Navigating Amarillo Real Estate: Choosing the Right Realtor

Welcome to the thriving world of Amarillo, Texas real estate! If you're embarking on a property journey in this dynamic market, choosing the right Realtor is crucial. This guide is designed to help you identify the top Realtors in Amarillo and understand the value they bring to your real estate experience.

Why Amarillo?

Amarillo's real estate landscape is as diverse as its culture. From cozy suburban homes to sprawling estates, the city offers a variety of properties to suit every lifestyle. This diversity necessitates the expertise of skilled Realtors who are well-versed in the local market.

Key Traits of Top Realtors in Amarillo

1. Deep Local Knowledge: The best Realtors in Amarillo have a comprehensive understanding of the area's neighborhoods, market trends, and pricing dynamics.

2. Proven Experience: Seasoned professionals bring invaluable insights and a track record of successful transactions.

3. Effective Communication: Top Realtors maintain clear and consistent communication, keeping clients informed and supported.

4. Personalized Service: Understanding that each client's needs are unique, leading Realtors offer customized solutions.

5. Professional Integrity: Adherence to the highest ethical standards is a hallmark of exceptional Realtors.

Introducing Sold By Haley

At Sold By Haley, we pride ourselves on embodying these qualities. Led by Haley Sutter, our team is dedicated to providing top-tier service in Amarillo's real estate market. Whether you're buying, selling, or exploring investment options, we're here to guide you with expertise and personalized care.

Let's Connect

For those seeking the expertise of the best Realtors Amarillo has to offer, Sold By Haley is your destination. Contact Haley Sutter for a consultation that caters to your individual needs. Reach us at 806-231-1065 or visit our office at 14422 FM 2590, Amarillo, TX 79119. Let's embark on your real estate journey together!

Discovering Your Dream Home: A Guide to Amarillo Homes For Sale by Haley Sutter

Welcome to the heart of Texas real estate! I'm Haley Sutter of Sold By Haley, your go-to expert for Amarillo homes for sale. If you're on the hunt for your perfect home in Amarillo, Texas, you've come to the right place. This guide is here to help you navigate the diverse and exciting housing options available in this wonderful city.

Why Amarillo?

Amarillo stands out for its unique blend of Texan charm and modern conveniences. It's a city where every neighborhood has its own character, offering something special for everyone. Whether you're in the market for a cozy suburban home, a stylish downtown condo, or a luxurious estate, Amarillo's real estate market is teeming with opportunities.

Variety of Amarillo Homes

The Amarillo homes for sale cater to a wide range of preferences and budgets. From historic homes brimming with character to contemporary builds with cutting-edge design, the choices are as diverse as they are appealing. Here's a glimpse of what you can find:

• Family Homes: Ideal for those seeking space and comfort in friendly communities.
• Luxury Estates: Featuring exquisite design and upscale amenities for discerning buyers.
• Charming Bungalows: Perfect for first-time buyers or those looking to downsize.

Expert Guidance on Your Journey

Navigating the Amarillo real estate market can be overwhelming. That's where I come in. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the local market, I'm here to guide you to your dream home. As one of the best real estate agents in Amarillo, TX, I provide personalized service, ensuring a smooth and successful home-buying experience.

Connect with Haley Sutter at Sold By Haley

Ready to explore Amarillo homes for sale? Contact me, Haley Sutter, at 806-231-1065 or visit my office at 14422 FM 2590, Amarillo, TX 79119. Let's turn your home-buying dreams into reality with expert guidance and personalized care. Your dream home in Amarillo is just a phone call away!

When it comes to navigating the real estate market in Amarillo, TX, having a skilled and knowledgeable agent by your side is invaluable. Amarillo's property landscape is diverse and dynamic, making the choice of your real estate agent a critical decision. In this guide, we'll explore what sets the best real estate agents in Amarillo apart and how you can connect with them for your property needs.

What Makes Amarillo Unique?

Amarillo, Texas, offers a unique blend of southwestern charm and modern amenities. The real estate market here ranges from charming historic homes to contemporary new developments. With such variety, the role of a real estate agent becomes even more significant to navigate the market effectively.

Key Qualities of Top Real Estate Agents

1. Local Market Knowledge: The best real estate agents have an in-depth understanding of Amarillo's neighborhoods, pricing trends, and market dynamics.

2. Experience and Expertise: Seasoned agents bring a wealth of experience and a proven track record of successful transactions.

3. Personalized Service: Top agents understand that each client’s needs are unique and offer tailored services accordingly.

4. Communication Skills: Effective communication is essential, ensuring clients are informed and supported throughout their real estate journey.

5. Integrity and Professionalism: Trustworthy agents operate with high ethical standards and professionalism, prioritizing their clients’ interests.

Connecting with the Best

Finding the best real estate agents in Amarillo, TX, involves research and referrals. Start by looking for agents with high ratings and positive reviews. Don’t hesitate to ask for testimonials or speak to past clients. A good agent will be happy to provide references.

The Sold By Haley Advantage

At Sold By Haley, we pride ourselves on being among the best real estate agents in Amarillo, TX. Our approach is client-centered, and we are dedicated to providing personalized services that meet your specific needs. Whether you're buying your first home, looking to sell, or exploring investment opportunities, we are here to guide you with expertise and care.

Ready to Start Your Amarillo Real Estate Journey?

Your journey to finding the perfect property in Amarillo starts with the right agent. Contact us at Sold By Haley to experience top-tier real estate services. Let us help you make informed decisions and turn your real estate goals into reality.

Welcome to the blog of Sold By Haley, where your journey into the heart of Amarillo real estate begins. I'm Haley Sutter, a dedicated real estate agent committed to helping you navigate the vibrant property landscape of Amarillo, Texas.

Why Amarillo?

Amarillo is a city that boasts a unique charm, offering a blend of traditional Texan values and the comforts of modern living. Whether you’re looking for a cozy starter home, a spacious family residence, or a luxurious retreat, Amarillo real estate has something to offer for every taste and budget.

Expert Guidance Every Step of the Way

As an Amarillo native and a seasoned real estate professional, I understand the local market's intricacies. My mission is to provide you with unparalleled service and expertise, whether you're buying, selling, or simply exploring your options in Amarillo. I am here to guide you through every transaction with confidence and ease.

Tailored Real Estate Solutions

At Sold By Haley, we believe in a personalized approach. Your aspirations are unique, and your real estate experience should be just as distinctive. I take the time to listen to your needs, tailoring my services to match your individual requirements and making sure that every detail is attended to.

Staying Connected

If you’re eager to learn more about Amarillo real estate, or if you have any questions about the market, don't hesitate to get in touch. You can reach me, Haley Sutter, at 806-231-1065, or visit my office at 4422 FM 2590, Amarillo, TX 79119. I’m always here to help you make informed decisions about your real estate investments.

Your Amarillo Real Estate Journey Awaits

Whether you're buying your first home, looking to sell, or interested in investment properties, I'm here to make your Amarillo real estate experience smooth and successful. Join me, Haley Sutter, at Sold By Haley, where your real estate dreams become a reality.

Four Ways You Can Use Your Home Equity

If you’re a homeowner, odds are your equity has grown significantly over the last few years. Equity builds over time as home values grow and as you pay down your home loan. And, since home prices skyrocketed during the ‘unicorn’ years, you’ve likely gained more than you think.

According to the latest Equity Insights Report from CoreLogic, the average homeowner has more than $274,000 in equity right now. That much equity can help you achieve certain goals. In a recent article, Bankrate elaborates: 

“While the pandemic created serious challenges, the silver lining for anyone who owned a home was the sizable equity gain. Understanding how home equity works, and how to leverage it, is important for any homeowner.”

Here are a few examples of how you can put your home equity to work for you.

1. Buy a Home That Fits Your Needs

If your current space no longer meets your needs, it might be time to think about moving to a bigger home. And if you've got too much space, downsizing to a smaller home could be just right. Either way, you can put your equity toward a down payment on a home that fits your changing lifestyle. A real estate agent can help you figure out how much equity you've got and how to use it when buying your next home.

2. Reinvest in Your Current Home

Renovations are a great option if you want to change your living space, but you aren’t yet ready to make a move. Home improvement projects give you the freedom to tailor your home to match your needs and personal style. But it's important to consider the long-term benefits certain upgrades can bring to your home’s value. Lean on a real estate professional for the best advice on which improvement projects to prioritize in order to get the greatest return on your investment when you sell later on.

3. Pursue Personal Ambitions

Home equity can also serve as a catalyst for realizing your life-long dreams. That could mean investing in a new business venture, retirement, or funding an education. While you shouldn’t use your equity for unnecessary spending, using it responsibly for something meaningful and impactful can really make a difference in your life.

4. Understand Your Options to Avoid Foreclosure

Today the number of foreclosure filings remains below the norm, so there’s no need to fear a wave of foreclosed homes flooding the market. But unfortunately, there are still some homeowners who experience the foreclosure process each year. If you’re facing financial difficulties, having a clear understanding of your options and how your equity can help is crucial. Equity can act as a financial cushion that can be used in times of unexpected challenges or unforeseen circumstances that may disrupt your ability to make mortgage payments on time.

In an article, Freddie Mac explains it this way:

“If exiting your home is the best option for you, selling with equity may be a good option. When selling with equity, you are using the proceeds from selling your home at a higher price than the amount you owe on your mortgage to pay off your remaining mortgage debt.”

Bottom Line

Your equity can be a game changer in reinvesting in your needs, pursuing your goals, and even helping you avoid foreclosure during difficult times. If you’re unsure how much equity you have in your home, let’s connect so you can start planning your next move.

How Inflation Affects the Housing Market

Have you ever wondered how inflation impacts the housing market? Believe it or not, they’re connected. Whenever there are changes to one, both are affected. Here’s a high-level overview of the connection between the two.

The Relationship Between Housing Inflation and Overall Inflation

Shelter inflation is the measure of price growth specific to housing. It comes from a survey of renters and homeowners that’s done by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The survey asks renters how much they’re paying in rent, and homeowners how much they’d rent their homes for, if they weren’t living in them.

Much like overall inflation measures the cost of everyday items, shelter inflation measures the cost of housing. And for four consecutive months, based on that survey, shelter inflation has been coming down (see graph below):

Why does this matter? Well, shelter inflation makes up about one-third of overall inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI). So, when shelter inflation moves, it leads to noticeable moves in overall inflation. That means the recent dip in shelter inflation might be a sign that overall inflation could fall in the months ahead.

That moderation would be a welcome sight for the Federal Reserve (the Fed). They’ve been working to get inflation under control since early 2022. While they’ve made some headway (it peaked at 8.9% in the middle of last year), they’re still trying to get to their 2% goal (the latest report is 3.3%). 

Inflation and the Federal Funds Rate  

What’s the Fed been doing to lower inflation? They’ve been increasing the Federal Funds Rate. That interest rate influences how much it costs banks to borrow money from each other. When inflation climbed, the Fed responded by raising the Federal Funds Rate to keep the economy from overheating.

The graph below shows the relationship between the two. Each time inflation (shown in the blue line) starts to climb, the Fed raises the Federal Funds Rate (shown in the orange line) to try to get it back to their target of 2% (see below):

The circled portion of the graph shows the most recent spike in inflation, the Fed’s actions to raise the Federal Funds Rate to fight that, and the moderation of inflation that happened in response to that hike. As inflation gets closer to the Fed’s current 2% goal, they may not need to raise the Federal Funds Rate much further.

A Brighter Future for Mortgage Rates?

So, what does all of this mean for you? While the actions coming out of the Fed don’t determine mortgage rates, they do have an impact. As Mortgage Professional America (MPA) explains:

“. . . mortgage rates and inflation are connected, however indirectly. When inflation rises, mortgage rates rise to keep up with the value of the US dollar. When inflation drops, mortgage rates follow suit.”

While no one can predict the future for mortgage rates, it’s encouraging to see the signs of moderating inflation in the economy. 

Bottom Line

Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or just stay informed about the housing market, let’s connect.

Why You Need a True Expert in Today’s Housing Market

The housing market continues to shift and change, and in a fast-moving landscape like we’re in right now, it’s more important than ever to have a trusted real estate agent on your side. Whether you’re buying your first home or selling once again, it’s mission critical to work with an expert who can guide you through each unique step of the process. 

The reality is, not all agents operate the same way. To truly make a powerful and confident decision as you buy or sell a home, you need a real estate expert who uses their knowledge of what’s really happening with home prices, housing supply, industry projections, and more to give you the best possible advice. Someone who can provide clarity and trust like that is essential to your success. Jay Thompson, Real Estate Industry Consultant, explains:

“Housing market headlines are everywhere. Many are quite sensational, ending with exclamation points or predicting impending doom for the industry. Clickbait, the sensationalizing of headlines and content, has been an issue since the dawn of the internet, and housing news is not immune to it.”

Unfortunately, when information in the media isn’t clear, it can generate a lot of fear and uncertainty for consumers. As Jason Lewris, Co-Founder and Chief Data Officer at Parcl, says:

“In the absence of trustworthy, up-to-date information, real estate decisions are increasingly being driven by fear, uncertainty, and doubt.”

But it doesn’t have to be that way. Buying a home is a big decision, and it should be one you feel confident making. You can lean on an expert to help you separate fact from fiction and get the answers you need.

The right agent can assist you in figuring out what’s going on at the national level and in your local area. They can debunk headlines using data you can trust. Experts have in-depth knowledge of the industry and can provide context, so you know how current trends compare to the normal ebbs and flows in the housing market, historical data, and more.

Then, to make sure you have the full picture, an agent can tell you if your local area is following the national trend or if they’re seeing something different in your market. Together, you can use all that information to make the best possible decision.

After all, making a move is a potentially life-changing milestone. It should be something you feel ready for and excited about. And that’s where a trusted expert comes in.

Bottom Line

If you want sound advice and trusted information about our local housing market, let’s connect.

Get Ready for Smaller, More Affordable Homes

Have you been trying to buy a home, but higher mortgage rates and home prices are limiting your options? If so, here’s some good news – based on what Ali Wolf, Chief Economist at Zonda, has to say – smaller, more affordable homes are on the way:

“Buyers should expect that over the next 12 to 24 months there will be a notable increase in the number of entry-level homes available.”

In some ways, smaller homes are already here. When the pandemic hit, the meaning of home changed. People needed the space their home provided not only as a place to live, but as a place to work, go to school, exercise, and more. Those who had that space were more likely to keep it. And those that didn’t were in a position where they were trying to sell their smaller house to move up to a larger one. That meant the homes coming to the market during the pandemic were smaller than those on the market before the pandemic – and that trend continues today (see graph below):This graph also shows how the size of homes on the market changes seasonally. Larger homes tend to come on the market during the summer months when households with children who are out of school are looking to move.

That seasonality means, based on historical trends and the fact that fall is now approaching, we can expect smaller, more affordable homes to come to the market throughout the rest of the year.

That’s great news because, as Robert Dietz, Chief Economist at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), states, the need for these types of homes has gone up recently:

“. . . as interest rates increased in 2022, and housing affordability worsened, the demand for home size has trended lower.”

What Does This Mean for You?

The seasonal trend of smaller homes coming to the market in the later months of the year, coupled with builders bringing smaller, more affordable newly built homes to the market right now, is good news – especially if you’re finding it difficult to afford a home. Mikaela Arroyo, Director of the New Home Trends Institute at John Burns Real Estate Consulting, says this about a potential increase in the availability of smaller homes:

“It’s not solving the affordability crisis, but it is creating opportunities for people to be able to afford an entry-level home in an area.”

Bottom Line

If a smaller, more affordable home sounds appealing to you, good news – they’re coming. To keep up with what’s available in our area, let’s connect.

Why It’s Still a Seller’s Market Today

Even though activity in the housing market has slowed from the frenzy that was the ‘unicorn’ years, it’s still a seller’s market because the supply of homes for sale is so low. But what does that really mean for you? And why are conditions today so good if you want to sell your house?

The latest Existing Home Sales Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows housing supply is still astonishingly low. Housing inventory is measured by the number of available homes on the market. It’s also measured by months’ supply, meaning the number of months it would take to sell all those available homes based on current demand. In a balanced market, there’s usually about a six-month supply. Today, we have only about 3 months’ supply of homes at the current sales pace (see graph below): 

As the visual shows, given the current inventory of homes, it’s still a seller's market.

Today, we’re nowhere near what’s considered a balanced market. In fact, the current months’ supply is half of what’s typical of a normal market. That means there just aren’t enough homes to go around based on today’s buyer demand.

As Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for NAR, says:

“There are simply not enough homes for sale. The market can easily absorb a doubling of inventory.”

How Does Being in a Seller’s Market Benefit You?

Sellers, these conditions give you a real edge. Right now, there are buyers who are ready, willing, and able to purchase a home. And, because there's a shortage of homes up for sale, the ones that do hit the market are like magnets for those buyers.

If you work with a local real estate agent to list your house right now, in good condition, and at the right price, it could get a lot of attention. You might even end up with multiple offers.

Bottom Line

Today’s seller’s market sets you up with a big advantage when you sell your house. Because supply is so low, your house will be in the spotlight for motivated buyers who are craving more options. Let’s connect so you understand what’s happening in our local area as you get ready to enter the market.

Hey, everyone! Are you looking for some inspiration to decorate your home? Check out these popular decor styles that have remained in vogue for some time:

• Minimalism: A clean and serene style that focuses on simplicity, neutral colors, and natural materials such as wood, stone, and leather.
• Bohemian: An eclectic and unique style that incorporates a mix of patterns, textures, and colors inspired by the 1960s and 1970s.
• Scandinavian: A functional and light style that emphasizes simplicity, natural materials, and a cozy atmosphere.
• Industrial: A raw and edgy style that features exposed brick, metal, and antique pieces inspired by factories and warehouses.
• Coastal: A relaxed and beachy style that incorporates light colors, natural materials such as rattan and wicker, and nautical elements.

Remember, the décor style that is best for your home depends on your personal taste, lifestyle, and needs. Choose a style that you love and that reflects your personality and style. Let us know in the comments which style speaks to you the most!