These challenging times have certainly taken a toll on all of us. However, as our state slowly begins to re-open, Jarrod Lewis, Owner and President of J. Christopher Real Estate Group, would like to let friends and neighbors know that now is actually the perfect time to put your home on the market.

“Believe it or not, this economic uncertainty has created an ideal environment for people who are serious about selling their home,” said Lewis. “Several key factors should be considered when deciding when to list your property and right now is definitely a seller’s market.”

Current mortgage rates are at historic lows and have been for some time. We are recommending our buyers lock into their mortgage rates as quickly as possible to ensure the lowest possible payments. This is good for sellers who are anxious to speed up the selling process. 

Additionally, many sellers are still nervous to put their home on the market during the health crisis. With inventory low, demand for homes remains high. The professionals at J. Christopher Real Estate Group are committed to maintaining the health and safety of all parties involved in the process. “When you work with one of my realtors, you can rest assured knowing that your home will be protected and that we will maintain the strictest safety measures,” added Lewis.

While the economy remains unsettled, many lending institutions have been forced to institute strict guidelines to secure funding.  Though this can make accessing financing challenging for those looking to buy, those individuals that are able to meet more stringent standards will make for an ideal buyer. 

“With historically low rates, limited inventory and stronger qualified buyers, now is the time for sellers to jump into the market and get their home sold quickly and safely,” concluded Lewis.

If you would like to learn more about how you can efficiently sell your home, call J. Christopher Real Estate Group at 830.6906.

J.Christopher Real Estate Group Hosts Cocktails and Casino Night to Benefit the Autism Project

LINCOLN, R.I. (May 16, 2019) — J.Christopher Real Estate Group will host its annual Cocktails and Casino Night on Saturday, June 22nd, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Warwick, R.I. This event will benefit the Autism Project, whose mission is to help raise awareness regarding autism spectrum disorder.

The Crowne Plaza’s grand ballroom will be turned into a casino for the event, where guests can enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while taking part in a variety of games and raffles.

Jarrod C. Lewis, owner of J.Christopher Real Estate Group, sees the event as an opportunity for people to network, have fun, and support a cause that is deeply personal to him.

Two years ago, Lewis’ son was diagnosed with autism and he, and his wife, turned to the Autism Project for support at an important turning point in their lives. “Like many parents, we were devastated to find out our son had autism,” Lewis said. “When the pain and shock subsided, we set out to ensure Jonathan’s success by working with the Autism Project.”

The Autism Project is a non-profit organization comprised of parents, specialists, and community members who work towards providing support, training, and programming for kids and adults with autism. “We didn’t know what the next steps were, and they helped us understand how to best approach our son’s condition,” Lewis added.

Net proceeds from Cocktails and Casino Night will go to the Autism Project to help the organization achieve its mission of helping support the local community.

Tickets are $40, and admission includes a set amount of playing chips that can be used to play blackjack, roulette, and craps. Guests can also hold on to their chips in exchange for raffle tickets for chances to win prizes such as certificates to local businesses, hotel stays, gift baskets, artwork created by kids working with the Autism Project, and more. A luxury raffle that requires a separate purchase will also be available.

Last year’s Cocktails and Casino Night was considered a success for the organization, and, Lewis says he expects this event’s turnout to be even better.  

Event sponsors so far include Accutrust Mortgage, Dave’s Marketplace, Robbins Funeral Home, Homestar Mortgage, the Law Office of Michael C. Lima, the Law Office of Robert Ragosta, Navigant Credit Union, Peter Lawrence Nationwide Insurance, Shamrock Financial, and the Jonathan L. Ucran, CPA, LLC accounting practice. Sponsorship opportunities are still available for local organizations and companies that want to support the event.   

“We would like to thank our generous sponsors, and hope to have their continued support to help make Cocktails and Casino Night a yearly event,” Lewis said.

Tickets can be purchased here: https://jchristophergroup.com/autismproject/

About J. Christopher Real Estate Group

With a full team of real estate professionals backed by Keller Williams Realty, J.Christopher Real Estate Group is licensed to serve clients in Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut. J.Christopher Real Estate agents have years of experience in buying and listing a variety of properties including one-family homes, multi-family homes, condos, and land development lots. For more information, call 401-830-6906 or visit the website at: www.jchristophergroup.com. ###

Ways to Make Your Offer More Appealing

Now that temperatures are getting warmer, you may be tempted to go out and explore the real estate market by attending a few open houses. While it is always recommended to get a personalized tour with your realtor, J.Christopher Real Estate Group would like to share how you could be better prepared if you find your dream home during one of those house hunting expeditions.

“At the height of the current real estate market, homes were being removed from listings within 7 days because there were so many interested buyers. That’s still largely the case for homes that are priced right, and have high-end features,” said Jarrod C. Lewis, owner of J.Christopher Real Estate Group. “If buyers don’t have a clear strategy, they can lose out to someone who was more prepared.”

The latest figures from the Rhode Island Association of Realtors suggest the current real estate market remained healthy with some dips in sales. Specifically, the association saw 775 single family houses sold in Rhode Island for December 2018, which was a 15.6 percent drop in the number of homes sold from the same time last year. They noted the drop might be attributed to the government shutdown that began on December 22. However, the median price of homes increased to $265,000.

These findings lend support to Lewis’ view that single-family homes remain attractive for many families in Rhode Island. If you find yourself completely in love with the home you’ve recently visited, J.Christopher Real Estate encourages buyers to review our tips to help you make a more compelling offer.  

Enlist the Support of a Realtor

Home buyers need someone who has their back during the home buying process. A J.Christopher Real Estate agent can give buyers valuable feedback that could help you drop the listing price, or could help speed up the process. 

Have a Preapproval Letter Ready

A preapproval letter shows buyers that you are financially suited to buy a home, which decreases the likelihood the financing will fall through at closing. If you are serious about purchasing a specific home, it will be a positive development if you could present this document.

Know Your Highest Bidding Price, and Be Ready to Walk Away

In a hot market, buyers might only get one chance to make an offer on a home. It is important that you make an offer that you are comfortable with, and can confidently walk away from if there are multiple offers.

Submit an Offer as Soon as Possible

An open house could create a false sense of urgency, but homes with a lot of visitors are more likely to have an offer submitted. If you cannot imagine living in another home, consider moving the process as quickly as possible because you could be competing with other buyers.

Make reasonable contingencies, and have your finances squared away

When an offer is being made, buyers and sellers can have contingencies made that protects both parties’ interests. Contingencies might include an in-faith deposit or an opt-out if an inspection reveals costly repairs are needed. Since contracts are being signed at this stage, buyers should make every attempt to honor their commitments.

J.Christopher Real Estate Group has helped countless families acquire their dream homes. Call 401.830.6906 to begin scheduling tours, and to have a dedicated real estate agent support you in your home buying search.

Choosing the best home for your family is like deciding on the best available entrée at a buffet. Homes come in many sizes and colors, and it could be a challenge for anyone to definitively say what they want in their dream home. As we begin the new year, J.Christopher Real Estate Group would like to help prospective homebuyers nail down the most essential factors to look for when buying a home.

“The vast number of home choices nearly guarantees that there is a home out there that is to your liking. It could be the bungalow-style home in the city or the ranch-style property in the state’s suburbs, but homebuyers quickly learn that beautiful homes are available if you look hard enough,” said Jarrod C. Lewis, owner of J.Christopher Real Estate Group.

A widely-read DIY article listed more than 26 popular architectural home styles that are available across America, and combined with specific home features like square footage, there are endless possibilities to selecting the best home. To help new homebuyers make sense of the most important home characteristics, here is a checklist that we have compiled:

Location

Most realtors will agree that location is the most important factor to consider when buying a home. Homebuyers will enjoy returning home from work every day if they are returning to a neighborhood they know and love.

Schools in the Area

Families with kids will find that you cannot put a price on a good public school system, which is why it is important to list this as a factor. Since families have limited choices on where to send their kids to school, it is important to consider the schools that surround the home you’ve been eying.

Interior Square Footage, and Lot Size

No matter how many renovations you make to a home, the amount of actual space available at a home is unlikely to change. Given this reason, homebuyers should consider how much space they need to live comfortably and whether a large lot size is necessary for their family.

Layout Preference

Although home layouts can be changed sometimes, it is usually at a high cost. Families will be better off choosing a home with a layout they like so they can focus on other pressing priorities.

Home Style

Like any other factor on this list, a home style is not something that can be changed in the future. Homebuyers should work with an agent from J.Christopher Real Estate Group early in the home buying process to identify home styles that appeal to your family. This will help ensure that you are happy with your home purchase for many years to come.

J.Christopher Real Estate Group has helped countless families find homes that fit their needs and budget. If you are considering a home purchase soon and don’t know where to start, speak with one of our agents at 401.830.6906 to start scheduling home tours today.

Some people think about buying a home when they are paying rent for the 100th time. Others decide that they are ready to buy a home when they hear their family and friends explain the joys of homeownership. If you are one of the thousands of Rhode Islanders that are now considering homeownership, J.Christopher Real Estate Group would like to share the subtle signs that you are ready for this new chapter in your life.

“The majority of Americans can certainly purchase a home if they spend their money wisely,” said Jarrod C. Lewis, owner of J. Christopher Real Estate Group. “For most home buyers, the largest hurdle to homeownership is simply having their finances in good order and understanding what lenders are generally looking for in a borrower.”

Families can gauge their home buying readiness by using the same metrics that banks use when they are deciding who to approve for a mortgage.

Tools like the debt-to-income ratio are mathematical formulas for banks to quickly assess whether someone would be able to pay a mortgage comfortably, but it wasn’t designed for everyone’s financial situation. To help you determine whether you are ready to make the jump, we have compiled a list of signs that typically indicate you are ready to buy a home.

A Healthy Savings

If you have diligently saved more than six months of rent in your bank account, you have saved enough money for a down payment on a home. Assuming you are not taking advantage of a $0 down payment program, that means you can pay between $5,000-$8,000 for a minimum down payment and still have money left over for your regular monthly expenses.

Steady Employment

First-time home buyers will have better luck in the mortgage process if they can show a solid job history. It is important to note that mortgage lenders will consider applicants with shorter job histories if they are working in the same field.

Looking for Investment Opportunities

Families looking for investment opportunities may want to consider buying real estate because it is generally accepted that this type of investment will grow over time. An added benefit is that you can live in or rent out the property for a steady source of additional income.

Ready to Settle Down

You may have moved multiple times over the course of a few years, but you and your family have decided to stay in the same place — especially if you have kids who are ready to start school.

Good Credit Score

Financing a home is not possible without a credit score. That said, anyone with a score above 650 should be eligible for a mortgage, pending other factors, with higher scores netting first-time home buyers a better overall interest rate.

Your Financial Obligations Are Manageable

Your debt will undoubtedly appear in your credit score, so it is important to remain honest with your lender. Deals can fall through at any time, but you can be confident about your odds if you are not expecting changes in your financial situation.

Homes in Rhode Island are plentiful if you know where to look. J.Christopher Real Estate Group has the expertise and professionals to help you secure a home fast, and at a price that you can afford. If you meet some, or all, of the criteria mentioned above, give us a call at 401.830.6906 to begin scheduling tours today.

While the fall may bring about a change in scenery, it has also traditionally slowed down the real estate market to the benefit of first-time homebuyers. Before the signs of winter emerge, J.Christopher Real Estate Group would like to share why buyers are more likely to pay a fair price for their dream home during the month of November.

“Buying or selling a home in the fall or winter is never any fun because it is usually too dark to tour homes after work,” said Jarrod C. Lewis, owner of J.Christopher Real Estate Group. “Additionally, many sellers understand that they are unlikely to get the highest price possible and will remove their home from the market. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t any homes available, it just means that some sellers might be willing to compromise on the price of their home.”

Lewis said first-time home buyers may also have a better shot of securing a home because of outside forces such as the economy. According to Mortgage Bankers Association, mortgage applications have been slowing down in recent weeks and analysts have suggested those drops are tied to increasing federal interest rates. Furthermore, a report by the Rhode Island Association of Realtors indicated that the inventory of single family homes jumped to a 4.4 month supply in September, which inched closer to the 6 month supply that would be considered a balanced market.

If you examine these statistics and consider the ramifications of the current season, home buyers have an opportune chance to nab a home before prices rise again next spring. Here are other reasons why buyers may get a better deal this time of year:

Sellers Are Tired

Some homes have been on the market for months, which could contribute to lower asking prices. Home sellers are typically tired of showing their property if they weren’t sold within 3 months. In some instances, sellers are then more motivated to sell their home quickly.

Gloomy Weather

Dark clouds, excessive rain, and the cold all happen in November and it can influence a buyers’ decision. These factors may also change a buyer’s perception of homes, driving down offers even further.

Fewer Buyers

Some buyers will feel discouraged by the weather, and might decide to start their search in the spring again. Fewer buyers means there is less competition for any given home.

Holidays are Fast Approaching

Preparing for the festivities ahead can be exhausting, especially if homeowners are selling a property at the same time. Buyers can take advantage of the season by offering a competitive price that is respectful of both parties.

Realtors Have More Time to Bargain on your Behalf

Since many buyers put their house buying search on hold until the spring, realtors have more time to help remaining. The additional time gives realtors the opportunity to help buyers pinpoint their ideal home and negotiate on their behalf. The agents at J.Christopher Real Estate Group stand out from other realtors in this regard because our team is also knowledgeable about comparable property values.

J.Christopher Real Estate Group has a team of professionals dedicated to helping you move into your dream home. Whether you are looking to upgrade your current home or this is your first time in the real estate market, call 401-830-6906 to start the home buying process today.

Many first-time home buyers have already envisioned where they want to live, the number of bedrooms their future home should have, and whether they want to have a big or small yard.  One important detail that is often missed, but should not be ignored, is property taxes. To help families select an appropriate home for their unique living situation, J.Christopher Real Estate Group would like to explain why it is important to consider property tax rates when purchasing a home.

“Property taxes can vary drastically from one home to the next,” said Jarrod C. Lewis, owner of J. Christopher Real Estate Group. “It is a topic that gets little attention even though higher property taxes can add hundreds of dollars to the mortgage bill every month.”

Lewis said it can be especially concerning for individuals who only expected to pay the ‘estimated’ property tax value based on the average tax rate in Rhode Island. These details are usually discussed at closing, and many people will agree to the terms because they do not want to risk losing their dream home.

“Everyone will have a different threshold for how much they are willing to pay to live in a specific area. Families can avoid some surprises down the road if they examine a property’s tax history early on, which is typically viewable with a quick search online,” Lewis said. However, he warns that home buyers should not base their home buying decision solely on property tax rates. It is more important, he says, to simply be aware of this key factor.

Property taxes are determined on the assessed value of a home and the established tax rate by a county or municipality. These taxes are usually collected to maintain public lands within the community, salaries of public servants, and it also helps fund local public school systems.

“If a strong public school system is important to you, it is ultimately up to the home buyer to determine whether they are comfortable paying a higher tax rate,” Lewis said.

Here are the current property tax rates (for owner occupied properties) per every thousand dollars of assessed value for some of the most populous cities in Rhode Island.

• Providence: $18.80
• Warwick: $20.80
• Cranston: $20.29
• Pawtucket: $20.13

Other popular residential areas in Rhode Island can carry property tax rates of over $26 per thousand dollars of assessed value. To put that into perspective, a home valued at $200,000 in Providence will have an estimated tax bill of $3,760. The same property somewhere else can have a tax bill of over $5,000. Although there are ways to reduce your tax bill, it is generally expected that taxes will increase over time.

J.Christopher Real Estate Group has a team of experienced realtors that can help you select the right home for your family. Whether you are looking to buy or sell a home, call us at 401.830.6906 to schedule an appointment today.

Finding the right real estate partner is like finding a shoe that fits. Since no two real estate agents are the same, it can be hard finding a someone that is right for you. To help home buyers expedite their path to homeownership, J.Christopher Real Estate Group would like to share a few things you should consider when choosing a realtor.

“Experience is an important factor to consider when choosing a realtor, but it shouldn’t be the driving reason home buyers select an agent,” said Jarrod C. Lewis, owner of J.Christopher Real Estate Group. “Other qualities can be just as important in order to deliver a positive experience.”

One of the most important qualities realtors should have is being honest and ethical, according to a Forbes council. Other non-quantifiable aspects such as the demeanor and reputation of an agent can be important elements in determining whether a realtor is ‘right for you,’ Lewis said.

After thoroughly reviewing expert commentary about this topic, J.Christopher Real Estate Group would like to share things you should look for in your next real estate agent:

Find a realtor that is charismatic

A realtor that has charm will likely be able to influence negotiations. This is an important characteristic to have because it could have an influence on how much you pay for a home.

Learn about their unique real estate experiences

While the length of experience in buying and selling homes is important, home buyers should ask their realtors about unique scenarios they have dealt with and the outcome of those scenarios.

Inquire about their resources and connections

Home buyers should feel confident that their realtor can handle any issue that may arise. One way to do this is by asking an agent about their real estate team and professional network. By asking about their connections, home buyers can relax knowing their realtor can rely on the varied experiences of others to resolve issues that may occur.

Test a realtor’s knowledge of an area

Home buyers should generally pick a realtor that is knowledgeable of specific regions because they will be better suited to match a client with a home they really want. Agents that only sell locally or across the country may not be able to provide buyers with essential information they may need.

Research their professional awards

A professional designation from a national organization typically means a realtor adheres to higher standards and that they have built a solid reputation for customer satisfaction.

Home buyers or sellers looking to make big moves in 2018 can rest assured that they will find these attributes and qualities at J.Christopher Real Estate Group. To get in touch with an agent and take one step closer to acquiring your dream home, call us at 401-830-6906.

 

 

 

Whether you are interested in moving into a bigger space or would like to move into a nicer neighborhood, it can be challenging to start the home buying process if you already own a home. As you search through listings for your next dream home, J.Christopher Real Estate Group would like to share a few strategies that can help you buy and sell a home at the same time.

“Buying a new home while currently being a homeowner is definitely like ‘being stuck between a rock and a hard place,’” said Jarrod C. Lewis, owner of J.Christopher Real Estate Group.

One of the main concerns homeowners have is the thought of being responsible for two mortgages, according to real estate experts. “Having one mortgage can be expensive enough and throwing a second one into the mix could discourage anyone from seeking another property, but it is a real possibility for those willing to engage the real estate market,” Lewis said.

With homes selling at record rates, here are some strategies to help home buyers secure another home before it is snatched up.

Make an offer with a sale and settlement contingency

Homeowners interested in buying another home can make an offer on that property with a sale and settlement contingency. This means you only agree to buy the home on the condition that you are able to sell your current home.

Buy first, sell or rent your other home later

If home buyers are in a financially secure position, they can try to finance their next property and worry about selling their first home at a later time. The drawback to this strategy is that homeowners may feel rushed to sell their home quickly and could end up taking an offer that is lower than market value. An alternative solution might be to rent out the first property and use the rental income to pay the mortgage, which could help homeowners build equity or possibly mark the beginning of a real estate portfolio.

Apply for a HELOC or bridge loan

Applying for a HELOC or bridge loan is not for everyone, but under the right circumstances you could be living in your dream home sooner than you think. This loan type allows buyers to borrow a line of credit based on the amount of equity available in their first home, which is used as a collateral. Home buyers typically use some of the credit for the down payment of the second home and other fees. Once buyers have moved into their new home, home buyers can pay back the loan in full by selling their first home. After all debts are settled, home buyers may receive money from whatever is left over from the sale.

These are just some strategies homeowners have used to buy a move-up home. While purchasing a better home may appear complex, time-consuming, or stressful, a real estate agent from J.Christopher Real Estate Group can help make your buying experience more pleasant. If you are planning on making a move, call us at 401-830-6906 to start the process today.