Some Highlights: Sales in December were 14.7% higher than those in November, marking the largest month-over-month increase ever recorded. Inventory levels are still below historic norms at 3.9-months supply. Median home price is up 7.6% from last year, marking the 46th consecutive month with year-over-year price gains. … [Read more...]
A Million+ Boomerang Buyers about to Enter Market
TransUnion recently released the results of a new study titled “The Bubble, the Burst and Now - What Happened to the Consumer?” The study revealed that 1.5 million homeowners that were negatively impacted by the housing crisis could re-enter the housing market in the next three years. TransUnion defined “negatively impacted” as… “…those who were 60+ days past due on a mortgage loan, lost their mortgage through foreclosure, short sale or other non-satisfactory … [Read more...]
Where Are Interest Rates Headed This Year?
With interest rates still below 4%, many buyers may be on the fence as to whether to act now and purchase a new home, or wait until next year. If you look at what the four major reporting agencies are predicting for 2016, it may make the decision for you. The chart below averages the predictions by quarter. With the exception of Fannie Mae, the experts agree that interest rates will increase by three-quarters of a percentage point, costing you more to pay back your loan. Bottom Line Even a small increase in … [Read more...]
What Do You Actually Need to Get a Mortgage?
Fannie Mae recently released their “What do consumers know about the Mortgage Qualification Criteria?” Study. The study revealed that Americans are misinformed about what is required to qualify for a mortgage when purchasing a home. Here are three takeaways: 59% of Americans either don’t know (54%) or are misinformed (5%) about what FICO score is necessary 86% of Americans either don’t know (59%) or are misinformed (25%) about what an appropriate Back End Debt-to-Income (DTI) ratios is 76% … [Read more...]
Rents Still Skyrocketing
Zillow recently revealed that the 43 million renter households in the US spent $535 billion on rent in 2015. Aggregate numbers like these often make it difficult to truly assess a situation. For more clarity, we want to share some points that were made in a Wall Street Journal article earlier this month. The article made two important points: 1. Rents are increasing faster than the last several years: “Apartment rents increased faster last year than at any time since 2007.” 2. Rent increases are … [Read more...]
Are You Wondering What It Takes To Buy Your First Home?
There are many people sitting on the sidelines trying to decide if they should purchase a home or sign a rental lease. Some might wonder if it makes sense to purchase a house before they are married and have a family. Others may think they are too young. And still others might think their current income would never enable them to qualify for a mortgage. We want to share what the typical first time homebuyer actually looks like based on the National Association of REALTORS most recent Profile of Home Buyers & … [Read more...]
Thinking of Buying? Selling? 5 Reasons You Need To Hire A Professsional
Whether you are buying or selling a home, it can be quite an adventurous journey. You need an experienced Real Estate Professional to lead you to your ultimate goal. In this world of instant gratification and internet searches, many sellers think that they can For Sale by Owner or FSBO. The 5 Reasons You NEED a Real Estate Professional in your corner haven’t changed, but have rather been strengthened due to the projections of higher mortgage interest rates & home prices as the market continues to … [Read more...]
Why Do Americans Consider Moving? [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some Highlights: In a recent Harris Poll, Americans listed "change in climate/weather" as their top reason for wanting to relocate. 41% would move for a better job opportunity. Being closer to loved ones filled out 3 of the top 6 reasons why American's move. … [Read more...]
The Most Appealing Aspects of Homeownership
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) just released their first issue of the Housing Opportunities & Market Experience Survey (HOME). In the report, NAR revealed what Americans believe to be the most appealing aspects of homeownership. Here is a graph showing the results: It is interesting to see that the two most appealing aspects had nothing to do with money, but instead, addressed the non-financial benefits of homeownership. … [Read more...]
When Is It A Good Time To Rent? NOT Now!
People often ask whether or not now is a good time to buy a home. No one ever asks when a good time to rent is. However, we want to make certain that everyone understands that today is NOT a good time to rent. The Census Bureau recently released their third quarter median rent numbers. Here is a graph showing rent increases from 1988 until today: A recent Wall Street Journal article reports that rents rose “faster last year than at any time since 2007, a boon for landlords but one that has stoked concerns … [Read more...]
