About Don Maclary

Choose A Home Team Leader with Howard Hanna Real Estate Services. Hampton Roads is a mix of long time locals, Active duty Military, Veterans and others who have decided to retire beautiful Virginia Beach or one of our other inland cities. Members of our team and myself love helping families transition through their changing housing needs. We thank you all for your never ending support and look forward to serving you with your next real estate transaction.
Choose A Home Team Leader

Home and Rent Prices Going Up!

With Home and Rent Prices going up. here are a few things to consider.

As you can see inflation typically causes interest rates to go up. Secure your loan ASAP to stabilize your budget.

If you are a renter,

you could find yourself being put out at the end of your lease.  Landlords are both selling rental properties and renovating to maximize what they can get for rent.  Leaving you with no choice but to pay $300 – $800 more in monthly rent. would you like it better if your payment was the same for 30 years.

If you are a homeowner,

And Pay less than $1700.00 per. Mo. to your mortgage company. Your home most likely would make a great rental.

Your now thinking where would you live. The first step would be to buy an upgraded home to live in. Don’t wait start before rates and prices go through the roof.

Why would you want to invest in another property?

You may have noticed the prices of everything have gone up considerably rent and home prices Included. Rental Property with positive cash flow both bridges the inflation gap and grows your retirement portfolio.

The #1 Question People Ask – Is This A Bubble?

The answer is no. We are now dealing with cost of building materials and other cost factors. 

In other words inflation is the cause, not bad loans.

Everything has gone up a lot and may come down a little. However the thing to watch is interest rate. A home may look more expensive. 2x4s and cabinets cost more. This means new or remodeled homes have to cost more. Lower interest rates increase buying power. Keep in mind the mortgage on the rental property is paid by the tenant.

It is like having two credit cards but someone else pays the bill on one of them, as well as a few hundred extra toward card or house two.

Arrange a meeting to discuss a plan of action that is best for you.

Home and Rent Prices Going Up!2022-04-22T13:52:11+00:00

Access Local VA Realtor’s

Have you ever spent hours on a real estate web site, searching for your perfect home?

Start working with one of our Local VA Realtor’s today.

 Are you tired of getting the run around about available listings, and later find out it has already been sold?

Well, start working with Local VA Realtor’s the solution to this issue is The Choose A Home Team  “REALATOR ON CALL”. 

This program encompasses helping first time, or experienced buyers. Basically anyone with questions about real estate in general. Obtain specific property details, get help with buying or selling of property or guidance navigating the local market.

Don Maclary and Susan Kent are Local VA Relator’s with years of experience.

They will be available to speak to you 8AM – 10 PM regarding your questions. There is no obligation or fee for this service. They will talk with you live or via email during this time frame.

Some topics of discussion may include:

  1. 1st time homebuyer questions
  2. How to choose a property
  3. How to navigate the hot seller’s market
  4. Investment property buying, Discuss a start-up plan that works for you.
  5. Help with finding a local lender, this is important to be competitive in this market. (Ask us why)
  6. Transitioning from renting to buying, or from selling to renting.
  7. Referral to out of area or out of state realtor via the Howard Hanna referral program.
  8. Military relocation 

This is only a partial list of topics that they may answer for you. Remember, this is a free service, there is no obligation. You are under no contract to follow or use the advice given. Call or email us day or night to save yourself the time and hassle of looking for answers on the internet, Talk to a LIVE Local VA Realtor today. 

Contact:  Don Maclary or Susan Kent

Access Local VA Realtor’s2022-03-24T14:50:21+00:00

Home Sales – What’s going on?

Recently there has been much written regarding the home sales market.

As you know home sales are suffering from a lack of inventory, bidding wars, and increased prices.

Pricing however will most likely continue to rise due to supply and demand.

Waiting for home prices to go down is not expected to be a good Idea at this time! It is increasingly more likely that rates will go up and less likely that prices will go down. With rates where they are now higher priced homes cost less then before. For example one client moved from middle Virginia Beach to a home one block from the beach. This client spent approximately $100,000.00 more for the beach house. However the mortgage payment was lower due to the interest rate. Negative Media is discouraging younger buyers from investing in their future.

It seems that there is another market mover going on.

It is the gradual movement of potential homeowners deciding not to buy, but to find other options, some are looking for short term. while others are looking for long term non owned alternatives. This has led to a hot market for investors to buy up properties, sometimes whole neighborhoods. They renovate the dwellings, and place them in the leasing market.

According to a recent article in the Wall Street Journal, millennials feel they are getting the best of both worlds.

as they can get a single-family home in a good neighborhood, without the responsibilities of owing a home. Some developers/investors, are even providing on site property management and amenities. Is this new scenario causing a change in direction in the American dream of owning a home? I don’t think that younger generations are realizing a few key facts:

  1. Allowing institutional investors to control, and monopolize the housing market can cause long term consequences. Do we really want more than half of the market controlled by big investors, or Wall Street?
  2. This Leasing trend is also stifling the younger buyers from the ability to build equity in a home, which creates retirement stability. While at the same time denying the community of stable residents, and loss of input into a say in local government and politics. This also negativity impacts what our kids will be taught in our schools.
  3. Remaining Transient can also cause neighborhood disruptions, including lack of upkeep of the home, which may affect property values. Homeowners have “skin in the game.” They tend to help keep the neighborhood properties clean and up to code.
  4. Home Ownership has always been one of the best ways to increase net worth. The equity built by owning a home contributes to the family retirement plan. This in turn provides financial security when the owner reaches retirement age.
  5. Although there are limits, owing a home provides a tax break via the ability to deduct the mortgage interest and property taxes. This results in a lower taxable income.

What is the bottom line?

It seems there is a place for this type of housing, however communities must consider all aspects of the impact of what a large percent of nonowners vs owners will cause in the community. We also must consider what impact, the “big government, Wall Street, and the media can cause on local government, politics, and local government services, such as police/fire, utilities, schools, as the average lease is for a period of 1 – 2 years.

Take control of your future and invest in a home before large investors push you out of the opportunity to own.

 

Home Sales – What’s going on?2021-06-19T18:43:08+00:00

The Home Swap Concept is Growing

 

Low inventory of homes has opened the door to creativity

 

Recent times have created a need for homes with a work or study space. Parents are now working from home sharing space with children learning from home.

Many families are finding they need more space inside and out in a time where inventory is low, this can be challenging. We also have a large number of older homeowners that would normally down size staying where they are. The Choose A Home Team is working hard to help both groups navigate the Real Estate Market we are currently in.

 

Solutions Available for Home Buyers and Sellers

 

Every home buyer or seller has a unique situation that needs first to be conveyed to our team. Once we have an understanding of your situation, we can start working out a solution for you.

Some tools we can work with are Rent Backs / Possession Agreements / Home Swaps and STR arrangements.

 

Are You Ready for A Change?

 

Contact either Don Maclary or Susan Kent we would love to discuss your needs and offer a plan to get you into a more suitable home. As always you can expect excellent service from The Choose A Home Team.

The Home Swap Concept is Growing2021-02-20T19:04:00+00:00

Millennial Warning Slow Down or Miss Your Turn

The Millennial Generation Loves To Travel

Most Millennial’s Grew up in a Baby Boomer Household Listening to their parents dream about vacations.

The Millennial Generation has reversed the traditional life plan. Planting Roots, Starting A Family and Settling into a Home planning an occasional vacation as they raise their children.  Seeing the world so to speak after the children are grown.

Today the Millennial mindset is there is plenty of time for that let’s see the world first. While they are young and have no major financial obligations like a house payment.

Living cost is low as they tend to either rent a room, share an apartment or still live at home. No children yet to feed, keep a roof over their head or pay for day care and the soccer team. In essence enjoying life before settling down.

OK this all makes a lot of sense and sound like fun. So why did the Baby Boomers do it the other way traveling later in life?

Who do you think is right the Millennial or the Boomer?

The answer will differ depending on whom you ask and where you want to be financially in the future. As people age so does the job market, although it is illegal to discriminate against age as people reach their fifties they find it difficult to compete in the market if for some reason they loose a job.

Boomers planted roots!

They started a family, purchased a home and put part of their early income in a retirement fund. The House Payment stayed the same and years later went away lowering the cost of living. Unlike rent that keeps going higher every year. The portion of income placed in a retirement account continued to grow over time allowing them to retire comfortably.

Millennial Travelers are spending most or all of what they make!

Sure it feels good now, however when they get around to settling down everything will be more expensive. How old would you like to be when you stop working? Make a timeline a typical home take 30 years to pay for and the payment is a percentage of the cost. So the sooner you buy the lower the payment and the sooner the payment goes away. The sooner you start funding a retirement account the sooner you will have enough to stop working. Raising and feeding children, lets say 2 children would take 20 -30 to raise. It seems paying off a home and raising 2 children take about 30 years each.

As you can see it is not a right or wrong however it is a Life Choice. How old do you want to be when you can afford to stop working?

If you are a Boomer share this with your Millennial Children.

If you are a Millennial and this makes sense to you make an appointment to talk about a middle ground game plan.

In many cases owning a home costs less than renting. If you are renting a room from someone you are contributing to their retirement. Ask us about low to no money down programs. Be one of the Millennial Generation whose friends pay for your retirement!

Hope you enjoyed reading the Millennial Game Plan.

Millennial Board Games Article

 

Millennial Warning Slow Down or Miss Your Turn2021-05-10T17:07:41+00:00

Real Estate question of the year

What is My Home Worth? 

Get your answers at the above link or speak with a Realtor on The Choose A Home Team.

The year of 2020 has created the need for more personal space at home. Be it inside study, work or play space or an outdoor space for a fire pit.

 It might just be the right time for a bigger home. If you are renting you should consider purchasing at this time. Home values are going up along with a shortage of rental property. With rates where they are some buyers are finding the more expensive home comes with a lower payment. 

Our Team is working hard meet your needs!

Special Thanks to all our Past, Present and Future Clients

 

Real Estate question of the year2020-12-25T16:09:25+00:00

Where Should I Move To?

Where Should I Move? What Should I Buy?

Home Work and Study Space has become a need over want. This is changing where and what buyers are looking for.

Covid-19 Lock Downs have created an environment where many people asking themselves where should I move.

Buyers are considering things like how safe is the city and how good is the school system. Also paying close attention to proximity to outdoor activities when indoor venues become more limited. In our area Virginia Beach followed by Chesapeake are scoring high on the list. Homes with pools or near bike paths, trails and miles of beach to get exercise.

We on the Choose A Home Team are seeing traffic coming from some of the more troubled or locked down Cities. One of the main reasons for the influx to Virginia Beach is

people are are looking  for safe cities to relocate to.

Recently Travel is losing favor to owning homes with entertaining spaces.

More and more people are now working remotely, hence the question where should I move? The number one factor seems to be a desire to relocate to a more relaxed location. Choosing places with beaches and other recreation or dining options. Millennial’s are rethinking where they are spending their money.

Backyard gatherings and media room get togethers are gaining popularity. With breweries and clubs reopening people have figured out the amount of their income is spent there may be enough to buy a home.

Would You Like To Know Why People Are Moving To Virginia Beach as a Favorite Destination?

It is known first for its Beaches. Not to forget Food, Fishing, Bike Trails, Entertainment, Boating, Surfing and many other things. So if the question where should I move ran through your head more then once give one of us a call.

You will find our Realtors on The Choose A Home Team will spend time to learn about you and help you make good choices. You might enjoy a no pressure appointment with one of us if you find yourself here on vacation. Many vacationers come here and love it so much they buy a vacation or second home. (A second home is very much like a primary home that is fifty plus miles away from the primary home)

Thank You,

We look forward to assisting you with your real estate questions or needs.

 

 

 

Where Should I Move To?2020-11-20T19:29:15+00:00

New Millennial Game Plan

Changes in the Millennial Game Plan toward elbow room and paying attention to social distance.

To the dismay of our previous generations wondering why the millennial focus has weighed heavily on travel and entertainment. Instead of relationships, family and financial security. World wide fear over Corona virus and major shut downs has them questioning dorm style living and traveling around the world. Moving quickly to more traditional lifestyles. By default this change will create a more financially stable future for them.

The future for the Millennial generation is starting to look the same as other generations, planting roots, job security, home ownership and family.

Because Corona Virus is spreading through global travel and large crowds with crowded places being hot spots. Causing a major health crisis shutting down sporting events and bars has become a major wake up call. Reality has set in that small home gatherings allow for social distancing and elbow room. This allows socializing while having a few drinks with friends and spending less.

On the upside we as a country will get through this period of time. Every generation has been left with a scar of some kind and this will be a big one.

What we will learn from this health crisis. And most of all what we choose to do with what we learned will set the tone for what our future will be. The truth is we all come together in hard times this however becomes difficult when social distancing is so important.

As we cautiously start to venture out and about, think about taking advantage of the market as well as your free time and shop for a home with one of our experienced Realtors

Consider getting yourself a home where you can entertain a small group of friends and stay out of large crowds.

 

 

New Millennial Game Plan2020-11-12T23:55:46+00:00

Working From Home – Beach Life

Have you found yourself working from home?

If you have you might start thinking about Beach Life and a new place to work from. Here in Virginia Beach Homes are selling at Rocket Speed. We have had many people from larger cities looking for short term rentals where they can work remotely and enjoy the beach at the same time. For some working from home might be for the near future only. However some have been looking for homes to buy because they have a work from home job already and there is nothing to do in some of the largest cities.

Beach Life has been thought of as a vacation and has always been a lifestyle.

2020 has brought the travel industry to it’s knees. The new plan for many is really decades old. This is creating sharp rise in people buying 2nd homes and vacation homes, even first time home owners. The new trend is personal entertainment spaces, home offices and dual use play / study areas.

Local to Coastal Virginia?

Take a few minutes and speak with one of us . The Choose A Home Team can find you a home that might be more suitable for your families peace of mind. As we are all finding ourselves spending time together in somewhat cramped spaces patients will sometimes run short. 

We hope everyone is doing well coping through 2020 with Covid-19 and the unrest in many major cities around the country. If you are not happy where you are talk to us about possibly relocating.

Maybe even our Luxury Market might be in your budget.

 

 

 

Working From Home – Beach Life2021-06-22T21:07:35+00:00

Buying Homes in Covid-19 Times

Covid-19 Has taken a Seller Market to a Buyer and Seller Mixed Market.

Due to the Covid-19 shutdown of normal activity many things are changing in Real Estate. Buyers and sellers have both become more flexible on terms.

With historic low rates buyers and sellers both benefit.

People are changing where and how they live to Survive Covid Lock Downs. If your home is on the higher end more people will qualify due to low rates. Lower end homes are selling for top dollar, Giving the owners the ability to buy more house for the money due to a lower rate on a higher price.

We on The Choose A Home Team are seeing a Covid-19 Win – Win Market.

Some sellers are getting above full price offers during the covid-19 shutdown while others are taking any offer for fear of not getting another one. To our local crowd that loved to Travel and are no longer able to justify the risks. Welcome to the home buyer market. Renting a room has become much less attractive when you cant go out and socialize in large crowds.

Our team has seen an uptick in the desired home size.

Clients are now looking for things like backyard decks, patios, fire pits, and a yard to run around in. That is on the outside but inside they are looking for Stay AT Home Offices, Theater Rooms and Play Rooms.

Where other Realtors are scratching their heads during Covid-19 The Choose A Home Team has not stopped moving our clients in and out of homes.

Please Reach out to one of our Realtors Today

 

Buying Homes in Covid-19 Times2020-12-10T13:25:48+00:00
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