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Sellers Agent, Beaumont, Texas, Real Estate
If you are thinking about selling your home this spring, you'll want to talk to a top local, experienced real estate agent. Hi. I'm Diane McNelis. Southeast Texas, Realtor/Broker Associate, with over fifteen years of experience selling homes in Southeast Texas. You found my blog.
When it comes to selling a home, you want to find the right agent. Choose an agent that can best represent you in the sale of your property. The right agent will have the most effective marketing plan to help you achieve your goals.
If you are ready to sell your home, let's chat. I schedule home marketing consultations by appointment. You can reach out to me by text, email or phone.
Sincerely,
Diane McNelis
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Grand Oak Estates, Fannett, Home for Sale
Sneak peak! On the market today. Take a look.
This is a wonderful inviting home in the desirable neighborhood of Grand Oak Estates in Fannett. So many recent updates. Share with your friends who need a new home in a top school district. It went in the MLS today. Find it on Realtor or Zillow. Contact me for more information.
Sincerely,
Diane
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How to Get a Home Ready to Sell in Southeast Texas
Spring is around the corner. In Southeast Texas, spring and summer are the busiest months for home sales. If you are thinking about selling a home this year, now is the time to start getting ready. Step one, contact a local, professional Realtor. Don't call an agent that doesn't live and work in Southeast Texas. Find an agent with a proven track record and years of selling experience.
Why You Want an Agent’s Advice for Your Move
No matter how you slice it, buying or selling a home is a big decision. And when you’re going through any change in your life and you need some guidance, what do you do? You get advice from people who know what they’re talking about.
Moving is no exception. You need insights from the pros to help you feel confident in your decision. Freddie Mac explains it like this:
“As you set out to find the right home for your family, be sure to select experienced, trusted professionals who will help you make informed decisions and avoid pitfalls.”
And while perfect advice isn’t possible – not even from the experts, what you can get is the very best advice out there.
The Power of Expert Advice
For example, let’s say you need an attorney. You start off by finding an expert in the type of law required for your case. Once you do, they won’t immediately tell you how the case is going to end, or how the judge or jury will rule. But what a good attorney can do is walk you through the most effective strategies based on their experience and help you put a plan together. They’ll even use their knowledge to adjust that plan as new information becomes available.
The job of a real estate agent is similar. Just like you can’t find a lawyer to give you perfect advice, you won’t find a real estate professional who can either. That’s because it’s impossible to know everything that’s going to happen throughout your transaction. Their role is to give you the best advice they can.
To do that, an agent will draw on their experience, industry knowledge, and market data. They know the latest trends, the ins and outs of the homebuying and selling processes, and what’s worked for other people in the same situation as you.
With that expertise, a real estate advisor can anticipate what could happen next and work with you to put together a solid plan. Then, they’ll guide you through the process, helping you make decisions along the way. That’s the very definition of getting the best – not perfect – advice. And that’s the power of working with a real estate advisor.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking to buy or sell a home, you want an expert on your side to help you each step of the way. Let’s connect so you have advice you can count on.
Let my 17 plus years of helping home sellers help you. When you work with me, I become your advocate. My job is to give you the best advice, help you price your home for the current market, attract as many buyers as possible, and negotiate the best sales price on your behalf. I've helped hundreds of Southeast Texas families sell their homes. If you are looking for an experienced listing agent that you can trust, let's set up a time to discuss your goals.
Sincerely,
Diane
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Best Time to List Your Home for Sale
In Southeast Texas, the busiest months for home sales are March – July. Spring and early summer have the highest number of home sales year after year. If a move is in your future this spring or summer, now is the time to start getting your home ready.
It’s Time To Prepare Your House for a Spring Listing
February 19, 2024
If you're thinking of selling your house this spring, now is the perfect time to start getting it ready. With the market gearing up for its busiest time of year, it'll be important to make sure your house shines bright among the competition.
Here are some valuable tips you can use to get your house market-ready.
Declutter and Organize
First impressions matter, and if your house is a mess, that can easily turn off potential buyers. Before listing, take the time to declutter and organize each room. Decluttering is about more than just tidying up – it's about creating a sense of space and openness that allows potential buyers to envision themselves living in your home. According to Moving.com:
“Decluttering and organizing your space will go a long way in appealing to potential buyers. . . .decluttering will help the buyers see themselves living in your home. Less clutter inside a home also helps a place appear larger and cleaner, which should attract more buyers.”
Deep Clean Your Kitchen and Bathrooms
The kitchen and bathrooms are focal points for many buyers, and often influence their overall opinion of the house. Ensure these spaces dazzle by giving them a thorough deep cleaning. Pay attention to details like scrubbing grout lines, polishing fixtures, and decluttering countertops. A sparkling kitchen and bathroom can leave a lasting positive impression on potential buyers.
Maintain Your Yard
Your home’s exterior is the first thing potential buyers see, so it’s important to make a good impression from the moment they arrive. A well-maintained yard not only enhances curb appeal, but also shows buyers the home has been well taken care of.
Take the time to spruce up your yard by mowing the lawn, trimming bushes, and clearing away any debris or dead plants. Remember, the goal is to create a welcoming environment that entices buyers to step inside and imagine themselves living there. U.S. News says:
“A beautifully landscaped front yard can elevate an ordinary house into a charming home and will help homes sell faster and for more money.”
Find a Listing Agent
A skilled listing agent is your partner in minimizing stress when selling your home. Lean on your agent for advice on decluttering, staging, and enhancing your home's appeal to potential buyers. Their insights into market trends and recommendations for reliable contractors and stagers are invaluable. As Realtor.com says:
“A good listing agent will help you price your home . . . recommend a photographer and stager to make it look its best, and put your home on the multiple listing service.”
Bottom Line
By decluttering, deep cleaning, and tidying up your house, you can create a welcoming environment that resonates with buyers and increases your chances of a successful sale. I have the tools and experience to help you get your home ready to sell for top dollar in the Southeast Texas Market. With over 15 years of experience helping people sell their homes, you can depend on my expertise throughout the whole process from listing to closing.
I am currently taking on new listings. If you are thinking about selling this spring, let’s connect on what you need to do to get your house ready to sell.
Sincerely,
Diane
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Selling Homes in Southeast Texas
To List or Wait. That is the Question.
Selling a home is a big decision. Timing is part of it. Is a move in your future? In Southeast Texas, the residential real estate market tends to get a burst of buying activity at the end of the year. Why does it happen? Well, the big companies in our area like ExxonMobil, Motiva and others tend to move employees in to new jobs before the first quarter of the new year. That means there are buyers looking to buy a home in Beaumont, Lumberton, Hardin, Sour Lake and many other Southeast Texas areas. Each year December homes sales increase before they dip in January. So if a move is in your future, there is a good reason to list your home before Thanksgiving. Take a look at this article.
Reasons To Sell Your House Before the New Year
As the year winds down, you may have decided it's time to make a move and put your house on the market. But should you sell now or wait until January? While it may be tempting to hold off until after the holidays, here are three reasons to make your move before the new year.
Get One Step Ahead of Other Sellers
Typically, in the residential real estate market, homeowners are less likely to list their houses toward the end of the year. That’s because people get busy around the holidays and sometimes deprioritize selling their house until the start of the new year when their schedules and social calendars calm down. But that gives you an opportunity to get one step ahead.
Selling now, while other homeowners may hold off until after the holidays, can help you get a leg up on your competition. Start the process with a real estate agent today so you can get your house on the market before your neighbors do.
Get Your House in Front of Eager Buyers
Even though the supply of homes for sale did grow compared to last year, it’s still low. That means there aren’t enough homes on the market today. While some buyers may also delay their plans to move until January, others will still need to move for personal reasons or because something in their life has changed.
Those buyers are still going to be active later this year and will be seriously motivated to make their move happen because they need to. Unfortunately, the challenge they'll face is a shortage of available inventory to meet their needs. A recent article from Investopedia says:
“. . . if your house is up for sale in the winter and someone is looking at it, chances are that person is serious and ready to buy. Anyone shopping for a new home between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is likely going to be a serious buyer. Putting your home on the market at this time of year and attracting a serious buyer can often result in a quicker sale.”
Use Your Equity To Fuel Your Move
Keep in mind that homeowners today have record amounts of equity. According to CoreLogic, the average amount of equity per mortgage holder has climbed to almost $290,000. That means the equity you have in your house right now could cover some, if not all, of a down payment on the home of your dreams.
And as you weigh the reasons to sell before year-end, it's important to remember the reasons that sparked your desire to move in the first place. Maybe it’s time for a new home in a location that suits you better, one that offers the perfect space for you and your loved ones, or maybe your needs have evolved over time. A local real estate agent can help you determine how much home equity you have and how you can use it to achieve your goal of making a move.
Listing your home before the new year can offer unique benefits. Less competition, motivated buyers, and your equity gains can all play to your advantage. Reach out, and let's achieve your goals before winter sets in.
Final Thoughts
If you are planning to sell your Beaumont home or your Lumberton home, then this is a good time to talk a local agent with years of listing experience to start a plan. You might find that listing in November or December is better than waiting until January. If you would like a professional, comprehensive marketing plan then let's schedule a time to meet. The Holidays get busy for all of us so reach out to me when you can and we will discuss your goals for selling your home.
Sincerely,
Diane
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Listing Agents in Southeast Texas
Mortgage Rates at 23-Year High
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The higher borrowing costs are disappointing to home buyers and sellers who expected a lower rate environment this fall, NAR economist says. 
© Ja_inter – iStock/Getty Images Plus As mortgage rates continue to rise, more Americans are feeling stuck in their current homes, unwilling or unable to move at today’s higher borrowing costs. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rose to a 7.31% average this week—the highest level since 2000, Freddie Mac reports.
“However, unlike the turn of the millennium, house prices today are rising alongside mortgage rates, primarily due to low inventory,” says Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. “These headwinds are causing both buyers and sellers to hold out for better circumstances.”
Indeed, economists are blaming the higher rates—which have floated above 7% for the last several weeks—as a leading culprit behind tumbling home sales. Contract signings fell 7.1% month over month in August. The real estate market is already slowed down as it heads into the even slower months of fall: In August, pending home sales were nearly 19% lower than a year ago, according to National Association of REALTORS®’ latest housing index.
Jessica Lautz, NAR’s deputy chief economist, says home buyers are being squeezed by the higher borrowing costs. With this week’s 7.31% average for mortgage rates, the typical monthly loan payment on a median-priced home at $413,500 would be $2,270, Lautz says. For a newly built home with a price of $430,300, which is the median in that category, the monthly mortgage payment would be $2,362, she adds.
Freddie Mac reports the following national averages with mortgage rates for the week ending Sept. 28:
- 30-year fixed-rate mortgages: averaged 7.31%, rising from last week’s 7.19% average. A year ago, 30-year rates averaged 6.70%.
- 15-year fixed-rate mortgages: averaged 6.72%, increasing from last week’s 6.54% average. Last year at this time, 15-year rates averaged 5.96%.
Final Thoughts:
Homes in Beaumont, Lumberton, and Orange are selling. They aren't selling as fast as they did 12 months ago. They aren't selling at even higher prices than they were 12 months ago but homes are selling every day. It is important to know your homes market value today. That is where a professional Realtor with years of experience in the Southeast Texas market can help you. If you are thinking of selling your home and want some good honest, professional information about how to sell your home in today's market, let's connect. You can call, text or message me here on the blog. I'm happy to help with all your real estate questions.
Sincerely,
Diane
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Why Your Southeast Texas Home Didn’t Sell.
Housing markets are affected by many factors, some our in our control and others are out of our control. Higher interest rates and lower overall buyer demand are two factors affecting the Southeast Texas real estate market in the Fall of 2023.
Why Your House Didn’t Sell
September 28, 2023
If your listing expired and your house didn’t sell, you’re likely feeling a little frustrated. Not to mention, you're also probably wondering what went wrong. Here are three questions to think about as you figure out what to do next.
Did You Limit Access to Your House?
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when selling your house is restricting the days and times when potential buyers can tour it. Being flexible with your schedule is important when you're selling your house, even though it might feel a bit stressful to drop everything and leave when buyers want to see it. After all, minimal access means minimal exposure to buyers. ShowingTime advises:
“. . . do your best to be as flexible as possible when granting access to your house for showings.”
Sometimes, the most determined buyers might come from far away. Since they're traveling to see your house, they may not be able to change their plans easily if you only offer limited times for showings. So, try to make your house available as much as you can to accommodate them. It’s simple. If no one’s able to look at it, how’s it going to sell?
Did You Make Your House Stand Out?
When selling your house, the old saying matters: you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Putting in the work to make the exterior of your home look nice is just as important as how you stage it inside. Freshen up your landscaping to improve your home’s curb appeal so you can make an impact upfront. As an article from U.S. News says:
“After all, if people drive by, but aren’t interested enough to walk through the front door, you’ll never sell your house.”
But don’t let that impact stop at the front door. By removing personal items and reducing clutter inside, you give buyers more freedom to picture themselves in the home. Additionally, a new coat of paint or cleaning the floors can go a long way to freshening up a room.
Did You Price Your House Compellingly?
Setting the right price is extremely important when you're selling your house. Even though it might feel tempting to push the price higher to maximize your profit, overpricing can scare away buyers and make it hard to sell quickly. Business Insider notes:
“. . . the biggest mistake sellers make is overpricing their home.”
If your house is priced higher than others like it, it could make buyers lose interest. Pay attention to the feedback people give your agent during open houses and showings. If lots of people are saying the same thing, it might be a good idea to think about lowering the price.
For all these insights and more, rely on a trusted real estate agent. A great agent will offer expert advice on relisting your house with effective strategies to get it sold.
Bottom Line
It’s natural to feel disappointed when your listing has expired and your house didn’t sell. Let’s connect to figure out what happened and what to reconsider or change if you want to get your house back on the market.
With over 15 years of experience in the Southeast Texas real estate market, I've seen markets like this. Homes are still selling but it is more important than it was last year to have an effective pricing strategy and to market your home aggressively. If you are interested in a professional marketing analysis designed to sell your home, let's set up a time to meet.
Sincerely,
Diane
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3721 Huntwick _ Buyer Agent Bonus
$10,000 Bonus!! Amazing property in Hillbrook Estates, Orange, Texas. Here's your chance to purchase below market value. Orange County Appraisal District values this property at over $500,000. Seller wants it sold and has dramatically reduced price to Just $429,900. Now he's offering a $10,000 Bonus to be paid with a Full Price Offer that closes on or before August 30, 2023. Bonus can be paid to buyers agent or applied to closing cost assistance for the buyer. Your choice.
Easy to see. Easy to show. Call Diane for more details.
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Summertime Home Design Trends in Southeast Texas
Basement Refinish is definitely not on the list of hot home design trends this summer in Southeast Texas. Why? Because we don't have basements in Southeast Texas!! When I look at the list of the 9 hot home design trends this summer, the one that I see happening most here in Southeast Texas is enhancing outdoor style.
What is your favorite from the list? Let me know if you have painted your ceiling and if you like how it turned out.
9 Hot Home Design Trends This Summer
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Find out what home styles—both interior and exterior—are seeing dramatic increases in online searches. Homeowners are trying to maximize their space by taking on remodeling projects geared toward creating new living areas while overhauling their property’s style, according to the 2023 Houzz U.S. Emerging Summer Trends Report. Houzz, a home improvement site, analyzed the latest search insights from homeowners, designers and contractors to identify the following top trends.
A Basement Refinish
Eric Lucero © Thomas Sattler Homes Online searches for “finishing a basement” have increased significantly over the past year as more homeowners look to turn their large, open spaces into a family or recreation room. Basements are being refinished to create a spot for watching movies, playing games and exercising, according to the report. The search term “basement golf simulator” posted one of the biggest upticks among home improvement-related searches, the report shows.
Rooftop Lounging
MVCC Inc. and Jacob Lilley Architects © Greg Premru More homeowners are looking up to expand their spaces. Houzz found that “rooftop deck” and “rooftop patio” searches increased by 90% and 40%, respectively. The trend is mostly occurring in metro areas where outdoor space is a hot commodity, the report notes.
Bathroom Accessibility
© Genesis Homes NW More homeowners are showing an interest in renovating their bathrooms to include accessible features that enable them to live in their homes longer as they age. Houzz found that searches for “age-in-place bathrooms” and “handicap-accessible bathrooms” more than doubled compared to a year ago. Popular add-on features include handheld shower heads, ADA-compliant bathroom vanities and curbless showers.
Industrial-Style Kitchens
© Emerick Architects A greater number of homeowners are showing a desire to swap out their pristine, all-white kitchens for something a little more rugged. “Industrial kitchens” are generating greater interest, particularly for features like “kitchen track lighting,” “pull-down kitchen faucets,” “stainless steel countertops” and a “brick kitchen wall.” Houzz researchers also noticed a growing interest for “concrete countertops” and “copper kitchen backsplashes” that fit within this style.
The Entertainment Kitchen
© Kitchen Kraft More than half of renovating homeowners surveyed say they’re designing their kitchens for entertaining. Searches over the past year have grown for “open-concept kitchen to family room” and “island cooktop and ranges,” the survey says. These features allow hosts to prepare a meal as they engage their guests. Searches also have doubled for a “walk-in kitchen pantry,” with a space to not only tuck away kitchen goods but also hide toasters, coffee makers and other smaller appliances.
Carving Out Some Division
Sharon Risedorph © John Lum Architecture Open-concept design is popular in the kitchen, but homeowners still desire some privacy. Houzz researchers saw an uptick in interest in design elements that create temporary separation like a “living room divider,” “Shoji screen” or “partition wall.”
Painted Ceilings
BrightRoomSF © The Home Co The fifth wall is becoming the new place for an accent wall. Paint and texture are dressing up more ceilings. The trends report shows searches have spiked over the past year for “high-gloss ceilings,” “painted ceilings” and “black ceilings.” “Tongue-and-groove ceilings”—which are wooden planks that fit side to side across a ceiling—are also up significantly, with searches growing by 73% over the past year, Houzz reports.
A Historical Revival
Alexis Adams © Saffron Case Homes Classic architectural elements are being mixed in with contemporary ones. Notably, search trends are up for features commonly associated with Colonial and Spanish Colonial styles. For example, homeowners are searching for Colonial design elements like “front porches” and “formal living rooms” as well as “Spanish Colonial exteriors.” “Homeowners are hiring architects and designers to help them honor the roots of their homes, while updating them with a cohesive, intentional look,” the report says.
Enhancing Outdoor Style
© Texas Tiny Pools Homeowners are making the most of their outdoor space and aren’t letting limited size shrink their plans. Searches for “small swimming pool,” “small plunge pool,” “small pool house” and “small screened-in porch ideas” grew over the past year, the report notes. Also, researchers report that searches for “small outdoor kitchens” have more than doubled over the past year.
Melissa Dittmann Tracey is a contributing editor for REALTOR® Magazine, editor of the Styled, Staged & Sold blog, and produces a segment called "Hot or Not?(link is external)" in home design that airs on NAR’s Real Estate Today radio show. Follow Melissa on Instagram and Twitter at @housingmuse.
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935 Jasmine _ Featured Listing in Beaumont, Texas 77706
Have you seen it on TV? Beautiful pool home with guest house in Sallie Curtis Elementary Schools. The guest house has been used recently as an AirBNB. Call me to schedule your own private showing.
Sincerely,
Diane
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