Over the past year, mortgage rates have fallen more than a full percentage point, hitting a new historic low 15 times. This is a great driver for homeownership, as today’s low rates provide consumers with some significant benefits. Here’s a look at three of them. 1. Move-up or Downsize: One option is to consider moving into a new home, putting the equity you’ve likely gained in your current house toward a down payment on a new one that better meets your needs – something that’s truly a perfect fit, especially if … [Read more...]
2021 Housing Forecast [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some Highlights Experts project an optimistic year for the 2021 housing market. With mortgage rates forecasted to remain low, high buyer demand is expected to fuel more home sales and continue to increase home prices. Let’s connect today to determine how to make your best move in the new year. … [Read more...]
Homeowner Equity Increases an Astonishing $1 Trillion
In a year that was financially devastating for many Americans, some good news for most homeowners is the dramatic gain in home equity over the last twelve months. Last week, CoreLogic released its 2020 3rd Quarter Homeowner Equity Insights report, which reveals four major findings: S. homeowners with mortgages have seen their equity increase by a total of $1 trillion since the third quarter of 2019. The average homeowner gained approximately $17,000 in equity over the past year. This is a 10.8% increase in equity … [Read more...]
3 Reasons to Be Optimistic about Real Estate in 2021
This year will be remembered for many reasons, and optimism is one thing that’s been in short supply since the spring. We’re experiencing a global pandemic, social unrest, an economic downturn, and natural disasters, just to name a few. The challenges brought on by the health crisis have also forced many homeowners to reevaluate their space and what they need in a home going into 2021. So, experts are forecasting that next year is one in which we can be optimistic about real estate for three key reasons. 1. The … [Read more...]
The Holidays Aren’t Stopping Homebuyers This Year
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are behind us, yet finding the perfect holiday gifts for friends and family is certainly still top of mind for many right now. This year, there’s another type of buyer that’s very active this holiday season – the homebuyer. Each month, ShowingTime releases their Showing Index which tracks the average number of appointments received on active U.S. house listings. The most recent index notes: “The Showing Index reported a 60.9 percent jump in nationwide showing traffic year over year … [Read more...]
5 Steps to Follow When Applying for Forbearance
If you’re currently feeling the stress of affording your mortgage payment, or if you know someone who is, there’s still time to get help. For homeowners experiencing financial hardship this year, the CARES Act provides mortgage payment deferral options, creating much-needed relief in these challenging times. It’s important, however, to understand how forbearance works. It’s not automatic. You need to take action now and apply for the program before these options expire. A study by the Urban Institute … [Read more...]
Why It Makes Sense to Sell Your House This Holiday Season
If you’re one of the many homeowners thinking about taking your house off the market for the holidays, hang on. You definitely don’t want to miss the great selling opportunity you have right now. Here’s why this month is the optimal time to make sure your house is available for holiday buyers. The latest Existing Home Sales Report from The National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows the inventory of houses for sale has dropped to an astonishing all-time low. It now sits at a 2.5-month supply at the current sales … [Read more...]
Are Home Prices Headed Toward Bubble Territory?
Talk of a housing bubble is beginning to crop up as home prices have appreciated at a rapid pace this year. This is understandable since the appreciation of residential real estate is well above historic annual averages. According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), annual appreciation since 1991 has averaged 3.8%. Here are the latest 2020 appreciation numbers from three reliable sources: FHFA: 7.8% CoreLogic: 7.3% Case-Shiller: 7% It’s easy to jump to the conclusion that house appreciation is out of … [Read more...]
An Honest Look at Unemployment Numbers
Last Friday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released the November Jobs Report. It revealed that, though headed in the right direction, the nation’s job recovery has slowed. The consensus reaction is best exemplified by a quote from Glassdoor Senior Economist, Daniel Zhao: “We saw positive job gains, but I think the sentiment is largely negative because we know that we’re heading into a dark winter.” There’s no doubt that millions of households have been – and continue to be -devastated by the economic downturn … [Read more...]
How Remote Work Can Power Your Vacation Home Sale
This year, the opportunity to work remotely has increased the demand for vacation homes. Gay Cororaton, Senior Economist and Director of Housing and Commercial Research at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), notes: “Working from home is a positive factor in demand for vacation homes.” Buyers are taking advantage of the fact that working from home might be someplace other than their primary residence – at the beach, in the mountains, or somewhere in between. NAR explains: “Sales in vacation-home counties … [Read more...]
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