Real Estate News Archives - The Houk Group

Why You Should Work With A Real Estate Team

Welcome to the best online resource on Why You Should Work With A Real Estate Team. Call or text (225)-234-0022 for more information!

The decision to buy, sell, or invest in real estate is one that can be very stressful for some. You should not have to work alone throughout a process like this. There are many reasons why you should work with a real estate team to buy or sell a home, but we are going to highlight the top 5 benefits of working with one.

1. We know the inventory

Agents know what the market is like, and what to expect in the future, for the most part. Agents know what is selling and what is not getting as much traffic. We hear your wants and needs when looking for a home, and we will work to find exactly what you are looking for.

2. We have a more available schedule

Working with a real estate team means that you do not have to do additional work on top of your full time job. Working with real estate is a full time job in itself. When working with a team, you will not have to make time to schedule an appointment to have people come look at your house when you could be relaxing. Agents can show your house with the convenience of you not even having to be home! Agents can work around your when scheduling showing appointments.

Also, a team will take care of all the paperwork, marketing and other time-consuming yet necessary processes to get your home sold. They will host the open houses, talk to the families that look at it, and collect and share all feedback.

3. Days on market is lower

Homes are more eye-catching to the public when they are fresh on the market, so the longer that a home is on the market, the less people become interested in it. When listing your home, agents will work with a multiple listings service to get your home sent out to many buyers agents, which makes it easier to find buyers who are looking for exactly what your home offers.

4. We take care of negotiations

Who doesn’t love getting more than what they were originally wanting?

An agent wants to get you the best deal possible when buying or selling a home, so we will practice negotiation tactics to ensure we are capable of working through all negotiations – no matter how tough they are. Also, experienced real estate agents have already gone through a plethora of unique negotiation situations that also improves their skills. They know what to say and what not to say so that the negotiation goes as smooth as possible.

5. We get your home staged

Like we have said before, agents know what is being sold and what is not. Real estate teams usually have connections with top tier staging companies who can make your home look desirable to all potential buyers on the market. If a part of the home is not as attractive, we can add all the right touches to make it look better!

Whether you are looking to buy, sell, or invest in real estate, it is always better to work with a team! We want to help you with all your real estate needs, so just reach out to us by calling (225)-234-0022 or click the button below!

Moving During Covid-19: Helpful Tips

Welcome to the best online resource for helpful tips on moving during Covid-19! Call or text (225)-234-0022 for more information. Moving into a new house in the middle of a pandemic can be very nerve-wracking, so we wanted to give a few helpful tips to keep in mind while making the move!

How Covid-19 Might Affect Your Move

Know what the CDC considers “social distancing” – click here to see those guidelines!
Plan around CDC travel restrictions that might affect your move – click here to see how your move could be affected.
If traveling long distance, plan your drive out and determine which restaurants or gas stations that are open and you will want to stop at.
If you are hiring movers, choose them carefully! Ask lots of questions and check their Covid-19 protocols before deciding who you want to use.

How To Prepare For Your Move

Avoid getting free boxes from businesses that provide them.
Buy all your moving and cleaning supplies at once – and get more than you think you will need!
Clean each room thoroughly as you pack it up so you do not have to clean everything all at once.
If you hired movers, make sure you finished packing and cleaning at least 24 hours before they arrive.
Provide cleaning supplies and protective gear for your movers.
Most importantly, if you have been feeling sick with Covid-19 symptoms – let everyone who will be near you know!

Supplies You Will Need

Cleaning supplies including hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes and/or spray, etc. Make sure to wipe down all frequently touched objects like door knobs, light switches, handles, counters, faucets, etc.
Protective gear including masks and gloves (disposable and/or rubber gloves). Make sure you are washing your hands and avoid touching your face.
Moving supplies including, boxes (again – do not use free boxes), packing tape, bubble wrap, dollies, sharpies, etc.

Donating Items You Don’t Want

Many organizations are still taking donations either as pickups or drop-offs, but some are handling it differently. Make sure to check the website for where you would like to donate your items to and see what their guidelines are with taking donations.
Check any shelters in your area and see if they are accepting donations.
Sell or donate your items on Facebook marketplace.
If you are donating your items, make sure they are cleaned very thoroughly no matter who you donate them to!

Moving With Kids During Covid-19

Establish systems and routines before and after the move, this will help not only your kids with processing the move, but it will help you as well. Also, make sure your children understand and are comfortable with the move.

Finally, enjoy your new house!

Once you are finally moved in, enjoy it! Throw a virtual housewarming party, because even though it is not quite the same, you deserve to celebrate and show off your new home to your family and friends.

Click here for additional tips on buying a home, or here for selling your home!

If you have a question that is not addressed in this article, ask us here! If you would like to virtually tour any of our homes, click here!

Our top summer Gulf Coast getaways!

5.) Ship Island, MS
Ship island is just a ferry ride away from Gulf Port Mississippi! This makes for the perfect day trip to breathe in a little salty air. The ferry ride is just under an hour, and if your lucky, you will be able to see dolphins swimming on the ride over. The island rents beach chairs and has a snack bar, but you are welcome to bring an ice chest full of snacks if you want!

4.) Orange Beach, AL
Orange Beach is a beloved family vacation spot! There is something for everyone here from fine dining to enjoying the day on the beach. The Wharf offers restaurants and shopping. If you are looking for something different than a typical beach day, try spending the day at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. This zoo is unlike most and offers up close encounters for most of their animals. You can play with the baby tigers or slow things down with the sloths. Don’t miss this great opportunity while you are there!

3.) Fairhope, AL
This Gulf coast vacation spot features beautiful antebellum homes, large oak trees, and a walkable downtown area that is packed with character. Fairhope sits on Mobile Bay and has a calm laid back vibe that is sure to lower your stress levels. If you decide to visit, we reccommend stay at The Grand Hotel!

2.) Cape San Blas, FL
Voted on of the best locations to snorkel outside of the Caribbean, Cape San Blas offer a unique experience! Be ready to walk away with a treasure trove of large shells from just one day on the beach! If the beach is not your style, St. Joseph bay offers calm waters to kayak or paddle board instead!

1.) Seaside, FL
The moment that you step into the town of Seaside, you will feel like you just stepped into paradise. The beaches in seaside are about as beautiful as they come. Crystal blue water and soft white sands are all you find find along this 30A beach! The town features lots of great dining spots and eclectic shops to find the perfect gift or souvenir! Come for beach or come for the food – either way you won’t be disappointed!