🌞Happy June 🏖️

Why a Licensed Realtor is Essential for Purchasing Your Dream Home

Scouting for your dream home can be an exhilarating yet confusing journey. Don't go it alone, here are compelling reasons why you should engage a licensed realtor in your home-buying process:

• Experience and Expertise: Realtors have undergone extensive training and amassed years of experience in the complex housing market. They are experts on local neighborhoods, market trends, and pricing strategies, enabling them to find you the perfect home at the best price.

• Access to Exclusive Listings: Realtors have access to listings that may not be publicly available, such as off-market properties and pocket listings. This enables you to have a head-start in securing your dream home before it hits the market.

• Negotiation Skills: Negotiating can be daunting, especially for such a significant purchase as a home. Realtors have honed negotiation skills that ensure you get the best deal possible. They serve as a buffer between buyers and sellers, leading to a mutually beneficial agreement.

• Legal Protection: With a myriad of legal paperwork involved in real estate transactions, realtors can help you understand the contracts before signing. They also have access to legal resources, ensuring your interests are protected throughout the buying process.

• Market Knowledge: The housing market changes rapidly, with prices and regulations continually evolving. Realtors stay updated on all these changes, offering valuable insights to their clients preventing you from overpaying for a home.

• Personalized Services: Realtors understand that each buyer has unique needs and preferences. They take the time to comprehend your specific requirements, budget, and lifestyle, and curate a list of suitable properties.

• Peace of Mind: Buying a home is a significant investment. A licensed realtor ensures your best interests are taken care of and guides you through each step of the buying process, providing a stress-free experience.
  
  

A licensed realtor not only saves time and money but also makes the purchasing process stress-free. Don't go through this process alone - let a licensed realtor help you find your dream home today and remember, as your Lending Partner For Life, we are here to support your dreams of home ownership.

Is there a Price Tag Hidden in the Fine Print?

According to a recent study published by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB.), financial contracts often include additional charges that may increase the ultimate cost of your product. This practice, known as 'sub-pricing', can sometimes make a seemingly great deal a costly proposition.

Here's what the research found:

• In markets where sub-pricing was prevalent, sellers’ total asking prices were astonishingly 60% higher, compared to the simpler single-price markets.

• Confusing sub-prices led buyers to select higher-priced options 15 times more often.

• Transaction prices were a whopping 70% higher on average in markets practicing sub-pricing!
  

So, what does this mean for you?

It's crucial to stay informed, ask questions, and make sure you understand each element in your financial contracts. While we all might roll our eyes at the prospect of reading a multi-page contract, understanding the full cost implication before signing can save you a significant amount of money.

BBQ Ribs Recipe 

Summer officially starts on June 21^st, and nothing says summer like grilling out. Check out this fall-off-the-bone recipe from The Pioneer Woman:

Ingredients

FOR THE SPICE RUB:                                

• 1/4 c. light brown sugar
• 2 Tbsp. smoked paprika
• 1 1/2 tsp. onion powder 
• 1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 1 tsp. ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp. ground cayenne pepper (optional)

FOR THE GRILLED RIBS:

• 2 racks baby back ribs (about 5 to 6 lb. total)
• 3 Tbsp. vegetable oil, plus more for oiling the grates.
• 1/2 c. chicken stock
• 1/4 c. apple cider vinegar
• 1 1/2 c. barbecue sauce, plus more to serve.

Instructions

1. Preheat a grill (charcoal or gas) to 300°F, with the coals or flames only under one half of the grill.

2. For the spice rub: In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne, if using.
3. Place the rack of ribs on a large sheet tray and remove the membrane from the underside of the ribs. Rub the vegetable oil all over both sides of the ribs, then sprinkle evenly with the spice rub. 
4. Place the ribs on the sheet tray, with the curves of the bones facing down. Add the chicken stock and vinegar to the tray. Wrap the tray tightly with aluminum foil and place on the grill over the side with no coals/flame. Cook over indirect heat until the internal temperature of the ribs reads 180°F to 190°F, about 90 minutes to 2 hours. (Alternatively, you can bake these ribs in a 300°F oven.)
5. Increase the grill temperature to 375°F and oil the grill grates well. Transfer the ribs directly over the grill grates and brush the tops with the BBQ sauce. Cover and cook for 5 minutes. Carefully turn the ribs over and baste the other side with the barbecue sauce. Cover again and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Continue basting and turning the ribs until the barbecue sauce has created a sticky coating and the ribs are charred in spots, 10 to 20 minutes longer, then transfer to a cutting board and serve!

Want Weekly Market Updates?

After receiving many requests, I have been sending Weekly Market Updates on Fridays to my realtor and referral partners. I have been fielding numerous calls asking for clarity on what is going on in the market from past clients, clients who are currently looking, and future clients who plan on purchasing in the not-too-distant future. If you or anyone you know would like to be added to my Weekly Market Update email, reply to this email, or use/send them the button below to start receiving this timely information! 

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Holly Walther Lending Team, 3100 Interstate North Circle SE Ste 200, Atlanta, GA 30339, United States