March 2023

Today's Pressing Issues

If you're looking to buy or sell a home in the Fargo-Moorhead area, you're likely to encounter some challenges in the current real estate market. From inventory shortages to rising prices, there are several pressing issues that both buyers and sellers need to be aware of in today's market. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the most pressing issues facing home buyers and sellers in the Fargo-Moorhead area.

Inventory Shortages

One of the most pressing issues facing home buyers in the Fargo-Moorhead area is a shortage of available inventory. There are simply not enough homes for sale to meet the demand from buyers. This has led to a highly competitive market, where homes often receive multiple offers and sell for well above asking price.

Rising Prices

Another challenge facing home buyers in the Fargo-Moorhead area is rising home prices. With low inventory levels and high demand, prices have been steadily increasing over the past few years. This can make it difficult for buyers to find affordable homes within their budget.

Competition from Investors

In addition to competition from other home buyers, buyers in the Fargo-Moorhead area are also facing competition from investors. Real estate investors are buying up properties in the area, often with cash offers and the ability to close quickly. This can make it difficult for traditional home buyers to compete, especially if they require financing or a longer closing period.

Appraisal Issues

For home sellers, one of the most pressing issues is dealing with appraisal issues. In a highly competitive market where prices are rising quickly, it can be challenging to accurately price a home. If a home is priced too high and then appraises for less than the asking price, the sale can fall through or require renegotiation.

Inspection Issues

Another challenge facing home sellers is dealing with inspection issues. Buyers are often very cautious in today's market and may request extensive inspections or repairs before closing. This can add additional stress and expense for home sellers, who may need to complete repairs or renegotiate the sale price.
In today's real estate market, just like any time in history, buying or selling a home in the Fargo-Moorhead area can be challenging. With low inventory levels, rising prices, and competition from investors, buyers and sellers need to be prepared for a highly competitive market. Additionally, appraisal and inspection issues can add additional stress and expense for sellers. However, by working with an experienced Town & Country Realty real estate agent and staying informed about the market, you can navigate these challenges and successfully achieve your real estate goals.

Will recent bank failures have a negative impact on our local real estate market?

Recent bank failures have caused many to worry about the potential impact on the real estate market, particularly in the Fargo ND and Moorhead MN areas. However, it's important to note that these concerns are largely unfounded.
First and foremost, it's important to understand that the majority of banks that have failed in recent weeks are smaller, regional banks that are far removed from our local economy. While any bank failure can have an impact on the local economy, the truth is that these smaller banks typically have a relatively small presence in the real estate market. They may have provided financing for a few projects or loans to a handful of homeowners, but they aren't the driving force behind the market as a whole. Certainly they have almost no presence in our local market.
Furthermore, all of the larger banks in our area are still financially stable and continue to provide loans and other services to homebuyers and real estate developers. This means that there is still plenty of financing available for those looking to buy or develop property in the Fargo ND and Moorhead MN areas.
Another important factor to consider is that the real estate market in these areas is largely driven by local economic conditions. As long as the local economy remains strong, there will continue to be demand for real estate in the area. And while any economic disruption can have an impact on the market, the truth is that the failure of a few smaller banks is unlikely to have a significant impact on the overall economy.
In fact, there is a school of thought that says the recent failures could even have a positive impact on the real estate market in the Fargo ND and Moorhead MN areas. As these banks are absorbed by larger institutions or new players enter the market, there may be an increase in competition for loans and other services. This could lead to more favorable terms for borrowers, which could in turn increase demand for real estate in the area.
Ultimately, it's important to keep things in perspective when it comes to the impact of bank failures on the real estate market. While any economic disruption can cause concern, the reality is that the Fargo ND and Moorhead MN areas remain strong and continue to offer excellent opportunities for those looking to buy or develop property. So if you're considering investing in real estate in these areas, don't let the recent bank failures discourage you. Our local real estate market is very much ripe with potential.

The real estate sale closing process from the seller's perspective

As a seller, the real estate sale closing process can be broken down into the following steps:
  1. Acceptance of Offer: Once you have accepted an offer on your property, you will enter into a purchase agreement with the buyer, which outlines the terms of the sale.
  2. Title Search: A title search will be conducted to ensure that you have clear ownership of the property and there are no liens or claims against the property.
  3. Home Inspection: The buyer may schedule a home inspection to ensure that the property is in good condition and there are no major issues that need to be addressed before the sale is finalized.
  4. Appraisal: The buyer's lender will order an appraisal of the property to ensure that it is worth the amount the buyer is borrowing.
  5. Closing Documents: Prior to the closing day, you will need to provide documents such as the property deed, tax records, and mortgage information to the buyer's attorney or title company for review.
  6. Closing Day: On the day of closing, you will meet with the buyer to sign a number of documents, including the settlement statement, which outlines the final closing costs and fees. You will transfer ownership of the property to the buyer, receive the proceeds from the sale, and pay off any outstanding mortgage or liens on the property.
  7. Recording: Finally, the sale will be recorded with the county recorder's office and the transaction will be complete.
It's important to note that the steps in the real estate sale closing process may vary depending on the location and specific details of the sale. It's recommended to work closely with a trusted real estate agent or attorney to ensure a smooth transaction.

The real estate sale closing process from the buyer’s perspective

As a buyer, the real estate sale closing process can be broken down into the following steps:
  1. Closing Disclosure: After your offer has been accepted, you will receive a Closing Disclosure document from your lender, which will outline the final terms of your loan, including the interest rate, monthly payments, and closing costs.
  2. Inspection: You will have the opportunity to schedule a home inspection to ensure that the property is in good condition and there are no major issues that need to be addressed before the sale is finalized.
  3. Appraisal: Your lender will order an appraisal of the property to ensure that it is worth the amount you are borrowing.
  4. Title Search: A title search will be conducted to ensure that the seller has clear ownership of the property and there are no liens or claims against the property.
  5. Insurance: You will need to purchase homeowners insurance and provide proof of coverage to your lender.
  6. Walkthrough: Before closing, you will have the opportunity to do a final walkthrough of the property to ensure that it is in the condition agreed upon in the purchase agreement.
  7. Closing Day: On the day of closing, you will review and sign a number of documents, including the settlement statement, which outlines the final closing costs and fees. You will also transfer the funds for the purchase price and closing costs to the escrow account. The seller will transfer ownership of the property to you and you will receive the keys.
  8. Recording: Finally, the sale will be recorded with the county recorder's office and you will officially become the new owner of the property.