Every year, we all face a number of critical financial decisions that have long-term impacts upon our lives. From saving for college to planning a wedding, we are tasked with having to balance our very finite budgets against a seemingly infinite number of demands.
For most of us, this dilemma is most profound when we have to make real estate decisions. After all, our homes are often our largest investments, and they are the ones in which we can least afford to make mistakes.
Whether we are planning on buying, selling or downsizing our homes, we are faced with multiple options that can be confusing, and have significant impact upon our financial wellbeing.
To help us sort through the confusion, Hendersonville Lifestyle sat down with one of the area’s leading real estate experts, Bernie Gallerani. Bernie has spent the last 20 years taking care of his buying and selling clients, selling over 7,000 homes in the process. He understands the pitfalls of real estate transactions, and he knows how to navigate his clients to happy home ownership.
How would you describe the overall residential real estate market right now as we approach the spring of 2025?
“The real estate is always moving, either up or down. Over the past year, the outlook has trended favorably, with a number of buyers and sellers coming into the market. Overall, I think that 2025 is going to be a great year for both homebuyers and sellers.”
What is the average length of time that it takes to sell a home today, from listing until closing?
“The average sale time varies throughout the year. However, if a home is priced correctively and aggressively marketed by the seller’s listing agent, the property should be under contract in 30 days or less. Closing should occur within 30 to 45 days afterward.”
What is your top tip for prospective persons looking to sell a home?
“First, it is critical to price the property correctly so that it falls in line with homes in the area that have sold in the last 90 days. Too many homeowners fall into the trap that their homes should sell for a certain amount because of tax assessments and hearsay. The truth is that your home is worth what a buyer is willing to pay for it, and nothing more.”
What are some things that a homeowner can do to help their home sell faster?
“Once a homeowner decides to sell, they should select a listing agent who will aggressively market their home to potential buyers. Once listed, homes should be available for showing seven days a week. They should also keep the home clean and well kept, including taking care of any deferred maintenance needs. Outside, the homeowner should clean out old flower beds and fill them with fresh mulch, and pressure wash all sidewalks and driveways in order to obtain maximum curb appeal.”
What are your top tips for prospective persons looking to buy a home?
“The first steps include getting prequalified by a lender and then identifying the area in which you would like to move. If you have children, make sure that your chosen property is zoned for the schools that you want them to attend. Finally, before committing to buy, be sure to have the home inspected by a licensed home inspector.”
What are some common mistakes made by home buyers?
“Many homebuyers believe that there should be no maintenance or repair issues remaining with the property they are considering purchasing. They are under the mistaken assumption that if there are issues, then they shouldn’t buy the home. However, there almost always some issues, often minor, that can be fixed by the seller before closing.”
What are recommendations for clients looking to downsize?
“Homeowners looking to downsize need to seek out properties that have less upkeep and low yard maintenance. Achieving these goals usually comes with buying homes with less square footage and smaller lot sizes. However, there are also communities around the area that are dedicated to retirees and downsizers. These communities usually include maintenance as part of an annual fee.”
Bernie Gallerani Real Estate
150 Saundersville Road, Suite A,
Hendersonville, TN 37075
615.471.6166
"Don’t be afraid to buy at today’s current interest rates. There are many advantage to owning a home, and if the rates come down you can always refinance your property."
"Realtors help to simplify the home selling and buying process. Selecting the right realtor will protect not only your homes' equity by helping buyers and sellers avoid the minefields in the real estate market that can lead to unsatisfactory conclusions."