Embrace the Summer Advantage: Longer Days and Warmer Weather

If you want to sell your house, consider doing it this summer. The days are longer, the weather is warmer, and it’s a great time for sellers.

During the summer months, Beavercreek, Ohio, comes alive with vibrant energy. The sun-kissed days and pleasant temperatures create the perfect backdrop for showcasing your home's unique features. Take advantage of the longer days and brighter sunlight to highlight your property's curb appeal, beautifully landscaped gardens, and inviting outdoor spaces. Buyers will be drawn to the warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it easier to capture their attention and leave a lasting impression.

Capitalize on the Low Inventory and Multiple Offers in Beavercreek's Sellers' Market

If your needs have changed, now’s the time to capitalize on the low inventory and multiple offers in today’s sellers’ market. The Beavercreek real estate market is experiencing a surge in demand, but the supply of available homes is relatively limited. This favorable imbalance puts sellers in a strong position to attract motivated buyers and potentially receive multiple offers.

By listing your house in Beavercreek this summer, you can take advantage of the current market dynamics. With fewer options available, buyers will be more eager to consider your property, increasing the likelihood of receiving competitive offers. The sense of urgency created by the low inventory levels can work to your advantage, allowing you to negotiate favorable terms and potentially secure a higher sale price.

Connect Today to Sell Your House and Find Your Perfect New Home in Beavercreek

Let’s connect today if you’re ready to sell your house and move to a home that meets your changing needs. Selling a house can be a complex process, and having the guidance of a trusted real estate professional can make all the difference.

By partnering with an experienced agents like Don & Cyndi Shurts who understands the Beavercreek market, you can gain valuable insights and receive personalized advice tailored to your specific goals. They will work closely with you to determine the optimal listing price, market your home effectively, and negotiate offers on your behalf. Their expertise and knowledge will ensure that you make informed decisions and achieve the best possible outcome.

So, don't wait any longer—take advantage of the summer season and the current market conditions. Connect with a reputable local agent today, and let them guide you through the process of selling your house in Beavercreek. By doing so, you'll be one step closer to finding your perfect new home that aligns with your evolving needs and aspirations.

Remember, summer is the time for new beginnings and exciting opportunities. Sell your house in Beavercreek, Ohio, this summer and embark on a journey towards a brighter future. The longer days, warmer weather, and thriving real estate market are all on your side, ready to help you make a successful move.

Give award-winning Beavercreek Realtors Don & Cyndi Shurts of Keller Williams Realty a call today at 937-241-2124 or 937-604-5194 to answer all your questions and get started today!

Indulge in Sweet Treats and Savory Delights at Hubbards Cupboard in Waynesville, Ohio

Waynesville, Ohio is a town brimming with delightful surprises, and one such treasure is the renowned Hubbards Cupboard. Not only does this charming store offer the most delectable desserts in town, but it has also expanded its menu to include mouthwatering paninis and the latest addition—a scrumptious chicken salad sandwich on a flaky croissant. With picturesque outdoor seating and a warm, friendly atmosphere created by the nicest family you could meet, Hubbards Cupboard is a small shop that packs a big punch. Let's dive into the delicious details!

Sweet Temptations and Culinary Surprises in Waynesville

At Hubbards Cupboard, the desserts are the talk of the town. Indulge your taste buds in an array of heavenly treats, including freshly baked cookies, decadent cakes, and irresistible pies. The expertly crafted desserts are made with love and attention to detail, ensuring each bite is a taste sensation. But the surprises don't stop there. In addition to their renowned sweets, Hubbards Cupboard has expanded its menu to include savory options that will make your mouth water.

Irresistible Paninis and Croissant Sandwiches Hot & Ready For Your Taste Buds

Prepare to be delighted by Hubbards Cupboard's savory creations. Their paninis are a gourmet delight, featuring a combination of perfectly toasted bread, premium ingredients, and tantalizing flavors. From classic combinations like ham and cheese to unique and inventive options, there's a panini for every palate. And now, the latest addition to their menu—the chicken salad sandwich on a flaky croissant. The harmonious blend of tender chicken, creamy salad, and buttery croissant is a true taste sensation that will leave you craving more.

Enjoy Picturesque Outdoor Seating in this Historic Downtown

Despite being a small shop, Hubbards Cupboard makes the most of its space by offering picturesque outdoor seating. Take a seat amidst the charming surroundings of Waynesville and enjoy your culinary delights in the fresh air. Whether you're meeting friends for a casual lunch or enjoying a solo moment of relaxation, the outdoor seating area provides the perfect setting to savor your food and soak in the pleasant ambiance.

Warmth and Hospitality of a Family Business

What truly sets Hubbards Cupboard apart is the warmth and hospitality of the family behind the counter. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted with genuine smiles and a genuine passion for their craft. The dedication and care they put into their desserts and savory offerings is evident in every bite. The family's friendly and welcoming nature creates an atmosphere that makes you feel like part of the community, fostering a sense of belonging and making every visit memorable.

Support Waynesville Business

Hubbards Cupboard in Waynesville, Ohio is a small shop with a big heart. From their delectable desserts that are the talk of the town to their mouthwatering paninis and chicken salad sandwiches on a croissant, every bite is a delightful journey for your taste buds. The picturesque outdoor seating provides the perfect backdrop for enjoying these culinary creations. Above all, the nicest family you could meet adds a personal touch that makes every visit special. Make sure to stop by Hubbards Cupboard to satisfy your cravings, experience their warm hospitality, and discover another reason to love living in Waynesville, Ohio.

If you're considering a move to Waynesville, Ohio, or if you're looking to sell your current home in the area, you'll want to partner with the top real estate agents in town—Don and Cyndi Shurts of Keller Williams Advisors Realty. With their extensive knowledge of the Waynesville real estate market, their dedication to providing exceptional service, and their passion for helping clients achieve their real estate goals, Don and Cyndi are the go-to experts in the area. Whether you're buying or selling, their expertise and personalized approach will guide you through every step of the process, ensuring a smooth and successful transaction. Trust in Don and Cyndi Shurts to make your Waynesville real estate dreams a reality. Contact them today and take the first step towards your exciting new chapter in Waynesville, Ohio.

Dayton, Ohio Real Estate: Perfect Timing to Sell Your Home

Are you in Dayton, Ohio, considering whether to put your Miami Valley home on the market? Allow us to offer a helping hand. In the current real estate climate, timing and knowledge can be crucial to maximizing your home's potential, and we have both in abundance. At Keller Williams Advisors Realty, top listing agents Don & Cyndi Shurts have extensive experience serving communities from Beavercreek to Springboro, Centerville to Bellbrook, Fairborn, Xenia, Kettering, Oakwood, Huber Heights, and beyond. Let's take a closer look at why now might be the perfect time to sell your property.

Why Sell Now? Exploring the Seller's Advantage

We are currently seeing an advantage to homeowners due to the scarcity of homes available in the Dayton area. With a larger pool of prospective buyers than available properties, your home will stand out and attract significant attention.

Expert Views on Current Market Conditions

To lend some weight to this perspective, we present views from renowned industry experts:

Lawrence Yun, the Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), reminds us, "Inventory levels are still at historic lows. Consequently, multiple offers are returning on a good number of properties."

This sentiment is echoed by Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at CoreLogic, who states, "We have not seen the traditional uptick in new listings from existing homeowners, so undersupply of housing will continue to heighten market competition and put pressure on prices in most regions. Some markets are already heating up considerably, but price premiums that we saw last spring and summer are unlikely."

Clare Trapasso, Executive News Editor at Realtor.com, confirms this trend: "Well-priced, move-in ready homes with curb appeal in desirable areas are still receiving multiple offers and selling for over the asking price in many parts of the country."

And finally, Jeff Tucker, Senior Economist at Zillow, provides a straightforward observation: "Sellers who price and market their home competitively shouldn't have a problem finding a buyer."

Ready to Make a Move? Let's Connect

In conclusion, if you've been contemplating selling your home in the Miami Valley area, now could be an ideal time. With the expert insights and industry experience of Don & Cyndi Shurts at Keller Williams Advisors Realty, you'll be well-equipped to make a successful and profitable move. Let's connect and get your home's potential maximized in this thriving real estate market.

Spring House Park: A Bright New Chapter in Beavercreek's Story of Recreation and Community!

Hold onto your hats, my fellow Beavercreekers! We've got some thrilling news that’s going to put a spring in your step and a whole lot of joy in your hearts. Our city council has given the green light for our biggest and brightest park yet, the Spring House Park! A whopping 148-acre gem, snuggled right into the heart of our town between Patterson and Shakertown Roads along Grange Hall Road. It's happening folks, and I can't wait to soak in every bit of it with you all.

Brandstetter Carroll, Inc. teamed up with our dedicated parks staff and our community members to whip up a master plan that's chock full of fun, frolic, and lots of nature! If you missed the presentation at the council meeting on May 22, 2023, you can check it out here, it's quite the show!

Shaping Our Future: The Master Plan for Beavercreek's Spring House Park

We’re beyond excited, and we know our Parks, Recreation & Culture team, led by the indomitable Kim Farrell, is chomping at the bit to bring us recreational experiences that will put Beavercreek, Ohio on the map as the happiest, healthiest community in the country.

Embracing Nature and Fun: The Vision for Beavercreek's Largest Park

The park's offerings sound like something straight out of a fairy tale: hiking trails of both the paved and unpaved variety, outdoor fitness spaces, playgrounds, picnic spots, a dog park, pickleball courts, multi-sport fields, basketball courts, disc golf, an archery area, and a splash pad for those hot summer days. There will even be a shelter overlooking a fire pit for some cozy gatherings and an event space for us to host our awesome Beavercreek celebrations.

And get this – a majority of the park will stay as natural as can be. The city plans to put the bad plant guys (you know, the invasive species) on a one-way trip out of our park and replace them with good, native Ohio plants. And hey, you can get in on the action too - the community is invited to roll up their sleeves and help out with the transformation!

From Dream to Reality: The Community-Driven Design of Spring House Park

Kim Farrell assured us, this park is a labor of love for us, the Beavercreek community. Each amenity, each little detail was carefully chosen based on our feedback. Over 2,100 of us chimed in online and more than 150 joined the open houses to voice our dreams for our park. This park is a reflection of us, and boy, did we dream big!

Our city manager, Pete Landrum, echoed the sentiment, sharing that this park is a testament to our shared vision, a space to cultivate a sense of belonging. Mayor Bob Stone was over the moon sharing the master plan with us, a tribute to our vibrant and welcoming spirit, made possible by every one of us who contributed to shaping this plan.

Here's the cherry on top - our city was awarded a grant of $738,000 from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources through the United States National Park Service’s Land and Water Conservation Fund. The city matched this dollar-for-dollar using park fees, ensuring that every penny is invested in creating a glorious green space for us all.

The estimated cost for bringing our vision of Spring House Park to life is around $35 million, with about half going towards infrastructure. But with our current parks levy not covering this new addition, the city needs more resources to make this dream a reality. For updates on how we can help and the progress of our new pride and joy, be sure to check out beavercreekohio.gov/springhousepark.

Powerful Job Market Fuels Homebuyer Demand

The spring housing market has been surprisingly active this year. Even with affordability challenges and a limited number of homes for sale, buyer demand is strong, and getting stronger.

One way we know there are interested buyers right now is because showing traffic is up. Data from the latest ShowingTime Showing Index, which is a measure of buyers actively touring homes, makes it clear more people are out looking at homes than there were prior to the pandemic (see graph below):

And though there’s less traffic than the buyer frenzy of the past couple of years, we’re not far off that pace. There are a lot of interested buyers checking out available homes right now.

But why are buyers so active at a time when mortgage rates are higher than they were just last year?

The Job Market Is Growing at a Stronger-Than-Expected Pace

With inflation still high, the Federal Reserve (the Fed) repeatedly hiking the Federal Funds Rate, and a lot of chatter in the media about a recession, it might surprise you just how strong today’s job market is. What might be even more surprising is the fact that it appears to be getting stronger (see graph below):

Each month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports how many new jobs were added to the U.S. job market. The graph above shows 88,000 more jobs were created in April than in March. In fact, the April numbers beat expert projections. That’s a solid indicator the job market is growing.

Unemployment Is at a Near All-Time Low

Ever since the Fed began fighting inflation, many people expected the low unemployment rate we’ve seen over the past couple of years to rise – but that hasn’t happened.

In fact, what has happened is the unemployment rate has dropped to 3.4% – a 50-year low (see graph below):

With so many people steadily employed and financially stable right now, they’re still able to seriously consider buying a home.

What This Means for You

If you’re thinking about selling your house this year, a market with active buyers is music to your ears. That’s because there’ll be increased interest in your home when you put it on the market, especially at a time when the number of homes for sale is so low.

To get started, your best resource is an experienced real estate agent. They can help you price your house appropriately, navigate the offers you’ll receive, negotiate effectively, and minimize your stress and hassle.

Bottom Line

There are plenty of buyers out there right now trying to find a home that fits their needs. That’s because the job market is strong, and many people have the stable income needed to seriously consider homeownership. To put your house on the market and get in on the action, let’s connect.

Dayton, Ohio: A Hidden Gem in the U.S. News Report Best Places to Live

Every year, U.S. News & World Report carefully analyzes 150 metropolitan areas across the United States, considering factors such as quality of life, job market strength, cost of living, and the overall desire to live there. This comprehensive study, respected by many as the ultimate guide to the best places to live in America, recently recognized the city of Dayton, Ohio as one of the top places to live and retire. This mid-sized city in the heartland of America has officially earned its place on the map, offering a unique blend of affordability, quality living, and employment opportunities.

A Top Place to Live: #141 in the U.S. and #6 in Ohio

Dayton ranks #141 on the U.S. News & World Report’s list of the Best Places to Live in the United States. While this may not place Dayton in the top 10% of the list, it's a recognition that should not be overlooked. Considering that there are over 380 metropolitan statistical areas in the U.S., being among the top 150 speaks volumes about the city's appeal.

Dayton's #6 placement in the Best Places to Live in Ohio list is also noteworthy. The Buckeye State is known for its vibrant cities like Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland, yet Dayton's appeal manages to shine through, clearly illustrating its desirability.

A Prime Location for Retirees: #52 in the U.S.

Dayton, Ohio, is also a top choice for retirees, standing at #52 on the Best Places to Retire list. The city's affordable housing, access to excellent healthcare facilities, and a plethora of leisure and cultural activities make it an ideal spot for those looking to enjoy their golden years.

One of the Most Affordable Cities: #22 in the U.S.

Dayton takes pride in its #22 placement in the Cheapest Places to Live ranking. In an era when affordability is increasingly important, Dayton stands out with its cost of living significantly lower than the national average. From affordable housing options to reasonable prices for groceries and utilities, residents can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank.

Why Dayton?

Dayton's charm goes beyond the numbers. Known as the birthplace of aviation, Dayton offers a rich history and a thriving arts scene. The city is home to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, the world's largest and oldest military aviation museum, as well as the Dayton Art Institute, which houses an impressive collection spanning 5,000 years of art history.

Outdoor enthusiasts will love the Five Rivers MetroParks, a network of parks, bikeways, and nature centers spread across the city. Dayton also boasts a vibrant food scene with its local breweries and unique eateries that provide a taste of the local culture.

The city's robust job market, largely supported by industries such as healthcare, education, and manufacturing, combined with a strong sense of community, add to Dayton's appeal.

In conclusion, Dayton, Ohio's recent placements in the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Places lists are well-deserved. It’s a city that offers a high quality of life, affordable living, and a strong job market, making it an excellent choice whether you're starting a career, raising a family, or looking to retire. Come discover what Dayton has to offer. The Gem City is ready to welcome you.

The Best Time To Sell Your House Is When Others Aren’t Selling

If you’re thinking about selling your house, you should know the number of homes for sale right now is low. That’s because, this season, there are fewer sellers listing their houses for sale than the norm.

Looking back at every April since 2017, the only year when fewer sellers listed their homes was in April 2020, when the pandemic hit and stalled the housing market (shown in red in the graph below). In more typical years, roughly 500,000 sellers add their homes to the market in April. This year, we saw fewer than 400,000 sellers entering the market in April (see graph below):

While there are a number of factors contributing to this trend, one thing keeping inventory low right now is that some homeowners are reluctant to move when the mortgage rate they have on their current house is lower than the one they could get today on their next house. It’s called rate lock.

As a recent survey from Realtor.com explains, 56% of people who are planning to sell in the next 12 months say they’re waiting for rates to come down.

While this wait-and-see approach is right for some sellers, it also creates an opening for more eager sellers to jump in now.

If your current house truly doesn’t fit your needs anymore and you’re ready to move, don’t miss this chance to stand out. When fewer sellers are putting their homes up for sale, buyers will have fewer options, so you set yourself up to get the most eyes possible on your house. That’s why your house could see multiple offers as buyers compete over the limited supply of homes for sale – especially if you price it right.

As Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), says:

“Inventory levels are still at historic lows . . . Consequently, multiple offers are returning on a good number of properties."

Bottom Line

If you’re ready to sell now, beat the competition before it comes onto the market. If you do, your house should stand out and could get multiple offers. Let's connect to get you market ready.

The Impact of Inflation on Mortgage Rates

If you’re reading headlines about inflation or mortgage rates, you may see something about the recent decision from the Federal Reserve (the Fed). But what does it mean for you, the housing market, and your plans to buy a home? Here’s what you need to know.

Inflation and the Housing Market

While the Fed’s working hard to lower inflation, the latest data shows that, while the number has improved some, the inflation rate is still higher than the target (2%). That played a role in the Fed's decision to raise the Federal Funds Rate last week. As Bankrate explains:

“Keeping its inflation-fighting streak alive, the Federal Reserve has raised interest rates for the 10th time in 10 meetings . . . The hikes aimed to cool an economy that was on fire after rebounding from the coronavirus recession of 2020.” 

While the Fed’s actions don’t directly dictate what happens with mortgage rates, their decisions do have an impact and contributed to the intentional cooldown in the housing market last year. 

How This Impacts You 

During times of high inflation, your everyday expenses go up. That means you’ve likely felt the pinch at the gas pump and in the grocery store. By raising the Federal Funds Rate, the Fed is actively trying to lower inflation. If the Fed is successful, it could also ultimately lead to lower mortgage rates and better homebuying affordability for you. That’s because when inflation is high, mortgage rates tend to be high. But, as inflation cools, experts say mortgage rates will likely fall.

Where Experts Think Mortgage Rates and Inflation Will Go from Here

Moving forward, both inflation and mortgage rates will continue to impact the housing market. And as Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), says:

“Mortgage rates are likely to descend lower later in the year as the consumer price inflation calms down . . .” 

Mike Fratantoni, Chief Economist at the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), explains: 

“We continue to expect that mortgage rates will drift down over the course of the year as the economy slows . . .”

While there’s no way to say with certainty where mortgage rates will go from here, the experts think mortgage rates will trend down this year if inflation comes down too. To stay informed on the latest insights, connect with a trusted real estate advisor. They keep their pulse on what’s happening today and help you understand what the experts are projecting and how it could impact your homeownership plans.

Bottom Line

Don’t let headlines about the latest decision from the Fed confuse you. Where mortgage rates go from here depends on what happens with inflation. If inflation cools, mortgage rates should tick down as a result. Let’s connect so you have expert insights on housing market changes and what they mean for you.

Why Today’s Housing Market Is Not About To Crash

There’s been some concern lately that the housing market is headed for a crash. And given some of the affordability challenges in the housing market, along with a lot of recession talk in the media, it’s easy enough to understand why that worry has come up.

But the data clearly shows today’s market is very different than it was before the housing crash in 2008. Rest assured, this isn’t a repeat of what happened back then. Here’s why.

It’s Harder To Get a Loan Now

It was much easier to get a home loan during the lead-up to the 2008 housing crisis than it is today. Back then, banks had different lending standards, making it easy for just about anyone to qualify for a home loan or refinance an existing one. As a result, lending institutions took on much greater risk in both the person and the mortgage products offered. That led to mass defaults, foreclosures, and falling prices.

Things are different today as purchasers face increasingly higher standards from mortgage companies. The graph below uses data from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) to show this difference. The lower the number, the harder it is to get a mortgage. The higher the number, the easier it is.

Unemployment Recovered Faster This Time

While the pandemic caused unemployment to spike over the last couple of years, the jobless rate has already recovered back to pre-pandemic levels (see the blue line in the graph below). Things were different during the Great Recession as a large number of people stayed unemployed for a much longer period of time (see the red in the graph below):

Here’s how the quick job recovery this time helps the housing market. Because so many people are employed today, there’s less risk of homeowners facing hardship and defaulting on their loans. This helps put today’s housing market on stronger footing and reduces the risk of more foreclosures coming onto the market.

There Are Far Fewer Homes for Sale Today

There were also too many homes for sale during the housing crisis (many of which were short sales and foreclosures), and that caused prices to fall dramatically. Today, there’s a shortage of inventory available overall, primarily due to years of underbuilding homes.

The graph below uses data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the Federal Reserve to show how the months’ supply of homes available now compares to the crash. Today, unsold inventory sits at just a 2.6-months’ supply. There just isn’t enough inventory on the market for home prices to come crashing down like they did in 2008.

Equity Levels Are Near Record Highs

That low inventory of homes for sale helped keep upward pressure on home prices over the course of the pandemic. As a result, homeowners today have near-record amounts of equity (see graph below):

And, that equity puts them in a much stronger position compared to the Great Recession. Molly Boesel, Principal Economist at CoreLogic, explains: 

“Most homeowners are well positioned to weather a shallow recession. More than a decade of home price increases has given homeowners record amounts of equity, which protects them from foreclosure should they fall behind on their mortgage payments.”

Bottom Line

The graphs above should ease any fears you may have that today’s housing market is headed for a crash. The most current data clearly shows that today’s market is nothing like it was last time.

If you've been on the fence about selling your home, now is the time to take the leap! Despite the uncertainty in the world right now, there are a number of reasons why it still makes sense to sell your home. And if you're looking for top-notch real estate agents in Dayton, OH, look no further than Don & Cyndi Shurts of Keller Williams.

First and foremost, inventory is low. That means your home will stand out in a sea of few options for buyers. And with low inventory comes a rise in the number of offers on recently sold homes. With the right marketing strategy, your home can attract multiple offers and drive up the sale price.

Additionally, many homeowners have a lot of equity in their homes, which can fuel a move. This equity can be used to upgrade to a larger home, downsize to a smaller one, or even relocate to a new city or state. And with interest rates still low, buyers are eager to take advantage of the market and make a move.

So if you're considering selling your home, don't wait any longer. Reach out to Don & Cyndi Shurts of Keller Williams to discuss if now may be the perfect time for you to make a move. Their years of experience and local knowledge make them the ideal real estate agents to help you navigate the current market and get top dollar for your home.

When you work with Don & Cyndi Shurts, you can expect unparalleled service and attention to detail. They'll work with you every step of the way to ensure a smooth and stress-free home-selling experience. So why wait? Contact them today to schedule a consultation and get started on your home-selling journey.