Wednesday, July 20, 2016

How can I tell what my dream home is worth? It's not an apple or orange.


The value of a property, or anything, is ultimately what another person will pay you for it at a particular time. As a licensed Connecticut REALTOR since 1996, I have observed a similarity between real estate and produce, as the price of both items changes depending on a variety of conditions, including quality and availability. When we buy or sell a property together, we consider many more factors other than color, size and freshness. Here are a few ideas to help you. As your fiduciary agent, I will share more property specific ideas and insight with you, when we look what you want to acquire or sell,

Many times I have counseled my clients, always saying the location is the most important value, because you can change almost everything about a property, except where it is. Therefore, I consistently advise my clients to buy the ugliest house in the best location they can afford, then work to make it uniquely theirs.

When looking at a specific market, such as three bedroom homes with a bath and a half, garage and about 2000 square feet in the same community, consider these adjustments to value:

1) Neighborhood Location- Is the property on busy street, cul-de-sac, or neighbor only loop.
2) Topography-Is the lot (and driveway) level or sloping, affecting functional space.
3) Style-A colonial does not compare to a split or cape due to dormers and basement design.
4) Renovation- The quality and placement of a renovation may add value, appliances don't.
5) Layout – Functional flow, door way size and window views are items of value.
6) Proximity – To recreation, shopping, schools and exercise amenities within 2 miles.
7) Noise – How close are you to a highway, train, or other offensive noises and smells?
8) Property Setback – How close are you to your neighbors, and what are the sight lines?
9) New Construction – Consider workmanship, the material quality and the history of the builder.

Although these is a good list, it's not inclusive until we review your most favorite properties when buying, or compare your competition when selling. You may also read “The Multiple Values of a Home”, which I wrote, and is available on my website <http://ahomeforme.com> and Linked In. Since 1997, I have appreciated the time I have invested, learning about real estate with my clients, and your referrals of friends, colleagues and associates. Contact me at my office – 203.654.2905.
Copyright2016 by David Carr. All Rights Reserved

Friday, July 8, 2016

New Haven CT one of Top Five Undervalued USA Metros in June 2016


July 7, 2016 (CT) - The five most overvalued housing metros are Austin, San Antonio, Phoenix, Las Vegas and San Francisco. The five most undervalued metros in the United States are New Haven, Detroit, Hartford, Providence, RI, and Cleveland, OH. as reported by Kim Slowey on June 10, 2016 in Construction Dive, a building trade resource based in Washington, DC

Fitch determined the list for Forbes by labeling markets overvalued when home price growth outpaces the local economy, and labeling them undervalued when housing prices are below what the local economy can handle. 
Connecticut has not fared as well in the employment arena and has seen more than its share of millennials and baby boomers out-migrate to other states. That trend has left two of its metros, New Haven and Hartford, among the top five undervalued markets. Connecticut lost a high-profile business this year, General Electric, to Massachusetts, and Aetna and other insurance companies — the backbone of Hartford's economy — have considered similary moves, which many blame on a new round of state business taxes.

Experts at Fitch Ratings U.S. RMBS group said that while inventory is a consideration in overvalued markets like San Francisco, with ever-rising rents and home prices, the increase in incomes is "what's driving a lot of the demand."

David Carr is a full time REALTOR associated with Coldwell Banker who specializes in fiduciary representation of buyers of residential and multifamily investment property since 1996. Mr. Carr also specializes in marketing residential, multifamily and zero energy investment property in Southern Connecticut, and may be reached at 203-654-2905 or online at multiple venues.

http://www.constructiondive.com/news/5-most-overvalued-and-undervalued-us-housing-markets/420702/