Below is an article that I received via RisMedia. It seems that there is a shortage of housing industry wide. If you are a seller, and on the fence as to whether to put your house on the market, now might be the right time. 

HUD Calls for Expanded Housing Supply

By Suzanne De Vita

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is calling for expanded housing supply as it alters its approach to an aspect of fair housing.

On Monday, HUD announced a call for feedback on the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) rule, which is currently under review. The AFFH changes, if enacted, would “encourage actions that increase housing choice, including through greater housing…

The National Association of Realtors recently released the 2018 Aspiring Home Buyers Profile. Of the non-homeowners surveyed, 46 percent were age 34 or younger, 57 percent earn less than $50,000 annually and 81 percent live in urban or suburban areas. Let's look at the mindset of these potential buyers:

Homeownership Goals 
According to the survey, 82 percent reported future homeownership goals, with 58 percent saying now is a good time to buy. So why aren't more first-time buyers coming to the table? Affordability.

While 51 percent of renters expect rent to increase this year, only 15 percent say that would motivate them to buy a home. Improved financial situations and significant lifestyle changes such as marriage or starting a family are…

There's more to getting referrals than simply asking. Recommendations must be earned. That means providing clients and colleagues with a memorable experience they'll want to extend to others.

Start with excellent service. If you're hard to reach, talk more than you listen or just don't seem to have your client's best interest in mind, you're not going to win referrals. Be available to answer questions and provide the expertise they need to make the best possible decisions on their homebuying or selling journey.

Provide honest feedback. Clients often get caught up in the moment and need their agent to provide a voice of reason. If you feel a property is not suitable for the client -- due to size, location, school district or price -- give…

Establishing your online presence can be exciting. But once you settle back into the daily grind, it's easy to let your website and social profiles fall into a state of neglect. Luckily, you don't need to do a complete overhaul. Here are a few simple ways to refresh your online presence.

1. Update Your Profiles
If you've recently changed your business address, phone or email but haven't updated your online profiles, you could be losing business. Even referral leads search for you online before making contact, and you never know which profile a prospect is going to view. If one of your profiles is inaccurate or out of date and a prospect can't successfully contact you, they may move on to the next agent.

And don't forget to update your…

Many Americans today diligently watch the performance of the stock market – on TV, online and in print – but few take stock of an even weightier investment, maybe their largest investment: their own home. Over 90% of homeowners are unaware of the true market value of their home. Yes, you can go online to Zillow and get a “Zestimate” but even Zillow’s CEO has admitted that Zestimates can be off as much as 40%.

A Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) prepared by a real estate professional can bring you up to speed. A CMA compares your house with similar properties that are active on the market, properties that were on the market and did not sale and properties that have sold. These comparisons should be within the past six months, and if possible within two…

I know this sounds a little like a public service announcement rather than a blog post but it needs to be said, and it's true.

Technology in the Real Estate market is constantly evolving, with more and more homes being posted solely on the internet. As a home buyer it’s imperative that you are up to speed. Too often buyers miss out on their dream homes simply because they didn’t have access to the new homes when they come on the market. In a sellers market (low inventory) homes sale quickly. And if you wait until Sunday afternoon to visit open houses, or the next issue of the homes magazine you may be too late.

A real estate expert can keep you informed on all newly listed homes that fit your specifications. We have search options that are not…

10 QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK WHEN CHOOSING A real estate agent

Finding a realtor that will meet your expectations can be difficult, ask these questions to help make your important decision.

Having the right real estate professional by your side can greatly improve your home–buying experience. A good rule of thumb is to interview a minimum of three candidates.

A great Realtor can be a treasured asset to your home sale, but only if that Realtor is doing his or her job right. Some Realtors, unfortunately, are more of the “post and pray” type, choosing to put up a sign, posting in the multiple listing service (MLS), and then forgetting about you. But for your Realtor to get the job done, he or she needs to be out networking, getting the…

If you’re like most folks, there simply aren’t enough hours in the day to search all of the sources for homes listed for sale in the Tri Cities.  If you’re eager to buy a home, it’s essential that you keep on top of any new listings that may come up through the day. 

That’s where members of the Byrd Home Team can help. When you’re too busy to check or don’t want your boss to find you surfing the web at work, we can do it for you and save you both time and money in the process.

 We want to be your personal real estate expert. Don't not waste another minute – call 423-247-8121 or contact us http://www.byrdhometeam.com/contact.php

byrdhometeam

RE/MAX RESULTS | 423.247-8121
1567 N.Eastman Rd Suite 14 
Kingsport TN 37664
Each office independently…

Birthdays

Sometimes it seems that the more birthdays we have, the less exciting they get. Of course, the alternative to having a birthday is not at all attractive. So as we get more ‘mature,’ we can look back on the best birthdays we’ve ever had, and share the excitement with the little ones. After all, they’re always ready to celebrate and have a party, especially if it’s their birthday.

I’d like to take this opportunity to wish our fabulous office manager, Amber, a very happy Birthday, on November 1.  Amber actually started working with us part-time before she got out of High School. After graduating she became full-time and eventually our office manager. She now has a little one, Tanner, to help her celebrate and I’m sure they will…

If you’re looking for a good local mechanic I would highly recommend Johnson Brothers Auto Repair at 352 Revere Street in Kingsport. This is a family owned business that I personally have been doing business with for over 30 years.

Mousey Johnson (Bobby Johnson Jr.) took over the business from his father Frog Johnson (Bobby Sr.) several years ago. Originally they only worked on VW’s but after Frog retired Mousey started branching out and today they’ll work on most any make or model. I met Mousey and Frog in 1980 when they rebuilt the engine in my 1969 VW Campmobile.  They are honest, and do quality work at a fair price. If it turns out to be a problem that they don’t have the experience or equipment to repair they’ll tell you. In my opinion there…