Toni Hedstrom, a Lutz resident for 13 years and real estate agent for Compass Realty, is always looking to be creative, and get buyers and sellers the best deal possible.
Luckily, Compass Realty offers a lot of programs that not only are helpful for Hedstrom as an agent, but also for people looking to buy and sell a home.
Compass Concierge, a highly recommended program by Hedstrom, offers sellers a no-interest loan that allows them to pay for updates, staging, professional cleaning and even temporary housing, while they are in the process of closing on their home.
“A lot of people have tons of equity in their homes, but can’t touch that money until they close,” says Hedstrom. “Compass Concierge will give the seller money up front, and once they close on their home, then they will pay back whatever they borrowed.”
Hedstrom’s primary market is in Lutz, Land O’ Lakes and Wesley Chapel, but she has expanded into Hillsborough, Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties.
“If I was to give any advice to someone looking to buy a home in 2022, I would suggest they ask about assumable loans. A lot of buyers who are worried about high interest rates don’t realize if they meet a certain criteria, they can assume a low-interest loan from a seller.”
Also, Hedstrom suggests that first-time homebuyers find a trustworthy agent that knows the market, rather than relying solely on Zillow and to never just call the listing agent.
“Especially in this kind of market, a buyer should rely heavily on the knowledge and expertise of a local agent. If you go in blindly against multiple offers, it’s very unlikely that you will secure the home,” says Hedstrom.
In regards to the housing market, Hedstrom believes that we’re going to start to see the market somewhat level out.
“Over the last couple years we’ve seen values increase by at least 20%, and I think that’s most likely going to calm down,” says Hedstrom. “The market’s going to stay strong because the low inventory of houses is going to trump high interest rates.”
Not only does Hedstrom want to get buyers and sellers the best deals, but she also focuses on helping local rescues, shelters, and foster homes by donating $100 after every closing through her Pads4Paws program.
“I’m really proud that over the last several years, Pads4Paws has raised over $23,000,” says Hedstrom. “I’m always looking for people who need help funding their projects and encourage locals to reach out to me.”
On a normal basis, Hedstrom works a lot with military families that are looking to buy and sell, so she suggests that active military and veterans in Lutz and Land O’ Lakes look out for the Tampa VA Network, a networking organization that is a consolidated resource portal comprised of businesses, military nonprofits, and veteran-related services.
For more information, visit www.DreamStyle360.com, or email Hedstrom at .
