The Power of Choice!
YOU have the RIGHT to choose your own Title Company!
Because GCS Title is independently owned and locally operated, we have no ties to realtors or lenders, and no vested interest in transactions. We are not owned by lenders or realtors, and we serve our customers. (more…)
- Published in MN First Time Home Buyers, Real Estate & Mortgage Industry
Top Home Design and Renovation Trends In 2018
2017 was a very strong year for home remodeling, and it looks like 2018 will be even bigger. In fact, according a report by Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, 2018 could be a record year for home renovations.
If you’re planning to sell your home this year, or just want to make some needed upgrades, 2018 is the year to do so. While kitchen and bathroom remodeling will always top the list of projects homeowners want to do first, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on what else is trending. These projects can really make your home stand out from the rest. Here are a few (and more) hot home remodeling trends in 2018:
- Accessibility Remodeling
- Master Bedroom Suites
- Mudroom Additions
- Eco-friendly Remodeling Materials
- Luxury Finished Basements
- Published in MN First Time Home Buyers, Real Estate & Mortgage Industry
Minnesota’s Most Expensive Homes
- Published in MN First Time Home Buyers, Networking, Real Estate & Mortgage Industry
How’s Your Shopping Going?
Are you done yet? If you think your holiday shopping is taking a while and costing a lot, check out what MN first time home buyers are up against according to research from Zillow and Allianz:
- MN First time buyers typically rent for six years. Consumers rented an average of 2.6 years before buying in the 1970s
- MN First time home buyers are spending 2.6 times their annual incomes on homes. Consumers spent approximately 1.7 times their annual incomes on homes in the 1970s
While people might not be home shopping for six years, the idea of homeownership is out there and on their brains while they’re writing those rent checks. This means MN Realtors and MN lenders will likely be in touch with people for longer periods of time before they buy their first MN home. And, if they’re NOT in touch, they should be. With everything that’s happened in the last few years and the new regulatory climate, it’s more important than ever to be very intentional with our marketing and make sure we’re educating the public and building solid, long-term relationships. There are simple ways to do this which are effective and compliant. Let’s talk about communicating to consumers in this new world – while prices and financing are still so favorable.
~Charlie
- Published in MN First Time Home Buyers, On the House