The Cobb Group Blog - Home Matters! Monthly Update

3 Ways Low Inventory Is a Win for Sellers

Posted by The Cobb Group on November 3rd, 2020

 

The number of houses for sale today is significantly lower than the high buyer activity in the current housing market. According to Lawrence Yun, Economist for the National Association of Realtors (NAR):Chief

“There is no shortage of hopeful, potential buyers, but inventory is historically low.” 

When the demand for homes is higher than what’s available for sale, it’s a great time for homeowners to sell their house. Here are three ways low inventory can help you win if you’re ready to make a move this fall.

1. Higher Prices

With so many more buyers in the market than homes available for sale, homebuyers are frequently entering into bidding wars for the houses they want to purchase. This buyer competition drives home prices up.…

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How the Coronavirus Is Changing Some Boomers' Real Estate Plans for the Better

Posted by The Cobb Group on October 14th, 2020

For baby boomers, the question of when—and where—they'll retire is a perennial topic of discussion. But with the novel coronavirus sweeping the globe, it has become an especially pressing question these days.

Many are feeling the pressure to ramp up their decision-making and act fast—between concerns over COVID-19 contagion, rampant layoffs, and new rounds of self-reckoning where they ponder "Why wait to realize my dreams?" Many believe that the time is now to make real estate decisions  they've been putting off—or they're changing course entirely.

Whether you're a boomer yourself or just paralyzed about your next move, these stories might inspire you to get unstuck, or at least realize that you aren't alone. Here's how the current coronavirus…

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Ways to Increase Your Home’s Value without Breaking the Bank

Posted by The Cobb Group on October 7th, 2020

So you've heard that it's a seller's market and you've been thinking about putting your home on the market but you're just not sure because your house isn't ready. Believe it or not, there probably isn't as much to do as you think. As a Realtor, it is our job to know what is needed and what is a waste of time and money. We promise to tell you the truth. After all, we want your home to sell too. 

Elevating your home’s value does not mean having to drain your savings. Take a look at these great suggestions.

Under $200

Outdoors are as important as indoors. Liven up your yard by planting a new tree or some native shrubs. Older carpets and rugs can harbor odor-causing soil, so invest in new fresh floor coverings.

 

 

$200-400

For a few…

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Run the Air Conditioner or Open the Windows?

Posted by The Cobb Group on September 2nd, 2020

This always seems to be a question that’s in debate! Do you keep your windows open or use your AC? Here are some answers to your questions.

 

 

How To Know What Will Save You Money?

When the mercury is rising, it should be an easy decision: Do you run the air conditioning or open the windows?

In reality, the choice isn’t always so obvious. You may think open windows are the more economical choice, but constantly starting and stopping your central AC or window unit can be inefficient and costly. And if you have environmental allergies, do you really need to run the AC even on mild days?

To help you decide, we talked to heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning experts about the best cooling…

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Pros and Cons: Painted vs. Stained Kitchen Cabinets

Posted by The Cobb Group on August 25th, 2020

Wondering whether to go for natural wood or a painted finish for your cabinets? These observations can help

Kitchen cabinets are largely about the finish. Whether you’re buying cabinets for the first time or you’re a seasoned kitchen remodeler, it probably didn’t take you long to realize that stain and paint are two totally different slices of pie. Not sure which one you prefer? Here’s the scoop on the perks and pitfalls of both finishes.

 

Painted Cabinets

Pro: Paint Offers a Clean Aesthetic 

Not all roads lead to a crisp kitchen design, but painted cabinetry is one that does. The classic all-white kitchen, for example, wouldn’t be what it is without gleaming white cabinets. However, all paint colors — whites and creams to grays…

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RVing for the first time? 8 tips for newbies

Posted by The Cobb Group on July 22nd, 2020

A month ago, if I had heard the words “black water” in conversation, I’d have assumed the speaker was discussing an obscure movie, perhaps an Australian film (there are two by that name) or a Jean-Claude Van Damme flick that I haven’t seen.

But after two weeks of driving across the country, the words “black water” immediately conjure images of RVs, wastewater tanks and, well, poo spilling out onto my feet (which we’ll get to later).

Suriyapong Thongsawang/Getty Images

I know now that the first definition of black water is solid and liquid waste that must be dumped from an RV's holding tanks, because I am now an RVer.

To be more precise, I’m someone who has laughed, cried, sung very loudly,…

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Is a Second Mortgage Right for You? Advantages and Disadvantages

Posted by The Cobb Group on July 15th, 2020

We’ve heard the chatter lately from friends and neighbors who are thinking about taking out a second mortgage. If it’s pertinent to them, it may be on your mind too. Don’t get confused, research and ask for help. Here are some facts to see if it is right for you.

A second mortgage is a type of loan that lets you borrow against the value of your home. Your home is an asset, and over time, that asset can gain value. Second mortgages, which can be home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) or home equity loans, are a way to use that asset for other projects and goals without having to sell your home.

What Is a Second Mortgage? 

A second mortgage is a loan that uses your home as collateral, similar to the loan you used to purchase your home. The loan…

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