So, there's been some buzz around the National Association of Realtors (NAR) latest announcement about real estate commissions being negotiable. If you’re imagining this as some kind of industry shake-up, think again! It’s really just a formal nod to what's been going on all along in the world of real estate.

Selling a home is a significant financial and emotional undertaking. It's more than just putting a "For Sale" sign in your yard and waiting for offers. This is where a skilled listing agent steps in, bringing a wealth of knowledge and resources that can make a world of difference in your home selling experience. Here are 12 often overlooked ways in which listing agents can help homeowners sell their properties faster and for more money.

As we navigate through 2024, homeowners are faced with a critical question: Is this the right time to sell a home? The real estate market is constantly evolving, influenced by various economic, technological, and social factors. In this article, we'll explore the key considerations for homeowners thinking about selling their property in 2024.

Predicting the movement of interest rates with absolute certainty is challenging due to the complex interplay of various economic factors.

The year 2024 brings with it new challenges and opportunities, especially when it comes to the real estate market. As potential homebuyers weigh their options, the question on many minds is: "Is buying a home this year worth it?" This decision, like most significant financial commitments, depends on a variety of factors including market trends, personal finances, and long-term goals.

Spring may be busy with planting and cleaning and putting a home on the market. But Fall is a fabulous time to sell. With a few months before the major holidays settle in, home buyers are eager to find and settle into their new home. Especially before winter sets in. While families who want to close before the school year begins are more likely to make their move in the spring, millennials, and empty-nesters usually are more willing to jump into the fall real estate market.

Interest rates have risen and the inventory of housing continues to dwindle causing a seller’s market to some degree. Higher interest rates have forced many buyers to the sidelines hoping for some sort of reprieve. Sellers are seeing prices climb but many aren’t wanting to wade into a new home with a new higher interest rates so homes are not going on the market as fast as they once were.

Depending on your southern zip code, up north could mean anything to Memphis, Tennessee to Manitoba, Canada. In Michigan, up north could be Holly and Lake Orion or Bay City and beyond. As the state became more populated the destination of “up north” kept moving, well, north. Then as more of that population entered the middle class and beyond, automobiles became more prevalent and backwoods areas became more accessible.

City living offers conveniences and plenty of distractions but when it’s time to relax and get un-distracted, head to an Oakland County or Metropark. With plenty of water, woods and open space to enjoy, each one is a little slice of outdoor heaven. But what’s the difference between an Oakland County Park and a Metro Park? Three words – location, location, location. Each park system has incredible amenities but Oakland County Parks are just that – only in Oakland County. The Metropark system spans across five counties.

Spring has finally decided to stick around and summer isn’t far behind. With more potential homeowners on the prowl for a deal, spending time inside and outside of your home can help seal the deal on that big sale. Most folks live in what they’d describe as a “clean home” but realtors know there’s that step above to the “show-ready” home. Taking the time to make your home sparkle for its next occupant is all about a few tricks and some old fashioned elbow grease.

Right in the heart of Royal Oak is a little shop with a big heart. InkCourage is the brainstorm of Ange, a soft-spoken, instantly likeable former College for Creative Studies student (my alma mater, so I’m admittedly biased). She started the business by helping out a friend who needed a gentle reminder of how amazing she really was. Ange knew that words have power. And she has proved it. The power to uplift a friend, create change, welcome inclusion and just plain old give someone a boost of sunshine. The store is filled with comforting messages on equally comforting quality sweatshirts and t-shirts delightfully embroidered and printed with uplifting words of empowerment. The shop also sells jewelry, temporary tattoos, stickers, buttons and other gifts so you can keep those words of encouragement literally on hand.

Buying a home? Welcome to the competition with other buyers due to low inventory. Selling a home? Welcome again to sifting through multiple offers to find the right one. Both sides can be a confusing and grueling tedious task just to get to the dotted line for both buyer and seller. For those navigating the real estate market, get helpful information from experts. Darrin Roberts is a listing agent with Jim Shaffer and Associates and sees both sides of the equation. And he offers some help.

Discover why Jim Shaffer and Associates is the leading choice for real estate services in Oakland County. Learn about our innovative approach, community involvement, and commitment to personalized client service.

Discover the delectable offerings of Quix Chocolate in Ferndale, Michigan, as experienced by Jim Shaffer and Associates' Hype Squad. Learn about their handcrafted Belgian chocolates and our exclusive client events.