Matt Goeglein

"I’ll Just Take Care of It."

What is a Pocket Listing?

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A pocket listing is a property that is for sale, but not publicly advertised. It is not listed on major real estate websites or even MLS. Instead, the agent keeps the listing “in their pocket,” only sharing it with trusted colleagues, buyers, or clients they know are serious.

These homes are still for sale, but they are sold more quietly, behind the scenes.

Why Would a Seller Choose a Pocket Listing?

  • Privacy: They may not want a lot of people walking through their home, especially if they are still living in it.
  • Testing the Market: Some sellers want to test interest before going live publicly.
  • Targeted Exposure: Sellers may want to avoid open houses and only show to pre-qualified buyers.
  • Exclusive Appeal: Pocket listings can create a sense of exclusivity and attract high-end or serious buyers.

Why Should Buyers Care?

If you’re a buyer, pocket listings could give you an edge, especially in a tight housing market. You might:

  • Avoid bidding wars
  • Get early access to great homes
  • Find properties not everyone knows about
  • Discover options in areas with low public inventory

But here is the catch: You need the right connections.

How Can You Find a Pocket Listing?

Pocket listings are not just floating around the internet. To find them, you need to be proactive and well connected. Here is how:

Work with an Experienced Agent
Your best chance of finding a pocket listing is by working with a real estate agent who is well networked in the area. We often hear about homes before they go live and can connect you with these opportunities.

Let Agents Know What You Want
The clearer you are about your goals, budget, location, style, the more likely an agent will think of you when a pocket opportunity comes up.

Network in the Community
Sometimes homeowners consider selling but have not listed yet. Talking to neighbors, local businesses, or community groups (with respect and professionalism, of course) can uncover hidden gems.

Ask About “Coming Soon” Listings
Some listings are technically not “pocket” but are not yet public. Agents often know about these before they hit the market.

Pocket listings are not for everyone, but they are a powerful tool if you’re looking for an edge. Want to be in the loop? The best thing you can do is connect with a real estate agent (like me!) who’s in the know and ready to advocate for you behind the scenes.

Go beyond the listings everyone else is seeing—you never know what is waiting in someone’s pocket. Let’s find out together! Give me a call.

Why You Should Think Like a Seller When Buying a Home

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When you are buying a home, you are likely thinking about how it fits your life. Is the kitchen big enough? Does it have a home office? Is the backyard right for pets or kids? But what if I told you that thinking like a seller can make you a smarter buyer?

It might sound backward, but approaching your home search with resale in mind can help you make a better investment, avoid future headaches, and even save you money in the long run.

Here’s why you should always have your future resale value in mind, even on day one:

  1. Location Still Reigns Supreme
    You have heard it before: location, location, location. But when you think like a seller, it becomes more than a slogan, it becomes a strategy. A home in a desirable school district, near major highways, or close to amenities will always attract buyers. Even if you do not have kids or work nearby, buying in a strong location increases your resale power when it’s your turn to sell.
    Ask yourself: Would someone else be just as excited about this location in 5–10 years?
  2. Avoid Over Personalization
    It is easy to fall in love with a home that matches your unique style, but if it is too niche, it might hurt you later. Unusual floor plans, bold wall colors, or highly customized features (think built-in fish tanks or neon accent walls) can turn off future buyers.
    Think like a seller: Could you live here happily and appeal to a wide buyer pool later? Look for a good balance between personalization and neutrality.
  3. Consider the Floor Plan
    Some layouts just do not age well. If a home has odd transitions between rooms, a tiny kitchen, or no flow between living areas, it might be hard to resell. A home with a practical, open, and flexible layout will have broader appeal, and that’s something future buyers will value just as much as you.
    Ask yourself: If I had to sell this home tomorrow, how many people would walk through and love the layout?
  4. Watch for Red Flags
    Thinking like a seller sharpens your eye. You will start noticing things that affect future resale, such as homes next to noisy highways, unusual repairs, or neighborhoods trending in the wrong direction. You will also be more critical of how the home was maintained, because you know what your buyers will notice down the road.
  5. Equity Growth Matters
    Homes in high-demand areas with classic features tend to grow in value. When you think like a seller, you’ll gravitate toward homes that build equity faster. And that means when it’s time for your next move, you’re in a better financial position, whether you are upgrading or downsizing.

You are buying your dream home, but you should always keep your future exit in mind. Think like a seller from the start, and you will buy smarter, negotiate better, and feel more confident that your home will hold its value for years to come.

How to Read Between the Lines in a Real Estate Listing

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When you are scrolling through homes online, it’s easy to get swept away by beautiful photos, catchy descriptions, and enticing phrases like “charming fixer-upper” or “cozy starter home.” But as a real estate agent, let me tell you, there is often more to the story than meets the eye. Learning to read between the lines of a real estate listing can save you time, prevent disappointment, and help you find the right home faster.

Here is how to decode what those listings are really saying:

  1. “Needs TLC” = Bring Your Toolbox
    If you see phrases like “needs TLC,” “great bones,” or “handyman special,” these are polite ways of saying the house needs repairs, possibly a lot of them. These homes might be great investments but be ready for renovation costs and potential surprises during inspections.
  2. “Cozy” or “Charming” = Small
    These words aren’t necessarily red flags, but they’re often code for smaller square footage. “Cozy” may sound inviting, but it could mean tight living quarters. Always check the actual square footage listed and compare it to your space needs.
  3. “As-Is” = Seller Will Not Fix Anything
    When a home is listed “as-is,” the seller is letting you know they will not be making repairs, even if your inspection reveals issues. This does not mean it is a bad deal, but it does mean you will need to go in with eyes wide open and budget for potential fixes.
  4. “Up-and-Coming Area” = Not Quite There Yet
    This phrase is commonly used to describe neighborhoods in transition. It might mean you will get a great deal now, but there could be noise, construction, or limited amenities nearby. It’s smart to visit the area at different times of day and ask your agent about future development plans.
  5. “Priced to Sell” = Motivated Seller or Overpriced?
    This can go either way. Sometimes “priced to sell” means the home is competitively priced to attract quick offers. Other times, it may mean the seller is testing the market at a higher price and looking for the best possible deal. A good agent will help you run comps to know for sure.
  6. “Natural Landscaping” = Might Be Overgrown
    While some buyers love wild, eco-friendly yards, phrases like “natural landscaping” or “low-maintenance yard” might really mean there is no grass, and the weeds have taken over. Take a close look at the outdoor photos, or better yet, visit in person.
  7. Photos That Focus on Decor
    If a listing shows more close-ups of throw pillows than the actual layout of the home, it may be hiding something. Pay attention to what is not shown, like missing shots of a bathroom or basement.

Reading between the lines is an art. That is why working with an experienced real estate agent is so important. I’m here to help you translate the language of listings, spot red flags early, and find the home that’s truly the right fit for you, not just the one with the prettiest pictures. Have questions or need help reading between the lines? Give me a call!

Hashtags
#RealEstateTips #HomeBuyingHelp #ListingLanguage #HomeSearch #FirstTimeBuyerTips #SmartHomeBuying #RealEstateAdvice #HouseHunting #DecodeTheListing #WhatItReallyMeans

06/05/2025

When you are buying a home, you are likely thinking about how it fits your life. Is the kitchen big enough? Does it have a home office? Is the backyard right for pets or kids? But what if I told you that thinking like a seller can make you a smarter buyer?

It might sound backward, but approaching your home search with resale in mind can help you make a better investment, avoid future headaches, and even save you money in the long run.

Here’s why you should always have your future resale value in mind, even on day one:

  1. Location Still Reigns Supreme
    You have heard it before: location, location, location. But when you think like a seller, it becomes more than a slogan, it becomes a strategy. A home in a desirable school district, near major highways, or close to amenities will always attract buyers. Even if you do not have kids or work nearby, buying in a strong location increases your resale power when it’s your turn to sell.
    Ask yourself: Would someone else be just as excited about this location in 5–10 years?
  2. Avoid Over Personalization
    It is easy to fall in love with a home that matches your unique style, but if it is too niche, it might hurt you later. Unusual floor plans, bold wall colors, or highly customized features (think built-in fish tanks or neon accent walls) can turn off future buyers.
    Think like a seller: Could you live here happily and appeal to a wide buyer pool later? Look for a good balance between personalization and neutrality.
  3. Consider the Floor Plan
    Some layouts just do not age well. If a home has odd transitions between rooms, a tiny kitchen, or no flow between living areas, it might be hard to resell. A home with a practical, open, and flexible layout will have broader appeal, and that’s something future buyers will value just as much as you.
    Ask yourself: If I had to sell this home tomorrow, how many people would walk through and love the layout?
  4. Watch for Red Flags
    Thinking like a seller sharpens your eye. You will start noticing things that affect future resale, such as homes next to noisy highways, unusual repairs, or neighborhoods trending in the wrong direction. You will also be more critical of how the home was maintained, because you know what your buyers will notice down the road.
  5. Equity Growth Matters
    Homes in high-demand areas with classic features tend to grow in value. When you think like a seller, you’ll gravitate toward homes that build equity faster. And that means when it’s time for your next move, you’re in a better financial position, whether you are upgrading or downsizing.

You are buying your dream home, but you should always keep your future exit in mind. Think like a seller from the start, and you will buy smarter, negotiate better, and feel more confident that your home will hold its value for years to come.

Getting Approval for a Short Sale

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If you are struggling to make your mortgage payments and facing the possibility of foreclosure, you’re not alone and you are not out of options. One path worth considering is a short sale, which can help you avoid the long-term impact of a foreclosure on your credit report.

As a mortgage originator, I have helped many homeowners navigate this process.

A short sale occurs when your lender agrees to accept less than the full amount owed on your mortgage to settle the debt. In this scenario, you sell your home for less than the remaining balance on your loan, and the bank forgives the difference or negotiates terms for repayment.

Not all lenders will agree to a short sale, but many do if they believe it’s a better alternative to foreclosure. It requires careful negotiation and solid documentation, but it can be done with the right guidance.

The first and most important step is open communication. Contact your lender and explain your financial hardship. Whether it’s due to job loss, medical issues, divorce, or another major life change, your lender will need a clear understanding of why you’re unable to make your mortgage payments.

They may request documentation such as:

  • Recent pay stubs or proof of unemployment
  • Bank statements
  • Tax returns
  • A hardship letter explaining your situation

Once your hardship is established, your lender will need a detailed look at your financial situation. This may include:

  • Your monthly income and expenses
  • Outstanding debts
  • Assets like savings, investments, or additional property

They want to be sure you’re genuinely unable to continue paying before considering a short sale.

Once your lender gives you preliminary approval to pursue a short sale, you’ll need to work with a knowledgeable real estate agent. They will help you:

  • Prepare a comparative market analysis
  • Submit a preliminary net sheet to the lender
  • List the property and negotiate with potential buyers

After you receive an offer, the lender will review the full package, including the offer price and the listing agreement, before giving final approval.

A short sale may not be ideal, but it’s often a less damaging alternative to foreclosure. It can help you:

  • Avoid a foreclosure judgment
  • Begin repairing your credit sooner
  • Possibly qualify for a future mortgage more quickly

Struggling with your mortgage and unsure what to do next? Let’s talk about whether a short sale is the right move for your situation. I can guide you through the process step-by-step.

Reach out today and let’s find the right solution together.

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – June 2nd, 2025

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The PCE Index release—the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation indicator—has shown favorable results. However, the overwhelming sentiment remains one of uncertainty due to the ongoing trade wars. With these conflicts still in full swing, inflation is expected to rise in the near future at a faster-than-anticipated pace. Following the recent trade truce with China, consumer sentiment has improved, though the long-term impact remains uncertain. As expected, consumer spending has declined noticeably, as the tariffs have led to short-term price increases.

PCE Index
The cost of living barely rose in April — and the rate of inflation slowed even closer to prepandemic levels — but it’s unclear whether the recent progress can be sustained as the trade wars drag on. The back-to-back monthly inflation readings were the softest since the pandemic in 2020. The 12-month rate of inflation, meanwhile, slowed to 2.1% from 2.3% and also matched the lowest level since the pandemic.

Consumer Sentiment
A survey of consumer sentiment improved in late May on some signs that the tariff war with China might not be as damaging for the economy as feared. The second of two readings of the consumer sentiment survey rose to 52.2 from 50.8 in early May, the University of Michigan said Friday. That matches the sentiment level in April.

Consumer Spending
Americans became more cautious spenders in April after the Trump administration jacked up U.S. tariffs and the stock market plunged. Now the big question is what they will do next as the trade wars die down. Personal spending rose a modest 0.2% last month, the government said Friday, matching the forecast of economists polled by The Wall Street Journal.

Primary Mortgage Market Survey Index

• 15-Yr FRM rates saw an increase of 0.02% for this week, with the current rate at 6.03%
• 30-Yr FRM rates saw an increase of 0.03% for this week, with the current rate at 6.89%

MND Rate Index

• 30-Yr FHA rates saw a decrease of -0.08% for this week. Current rates at 6.45%
• 30-Yr VA rates saw a decrease of -0.07% for this week. Current rates at 6.47%

Jobless Claims

Initial Claims were reported to be 240,000 compared to the expected claims of 230,000. The prior week landed at 223,000.

What’s Ahead

A strong release week is upcoming with expected manufacturing reports from ISM, S&P Global Manufacturing to denote where producers stand. Following that is the Beige Book and Non-farm Payrolls. This will help indicate the direction of inflation and response to the tariff policies.

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