IN Canon-Mac Summer 2019 | Page 35

SPECIAL SECTION: Real Estate 5. BUYING: Enjoy the view? It’s obvious that homes with a view can sell big. In fact, Realtor.com states that homes with a view of the city sell the fastest, with an average of 83 days on the market, while homes with an ocean view sit for 98 days (mostly due to the elevated price of oceanfront property). If you are in love with a home with a view, be sure it is there to stay. Although you may see rolling hills through your living room window now, who’s to say a real estate developer won’t see that same space as the perfect opportunity to build more homes? Check with your local municipality for land use regulations to make sure your view will remain. 6. BUYING/SELLING: Your real estate agent matters. According to Zillow CEO Spencer Rascoff, research shows gender matters when choosing a real estate agent. Rascoff says men will get your home sold closer to asking price because they are stubborn, while women will negotiate and close the deal faster. Most importantly, find an agent who will work on your behalf. Ask friends and family for references of agents they’ve used in the past. Look up their current listings to see if they align with the type of home you want to buy or sell. This will also indicate their knowledge of the market. Continued on page 35 > CANON-MAC ❘ SUMMER 2019 33