Everything You Need to Know About Buying/Selling Real Estate in the Lansing Area – Amber Redman
On this episode of The Closing Table, we sat down with Amber Redman!
To watch the full episode, check it out on YouTube below. In the meantime, here’s a summary of the conversation…
Here’s what you missed from Amber Redman…
The conversation began with a this or that icebreaker on single-family homes, townhouses, and more. Amber then introduces herself as a devoted mother and wife, a woman of faith, and someone who values family greatly. She enjoys traveling, has recently discovered a passion for gardening, and actively seeks opportunities to help others and engage with her community. Additionally, she proudly shares that she has been sober for three years. While Amber’s primary focus is serving as a realtor in the Lansing area, she also serves areas in its surrounding regions.
As a lifelong resident of the Lansing Area, Amber offers unique insights into the community’s appeal to potential homebuyers. Firstly, job opportunities are abundant in Lansing, making it an attractive location for those seeking employment. Moreover, the presence of numerous colleges and universities adds to the vibrant atmosphere and offers educational prospects. The Lansing Area also features an array of beautiful places to explore. From serene parks to picturesque lakes, the natural scenery provides ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The availability of housing options and affordability further enhance the appeal of this community as prospective homebuyers can find a wide range of housing opportunities to suit their preferences and budget.
Kevin then mentioned the HUD’s recent announcement regarding the reduction of monthly mortgage insurance premiums presents a significant opportunity to inform current and potential FHA borrower clients about this favorable development. Amber’s approach to informing her clients about this reduction centers around establishing a strong partnership with local lenders who can provide accurate and up-to-date information about available programs. The significance of this reduction in monthly mortgage insurance premiums cannot be understated, particularly in terms of affordability. Amber acknowledges that affordability has been a significant challenge for buyers in the market for many years. With this recent change, FHA borrowers can now benefit from improved affordability, making homeownership a more attainable goal.
Escrow is an essential aspect of the home-buying process that plays a crucial role in managing insurance and tax payments for homeowners. Amber provides a concise explanation of what escrow is as essentially an account established to facilitate the collection of insurance premiums and taxes. Rather than making separate payments for these expenses, homeowners make a single payment that includes their mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The lender holds this payment in the escrow account and disburses the necessary amounts for insurance and taxes on the homeowner’s behalf.
This arrangement offers benefits to both the homeowner and the lender. From the homeowner’s perspective, having these payments combined simplifies their financial obligations and ensures that insurance and taxes are consistently paid on time. It provides peace of mind, knowing that their property is adequately insured and taxes are up to date. Additionally, this arrangement satisfies the lender by assuring them that the homeowner is fulfilling their obligations and not defaulting on taxes or insurance payments. To further streamline the process, lenders typically provide homeowners with a computation of the combined mortgage, insurance, and tax payments.
The two then talked about the recent increase in inventory has had a noticeable impact on the buying experience for potential homebuyers in Amber’s local market. While the increase is slight, the market still favors sellers due to historically low inventory levels. However, the increased inventory has provided some advantages for buyers, allowing them a bit more time to make decisions and offering a few more options to choose from. Despite these positive developments, the inventory remains far below ideal levels and does not fully meet the demand from buyers.
When it comes to identifying good investment opportunities in her local market, Amber highlights that there are numerous neighborhoods and areas worth considering. However, the suitability of a particular area as an investment opportunity depends on factors such as individual preferences, desired location, and whether the property will be a primary residence or an investment property. Amber suggests that areas like East Lansing, with its proximity to universities and job opportunities, have consistently proven to be excellent investment locations. Moreover, she mentions that areas such as Grand Ledge and Mason have experienced significant demand from buyers. Ultimately, the decision on the best investment area will depend on each buyer’s unique needs, preferences, and long-term goals.
As a community advocate, Amber recognizes the most pressing issues currently impacting the real estate market in the Lansing Area. In her view, the primary challenges revolve around affordability and housing inventory. Affordability stands out as a significant struggle in the local market. The cost of housing has become increasingly burdensome, making it difficult for many individuals and families to enter or move within the market. From a community perspective, Amber emphasizes the importance of addressing equity in housing. Ensuring fair and equal access to housing opportunities for all residents is a vital aspect of building a thriving and inclusive community. She acknowledges that this goal requires collective effort and community-level initiatives.
When discussing inspiring and motivating content, Amber Redman shares her appreciation for various sources that have positively influenced her. One movie that has left a lasting impact on her is “The Pursuit of Happyness,” despite its clichéd reputation. She admires the film for its depiction of the uphill climb and ultimate triumph, as it serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination needed to overcome challenges.
Amber also values the concept that individuals are influenced by the five people they spend the most time with. Understanding the significance of our social circle in shaping our mindset and aspirations motivates her to surround herself with positive and driven individuals. She also shared a quote by Zig Ziglar that resonates with her deeply: “You can have everything you want in life if you help other people get what they want.” This quote reflects her belief in the power of serving others and helping them achieve their goals as a means to attain personal fulfillment and success.
The conversation wraps up with Kevin asking Amber about her “why” or the driving force behind her endeavors. Amber promptly responds that her family and her children are her why. The love and responsibility she feels towards her family serve as the fundamental motivation behind her actions and aspirations.
Check out Amber Redman:
https://www.facebook.com/agent.amber101
https://www.instagram.com/a_red_realtor/
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