Added value

It’s easily one of the most common questions we hear from sellers: “What can I do to bump up my home’s value?” 

Now we all know major renovations could potentially add some big bucks to a home’s value… along with some extra gray hairs to the homeowners themselves. That can be a pricey and stressful way to go.

But that’s why our second story is so interesting. Zillow’s research shows that there are actually some less-invasive add-ons that can boost the value of a home. It’s solid info like this that can not only make homes look better, but also make the agents who share this info look good too!

And now, on with today’s Blueprint!

– James and David

Pending home sales point to lackluster spring season

In February, pending home sales fell 3.6% YOY, but were up 2% month-over-month, according to NAR’s latest update. However, last month’s activity differed by region. While the Northeast and Midwest held relatively steady month-over-month, the South saw a 6.2% jump in pending home sales, while the West saw a -3% drop. Here are the other key takeaways:

• The median monthly housing payment for homebuyers reached a record high of $2,807 during the four weeks ending March 23.

• For-sale inventory has risen rapidly all over the country, with NAR’s report showing a year-over-year increase of 27.5%

Our take

If February’s numbers are any sign, the real estate market may be heading into a challenging spring. While the month-over-month increase in sales is a positive note, the year-over-year decline points to the possibility that 2025 could underperform, even compared to 2024 when we saw near 30-year lows. Inventory is on the rise, but so are home prices, making it increasingly difficult for first-time buyers to enter the market. In some regions, new construction may offer a more accessible path, especially with strong demand for homes priced between $300,000 and $400,000. For now, the outlook for the spring home-buying season remains uncertain at best.

Features that drive home sale prices higher

New research from Zillow shows which features inside and outside homes have a direct impact on sale prices. On average, homes with these features sell for an average of $12,500 more, as many buyers are willing to pay a premium for bold, nature-inspired design. Here’s a breakdown of what Zillow found:

• Indoor features that raise the sale price:

  • Soapstone countertops (3.5% sale premium)

  • White oak floors (3.2%)

  • Venetian plaster walls (3.0%)

• Outdoor features that raise sale price: 

  • Outdoor shower (2.8%)

  • Outdoor kitchen (2.2%)

  • Bluestone patio (2.2%)

Our take

As we said up top, sellers are always asking us what they can do to boost their home’s value. Thanks to this Zillow report, we’ve got specific answers. Soapstone counters or outdoor showers might seem like small touches, but they could be worth thousands. Keep nuggets like this handy. Drop them into convos, mention them in your listing pitches, or work them into your social posts. That kind of insight builds trust fast.

Markets most likely to see a housing expansion

While single-family permits are down 2.8% year-over-year, and total housing permits (including both single-family and multi-family) have dropped 6.7%, some areas are still seeing steady new construction activity.

ResiClub’s latest report lists the top 10 metros with the most single-family permits issued between September 2024 and February 2025.

1. Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX: 24,750 SFH permits  

2. Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX: 20,839 SFH permits  

3. Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ: 13,719 SFH permits  

4. Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA: 11,178 SFH permits 

5. Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC: 8,358 SFH permits 

6. Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL: 7,746 SFH permits 

7. Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX: 7,191 SFH permits  

8. New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ: 6,096 SFH permits  

9. Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA: 6,014 SFH permits  

10. Nashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin, TN: 6,006 SFH permits

Our take

If you're working in or around one of these high-permit metros, take note: builders clearly think there’s demand in these areas. Even with the market facing some large headwinds, new construction is still moving, although at a slower pace than in years past. If you haven’t connected with local builders yet, now’s a great time to start. New homes can be a solid option for buyers struggling with resale prices. Knowing the ins-and-outs of new builds can open up a whole new stream of business for you in the months ahead.

The news that just missed the cut

• Industry reaction to NAR’s CCP changes

• KB Home unveils its first ‘fire-resilient’ community in Southern California

• Don’t make this mistake when negotiating

• Updated list of all Trump’s actions that impact housing

• The ultra-wealthy went on a home-buying spree in 2024 — with luxury sales booming across the globe

Foundation Plans

Advice from James and David to win the day

A lot of homeowners are looking to list this year. That makes it an ideal time to gobble up as many listings as you can. In this edition — and Tuesday’s — we will highlight certain skills we think every agent needs so they can walk into any listing appointment with confidence.   

Know your potential client – Before you go into your appointment with a potential client, research them. Your goal isn’t to snoop on them, but to get a sense of who they are and what their motivations might be. Use resources like LexisNexis or TLO. If you can’t access them, use Linkedin, Google, and social media platforms. Here are questions to guide your research:

• When did they purchase their current home?

• Do they have children?

• Are they planning on moving?

• What do they do for work? Has anything changed causing them to sell?

Know the property – Look at all the previous sales of the home. Who was the builder? When was it built? Have there been any renovations? How old is the neighborhood? What is it like? All of these answers will help you value the home and set expectations for your potential clients. It’ll also make a great impression. You’ll show you’ve done your homework. 

Know the overall market trends – It’s not enough just to research the subject property, you need to know how the market trends are affecting this property. Research the answers to these questions:

• What are the days on the market to sell? Are they going up or down?

• Are there more homes on the market now than, say, 3 months ago?

• Are the pending home sales up or down?

We truly believe that if you put these tips into practice, you’ll confidently crush your next listing appointment. We’ll continue in our next edition, but in the meantime, start here and here to learn more.

Just in Case

Keep the latest industry data in your back pocket with today’s mortgage rates:

“Push yourself because no one else is going to do it for you. Your future is created by what you do today. Take charge and build your own life. Be your own biggest supporter. Self-motivation is the key to success.”— Leonal Mind

Next week marks the start of a new quarter, friends. Use this weekend to reflect on where you are, regroup, and refocus. We’ll be here, cheering you on, but remember, you’ve got to be your own biggest supporter. Your future is shaped by what you do today.

– James and David