If you’re thinking of buying a home, there really is no time like the present. With today’s low mortgage rates, you have a great opportunity to get more home for your money. The challenge is inventory. Like you, many buyers want to capitalize on these market conditions, and it’s leading to more buyer competition and bidding wars. If you’re having a hard time finding a home to buy, it may be time to talk to your trusted real estate advisor about a newly built home. Early indicators show new-home construction is … [Read more...]
Are We in a Housing Bubble? Experts Say No.
The question of whether the real estate market is a bubble ready to pop seems to be dominating a lot of conversations – and everyone has an opinion. Yet, when it comes down to it, the opinions that carry the most weight are the ones based on experience and expertise. Here are four expert opinions from professionals and organizations that have devoted their careers to giving great advice to the housing industry. The Joint Center for Housing Studies in their The State of the Nation’s Housing 2021 report: “… … [Read more...]
What Do Experts See on the Horizon for the Second Half of the Year?
As we move into the latter half of the year, questions about what’s to come are top of mind for buyers and sellers. Near record-low mortgage rates coupled with rising home price appreciation kicked off a robust housing market in the first half of 2021, but what does the forecast tell us about what’s on the horizon? Mortgage Rates Will Likely Increase, but Remain Low Many experts are projecting a rise in interest rates. The latest Quarterly Forecast from Freddie Mac states: “We forecast that mortgage rates will … [Read more...]
What To Expect as Appraisal Gaps Grow
In today’s real estate market, low inventory and high demand are driving up home prices. As many as 54% of homes are getting offers over the listing price, based on the latest Realtors Confidence Index from the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Shawn Telford, Chief Appraiser at CoreLogic, elaborates: “The frequency of buyers being willing to pay more than the market data supports is increasing.” While this is great news for today’s sellers, it can be tricky to navigate if the price of your contract doesn’t … [Read more...]
Save Time and Effort by Selling with an Agent
Selling a house is a time-consuming process – especially if you decide to do it on your own, known as a For Sale By Owner (FSBO). From conducting market research to reviewing legal documents, handling negotiations, and more, it’s an involved and highly detailed process that requires a lot of expertise to navigate effectively. That’s one of the reasons why the percentage of people selling their own house has declined from 19% to 8% (See graph below):To help you understand just how much time and effort it takes to … [Read more...]
Homebuyers: Hang in There [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some Highlights Today’s sellers’ market provides unique challenges—and benefits—for buyers. Current low interest rates won’t last forever, and home prices are forecast to rise. If you’re a homebuyer, hang in there. Homeownership improves your quality of life, and the long-term benefits outweigh the short-term challenges. … [Read more...]
Demand for Vacation Homes Is Still Strong
The pandemic created a tremendous interest in vacation homes across the country. Throughout the last year, many people purchased second homes as a safe getaway from the challenges of the health crisis. With many professionals working from home and many students taking classes remotely, it made sense to see a migration away from cities and into counties with more vacation destinations. The 2021 Vacation Home Counties Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows that this increase in vacation home … [Read more...]
Homeowner Wealth Increases Through Growing Equity This Year
Building financial wealth and stability remains one of the top reasons Americans choose to own a home, and as a homeowner, your wealth often grows without you even realizing it. In a recent paper published by the Urban Institute, Home Ownership is Affordable Housing, author Mike Loftin illustrates how homeowners increase their equity and their wealth simply by making monthly mortgage payments: “The principal portion that reduces the loan balance builds the homeowner’s equity. In doing so, the principal payments … [Read more...]
Pre-Approval Makes All the Difference When Buying a Home
You may have been told that it’s important to get pre-approved at the beginning of the homebuying process, but what does that really mean, and why is it so important? Especially in today’s market, with rising home prices and high buyer competition, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of your budget so you stand out to sellers as a serious homebuyer. Being intentional and competitive are musts when buying a home right now. Pre-approval from a lender is the only way to know your true price range and how much … [Read more...]
5 Things Homebuyers Need To Know When Making an Offer
When it comes to buying a house, you’re looking for the perfect place to call home. The problem is, in today’s market there just aren’t that many homes available to purchase. With inventory hovering near record lows and sky-high buyer demand, a multi-offer scenario is the new normal. Here are five things to keep in mind when you’re ready to make an offer. 1. Know Your Numbers Having a complete understanding of your budget and how much house you can afford is essential. That’s why you should connect with a lender to … [Read more...]
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