home.   Get in touch with Benson Broker Group: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/ Find out how much your home is worth: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/home_value 

We’re getting creative today and applying some of Johnny Carson’s quotes to real estate to see what we can learn. Colleen takes each quote and talks through how she sees it play out in the day-to-day amongst clients as well as real estate agents.   Find out how these quotes relate to real estate: “I never analyze, I just go out and do it.” “People will pay more to be entertained than be educated.” “If life was fair, Elvis would be alive and all the impersonators would be dead.” “For three days after death, hair and fingernails continue to grow but phone calls taper off.” “I know a man who…gave up all the fun stuff in life and it was for nothing at the end.”     Get in touch with Benson Broker Group: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/ Find out how much your home is worth: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/home_value                 

Get ready to demystify the process of buying and selling a home with the help of technology. We’re going to play a little game today by having Google fill in the blank to help us unravel the most common real estate queries, ensuring you're informed and empowered on your property journey.   Here are some of the questions we’ll tackle on today’s show: Who pays the realtor? (2:47) When buying a home, who pays for the inspection? (2:56) When is the down payment due? (5:50) What does contingent mean? (7:39) What does an inspector look for? (10:10) When selling a home, what happens to your mortgage? (13:31)     Get in touch with Benson Broker Group: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/ Find out how much your home is worth: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/home_value 

You want your home to be show ready and in the best light possible when you go to sell. From the first impression photos online to accommodating a last-minute showing, you want your home to shine with potential buyers. If your home isn’t selling right away, make sure you work with your real estate agent to understand why. Is it priced realistically? Are you willing to compromise?   Here are seven home-selling habits we discuss on today’s show: Make sure your house is in good condition. (0:59) Price it realistically. (2:47) Focus on that curb appeal. (4:24) Accommodate showings. (5:44) Be transparent and honest. (8:30) Be willing to compromise. (10:30) Choose your real estate agent with care. (11:13) What would Colleen add to the list? (12:07)     Get in touch with Benson Broker Group: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/ Find out how much your home is worth: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/home_value   

Join us as we delve into the exciting possibilities of artificial intelligence (AI) in the real estate industry. We asked ChatGPT, a popular AI chatbot, how it thinks AI will impact the future of real estate. Colleen shares her thoughts on its answers in today's episode. Tune in as we talk about the exciting possibilities of AI and how to find the right balance of technology and human interaction in the world of real estate!    Get in touch with Benson Broker Group: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/ Find out how much your home is worth: https://bensonbrokergroup.com/home_value