Not Your Average Realtors

THE Marilu KAFKA TEAM: Not Your Average Realtors®

The agents with the highest cumulative sales in Tolland 2010-2022

  WE deliver RESULTS !  

As we approach the end of the year, the Real Estate market in Tolland continues to feel the impact of higher interest rates, tight supply and overall economic anxiety and perhaps the ebbing of the Covid crisis.  2023 is shaping up as a slower market than the the frenzy of 2021-2022.  For a couple of years we had a very strong Sellers market.   The supply of homes for sale continues to be limited and the number of active buyers has decreased.  The rise in interest rates accentuates the tight supply because potential Sellers who might have wished to relocate do not want to give up the low mortgage interest rates they have on their current home and pay much higher rates on the next home they would wish to buy, regardless of where they buy.   The increased mortgage interest rates are affecting Buyers in several ways: they may no longer qualify for the mortgagee associated with the house the would like to buy,  they may have to downgrade their housing expectations and setttle for a smaller or more modest home, etc.  Home prices increased strongly in 2021 and in 2022. Due to the limited supply in 2023 home prices have continued to increase, although at a lesser rate. This also affects prospective buyers as it may price their sought house beyond their means.

Econ 101: Supply and Demand.

After years of a buyers market (since the great recession) it suddenly became a sellers market.  That in turn motivated more buyers to become active for fear of missing the boat in an environment of rising prices.  It also motivated more sellers to come to market satisfied that the precautionary measures were working. As the situation stabilized in Connecticut, more sellers made the move to market but supply remains tight. Some sellers feel "chained" to their existing low mortgage rate when comparing to the rate they would have to pay on a replacement home. 

Our business continues adapting to the changing circumstances thanks to widespread investment in technology.  Just like work from home is enabled by internet technology, real estate has electronic transaction, virtual tours, virtual showings, 3D videos and photos and much more.   We have automated some of our processes, implemented rules and guidelines to manage risk, invested in even more new technologies, leveraged changes applied by our technology vendors, etc.  Other key participants in the real estate market process such as lenders and attorneys also have adapted.  For example, some appraisals now are allowed to be so-called drive-by only - meaning that an entry into the house by the appraiser is no longer required in those cases.  Attorneys are closing remotely and meeting in person only when needed and then only with their respective clients.  State rules have also evolved and, for instance, things like notarization which required a physical presence can now, under some circumstances,  be done with virtual presence. 

It is clear now that most of the changes implemented as a response to the crisis will remain as a permanent option for our market because they improve efficiency. . 

Working with Sellers and Buyers  we have access to, and use, all kinds of technology to help our clients and us be more effective and efficient and it does make a difference.  However, we firmly believe that technology is a tool and not an end. 

Our approach to working with our Sellers and Buyers is centered on building honest and trustworthy relations.  We emphasize a consultative approach to your Real Estate needs. That means helping our clients understand the relevant aspects of the (sometimes complex) Real Estate Transaction at the right time so they can make their own informed and educated decisions when the time comes. We are dedicated to providing top notch customer service by maintaining consistent communications and support while we assist you in navigating the purchase or sale or your property.  Working with us means you are not just interacting with one of us, you have both of us PLUS our extended team both within Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and beyond. 

You want and need someone that knows the geographic area you are looking in inside and out.  We will work with you to find the right home at the right price for you, within your criteria, within your means,  including all the neighborhood amenities that are important to you. Once you find a house you want we'll negotiate on your behalf but always hand in hand with you.  Once a contract is in place we'll oversee the process to closing, including inspections, appraisal, financing and all the deadlines and (substantial) paperwork that is required. 

Sell a Home

When it is time to move on, you need someone that can market your home widely and expertly so that all potential buyers are well aware of it and consider it.  You also need someone that can give you candid and in-depth information on the local market so that you can make smart decisions on repairs, upgrades and most importantly: pricing.  We'll negotiate the purchase contract hand in hand with you and oversee and manage the whole process after a contract is signed, including inspections, appraisals, potential repairs while handling all the necessary  (and voluminous) paperwork in close collaboration with your attorney. 

We are your Consultants on Home Selling Tactics and Strategy

Frequently, prospective buyers visualize living in your house differently from you.  Their tastes, preferences, life-stage and needs may be different.  We can help you make your home attractive to its ideal audience and this can help you get the best price.  We interact with dozens of buyers each year and thus develop a keen sense of what is "in" for them.  We also interact with dozens of sellers and thus have an in-depth knowledge of the market competition.  Things like staging the house, making repairs or minor improvements, even simply painting the walls can be the difference between a house lingering on the market and one that is sold promptly. 

Real Estate Transactions are complex, involve large $ amounts and many legal documents and are process-intensive. They combine emotional and rational factors, include many parties and institutions. The combination can often make them confusing, stressful and even frustrating.  Thus, finding the right professional partners and guides for this challenging journey is crucial for buyers and sellers alike. 

Real estate touches us all in one way or another because it impacts many dimensions of our lives: finances, family, children's education, friendships and relationships, work-life balance, commuting times, family memories.

Whether you are a buyer or a seller we believe you deserve the best representation available and that is what we seek to offer. We are experts in our market, we stay current with supporting technologies, we have the volume of transactions that allows us to invest in our business. We believe that regular and ongoing communications is a top priority.  With a history of hundreds of successful transactions and dozens additional ones each quarter or year we have accumulated a broad range of experience that has armed us with creative solutions from a wide repertoire of approaches. Our toolkit is plentiful. 

Regardless of the season, for sellers it is important to prepare their homes for the market so that when they list they show at their best.  If you are thinking of selling, don't hesitate to contact us:  we can meet with you and consult with you on things you should or could do to make your house a more more compelling offering when you list.

So whether you're buying or selling, you need experienced partners on a complex journey.  The Kafka Team will be there every step of the way. Feel free to contact me and we will be happy to help you with all your real estate needs.

Buyers

Whether you're looking for your first home, your dream home or an investment property, we are committed to providing you with the highest quality buyer service. When making the type of investment that buying a home requires, you deserve to have all the latest market information and the very best advice, both of which we will provide you with. Read more.

Sellers

The decision to sell a home is often dependent on many factors. Whatever your reasons are for selling, our proven effective marketing strategies will ensure that you get the highest possible price for your home. We guarantee to provide you with professional, ethical and confidential service and keep you to stay fully informed every step of the way. Read more.