We're currently experiencing historically low mortgage rates. Over the last fifty years, the average on a Freddie Mac 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has been 7.76%. Today, that rate is 2.81%. Flocks of homebuyers have been taking advantage of these remarkably low rates over the last twelve months. However, there's no guarantee rates will remain this ...
In today's housing market, all eyes are on millennials. Not only are millennials the largest generation, but they're also currently between 25 and 40 years old. These are often considered prime homebuying years when many people begin to form their own households and invest in real estate. If you're like many millennials who are spending much more time at home these days, you may have a growing need for more space or upgraded features, making moving more desirable than ever.
For those millennials who already own a home, there's a great opportunity to ...
As more people continue to identify their changing needs this year, some are turning to the upscale housing sector for more space or finer features. In their most recent Luxury Market Report, the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing (ILHM) shares:
In a snapshot of 2020, despite the devasting effects...
Home values appreciated by about ten percent in 2020, and they're forecast to appreciate by about five percent this year. This has some voicing concern that we may be in another housing bubble like the one we experienced a little over a decade ago. Here are three reasons why this market is totally different.
1. This time, housing supply is extremely limited
The price of any market item is determined by supply and demand. If supply is high and demand is low, prices normally decrease. If supply is low and demand is high, prices naturally increase.
In real estate, supply and demand are measured in ...
Is the idea of saving for a down payment holding you back from buying a home right now? You may be eager to take advantage of today's low mortgage rates, but the thought of needing a large down payment might make you want to pump the brakes. Today, there's still a common myth that you have to come up with 20% of the total sale price for your down payment. This means people who could buy a home may be putting their plans on hold because they don't have that much saved yet. The reality is, whether you're...
The real estate market is expected to do very well in 2021, with mortgage rates that are hovering at historic lows and forecasted by experts to remain favorable throughout the year. One challenge to the housing industry, however, is the lack of homes available for sale today. Last week, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) released...
As we look back over the past year, we've certainly lived through one of the most stressful periods in recent history. After spending so much more time at home throughout the health crisis, some are wondering if they should move to improve their mental health and well-being. This is no surprise since the U.S. Census Bureau reported an increase in the percentage of adults with symptoms of anxiety and depression in a recent ...
Proposition 19 was approved by voters in November of last year, but it will soon take effect. Many homeowners in our area have expressed interest in this new proposition since they could be eligible for fairly significantly property tax savings when they move, especially if they have lived in their home for some time and the value of their home has increased substantially since it was originally purchased.
A practical example of Proposition 19
Before Proposition 19, if Barry Buyer bought a home in 1975 for $200,000 and the property was now worth $1 million,...
Several times a year (usually beginning in late winter or early Spring), we have homeowner clients contact us because they received an eye-catching letter in the mailing from a local real estate agent claiming, “I may have a buyer for your home” (even though their home is NOT even listed for sale).
CONSUMER WARNING: In most cases, “I Have a Buyer for Your Home” letters are poorly disguised solicitation letter from agents wanting to LIST YOUR HOME FOR SALE --- NOT because they have actual buyers for your home. Your best response is to call a trusted local Realtor, not reply to the solicitation letter.
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If one of the questions you're asking yourself is, Should I sell my house this year? consumer sentiment about selling today should boost your confidence in the right direction. Even with the current health crisis that continues to challenge our nation, Americans still feel good about selling a house. Here's why.
According to the latest Home Purchase Sentiment Index from Fannie Mae, 57% of consumer...
