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You are here: Home / Blog / Thinking About Buying a Home? Ask Yourself These Questions

Thinking About Buying a Home? Ask Yourself These Questions

January 3, 2024 by John Sibley

Thinking About Buying a Home? Ask Yourself These Questions Simplifying The Market

If you’re thinking of buying a home this year, you’re probably paying closer attention than normal to the housing market. And you’re getting your information from a variety of channels: the news, social media, your real estate agent, conversations with friends and loved ones, the list goes on and on. Most likely, home prices and mortgage rates are coming up a lot.

Here are the top two questions you need to ask yourself as you make your decision, including the data that helps cut through the noise.

1. Where Do I Think Home Prices Are Heading?

One reliable place you can turn to for information on home price forecasts is the Home Price Expectations Survey from Fannie Mae – a survey of over one hundred economists, real estate experts, and investment and market strategists.

According to the most recent release, the experts are projecting home prices will continue to rise at least through 2028 (see the graph below):

So, why does this matter to you? While the percent of appreciation may not be as high as it was in recent years, what’s important to focus on is that this survey says we’ll see prices rise, not fall, for at least the next 5 years.

And home prices rising, even at a more moderate pace, is good news not just for the market, but for you too. It means, by buying now, your home will likely grow in value, and you should gain home equity in the years ahead. But, if you wait, based on these forecasts, the home will only cost you more later on. 

2. Where Do I Think Mortgage Rates Are Heading?

Over the past year, mortgage rates spiked up in response to economic uncertainty, inflation, and more. But there’s an encouraging sign for the market and mortgage rates. Inflation is moderating, and here’s why this is such a big deal if you’re looking to buy a home.

When inflation cools, mortgage rates generally fall in response. That’s exactly what we’ve seen in recent weeks. And, now that the Federal Reserve has signaled they’re pausing their Federal Funds Rate increases and may even cut rates in 2024, experts are even more confident we’ll see mortgage rates come down.

Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, explains:

“. . . mortgage rates will continue to ease in 2024 as inflation improves and Fed rate cuts get closer. . . . a key factor in starting to provide affordability relief to homebuyers.”

As an article from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) says:

“Mortgage rates likely have peaked and are now falling from their recent high of nearly 8%. . . . This likely will improve housing affordability and entice more home buyers to return to the market . . .”

No one can say with absolute certainty where mortgage rates will go from here. But the recent decline and the latest decision from the Federal Reserve to stop their rate increases, signals there’s hope on the horizon. While we may see some volatility here and there, affordability should improve as rates continue to ease.  

Bottom Line

If you’re thinking about buying a home, you need to know what’s expected with home prices and mortgage rates. While no one can say for certain where they’ll go, making sure you have the latest information can help you make an informed decision. Connect with a trusted local real estate agent so you can stay up to date on what’s happening and why this is such good news for you.

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Filed Under: Blog, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Housing Market Updates, Move-Up Buyers, Pricing Your Home

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I bought my first home!!! Jordan provided exceptional service. At first, I was looking to rent, but she showed me I could get more of what I needed for less if I considered purchasing a home. It is an investment in my future and I am so glad she helped me feel confident in my ability to buy a home. The Sibley Group is a wonderful team that is there for your needs and supports you every step of the way. I highly recommend them, especially Jordan. She was attentive, resourceful, knowledgea(...)

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Melissa, Covington, LA
 

Mrs. Gana is quite the gem, in fact, the entire Sibley Group were all so helpful and made our first home buying experience a breeze.

We were totally lost when it came to finding a mortgage company and having a realtor with such expertise and experience really put us at ease. She set up connections with several lenders and from there we were put on a path to home ownership!

I would recommend Mrs.Gana a million times again and the Sibley(...)

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Michelle, Slidell, LA
 

The decision to sell our home and to use the Sibley Realty Group was a year long process. We were concerned about determining the right time to sell and determining a fair and appropriate asking price. We had questions about how to adequately prepare our home for photos and showings. We were concerned about security and showing our home while we were away on vacation. John Sibley addressed all of our questions and concerns. He walked us through the process from listing to closing. He was a(...)

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We were having troubles trying to figure out the particulars of buying a house and were a little intimidated about approaching a Real Estate agent. Those fears were put to rest after meeting Gana.

She not only guided us through the entire process, but made it a point to go over the contract with verbiage that we understood as first time home buyers- that was important.

The entire experience was smooth, as she laid to rest any fears we(...)

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Everyone at the Sibley Realty Group was exceptional. From the first phone call to the closing of the home we had the best service. I would recommend Jordan and her team to anyone. Awesome Job Guys! And thanks again.

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Anonymous, New Orleans, LA
 

Gana made this transaction easy to understand for us as first time home buyers. Gana was very in tune with us when she could tell I didn't understand something. She slowed everything down and made sure I understood before we moved on.

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The Sibley Group has a team of Realtors to meet all of your real estate needs throughout the New Orleans Metropolitan area. We have agents that specialize on the Northshore and Southshore, including New Orleans, Slidell, Metairie, Covington, Mandeville, Pearl River, and Lacombe.


Trust a real estate team with a long-standing tradition of service, expertise, and professionalism in the local area.


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The Sibley Group
Keller Williams Realty 455-0100

3197 Richland Ave, Metairie, LA 70002

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From Our Blog

Why You’ll Want a Home Inspection

Some HighlightsOnce your offer is accepted, an inspector will assess the condition of the house, … [Read More]

Housing Market Forecasts for the Second Half of the Year

From rising home prices to mortgage rate swings, the housing market has left a lot of people … [Read More]

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