Page 77 - Reside Magazine Briggs Freeman

Reside — Spring 2025

"CREATIVITY, COLLABORATION they are also not as likely to pay the runaway
prices we experienced in the past few years.
AND CONNECTION ARE THE KEYS How have the interest rates affected the

TO A SUCCESSFUL OUTCOME IN market? Higher interest rates have been a
drawback, but buyers are getting creative.
OUR EVER-CHANGING MARKET." For example, on average, most people don’t

live in a house for more than seven years,
so an adjustable-rate mortgage can be an
attractive option. For younger buyers with
family who can help, a loan or a gift might
make a purchase possible. No matter the
financing path, it’s important to start the
process early, to be in the best position to
make a competitive offer. Considering the
price appreciation in our market, it’s better
to buy now at a higher rate than waiting
until rates improve.

What should sellers know about listing
their home in this market? Plan ahead!
As your agent, I need adequate time to get
your house ready, schedule photography
and plan your marketing strategy. Sellers
should look closely at their home and make
any necessary repairs and take care of
any deferred maintenance. If plumbing or
electrical repairs are needed, it’s imperative
to use licensed professionals. Touch- A LOOK
up painting, refreshed landscaping and
decluttering will help a seller receive the AT COOK
highest price.
A Texas native, Penny Cook arrived in
What’s the best way to determine a Dallas to attend The Hockaday School and
market price? The short answer is: Don’t never left. With a fresh marketing degree
trust the estimates on the popular real estate from Southern Methodist University, Cook
websites! Instead, I look at what has sold in took a friend’s suggestion and earned her
the past six months, and I also look carefully real estate license, too — advice which
at the number of active properties that led to her award-winning career. Cook is
From left: Real estate advisors Penny Cook, are comparable. The larger the inventory, deeply rooted in the community and has
Catherine Lee, Leigh Burns and Michelle Davis the more important it is to price carefully. lived in several neighborhoods, appreciating
Buyers will be looking at those homes, too,
the character of each. She combines that
WHAT MATTERS MOST Here, we ask the connected, respected so it’s necessary for sellers to see where their knowledge with unique marketing ideas and
home fits in from a value standpoint. I also
artful negotiating skills so that every client
Penny Cook about the market — and what
buyers and sellers should know now.
like to collaborate with other agents and
range from first-time buyers to lifelong
get their opinions on pricing. Experienced has a first-class experience. Those clients
Proven by a career that gets more resonant and now spans generations, Is the Dallas market still strong? Yes! The agents who are out showing buyers homes homeowners, in all stages of life and at all
real estate advisor Penny Cook knows the power of connection — and spring market started around the end of usually have a very good feeling for what price ranges. To work with Penny Cook,
the market will bear. Overpricing a home
January and inventory is up, but in some
broker associate, call 214-384-2847 or e-mail
how it can reap rewards for more than just her clients areas and price ranges, it’s still low. Many will almost always result in a longer time ptcook@briggsfreeman.com. See Penny’s
potential buyers have been waiting and are on the market, some price reductions and listings, sold properties, client feedback and
getting anxious to find something — but ultimately a lower sale price. more at briggsfreeman.com.

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