Chuck Barberini Real Estate

  As we get together with family and friends for barbecues, parades, and one last big summer weekend, Labor Day gives us a chance to think about something a little deeper... the hardworking people who help keep this country running every day. It's a day to recognize the American worker and appreciate the generations of men and women whose hard work helped build the country we enjoy today. Labor Day dates back to the late 1800s, when America's factories, railroads, and industries were booming. Workers often faced long hours, tough conditions, and low pay. As labor groups pushed for fair treatment and recognition, the first Labor Day celebration was held on September 5, 1882, in New York City. Thousands of workers marched together to show the importance and strength of the labor movement. The idea quickly caught on. Oregon became the first state to officially recognize Labor Day in 1887, and other states soon followed. Then in 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed legislation m...

  “Just Thinking" I was sitting around the other day thinking about how big the generational divide has become when it comes to movie lines that have worked their way into our everyday language. I was watching a Giants game the other night (I know – I know). A new Braves pitcher came in, and he threw a pitch that sailed on him, Dave Flemming immediately said, "Just a bit outside," and Hunter Pence followed it up with, "Too bad there wasn't a bull to hit." Without thinking I knew that they were riffing on Bull Durham, when Nuke LaLoosh uncorks a wild pitch and drills the giant bull mascot in the stands. Most people from my generation would also get the reference, we grew up quoting movies. But I'm willing to bet the kids of Gen X, Y or Z had absolutely no clue what Flemm and Pence were talking about. Unless, of course, they were lucky enough to have a cool-ass dad, you know the type, the dad that is a wealth of useless information, random movie trivia, l...

  Check Out This Weeks Newsletter New-home supply sits at 9.6 months in July, with builders pricing below the resale median. Here’s why and two plays for agents to run right now. New-home sales dropped 10.5% from June to July, according to the latest report from the U.S. Census Bureau. Builders have 488,000 homes on the market, and the median price on those homes fell to $393,800, a number below the median price of an existing home.  Builders are pricing new construction under the resale market, and buyers are noticing. More than a few are wondering, “Why not just focus on new homes?”  Incentives are called that for a reason. And if builders are offering more than existing-home sellers to reduce the cost of a home purchase, cash-strapped buyers are going to lean.  What gets lost in all the incentive talk is what they mean for buyers five years down the road. We’re breaking down the numbers to explain why builders can price this low, plus two agent plays to put into ...

 You've been waiting for something to change before you buy. It just might not be the thing you expected… While everyone’s paying attention to mortgage rates, only the savviest buyers know that the changing season can start tipping things in their favor.  Because every fall, buyers tend to get more to choose from, better prices, and more room to negotiate. And that’s why Hannah Jones, Senior Economist at Realtor.com , says: “ We always see that the best time to buy window usually falls in the early fall around October. ” And that’s exactly why, if you've been waiting for a better moment to buy, this season may be worth a closer look – even with rates where they are. 1. There Are More Homes To Choose From One of the biggest frustrations buyers have had over the past few years has been a lack of choices. Fall tends to help with that. Based on seasonal trends, Realtor.com data shows there are typically more homes available for sale in September through November than during any ...

 Most people think a newly built home costs more than an existing one. But right now, that’s actually backwards. Newly built homes are more affordable than existing ones in a lot of markets. And that’s because builders are cutting prices and stacking on incentives to try to keep their inventory moving. Here’s why that’s really important for any would-be homebuyer to know. Newly Built Homes Are the Better Deal Right Now According to the latest data from the Census and the National Association of Realtors (NAR), a newly built home now typically costs about $40,000 less than an existing one ( see graph below ): Builders aren’t like homeowners who can wait for the right offer. Unsold homes cost them money as long as they sit empty. So, builders cut prices and add incentives to keep them moving. That trend has carried into August. NAHB’s latest numbers: 35% of builders cut prices, with an average reduction of 6%.  63% offered incentives like covering closing costs or buying down yo...

 Lately, headlines have floated an eye-catching idea about tapping into your 401(k) to cover a down payment on a home. Maybe you've caught the buzz and wondered whether that money could get you into a home faster, especially with affordability as tough as it is.  Here’s what you need to remember. Pulling from your retirement savings is a big decision, so take time to weigh all your options first and be sure to talk with a financial expert before you do anything. Why Dipping into a 401(k) Can Be Tempting Data from Empower shows many Americans have built up considerable retirement savings. The median 401(k) amount for anyone in their 40s-60s is six figures (see graph below) : And when you've got a good chunk saved and your dream home is right there, reaching for it can feel like an easy call. But dipping into your retirement savings to buy a home could cost you a penalty and set back your finances later on. That's why it's a good idea to explore other options for your d...