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Tag: Sellers

  • Amazon CEO warns prices have gone up from tariffs

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    Some of the things people buy the most are at their most expensive point of the year as the calendar changes over to 2026. Our get the facts data team dug into what actually caused the prices of some items to go up or go down. Let’s start with beef. Right now, the average price for ground beef is 823 per pound and 967 for steaks, the highest prices for both all year. Several factors like President Trump’s tariffs. Cattle inventories and an aging farming population contributed to the increase, but so did something called the New World screwworm, *** parasitic fly that produced *** deadly disease in some places like Mexico. Another grocery staple that is more expensive now, coffee. Our get the Facts data team found the price rose each month throughout the year, maxing out at 926 cents *** pound. Two of the world’s biggest coffee producers, Brazil and Vietnam, Were impacted by drought and excessive rains earlier this year, which reduced coffee production, and Brazil saw an additional 40% tariff over the summer as well. One of the biggest talking points, especially from President Trump about the state of the economy was egg prices. They are one of the few items tracked that actually are cheapest now. Egg prices saw their biggest price hike in nearly 10 years in January, then rose to an all-time high of 623. Per dozen in March. This was in large part to ongoing bird flu outbreaks. Egg prices would start falling in the summer and are now 286 *** dozen. Some other groceries that saw increases this year, cookies, potato chips, bacon, cheddar cheese, and orange juice. But it wasn’t all increases at the supermarket. Some items are cheaper now compared to January, like pasta, white bread, tomatoes, and strawberries. In Washington, I’m Amy Lou.

    If your next Amazon order seems more expensive, President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs may be partially to blame, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy said Tuesday.Like many retailers, Amazon and its vast network of third-party sellers loaded up on inventory ahead of Trump’s tariff rollout last spring. But that supply ran out by the fall, Jassy said in a CNBC interview on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.“So you start to see some of the tariffs creep into some of the prices, some of the items,” he said. “Some sellers are deciding that they’re passing on those higher costs to consumers in the form of higher prices, some are deciding that they’ll absorb it to drive demand and some are doing something in between.”The comments are a stark shift from last June, when Jassy said in a CNBC interview that the company had not seen “prices appreciably go up.” That was after Amazon drew the direct ire of Trump and members of his administration following reports that the e-commerce giant planned to display how tariffs were impacting prices.After Trump spoke with Amazon founder Jeff Bezos at the time, a company spokesperson told CNN the move “was never a consideration for the main Amazon.” It was only being considered for certain products on its spinoff site, Haul, which sells items below $30, the company said.On Tuesday, though, Jassy said: “We’re going to do everything we can to work with our selling partners to make prices as low as possible for consumers, but you don’t have endless options.”In a statement, though, the company told CNN that overall price levels have not changed more than expected. “While we are seeing prices for some sellers and some brands go up, overall the prices of products on Amazon have not changed outside of normal fluctuations,“ an Amazon spokesperson said.And the White House said it maintains that foreign exports are footing that tariff bill.“The average tariff imposed by America has increased by almost tenfold under President Trump, and inflation has continued to cool from Biden-era highs,” White House spokesman Kush Desai said in a statement.“The Administration has consistently maintained that foreign exporters who depend on access to the American economy, the world’s biggest and best consumer market, will ultimately pay the cost of tariffs, and that’s what’s playing out,” he added.Amazon isn’t the only retailer warning of higher prices because of tariffs. Walmart, Target and Home Depot and many other companies have publicly said tariffs are making products more expensive. And while overall consumer inflation was modest last year, many businesses surveyed by the Federal Reserve in its latest Beige Book, a collection of anecdotes, warned they’re planning bigger price hikes this year.

    If your next Amazon order seems more expensive, President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs may be partially to blame, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy said Tuesday.

    Like many retailers, Amazon and its vast network of third-party sellers loaded up on inventory ahead of Trump’s tariff rollout last spring. But that supply ran out by the fall, Jassy said in a CNBC interview on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

    “So you start to see some of the tariffs creep into some of the prices, some of the items,” he said. “Some sellers are deciding that they’re passing on those higher costs to consumers in the form of higher prices, some are deciding that they’ll absorb it to drive demand and some are doing something in between.”

    The comments are a stark shift from last June, when Jassy said in a CNBC interview that the company had not seen “prices appreciably go up.” That was after Amazon drew the direct ire of Trump and members of his administration following reports that the e-commerce giant planned to display how tariffs were impacting prices.

    After Trump spoke with Amazon founder Jeff Bezos at the time, a company spokesperson told CNN the move “was never a consideration for the main Amazon.” It was only being considered for certain products on its spinoff site, Haul, which sells items below $30, the company said.

    On Tuesday, though, Jassy said: “We’re going to do everything we can to work with our selling partners to make prices as low as possible for consumers, but you don’t have endless options.”

    In a statement, though, the company told CNN that overall price levels have not changed more than expected. “While we are seeing prices for some sellers and some brands go up, overall the prices of products on Amazon have not changed outside of normal fluctuations,“ an Amazon spokesperson said.

    And the White House said it maintains that foreign exports are footing that tariff bill.

    “The average tariff imposed by America has increased by almost tenfold under President Trump, and inflation has continued to cool from Biden-era highs,” White House spokesman Kush Desai said in a statement.

    “The Administration has consistently maintained that foreign exporters who depend on access to the American economy, the world’s biggest and best consumer market, will ultimately pay the cost of tariffs, and that’s what’s playing out,” he added.

    Amazon isn’t the only retailer warning of higher prices because of tariffs. Walmart, Target and Home Depot and many other companies have publicly said tariffs are making products more expensive. And while overall consumer inflation was modest last year, many businesses surveyed by the Federal Reserve in its latest Beige Book, a collection of anecdotes, warned they’re planning bigger price hikes this year.

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  • Selling Your House? Check Your Feelings At The Door

    Selling Your House? Check Your Feelings At The Door

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    Selling your home can be a very emotional decision because this is where many milestones in your life occurred. Perhaps it was your very first home, or the first home you bought with your significant other. Or it may be the place where your kids took their first steps, learned how to swim, and celebrated their birthdays. Maybe you always hosted family and friends for holiday gatherings. And if you’ve lovingly and painstakingly made renovations and upgrades, the home may hold even more significance. However, when you decide to put your home on the market, it’s best to keep your feelings in check.

    One of my favorite cartoons is a picture of a house that changes in appearance based on the point of view. For example, the homeowner sees it as a stately home with a well-manicured lawn. The buyer sees the same home as tiny, outdated, and in need of much work. The appraiser and inspector view the exact same home as barely standing, with the roof nearly blown off, and the windows and doors missing. And, no surprise, the tax assessor views the home as a palace.

    Again, what makes the cartoon so funny is that it’s the same house – and only the point of view has changed. However, it’s worth keeping this cartoon in mind when you put your home on the market. It’s quite natural to feel a certain way. However, left unchecked, your emotional attachment can actually hinder the sale of your home.

    It’s Not Your Home Anymore

    Okay, it actually is your home up until the agreed-upon date to move out (so continue to make those mortgage payments on time). However, you need to develop a different mindset if you want to sell your home. “Sellers need to understand that once they put their property on the market, it is being marketed to a new family or buyer,” explains Elliot Machado, broker associate at SERHANT in Miami, FL. “It is no longer the seller’s home; it becomes the next buyer’s home.”

    [Side bar] And if you’re holding out for that magical buyer who may pay more than you anticipated, Machado says the odds are not in your favor, because a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. “The first handful of buyers to come through the door are the most crucial because, typically, these buyers are more knowledgeable, and more likely to be ready to commit to a purchase of the home.” So, take these early visitors and offers seriously.

    It’s Business, Not Personal

    Sometimes, sellers want to find buyers who will take care of the home as they did, and preserve the home’s style. But why? If you’re moving and for some reason have to give your pet away, it’s understandable that you’d want an individual or family to treat it a certain way. But if someone buys your house and bulldozes it the next day – it’s an inanimate object that you plan on leaving anyway for another inanimate object.

    “Understandably, you may have emotional attachment to the property you’ve called home for the last few years,” says Samuel Jung, realtor with Century 21 Blue Marlin Pelican in Crestview, FL. “However, allowing your personal feelings about your home to interfere with negotiations or decision-making can result in unfavorable outcomes or lost opportunities.” It may be difficult, but Jung says you must separate your emotions from the process so you can be as objective as possible. “Focus on the financial aspects and remind yourself that selling your home is a business transaction and you are trying to get the most favorable end outcome for yourself.”

    Here’s another way to look at it: According to Jane Katz, an agent at Coldwell Banker Warburg in New York, NY, “This house is not about you anymore; it’s an asset like a stock.” And your goal is to figure out how to get the most money back from the asset that you’re now selling. “Was it worth more in 2014 when you bought it than it is now – what does the current market say about your house?” And proceed from there.

    Depersonalize the Home

    One of the best ways to leave your feelings at the door (metaphorically speaking) is to depersonalize your home. “Potential buyers are interested in the property itself, not the memories or emotional connections you may have with it,” explains Adie Kriegstein, founder and real estate salesperson at NYC Experience in New York, NY.

    And when you depersonalize your home (through staging and editing prior to listing), she says you create a neutral environment that allows buyers to envision themselves living in the space. “Removing personal photographs, unique decor, or excessive personalization helps potential buyers visualize the property as their own, which can enhance their interest and increase the likelihood of a successful sale.”

    So, red may be your favorite color, but those red walls may not appeal to most buyers. You may use your home gym every day, but potential buyers might prefer to have a home office in that space, so clear out your exercise equipment to create a blank canvas. “Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder and they may not like the items you cherish and the way you have beautified your home,” says Vickey Barron, associate real estate broker at Compass in New York, NY. Also, their feedback may be brutally honest. But Barron tells sellers not to take anything personally. “Instead, take the money and run,” she recommends.

    Trust Your Experts

    If you have a seasoned and experienced realtor or broker, heed their advice, since they know what will help you to sell your home. They know the market conditions, and they know which trends are in – or out. “If your realtor or broker tells you to stage, to minimize, to declutter, to polish your floors, to paint your walls, to clean your windows, you should heed that advice as we’re trying to sell your home for the most money we can, and you’re taking a risk by not listening to us, Katz says.

    “We know the styles, layouts, colors, and amenities that are most desired today.” For instance, while you may have enjoyed having a large, formal dining room, she says some Manhattan buyers have no use for this type of room and would consider it wasted space.

    “They’d rather turn this square footage – so coveted in Manhattan – into other spaces that they consider more useful – for example, I often see one dining room turned into two separate spaces.”

    Another example is Queen Anne style furniture. Styles change, and while you may have loved it, Katz says many buyers today don’t like this style of furniture and consider it heavy and old-fashioned.” So, if a buyer walks into your home and sees a furniture style that they consider out of date, will they be able to focus on all of the home’s great features, or will they be distracted by furniture that they don’t like? Why take the chance of making a bad first impression?

    “Selling a home can be an emotional process, as it often involves parting with a place that holds personal significance,” says broker Kimberly Jay of Compass in New York, NY. “However, it is crucial for sellers to remember that the selling process is not about them personally. She explains that getting emotional about low offers, negative feedback, and resisting change can have a detrimental impact on the sale.

    We know it’s a lot easier said than done to take your feelings out of the selling process. “After asking our clients to remove all personal items, declutter, organize, and perhaps paint, some sellers say they find themselves living in a space they may not recognize,” says agent Mary Barbrack of the Julia Hoagland Team at Compass in New York, NY. Afterwards, she says the result sometimes reminds them of why they loved the space to begin with. “It’s not unusual for some sellers to ask themselves why they are moving.”

    Minimize Stress

    Another benefit of checking your feelings at the door is the ability to reduce stress and anxiety. “Selling a home can be a complex and demanding endeavor, involving paperwork, inspections, showings, and negotiations,” admits Adie Kriegstein, founder and real estate salesperson at the NYC Experience Team at Compass in New York, NY. “Emotions such as anxiety, fear, or frustration can add unnecessary strain and impede your ability to make sound decisions.”

    But detaching yourself emotionally can allow you to approach the process with a clearer mindset. “You can make informed decisions, attract potential buyers, negotiate effectively, and minimize stress, ultimately focusing on achieving your selling goals and ensuring a smooth transition for both you and the buyer,” Kriegstein says.

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    Terri Williams, Contributor

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  • Avoid These First-Time Home Seller Mistakes

    Avoid These First-Time Home Seller Mistakes

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    A lot of time is dedicated to providing advice to first-time homebuyers – as it should be. However, selling a house for the first time can also be a bewildering experience. These sellers are navigating what, for them, is unchartered waters, and missteps can keep their home on the market longer, or cause them to leave money on the table.

    Reality television has glamorized and oversimplified the real estate sales process, according to Tracey Williams Barnett, a Washington, DC-based associate broker at District City Living, as well as RLAH and Christie’s International Real Estate. On TV, everything is quick and easy, and homes often sell for more than the list price. “When it comes to selling a home, these depictions have made it more challenging for real estate professionals to meet the expectations of today’s sellers.”

    If you want to avoid unnecessary surprises, delays, and headaches, these are some of the first-time seller mistakes to avoid.

    Overpricing The Property

    Williams Barnett says first-time sellers often disagree with their realtor regarding the home’s selling price. “When you decide to seek out a realtor, you should understand that you are hiring an experienced professional who understands the market and knows what the home should be sold for,” she says. A home is worth what a buyer is willing to pay, and Williams Barnett says realtors view hundred and thousands of homes, so they’re qualified to know what a home should be listed for.

    Sometimes, a first-time seller may think that overpricing their property will give them room to negotiate. But that’s a bad strategy. “Overpricing can actually turn off potential buyers and cause the property to sit on the market for too long,” warns Nicole Beauchamp, associate real estate broker at Engel & Völkers in New York.

    Not Understanding The Buyer’s Financing Plan

    Just because a buyer expresses a sincere interest in your property doesn’t mean that you’re on your way to a quick closing. According to Jeff Devereaux, senior vice president and mortgage banking executive at Studio Bank in Nashville, Tennessee, it’s important to understand how the buyer plans to finance the purchase. “Their creditworthiness and the method of financing they’re pursuing can impact the probability of the sale closing.” Devereaux says the best chance of closing with a financed sale will happen with an “ideal buyer,” which he defines as already pre-qualified by a reputable lender, with proof of cash for their down payment and closing costs, and someone who knows what program they will be using. “The type of financing the buyer is using can also affect how long it takes to actually close the sale: most Conventional, VA, and FHA mortgages can close within 30 days, but other types of mortgages can take longer.”

    Inadequate Marketing

    It’s still a seller’s market, but that’s not a guarantee that buyers will be rushing to purchase your home. Samuel Jung, a realtor with Century 21 Blue Marlin Pelican in Crestview, Florida, says marketing plays a huge role in the home selling process. “Poor quality photos, limited property exposure, or ineffective listing descriptions can make it difficult to generate attention and attract potential homebuyers,” he warns. Jung recommends investing in effective marketing, which includes using high-quality professional photos, engaging descriptions that focus on the benefits of your property – not just its features – and a variety of marketing channels (open houses, flyers, and social media). “Don’t be pennywise and pound foolish – these steps may cost you more upfront but can pay off enormously with the final purchase price of your home.”

    Thinking You Can Sell The House Yourself

    In addition to marketing, there are various other factors that go into selling a home. Williams Barnett says it’s not as simple as putting a For Sale sign in the yard and listing the home on the MLS. “There’s a plethora of behind-the-scenes endeavors, research, professional advisory, and negotiation services that the seller may never experience first-hand,” she explains.

    And that’s why Beauchamp believes that not hiring a reputable real estate agent is a major mistake. He says that first-time sellers may try to sell the property on their own to save money, but warns that this could be a risky move. “A reputable real estate agent can help navigate the complex process of selling a home, and can often help sellers get a better price for their property.”

    Waiting For The Right Time To List

    Many first-time sellers are waiting for the perfect time to list, but there may not be a perfect time. “They try to time the market and are afraid when there are no listings on the market in their immediate area,” says Diana Sutherlin, a broker associate at Compass in Jersey City, New Jersey. However, she recommends using the principles of supply and demand to work on your behalf. “If your home is the only one on the market, demand will drive your price up – it’s always in your best interest as a seller to list before similar homes come to market.” Sutherlin provides what she calls an extreme example: if two condos in the same building, with the same layout, are on the market at the same time, she says the owners will get less because they’re competing with each other. “If there is no inventory like yours listed at a price informed by the actual market, there’s a much better chance that it will sell.”

    Waiting Until You Find A Home You Want To Buy

    Understandably, some sellers don’t want to sell until they know where they’re moving to. And some sellers need the proceeds from this home sale to purchase the next home. “The risk these sellers believe they face is to sell their current home without being under contract on their new property, and then either not having any home at all, rushing into a purchase of a home that doesn’t meet their needs because their current one is sold, or moving twice as a result,” says Bret Ceren, realtor at Platinum Living Realty in Scottsdale, Arizona. He recommends that sellers put their home on the market and then negotiate a clause in the contract that provides a period of time to find a home.

    Failing To Plan The Cash Proceeds

    Selling a home can be hectic, and you may not have thought about what to do with the profit from the home’s sale. Devereaux recommends having a plan long before you get to the closing table. “If you have a specific plan and place for the money, it’s less likely to erode through unmindful spending.” If you put it in a separate account, Devereaux says this will force you to make a conscious decision to access the money. “If you’re planning on saving the cash for more than a few weeks, talk with your banker about putting it in a high-yielding account, such as a money market.” He also recommends talking to a tax professional before the sale. “As a seller, you may face capital gains taxes, but those can sometimes be deferred if the proceeds are immediately reinvested into a similar property.”

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    Terri Williams, Contributor

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