Holiday Wellness Checks

As we all visit our loved ones this holiday season, we need to ensure that they are still safe and happy in their homes. If you notice that the house is not as clean and neat as it once was, that’s a sign your family may need a little help. 

Are the gutters clear of leaves and the yard looking good? Do you notice stacks of mail lying around? These are signs that your loved one may need help from trusted vendors. 

I can help you and your loved ones to make a plan going forward from cleaning the house, retro-fitting items to make things safer, yard work, and possibly moving to something more manageable.  

Here are some home safety tips:

•  Tuck electrical and phone cords safely out of walkways
  
  
•  Ensure rugs, runners, and mats are secured
  
  
•  Test smoke detectors and replace batteries
  
  
•  Install handrails throughout the home
  
  
•  Ensure porches and staircases are well lit
  
  
•  Clear stairs, landings, and floors of clutter
  
  
•  Write and review emergency plans, especially know what hospital that your loved one’s physicians are associated with

 As a Realtor, I have a wonderful network of trusted professionals to help, feel free to give me a call at 678-656-6627 to start your plan for the next stage of your life.   

Remember “No One Sells A Home Like A Mom!” 
 #PamSantoroRealtor  -  www.pamsantoro.com  -  pam.santoro@BHHSGA.com

#WellnessChecks #HolidayVisits #MakingAPlan

Should Interest Rates Scare You?

 If you look at historical data on averages of home mortgage interest rates, you should realize that we have been here before.  

·        1970’s – The average home mortgage interest rate was 8.5%,but it rose to 12.9% at the end of the 1970’s.

·        1980’s – The average home mortgage interest rate was 9%; however it peaked at 18.4%.

·        1990 ‘s - The average home mortgage interest rate was 10.13%.

·        2000’s – The average home mortgage interest rate ranged from high 5% to low 6%.

·        2010’s – The average home mortgage interest rate ranged from 3.45% to 4.87%.

·        2020    - The average home mortgage interest was 2.68% due to COVID.

·        2021    - The average home mortgage interest ranged from 2.7% to 3.10%.

·        2022    - The current home mortgage interest is 6.92% and has been as high as 7.1%.

Really interest rates should not scare you.  Owning a house is still a better investment than renting. Talking to a good lender will aid you in determining what you can comfortably afford.  If there are any issues with your credit, the lender can advise you on how to help make your credit score better.

My husband and I have purchased 3 homes in our 42 years of marriage.  Our interest rates varied from 12.5% to 7% to 8.5%.  They were all good investments and wonderful places to live and raise our family. Remember you MARRY the House but DATE the interest rate.   If rates drop, you can always refinance.

If you’d like to read more about this: Historical Mortgage Rates: Averages and Trends from the 1970s to 2022 - ValuePenguin

As always, I am here if you need any real estate help whether buying or selling. Please give me a call or text at 678-656-6627.  
www.PamSantoro.com  -  Remember “No One Sells A Home Like A Mom!”

#interestrates #realestate #PamSantoroRealtor #mortgagerates