Our latest articles
January 24, 2023
Is Spring the Best Time to Sell a House in D.C.?
Historically, spring is known as the best time to sell a house in Washington DC. The National Association of Realtors named mid-April specifically as the optimal time to sell a property. But with so many uncertainties – rising mortgage rates, high inflation, low inventory – you might not want to wait until spring to list your home for sale.
The good news is that you have options – probably more than you think! You can go ahead and list your property in the spring, especially if you need time to prepare and want to wait for the market to heat up. You can also consider an alternative option like selling your D.C. house for cash. Ultimately, there is no right or wrong decision – the goal is to sell your house quickly and for the most money.
Why is Spring Usually the Best Time to Sell a House?
Homes that are listed at the end of spring and beginning of summer tend to sell faster and for a higher price. There are a number of reasons why this is the case:
- Better weather. After being cooped up all winter, people are ready to get out and start looking at homes in the spring. Plus, if they do find a house they like, moving in the spring is better than moving in the winter.
- More money. Because there are more people looking for homes in the spring, the competition is high, and this can result in a bigger offer. Some areas in D.C. still have low inventory, so some sellers are still seeing multiple bids.
- Improved curb appeal. The winter months in D.C. aren’t exactly the prettiest. But come spring, everything is coming in – blooming flowers, leafy trees and green lawns. This makes homes stand out!
What if I Don’t Want to Wait Until Spring to Sell?
While it might look good on paper to sell your house in the late spring or early summer, this may not be in your best interests. For every month that you keep your home, you are responsible for paying the principal, interest, property taxes and utilities. You are also responsible for maintaining the home.
If you’re not in a position to do this, selling your D.C. house for cash is likely the better option. 4 Brothers Buy Houses is a home buying company that purchases properties all over Washington D.C. We always make fair offers that reflect the condition, location and size of the home. If you accept the offer, we can typically close in about two weeks.
Furthermore, our cash house buyers in D.C. require no contingencies. There are no appraisals, inspections, repairs or cleaning you’ll have to do. The transaction is simple and straightforward. If you don’t want to wait till spring to sell your house, selling for cash can be a great alternative! Contact 4 Brothers Buy Houses for your free cash offer!
January 15, 2023
How the COVID Pandemic Has Impacted the Housing Market for Baby Boomers
Downsizing to a smaller home means less upkeep, lower bills and more time to do the things you love. However, downsizing isn’t the cash grab it used to be. With higher home prices, rising mortgage rates and costly moving services, some baby boomers are choosing to upgrade their homes rather than downsize them.
Let’s learn more about how the COVID pandemic has impacted the housing market for baby boomers so that you can reassess your next chapter!
Greater need for in-home offices.
Even though baby boomers are of retirement age, many are still in the workforce. According to reports, almost half of baby boomers are still working past age 70. This generation sees working longer as the key to a secure retirement.
The good news is that many older adults are able to work from home. The pandemic pushed this trend forward, and it actually turned out to be a smart and profitable decision for many businesses. As a result, some older adults want homes that can accommodate an in-home office, preferably on the first floor.
Need for more space, not less.
Zillow research found that nearly three million young adults moved back home during the pandemic. That likely delayed downsizing plans for some older adults who suddenly had a full house again. Even though many young people are now moving out, this has changed the way people look at their homes.
Instead of downsizing, some older adults have decided to remodel their homes or buy a new home with an open floor plan and extra bedrooms. This way, the home is easier to maintain but still offers enough room for adult children to stay.
Desire for an easier commute.
With so many baby boomers in the workforce, it’s not uncommon for them to drive to work at least some of the time. But with rising gas prices, higher car prices and increasing interest rates, people are rethinking their commutes.
For instance, we’re seeing more older adults move to new homes to enjoy a shorter commute. This saves money, alleviates stress and puts more money in their pockets. It also makes it easier to work longer, something that is important to boomers.
Accommodate changing lifestyles.
Realizing that life is precious and uncertain, older adults are rethinking their idea of ‘home.’ Many are choosing to move closer to their grandchildren, while others want a space that accommodates their interests – a large yard for gardening or a library for reading, for example. This is also a good time to choose a property that is one level and easier to maintain.
As you can see, older adults are still moving, but they might not be as interested in downsizing as they once were. If you are thinking about selling the family home, contact 4 Brothers Buy Houses for a free cash offer. The cash you receive will make it easier to buy a home that is conducive to your current lifestyle.
January 8, 2023
When Should Retirees in Arlington VA Downsize Their Homes?
Are you thinking about downsizing your Arlington home now that you are retired? This could be a good option, as it can free up some cash and better accommodate your needs. If your current house has three levels and lots of stairs, for instance, it won’t be as easy to live in as a one-story house. Same with older homes. They need a lot of maintenance, whereas a newer build will not.
Making the decision to downsize is only half the battle, though. You then have to decide where you want to live. Some retirees in Arlington choose to leave behind the winter storms and settle in a warmer state like Florida or Arizona. Others stay in Virginia, but choose a senior living community or one-level home that’s easier to maintain.
Below are some factors to consider when downsizing your home. Downsizing is both an emotional and financial decision, so it’s important to look at things holistically. To help you, 4 Brothers Buy Houses offers free, no obligation cash offers. This way, you can determine how much you’ll get from selling your Arlington house for cash.
When to Downsize to a Smaller Home
Your home no longer fits your needs.
Many retirees consider a move when their home becomes filled with memories instead of people. While it can be hard to let the family home go, there’s also no need to keep a large property with a big yard. This is a lot to pay for and maintain. The money you save by moving to a smaller home can be used to pay for family vacations, taking care of grandchildren, traveling and more.
You are feeling overwhelmed with home maintenance.
Another sign it may be time to downsize is feeling overwhelmed with the maintenance your property needs. Over time, houses need a lot of work. From day-to-day maintenance like mowing the lawn and shoveling snow, to essential repairs and upgrades, the average homeowner spends thousands on home maintenance!
If your home has become too much to handle, it’s a definite sign that you’re ready for something smaller and more manageable. And if you buy a new house in Arlington, you can enjoy everything being new, which means far less work for you!
Your housing expenses are becoming unmanageable.
Once you’re on a fixed income, you’ll need to follow a strict budget. However, it’s possible that your home will become difficult to afford with rising taxes and insurance rates. Living in a smaller home can free up cash and make it easier to enjoy your life. Instead of paying a high mortgage, you can use this money for traveling, entertainment and maintaining your new home.
You are ready for something new.
Selling the family home can be difficult, but you are also facing a new chapter in your life. You likely bought your home when your family was young and you needed lots of space. But now, you need a house that is streamlined and easy to maintain. And, don’t be afraid to spoil yourself with upgrades like walk-in closets, a barrier-free shower, a large kitchen island for entertaining, a butler’s pantry and an open floor plan.
If you are thinking about downsizing your home in Arlington, contact 4 Brothers Buy Houses for a cash offer. We always pay a fair price for the houses we buy – and we can have everything done in about two weeks!
