What do to after a tornado. Disaster has struck, what now?

by Kim Robbins

Interview with insurance agent on what to do after a tornado

Natural disasters like tornadoes and high winds can cause a significant amount of damage to personal property. This can leave homeowners feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. Where tornadoes and high winds are common, it’s important to know what steps to take after a storm hits. In this post, we’ll go over some key actions you can take to get your life back on track after a tornado or high winds hit your house or other personal property.

Stay Safe

The first and most important thing to do after a tornado or high winds hit your house is to make sure you and your family are safe. Check for any injuries and seek medical attention if needed. If your house is severely damaged, it may be unsafe to remain inside. Leave your home immediately and seek shelter elsewhere until you can safely return.

Document the Damage

Once you’re safe, it’s important to document the damage to your property. Take pictures or videos of the damage. This may include any structural damage, water damage, or other types of damage to your personal property. This documentation will be crucial when you file an insurance claim. It will help prove the extent of the damage and the losses you incurred.

File an Insurance Claim

After documenting the damage, contact your insurance company to file a claim. Be prepared to provide the documentation you gathered, as well as any other information your insurance company requests. Your insurance company will likely send an adjuster to assess the damage, so be sure to keep any damaged items on hand until the adjuster has had a chance to evaluate them.

Conclusion:

Experiencing a tornado or high winds can be a traumatic experience, but knowing what to do after a storm hits can help you get back on your feet faster. Remember to prioritize safety, document the damage, and file an insurance claim as soon as possible. By taking these steps, you can start the recovery process and get your life back to normal. If you have any additional questions or concerns, be sure to reach out to your insurance company or a professional restoration company for guidance.

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Housing market • Real estate • Why use a real estate agent • April 3, 2023

Spring 2023 Appraisal Issues-How to Navigate them

by Kim Robbins

Learn how to navigate appraisal issues this spring 2023

As we move into the spring 2023 real estate market, both buyers and sellers are facing appraisal issues that are impacting their ability to buy or sell a home. In this blog post, we will discuss these appraisal issues in detail, their impact on the real estate market, and what buyers and sellers can do to navigate them.

What is an Appraisal?

Before we dive into the specific appraisal issues in the spring 2023 housing market, let’s first define what an appraisal is. An appraisal is an assessment of the value of a property, conducted by a licensed appraiser. The appraiser evaluates the property based on various factors. The include location, size, condition, and recent sales of similar properties in the area.

Spring 2023 Appraisal Issues

In the current real estate market, there are several appraisal issues that buyers and sellers are encountering. Here are some of the most common ones:

Low Appraisals: One of the most significant appraisal issues in the spring 2023 housing market is low appraisals. A low appraisal occurs when the appraised value of a property is lower than the agreed-upon purchase price. This can be a problem for buyers who may not be able to secure financing for the full purchase price. Alternatively, sellers may be forced to reduce their asking price or lose the deal altogether.
Appraisal Delays: Another appraisal issue is delays. Due to the high demand for appraisals, many appraisers are experiencing delays in completing their assessments. This can cause delays in the closing process, which can be frustrating for both buyers and sellers.
Inaccurate Appraisals: In some cases, appraisals may be inaccurate. This can happen when the appraiser is not familiar with the local market or when there are not enough comparable properties to use for the assessment. Inaccurate appraisals can lead to problems with financing and can ultimately derail a real estate transaction.

Impact on Buying and Selling a Home

Appraisal issues can have a significant impact on both buying and selling a home. For buyers, low appraisals can make it difficult to secure financing for the full purchase price. This can lead to either renegotiating the purchase price or finding alternative financing options. For sellers, low appraisals can mean reducing the asking price, which can result in a loss of profit.

Appraisal delays can also impact both buyers and sellers. Delays can push back the closing date, which can be frustrating for buyers who may have made moving arrangements or given notice to their landlord. For sellers, delays can mean having to hold onto their property for longer than anticipated. Thus potentially causing an unanticipated financial burden.

What Can You Do?

If you are buying or selling a home in the spring 2023 housing market, there are a few things you can do to navigate appraisal issues. Here are some tips:

Work with a knowledgeable real estate agent who can help you navigate the appraisal process and provide guidance on how to handle appraisal issues.
Be prepared for delays. Build extra time into your closing schedule to account for potential appraisal delays.
Be flexible on price. If you are a seller and receive a low appraisal, consider lowering your asking price to keep the deal on track. If you are a buyer, be prepared to renegotiate the purchase price if the appraisal comes in low.

In Conclusion

The spring 2023 housing market is facing several appraisal issues that can impact both buyers and sellers. From low appraisals to delays, these issues can be frustrating and challenging to navigate. However, by working with a knowledgeable real estate agent, being prepared for delays, and being flexible on price, you can successfully navigate these appraisal issues and achieve your real estate goals.

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Moving Tips • Real estate • What is home? • Why use a real estate agent • March 31, 2023

Consider these elements when moving long distance.

by Kim Robbins

Consider these elements when moving long distance.

If you are one of the millions of Americans seeking a life change by moving to a new state, Coldwell Banker’s Move Meter is an excellent resource to determine what state is a fit for you. Simply fill in where you live and where you are considering moving to and the Move Meter will use data to compare key factors such as taxes, schools, home prices and overall quality of life! Once you decide on the new state you are moving to and are ready to move, consider these elements when moving long distance. And don’t forget to use an agent!

Factors that affect the price of long distance moves

How far are you moving?
When are you moving? Think of it like airplane tickets, the busier the time, the more expensive the ticket. Usually, moving companies are the busiest at the end of the month and in the summer.
How much stuff are you moving?
Will you pack yourself? Or, is the moving company packing for you?

Consolidated shipping

Instead of sending a giant semi truck across the state line with only your belongings onboard, check to see if your moving company can consolidate your long distance move with other clients’ shipments. This method of consolidated shipping allows everyone to receive the lowest rate for long distance moves.

If you need to move quickly, or have a large amount of items to move, you can always pay full price for an entire truck.

Delivery windows

Sometimes for long distance moves, moving companies give a delivery window and not an exact arrival date. They know conditions like weather and road closures can often slow down the moving truck. And, if your belongings are part of a consolidated shipment, it takes time for the movers to pick up and deliver other clients’ shipments along the way.

Accessorial charges

Does your move involve any extra circumstances like flights of stairs? An elevator? Will the truck have to park far from your front door? By the way, the moving lingo for “extra circumstances” is “accessorial charges”.

Storage

Will your belongings need to be in the moving company’s storage while you’re getting your new place ready?

Best money saving tip

The best way to truly save on the cost of your move is to choose a moving company based on their reputation. Make sure they have provided stellar service to their clients for years.

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Home Decor • March 30, 2023

Wallpaper With Personality

by Kim Robbins

Wallpaper With Personality

Wallpaper is back. And you’ll be glad it is. With all the exciting new colors, patterns and textures, you can wallpaper with personality! Today, stylish wallpaper is being used in small spaces, such as powder rooms and mudrooms. Also, wallpaper can add a beautiful accent, providing pops of color that brighten up an area. Simultaneously, wallpaper can give it a more customized look.

Wallpaper choices range from traditional floral patterns to modern art deco designs, with patterns ranging from subdued to bold. Today’s wallpaper is also much easier to apply and remove, so you can create a big impact without the hassle and mess. So, where do you begin? It depends on the look you’re going for.

Create Visual Interest With Texture

Firstly, if your space needs some personality, textured wallpaper may be the answer. Its three-dimensional design mimics just about any material, giving the room an unexpected visual element. Faux stone or wood adds rustic charm. Floral or scroll patterns evoke an antique or vintage vibe. Many textured papers are even paintable, so if you ever want to change things up, you can give your walls new life with a coat of paint.

Add a Touch of Glow With Metallics

To start, for a glamorous feel, metallic wallpaper is an elegant choice. Your space will sparkle with movement as gold, silver and black elements reflect the light. Some metallic papers are also textured, producing shadowed accents that add depth and intrigue.

Soften Up With Fabric

Fabric or textile wall coverings are undeniably among the oldest types of wall decoration. These can complement a bedroom’s soft furnishings, giving it a luxurious feel. You can find both manmade and natural fibers. These include paper mimics velvet, silk, linen or cotton. Being that these materials are also breathable and porous, they are less susceptible to mold spores. However, keep in mind that fabric wallpaper can be affected by moisture and extreme heat.

Go Green With Naturals

Also, you can choose from newer wall treatments made from environmentally friendly, natural products. Bamboo or grass cloth have increased in popularity. Certain brands are handcrafted and create quite a conversation piece. Consequently, this allows you to capitalize on the material’s innate color and texture variations.

Wow Them With a Mural

Additionally, on a feature wall, a mural makes a bold a statement. It can help bring the beauty of the outdoors inside. Transform a room with dramatic floral arrangements. You may also find sweeping landscapes, lush forests and a variety of other picturesque nature-scenes.

Find Your Inner Child With DIY Options

Furthermore, if you’re looking to add a bit of playfulness, coloring wallpaper is just the ticket. It’s not only an ideal addition to a child’s room, but also adds a fun element to any entertaining space. Just like coloring books, this wallpaper comes in a plethora of themes. It can be minimal or a highly detailed in design. With most often coming in peel-and-stick form, you can easily remove it and apply a new pattern.

Where to begin…

Feeling timid about jumping on the wallpaper bandwagon? Consider starting with a small project. Give your lamps some personality by applying wallpaper around the edges of the shades. Wallpaper the top of a side table that isn’t getting much use. Or paper the back wall of a bookcase or curio cabinet to introduce surprise depth. No matter the project, wallpaper has the unique ability to create a space in your home that’s every bit as distinctive as you are.

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Entertaining Tips • What is home? • March 27, 2023

Guest Room for Warmest of Welcomes

by Kim Robbins

Guest Room Tips for the Warmest of Welcomes

Opening your house to guests is one of the many joys of being a homeowner. You can make guests feel welcomed and comfortable by following these simple tips. Create a guest room for warmest welcomes where flexibility is key in getting the most out of your guest quarters.

Create the Ultimate “Flex” Room

Flexibility is key in getting the most out of your guest quarters. If you host frequently, the room will likely be used by a wide variety of people. This could be your high school bestie visiting with her kids on spring break. Great Auntie Edna could be there for the holidays or your nephew who’s in town to tour college campuses.

Plan Ahead

If you expect to children or multiple guests at the same time, consider investing in bunk beds or at least twin beds to offer several possible combinations of sleeping arrangements. The important thing is to plan ahead and anticipate who you may be hosting. So, keep this in mind when decorating the space as well. Selecting a neutral color palette (step away from that ruffled, hot pink comforter!) will ensure that everyone feels content in their home away from home.

Add Some Local Flavor

Showcase your local community by displaying the highlights or most popular features of your city. Display a coffee table book about its history or attractions. Framed postcards or other artwork that show the best and coolest spots around town will not only dress up the space, but also give visitors a little taste of what they might see and do during their stay. Go one step further and stock the dresser drawer with brochures or travel magazines they can browse through. This way they can gather ideas about an itinerary for their vacation.

Walk a Mile in Their Shoes

Want to really understand what your visitors might need? Spend a night in your guest room with suitcase in tow, and you’ll discover all sorts of little niceties that would make a difference to your guests: handy hooks for wet towels, extra blankets in the bureau, plenty of empty hangers in the closet, a convenient luggage rack, drink coasters for the nightstand, an alarm clock or even a collection of short stories for nighttime reading. Endeavoring to understand their needs from their perspective will help you play the role of the perfect host.

After all, you want to feel confident when you lay out the welcome mat that those who cross your threshold will enjoy the time spent in your home. Refer to these tips when preparing for overnight guests and you’ll be sure to win points as a first-rate host.

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Real estate • What is home? • Why use a real estate agent • March 24, 2023

What Is Home? Hire an Agent for Your Perfect Home.

by Kim Robbins

Step into your perfect home with help from us.

What Is Home? Hire an Agent For Your Perfect Home.

Home is more than just a place to live. It’s where we create memories, build relationships, and feel safe and secure. Home is a sentimental thing, where so much of your life happens, and finding the perfect home can be a challenging and overwhelming process. Hire an agent for the perfect home

What Is Home?

Home is more than just a physical space. It’s a place where we can be ourselves and feel comfortable in our own skin. It’s where we create our fondest memories, whether it’s cooking dinner with our loved ones, watching a movie with our family, or celebrating special occasions. Home is a place where we can relax, recharge, and feel safe and secure. It’s a space where we can be surrounded by the things we love, whether it’s family photos, artwork, or our favorite books. Home is where we can express ourselves and create an environment that reflects our personality and style.

Why Hire an Agent for Your Perfect Home

Buying a home is a significant investment, both financially and emotionally. That’s why it’s essential to have a professional by your side who can guide you through the process and help you make informed decisions, especially in todays market. Here are some reasons why hiring an agent matters:

Expertise and Knowledge

Real estate agents are experts in their field. They have extensive knowledge of the local market, including trends, pricing, and inventory. They can also provide you with valuable insights into different neighborhoods, schools, and amenities, which can help you make informed decisions about where to buy your home.

Negotiation Skills

Negotiation is a critical aspect of the home buying process. Real estate agents have excellent negotiation skills and can help you get the best deal possible. They can negotiate on your behalf and handle any conflicts that may arise during the process, such as issues with the inspection or appraisal.

Time-Saving

Buying a home is a time-consuming process, from searching for properties to completing paperwork. Real estate agents can save you time by handling many of the tasks involved in the process. They can help you narrow down your search, schedule property viewings, and guide you through the paperwork, freeing up your time to focus on other important tasks.

Home Buying

Buying a home is an exciting but daunting process. Here are some steps to help you find your perfect home:

Determine Your Budget

Before you start looking for a home, it’s essential to determine your budget. This will help you narrow down your search and ensure that you’re looking at properties that are within your price range. Your real estate agent can help you with this process by providing you with a pre-approval letter from a lender.

Determine Your Must-Haves

Make a list of the features you must have in your home, such as the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and square footage. This will help you narrow down your search and ensure that you’re looking at properties that meet your needs.

Work With a Real Estate Agent

Working with a real estate agent is crucial when buying a home. They can help you find properties that meet your criteria, negotiate on your behalf, and guide you through the process.

Conclusion

Home is more than just a physical space. It’s where we create memories, build relationships, and feel safe and secure. Buying a home is a significant investment, both financially and emotionally. That’s why hiring an agent matters when looking for your perfect home. They have the expertise, negotiation skills, and time-saving abilities to guide you through the process.

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Housing market • Real estate • Why use a real estate agent • March 22, 2023

An Expert Gives You Clarity in Today’s Housing Market

by Kim Robbins

An Expert Gives You Clarity in Today’s Housing Market

An Expert Gives You Clarity in Today’s Housing Market | MyKCM

The housing market has been going through shifts lately. That’s why it’s so important to work with an industry professional.

A real estate expert uses their knowledge of what’s really happening with home prices, housing supply, expert projections, and more to give you the best advice. Someone who can provide clarity like that is critical right now. Jay Thompson, Real Estate Industry Consultant, explains:

“Housing market headlines are everywhere. Many are quite sensational, ending with exclamation points or predicting impending doom for the industry. Clickbait, the sensationalizing of headlines and content, has been an issue since the dawn of the internet, and housing news is not immune to it.”

Unfortunately, when information in the media isn’t clear, it can generate a lot of fear and uncertainty in the market. As Jason Lewris, Co-Founder and Chief Data Officer at Parcl, says:

“In the absence of trustworthy, up-to-date information, real estate decisions are increasingly being driven by fear, uncertainty, and doubt.”

The Good News

It doesn’t have to be that way. Buying a home is a big decision, and it should be one you feel confident making. You can lean on an expert to help you separate fact from fiction and get the answers you need. The right agent can help you understand what’s happening at the national and local levels, and they can debunk headlines using data you can trust. Experts have in-depth knowledge of the industry and can provide context, so you know how current trends compare to the normal ebbs and flows in the industry, historical data, and more.

Then, to make sure you have the full picture, an agent can tell you if your local area is following the national trend or if they’re seeing something different in your market. Together, you can use all that information to make the best possible decision.

After all, making a move is a potentially life-changing milestone. It should be something you feel ready for and excited about. And that’s where a trusted expert comes in.

Bottom Line

For expert advice and the latest housing market insights, let’s connect.

Uncategorized • February 22, 2023

Why should you hire a Realtor?

by Kim Robbins

The Home buying process can be complicated and confusing at times, a professional Realtor, or a licensed real estate agent, can offer several benefits to buyers and sellers. Here are some of the key benefits of using a Realtor:

Knowledge and Expertise: A Realtor can provide expert guidance and advice based on their knowledge and experience in the real estate market. They can help you understand the complex buying or selling process, local housing market conditions, and current trends and regulations.

Access to Listings: Realtors have access to a wide range of listings through the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which can help you find the right property that meets your needs and budget.

Negotiation Skills: A Realtor can help you negotiate the best deal possible for your purchase or sale, based on their knowledge of market conditions, property values, and negotiation techniques.

Paperwork and Legal Assistance: A Realtor can help you navigate the complex legal and paperwork requirements associated with a real estate transaction. They can help you understand the terms and conditions of contracts and ensure that all necessary documents are completed accurately and on time.

Uncategorized • January 4, 2023

Wondering how to avoid the Rental Trap in 2023?

by Kim Robbins

Avoid the Rental Trap in 2023

Avoid the Rental Trap in 2023 | MyKCM

If you’re a renter, you likely face an important decision every year: renew your current lease, start a new one, or buy a home. This year is no different. But before you dive too deeply into your options, it helps to understand the true costs of renting moving forward.

In the past year, both current renters and new renters have seen their rent go up based on information from realtor.com:

“Three out of four renters (74.2%) who have moved in the past 12 months reported seeing their rent increase. The strain from recent rent hikes isn’t exclusive to renters who have recently moved. Nearly two-thirds of renters (63.2%) who have lived in their current rental between 12 and 24 months, and likely renewed their lease, have also reported increases in their rent.”

And if you look back at historical data, that shouldn’t come as surprise. That’s because, according to the Census, rents have been rising fairly consistently since 1988 (see graph below):

So, if you’re considering renting as an option in 2023, it’s worth weighing whether this trend is likely to continue. The 2023 Housing Forecast from realtor.com expects rents will keep climbing (see graph below):

That forecast projects rents will increase by 6.3% in the year ahead (shown in green). When compared to the blue bars in the graph, it’s clear that the 2023 projection doesn’t call for an increase as drastic as the ones renters have seen over the past two years, but it’s still above the historical average for rent hikes between 2013-2019.

That means, if you’re planning to rent again this year and you’ve not yet renewed your lease, you may pay more when you do.

Homeownership Provides an Alternative to Rising Rents

These rising costs may make you reconsider what other alternatives you have. If you’re looking for more stability, it could be time to prioritize homeownership. One of the many benefits of owning your own home is it provides a stable monthly cost that you can lock in for the duration of your loan. As Freddie Mac says:

“Monthly rent payments may increase over time, but a fixed-rate mortgage will ensure that you’re paying the same amount each month. With a fixed-rate mortgage, your interest rate is locked in for the life of loan. Steady payments allow you to budget wisely and make plans for the future.”

If you’re planning to make a move this year, locking in your monthly housing costs for the duration of your loan can be a major benefit. You’ll avoid wondering if you’ll need to adjust your budget to account for annual increases like you would if you left your housing payment up to your landlord and their renewal cycle.

Homeowners also enjoy the added benefit of home equity, which has grown substantially. In fact, the latest Homeowner Equity Insight report from CoreLogic shows the average homeowner gained $34,300 in equity over the last 12 months. As a renter, your rent payment only covers the cost of your dwelling. When you pay your mortgage on a house, you grow your wealth through the forced savings that is your home equity.

Bottom Line

If you’re thinking of renting this year, it’s important to keep in mind the true costs you’ll face. Let’s chat to see how you can begin your journey to homeownership today. Renting might be a short term option, but paying someone else’s mortgage will keep you stuck in the long run.

Uncategorized • January 3, 2023

Advice for First time Home Buyers

by Kim Robbins

Advice for First-Generation Homebuyers

The sense of pride you’ll feel when you purchase a home can’t be overstated. For first-generation homebuyers, that feeling of accomplishment is even greater. That’s because the pride of homeownership for first-generation buyers extends far beyond the homebuyer. AJ Barkley, Head of Neighborhood and Community Lending for Bank of America, says:

“Achieving this goal can create a sense of pride and accomplishment that resonates both for the buyer and those closest to them, including their parents and future generations.”

In other words, your dream of homeownership has far-reaching impacts. If you’re about to be the first person in your family to buy a home, let that motivate you throughout the process. As you begin your journey, here are three helpful tips to make that dream come true.

1. Reach Out to a Real Estate Professional

It’s important to reach out to a trusted advisor early in your homebuying process. Not only can an agent help you find the right home, but they’ll serve as your expert advisor and answer any questions you might have along the way.

The latest Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) surveyed first-time homebuyers to see how their agent helped them with their home purchase (see chart below):

As the graph shows, your agent is a great source of information throughout the process. They’ll help you understand what’s happening, assess a home’s condition, and negotiate a contract that has the best possible terms for you. These are just some of the reasons having an expert in your corner is critical as you navigate one of the most significant purchases of your life.

2. Do Your Research and Know What You Can Afford

The second piece of advice for first-generation homebuyers is practical: do your research so you know what you can afford. That means getting your finances in order, reviewing your budget, and getting pre-approved through a lender. It also means learning the ins and outs of what it takes to pay for your home, including what you’ll need for a down payment.

Many homebuyers believe the common misconception that you can’t purchase a home without coming up with a 20% for a down payment. As Freddie Mac says:

“The most damaging down payment myth—since it stops the homebuying process before it can start—is the belief that 20% is necessary.”

The chart below shows what recent homebuyers have actually put down on their purchases:

On average, first-time buyers only put 7% down on their home purchase. That’s far less than the 20% many people believe is necessary. That means your down payment, and your home purchase, may be in closer reach than you realize. Keep that in mind as you work with a real estate professional to better understand what you’ll need for your purchase.

3. Don’t Lose Sight of What Home Means to You

Finally, it’s important keep in mind why you’re searching for a home to begin with. Overwhelmingly, first-generation homeowners recognize the financial and non-financial benefits of owning a home. In fact, in a recent survey:

73% of first-generation homeowners say the safety and security homeownership provides is increasing in importance.
Nearly two-thirds of first-generation homeowners say the importance of building equity in a home is growing more important as well.

As AJ Barkley explains:

“For many first-generation homeowners and their families, homeownership has a unique importance, given the collective efforts to overcome financial challenges that can often span generations…”

Bottom Line

If you’re a first-generation homebuyer, being prepared and working with a trusted expert is key to achieving your dream. Let’s connect today so you can get started on your path to homeownership.

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Stay Safe

Document the Damage

File an Insurance Claim

Conclusion:

What is an Appraisal?

Spring 2023 Appraisal Issues

Impact on Buying and Selling a Home

What Can You Do?

In Conclusion

Consider these elements when moving long distance.

Factors that affect the price of long distance moves

Consolidated shipping

Delivery windows

Accessorial charges

Storage

Best money saving tip

Wallpaper With Personality

Where to begin…

Guest Room Tips for the Warmest of Welcomes

Plan Ahead

What Is Home? Hire an Agent For Your Perfect Home.

What Is Home?

Why Hire an Agent for Your Perfect Home

Expertise and Knowledge

Negotiation Skills

Time-Saving

Home Buying

Conclusion

An Expert Gives You Clarity in Today’s Housing Market

The Good News

Bottom Line

Avoid the Rental Trap in 2023

Homeownership Provides an Alternative to Rising Rents

Bottom Line

Advice for First-Generation Homebuyers

1. Reach Out to a Real Estate Professional

2. Do Your Research and Know What You Can Afford

3. Don’t Lose Sight of What Home Means to You

Bottom Line