🏡 Your Monthly Real Estate Insights with Jami Gordon 🏡
Hey there, friends!
I’m thrilled to bring you the latest edition of our newsletter, packed with insights from my recent podcast episode. This month, I had the pleasure of chatting with Jami Gordon, a licensed realtor with Pinnacle Realty. Jami’s journey into real estate is as unexpected as it is inspiring, and she shared some invaluable lessons and stories from her nearly ten years in the business. Here are the highlights:
Key Takeaways from My Chat with Jami Gordon
1. Unexpected Beginnings
Jami stumbled into real estate while working in economic development. A simple call to a "for sale" sign led her to a new career path. Sometimes, the best opportunities come when we least expect them!
2. Sacrifices in Real Estate
The biggest sacrifices? Time with family and income stability. Jami emphasizes the importance of balancing professional commitments with personal life.
3. MLS Committee Insights
Jami serves on the MLS committee, which manages the multiple listing service and related data. Her love for numbers and data has given her a unique perspective on the industry.
4. Market Trends
Realtor Numbers: From 746 in 2019 to around 800 in 2022.
Housing Prices: Average price for a three-bedroom home rose from $176,000 in 2019 to $230,000 today.
Sales Trends: Homes sold dropped from 3,200 in 2019 to 2,700 last year, a 20% decrease.
5. Challenges for First-Time Homebuyers
Rising prices and interest rates are making it tougher for first-time buyers. Many are waiting longer to buy, often staying with family to save up.
6. Negotiation and Inspections
It’s more of a buyer’s market now, with more room for negotiation on closing costs and other terms. Buyers are also more cautious about inspections, avoiding the surprises that come with waiving them.
7. Common Issues in Homes
Roof Warranties: Changing insurance policies mean fewer long-term warranties.
Orangeburg Pipes: These post-WWII pipes are prone to collapse, leading to costly repairs.
Lead Pipes: New regulations may require homeowners to replace all lead plumbing, a significant expense.
8. The “Five D’s” of Real Estate
Diamonds, Diapers, Death, Divorce, Debt, and Distress. These factors often drive people to buy or sell homes.
9. Creating Home Sanctuaries
Since 2020, more people are turning their homes into personal sanctuaries, adding pools, hot tubs, and theater rooms to create their own entertainment centers.
10. Professionalism and Relationships
Building good relationships with other agents, lenders, and clients is crucial. Jami shared stories of both challenging and heartwarming experiences that highlight the importance of communication and professionalism.
Memorable Moments
Heartfelt Story: Jami shared a touching story about a family who found their dream home, complete with a woodshop that reminded them of a lost loved one. It’s moments like these that make our work so rewarding.
Funny Anecdote: Jami once wrote a love letter for a property, not knowing it was illegal. It’s a reminder that we’re always learning in this business!
Final Thoughts
Real estate is more than just buying and selling homes; it’s about helping people find their sanctuary, navigating challenges, and building lasting relationships. I hope these insights spark your curiosity and give you a deeper understanding of the real estate world.
Don’t miss out on the full conversation with Jami Gordon on our podcast. Tune in to hear more about her journey, market insights, and some truly heartwarming stories.
Until next time, stay curious and keep dreaming big!
Warm regards,
Lisa Coots Schooley
Host of Addressing The Corridor
Your Knowledgeable Realtor and Friend