Realtor Candis Carmichael

Your Trusted, Dedicated Real Estate Expert

The Sky is Falling! Part 1 of 2

The Sky is Falling! ….and other anxiety-creating myths you might hear about the real estate market. Part 1 of 2….and other anxiety-creating myths you might hear about the real estate market.

Part 1 of 2

There is a lot of instability right now. Not exactly uncommon for real estate during an election year. But it seems more intense today with the added pressures of inflation, interest rates, quickly falling listing prices and the overall uncertainty folks are feeling right now. I don’t know about you, but I never in my wildest imaginings thought I’d see the whole world completely shut down. Literally. It was not something I thought even could happen. Yet it did. And it had an effect on everything.

The reality check: the world didn’t end. It just changed. There’s hesitation, confusion, and unrest, but Chicken Little, the sky is not falling. In this 2-part series, I’ll share a few thoughts I keep hearing from buyers and sellers right now that could use some clarification.

#1: The real estate market is collapsing.

Clarification: The market is not collapsing, it’s just adjusting. The truth is home prices rose with a quickness nationwide and an unsustainable pace from mid-2019 to early 2022. It was an unprecedented rate of increase. Period. While prices are coming down to a perceived “more reasonable” point, it does not mean that homes are about to become worthless, and everyone is going into foreclosure. This might happen to some. But we’re not headed for another 2008.

#2: It’s a terrible time to sell my home.

Clarification: It depends. Did you just buy your home and plan to flip it a year later with a 95% loan to value? Then yes, I’d say it’s a bad time to try and sell. Especially if you put more money into it to renovate or update. You’re better off holding onto it for a few more years.

However, if you’re one of the majority of homeowners that did not sell during the frenzy, and you have a loan to value ratio of I’d say, 75% or less, it might still be a good time for you to sell. There are still homebuyers out there. In fact, 345 residential properties went under contract in Pinellas County within the last 7 days (as of Nov. 5, 2022). That’s almost 10% of the number of active homes currently on the market. Homes are still selling. People still want to buy and there is still activity happening.

#3: It’s a terrible time to buy a home.

Clarification: Interest rates may be a bit higher than the unheard of rates we’ve seen over the past few years. The reality is that the majority of buyers over the past few years did not get a rate of 2.99%. The best rate I saw for my buyers’ loans was right around 4%. Which was still dramatically low. Don’t let the interest rate scare you. You have options including traditional 30-year rate buy-downs, acquiring an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARMs and 2/1 buy-downs; then refinance later), or you can plan to put a larger down payment on the home. No matter what you do, remember: if rates come down in the near future, you can refinance when it makes sense. You’re not married to the loan!

And with the market softening right now, buyers may have some perks when shopping. More sellers are getting negotiable on the home price. Some sellers are also willing to help buyers with some of the financing costs and rate buy-downs. Additionally, contingencies (inspections, seller-paid repairs, seller-acceptable financing types, sale of another property or asset, etc.) are making a come-back. This could work to a buyer’s advantage (especially if you’re a seller looking to buy a new home). What’s more is that there is less competition for the home you want – even more so with the winter months coming (a traditionally slower season for home sales). The best part, if you ask me is that there are now more options for buyers as we have gone from a less than 1-month inventory market to about 2.5 months of inventory. All of this means you’re more likely to find a home you love, not have to enter a bidding war, and be able to get a reasonable offer package accepted by a seller. It’s a win-win-win scenario!

…more to come in part 2!

Are you ready to start your home search? Then it’s time for us to talk! There are many ways I can help with the process and get you on your way to purchasing your next home. You can schedule your initial buyer’s or seller’s consultation by phone or video call by clicking here.

You can click here to check out the current market statistics as well. See average home prices, average time homes are on the market and how they compare year-over-year.

Not quite ready to start your home purchase journey, but want to get a look at what’s currently on the market? Click here to search current listings in the area.

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Client Testimonials

Jeff & Susie B.
Jeff & Susie B.
Clearwater, FL
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Candis is a real go-getter! She stayed on top of the listing and sale of our home. She was very quick to respond to questions and had up-to-date info on any details we had our attention on. We don't know how she could have done her job any better! She was really good when it came to negotiations and closing our sale. She did what it took to get our sale completed. You will be pleased with her personality and performance handling your transaction.
Jason P.
Jason P.
St. Pete, FL
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Candis was honestly a great Realtor! We were moving from out of state, and she gave us virtual tours of each property. She paid attention to details like the smell of each home. She was always punctual and even sent us helpful reminders to guide us through the move-in process. It would have been impossible for us to make the move without her help!
Bonnie B.
Bonnie B.
Port Richey & Pinellas Park, FL
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Candis went beyond my expectations. She was cheerful and found a place for me to move to within my tight budget in less than a month. She really cares about her clients - she even helped me find a place overnight to stay and provided transportation as I don't drive. I was so grateful to have Candis as my Realtor.
Ryan L.
Ryan L.
St. Pete, FL
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Candis worked so hard for us. She was always on time, prepared, and knowledgeable. She was also kind and patient with her reminders and support. I can't recommend her highly enough! I had an ideal experience!
Tiffanie R.
Tiffanie R.
Largo, FL
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Candis is a highly experienced and knowledgeable realtor. She prides herself on knowing the market, neighborhoods, and the larger view of real estate trends across the country. Her insights, professionalism, and excellent communication skills translate to an interaction that is easy, streamlined, efficient, and effective. I recommend Candis 100%!
Michelle F.
Michelle F.
Largo, FL
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Absolutely amazing. Was very helpful and willing to answer all my questions to the best of her knowledge. Came back to me with more information if she didn’t have the best answers available.
Janet D.
Janet D.
Largo, FL
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Candis was very hands on and always available. She got our home sold and was a huge help in my relocation. We had lived in the same house for 29 years and were unsure how to proceed in our sale. Candis knew what she was doing and steered us in the right direction. She was always thorough in explaining each and every step.
W. Pope
W. Pope
Clearwater, FL
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My buying experience started rough with an agent who did nothing for me. Then I found Candis. I could tell the difference! She immediately began working hard for me. She is a very educated, helpful Realtor who was always a step ahead! She has a great personality and I recommend her to everyone! Even in a tough market, she made my dream of buying my first home a reality and we closed within 30 days!
Joe C.
Joe C.
St. Petersburg, FL
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Thanks to Candis for helping me find a place to call home. In what can be a very stressful experience, Candis always kept things positive and stayed on track towards accomplishing the goal. I highly recommend her for anyone trying to find the right property. I appreciated all of her market insight and creative ideas for making this property more of a home!
Ashleigh & James
Ashleigh & James
Largo, FL
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Candis helped my boyfriend and I purchase our first home. She made the process so efficient and easy that we never stressed about a thing! She is extremely knowledgeable and was always available to answer my questions. She is very responsive and willing to assist whenever needed. The entire process from Pre-approval to Closing was seamless and I wouldn’t want to go through it with any other REALTOR!
Tasha Z.
Tasha Z.
Largo, FL
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Candis went above and beyond to help me secure my new home purchase. There were many hiccups we encountered (at no fault of Candis). She worked hard to be an advocate for me through the entire process, even after closing. 10/10 would highly recommend. Working with Candis was like house shopping with a good friend!
Kim C.
Kim C.
Holiday, FL
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It was great working with Candis. She really cares about her clients and what they want in a home. Her professionalism is top notch.
Tina P.
Tina P.
Clearwater, FL
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Candis has a very happy personality that is so refreshing! If we had questions, she was there to answer. And she worked well with our loan team! In this extremely difficult housing market, Candis kept us positive and patient and we finally got an offer accepted on our first home! If you are looking for a realtor, Candis is the perfect one!
T. Reynolds
T. Reynolds
Largo, FL
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Candis will exceed your expectations. She is personally committed to helping people with extreme professionalism. This combination results in a realtor who anticipates your needs and provides solutions, goes 'above and beyond' normal communication, and executes on your behalf with diligence, care, and expediency. I couldn't recommend her more!
Charlotte B.
Charlotte B.
Largo, FL
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We were moving from CA to FL and Candis made house search over the next year so easy. All we had to do was tell her what we were looking for and she did all the work! She made us feel like family and went above and beyond to help find our perfect house. Candis truly is an upbeat agent who listened to our needs and wants while her fun and positive attitude made her a joy to work with. And her honesty is refreshing.
Paul & Barb L.
Paul & Barb L.
Largo, FL
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We connected with Candis when we visited open house. It was our lucky break! She never made us a feel like just a commission, nor was she impatient as we dragged out the process. She took the time to understand our wants and provided insight, opinion and reassurance throughout the process. Her experience and knowledge were very helpful and she was patient with our many changes in direction. She exceeded our expectations!
Vicki & Daryl H.
Vicki & Daryl H.
Harbor Bluffs, FL
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Candis Carmichael is a fantastic realtor. Her positive outlook paired with her professionalism is a great combination! She is smart, experienced and knowledgeable. She was in constant contact with us and always returned emails, text messages or phone calls in a prompt manner. My husband and I would recommend Candis whether you are buying or selling your home.
Ron & Charlotte VB
Ron & Charlotte VB
Largo, FL
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REALTOR Candis is a true professional Realtor. She listens to your wants and needs, then goes out to find what you asked for. She has local knowledge of all areas (which helped with our relocation from out of State). Candis responds to all phone call and text messages within a short amount of time.
Melody H.
Melody H.
Pinellas Park, FL
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REALTOR Candis is a consummate professional who guides you every step of the way and beyond the sale. She is detailed, personable and always your champion. I can't say enough about REALTOR Candis and would whole-heartedly recommend her to anyone seeking to sell or buy a home.
Kim & Ray L.
Kim & Ray L.
Largo, FL
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She is a great realtor! She listens and truly wants to help people find their forever homes. She's smart and a go-getter and we greatly appreciate everything she did to help us quickly find and buy our new home. She thoroughly explained everything during the process, answered our questions and gave great suggestions. If you want someone who cares and will truly work for you, Candis is who you need! She really is awesome!
Theresa & Sean O.
Theresa & Sean O.
Pinellas Park, FL
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Candis was a such joy to work with! She found us our perfect vacation home and worked hard to get everything finalized. Thank you for your dedication and constant updates during this long distance purchase.
Jane & Dave H.
Jane & Dave H.
St. Petersburg, FL
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We appreciate that REALTOR Candis was genuinely concerned with helping us find a home. We had been blown off by other agents, owners and managers who who kept stringing us along only to tell us they sold or rented out the house. Thank you!
Daryl H.
Daryl H.
Spring Hill, FL
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Candis was recommended and after meeting with her, we were quickly impressed with her professional manner and knowledge of the areas where we were looking to buy.
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