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Late summer and early fall are traditionally times when families get serious about home buying. According to the National Association of Realtors® Profile on Home Buyers and Sellers, 8 in 10 home buyers worked with an agent to purchase a home in 2015, and agent use is even higher among buyers ages 36 to 50 (87 percent) and 35 and younger (89 percent)—the demographics most likely to have school-aged children.
By Ron Caplan
When housing supply is short and demand is high – as it is these days -- homeowners can be in the lucky position of having a quick sale and, possibly, multiple bids on their property or cash transactions. They may even sell their house for more than the listing price. For buyers, a seller’s market means rising above the competition to shine as the “best” buyer – but it’s not all about the money.
In either case, for a buyer or a seller, professional guidance from a Realtor® can help your transaction go smoothly. But especially in a seller’s market – when a bidding war can break out and multiple offers are in play-- the professional ethics and rules of the real estate world are called into sharp focus. The pace of the process – showing and shopping, negotiating and making offers – can be brisk and emotionally challenging. A licensed broker can reduce stress, manage the process and keep things in perspective.
For vacationers and day trippers, the lure of Columbia, Greene, Dutchess and surrounding counties is unmistakable. Against the bustle and demands of urban or suburban living, the down-shift gears of our rural life brings visitors back again and again to explore hiking and cycling trails, skiing and snowshoeing, poking about the farmer’s markets and back roads and visiting hip and trendy Hudson. From here, you can venture to our region’s cultural spots here and to the nearby Catskills and Berkshires.
There are many advantages associated with home ownership. The American Dream offers financial gain, stability and many social benefits. A real estate agent will tell you that one of the biggest perks associated with home ownership can be found when filing your taxes, and depending on your situation, there may be thousands of dollars coming back your way.