EAGLES WILL FLY OR CHIEFS WILL RIDE: WEEKLY UPDATE 2/7/25

January flew by and February offers no signs of it slowing down.? In less than 72 hours the Super Bowl will be over and before we know it spring will be here.??

This year the Charlotte area spring real estate market is poised to be very busy.? With buyers back out in force; sellers can maximize returns while minimizing days on market by boosting curb appeal (strong curb appeal accounts for 7% more on average), decluttering and depersonalizing (decluttered homes sell 88% faster), deep cleaning (a clean home can increase the sales price 3-5%%), and here are the 3 things you need to know this week.?

Gen Pop: The Charlotte Region population is expected to increase by 50% over the next 25 years.

The Charlotte Regional Business Alliance provided a recent report indicating that the population of the region is expected to increase to 4.63 million people by 2050; up from approximately 3 million currently. The CRB Alliance considers 15 counties to make up the region; including 4 in upstate South Carolina. ? Lancaster County continues to be the leader in anticipated population growth as this report estimates an increase of 71% by 2050.? The following counties round out the top 5 in estimated growth; Union County (up 60%), Iredell (up 58%), York (up 54%), and Cabarrus (up 48%).? Mecklenburg County is projected to see a 42% population increase by 2050.?

Private Eyes: 81% of Americans say if they were selling a home it would be important to them to have their home/listing viewable for free to the public. ?

Why does this matter? Because there is growing momentum in the industry by some real estate firms looking to establish and promote private networks.? This would limit home listings to their own agents' and buyers instead of the open market; narrowing the pool of potential candidates.? Coincidentally the top factor (52%) Americans say is most?important when choosing an agent is their ability to get their home in front of the largest audience of interested buyers.? A public listing is one that is put on the MLS and then 3rd party consumer websites (Zillow, Realtor .com, Homes .com) syndicate those publicly.? My opinion; most of the time listing publicly is in the best interest of the seller, but I also believe sellers should know and have all options available for their specific situation. ?

Boom Goes The Dynamite: Baby boomers spent 16.8% more on home improvement projects than millennials, who spent an average of $12,101.

Last year Boomers (born between 1946 - 1964) spent on average just over $14,000 last year on home projects (source Angi report).? This coincides with 54% of boomers saying they don’t intend to ever sell their home; they’re investing in it instead. The news comes after?Charles Schwab revealed that most folks of the boomer generation are hanging on to their assets, including real estate, for the long haul. When asked, almost half of boomers surveyed for the report (45%) confessed they wanted “to enjoy my money for myself while I’m still alive.”? The most popular improvements they are making? involve creating versatile and open living spaces; the kitchen and living areas becoming the hub of the home.

I hope this email brings you lots of luck with your Super Bowl squares and prop bets!? If you do happen to win, always remember; We’re never as great as our best day - We’re never as bad as our worst day; Be Confident - Stay Humble.

Steve