What’s Your Home Worth in Today’s Market?

 




Should you sell now or should you wait? Sometimes all you need is just a little bit of information to answer that question, and we can help. We know what buyers are willing to pay in today’s environment. The key is to know what price to list your home for based on recent sales in your neighborhood. You must also factor in your home’s unique features and how long you can wait to get the right offer. If you’re interested in finding out what your home is worth today, feel free to enter your address here. Check out the video to learn more.

Should I Make Repairs Before Listing My Home?

 


Going over the key reasons it’s worth it to fix your home before selling.


Many sellers have been asking me, 'Should I make repairs before listing my home?' The simple answer is yes. Although we're still in a seller's market, there are fewer buyers than there were during the recent peak. The upside is that the buyers who remain are serious about finding a home. However, with higher interest rates and rising home prices, it's crucial that your property is in excellent condition to attract them. That’s why today, I’m sharing three key steps you can take to ensure your home is market-ready before selling.


1. Have a pre-listing meeting. Meet with your agent before you list to go over which repairs are really worth it. Not every fix is worth your hard-earned money, so invest in repairs that will improve your home’s condition and net you a higher return on your investment. It might be worth it to pay for a pre-inspection before you list. This way, you can find exactly what might turn buyers away and fix it before you hit the open market. 


2. Choose between cosmetic and high-maintenance repairs. Most repairs fall into one of two categories: cosmetic repairs and high-maintenance repairs. Cosmetic repairs are usually optional and won’t be a sticking point in negotiations. However, they can net you a higher return on your investment. By completing the right repairs, you'll attract more offers from well-qualified buyers. Partnering with your agent to develop a strong marketing strategy can even spark a bidding war, which may naturally drive up your sale price.


3. Proper repairs expand your buyer pool. The condition of your home is the most important factor you can control when selling because it expands your buyer pool. In today’s market, there are fewer buyers due to interest rates and higher home prices; however, you can still attract a lot of demand with a property in good condition. If you do the proper repairs, you’ll have more offers coming in from better-qualified buyers. Work closely with your agent to create a strong marketing strategy, and you might even create a bidding war and naturally drive up your price. 


I always recommend sellers do repairs before listing, but it’s more important in this market than it ever has been before. If you’re wondering which repairs are worth doing or want to discuss a pre-listing strategy, just give me a call or send me an email. I’d love to hear from you!

Exclusive CNBC Interview: Chip Hodgkins Unveils the Future of Syracuse Real Estate!

 


Catch Chip Hodgkins, the powerhouse behind Central New York's top real estate team - Hodgkins Homes Team, in his latest CNBC interview! Discover why he's shaking up the Syracuse housing market and get exclusive insights into the trends shaping the real estate landscape. Don’t miss out—click the link to watch this must-see segment and see why Chip is the go-to expert in CNY real estate!

How Do I Prepare My Home for Showings?

Learn how to prepare your home for buyers and the open market.


Are you looking to sell your home? While we’re still in a strong seller’s market, there is a widening gap between homes that are ready for the market and those that aren’t. If you want your home to be a winner on the open market, you probably need to make your home as ready and attractive to buyers as possible. It’s proven that the more showings you have, the more likely you are to have a faster sale and net a higher price. That’s why today, we're sharing three ways you can get your house ready for showings: 


1. Take care of minor repairs upfront. Right now, buyers’ number one concern is higher interest rates and affordability. As a result, they want to put as much money down as they can to lower their monthly payments. This means that if you take care of repairs upfront, buyers will be more interested in your house and might even be willing to pay a premium. Taking care of cosmetic repairs upfront is a good idea even in a normal market, but higher interest rates mean this step is more important than ever. 


2. Do some staging. Think about a model home: It’s clean, standardized, and impersonal. Your goal should be to get as close to that image as possible. Your home likely has a lot of personalized touches, like odd furniture, family photos, or maybe even an off-colored wall. We recommend trying to depersonalize your home as much as possible so prospective buyers can picture themselves living in your property. Plus, by packing everything away, you’ll make moving easier once you sell your house. 


3. Have a plan for children and pets. Your showings probably won’t go smoothly if your dog or young children are running around. Instead, work with your agent to create a showing schedule with blocks of time when your home is ready for buyers. This way, you and your buyers won’t be disrupted. We recommend putting dogs in kennels just for the short time when you’ll be having showings. While moving your pets around might be a little work, it’s worth it to keep your house in pristine condition when buyers are viewing it. 


If you want a detailed showing plan or list of repairs to make before you list your home, please call or email us. We’d love to help you navigate this housing market!

Should I Make Repairs Before Listing My Home?

Recently, a lot of sellers have been asking us, “Should I make repairs before listing my home?” The short answer is yes. While we’re still in a seller’s market, the truth is that there aren’t as many buyers as there were during the peak a few years ago. The good news is that buyers still looking to purchase a home in this environment are very serious about moving. However, due to higher interest rates and home prices, your property needs to be in great condition to stand out. That’s why today, we're sharing three things you can do to get your home in perfect market condition before selling: 


1. Have a pre-listing meeting. Meet with your agent before you list to go over which repairs are really worth it. Not every fix is worth your hard-earned money, so invest in repairs that will improve your home’s condition and net you a higher return on your investment. It might be worth it to pay for a pre-inspection before you list. This way, you can find exactly what might turn buyers away and fix it before you hit the open market. 


2. Choose between cosmetic and high-maintenance repairs. Most repairs fall into one of two categories: cosmetic repairs and high-maintenance repairs. Cosmetic repairs are usually optional and won’t be a sticking point in negotiations. However, they can net you a higher return on your investment. High-maintenance repairs take longer and require a larger investment, but they often fix major issues that need to be addressed if you want good offers from buyers. 


3. Proper repairs expand your buyer pool. The condition of your home is the most important factor you can control when selling because it expands your buyer pool. In today’s market, there are fewer buyers due to interest rates and higher home prices; however, you can still attract a lot of demand with a property in good condition. If you do the proper repairs, you’ll have more offers coming in from better-qualified buyers. Work closely with your agent to create a strong marketing strategy, and you might even create a bidding war and naturally drive up your price. 


We always recommend sellers do repairs before listing, but it’s more important in this market than it ever has been before. If you’re wondering which repairs are worth doing or want to discuss a pre-listing strategy, just give us a call or send us an email. We’d love to hear from you!

How Long Will It Take To Sell My Home?

Wondering how long it will take to sell your home this summer? According to Redfin, the average home takes about 32 days on the market to sell. However, this number is just an average; in reality, some homes sell almost instantly, while others stagnate on the market for months. Why is this? In my opinion, it comes down to three key factors: Condition, accessibility, and pricing. Today, I’m going to break down each of these factors and explain how you can leverage them to sell your home faster: 


1. Condition. You can’t control your location, but you can upgrade your home’s condition before you hit the market. Make sure you take care of any minor repairs upfront. You may even want your agent to do a walkthrough of your home and point out anything that might worry buyers. Small things might not seem like a big deal, but they leave an impression on your buyers that your home might not be in good shape. Plus, buyers don’t have a ton of spare cash due to high prices and interest rates. If they don’t have to pay for repairs themselves, they’ll be more likely to put in an offer fast. 


2. Accessibility. Buyers can’t put an offer on a home they can’t see. Being as accessible to buyers as possible will increase your showings and net you better offers faster. I understand it isn’t always possible to leave the house on short notice, so consider temporary housing while your house is on the market. Having another place to stay will also make it easier to move once you sell your home and start looking for a new one. 


3. Pricing. Your initial price is more than just a number; it’s the first part of your marketing strategy. Work with your agent to find similar homes in your area that have sold recently to find a good starting point. From there, choose a reasonable starting price to draw attention, create competition, and start a bidding war. This will help your house sell quickly and naturally increase the price to wherever the market is at. 


Hopefully, these tips will help you sell your home quickly. In the meantime, don’t hesitate to call me for a free home-selling consultation. I’ll go over the details of your home with you and share what you can do to move fast. I look forward to hearing from you!


What’s Happening in the Real Estate Market This Summer?

 As we head further into the summer real estate market, tons of people have been asking me, “What’s going on in the market right now?” We get it; if you’re looking to move in the near future, you want to be informed about what’s happening with real estate. The truth is that home prices are still high in most areas; however, they’re starting to come down in a few places that were most affected by the pandemic boom market. While we don’t know for sure what this means for the country at large, it might be safer to make a move sooner rather than later. With that in mind, we're sharing three key points about our housing market you need to know if you’re planning on making a move this summer: 


1. There is a severe lack of inventory. Right now, a lot of people who would otherwise sell their homes are staying put because they have a low interest rate locked in with their current mortgage. As a result, inventory is incredibly low, and you’ll have way less competition than normal. Because of this, you can still sell quickly and at a good price as long as you work with your agent to build a strong marketing strategy. 


2. Buyers are very motivated. Right now, buyers across the country are as serious about purchasing your home as any we’ve ever seen. Think about it: Interest rates are still high, and home prices haven’t come down to compensate. If someone is looking at purchasing a home right now, it’s because they really need to move. This means you won’t have to deal with window shoppers, and you won’t have to have as many showings before you find someone willing to offer you a great deal. 


3. Pricing and condition are critical. Buyers are motivated right now, but that means they won’t put up with overpriced or poor-quality homes. On the other hand, they will be willing to pay a premium if your home is in good condition. Take the time to work with your agent and fix minor repairs before you put your home on the open market. Also, work together to find a price that fits your local market—one that isn’t too high or too low. 


You can still get a good deal this summer, but the future of our market is uncertain. If you have questions about where things might be heading or are interested in selling your home, call or email us. We’d love to hear from you!


Welcoming AJ Wallis to Our Real Estate Team

 


Get to know AJ Wallis, our latest addition to the real estate team.


Today, I’m thrilled to introduce our newest member, AJ Wallis. AJ has been with us for about 10 days now, and it's clear he's going to be a fantastic addition to our team. With two successful years in real estate under his belt, AJ is poised to achieve even greater success with us.

Before getting into real estate, AJ was a software engineer, a profession that demands precision and attention to detail. This meticulous approach translates seamlessly to real estate, where AJ excels at managing every detail of the buying and selling process. If you're looking for a detail-oriented agent, AJ is your guy. He's already working with three clients, helping them go through their real estate journeys.


"If you know AJ or need expert real estate advice, don't hesitate to reach out." 



AJ also has deep roots in Central New York, having spent most of his life here. His local knowledge is invaluable, and he's ready to assist with any real estate needs, whether you need recommendations for contractors, plumbers, electricians, or more. If you know AJ or need expert real estate advice, don't hesitate to reach out. Please join me in welcoming and congratulating AJ on joining our team. Welcome, AJ! 

If you have any questions, give us a call.


Meet Jackie Vigliotti: Our Newest Team Member with Deep Local Roots

Jackie brings experience and a deep connection to our community.

Jackie Vigliotti just joined our team, and we’re so excited that she’s here.

Here’s a little bit about her.


“I grew up in Camilla, went to high school at West Genesee, and went to college at Suny Oswego. In college, I played soccer, and now I coach youth soccer at CBA for the girls' modified side. I’m really connected with the Syracuse community. My family has lived in Syracuse for three generations.”


Jackie is an amazing addition to our team, and we hope you get to connect with her soon. If you have any questions about real estate or anything else, reach out to Jackie at (315) 993-6777.


 

Meet Lori: The Newest Addition to Our Real Estate Family

 

Discover how Lori enhances our team with her real estate expertise.

We are delighted to announce the addition of Lori Barnaba to our real estate team! With three and a half years of industry experience, Lori brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our group. Currently, she is actively engaged with five buyers and a seller, showcasing her adeptness in managing multiple clients effectively.

Lori's roots in the North Syracuse area, coupled with her extensive network of family and friends, make her a valuable asset to our team and clients alike. Her familiarity with the locality is a significant advantage, particularly for those new to the area or seeking a better understanding of it.

Beyond her real estate career, Lori has been involved in various business ventures, including ownership roles. This diverse experience equips her with a unique perspective and skills that complement her real estate practice.

As a dedicated full-time real estate agent, Lori is committed to delivering top-notch service to her clients. Her success in the field is a testament to her hard work, commitment, and profound understanding of the real estate market. Joining our team enables her to leverage collective resources, knowledge, and support to better serve her clients.

A warm welcome is extended to Lori. For all your real estate needs, Hodgkins Homes is the team to call. Whether it's finding the right contractors, preparing your house for the market, or simply enhancing your home, Lori possesses the connections and know-how to guide you through the process.

Should you have any real estate inquiries or require assistance, do not hesitate to reach out to Lori. She is here to help you with all your real estate needs – just a call or an email away. 

We extend a warm welcome to Lori and are excited about the expertise and energy she brings to our team. Her presence is sure to elevate the quality of service we provide to our clients.

Welcome to the team, Lori!

Happy Holidays from Barbara Corcoran & the Hodgkins Home Team!


From our team to your family, we want to wish you a happy holiday season.

Happy holidays to you!


The holiday season has officially arrived. We hope you enjoy this wonderful time of year and make some fantastic memories.


We wanted to take a moment to thank you for your continued support. We love helping people make their real estate dreams come true, so thank you for working with us and supporting our business.


This may be a busy time of year, but we are always here to help you and answer any questions you may have. Give us a call or email, we’d love to help you. 


In case we don’t hear from you until 2024, have a happy New Year!

Strategies for Success: Melissa White's Blueprint to $100,000+ in Real Estate Income


 Elevate Your Real Estate Career with Melissa White's Winning Formula!

Meet Melissa, the trailblazer who achieved over $1,000,000 in transactions in just 14 months on our team. Now entering her second year, Melissa is setting the bar even higher, aiming for a minimum of 30 transactions with a stretch goal of 50. With an average transaction value of $180,000, this translates to an impressive annual income of $100,000, showcasing the incredible potential within our dynamic real estate environment.

Melissa's success is underpinned by a simple yet powerful strategy—working her database. She recognizes the paramount importance of nurturing existing leads, reconnecting with old ones, and building lasting relationships with past clients in today's market. Her approach transcends mere transactions; it's about creating a network that not only withstands challenges but also propels your career forward by fostering enduring connections.

As we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Melissa White on her outstanding achievement, we invite you to be a part of our success story. Join a team that values not just transactions, but the enduring power of relationships. Our commitment is to provide an environment where your potential can thrive. If you're ready to unlock your capabilities and make a mark in the world of real estate, reach out today, and let's embark on a journey of success together!

Congratulations once again to Melissa, and here's to building a future of accomplishments and prosperity in the ever-evolving realm of real estate.

#RealEstateSuccess #JoinOurTeam #UnlockYourPotential

Meet Our Newest Team Member: Adam Butch!


Adam, our new member, discussed his experience getting into real estate.

Greetings, Team!

This is Chip Hodgkins, and I am absolutely thrilled to introduce you to the newest member of our dynamic team - the impressive Adam Butch. Today, we're not just celebrating Adam's recent accomplishments; we're here to ignite the spark within each of you who may be contemplating a journey into the world of real estate.

In my recent conversation with Adam, I uncovered a story that's not just about getting a real estate license but about embarking on a transformative journey. Adam joined us just a month ago, and in these few short weeks, he's already making waves- he's actively engaged with two enthusiastic buyers. This is the spirit of possibility we want each of you to feel pulsating through your veins.

Now, let's talk about training. Adam is currently undergoing an 86-day training program, a testament to our team's unwavering commitment to your success. Comprehensive training is our cornerstone, ensuring that every new agent not only thrives but excels in every aspect of real estate - from working with clients and managing listings to orchestrating open houses and crafting foolproof contracts.

"We’d like to congratulate Adam on his first steps into the real estate world."

But it's not just about the training; it's about the environment we've cultivated here. Adam's story is proof that when you join our team, you're not just signing up for a job; you're entering a space where support and success go hand in hand. We're not just a team; we're a family working together towards collective prosperity.

Adam has chosen to focus on the $200,000 price range, and his dedication and passion are already yielding results. This is a testament to the fact that within specific market segments, there lies the potential for extraordinary returns, especially in your initial weeks with us.

So, here's a challenge to each one of you: Are you ready to take those first steps? Do you feel the call to turn your aspirations into accomplishments? If the answer is a resounding "YES," then it's time to connect with us. Call us today at 315-449-6697, because we are here not just to offer support and training but to empower you to soar in the world of real estate.

Congratulations, Adam, on your maiden steps into the real estate world. The path is open, the opportunities are endless, and we're here to guide you towards unparalleled success. Let's make history together!

Cheers to new beginnings and boundless achievements!

Chip Hodgkins

Real Estate Success: Susan's Journey to $2.5M in 100 Days

 


Susan Potter's decision to join a real estate team transformed her career.


Step into the world of Susan Potter, our team's incredible success story since joining us last July. Susan's journey from a solo agent to a thriving team member is nothing short of remarkable.

Discover Susan's impressive feat: achieving her best year's business in just 90 days with our team. How did she do it? By concentrating on income-generating tasks and liberating precious time previously spent on marketing and admin work. Leaning on training and harnessing the potential of her past client database played pivotal roles in her journey.


Fast forward to this year, Susan has completed a staggering 11 transactions totaling $2.5 million in just 100 days. That's an average of $224,000 per transaction, a significant jump from her previous $147,000.

"Our team offers the training, support, and camaraderie you need to excel in the industry."

Susan attributes her success to our team's cost-effective lead generation system and abundant training resources. Our Zoom-based training sessions enable participation without the constraints of travel or scheduling conflicts.


Susan emphatically recommends joining a team for individual agents. It allows realtors to focus on their core strengths: listing and selling homes, while the team takes care of paperwork and offers vital training and support.


Susan highlights the camaraderie within our team, creating a supportive environment that contrasts with the often lonely world of real estate. Here, newcomers can swiftly transform into seasoned realtors, achieving remarkable business growth.

If the idea of joining a thriving real estate team intrigues you, don't hesitate to reach out. Our team provides the training, support, and camaraderie essential for excelling in the industry. We're hiring NEW and experienced agents! Call us today at 315-449-6697 to learn how you can elevate your real estate career to the next level.


Susan Tripled Her Sales in 90 Days

 


What The Hodgkins Homes Team has been able to do for agent Susan Potter so far!

Are you considering joining a real estate team in Central New York? Maybe you’ve been a solo agent for a long time, and you’ve finally decided that joining a team is the next step in your career path. If you’re in this position, you're not alone. Today I’m speaking with Susan Potter, an agent who recently joined our team, about her experience so far. 


Before joining our team, Susan was a solo agent for about 18 years. During that time, her best year of sales volume was $2.6 million, and the average price range was around $152,000. Those numbers aren’t too bad, but in just three months on our team, she’s done $3.1 million in sales. In just a quarter of the time, she’s already surpassed her previous best year. 


"We never make our agents pay for leads."


According to Susan, the training our team provides is important, but it’s not the only thing we offer. For her, the systems we have in place help her generate leads and close transactions at a much higher rate than she could before. One of the best parts of her experience so far is that she can always turn to someone to ask them questions when she doesn’t understand something. As a result, she’s learning more than she ever thought she could. 


Every agent works hard, but not every agent works smarter. Susan has worked hard all 18 years of her career, so her fantastic results aren’t just a result of more effort. Instead, the marketing department, lead generation, and transaction coordinators we provide simply made her job that much easier. On top of all of this, we never make our agents pay for leads, so you get to keep more money in your pocket. 


I’d like to thank Susan once again for sitting down with me. If you have any questions about her experience, give her a call or reach out to our team at info@hodgkinshomes.com or 315-449-6697. We’d love to hear from you!

Why a Real Estate Team Joined Our Team

 


Why would a smaller real estate team join a larger one?

Today I’m pleased to be joined by Patsy Scala and Sandra Casamento. Patsy

and Sandra are a real estate team with 16 years of combined experience who

recently decided to join our team. Why would a real estate team join another

group? 

According to Patsy, there are many benefits to working with a small team, but recently, she had been considering the benefits of a larger team like ours. For example, the support a large team provides is unparalleled; she no longer has to get bogged down sifting through tons of documents. 


"Our goal is to triple our agents’ business."

According to Sandra, one of the most exciting things about our team is that

we’re on the cutting edge of employing technology in real estate. She

believes that this could be the next step to launch their careers into

the future. 

They’ve only been on the team for a short while, but training is going great so

far. Our goal is to triple our agents’ business, but they want to go a step beyond

and quadruple theirs! 


If you’d like to reach out to Patsy or Sandra, call them, email them at patsy@hodgkinshomes.com and sandra@hodgkinshomes.com, or reach out to us at (315) 449-6685. Make it a great day!

Introducing Our Newest Team Member

 


We are excited to introduce our newest team member, Melissa White.

Today we have very exciting news: A new member has joined our team!

Please help us welcome Melissa White to this awesome community. 

She has been on the team for a week and in real estate for three months.

Before real estate, she worked as a combat zone truck driver in Syria. Isn’t

that amazing? She’s tough, gets the job done, and can handle all your

real estate needs. 

You can call Melissa directly at (337) 416-0619. If you have any questions,

don’t hesitate to reach out! We look forward to hearing from you.

Central Ohio’s Intel Project Provides a Valuable 9-Month Forecast for CNY



Here's the latest from LocalSYR.com on this project.


Recently, Micron made the U.S.’s largest chip investment in history in Central New York. This will have gigantic implications for our real estate market, so I have been keeping track of what it means for you. 


To start, I’ve been learning a lot from my colleagues. Intel made a similar chip investment in Ohio a little while ago, so I figured the best way to learn about our area’s future was to see what happened there. 


According to Central Ohio agent and my friend Scott Siebenaler, land around the investment in Ohio has doubled in value from $31,000 to $64,000 per lot. It’s reasonable that we could see that sort of increase in Central New York soon. 


In fact, prices have already increased, and construction isn’t even completed yet. Land in a two-mile radius of the project has increased in value by 20% to 200%.


If you would like to learn more about what this investment means for you, please call me at (315) 449-6685 or email me at Info@Hodgkinshomes.com. I’d love to speak with you.



Micron Update Webinar Registration

 


Join us for an educational webinar with County Executive Ryan McMahon.

We are partnering with County Executive Ryan McMahon to do a webinar on Wednesday, October 12, at 6:00 p.m. We will be going over what’s happening with the Micron project—how it came to be, what we should expect in the next few years in central New York, and what’s happening with property values. Click here to register. We look forward to seeing you there!