April Update: Changes to buying a home are coming this summer

Changes are coming in July for real estate agent commissions

• What’s new: Sellers and buyers can choose how to pay real estate commissions as part of the sale, starting in July. 

• The change will increase transparency for how real estate agents are paid. Under the current system, the cost for agents is essentially part of the sales price, but now there will be more options to choose from. 

 
What does this all mean? Real estate agents will need to prove their worth more than ever. 

• Who can you trust in these changing times? At Townsend Properties, we’ve always made our clients a top priority and maintaining your trust is the most important thing to our business. 

• Remember: Broker fees are always negotiable, so you get to decide. The seller can choose the amount they want to offer the buyers' agent and the buyer can choose how to compensate their agents for their expertise in representing them in a transaction.

• Bottom line: Some of the details are complicated. So if you’re thinking about buying or selling a home, just reach out and we can talk through your options. 

 
Spring is here!
Warmer weather means a hotter housing market and more homes for sale. 

• This is the traditionally the best time to sell you home. 

• June may be the best time for buying or selling as mortgage rates could drop towards the end of the spring.

• And if you’re looking to buy, there will be more properties on the market to choose from. New construction remains a good option as many builders are still offering incentives to buy down mortgage rates. 

As part of our services, we have a comprehensive of list of pre-listing activities to maximize your selling price.

• Just reach out if you’d like to see the list!

Market Update 

Fresno County’s median home price increased to $420,000—9.1% more compared to a year ago and 3.4% compared to last month. The total number of homes sold though is slightly down from last year.  
 
Despite higher mortgage rates, prices are still holding firm. A change in the trend doesn’t seem to be on the horizon.