June Real Estate News: The Pricing Mistake That Could Cost You Your Sale

  Most sellers come into the market with one number in mind. And it’s often the one that costs them the most. That’s their   asking price .  A  survey  from  Realtor.com  shows about 8 in 10 (80%) of sellers expect to sell at or above their asking price today. But here’s where things get interesting. In reality, only about 4 out of every 10 (roughly  40% ) actually do. That’s a big gap. And it’s where a lot of sellers get caught off guard. So, why the disconnect? And how can you set yourself up to be one of the 4 in 10 that get top dollar?  Let’s break it down. What Should You Really Expect To Get for Your House?   That 40% may sound low at first, but it’s not. If you look back to the last typical year for the housing market (2019), what we’re really seeing is a return to what’s  normal  ( see chart below ). If anything, slightly more homeowners are able to sell above list price today compared to 2019: It only feels low because...

Why Gated Communities are Popular

 

Gated communities first became popular during New York's Gilded Age, serving as private enclaves for wealthy homeowners. During the 1960s and 70s, these became more affordable as more retirees and middle-class buyers discovered their advantages.

While security-controlled access is a desirable feature, gated communities typically have HOAs that enforce neighborhood guidelines. These make them a popular draw for buyers who prefer well-kept exteriors and nearby amenities.

Today, Florida and California have the highest number of gated communities, with retirees still headed to the Sunshine State because of lower taxes.

One Florida community, PGA National Resort, provides six golf courses for the inhabitants of its 5,000 homes. Retirees on a budget can choose a condo unit, while wealthy buyers can spend seven figures on a 5,000 sq. ft. property.

While some homeowners avoid HOAs because they consider their fees and regulations excessive (for example, PGA National residents must have at least one palm tree on their property), homes in gated communities remain popular as their appreciation rates are often higher than non-gated properties.1

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