Follow the Housing Market without lots of clicks and picks

posted by: George Sykes, Managing Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Monday February 15, 2021

New home listings are now posted in near real time to the main home page of local CityPage sites like collinsville.com, edwardsville.com, collinsville.com, ofallon365.com and 40+ more.

47 Percent of New Buyers Surprised by How Affordable Homes Are Today

posted by: George Sykes, Managing Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Saturday February 13, 2021

Headlines matter. Right now, it’s hard to read about real estate without seeing a headline that suggests homes have become unaffordable for most Americans. In reality, there’s hard evidence that shows how owning a home is more affordable than renting in most parts of the country, as record-low interest rates are keeping monthly mortgage payments about 23% lower than the typical payment of 20 years ago. Despite the facts, misleading headlines persist, and they impact how hopeful homebuyers perceive the market.

In a recent survey by realtor.com, home shoppers indicated they were surprised by what they could actually afford when buying their first home. In fact, 47% discovered their budget was larger than they expected. George Ratiu, Senior Economist at realtor.com, explains:

What Happens When Homeowners Leave Their Forbearance Plans?

posted by: George Sykes, Managing Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Friday January 29, 2021

According to the latest report from Black Knight, Inc., a well-respected provider of data and analytics for mortgage companies, 6.48 million households have entered a forbearance plan as a result of financial concerns brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s where these homeowners stand right now:

2,543,000 (39%) are current on their payments and have left the program
625,000 (9%) have paid off their mortgages
434,000 (7%) have negotiated a repayment plan and have left the program
2,254,000 (35%) have extended their original forbearance plan
512,000 (8%) are still in their original forbearance plan
116,000 (2%) have left the program and are still behind on payments

Beginning Our Journey in John's Gospel

posted by: Unity Baptist Church on Monday January 11, 2021

Smart Buyers and Smart Sellers: Class #3 "The Contract"

posted by: George Sykes, Managing Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Friday January 1, 2021

George Sykes, Real Estate Broker with Worth Clark Realty details what every real estate buyer and seller should know about the "Contract To Purchase Real Estate". Buyers and Sellers owe it to themselves to watch this video before they sign their next real estate contract. Understand what you are signing. George Sykes is a licensed Real Estate Broker in Southern Illinois and represents clients in edwardsville, glen carbon, collinsville, granite city, maryville, troy, ofallon, swansea, shiloh and belleville.

Smart Buyers and Smart Sellers: Class #2

posted by: George Sykes, Managing Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Friday December 18, 2020

Class #2: The Listing Agreement

In Smart Buyer and Smart Seller Class #2, George explains what exactly goes into a Listing agreement. This document details key elements of a real estate sale like Price, Commissions, Timing, what stays with the house and Disclosures. If you are selling a property in the Southern Illinois area (edwardsville, glen carbon, collinsville, granite city, maryville, troy, ofallon, swansea, shiloh, belleville) this course is a must see before you list.

Smart Buyers and Smart Sellers: Class #1

posted by: George Sykes, Managing Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Monday December 14, 2020

Real Estate Master Class: Smart Buyers and Smart Sellers

Class #1: Must See Class for Anyone Buying and Selling a Home

Join George as he teaches homeowners, buyers and sellers what they should know before buying or selling a property. This Free Class explains the timeline for both the buyer and the seller and creates a foundation for the "Smart Buyer Smart Seller Real Estate Master Class" series.

Local Special

Don't List Your House, Sell It!

posted by: George Sykes, Managing Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Tuesday December 8, 2020

Isn't that the goal: To Sell your house? I have several ways to help sell your home. Everyone has different reasons to sell. Maybe you are not in a hurry and need the most out of the home, but, maybe, time to close is the most important factor. You may even be in a bit of a hybrid situation where you want the most, have some time, but have a firm deadline you want to be out of your home. Let's use all the options. For more information, go to my website:

Homeownership Helps the Local Economy

posted by: George Sykes, Managing Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Saturday November 28, 2020

Each real estate transaction makes an impact on the local economy, which is a major part of why the housing market is a driver in this year’s economic recovery. This winter is a great time to make a move, so DM me if you’re ready to support our community and find your dream home today.

Your House May Be High on the Buyer Wish List This Holiday Season

posted by: George Sykes, Managing Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Thursday November 26, 2020

Around this time each year, many homeowners decide to wait until after the holidays to sell their houses. Similarly, others who already have their homes on the market remove their listings until the spring. Let’s unpack the top reasons why selling your house now, or keeping it on the market this season, is the best choice you can make. This year, buyers want to purchase homes for the holidays, and your house might be the perfect match.

Here are seven great reasons not to wait to sell your house this holiday season: