HOME SHOPPING

If you haven’t heard, nationwide, our housing industry is in a seller’s market.

That means there are more home buyers than there are sellers. Sellers have the goods that buyers want, and buyers desperately want housing.

Rental prices have gone up more than 4% nationwide just in this past year and in various cities it rose a much higher percentage. The average rental nationwide is just over $2000 per month for an annual rental.

Housing prices have gone up, too. As of March 2022, the median home price in Sarasota, Florida is $475,000.

Many people are priced out of the rental market and at the same time the home buying market but still need to find a new home.

Reasons vary from job transfers, a rental increase of a current home that you can no longer afford, a change of life event such as divorce, a new baby or need for a home office space.

Others just want to leave their current city and are searching nationwide for that next new place to call home.

Rental property is snatched up quickly.

Home sellers are still receiving multiple offers within hours of their home or property going live on the multiple-listing service. And homes are being rented or purchased without the traditional in-person visit to see the property.

There are plenty of homes on the market, though, for sale. The considerations of many home seekers remain location, price and condition.

If you are one of these people looking for a new home, you may be frustrated.

Relying on your real estate agent for their knowledge and suggestions is most helpful. Work closely with him or her with a sense of urgency to make sure you don’t miss out.

And, if you do miss out, work together to analyze why and strategize to get the next home you find under contract.

Make your needs and wants list and underline the items on both lists that you can compromise on.

SELF CARE

But take time for self-care, too. 

Stress is a leading cause of many diseases and illnesses. Don’t let the stress of your home search put you out of commission while you heal.

These simple daily self-care tasks can help keep your mind clear and your body healthy. Pick one or a few.

• Express gratitude. Write it down.
• Turn negative self-talk into something positive. You will find a new home.
• Call a loved one for a happy, supportive conversation.
• Do something nice for someone.
• Share only positive things on social media.
• Declutter your current living space. The act of clearing, cleaning and packing will put you into a positive mindset that finding your new home is around the corner.
• Exercise. Try a brisk walk, yoga class or stretching.
• Make a new playlist of energizing songs.
• Get plenty of sleep.
• Eat well and get plenty of healthy fluids.

Simple yet positive actions will help de-stress and clear your mind to positively attack the home-searching activity.

Eileen Saunders, REALTOR with Michael Saunders & Company, Sarasota, FL 662-404-0816 (m)

Image Source: EpicTop10.com via Flickr