Many markets around the US continue to experience a slowdown in sales.  Buyers have decided homes are priced too high in relation to today’s mortgage rates.  In order for sellers to get their home to move they need to price properly in order to draw buyers off of the sidelines.  Where a home does not sell at the sellers desired price some are turning to converting the property to a rental which has challenges of its own.  Check out some of the great real estate reads from the month of April 2025.

How Many Homes Should a Buy Tour?

Paul Sian explores how many homes should a buyer see?”  In the article he explores the process of determining the right number of homes a buyer should view before making a purchase decision. The article highlights the importance of clear communication with a real estate agent and conducting preliminary research online to narrow down options. By identifying priorities such as budget, location, and must-have features, buyers can focus their search and potentially reduce the number of homes they need to visit in person.

The article also touches on the risks of viewing too many properties. Viewing too many properties can lead to decision fatigue and confusion. It recommends trusting your instincts once you find a home that fits your criteria and avoiding overanalyzing every option. Ultimately, the article emphasizes quality over quantity, encouraging buyers to move forward confidently when they discover the right home for their specific needs and lifestyle.

Tips For Winning a Bidding War

Winning a bidding war in a competitive housing market can be a daunting task for homebuyers. This article by Luke Skar offers several tips to increase the chances of success for winning a bidding war. It suggests getting pre-approved for a mortgage and making a strong offer with fewer contingencies, a larger down payment, and a flexible closing date. 

Additionally, Luke advises buyers need their A game for flexibility when it comes to making an offer.  By being more flexible towards the seller’s need (in terms of closing, inspections, etc) the buyer may have their offer accepted by the seller over a higher price offer that is not as flexible.  The end goal is for the buyer to buy a home and the seller to sell, being overly rigid with offer terms will backfire in a seller’s market.

Home Selling Checklist

This article from Karen Highland provides a detailed, step-by-step guide designed to help homeowners successfully prepare their property for listing it for sale. It emphasizes the importance of thorough planning and preparation to maximize a home’s appeal and value. Karen highlights key tasks, such as conducting basic repairs, decluttering, and deep cleaning, to create a welcoming and attractive space for potential buyers. It also stresses the significance of curb appeal, suggesting homeowners tidy up landscaping, paint front doors, and power wash exteriors to make strong first impressions. 

Moreover, the article discusses strategic staging techniques and professional photography as essential components to attract online buyers today. It suggests neutralizing décor to appeal to a broad audience while still making the space feel warm and inviting. Home sellers are encouraged to remain flexible with scheduling showings and be responsive to buyer feedback. Altogether, the guide offers a comprehensive overview of the critical steps sellers can take to streamline the selling process and attract competitive offers.

Renting Out a Spare Room in Your Home

Renting out a spare room in your home can provide a valuable source of additional income. However, it’s essential to be aware of potential pitfalls and take steps to avoid them as Michelle Gibson points out.  Things like local landlord tenant laws, tax consequences and more can make a rental room quickly turn into a nightmare.  So just opening up one’s spare room for rent needs a lot more consideration.

The homeowner should be consulting with the proper professionals (real estate attorneys, real estate agents etc.) to get a full understanding of the rent amounts one can charge as well as what is to be expected as a landlord.  Properly screening tenants too is important to make sure that the tenant who is placed ends up being a good fit for the long term.

Moving From a Condo to a SFH

Cathy Counti discusses the key differences and considerations for individuals transitioning from condo living to owning a single-family home. She highlights the expanded responsibilities that come with homeownership, such as managing larger spaces, maintaining a yard, and handling exterior upkeep, which are often handled by condo associations. While moving to a single-family home provides increased privacy, space, and customization opportunities, it also requires more time, effort, and financial resources for regular maintenance and repairs. 

Additionally, the article emphasizes the importance of reassessing priorities and lifestyle needs before making the move. For example, buyers should consider their need for extra space, proximity to local amenities, and whether they’re ready to take full ownership of maintenance responsibilities. The benefits of single-family homes, like having more freedom to personalize the property and enjoy outdoor areas, are highlighted as motivators for those making the switch. 

For another great roundup check out this one Real Estate Roundup from Bill Gassett.

Real Estate Roundup for April 2025 was provided by Greater Cincinnati Area Luxury Realtor Paul Sian of United Real Estate Home Connections. Paul is a licensed real estate agent in the states of Ohio and Kentucky and has over 17 years of experience. Do you have a home you are ready to sell now in Greater Cincinnati or Northern Kentucky? Be sure to contact me now!