The Jacksonville real estate market is a complex beast, constantly influenced by a multitude of factors. One of the most significant factors affecting the market is interest rates. When interest rates rise, it becomes more expensive to borrow money, which can lead to a decrease in demand for homes. Conversely, when interest rates fall, it becomes more affordable to borrow money, which can stimulate demand for homes.
In recent weeks, we have seen a consistent downward trend in interest rates. This is good news for potential homebuyers, as it means they can qualify for larger loans or lower their monthly mortgage payments. As a result, we can expect to see an increase in demand for homes in the coming months.
How Real Estate Agents Can Adapt to a Changing Market
As real estate agents, it is important to stay ahead of the curve and adapt our strategies to the changing market. One way to do this is to embrace the use of technology, particularly in the area of property marketing.
Leveraging the Power of Photos and 3D Tours
In today’s digital age, buyers are increasingly relying on online resources to search for homes. This means that it is more important than ever for real estate agents to have high-quality photos and 3D tours of their properties available online.
Professional photos can make a property look its best and capture the attention of potential buyers. They can also help to showcase the unique features of a property and set it apart from the competition.
3D tours are an even more immersive way for buyers to experience a property. They allow buyers to virtually walk through a property and get a feel for the layout, space, and finishes. This can be especially helpful for buyers who are not able to visit a property in person.
Zillow 3D Tours offer an incredibly potent value proposition… especially when paired with a floor plan. As we mention often, Zillow gives listings that have both a 3D Tour and a floor plan attached a 7-day search bump on both Zillow and Trulia. This only applies for the first week the listing is active, but even after that your listing will have a special label on the map view on their site, giving it even better visibility.
Making Properties Appealing to Buyers
In addition to using photos and 3D tours, real estate agents can also take other steps to make their properties appealing to buyers. This includes:
- Staging the property: Staging a property can make it look more inviting and appealing to potential buyers — staging can be either physical or virtual. Ask us about virtual staging! There is a cost per photo, but spending $60 or $70 to stage two key spaces in the house is a bargain compared to staging the home in person.
- Highlighting key features: Make sure to highlight the key features of the property, such as a renovated kitchen, a spacious backyard, or a stunning view.
- Pricing the property competitively: It is important to price the property competitively in order to attract buyers.
By taking these steps, real estate agents can position themselves for success in a changing market. so, if you have a property that’s been lingering, now might be the perfect time to enhance your listing with a 3D Tour and a floor plan!