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Why Now Is a Good Time to Enter the Housing Market

Key Takeaways:

  • Low default rates are a positive sign of the housing market’s resiliency
  • There are signals that the market is shifting to favor homebuyers
  • Our team is ready to help you achieve your goals, so contact us today!

As with any investment, the best time to enter the housing market is when prices are low. It’s no different when it comes to real estate. With one historic and unprecedented event after another these days, knowing when to move in today’s market can be complicated and intimidating, but it doesn’t need to be.

Analysts agree about where the market is likely headed. So as 2022 winds down, let’s review the latest news to help you better understand where your opportunity lies (and why now may actually be the best time to buy!).

Low loan defaults are keeping the housing market healthy

Portrait Of Happy Family Showing Key, Standing In Living Room.

The current housing market is not a repeat of the previous financial crisis in 2008. The two primary factors that contributed to the housing market crash back then were cheap credit and lax lending standards. Remember the terms subprime, mortgage-backed securities, CDOs, and adjustable rate mortgage? Thankfully, that’s not what’s making headlines this time around.

Today, lending standards are more strict than they were 15 years ago, and because of this, most homeowners are not teetering on loan default like they were back in 2008. In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, banks introduced various programs to help homeowners stay current on their mortgages and avoid default. The result is historic mortgage balance lows, with loans that are 90 days past due pegged at just 0.5%. That’s a far cry from the staggering 11.36% rate back in 2010 when homeowners struggled to make payments.

Economic signals indicate this is becoming a buyer’s market

real estate agent Delivering sample homes to customers, mortgage loan contracts. Make a contract for hire purchase and sale of a house. and home insurance contracts, home mortgage loan concepts

Putting today’s housing market in proper historical context is paramount to making an informed decision. While the current 7% mortgage interest rates are certainly higher than the pandemic-induced low of 2.65% in December 2020 (the lowest in history!), that doesn’t mean you should avoid buying a home. Compared to the all-time high of 18.45% set back in 1981, today’s average rate of 7% is suddenly far less imposing.

Experts all agree: home equities are going to decline. The only dispute between analysts is by how much, with some analysts projecting an average decline of about 20%. According to Black Knight, a mortgage technology and data provider, home prices have declined slightly, but mortgage holders possess $11.5 trillion in tappable equity.

Even though recent news and numbers seem to suggest that the real estate market may be experiencing a slowdown, Black Knight added that the “market is on strong footing to weather a correction” given that the total market leverage (including both first and second liens) was just 42% of mortgaged homes’ values – the lowest number on record.

Homes are always a solid investment strategy

Beautiful, Newly Built Luxury Home Exterior

Eager would-be homebuyers waiting for home prices to enter the housing market to fall have some good news ahead of them. But, homeowners have good news, too. While there’s plenty of panic around a “decline” in home prices, the Case-Shiller Index reports it’s just 2.2%—meaning homeowners are still in command of a 38.33% increase in the last two years.

With mortgage interest rates hovering around 7% and home values stabilizing, the tail-end of 2022 or 2023 may be the best time for you to finally make that move, especially as two-thirds of major regional housing markets (98 out of 148) prices continue to drop.

We’ll Help You Buy For the Right Price

When you’re ready to make your move, reach out and contact our trusted real estate team. We know the local housing market and can help guide you to the best deals available on the market today. And, there’s plenty of ways to extend your buying power and reduce your interest rates! Our team can’t wait to share our proven strategies with you, so contact us today!

Entering the market as a first-time buyer.

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What’s Happening in Your Local Housing Market?

Key Takeaways:

  • Today’s market conditions are unique, and there’s plenty of ways to win
  • Let’s explore the steps you can take to pave your path to homeownership
  • Our team is ready to help you achieve your goals, so contact us today!

Amid high inflation, increasing mortgage rates, and limited housing inventory, the headlines make it seem like there’s no good news in the real estate market. But when you listen closely to expert economists and look at your local market, you’ll learn that there’s plenty of opportunity. Let’s take a closer look to understand the complete picture of what’s really going on in the housing market.

Low inventory keeps home prices high

Magnifying glass in front of an open newspaper with paper houses.

It’s easy to hear snippets of today’s news cycle and get swept up into a maelstrom of doom and gloom. You don’t need to fear that the Great Recession of 2008 is happening all over again.  Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for the National Association of Realtors (NAR), gave a talk this month in Orlando. Mr. Yun pointed out why the housing market will remain stable and profitable.

One of the leading factors behind his assertion is that “housing inventory is about a quarter of what it was in 2008.” The historic low inventory of available housing in the US is a positive. That limited inventory will prevent large price drops for most of the country. Mr. Yun went on to say that “distressed property sales are almost non-existent, at just 2%, and nowhere near the 30% mark seen during the housing crash (of 2008). Moreover, short sales are almost impossible because of the significant price appreciation of the last two years.”

The national housing market is not your local market

Gainesville, Florida, USA downtown cityscape at twilight.

The national news won’t give you an accurate snapshot of what’s happening in your area. It’s a collection of data that makes for wonderful headlines but has little to do with what you need to know to buy or sell a home. It’s our job to dive deep into the microdata and help guide our clients to making smart moves.

Despite inventory remaining limited nationally, there are still housing markets with increases in available units. This is true especially for starter homes, making this a wonderful time to buy. Other pockets are holding onto a seller’s market, with prices staying steady. It’s always best to speak to your trusted agent to know what’s happening in the area where you live or want to move. And, with rental prices continuing to rise as well, it’s never a bad time to consider purchasing a home.

How to start planning your next move

Full length body size view of four cheery people dad mom small little kids brother sister carrying cardboard boxes moving new residence cottage town.

As a homeowner or prospective homebuyer, there are always ways you can stay ahead of the market. No one purchases a home overnight, so give yourself plenty of time and take smart steps to ensure success when the time is right.

First, contact us today to find the latest, up-to-the-minute value of your home, backed by local data. This will give you accurate insights into the value of your home and what your best move may be. From there, you’ll be able to make data-backed decisions about whether you should remodel, list your home, what kind of return you can expect, and more.

If you’re looking to buy, contact us to learn more about our market and how much inventory is available. Stay flexible, and consider different styles of homes, from townhouses and condos to older homes ready for some modern upgrades. Or, maybe a new construction home is right for you, with special financing and other incentives offered by the builders.

You Can Win Your Local Housing Market

Ultimately, real estate is always local! The best thing you can do before making a move in today’s real estate market is to contact your local real estate agent. As your local, trusted real estate professionals, we know what’s happening and are your best resource for determining your next best step. So contact us today!

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Top 5 Tips for Home Buying in Today’s Market

Key Takeaways:

  • There’s plenty of strategies to successfully buy in today’s market.
  • Lean in on the expertise of your local real estate—we’ve seen it all!
  • Our team is ready to help you achieve your goals, so contact us today.

Whether you’re shopping for your first home or relocating to a new area, purchasing a home in today’s real estate market can be daunting. However, the good news is that today’s housing market can actually be helpful if you’re a prospective homebuyer who knows how to play the game well. When it comes to making a winning offer on your dream home, you must know certain particulars of the homebuying process to be successful.

So, let’s look at the top five tips that will help to play the real estate game more effectively and pave your path to home ownership.

1. Determine and know your budget

Woman looking over finances to buy a home

Before you begin the house-hunting process and start picking your paint colors, potential homebuyers should receive pre-approval. Ideally, get approved by one or more lenders to verify the amount of money you are qualified to borrow. Being pre-approved tells sellers you’re serious about buying and have the means to do so. It also helps narrow your search by allowing you to determine which neighborhoods are within your budget.

Remember to consider the additional costs of homeownership, such as taxes, utilities, maintenance, and insurance. Finally, be realistic about how much you can comfortably afford in today’s tight real estate market. Availability is at historic lows . Rising mortgage rates mean you’ll have to be able to move quickly when the right home presents itself. That means having your finances ready to go.

2. Distinguish between your wants and your needs

Smiling Family Carrying Boxes Into New Home On Moving Day

To play the real estate game well, you need to know what it is, specifically, that you want from a home. Certain wants, such as stainless steel appliances, new cabinets, or hardwood floors, can always be obtained later. Therefore they shouldn’t be deal-breakers.

However, if you want to be in a specific school district, need to live close to work, or have a decent-sized backyard to try your hand at homesteading, those cannot be addressed later and must factor in throughout the house-hunting process. As you contemplate a purchase, consider your other financial goals as well. It can be easy to get swept up in the frenzy of a tight housing market, so it’s essential to keep your financial goals top of mind during this process.

3. Be Prepared to Act Quickly in Today’s Market

Couple buying home from real estate agent.

A well-priced property in good condition in a good neighborhood with plenty of nearby amenities will always draw many interested buyers during the first few days of being on the market. In a tight seller’s market like today, such homes rarely stay on the market for very long.

So, when you find the right home that fits your budget and satisfies your wants and needs, you’ll want to sign an offer immediately and get it presented. Serious buyers should always be ready to submit an offer quickly, or they may risk missing out on the property altogether.

4. Bid competitively and stay flexible

Real estate agent holding house key to his client after signing contract.

Prepare to bid competitively to make your offer stand out, but remain pragmatic and know your limits. It may be tempting to submit a low offer as a starting bid, but in a tight seller’s market, buyers must put forward their highest offer from the very beginning to avoid losing out on the home. In multiple bidding situations, the highest offer is only sometimes accepted by the seller. In many instances, buyers with the fewest contingencies and who are flexible with things like their move-in date are the ones whose bid stands out to the seller.

5. Always work with a certified real estate agent

Smiling broker standing with documents, happy family hugging near their new home

What’s trending nationally is certainly different from the area where you’re looking to buy, sell, or relocate to. Work with us, your local real estate experts. Our team is certified, experienced, and familiar with the areas and neighborhoods you’re considering. As your local agents, we are the most trusted resource for accurate information that you have at your disposal. Our unparalleled knowledge of our local community will give you the competitive advantage you need in this housing market.

In Today’s Market You Deserve to Work With the Best

If you’re ready to make your move, we know the housing market trends. We have decades of experience in the natural ups and downs of the market. We know how to help you best navigate what’s happening right now. Contact us today to get started exploring your options and crafting a winning strategy.

For another perspective on mistakes to avoid when homebuying, read our list for first-time homebuyers.

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How to Stay Ahead of the Real Estate Market

From volatile national market trends impacting local housing markets to unforeseen structural problems, a property’s value fluctuation can be tricky to gauge accurately. However, the good news for current and would-be homeowners curious about a property’s actual value in today’s market is that information is more accessible than ever. So let’s look at some of the easiest, most straightforward options for knowing a property’s actual value and why it’s so important!

Key Takeaways:

  • Knowing your property’s real-time value is more important than ever
  • Build a relationship with your local real estate team to maximize your money
  • This is a great time to plan for the future of your home, so contact us today!

Know the accurate value of your property:

Stacked gold coins and plant growing on the top and wooden home model

 

People usually want to know how much a home is worth to take comfort in knowing they’re making a good investment. Buying or selling a home is one of the most significant financial investments people will ever make. So naturally, when sellers want as much profit as possible and buyers want to pay as little as possible, achieving the right balance between these two when the closing time rolls around can be tricky. Staying informed about your home’s value and the trend of home prices in your local area allows you to make better financial decisions overall. It all boils down to knowing how much a home is realistically worth. 

Suppose you’re a current homeowner about to place your property on the market who’s considering a renovation to increase your payout at closing; knowing your home’s current value will help determine if doing so is even necessary, potentially saving you thousands of dollars. Or perhaps you’re a buyer eager to make an offer; knowing a property’s real-time, comparative value in the market could help you avoid overpaying. 

And this is where getting to know your local real estate professionals becomes one of the most important decisions you will make.

Build a relationship with your local real estate agent

Real estate agent showing modern house

Regardless of what is happening within the broader national housing market, buying or selling a home is always a local matter. While real estate is an industry heavily influenced by environmental, political, social, and broader economic forces that affect property value and pricing, what is valid for buyers and sellers in San Francisco differs from what is reasonable for buyers and sellers in Sioux Falls, SD. 

This is where knowing who your local real estate experts are is invaluable. Top-earning real estate agents have one thing in common: they know their local real estate markets. Ask them any question about the area, and they can answer it, or at least they know where to go and who to ask to find the answer. 

So, when you’re ready to put your house on the market or make an offer, the first and easiest step you can and should take is to contact your local real estate professionals. They are experts in their field who understand market etiquette and know how to make a great offer that achieves the difficult balance of satisfying both buyer and seller. The right real estate agent knows how to negotiate the complex web of forms best, and they can foresee issues you might not.

Discover Your Real Estate Partnership

If you’re ready to move, don’t get caught up in the frenzy of negative news. Instead, work with your local team that knows the micro-housing market in your area. Our real estate agents have decades of experience and understand how to help you best navigate today’s market. So don’t hesitate to reach out and say Hello! to figure out your best options for buying or selling your home!

When you know your value on the market, make sure that you maximize that potential with proper staging. Read our blog on Staging Mistakes for more information.

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The Housing Market is a Win for Buyers and Sellers

You might hear a lot of doom and gloom news about the housing market lately, but let’s put it in perspective. The COVID-19 global pandemic caused unprecedented disruptions to financial markets, including housing. Now, with everyone ready to move forward, the historic hot housing market is returning to normal. Let’s look at what that means for buyers and sellers. 

Key Takeaways:

  • Ignore the negative news—the market is coming back down to earth
  • Homeowners have record equity, and buyers have more inventory
  • This is a great time to make a move in the market, so contact us today!

The current housing market and forecast 

Dreaming of new home

Our last blog post looked at mortgage rates in their historical context. While today’s rates range between 5-6% and are certainly higher than homebuyers’ rates during the COVID-19 pandemic, they’re nothing extraordinary. Today’s rates are still far below the all-time high of 18.45% set back in the 1980s! 

A recent report by Fannie Mae forecasts that over the next 12 months, US consumers anticipate home prices to fall for the first time in two years. With potential buyers expecting further price declines and sellers not keen on giving up their lower, fixed mortgage rate, now is the time to buy or sell your home.

However, for first-time homebuyers seeking to make a move, news of continued cooling of home prices is welcome, which will keep demand high. While current homeowners considering selling may be concerned that they missed the window to realize their equity gains or will lose out on their current lower mortgage rate, it’s important to remember the larger historical trends regarding real estate investments. And, if you’re purchasing another home, you have more homes to choose from.

What home sellers need to know right now

Real estate agent handing over keys of new home to young couple. Happy new property owners with estate broker.

Don’t listen to the news cycle pedaling doom and gloom about your equity gains and home value. Buying or selling property is always a good investment. The real estate market always presents opportunities, and home prices are simply moderating from historic highs. 

Moreover, homeownership is a long-term asset that pays out over time, and the record equity gains of the past few years that current homeowners have enjoyed aren’t likely to ever happen again. So, while home prices are cooling off, the decline is less than 1%, leaving those equity gains intact when you decide it’s time to sell.

What home buyers need to know right now

Happy couple sold home sign.

CoStar Group, an online real estate analytics provider, recently reported negative growth in asking rental prices for the first time in 20 months, falling 0.1%. While this is undoubtedly welcome news for renters and would-be homeowners battling skyrocketing rental prices, the cost of rent remains a high hurdle for many to clear every month. 

For potential homebuyers wondering if now is the time to stop paying rent and move toward homeownership, it’s worth remembering that owning a home will always be a better long-term investment of your money than renting. 

So, despite a new Fannie May survey declaring that around half of today’s consumers hold a negative view of the market and think it would be difficult to get a mortgage today, this is overly pessimistic. Moreover, there are numerous loan options for qualifying buyers, such as first-time buyers and veteran programs. 

Getting a mortgage is one of the most significant financial moves a person will ever make, and preparation is critical. So before you apply, spend some time ensuring that your credit and finances are in order. Because when you find your perfect home, you’ll want to be able to make an offer immediately.

Take the Next Step

If you’re ready to make a move, don’t get caught up in the frenzy of negative news. Instead, work with your local team that knows the micro-housing market in your area. Our real estate agents have decades of experience and understand how to help you navigate the market. Contact us today to figure out your best options for buying and selling your home!

For more information read our article on Staying Ahead of the Housing Market.

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Why Now Is the Right Time to Buy Your Dream Home

Many would-be homebuyers are fearful of rising mortgage rates. It seems like the news is non-stop negative when it comes to talking about the housing market. But it’s worth putting those headlines into perspective. In 1981, mortgage rates hit an all-time high of 18.45%! On a 30-year fixed mortgage right now, you can expect to find rates around 5.9%—that’s 68% less than the highest mortgage rates homeowners have historically managed. Let’s take a look at today’s mortgage rates and see why this is still the time to buy your dream home. 

Key Takeaways:

  • Mortgage rates are going up, but they’re actually not that high. 
  • You’re still in control: you can get yourself a lower rate with these smart tips.
  • Find opportunities in your local real estate market—contact us today!

Why are mortgage rates increasing right now?

Sitting smiling happy meeting with real state agent signing mortgage loan at bank.

The COVID-19 pandemic had unexpected financial consequences across the entire world. One of those was a real estate boom in the United States, spurred by record-low mortgage rates. 

In December 2020, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate was an astonishing 2.68%. And guess what? These were the lowest mortgage rates in history. The whole year of 2020 saw the lowest annual average rate in history at 3.11%.

That historical high of 18.45%? That was caused by record inflation during the OPEC embargo. And, the Federal Reserve is working hard to curb inflation right now to avoid things like double-digit mortgage rates returning. 

So, while plenty of lucky homeowners were able to purchase new homes or refinance their existing ones at around a 3% mortgage rate in 2020, it was extremely unlikely that those rates would ever become the norm—because they have never been. It was only due to the COVID-19 pandemic that rates were temporarily at their lowest of all time. 

Can I still buy a home with 5% mortgage rates?

Cheerful couple with keys to their new home.

Of course you can still buy that dream home! Before COVID-19 ushered in a few years of unprecedented global economics, in January 2019 the average mortgage rate was around 4.5% and around two-thirds of Americans still owned and occupied their homes. 

Mortgage rates have seen spikes and dips and national and international events influence financial markets. But for more good news, let’s consider that the average mortgage rates have actually declined every decade since the 1970s, and the amount of homeowners has steadily increased as well. 

With rates around 5% right now and more economic uncertainty on the horizon, this is still a great time to buy a home. You can lock in a rate that’s actually on the lower end, and be able to refinance when the time comes that they fall below 5% again. Or, you’ll be in a perfect position to sell your home at that time and realize your equity gains. 

How you can secure a lower mortgage rate

Family teaching their daughter to save money.

There are still steps you can take to lower your rate, independent of the Federal Reserve. Even though the Federal Reserve is responsible for setting interest rates, mortgage rates are only influenced by the Federal Reserve, and there are more factors you can control. 

First and foremost, make sure you pay attention to improving your credit score. It’s always important to have a decent credit score when applying for loans, but even more so when you can save yourself money every month on your mortgage.

Next, pay down or off any debt and try to increase your income if you can. A higher annual income helps with mortgage rates, but may also give you some extra spending to pay down debt before applying for a home loan. 

And finally, shop around for different lenders, and consider different types of mortgages. There isn’t just one lender in town, and there are more options than the conventional 30-year fixed mortgage. A combination of the right lender and the right mortgage for your financial situation can make a big difference in your final monthly payment.

Let’s Buy Your Dream Home

There are still plenty of wonderful homes for sale in all types of price ranges in different neighborhoods. That’s why it’s important to contact your local real estate team. Don’t worry so much about the headline news—focus on what’s happening in your backyard, and what kind of home you can buy right now. Contact us today to get started!

Read our article on This is the Key to Your Dream Home for more information.

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Why You Need a Real Estate Agent in This Shifting Market

Key Takeaways:

  • Understanding the ebbs and flows of the market is crucial to success
  • A real estate agent is on your side and knows your local market best 
  • Start planning your next move now – contact us!

What to Do When the Market Changes

Buying or selling a home is one of the most exciting moments in people’s lives, and it’s also affected by broader economic trends. The challenging process is filled with details and detours. Today’s housing market is continually pivoting amid persistent global pandemic-related influences and a subsequent housing supply crisis.

If you’re looking to buy, sell, or both, employing the services of a trusted real estate professional is a critical decision that can make or break your deal. The local knowledge and experience they bring to the table will help you navigate the real estate investing process wisely, especially in today’s rapidly shifting housing market. 

So, let’s take a deeper look at current housing market trends to better understand what’s going on, why hiring a professional real estate agent is essential, and let’s help you figure out your next best step!

Understanding the current housing market 

Real estate agent explains the current housing market to young couple.

Understanding the shifts occurring in today’s housing market is simple when you boil it down to basics: people moved in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some homeowners moved because their jobs went remote, and others upgraded or downsized to cash in on their equity gains. But, regardless of their reasons, people flooded into the housing market, disrupting the balance between supply and demand.

Recently, numerous reports have stated that we are in a “buyer’s market” now due to home prices beginning to stabilize and houses sitting on the market longer. However, at the same time, because of higher mortgage interest rates and the available housing supply continuing to lag behind current market demand, others have declared that we’re still in a “seller’s market.” With all these conflicting reports about what is happening in today’s housing market, it’s easy to get confused about what’s really going on. 

Here’s the truth: today’s historic hot housing market is a robust win-win for both buyers and sellers. With the available housing supply finally beginning to rise, buyers benefit from having more properties to choose from and don’t feel the need to settle or place an offer for fear of missing out. At the same time, sustained demand has preserved historic equity gains that remain beneficial for sellers should they choose to put their homes on the market.

Why hiring a trusted real estate agent never goes out of style

Real Estate Agent Shows Bright New Home to a Young Couple. Successful Young Couple Becoming Homeowners, Embraces and Hugs Each Other.

It is not uncommon or unusual for real estate markets to change. It happens all the time. However, one thing that doesn’t change is the value and peace of mind that hiring a trusted real estate professional provides you. 

If you’ve been reading the national headlines and wondering what it all means for you and your local area of interest, hiring a local real estate agent is vital, since real estate is all about location, location, location. Some neighborhoods and communities thrive amid all the turbulence, while others are staying cooler even in this hot market. If you’re selling, your agent will know the best way to position and market your property to get top dollar for the sale. And if you’re buying, your agent will help steer you in the right direction of your desired neighborhood, and cut through all the larger noise of the national market.

The best part? Your agent is a trained negotiator, and their expertise goes way beyond finding a place to call home. With your agent’s help, you can get what you want out of the deal. Think beyond purchase price and consider all of your contract’s terms, with potential benefits including a longer closing date, special repairs, and upgrades to the property, or even getting the seller to pay some of your closing costs.

Ready to Conquer the Market?

The best way to beat the market swings is to work with a real estate professional that knows your area. With decades of experience, our team is here to help. We’ve seen it all, and are here with smart advice to give you the competitive advantage. Let’s connect today and figure out how we can achieve your goals.

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Home Equity Is Up – What’s Your Next Move?

Key Takeaways:

  • With home values continuing to rise, what are the best options to maximize your equity gains?
  • Now might be the perfect time to tap into your equity for a vacation home or investment property.
  • Don’t delay—contact us and put your home equity gains to work for you!

Homeowners Have Historic Equity Gains

It’s no secret that home equity values are at historic highs right now. Surging home prices have caused tappable equity to set a record in 2021, hitting $9.9 trillion, mortgage technology and data firm Black Knight Inc reports. The firm also noted that the average mortgage holder has $185,000 in tappable equity. 

For current homeowners, these recent gains are tremendous and mean all your hard work has paid off. Of course, the big question in many homeowners’ minds now is: what should I do with the equity I’ve gained? So if you’ve been calculating your equity gains and wondering what the best thing to do with them is, let’s explore some ways you could maximize your equity growth.

Renovations, Repairs, and Restoration

Happy smiling woman in goggles with saw sawing wooden board

With the current equity built up in your home, you can borrow against it by taking out a home equity loan or line of credit (HELOC) and using that money for whatever you want. While homeowners commonly borrow against their equity to fund renovations or repairs, you can take out a home equity loan to use for any goal you have in mind. But if your home desperately needs a new roof, windows, newer energy-efficient appliances, or even an addition, tapping into your equity to make that happen is warranted. And with recent drops in lumber costs, this may be an ideal time to get that extra space you’ve been dreaming of.

There’s also the option to do a cash-out refinance. With a regular refinance, you typically borrow the exact amount you owe on your mortgage. However, with a cash-out refinance, you borrow more than your remaining mortgage balance and receive a check for the difference. And as with a home equity loan or HELOC, you can use that money for any purpose you choose.

Purchase a Second Property

Senior couple standing outside log cabin in countryside

According to CoreLogic, nationally, home prices increased 19.1% between January 2021 and January 2022, which has been fantastic news for current homeowners. Equity gains don’t just benefit those looking to sell their homes to walk away with a substantial profit. If you don’t have plans to sell your home in the near term, having a lot of equity in it affords you plenty of different options to put that money to good use. 

Consider using your existing equity to buy the vacation home you’ve been dreaming of, or to purchase income-producing real estate that may generate passive income and possibly lower your monthly costs, or other investment assets. Until recently, financing a vacation home was the same as financing a primary residence. But the Federal Housing Finance Agency recently announced increases to upfront fees for second-home loans that took effect on April 1, 2022. As a result, homeowners have been encouraged to tap equity from their primary residence to pay for their secondary property.

Make a Smart Move

Your decision on what to do with your equity gains depends upon your financial situation and long-term real estate goals. So as you’re watching your equity grow and wondering how to put that money to good use, having a trusted, experienced real estate team behind you is your best first step to figuring that out. You’ll rest easy knowing that we’ve seen the ups and downs of the market over the years, so contact us today to discuss your options!

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Now Could Be the Best Time to Sell Your Home

Key Takeaways:

  • Shifting buyer demand creates lucrative opportunities for decisive sellers
  • Higher mortgage rates have set fire to this already hot housing market
  • Don’t delay—now is the time to contact us and get your home on the market!

The current housing market

With a sudden jump in home listings recently, today’s hot housing market has many homeowners wondering if now is the best time to sell. Of course, trying to time the market perfectly is challenging, though if there ever was a time to sell, this is absolutely a great one. 

Everyone’s situation is different, but if you’ve been thinking about selling your home lately, contact us today to begin the process and maximize your success. 

The supply of homes for sale, explained 

Saleswoman giving home keys to new property owner.

Compared with last year, the supply of homes for sale jumped 9% in May, which is striking considering the historically low supply of home inventory that has defined the US housing market this year. 

As sellers rushed to put their properties onto the market and cash in their equity gains, new home listings rose nearly twice as fast as a year ago in May, while pending home sales fell by almost 4% in April. And with sales of newly built homes dropping by a much broader 16% compared with March, this marked the sixth straight month of sales declines. 

To fully appreciate this drop-off, consider that this softening in demand for housing marks the greatest slowdown on record in nearly a decade. 

Home sales are slowing because mortgage rates have risen sharply since the start of the year, with the most significant gains coming in April and early May. The average rate on the 30-year fixed mortgage started the year close to 3% and is now well over 5%, causing new home buyers to slow down a bit.

The reality of rising mortgage rates

Businessperson's Hand Protecting Balance Between Percentage Red Cubic Block And House Model On Wooden Seesaw

While homeowners and homebuyers certainly enjoyed locking in 30-year fixed mortgages at the historic low of 2.68% in December 2020, this is far from the norm. It was only a few years ago, during the decade of the 2010’s, that mortgage rates averaged between 3.45% to 4.87%—not that far off from today’s average of just over 5%. 

If you step back even further in time, the absolute highest mortgage rate was a whopping 18.45% in 1981! Like today, that was due to the Federal Reserve raising the federal funds rate to combat inflation, causing mortgage rates to spike. But unlike potential homebuyers in 1981, we have good news on the horizon, as we’re seeing mortgage and refinance rates start to decline for the first time in weeks and the economy showing signs of stabilizing. 

An overdue housing market correction

Chart showing home values changing over time.

If you’re still worried about the housing market, you don’t need to. The good news in these reports is that homes are still selling, and in many cases, they’re still selling above their asking price. The housing market is cooling down due to a lull in buyer demand. However, this cooldown is a much-needed correction to what has been a short-term housing market fueled by the pandemic. 

The critical difference in the market now is that with fewer buyers competing with one another over available housing, home prices rose another 21% in May, meaning equity gains are still there for homeowners. And if you’re looking to sell to downsize and lower your monthly expenses, you’ll be perfectly positioned to find your ideal home with fewer buyers competing with you in the market.

Sell Now for Your Best Return

If you’re considering selling your home, this may be the best possible time to list. With a trusted, experienced real estate team behind you, you can rest easy knowing that we’ve seen the ups and downs of the market over the years. You can always make a smart move, so contact us today to discuss your options!

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Inflation – and Home Values – Are Up. Should You Sell?

Key Takeaways:

  • Home values are rising faster than inflation, making homes a prized asset
  • This housing market offers unique opportunities for buyers and sellers
  • Contact us today to secure your assets and safeguard your future!

The state of real estate and inflation

As inflation soars to near 40-year highs and raises the cost of everything, many are looking for innovative ways to secure their assets against inflationary losses. Additionally, given the housing market’s recent volatility (primarily driven by historic low levels of housing inventory that have caused an imbalance between supply and demand), it’s understandable that many might consider real estate to be a wrong or risky move right now. But the great news is that nothing could be further from the truth. Let’s explore how and why buying or selling a home can safeguard you against inflation. 

The housing market can protect you from inflation

Image of homes and a graph representing housing market and inflation.

Real estate remains a stable area for investment and profit realization because a home’s value does not increase in relation to currency; it increases based on demand. So if you’ve been holding back from buying because of today’s market pressures, consider that inflation is up even more than mortgage interest rates, making it a smart move. Similarly, if you’re considering selling, the demand for housing has never been greater, which is terrific news for anyone looking to cash out their equity to hedge against inflation. 

Buying a home: by the numbers

Couple showing keys to new home.

Let’s take a look at some numbers. Experts estimate that Americans face an annualized inflation rate of around 15%. Considering that, the current 5% mortgage rate is a bargain for homebuyers in the short term. Moreover, you’re securing an asset that, over time, will increase. And, as you pay down your mortgage, even at 5%, your equity will continue to grow. 

Selling a home: by the numbers

Senior Adult Couple in Front of Sold Home For Sale Real Estate Sign and Beautiful House.

It’s no secret to homeowners that their home equity values have grown over the last couple of years. According to research firm Black Knight, at the end of 2021, Americans were sitting on record-high home equity levels of approximately $9.9 million. So if you’ve noticed homes in your neighborhood selling above their listing price and you’ve been on the fence about selling yourself, now may be a good time to cash in on this opportunity.

Both buyers and sellers can make tremendous gains

Happy family with children moving with boxes in a new house.

In a hot housing market where home inventory is low, competition is fierce, and home equity values are at all-time highs, buyers and sellers can start to feel overwhelmed. But don’t despair: an increase in mortgage rates isn’t stopping homes from selling quickly, nor is it preventing home equities from appreciating. For example, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), properties remained on the market for just 17 days in March, with many going for over the asking price!

With more buyers than sellers today, current homeowners looking to sell to fight inflation have the advantage of likely bidding wars, resulting in greater profits and fast-moving homes that don’t stay on the market for very long. For those looking towards homeownership to protect their assets against inflation, reassurance comes from knowing that demand is expected to outpace supply for the foreseeable future, meaning that home equities will continue to rise. And if inflation continues, fixed-rate interest rates will drop again, creating the perfect opportunity to refinance your loan. 

Get Ready to Make Your Move

The first step to buying and selling is crunching the numbers. Our team will help you find the real, up-to-the-minute value of your home using the latest microdata and neighborhood trends. Then, we’ll work with you to figure out the best strategy to shelter your investments and assets from inflation. Contact us today!