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Is an Accessory Dwelling Unit Right for You? Here’s What To Know
Is an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Right for You?
Are you struggling to find the perfect home within your budget? Or maybe you love your current home but could use extra income or a separate space for aging loved ones? No matter the reason, an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) could be the smart solution you’ve been searching for in today’s market!
What Is an ADU?
According to Fannie Mae, an ADU is a small, independent living space located on the same lot as a single-family home. It must have its own living, sleeping, kitchen, and bathroom areas, making it a fully functional separate dwelling. ADUs come in various forms, including:
- Within the main home (like a basement apartment)
- Attached to the home (such as a unit over the garage)
- Detached from the home (like a backyard cottage or manufactured home)
Why Are ADUs So Popular?
ADUs are gaining momentum as more homebuyers and homeowners realize their benefits. In fact, a recent survey found that 24% of real estate agents say an ADU—such as a mother-in-law suite—is one of the most sought-after home features today. Why? Because an ADU can provide extra financial security and flexibility in an ever-changing housing market. If you buy a home with an ADU or add one to your existing property, you could use it as a rental unit to help offset your mortgage costs!
The Top Benefits of ADUs
Beyond the financial perks, ADUs offer many lifestyle benefits. Here are a few key reasons they’re so appealing, according to Freddie Mac and AARP:
✅ Living Close, But Separate – Whether you want to keep family nearby or have guests stay comfortably, an ADU provides togetherness without sacrificing privacy. It’s the perfect balance!
✅ Aging in Place – If you have aging parents who need a little extra support, an ADU allows them to maintain independence while staying close to loved ones who can help if needed.
✅ Built-In Childcare – Multi-generational living can offer huge benefits, including built-in babysitters! If your parents or other family members live in the ADU, they may be able to provide childcare, saving you money and giving your kids more time with family.
It’s important to note that ADUs are typically considered secondary dwellings and usually cannot be sold separately from the main home. However, laws and regulations vary by location, and some areas are making changes to allow more flexibility. That’s why it’s essential to consult a local real estate expert to understand the options in your area.
Bottom Line
In today’s housing market, an ADU could be a game-changer—whether you’re looking for an affordable home, extra rental income, or a dedicated space for loved ones. If you’re interested in finding a home with an ADU or adding one to your property, let’s talk! We’ll help you navigate the process and ensure you understand all the local rules and regulations.
➡️ Thinking about an ADU? Let’s chat! Contact Debbie and Angie, REALTORS®, today at FoothillsProperty.com.
#webringuhome
Smart Moves for First-Time Buyers
Breaking Into the Market: Smart Moves for First-Time Buyers
If you’re like a lot of aspiring homebuyers, there’s a major hurdle standing in your way — the cost of living. From groceries to gas, eggs, and just about everything else, prices have gone up. And that rings true for home prices, too.
But even when everything feels expensive, there are still ways to make homeownership more than an item on your wish list. You may just need to think about where you plan to buy a bit differently.
Think of Your First Home as a Stepping Stone
One of the biggest misconceptions among buyers is that their first home has to be their forever home – or that it has to check all the boxes of what they want right out of the gate. In reality, it’s just a starting point.
Once you own a home, you start to build equity, which grows over time as home prices rise. Down the road, if you want to move — whether to a larger space, a better location, or both — the equity you’ve gained can help you do just that.
So rather than waiting until you can afford your dream home in your ideal neighborhood, consider starting with something that works for now.
Expand Your Search To Find More Affordable Options
If high home prices in your favorite area are holding you back, it’s time to cast a wider net. By keeping an open mind and being flexible with location, you may be surprised at what’s possible within your budget. Many buyers find success by looking in surrounding areas – and some even choose to move out of state.
If you want to stay local, looking just outside your preferred neighborhood could help you find something you can afford that’s still close to your favorite restaurants, shops, and activities. Sometimes, moving as little as 10 minutes away makes a big difference.
The best way to see what’s available is to work with a real estate agent who understands the local market and can help you identify hidden gems nearby. Debbie and Angie, your local REALTORS®, know the ins and outs of the area and can guide you to communities you may not have considered yet. These neighborhoods may have lower price tags right now but are steadily gaining value and appeal. With their expertise, you can buy your first home and set yourself up to gain equity over the years.
Bottom Line
Today’s cost of living is a challenge for many homebuyers. But by exploring different areas and working with Debbie & Angie, you can take that first step toward owning a home — and building equity for your future.
Looking for an easy dinner tomorrow night…
Quick Tips To Prepare To Buy A Home
If you’ve asked yourself any of these questions, then you’ll want to keep reading.
“How do we know if we’re ready to buy a home?”
“Should we buy a home? It’s a pandemic.”
“Is now really the best time to buy a home?
The thing is: there is no right or wrong answer here. Of course, I am so passionate about homeownership and would love to get you into that dream home. But, the truth is everyone’s situation is unique.
The answer depends on a few things:
➡️ Do you know your credit score?
➡️ Do you have a sense of how much home you can afford (including closing costs)?
➡️ Do you have money saved for a down payment?
➡️ Do you have savings to cover emergency maintenance?
➡️ Do you feel ready to put down roots in a community?
These are the practical considerations. You’ll, of course, want to factor in your employment status, family circumstances, and lifestyle factors too.
If you’re holding off on buying, what is holding you back? Message me anytime if you’d like to talk through different options.
Why It Makes Sense To Move Before Spring
Spring is usually the busiest season in the housing market. Many buyers wait until then to make their move, believing it’s the best time to find a home. However, that isn’t always the case when you factor in the competition you could face with other buyers at that time of year. If you’re ready to buy a home, here’s why it makes sense to move before the spring market picks up.
Spring Should Bring a Wave of Buyers to the Market
In most years, the housing market goes through predictable seasonal trends in activity. Winter is typically a quiet point in the year, while spring sees a surge of buyers begin their search. And experts project that this year will be no exception.
Right now, buyer demand is low due to a combination of normal seasonal trends and a reaction to last year’s rise in mortgage rates. But rates have started to come down since last November, which has more and more potential buyers planning to jump into the market. That means right now is a sweet spot if you’re in a good position to buy, before more buyers reappear. Affordability is beginning to improve, but demand is still low — for now. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), shares:
“. . . expect sales to pick up again soon since mortgage rates have markedly declined after peaking late last year.”
If you’re ready to buy a home, right now is the best time to do so before your competition grows and more buyers enter the market.
Today’s Sellers Are Motivated
Low demand from buyers often means sellers are more motivated to work with you, and that can set you up to buy a home on your terms. In fact, sellers have been more willing to negotiate this winter because there are fewer buyers in the market. According to a recent article from Forbes:
“. . . sellers gave concessions to buyers in 41.9% of home sales in the fourth quarter of last year.”
But keep in mind, the advantages buyers have this winter won’t last forever. The competition you face could be greater if you wait until spring to make a move, and increased buyer demand means sellers will have less motivation to negotiate with you. Be sure to work with a trusted real estate professional to learn what you can expect in your local market right now.
Bottom Line
If you’re in a good position to make a move, it may make sense to move before spring. Working with Debbie & Angie is the best way to learn about the current market and what it means for you. Let’s connect today to determine the best plan to achieve your homebuying goals.
Want To Sell Your House? Price It Right.
Last year, the housing market slowed down in response to higher mortgage rates, and that had an impact on home prices. If you’re thinking of selling your house soon, that means you’ll want to adjust your expectations accordingly. As realtor.com explains:
“. . . some of the more prominent pandemic trends have changed, so sellers might wish to adjust accordingly to get the best deal possible.”
In a more moderate market, how you price your house will make a big difference to not only your bottom line, but to how quickly your house could sell. And the reality is, homes priced right are still selling in today’s market.
Why Pricing Your House Appropriately Matters
Especially today, your asking price sends a message to potential buyers.
If it’s priced too low, you may leave money on the table or discourage buyers who may see a lower-than-expected price tag and wonder if that means something is wrong with the home.
If it’s priced too high, you run the risk of deterring buyers. When that happens, you may have to lower the price to try to reignite interest in your house when it sits on the market for a while. But be aware that a price drop can be seen as a red flag by some buyers who will wonder what that means about the home.
To avoid either headache, price it right from the start. A real estate professional knows how to determine that ideal asking price. They balance the value of homes in your neighborhood, current market trends, buyer demand, the condition of your house, and more to find the right price. This helps lead to stronger offers and a greater likelihood your house will sell quickly.
Bottom Line
Homes that are priced at current market value are still selling. To make sure you price your house appropriately, maximize your sales potential, and minimize your hassle, let’s connect.
