April 2024

APRIL NEWSLETTERAPRIL IS THE BEST MONTH TO LIST | NAR IN THE NEWS | RECIPE OF THE MONTHAPRIL IS THE BEST MONTH TO LIST YOUR HOME

Historically, listings posted the week of April 14th have seen the strongest Buyer demand, the highest listing prices, and fewest days on market, according to Realtor.com.

What makes the third week of April a golden opportunity? Historically, median home prices are about 1.1% higher than the typical week. Homes also cost about 10.4% more than they did earlier in the year.

This price bump translates into big bucks. A seller who takes advantage of the best week to list could collect about $7,400 more at the closing table than if they put their home on the market during a typical week. Plus, homes are expected to list for a median of $34,000 more than they did at the beginning of this year.

In addition to the extra cash, sellers can expect more buyers to see their homes on Realtor.com. Listings generally receive 18.4% more views during the best week to list than in the rest of the year. More competition might drive up prices as well, through bidding wars and offers over the asking price.

Homebuyers aren’t simply window shopping during this week either. Data suggests for-sale homes will fly off the market in nine days, or about 17%, faster than an average week.

“[Housing] inventory levels and price reductions climb later in the year,” says Jones. “But buyers eager to buy soon may find success earlier in the spring as the market starts to pick up.”

NAR IN THE NEWS

As you may have heard, a group of Missouri home sellers sued the National Association of Realtors (N.A.R) over their policies on agent compensation, arguing that a N.A.R. rule requiring home sellers to pay commissions to their agents and the agents of their buyers led to inflated fees and price fixing. With the settlement agreement, N.A.R. will pay $418 million in damages, and has agreed to re-write a number of rules regarding how real estate agents are compensated. While this may seem like big changes are coming, here is what you need to know about the changes:

1. Commissions have ALWAYS been negotiable. While 6% has been the industry standard, real estate agents will adjust their commission or the commission of a cooperating broker as negotiated with a Seller.
2. A Buyer Agency Agreement is now required at the beginning of a Buyer-Agent relationship in all 50 states. NOTE: Colorado has had Buyer Agency agreements in place for nearly 20 years). The agency agreement outlines the rights and fiduciary responsibilities of both the buyer and the agent and stipulates from the beginning how much the Buyer's agent is getting paid and by whom.
3. Buyer Compensation can no longer be listed in the MLS. Instead, the Buyer's Agent commission will be negotiated directly between agents and written into the Contract to Buy and Sell.

The Bottom Line: Transparency is the name of the game. Whether you are looking to buy or sell, make sure the realtor you are working with outlines all of your options and that you understand any and all potential fees.Five Four Real Estate is committed providing our sellers and buyers with the highest level of transparency and efficacy possible. If you or someone you know has questions about how this may impact them, please have them reach out. RECIPE OF THE MONTH: LEMON & ROSEMARY MEATBALLS WITH CREAMY ORZO

Quick, easy, colorful, and delicious! Baked chicken meatballs with roasted lemon, cooked together with orzo pasta and baby spinach, then finished with melty cheese. This tasty dish is all made in one pan without even having to boil any water. Simply mix, bake, eat, and enjoy! INGREDIENTS

• 1 1/2 pounds ground chicken, pork, or turkey
• 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
• 1 shallot, chopped
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• salt and black pepper
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chopped lemon peel
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• chili flakes
• 1 pound dry orzo pasta
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or canned full fat coconut milk
• 3 cups baby spinach, chopped
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 450° F.2. Add the chicken, dijon, shallot, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, rosemary, paprika, salt, pepper, and parmesan to a bowl. Mix to combine. Roll the meat into tablespoon-size balls (will make 15-16 meatballs).
2. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, combine the meatballs, olive oil, lemon peel, dill, and chili flakes. Bake 8-10 minutes, until just starting to get crisp. Reduce the oven to 400° F.
3. To the meatballs, add the dry orzo. Pour over 2 cups of water and the wine, stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Place the spinach on top. Bake for 12-15 minutes until most of the water has cooked into the pasta, but not all of it.
4. Stir the pasta around, mix in the cream, then sprinkle the cheese overtop. Bake another 10 minutes until the cheese has melted and the sauce is bubbling. If there's a lot of oil on top, drain off the excess. Top with fresh dill, basil, or micro greens.

Recipe Courtesy of: Tieghan Jerrard, Half Baked HarvestThinking of Buying or Selling?  Know someone who is?I am NEVER too busy for your referrals!

OUR PROMISE TO OUR CLIENTS

This could be one of the largest and most important financial decisions you will make in your lifetime, and you deserve an experienced partner that understands the intricacies of Colorado real estate.

We promise to always keep you informed about the rapidly changing market and educate you throughout the entire process. We promise to protect your best interests and treat your home or investment like it’s one of our own. We promise to work our hardest to find the perfect home for you and your family with as little stress as possible.  

We value your trust and hope to continue supporting you in your lifetime even after your sale or purchase is complete. This goes beyond real estate to us, it’s the beginning of a lifelong friendship.

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