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601
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History shows rising mortgage rates have not had a negative impact on home prices. Now is still a great time to sell your house thanks to ongoing price appreciation. When you’re ready to find out how much equity you have in your current home and what’s happening with home prices in your local area, let’s connect.
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                    [created_at] => 2019-06-03T18:18:43Z
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                    [updated_at] => 2019-06-03T18:18:43Z
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                    [published_at] => 2024-04-10T16:00:35Z
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    [contents] => As mortgage rates started to rise this year, many homeowners began to wonder if the value of their homes would fall. Here’s the good news. Historically, when mortgage rates rise by a percentage point or more, home values continue to appreciate. The latest data on home prices seems to confirm that trend.

According to data from CoreLogic, home price appreciation has been re-accelerating since November. The graph below shows this increase in home price appreciation in green:

Sellers Have an Opportunity as Home Prices Re-Accelerate | Simplifying The MarketThis is largely due to an ongoing imbalance in supply and demand. Specifically, housing supply is still low, and demand is high. As mortgage rates started to rise this year, many homebuyers rushed to make their purchases before those rates could climb higher. The increased competition drove home prices up even more. Selma Hepp, Deputy Chief Economist at CoreLogic, explains:
“Home price growth continued to gain speed in early spring, as eager buyers tried to get in front of the mortgage rate surge.”
And experts say prices are forecast to continue appreciating, just at a more moderate pace moving forward. A recent article from Fortune says:
“. . . the swift move up in mortgage rates . . . doesn’t mean home prices are about to crash. In fact, every major real estate firm with a publicly released forecast model . . . still predicts home prices will climb further this year.”

What This Means for You

If you’re thinking about selling your house, you should know you have a great opportunity to list your home and capitalize on today’s home price appreciation. As prices rise, so does the value of your home, which gives your equity a big boost. When you sell, you can use that equity toward the purchase of your next home. And at today’s record-level of appreciation, that equity may be enough to cover some (if not all) of your down payment.

Bottom Line

History shows rising mortgage rates have not had a negative impact on home prices. Now is still a great time to sell your house thanks to ongoing price appreciation. When you’re ready to find out how much equity you have in your current home and what’s happening with home prices in your local area, let’s connect. [created_at] => 2022-05-18T18:03:59Z [description] => As mortgage rates started to rise this year, many homeowners began to wonder if the value of their homes would fall. Here’s the good news. Historically, when mortgage rates rise by a percentage point or more, home values continue to appreciate. The latest data on home prices seems to confirm that trend. [exclusive_id] => [expired_at] => [featured_image] => https://files.simplifyingthemarket.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/24094536/20220524-KCM-Share0.jpg [id] => 4055 [kcm_ig_caption] => As mortgage rates started to rise this year, many homeowners began to wonder if the value of their homes would fall. Here’s the good news. Historically, when mortgage rates rise by a percentage point or more, home values continue to appreciate. According to data from CoreLogic, home price appreciation has been re-accelerating since November. This is largely due to an ongoing imbalance in supply and demand. Specifically, housing supply is still low, and demand is high. As mortgage rates started to rise this year, many homebuyers rushed to make their purchases before those rates could climb higher. Selma Hepp, Deputy Chief Economist at CoreLogic, explains: “Home price growth continued to gain speed in early spring, as eager buyers tried to get in front of the mortgage rate surge.” And experts say prices are forecast to continue appreciating, just at a more moderate pace moving forward. A recent article from Fortune says: “. . . the swift move up in mortgage rates . . . doesn’t mean home prices are about to crash. In fact, every major real estate firm with a publicly released forecast model . . . still predicts home prices will climb further this year.” If you’re thinking about selling your house, you should know you have a great opportunity to list your home and capitalize on today’s home price appreciation. When you sell, you can use that equity toward the purchase of your next home. And at today’s record-level of appreciation, that equity may be enough to cover some (if not all) of your down payment. DM me when you’re ready to find out how much equity you have in your current home and what’s happening with home prices in your local area. [kcm_ig_hashtags] => Sellyourhouse,moveuphome,dreamhome,realestate,homeownership,realestategoals,realestatetips,realestatelife,realestatenews,realestateagent,realestateexpert,realestateagency,realestateadvice,realestateblog,realestatemarket,realestateexperts,instarealestate,instarealtor,realestatetipsoftheday,realestatetipsandadvice,justsold,keepingcurrentmatters [kcm_ig_quote] => Sellers have an opportunity with today's home prices. [public_bottom_line] => [published_at] => 2022-05-24T10:00:46Z [related] => Array ( ) [slug] => sellers-have-an-opportunity-with-todays-home-prices [status] => published [tags] => Array ( ) [title] => Sellers Have an Opportunity with Today's Home Prices [updated_at] => 2022-11-16T17:37:18Z [url] => /2022/05/24/sellers-have-an-opportunity-with-todays-home-prices/ )

Sellers Have an Opportunity with Today's Home Prices

As mortgage rates started to rise this year, many homeowners began to wonder if the value of their homes would fall. Here’s the good news. Historically, when mortgage rates rise by a percentage point or more, home values continue to appreciate. The latest data on home prices seems to confirm that trend.
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If you want trustworthy advice when buying or selling a home, let’s connect so you have an expert real estate advisor on your side.
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    [contents] => Because buying or selling a home is such a big decision in our lives, the need for clear, trustworthy information and guidance is crucial. And while no one can give you perfect advice, when you align yourself with an expert, you’ll get the best advice for your situation.

An Expert Will Give You the Best Advice Possible

Let’s say you need an attorney, so you seek out an expert in the type of law required for your case. When you go to their office, they won’t immediately tell you how the case is going to end or how the judge or jury will rule. What a good attorney can do, though, is discuss the most effective strategies you can take. They may recommend one or two approaches they believe will work well for your case. Then, they’ll leave you to make the decision on which option you want to pursue. Once you decide, they can help you put a plan together based on the facts at hand. They’ll use their expert knowledge to work toward the resolution you want and make whatever modifications in the strategy necessary to try and achieve that outcome. Similarly, the job of a trusted real estate professional is to give you the best advice for your situation. Just like you can’t find a lawyer to give you perfect advice, you won’t find a real estate professional who can either. They can’t because it’s impossible to know exactly what’s going to happen throughout your transaction. They also can’t predict exactly what will happen with conditions in today’s housing market. But an expert real estate advisor is knowledgeable about market trends and the ins and outs of the homebuying and selling process. With that knowledge, they can anticipate what could happen based on your situation and help you put together a solid plan. And they’ll guide you through the process, helping you make decisions along the way. That’s the very definition of getting the best – not perfect – advice. And that’s the power of working with an expert real estate advisor.

Bottom Line

If you want trustworthy advice when buying or selling a home, let’s connect so you have an expert real estate advisor on your side. [created_at] => 2022-05-18T13:34:14Z [description] => Because buying or selling a home is such a big decision in our lives, the need for clear, trustworthy information and guidance is crucial. And while no one can give you perfect advice, when you align yourself with an expert, you’ll get the best advice for your situation. [exclusive_id] => [expired_at] => [featured_image] => https://files.simplifyingthemarket.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/18092712/20220523-KCM-Share.jpg [id] => 4053 [kcm_ig_caption] => Because buying or selling a home is such a big decision in our lives, the need for clear, trustworthy information and guidance is crucial. And while no one can give you perfect advice, when you align yourself with an expert, you’ll get the best advice for your situation. Let’s say you need an attorney, so you seek out an expert in the type of law required for your case. When you go to their office, they won’t immediately tell you how the case is going to end or how the judge or jury will rule. They may recommend one or two approaches they believe will work well for your case. Then, they’ll leave you to make the decision on which option you want to pursue. Once you decide, they can help you put a plan together based on the facts at hand. Similarly, the job of a trusted real estate professional is to give you the best advice for your situation. Just like you can’t find a lawyer to give you perfect advice, you won’t find a real estate professional who can either. They can’t because it’s impossible to know exactly what’s going to happen throughout your transaction. They also can’t predict exactly what will happen with conditions in today’s housing market. But an expert real estate advisor is knowledgeable about market trends and the ins and outs of the homebuying and selling process. With that knowledge, they can anticipate what could happen based on your situation and help you put together a solid plan. And they’ll guide you through the process, helping you make decisions along the way. That’s the very definition of getting the best – not perfect – advice. DM me if you want trustworthy advice when buying or selling a home. [kcm_ig_hashtags] => expertanswers,stayinformed,staycurrent,powerfuldecisions,confidentdecisions,realestate,homevalues,homeownership,homebuying,realestategoals,realestatetips,realestatelife,realestatenews,realestateagent,realestateexpert,realestateagency,realestateadvice,realestateblog,realestatemarket,realestateexperts,instarealestate,instarealtor,realestatetipsoftheday,realestatetipsandadvice,keepingcurrentmatters [kcm_ig_quote] => Work with a real estate professional if you want the best advice. [public_bottom_line] => [published_at] => 2022-05-23T10:00:06Z [related] => Array ( ) [slug] => work-with-a-real-estate-professional-if-you-want-the-best-advice [status] => published [tags] => Array ( ) [title] => Work With a Real Estate Professional if You Want the Best Advice [updated_at] => 2022-11-16T17:36:42Z [url] => /2022/05/23/work-with-a-real-estate-professional-if-you-want-the-best-advice/ )

Work With a Real Estate Professional if You Want the Best Advice

Because buying or selling a home is such a big decision in our lives, the need for clear, trustworthy information and guidance is crucial. And while no one can give you perfect advice, when you align yourself with an expert, you’ll get the best advice for your situation.
601
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  • If recent headlines about rising inflation are making you wonder if it’s still a good time to buy, here’s what experts have to say.
  • Housing is an asset that typically grows in value. Plus, your mortgage helps stabilize your monthly housing costs, and buying protects you from rising rents.
  • Experts say owning a home is historically a good hedge against inflation. Let’s connect if you’re ready to start the homebuying process today.
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Don’t Let Rising Inflation Delay Your Homeownership Plans [INFOGRAPHIC] | Simplifying The Market

Some Highlights

  • If recent headlines about rising inflation are making you wonder if it’s still a good time to buy, here’s what experts have to say.
  • Housing is an asset that typically grows in value. Plus, your mortgage helps stabilize your monthly housing costs, and buying protects you from rising rents.
  • Experts say owning a home is historically a good hedge against inflation. Let’s connect if you’re ready to start the homebuying process today.

[created_at] => 2022-05-18T19:43:44Z [description] =>

Some Highlights

  • If recent headlines about rising inflation are making you wonder if it’s still a good time to buy, here’s what experts have to say.
  • Housing is an asset that typically grows in value. Plus, your mortgage helps stabilize your monthly housing costs, and buying protects you from rising rents.
[exclusive_id] => [expired_at] => [featured_image] => https://files.simplifyingthemarket.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/18153625/20220520-KCM-Share.png [id] => 4056 [kcm_ig_caption] => If recent headlines about rising inflation are making you wonder if it’s still a good time to buy, here’s what experts have to say. Housing is an asset that typically grows in value. Plus, your mortgage helps stabilize your monthly housing costs, and buying protects you from rising rents. Experts say owning a home is historically a good hedge against inflation. DM me if you’re ready to start the homebuying process today. [kcm_ig_hashtags] => expertanswers,stayinformed,staycurrent,powerfuldecisions,confidentdecisions,realestate,homevalues,homeownership,homebuying,realestategoals,realestatetips,realestatelife,realestatenews,realestateagent,realestateexpert,realestateagency,realestateadvice,realestateblog,realestatemarket,realestateexperts,instarealestate,instarealtor,realestatetipsoftheday,realestatetipsandadvice,keepingcurrentmatters [kcm_ig_quote] => Don’t let rising inflation delay your homeownership plans. [public_bottom_line] => [published_at] => 2022-05-20T10:00:25Z [related] => Array ( ) [slug] => dont-let-rising-inflation-delay-your-homeownership-plans-infographic [status] => published [tags] => Array ( ) [title] => Don’t Let Rising Inflation Delay Your Homeownership Plans [INFOGRAPHIC] [updated_at] => 2023-01-19T03:44:02Z [url] => /2022/05/20/dont-let-rising-inflation-delay-your-homeownership-plans-infographic/ )

Don’t Let Rising Inflation Delay Your Homeownership Plans [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights

  • If recent headlines about rising inflation are making you wonder if it’s still a good time to buy, here’s what experts have to say.
  • Housing is an asset that typically grows in value. Plus, your mortgage helps stabilize your monthly housing costs, and buying protects you from rising rents.
601
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We’re not in a recession in this country, but if one is coming, it doesn’t mean homes will lose value. History proves a recession doesn’t equal a housing crisis.
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    [contents] => A recession does not equal a housing crisis. That’s the one thing that every homeowner today needs to know. Everywhere you look, experts are warning we could be heading toward a recession, and if true, an economic slowdown doesn’t mean homes will lose value.

The National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) defines a recession this way:
“A recession is a significant decline in economic activity spread across the economy, normally visible in production, employment, and other indicators. A recession begins when the economy reaches a peak of economic activity and ends when the economy reaches its trough. Between trough and peak, the economy is in an expansion.”
To help show that home prices don’t fall every time there’s a recession, take a look at the historical data. There have been six recessions in this country over the past four decades. As the graph below shows, looking at the recessions going all the way back to the 1980s, home prices appreciated four times and depreciated only two times. So, historically, there’s proof that when the economy slows down, it doesn’t mean home values will fall or depreciate. The One Thing Every Homeowner Needs To Know About a Recession | Simplifying The Market The first occasion on the graph when home values depreciated was in the early 1990s when home prices dropped by less than 2%. It happened again during the housing crisis in 2008 when home values declined by almost 20%. Most people vividly remember the housing crisis in 2008 and think if we were to fall into a recession that we’d repeat what happened then. But this housing market isn’t a bubble that’s about to burst. The fundamentals are very different today than they were in 2008. So, we shouldn’t assume we’re heading down the same path.

Bottom Line

We’re not in a recession in this country, but if one is coming, it doesn’t mean homes will lose value. History proves a recession doesn’t equal a housing crisis. [created_at] => 2022-05-18T15:53:20Z [description] => A recession does not equal a housing crisis. That’s the one thing that every homeowner today needs to know. Everywhere you look, experts are warning we could be heading toward a recession, and if true, an economic slowdown doesn’t mean homes will lose value. [exclusive_id] => [expired_at] => [featured_image] => https://files.simplifyingthemarket.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/18115234/20220519-KCM-Share.jpg [id] => 4054 [kcm_ig_caption] => A recession does not equal a housing crisis. That’s the one thing that every homeowner today needs to know. Everywhere you look, experts are warning we could be heading toward a recession, and if true, an economic slowdown doesn’t mean homes will lose value. The National Bureau of Economic Research defines a recession as, “A recession is a significant decline in economic activity spread across the economy, normally visible in production, employment, and other indicators. A recession begins when the economy reaches a peak of economic activity and ends when the economy reaches its trough. Between trough and peak, the economy is in an expansion.” To help show that home prices don’t fall every time there’s a recession, take a look at the historical data. There have been six recessions in this country over the past four decades. Going all the way back to the 1980s, home prices appreciated four times, and depreciated only two times. So, historically, there’s proof that when the economy slows down, it doesn’t mean home values will fall or depreciate. The first occasion on the graph when home values depreciated was in the early 1990s when home prices dropped by less than 2%. It happened again during the housing crisis in 2008, when home values declined by almost 20%. Most people vividly remember the housing crisis in 2008 and think if we were to fall into a recession that we’d repeat what happened then. But this housing market isn’t a bubble that’s about to burst. The fundamentals are very different today than they were in 2008. So, we shouldn’t assume we’re heading down the same path. [kcm_ig_hashtags] => realestate,homeownership,homebuying,realestategoals,realestatetips,realestatelife,realestatenews,realestateagent,realestateexpert,realestateagency,realestateadvice,realestateblog,realestatemarket,realestateexperts,realestateagents,instarealestate,instarealtor,realestatetipsoftheday,realestatetipsandadvice,keepingcurrentmatters [kcm_ig_quote] => There’s one thing every homeowner needs to know about a recession. [public_bottom_line] => [published_at] => 2022-05-19T10:00:08Z [related] => Array ( ) [slug] => the-one-thing-every-homeowner-needs-to-know-about-a-recession [status] => published [tags] => Array ( ) [title] => The One Thing Every Homeowner Needs To Know About a Recession [updated_at] => 2022-11-16T17:36:56Z [url] => /2022/05/19/the-one-thing-every-homeowner-needs-to-know-about-a-recession/ )

The One Thing Every Homeowner Needs To Know About a Recession

A recession does not equal a housing crisis. That’s the one thing that every homeowner today needs to know. Everywhere you look, experts are warning we could be heading toward a recession, and if true, an economic slowdown doesn’t mean homes will lose value.
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Deciding whether to rent or buy is a personal decision. The financial benefits are critical, but don’t overlook the emotional impact homeownership can have. Let’s connect to discuss all the benefits you can enjoy when you purchase your own home.
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    [contents] => If you're trying to decide whether to rent or buy a home, you're probably weighing a few different factors. The financial benefits of homeownership might be one of the reasons you want to make a purchase if you’re a renter, but the decision can also be motivated by having a place that’s uniquely your own.

If you want to express yourself by upgrading and customizing your living space but are feeling held back by your rental agreement, it might be time to consider the perks of owning your home.

A Little Change Can Bring Lots of Joy

There’s a significant level of pride that comes from owning a home. That’s because it’s a space that truly belongs to you. A recent report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows making updates or remodeling your home can help you feel more at ease and comfortable in your living space. NAR measures this with a Joy Score that indicates how much happiness specific home upgrades bring. According to NAR:
There were numerous interior projects that received a perfect Joy Score of 10: paint entire interior of home, paint one room of home, add a new home office, hardwood flooring refinish, new wood flooring, closet renovation, insulation upgrade, and attic conversion to living area.
The report also breaks down just how much each of these projects can enhance your emotional attachment to your home, even leading you to want to spend even more time in the space (see graph below): How Homeownership Can Bring You Joy | Simplifying The Market And while many of the items NAR highlights are larger tasks, some, like painting rooms, are much smaller. Even those quicker projects can still bring you a greater sense of joy and accomplishment. Not to mention when you make upgrades in your home, you could be increasing its value which also gives your net worth a boost if you invest your time and effort wisely.

You’re Free To Update Your Home to Your Heart’s Content

These types of updates can result in additional happiness when you complete them, but there’s another reason you can feel good as a homeowner. In most situations, you’re free to renovate or update the interior of your home without needing additional permission. But as Business Insider points out, renters may not have the same freedom:
“Your landlord won't always approve changes when you rent. But you have the power to update the home when you're the owner. (Just make sure any big changes are approved by your homeowner's association, if necessary.)”
If you do make changes as a renter, there’s a good chance you’ll need to revert them back at the end of your lease based on your rental agreement. That can add additional costs when you move out. That’s one major benefit of owning your own home. Unless there are specific homeowner’s association requirements, you typically won’t have to worry about the changes you can and can’t make.

Bottom Line

Deciding whether to rent or buy is a personal decision. The financial benefits are critical, but don’t overlook the emotional impact homeownership can have. Let’s connect to discuss all the benefits you can enjoy when you purchase your own home. [created_at] => 2022-05-17T15:52:18Z [description] => If you're trying to decide whether to rent or buy a home, you're probably weighing a few different factors. The financial benefits of homeownership might be one of the reasons you want to make a purchase if you’re a renter, but the decision can also be motivated by having a place that’s uniquely your own. [exclusive_id] => [expired_at] => [featured_image] => https://files.simplifyingthemarket.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/17115141/20220518-KCM-Share.jpg [id] => 4052 [kcm_ig_caption] => If you want to express yourself by upgrading and customizing your living space but are feeling held back by your rental agreement, it might be time to consider the perks of owning your home. There’s a significant level of pride that comes from owning a home. That’s because it’s a space that truly belongs to you. A recent report from NAR shows making updates or remodeling your home can help you feel more at ease and comfortable in your living space. NAR measures this with a Joy Score that indicates how much happiness specific home upgrades bring. According to NAR, “There were numerous interior projects that received a perfect Joy Score of 10: paint entire interior of home, paint one room of home, add a new home office, hardwood flooring refinish, new wood flooring, closet renovation, insulation upgrade, and attic conversion to living area.” In most situations as a homeowner, you’re free to renovate or update the interior of your home without needing additional permission. If you do make changes as a renter, there’s a good chance you’ll need to revert them back at the end of your lease based on your rental agreement. That can add additional costs when you move out. That’s one major benefit of owning your own home. Unless there are specific homeowner’s association requirements, you typically won’t have to worry about the changes you can and can’t make. Deciding whether to rent or buy is a personal decision. The financial benefits are critical, but don’t overlook the emotional impact homeownership can have. DM me to discuss all the benefits you can enjoy when you purchase your own home. [kcm_ig_hashtags] => firsttimehomebuyer,opportunity,homeownership,housingmarket,househunting,makememove,homegoals,houseshopping,housegoals,investmentproperty,emptynest,downsizing,locationlocationlocation,newlisting,homeforsale,renovated,starterhome,dreamhome,curbappeal,keepingcurrentmatters [kcm_ig_quote] => Homeownership can bring you joy. [public_bottom_line] => [published_at] => 2022-05-18T10:00:07Z [related] => Array ( ) [slug] => how-homeownership-can-bring-you-joy [status] => published [tags] => Array ( ) [title] => How Homeownership Can Bring You Joy [updated_at] => 2022-11-16T17:36:25Z [url] => /2022/05/18/how-homeownership-can-bring-you-joy/ )

How Homeownership Can Bring You Joy

If you're trying to decide whether to rent or buy a home, you're probably weighing a few different factors. The financial benefits of homeownership might be one of the reasons you want to make a purchase if you’re a renter, but the decision can also be motivated by having a place that’s uniquely your own.
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For many buyers, rising mortgage rates are motivating them to act now and make a purchase before rates rise higher. To decide what move is best for you, let’s connect so you have expert advice on your side.
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    [contents] => If you’re thinking about buying a home, you’ve probably heard mortgage rates are rising and have wondered what that means for you. Since mortgage rates have increased over two percentage points this year, it’s natural to think about how this will impact your homeownership plans.

Today, buyers are reacting in one of two ways: they’re either making the decision to buy now before rates climb higher or they’re waiting it out in hopes rates will fall. Let’s look at some context that can help you understand why so many buyers are jumping off the fence and into action rather than waiting to buy.

A Look Back: How the Current Mortgage Rate Compares to Historical Data

One factor that could help you make your decision to buy now is how today’s mortgage rates compare to historical data. While higher than the average 30-year fixed rate in recent years, the latest rates are still comparatively low when you look at the bigger picture of where rates have been since 1971 (see graph below): Why Rising Mortgage Rates Push Buyers off the Fence | Simplifying The Market Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American, explains it like this:
“. . . historical context is important. An average 30-year, fixed mortgage rate of 5.5 percent is still well below the historical average of nearly 8 percent.”
If you’re deciding whether to buy now or wait, this is important context to have. Today’s mortgage rate still gives you a window of opportunity to lock in a rate that’s comparatively lower than decades past.

A Look Ahead: What Happens if Rates Climb Further

The buyers who are springing into action now are also motivated to make their move because they know rates have risen steadily this year, and they’re eager to get ahead of any further increases. Why? When mortgage rates climb, they impact the monthly mortgage payment you’ll have on the home you’re buying. Basically, it’ll likely cost you more to buy a home if you wait. Experts say mortgage rates will rise (although more moderately) in the months ahead. Odeta Kushi, Deputy Chief Economist at First American, explains:
“. . . ongoing inflationary pressure remains likely to push mortgage rates even higher in the months to come.”
So, if you’re ready and financially able to buy now, it may make more sense to get off the fence and make your purchase sooner rather than later. As Nadia Evangelou, Senior Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), says:
With even higher interest rates on the horizon, I don’t see any reason to hold off from purchasing a home right now. If you feel financially secure, you should start looking for a home.”
At the end of the day, there is no perfect advice on when to buy a home. What you should do depends on your goals, your finances, and your personal situation. Use this information with the help of local real estate professionals to make an informed decision on what’s best for you. The Mortgage Reports sums it up best:
“. . . if you’re on the fence about whether to buy now or wait for a better deal, buying sooner rather than later might be wise. That said, home buying is always a personal decision. Whether you should buy in 2022 depends on your financial situation and the local housing market where you live.”

Bottom Line

For many buyers, rising mortgage rates are motivating them to act now and make a purchase before rates rise higher. To decide what move is best for you, let’s connect so you have expert advice on your side. [created_at] => 2022-05-13T18:23:35Z [description] => If you’re thinking about buying a home, you’ve probably heard mortgage rates are rising and have wondered what that means for you. Since mortgage rates have increased over two percentage points this year, it’s natural to think about how this will impact your homeownership plans. [exclusive_id] => [expired_at] => [featured_image] => https://files.simplifyingthemarket.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/13142301/20220517-KCM-Share.jpg [id] => 4051 [kcm_ig_caption] => Since mortgage rates have increased over two percentage points this year, it’s natural to think about how this will impact your homeownership plans. Today, buyers are either making the decision to buy now before rates climb higher or waiting it out in hopes rates will fall. Let’s look at some context that can help you understand why so many buyers are jumping off the fence and into action rather than waiting to buy. One factor that could help you make your decision to buy now is how today’s mortgage rates compare to historical data. Mark Fleming at First American explains, “An average 30-year, fixed mortgage rate of 5.5 percent is still well below the historical average of nearly 8 percent.” If you’re deciding whether to buy now or wait, this is important context to have. Today’s mortgage rate still gives you a window of opportunity to lock in a rate that’s comparatively lower than decades past. The buyers who are springing into action now are also eager to get ahead of any further increases. Why? When mortgage rates climb, they impact the monthly mortgage payment you’ll have on the home you’re buying. Basically, it’ll likely cost you more to buy a home if you wait. Experts say mortgage rates will rise (although more moderately) in the months ahead. So, if you’re ready and financially able to buy now, it may make more sense to get off the fence and make your purchase soon. As Nadia Evangelou at NAR says, “With even higher interest rates on the horizon, I don’t see any reason to hold off from purchasing a home right now. If you feel financially secure, you should start looking for a home.” To decide what move is best for you, DM me so you have expert advice on your side. [kcm_ig_hashtags] => expertanswers,stayinformed,staycurrent,powerfuldecisions,confidentdecisions,realestate,homevalues,homeownership,homebuying,realestategoals,realestatetips,realestatelife,realestatenews,realestateagent,realestateexpert,realestateagency,realestateadvice,realestateblog,realestatemarket,realestateexperts,instarealestate,instarealtor,realestatetipsoftheday,realestatetipsandadvice,keepingcurrentmatters [kcm_ig_quote] => This is why rising mortgage rates push buyers off the fence. [public_bottom_line] => [published_at] => 2022-05-17T10:00:46Z [related] => Array ( ) [slug] => why-rising-mortgage-rates-push-buyers-off-the-fence [status] => published [tags] => Array ( ) [title] => Why Rising Mortgage Rates Push Buyers off the Fence [updated_at] => 2022-11-16T17:36:01Z [url] => /2022/05/17/why-rising-mortgage-rates-push-buyers-off-the-fence/ )

Why Rising Mortgage Rates Push Buyers off the Fence

If you’re thinking about buying a home, you’ve probably heard mortgage rates are rising and have wondered what that means for you. Since mortgage rates have increased over two percentage points this year, it’s natural to think about how this will impact your homeownership plans.
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If you’re thinking of selling your home, know buyer demand in today’s market gives you a great opportunity to get the best terms and price when you sell your house. Let’s connect today to discuss how much leverage you have as a seller in today’s market.
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    [contents] => In today’s housing market, homeowners have a great opportunity to sell their house and receive the best terms for their personal situation. That’s because there’s a limited number of homes for sale, which is creating competition among buyers. Right now, homebuyers want three things:

These buyer needs give you an amazing advantage – also known as leverage – when you sell.

What Does This Mean for Sellers Today?

You might already realize this enables you to sell at a good price, but you’re also in a great position to get the best terms to suit your needs. According to the latest Realtors Confidence Index from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the average home sold is receiving 4.8 offers. That’s why there’s a good chance you’ll get offers from multiple buyers who are willing to compete for your house. When you do, you should look closely at the terms of each offer to find out which one has the best options for you. And if you have questions at any point in the process, remember your trusted real estate advisor can help. They’re experts who understand the fine print, know how to compare the terms of various offers, and will help you select the best one for your situation.

Bottom Line

If you’re thinking of selling your home, know buyer demand in today’s market gives you a great opportunity to get the best terms and price when you sell your house. Let’s connect today to discuss how much leverage you have as a seller in today’s market. [created_at] => 2022-05-12T20:48:21Z [description] => In today’s housing market, homeowners have a great opportunity to sell their house and receive the best terms for their personal situation. That’s because there’s a limited number of homes for sale, which is creating competition among buyers. Right now, homebuyers want three things: [exclusive_id] => [expired_at] => [featured_image] => https://files.simplifyingthemarket.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/12164048/20220516-KCM-Share.jpg [id] => 4049 [kcm_ig_caption] => In today’s housing market, homeowners have a great opportunity to sell their house and receive the best terms for their personal situation. That’s because there’s a limited number of homes for sale, which is creating competition among buyers. Right now, homebuyers want three things: • To be the winning bid on their dream home • To buy before mortgage rates rise more • To buy before home prices go even higher These buyer needs give you an amazing advantage – also known as leverage – when you sell. >>What Does This Mean for Sellers Today? You might already realize this enables you to sell at a good price, but you’re also in a great position to get the best terms to suit your needs. According to the latest Realtors Confidence Index from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the average home sold is receiving 4.8 offers. That’s why there’s a good chance you’ll get offers from multiple buyers who are willing to compete for your house. When you do, you should look closely at the terms of each offer to find out which one has the best options for you. And if you have questions at any point in the process, remember your trusted real estate advisor can help. They’re experts who understand the fine print, know how to compare the terms of various offers, and will help you select the best one for your situation. If you’re thinking of selling your home, know buyer demand in today’s market gives you a great opportunity to get the best terms and price when you sell your house. DM me today to discuss how much leverage you have as a seller in today’s market. [kcm_ig_hashtags] => realestate,homeownership,homebuying,realestategoals,realestatetips,realestatelife,realestatenews,realestateagent,realestateexpert,realestateagency,realestateadvice,realestateblog,realestatemarket,realestateexperts,realestateagents,instarealestate,instarealtor,realestatetipsoftheday,realestatetipsandadvice,keepingcurrentmatters [kcm_ig_quote] => If you’re a homeowner, you have incredible leverage when you sell today. [public_bottom_line] => [published_at] => 2022-05-16T10:00:36Z [related] => Array ( ) [slug] => if-youre-a-homeowner-you-have-incredible-leverage-when-you-sell-today [status] => published [tags] => Array ( ) [title] => If You’re a Homeowner, You Have Incredible Leverage When You Sell Today [updated_at] => 2022-11-16T17:35:35Z [url] => /2022/05/16/if-youre-a-homeowner-you-have-incredible-leverage-when-you-sell-today/ )

If You’re a Homeowner, You Have Incredible Leverage When You Sell Today

In today’s housing market, homeowners have a great opportunity to sell their house and receive the best terms for their personal situation. That’s because there’s a limited number of homes for sale, which is creating competition among buyers. Right now, homebuyers want three things:
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  • If you’re deciding whether you should make updates before you sell your house, lean on your trusted real estate advisor to be your guide.
  • In today’s sellers’ market, buyers have limited options and may be more willing to take on repairs themselves.
  • If you’re thinking about selling your house, let’s connect so you have expert advice that’s customized to your home and our local area.
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Should You Update Your House Before Selling? Ask a Real Estate Professional. [INFOGRAPHIC] | Simplifying The Market

Some Highlights

  • If you’re deciding whether you should make updates before you sell your house, lean on your trusted real estate advisor to be your guide.
  • In today’s sellers’ market, buyers have limited options and may be more willing to take on repairs themselves.
  • If you’re thinking about selling your house, let’s connect so you have expert advice that’s customized to your home and our local area.

[created_at] => 2022-05-11T18:50:50Z [description] =>

Some Highlights

  • If you’re deciding whether you should make updates before you sell your house, lean on your trusted real estate advisor to be your guide.
  • In today’s sellers’ market, buyers have limited options and may be more willing to take on repairs themselves.
[exclusive_id] => [expired_at] => [featured_image] => https://files.simplifyingthemarket.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/11144319/20220513-KCM-Share.png [id] => 4042 [kcm_ig_caption] => If you’re deciding whether you should make updates before you sell your house, lean on your trusted real estate advisor to be your guide. In today’s sellers’ market, buyers have limited options and may be more willing to take on repairs themselves. If you’re thinking about selling your house, DM me so you have expert advice that’s customized to your home and our local area. [kcm_ig_hashtags] => expertanswers,stayinformed,staycurrent,powerfuldecisions,confidentdecisions,realestate,homevalues,homeownership,homebuying,realestategoals,realestatetips,realestatelife,realestatenews,realestateagent,realestateexpert,realestateagency,realestateadvice,realestateblog,realestatemarket,realestateexperts,instarealestate,instarealtor,realestatetipsoftheday,realestatetipsandadvice,keepingcurrentmatters [kcm_ig_quote] => Should you update your house before selling? Ask a real estate professional. [public_bottom_line] => [published_at] => 2022-05-13T10:00:16Z [related] => Array ( ) [slug] => should-you-update-your-house-before-selling-ask-a-real-estate-professional-infographic [status] => published [tags] => Array ( ) [title] => Should You Update Your House Before Selling? Ask a Real Estate Professional. [INFOGRAPHIC] [updated_at] => 2023-01-19T03:44:05Z [url] => /2022/05/13/should-you-update-your-house-before-selling-ask-a-real-estate-professional-infographic/ )

Should You Update Your House Before Selling? Ask a Real Estate Professional. [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights

  • If you’re deciding whether you should make updates before you sell your house, lean on your trusted real estate advisor to be your guide.
  • In today’s sellers’ market, buyers have limited options and may be more willing to take on repairs themselves.
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If you see headlines about the increasing number of foreclosures today, remember context is important. While it’s true the number of foreclosures is higher now than it was last year, foreclosures are still well below pre-pandemic years.

If you have questions, let’s connect to talk through the latest market conditions and what they mean for you.
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    [contents] => While you may have seen recent stories about the volume of foreclosures today, context is important. During the pandemic, many homeowners were able to pause their mortgage payments using the forbearance program. The goal was to help homeowners financially during the uncertainty created by the health crisis.

When the forbearance program began, many experts were concerned it would result in a wave of foreclosures coming to the market, as there was after the housing crash in 2008. Here’s a look at why the number of foreclosures we’re seeing today is nothing like the last time.

1. There Are Fewer Homeowners in Trouble

Today’s data shows that most homeowners are exiting their forbearance plan either fully caught up on payments or with a plan from the bank that restructured their loan in a way that allowed them to start making payments again. The graph below depicts those findings from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA): What You Actually Need To Know About the Number of Foreclosures in Today’s Housing Market | Simplifying The Market The same MBA report mentioned above estimates there are approximately 525,000 homeowners who remain in forbearance today. Thankfully, those people still have the chance to work out a suitable repayment plan with the servicing company that represents their lender.

2. Most Homeowners Have Enough Equity To Sell Their Homes

For those who are exiting the forbearance program without a plan in place, many will have enough equity to sell their homes instead of facing foreclosures. Due to rapidly rising home prices over the last two years, the average homeowner has gained record amounts of equity in their home. Marina Walsh, CMB, Vice President of Industry Analysis at MBA, says:
“Given the nation’s limited housing inventory and the variety of home retention and foreclosure alternatives on the table across various loan types, . . . Borrowers have more choices today to either stay in their homes or sell without resorting to a foreclosure.”

3. There Have Been Fewer Foreclosures over the Last Two Years

One of the seldom-reported benefits of the forbearance program was it gave homeowners facing difficulties an extra two years to get their finances in order and work out a plan with their lender. That helped prevent the foreclosures that normally would have come to the market had the new forbearance program not been available. Even as people leave the forbearance program, there are still fewer foreclosures happening today than before the pandemic. That means, while there are more foreclosures now compared to last year (when foreclosures were paused), the number is still well below what the housing market has seen in a more typical year, like 2017-2019 (see graph below): What You Actually Need To Know About the Number of Foreclosures in Today’s Housing Market | Simplifying The Market

4. The Current Market Can Easily Absorb New Listings

When the foreclosures in 2008 hit the market, they added to the oversupply of houses that were already for sale. It’s exactly the opposite today. The latest Existing Home Sales Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reveals:
“Total housing inventory at the end of March totaled 950,000 units, up 11.8% from February and down 9.5% from one year ago (1.05 million). Unsold inventory sits at a 2.0-month supply at the present sales pace, up from 1.7 months in February and down from 2.1 months in March 2021.”
A balanced market would have approximately a six-month supply of inventory. At 2.0 months, today’s housing market is severely understocked. Even if one million homes enter the market, there still won’t be enough inventory to meet the current demand.

Bottom Line

If you see headlines about the increasing number of foreclosures today, remember context is important. While it’s true the number of foreclosures is higher now than it was last year, foreclosures are still well below pre-pandemic years. If you have questions, let’s connect to talk through the latest market conditions and what they mean for you. [created_at] => 2022-05-11T16:54:34Z [description] => While you may have seen recent stories about the volume of foreclosures today, context is important. During the pandemic, many homeowners were able to pause their mortgage payments using the forbearance program. The goal was to help homeowners financially during the uncertainty created by the health crisis. [exclusive_id] => [expired_at] => [featured_image] => https://files.simplifyingthemarket.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/11125343/20220512-KCM-Share.jpg [id] => 4041 [kcm_ig_caption] => When the forbearance program began, many experts were concerned it would result in a wave of foreclosures coming to the market, like there was after the housing crash in 2008. Here’s a look at why the number of foreclosures we’re seeing today is nothing like the last time. >>There Are Fewer Homeowners in Trouble Today’s data shows that most homeowners are exiting their forbearance plan either fully caught up on payments or with a plan from the bank that restructured their loan in a way that allowed them to start making payments again. >>Most Homeowners Have Enough Equity To Sell Their Homes For those who are exiting the forbearance program without a plan in place, many will have enough equity to sell their homes instead of facing foreclosures. Due to rapidly rising home prices over the last two years, the average homeowner has gained record amounts of equity in their home. >>There Have Been Fewer Foreclosures over the Last Two Years One of the seldom-reported benefits of the forbearance program was it gave homeowners facing difficulties an extra two years to get their finances in order and work out a plan with their lender. That helped prevent the foreclosures that normally would have come to the market had the new forbearance program not been available. >>The Current Market Can Easily Absorb New Listings A balanced market would have approximately a six-month supply of inventory. At 2.0 months, today’s housing market is severely understocked. Even if one million homes enter the market, there still won’t be enough inventory to meet the current demand. If you have questions, DM me to talk through the latest market conditions and what they mean for you. [kcm_ig_hashtags] => realestate,homeownership,homebuying,realestategoals,realestatetips,realestatelife,realestatenews,realestateagent,realestateexpert,realestateagency,realestateadvice,realestateblog,realestatemarket,realestateexperts,realestateagents,instarealestate,instarealtor,realestatetipsoftheday,realestatetipsandadvice,keepingcurrentmatters [kcm_ig_quote] => Here’s what you actually need to know about the number of foreclosures in today’s market. [public_bottom_line] => [published_at] => 2022-05-12T10:00:14Z [related] => Array ( ) [slug] => what-you-actually-need-to-know-about-the-number-of-foreclosures-in-todays-housing-market [status] => published [tags] => Array ( ) [title] => What You Actually Need To Know About the Number of Foreclosures in Today’s Housing Market [updated_at] => 2022-11-16T17:35:09Z [url] => /2022/05/12/what-you-actually-need-to-know-about-the-number-of-foreclosures-in-todays-housing-market/ )

What You Actually Need To Know About the Number of Foreclosures in Today’s Housing Market

While you may have seen recent stories about the volume of foreclosures today, context is important. During the pandemic, many homeowners were able to pause their mortgage payments using the forbearance program. The goal was to help homeowners financially during the uncertainty created by the health crisis.
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    [contents] => According to a recent survey from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), one of the top challenges buyers face in today’s housing market is finding a home that meets their needs. That’s largely because the inventory of homes for sale is so low today.

If you’re looking to buy a home, you may have noticed this yourself. But there is good news. Recent data shows more sellers are listing their houses this season, which may give you more options for your home search.

Early Signs Inventory May Be Growing

The latest data from realtor.com shows the number of listings coming onto the market, known in the industry as “new listings,” has increased since the start of the year (see graph below): Are There More Homes Coming to the Market? | Simplifying The Market This indicates more sellers are listing their homes for sale each month this year. And according to realtor.com, this growth is expected to continue. Their research finds the majority of potential sellers plan to list their homes over the next six months. Realtor.com says:
“. . . markets may see a noticeable bump in the number of homes for sale as we move through spring and into summer. A majority of homeowners planning to sell this year indicated that they aim to list in the next six months, with almost 10% having already placed their properties on the market.”

Homes Are Still Selling Quickly

But while new listings are increasing, it’s important to know they’re also selling quickly. The latest Realtors Confidence Index from NAR shows the median days on market for recently sold homes since the beginning of the year (see chart below). The time on market has decreased month-over-month. That means homes are selling even faster than they did the previous month. Are There More Homes Coming to the Market? | Simplifying The Market

What That Means for You

While a low-inventory market is difficult to navigate as a buyer, there is hope. The growing number of new listings and the expectation more sellers will list their homes in the coming months is great news if you’ve had a hard time finding a home that fits your needs. Just remember, those new listings are going fast. That means you’ll want to keep your foot on the gas and be ready to act if you find a home you love this season. Your agent can help you stay on top of the latest listings in your area so you can find the home that’s right for you and submit your strongest offer as quickly as possible.

Bottom Line

If you’ve been having a hard time finding your dream home, stick with your search. More options are coming to market and your ideal home could be one of them. Let’s connect so you can stay up to date on the latest listings in our market, so you can be ready to move fast when you find the one that’s right for you. [created_at] => 2022-05-10T20:35:54Z [description] => According to a recent survey from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), one of the top challenges buyers face in today’s housing market is finding a home that meets their needs. That’s largely because the inventory of homes for sale is so low today. [exclusive_id] => [expired_at] => [featured_image] => https://files.simplifyingthemarket.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/10163454/20220511-KCM-Share.jpg [id] => 4040 [kcm_ig_caption] => According to a recent survey NAR, one of the top challenges buyers face in today’s housing market is finding a home that meets their needs. That’s largely because the inventory of homes for sale is so low today. If you’re looking to buy a home, you may have noticed this yourself. But there is good news. Recent data shows more sellers are listing their houses this season, which may give you more options for your home search. The latest data from realtor.com shows the number of listings coming onto the market has increased since the start of the year. And according to realtor.com, this growth is expected to continue. Their research finds the majority of potential sellers plan to list their homes over the next six months. But while new listings are increasing, it’s important to know they’re also selling quickly. The latest Realtors Confidence Index from NAR shows the median days on market for recently sold homes since the beginning of the year. The time on market has decreased month-over-month. That means homes are selling even faster than they did the previous month. While a low-inventory market is difficult to navigate as a buyer, there is hope. The growing number of new listings and the expectation more sellers will list their homes in the coming months is great news if you’ve had a hard time finding a home that fits your needs. Just remember, those new listings are going fast. That means you’ll want to keep your foot on the gas and be ready to act if you find a home you love this season. DM me so you can stay up to date on the latest listings in our market, so you can be ready to move fast when you find the one that’s right for you. [kcm_ig_hashtags] => firsttimehomebuyer,opportunity,homeownership,housingmarket,househunting,makememove,homegoals,houseshopping,housegoals,investmentproperty,emptynest,downsizing,locationlocationlocation,newlisting,homeforsale,renovated,starterhome,dreamhome,curbappeal,keepingcurrentmatters [kcm_ig_quote] => Are there more homes coming to the market? [public_bottom_line] => [published_at] => 2022-05-11T10:00:46Z [related] => Array ( ) [slug] => are-there-more-homes-coming-to-the-market [status] => published [tags] => Array ( ) [title] => Are There More Homes Coming to the Market? [updated_at] => 2022-11-16T17:34:40Z [url] => /2022/05/11/are-there-more-homes-coming-to-the-market/ )

Are There More Homes Coming to the Market?

According to a recent survey from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), one of the top challenges buyers face in today’s housing market is finding a home that meets their needs. That’s largely because the inventory of homes for sale is so low today.
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If you’re thinking of selling to move up, you shouldn’t wait for prices to fall. Experts say prices will continue to appreciate this year. That means, if you’re ready, buying your next home before prices climb further may make the most financial sense. Let’s connect to begin the process of selling your current home and looking for your next one before prices rise higher.
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    [contents] => Many people are wondering: will home prices fall this year? Whether you’re a potential homebuyer, seller, or both, the answer to this question matters for you. Let’s break down what’s happening with home prices, where experts say they’re headed, and how this impacts your homeownership goals.

What’s Happening with Home Prices? 

Home prices have seen 121 consecutive months of year-over-year increases. CoreLogic says:
Price appreciation averaged 15% for the full year of 2021, up from the 2020 full year average of 6%.”
So why are prices climbing so much? It’s because there are more buyers than there are homes for sale. This imbalance is expected to maintain that upward pressure on home prices because homes for sale are a hot commodity in today’s low-inventory housing market.

Where Do Experts Say Prices Will Go from Here?

Experts say the housing market isn’t set up for a price decline due to that ongoing imbalance between supply and demand. In the latest home price forecasts for 2022, they’re calling for ongoing appreciation throughout the year (see graph below): Will Home Prices Fall This Year? Here’s What Experts Say | Simplifying The Market While the experts are forecasting more moderate price appreciation, the 2022 projections show price gains will remain strong throughout this year. First American explains it like this:
While house price growth is expected to moderate from the rapid pace of 2021, strong home buyer demand against a backdrop of historically tight inventory of homes for sale will likely keep appreciation positive in the coming year.”

What Does That Mean for You?

The biggest takeaway is that none of the experts are projecting depreciation. If you’re a homeowner thinking about selling, the higher price appreciation over the last two years has been great for your home’s value, but it’s also something you should factor in when planning your next steps. If you’ll also be buying a home after selling your current house, you shouldn’t wait for prices to fall. Waiting will only cost you more in the long run because climbing mortgage rates and rising home prices will have an impact on your next home purchase. Freddie Mac says:
“If you’re thinking about waiting until next year and that maybe rates are higher, but you’ll get a deal on prices – well that’s risky. It may be more advantageous to purchase this year relative to waiting until 2023 at this time.”

Bottom Line

If you’re thinking of selling to move up, you shouldn’t wait for prices to fall. Experts say prices will continue to appreciate this year. That means, if you’re ready, buying your next home before prices climb further may make the most financial sense. Let’s connect to begin the process of selling your current home and looking for your next one before prices rise higher. [created_at] => 2022-05-06T19:34:49Z [description] => Many people are wondering: will home prices fall this year? Whether you’re a potential homebuyer, seller, or both, the answer to this question matters for you. Let’s break down what’s happening with home prices, where experts say they’re headed, and how this impacts your homeownership goals. [exclusive_id] => [expired_at] => [featured_image] => https://files.simplifyingthemarket.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/06153409/20220510-KCM-Share.jpg [id] => 4039 [kcm_ig_caption] => Many people are wondering: will home prices fall this year? Whether you’re a potential homebuyer, seller, or both, the answer to this question matters for you. Let’s break down what’s happening with home prices, where experts say they’re headed, and how this impacts your homeownership goals. >>What’s Happening with Home Prices? Home prices have seen 121 consecutive months of year-over-year increases. CoreLogic says, “Price appreciation averaged 15% for the full year of 2021, up from the 2020 full year average of 6%.” So why are prices climbing so much? It’s because there are more buyers than there are homes for sale. This imbalance is expected to maintain that upward pressure on home prices because homes for sale are a hot commodity in today’s low-inventory housing market. >>Where Do Experts Say Prices Will Go from Here? Experts say the housing market isn’t set up for a price decline due to that ongoing imbalance between supply and demand. In the latest home price forecasts for 2022, they’re calling for ongoing appreciation throughout the year. While the experts are forecasting more moderate price appreciation, the 2022 projections show price gains will remain strong throughout this year. If you’re thinking of selling to move up, you shouldn’t wait for prices to fall. Experts say prices will continue to appreciate this year. That means, if you’re ready, buying your next home before prices climb further may make the most financial sense. DM me to begin the process of selling your current home and looking for your next one before prices rise higher. [kcm_ig_hashtags] => realestate,homeownership,homebuying,realestategoals,realestatetips,realestatelife,realestatenews,realestateagent,realestateexpert,realestateagency,realestateadvice,realestateblog,realestatemarket,realestateexperts,realestateagents,instarealestate,instarealtor,realestatetipsoftheday,realestatetipsandadvice,keepingcurrentmatters [kcm_ig_quote] => Will home prices fall this year? Here’s what experts say. [public_bottom_line] => [published_at] => 2022-05-10T10:00:45Z [related] => Array ( ) [slug] => will-home-prices-fall-this-year-heres-what-experts-say [status] => published [tags] => Array ( ) [title] => Will Home Prices Fall This Year? Here’s What Experts Say. [updated_at] => 2022-11-16T17:34:15Z [url] => /2022/05/10/will-home-prices-fall-this-year-heres-what-experts-say/ )

Will Home Prices Fall This Year? Here’s What Experts Say.

Many people are wondering: will home prices fall this year? Whether you’re a potential homebuyer, seller, or both, the answer to this question matters for you. Let’s break down what’s happening with home prices, where experts say they’re headed, and how this impacts your homeownership goals.
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Even small increases in mortgage rates can impact your purchasing power. If you’re in the process of buying a home, it’s more important than ever to have a strong plan. Let’s connect so you have a trusted real estate advisor and a lender on your side who can help you strategize to achieve your dream of homeownership this season.
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    [contents] => If you’re planning to buy a home, it’s critical to understand the relationship between mortgage rates and your purchasing power. Purchasing power is the amount of home you can afford to buy that’s within your financial reach. Mortgage rates directly impact the monthly payment you’ll have on the home you purchase. So, when rates rise, so does the monthly payment you’re able to lock in on your home loan. In a rising-rate environment like we’re in today, that could limit your future purchasing power.

Today, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is above 5%, and in the near term, experts say that’ll likely go up in the months ahead. You have the opportunity to get ahead of that increase if you buy now before that impacts your purchasing power.

Mortgage Rates Play a Large Role in Your Home Search

The chart below can help you understand the general relationship between mortgage rates and a typical monthly mortgage payment within a range of loan amounts. Let’s say your budget allows for a monthly mortgage payment in the $2,100-$2,200 range. The green in the chart indicates a payment within that range, while the red is a payment that exceeds it (see chart below): How Today’s Mortgage Rates Impact Your Home Purchase | Simplifying The Market As the chart shows, you’re more likely to exceed your target payment range as mortgage rates increase unless you pursue a lower home loan amount. If you’re ready to buy a home, use this as your motivation to purchase now so you can get ahead of rising rates before you have to make the decision to decrease what you borrow in order to stay comfortably within your budget.

Work with Trusted Advisors To Know Your Budget and Make a Plan

It’s critical to keep your budget top of mind as you’re searching for a home. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at realtor.com, puts it best, advising that buyers should:
Get preapproved with where rates are today, but also consider what would happen if rates were to go up, say another quarter of a point, . . . Know what that would do to your monthly costs and how comfortable you are with that, so that if rates do move higher, you already know how you need to adjust in response.”
No matter what, the best strategy is to work with your real estate advisor and a trusted lender to create a plan that takes rising mortgage rates into consideration. Together, you can look at your budget based on where rates are today and craft a strategy so you’re ready to adjust as rates change.

Bottom Line

Even small increases in mortgage rates can impact your purchasing power. If you’re in the process of buying a home, it’s more important than ever to have a strong plan. Let’s connect so you have a trusted real estate advisor and a lender on your side who can help you strategize to achieve your dream of homeownership this season. [created_at] => 2022-05-06T14:43:03Z [description] => If you’re planning to buy a home, it’s critical to understand the relationship between mortgage rates and your purchasing power. Purchasing power is the amount of home you can afford to buy that’s within your financial reach. Mortgage rates directly impact the monthly payment you’ll have on the home you purchase. So, when rates rise, so does the monthly payment you’re able to lock in on your home loan. In a rising-rate environment like we’re in today, that could limit your future purchasing power. [exclusive_id] => [expired_at] => [featured_image] => https://files.simplifyingthemarket.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/06104226/20220509-KCM-Share.jpg [id] => 4038 [kcm_ig_caption] => If you’re planning to buy a home, it’s critical to understand the relationship between mortgage rates and your purchasing power. Purchasing power is the amount of home you can afford to buy that’s within your financial reach. Mortgage rates directly impact the monthly payment you’ll have on the home you purchase. So, when rates rise, so does the monthly payment you’re able to lock in on your home loan. In a rising-rate environment like we’re in today, that could limit your future purchasing power. Today, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is above 5%, and in the near-term, experts say that’ll likely go up in the months ahead. You have the opportunity to get ahead of that increase if you buy now before that impacts your purchasing power. >>Mortgage Rates Play a Large Role in Your Home Search You’re more likely to exceed your target payment range as mortgage rates increase unless you pursue a lower home loan amount. If you’re ready to buy a home, use this as your motivation to purchase now so you can get ahead of rising rates before you have to make the decision to decrease what you borrow in order to stay comfortably within your budget. Even small increases in mortgage rates can impact your purchasing power. If you’re in the process of buying a home, it’s more important than ever to have a strong plan. DM me so you have a trusted real estate advisor and a lender on your side who can help you strategize to achieve your dream of homeownership this season. [kcm_ig_hashtags] => realestate,homeownership,homebuying,realestategoals,realestatetips,realestatelife,realestatenews,realestateagent,realestateexpert,realestateagency,realestateadvice,realestateblog,realestatemarket,realestateexperts,realestateagents,instarealestate,instarealtor,realestatetipsoftheday,realestatetipsandadvice,keepingcurrentmatters [kcm_ig_quote] => Today’s mortgage rates impact your home purchase. [public_bottom_line] => [published_at] => 2022-05-09T10:00:01Z [related] => Array ( ) [slug] => how-todays-mortgage-rates-impact-your-home-purchase [status] => published [tags] => Array ( ) [title] => How Today’s Mortgage Rates Impact Your Home Purchase [updated_at] => 2022-11-16T17:33:48Z [url] => /2022/05/09/how-todays-mortgage-rates-impact-your-home-purchase/ )

How Today’s Mortgage Rates Impact Your Home Purchase

If you’re planning to buy a home, it’s critical to understand the relationship between mortgage rates and your purchasing power. Purchasing power is the amount of home you can afford to buy that’s within your financial reach. Mortgage rates directly impact the monthly payment you’ll have on the home you purchase. So, when rates rise, so does the monthly payment you’re able to lock in on your home loan. In a rising-rate environment like we’re in today, that could limit your future purchasing power.
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2022 Housing Market Forecast [INFOGRAPHIC] | Simplifying The Market

Some Highlights

[created_at] => 2022-05-05T17:17:42Z [description] =>

Some Highlights

  • What does the rest of the year hold for the housing market? Here’s what experts have to say about what lies ahead.
  • Home prices are projected to rise and so are mortgage rates. Experts are also forecasting another strong year for home sales as people move to meet their changing needs.
[exclusive_id] => [expired_at] => [featured_image] => https://files.simplifyingthemarket.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/05130333/20220506-KCM-Share.png [id] => 4037 [kcm_ig_caption] => What does the rest of the year hold for the housing market? Here’s what experts have to say about what lies ahead. Home prices are projected to rise and so are mortgage rates. Experts are also forecasting another strong year for home sales as people move to meet their changing needs. DM me so you can make your best move this year. [kcm_ig_hashtags] => expertanswers,stayinformed,staycurrent,powerfuldecisions,confidentdecisions,realestate,homevalues,homeownership,homebuying,realestategoals,realestatetips,realestatelife,realestatenews,realestateagent,realestateexpert,realestateagency,realestateadvice,realestateblog,realestatemarket,realestateexperts,instarealestate,instarealtor,realestatetipsoftheday,realestatetipsandadvice,keepingcurrentmatters [kcm_ig_quote] => 2022 Housing Market Forecast [public_bottom_line] => [published_at] => 2022-05-06T10:00:21Z [related] => Array ( ) [slug] => 2022-housing-market-forecast-infographic [status] => published [tags] => Array ( ) [title] => 2022 Housing Market Forecast [INFOGRAPHIC] [updated_at] => 2023-01-19T03:44:09Z [url] => /2022/05/06/2022-housing-market-forecast-infographic/ )

2022 Housing Market Forecast [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights

  • What does the rest of the year hold for the housing market? Here’s what experts have to say about what lies ahead.
  • Home prices are projected to rise and so are mortgage rates. Experts are also forecasting another strong year for home sales as people move to meet their changing needs.
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Knowledge is key to succeeding on your homebuying journey. Knowing market trends, what you need for a down payment, and what options you have as a buyer today can give you the confidence you need to buy a home. Let’s connect so you have an expert on your side who can help you navigate the homebuying process.
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    [contents] => Buying your first home is a major decision and an exciting milestone. Even though it can feel daunting at times, it has the power to change your life for the better. If you're looking to purchase your first home, you may be wondering what's happening in the housing market today, how much you need to save, and where to start.

Here are three things that can help give you the information you need to confidently pursue your dream of homeownership.

1. Consider All Options When the Number of Homes for Sale Is Low

Today, there are far more buyers in the market than there are homes available for sale. When that happens, it’s a good idea to do what you can to increase your pool of options. That could mean expanding your search to include additional housing types. For first-time buyers, considering condominiums (condos) and townhomes can be an excellent way to increase your choices. According to Bankrate:
“Townhomes often cost less than single-family homes of a similar size in the same location.”
In another article, Bankrate also says:
“Buying a condo can be a great way to dive into homeownership without worrying about the upkeep that comes with single-family homes and townhouses.”
Condos and townhomes are both great entryways into homeownership. When you buy either one, you can start building equity which increases your net worth and can fuel a future move.

2. Know Your Down Payment Could Be More Within Reach Than You Think

Saving for a down payment can feel like one of the biggest obstacles for homebuyers, but that doesn’t have to be the case. As the National Association of Realtors (NAR) says:
One of the biggest misconceptions among housing consumers is what the typical down payment is and what amount is needed to enter homeownership.”
Data from NAR shows the median down payment hasn’t been over 20% since 2005. The graph below breaks down the median down payment by age group for recent homebuyers according to the 2022 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report from NAR (see graph below): Three Tips for First-Time Homebuyers | Simplifying The Market Based on the data above, the median down payment for all homebuyers is only 13%. That’s well below the common misconception of 20%, and it’s even lower for younger buyers. This could mean you may not need to save as much for a down payment as you initially thought. There are also down payment assistance programs available for many buyers. Not to mention, some loan options require as little as 3.5% (or even 0%) down for buyers who qualify. While there are advantages to putting 20% down, especially in today’s competitive market, know that you have options.  To get more information on how much you may need to save and the help that’s available, talk with a professional.

3. Work with a Trusted Real Estate Advisor Throughout the Process

Finally, no matter where you’re at in your homeownership journey, the best way to make sure you’re set up for success is to work with a real estate professional. If you’re just starting out, they can help you with the initial steps, like educating you on the process and connecting you with a trusted lender to get pre-approved. Once you’re ready to begin your search, a real estate professional can help you understand your local market and search for available homes. And when it’s time to make an offer, they’ll be an expert advisor and negotiator to help your offer stand out above the rest.

Bottom Line

Knowledge is key to succeeding on your homebuying journey. Knowing market trends, what you need for a down payment, and what options you have as a buyer today can give you the confidence you need to buy a home. Let’s connect so you have an expert on your side who can help you navigate the homebuying process. [created_at] => 2022-05-04T15:28:39Z [description] => Buying your first home is a major decision and an exciting milestone. Even though it can feel daunting at times, it has the power to change your life for the better. If you're looking to purchase your first home, you may be wondering what's happening in the housing market today, how much you need to save, and where to start. [exclusive_id] => [expired_at] => [featured_image] => https://files.simplifyingthemarket.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/04112804/20220505-KCM-Share.jpg [id] => 4030 [kcm_ig_caption] => Here are three things that can help give you the information you need to confidently pursue your dream of homeownership. >>Consider All Options When the Number of Homes for Sale Is Low Today, there are far more buyers in the market than there are homes available for sale. When that happens, it’s a good idea to do what you can to increase your pool of options. Condos and townhomes are both great entryways into homeownership. When you buy either one, you can start building equity which increases your net worth and can fuel a future move. >>Know Your Down Payment Could Be More Within Reach Than You Think Saving for a down payment can feel like one of the biggest obstacles for homebuyers, but that doesn’t have to be the case. As NAR says, “One of the biggest misconceptions among housing consumers is what the typical down payment is and what amount is needed to enter homeownership.” For all homebuyers right now, it’s only 13%. That’s well below the common misconception of 20%, and it’s even lower for younger buyers. There are also down payment assistance programs available for many buyers. >>Work with a Trusted Real Estate Advisor Throughout the Process Once you’re ready to begin your search, a real estate professional can help you understand your local market and search for available homes. And when it’s time to make an offer, they’ll be an expert advisor and negotiator to help your offer stand out above the rest. DM me so you have an expert on your side who can help you navigate the homebuying process. [kcm_ig_hashtags] => expertanswers,stayinformed,staycurrent,powerfuldecisions,confidentdecisions,realestate,homevalues,homeownership,homebuying,realestategoals,realestatetips,realestatelife,realestatenews,realestateagent,realestateexpert,realestateagency,realestateadvice,realestateblog,realestatemarket,realestateexperts,instarealestate,instarealtor,realestatetipsoftheday,realestatetipsandadvice,keepingcurrentmatters [kcm_ig_quote] => Here are three tips for first-time homebuyers. [public_bottom_line] => [published_at] => 2022-05-05T10:00:57Z [related] => Array ( ) [slug] => three-tips-for-first-time-homebuyers [status] => published [tags] => Array ( ) [title] => Three Tips for First-Time Homebuyers [updated_at] => 2022-11-16T17:33:16Z [url] => /2022/05/05/three-tips-for-first-time-homebuyers/ )

Three Tips for First-Time Homebuyers

Buying your first home is a major decision and an exciting milestone. Even though it can feel daunting at times, it has the power to change your life for the better. If you're looking to purchase your first home, you may be wondering what's happening in the housing market today, how much you need to save, and where to start.
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If you’re ready to take advantage of the incredible conditions for sellers in today’s real estate market but are worried about the time it’ll take to get your home ready, you might be closer than you think. Let’s connect so you can see what you need to do before listing your house today.
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    [contents] => One of the biggest concerns for a homeowner looking to sell is the time they’ll have to put in before listing their house. If that’s the case for you, you should know – your home might be closer to list-ready than you think in today’s housing market. A survey of recent sellers from realtor.com finds that many were able to get their house ready in less than a month. It says:
“With many homeowners expecting a quick sale, and in many cases a lack of contingencies, the preparation process took less than a month for over 50% of home sellers this past year, with 20% completing it in less than two weeks.
Those sellers expecting to sell quickly are following recent buyer trends. With mortgage rates and home prices rising, buyers in today’s market are serious about finding a home quickly. But with the limited number of homes for sale, there are very few options for those buyers to choose from. That means many may be willing to take on projects after they purchase. Because of this, you may be able to focus on less time-consuming tasks before putting your house on the market. According to the survey mentioned above, some of the top things recent sellers completed before listing over the past year include landscaping, making minor cosmetic updates, and touching-up paint (see image below): Your House Could Be Closer to List-Ready Than You Think | Simplifying The Market

A Real Estate Advisor Will Help Streamline the Process and Keep You Focused

Of course, each situation is different, and knowing what repairs or updates your house needs to stand out in your local area is critical. That’s where a trusted real estate professional comes in. In a recent article, NextAdvisor explains:
“. . . Real estate can be hyper-local, and demand can vary from one neighborhood to the next. It’s a good idea to work with a local real estate professional to determine an ideal listing price and if any improvements or repairs need to be completed before putting your home on the market.”
Your trusted real estate advisor knows the ins and outs of the market in your specific area. They’ll help you identify the places where you should and shouldn’t spend your time and money – and that can enable you to list quickly.

Bottom Line

If you’re ready to take advantage of the incredible conditions for sellers in today’s real estate market but are worried about the time it’ll take to get your home ready, you might be closer than you think. Let’s connect so you can see what you need to do before listing your house today. [created_at] => 2022-05-02T16:25:32Z [description] => One of the biggest concerns for a homeowner looking to sell is the time they’ll have to put in before listing their house. If that’s the case for you, you should know – your home might be closer to list-ready than you think in today’s housing market. A survey of recent sellers from realtor.com finds that many were able to get their house ready in less than a month. It says: [exclusive_id] => [expired_at] => [featured_image] => https://files.simplifyingthemarket.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/02122500/20220504-KCM-Share.jpg [id] => 4021 [kcm_ig_caption] => One of the biggest concerns for a homeowner looking to sell is the time they’ll have to put in before listing their house. If that’s the case for you, you should know – your home might be closer to list-ready than you think in today’s housing market. A survey of recent sellers from realtor.com finds that many were able to get their house ready in less than a month. Those sellers expecting to sell quickly are following recent buyer trends. With mortgage rates and home prices rising, buyers in today’s market are serious about finding a home quickly. But with the limited number of homes for sale, there are very few options for those buyers to choose from. That means many may be willing to take on projects after they purchase. Because of this, you may be able to focus on less time-consuming tasks before putting your house on the market. According to the survey mentioned above, some of the top things recent sellers completed before listing over the past year include landscaping, making minor cosmetic updates, and touching-up paint. Of course, each situation is different, and knowing what repairs or updates your house needs to stand out in your local area is critical. Your trusted real estate advisor knows the ins and outs of the market in your specific area. They’ll help you identify the places where you should and shouldn’t spend your time and money – and that can enable you to list quickly. If you’re ready to take advantage of the incredible conditions for sellers in today’s real estate market but are worried about the time it’ll take to get your home ready, you might be closer than you think. DM me so you can see what you need to do before listing your house today. [kcm_ig_hashtags] => expertanswers,stayinformed,staycurrent,powerfuldecisions,confidentdecisions,realestate,homevalues,homeownership,homebuying,realestategoals,realestatetips,realestatelife,realestatenews,realestateagent,realestateexpert,realestateagency,realestateadvice,realestateblog,realestatemarket,realestateexperts,instarealestate,instarealtor,realestatetipsoftheday,realestatetipsandadvice,keepingcurrentmatters [kcm_ig_quote] => Your house could be closer to list-ready than you think. [public_bottom_line] => [published_at] => 2022-05-04T10:00:16Z [related] => Array ( ) [slug] => your-house-could-be-closer-to-list-ready-than-you-think [status] => published [tags] => Array ( ) [title] => Your House Could Be Closer to List-Ready Than You Think [updated_at] => 2022-11-16T17:32:43Z [url] => /2022/05/04/your-house-could-be-closer-to-list-ready-than-you-think/ )

Your House Could Be Closer to List-Ready Than You Think

One of the biggest concerns for a homeowner looking to sell is the time they’ll have to put in before listing their house. If that’s the case for you, you should know – your home might be closer to list-ready than you think in today’s housing market. A survey of recent sellers from realtor.com finds that many were able to get their house ready in less than a month. It says:
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In today’s hot housing market, you need a partner who can serve as your guide, especially when it comes to making a strong offer. Let’s connect so you have a trusted resource and coach on how to make the strongest offer possible for your specific situation.
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    [contents] => With a limited number of homes for sale today and so many buyers looking to make a purchase before mortgage rates rise further, bidding wars are common. According to the latest report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), nationwide, homes are getting an average of 4.8 offers per sale. Here’s a look at how that breaks down state-by-state (see map below):

Things That Could Help You Win a Bidding War on a Home | Simplifying The Market

The same report from NAR shows the average buyer made two offers before getting their third offer accepted. In this type of competitive housing market, it’s important to know what levers you can pull to help you beat the competition. While a real estate professional is your ultimate guide to presenting a strong offer, here are a few things you could consider.

Offering over Asking Price

When you think of sweetening the deal for sellers, the first thought you likely have is around the price of the home. In today’s housing market, it’s true more homes are selling for over asking price because there are more buyers than there are homes for sale. You just want to make sure your offer is still within your budget and realistic for the market value in your area – that’s where a local real estate professional can help you through the process. Bankrate says:
Simply put, being willing to pay more money than other buyers is one of the best ways to get your offer accepted. You may not have to increase it by a lot — it’ll depend on the area and other factors — so look to your real estate agent for guidance.”

Putting Down a Bigger Earnest Money Deposit

You could also consider putting down a larger deposit up front. An earnest money deposit is a check you write to go along with your offer. If your offer is accepted, this deposit is credited toward your home purchase. NerdWallet explains how it works:
A typical earnest money deposit is 1% to 2% of the home’s purchase price, but the amount varies by location. A higher earnest money deposit may catch a seller’s attention in a hot housing market.”
That’s because it shows the seller you’re seriously interested in their house and have already set aside money that you’re ready to put toward the purchase. Talk to a professional to see if this is something you can do in your area. 

Making a Higher Down Payment 

Another option is increasing how much of a down payment you’re going to make. The benefit of a higher down payment is you won’t have to finance as much. This helps the seller feel like there’s less risk of the deal or the financing falling through. And if other buyers put less down, it could be what helps your offer stand out from the crowd.

Non-Financial Options To Make a Strong Offer

Realtor.com points out that while increasing these financial portions of the deal can help, they’re not your only options:
. . . Price is not the only factor sellers weigh when they look at offers. The buyer’s terms and contingencies are also taken into account, as well as pre-approval letters, appraisal requirements, and the closing time the buyer is asking for.”
When it’s time to make an offer, partner with a trusted professional. They have insight into what sellers are looking for in your local market and can give you expert advice on what levers you may or may not want to pull when it’s time to write an offer. From a non-financial perspective, this can include things like flexible move-in dates or minimal contingencies (conditions you set that the seller must meet for the purchase to be finalized). For example, you could make an offer that’s not contingent on the sale of your current home. Just remember, there are certain contingencies you don’t want to forego, like your home inspection. Ultimately, the options you have can vary state-to-state, so it’s best to lean on an expert real estate professional for guidance.

Bottom Line

In today’s hot housing market, you need a partner who can serve as your guide, especially when it comes to making a strong offer. Let’s connect so you have a trusted resource and coach on how to make the strongest offer possible for your specific situation. [created_at] => 2022-04-28T16:00:10Z [description] => With a limited number of homes for sale today and so many buyers looking to make a purchase before mortgage rates rise further, bidding wars are common. According to the latest report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), nationwide, homes are getting an average of 4.8 offers per sale. Here’s a look at how that breaks down state-by-state (see map below): [exclusive_id] => [expired_at] => [featured_image] => https://files.simplifyingthemarket.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/28115925/20220503-KCM-Share.jpg [id] => 4020 [kcm_ig_caption] => According to the latest report from NAR, nationwide, homes are getting an average of 4.8 offers per sale. In this type of competitive housing market, it’s important to know what levers you can pull to help you beat the competition. >>Offering over Asking Price When you think of sweetening the deal for sellers, the first thought you likely have is around the price of the home. You just want to make sure your offer is still within your budget and realistic for the market value in our area. >> Putting Down a Bigger Earnest Money Deposit An EMD is a check you write to go along with your offer. If your offer is accepted, this deposit is credited toward your home purchase. NerdWallet explains, “A typical earnest money deposit is 1% to 2% of the home’s purchase price, but the amount varies by location. A higher earnest money deposit may catch a seller’s attention in a hot housing market.” >>Making a Higher Down Payment The benefit of a higher down payment is you won’t have to finance as much. This helps the seller feel like there’s less risk of the deal or the financing falling through. >> Non-Financial Options To Make a Strong Offer Realtor.com points out, “. . . Price is not the only factor sellers weigh when they look at offers. The buyer’s terms and contingencies are also taken into account, as well as pre-approval letters, appraisal requirements, and the closing time the buyer is asking for.” In today’s hot housing market, you need a partner who can serve as your guide, especially when it comes to making a strong offer. DM me so you have a trusted resource and coach on how to make the strongest offer possible for your specific situation. [kcm_ig_hashtags] => expertanswers,stayinformed,staycurrent,powerfuldecisions,confidentdecisions,realestate,homevalues,homeownership,homebuying,realestategoals,realestatetips,realestatelife,realestatenews,realestateagent,realestateexpert,realestateagency,realestateadvice,realestateblog,realestatemarket,realestateexperts,instarealestate,instarealtor,realestatetipsoftheday,realestatetipsandadvice,keepingcurrentmatters [kcm_ig_quote] => Look for the things that could help you win a bidding war on a home. [public_bottom_line] => [published_at] => 2022-05-03T10:00:34Z [related] => Array ( ) [slug] => things-that-could-help-you-win-a-bidding-war-on-a-home [status] => published [tags] => Array ( ) [title] => Things That Could Help You Win a Bidding War on a Home [updated_at] => 2022-11-16T17:32:23Z [url] => /2022/05/03/things-that-could-help-you-win-a-bidding-war-on-a-home/ )

Things That Could Help You Win a Bidding War on a Home

With a limited number of homes for sale today and so many buyers looking to make a purchase before mortgage rates rise further, bidding wars are common. According to the latest report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), nationwide, homes are getting an average of 4.8 offers per sale. Here’s a look at how that breaks down state-by-state (see map below):
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If you’re weighing whether or not you should sell your house this season, know rising home values may be opening up an opportunity to use equity to fuel your move. Let’s connect so you can find out how much your home is worth and to learn more about all the benefits you have in today’s market.
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    [contents] => If you’re planning to sell your home this season, rising prices are great news for you. But it’s important to understand why prices are rising to begin with. One major factor is supply and demand.

In any industry, when there are more buyers for an item than there are of that item available, prices naturally rise. In those situations, buyers are willing to pay more to get the product or service they’re looking for when options are scarce. And that’s exactly what’s happening in the current real estate market.

Selma Hepp, Executive, Research & Insights and Deputy Chief Economist at CoreLogic, puts it like this:
With so few homes, buyers are once again left with fierce competition that’s driving the share of homes that sold over the listing price up to 66% . . . With the continued imbalance between supply and demand, home prices are likely to have another year of strong gains and are expected to average about 10% growth for the year.”
Because it will take some time for housing supply to increase, experts believe prices will continue rising. The latest Home Price Expectations Survey forecasts what will happen with home prices over the next 5 years. As the graph below shows, while the rate of appreciation will moderate over the next few years, prices will continue rising through 2026: Today’s Home Price Appreciation Is Great News for Existing Homeowners | Simplifying The Market

What This Means When You Sell Your House

If you’re a homeowner, the projection for continued price appreciation this year opens up an opportunity to move. That’s because it may give your equity a major boost. Equity is the difference between what you owe on your house and its market value. The amount of equity you have increases as you make your monthly payments and as rising home prices drive up the market value for your home. Growing equity is a powerful tool for homeowners. When you sell your house, the equity you’ve built comes back to you in the sale. That money could be enough to cover some (if not all) of your down payment on your next home. Of course, if you want to know how much equity you have in your current house, it’s crucial to work with a real estate professional. They follow current market trends and can help you understand your home’s value when you’re ready to sell.

What This Means for Your Next Purchase

But today’s rising home values aren’t just good news if you’re ready to sell. Because price appreciation is forecast to continue in the years ahead, you can rest assured your next home will be an investment that should grow in value with time. That’s one of several reasons why real estate has been rated the best investment in a recent Gallup poll.

Bottom Line

If you’re weighing whether or not you should sell your house this season, know rising home values may be opening up an opportunity to use equity to fuel your move. Let’s connect so you can find out how much your home is worth and to learn more about all the benefits you have in today’s market. [created_at] => 2022-04-26T16:48:34Z [description] => If you’re planning to sell your home this season, rising prices are great news for you. But it’s important to understand why prices are rising to begin with. One major factor is supply and demand. [exclusive_id] => [expired_at] => [featured_image] => https://files.simplifyingthemarket.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/26123434/20220502-KCM-Share.jpg [id] => 4013 [kcm_ig_caption] => If you’re planning to sell your home this season, rising prices are great news for you. But it’s important to understand why prices are rising to begin with. One major factor is supply and demand. Selma Hepp, Executive, Research & Insights and Deputy Chief Economist at CoreLogic, puts it like this: “With so few homes, buyers are once again left with fierce competition that’s driving the share of homes that sold over the listing price up to 66% . . . With the continued imbalance between supply and demand, home prices are likely to have another year of strong gains and are expected to average about 10% growth for the year." Because it will take some time for housing supply to increase, experts believe prices will continue rising. The latest Home Price Expectations Survey forecasts the rate of appreciation will moderate over the next few years, but prices will continue rising through 2026. >>What This Means When You Sell Your House Growing equity is a powerful tool for homeowners. When you sell your house, the equity you’ve built comes back to you in the sale. That money could be enough to cover some (if not all) of your down payment on your next home. Of course, if you want to know how much equity you have in your current house, it’s crucial to work with a real estate professional. >>What This Means for Your Next Purchase Because price appreciation is forecast to continue in the years ahead, you can rest assured your next home will be an investment that should grow in value with time. DM me so you can find out how much your home is worth and to learn more about all the benefits you have in today’s market. [kcm_ig_hashtags] => expertanswers,purchasingpower,buyingpower,homepriceappreciation,affordability,realestate,homevalues,homeownership,homebuying,realestategoals,realestatetips,realestatelife,realestatenews,realestateagent,realestateexpert,realestateagency,realestateadvice,realestateblog,realestatemarket,realestateexperts,instarealestate,instarealtor,realestatetipsoftheday,realestatetipsandadvice,keepingcurrentmatters [kcm_ig_quote] => Today’s home price appreciation is great news for existing homeowners. [public_bottom_line] => [published_at] => 2022-05-02T10:00:50Z [related] => Array ( ) [slug] => todays-home-price-appreciation-is-great-news-for-existing-homeowners [status] => published [tags] => Array ( ) [title] => Today’s Home Price Appreciation Is Great News for Existing Homeowners [updated_at] => 2022-11-16T17:31:49Z [url] => /2022/05/02/todays-home-price-appreciation-is-great-news-for-existing-homeowners/ )

Today’s Home Price Appreciation Is Great News for Existing Homeowners

If you’re planning to sell your home this season, rising prices are great news for you. But it’s important to understand why prices are rising to begin with. One major factor is supply and demand.
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  • If you’re thinking about selling your house this season, focusing on a few quick and easy updates outside can help your home look its best.
  • 78% of real estate agents polled say poor landscaping affects property values. As a seller, that means your yard could impact your bottom line.
  • When getting your house ready to sell, let’s connect to discuss what you should do to make sure your house shows well and catches the eyes of more potential buyers.
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Give Your Curb Appeal a Boost Before You Sell [INFOGRAPHIC] | Simplifying The Market

Some Highlights

  • If you’re thinking about selling your house this season, focusing on a few quick and easy updates outside can help your home look its best.
  • 78% of real estate agents polled say poor landscaping affects property values. As a seller, that means your yard could impact your bottom line.
  • When getting your house ready to sell, let’s connect to discuss what you should do to make sure your house shows well and catches the eyes of more potential buyers.

[created_at] => 2022-04-26T15:43:16Z [description] =>

Some Highlights

  • If you’re thinking about selling your house this season, focusing on a few quick and easy updates outside can help your home look its best.
  • 78% of real estate agents polled say poor landscaping affects property values. As a seller, that means your yard could impact your bottom line.
[exclusive_id] => [expired_at] => [featured_image] => https://files.simplifyingthemarket.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/26113112/20220429-KCM-Share.png [id] => 4012 [kcm_ig_caption] => If you’re thinking about selling your house this season, focusing on a few quick and easy updates outside can help your home look its best. 78% of real estate agents polled say poor landscaping affects property values. As a seller, that means your yard could impact your bottom line. When getting your house ready to sell, DM me to discuss what you should do to make sure your house shows well and catches the eyes of more potential buyers. [kcm_ig_hashtags] => Sellyourhouse,moveuphome,dreamhome,realestate,homeownership,realestategoals,realestatetips,realestatelife,realestatenews,realestateagent,realestateexpert,realestateagency,realestateadvice,realestateblog,realestatemarket,realestateexperts,instarealestate,instarealtor,realestatetipsoftheday,realestatetipsandadvice,justsold,keepingcurrentmatters [kcm_ig_quote] => Give your curb appeal a boost before you sell. [public_bottom_line] => [published_at] => 2022-04-29T10:00:28Z [related] => Array ( ) [slug] => give-your-curb-appeal-a-boost-before-you-sell-infographic [status] => published [tags] => Array ( ) [title] => Give Your Curb Appeal a Boost Before You Sell [INFOGRAPHIC] [updated_at] => 2023-01-19T03:44:14Z [url] => /2022/04/29/give-your-curb-appeal-a-boost-before-you-sell-infographic/ )

Give Your Curb Appeal a Boost Before You Sell [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights

  • If you’re thinking about selling your house this season, focusing on a few quick and easy updates outside can help your home look its best.
  • 78% of real estate agents polled say poor landscaping affects property values. As a seller, that means your yard could impact your bottom line.
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The current real estate market has incredible opportunities for homeowners looking to make a move. Listing your house this season means you’ll be in front of serious buyers who are ready to buy. Let’s connect so you can jumpstart the selling process.
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    [contents] => Even if you haven’t been following real estate news, you’ve likely heard about the current sellers’ market. That’s because there’s a lot of talk about how strong market conditions are for people who want to sell their houses. But if you’re thinking about listing your house, you probably want to know: what does being in a sellers’ market really mean?

What Is a Sellers’ Market?

The latest Existing Home Sales Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows housing supply is still very low. There’s a 2-month supply of homes at the current sales pace. Historically, a 6-month supply is necessary for a normal or neutral market where there are enough homes available for active buyers. That puts today deep in sellers’ market territory (see graph below): What You Need To Know About Selling in a Sellers' Market | Simplifying The Market

What Does This Mean for You When You Sell?

When the supply of houses for sale is as low as it is right now, it’s much harder for buyers to find homes to purchase. That creates increased competition among purchasers which can lead to more bidding wars. And if buyers know they may be entering a bidding war, they’re going to do their best to submit a very attractive offer upfront. This could drive the final price of your house up. And because mortgage rates and home prices are climbing, serious buyers are motivated to make their purchase soon, before those two things rise further. That means, if you put your house on the market while supply is still low, it will likely get a lot of attention from competitive buyers.

Bottom Line

The current real estate market has incredible opportunities for homeowners looking to make a move. Listing your house this season means you’ll be in front of serious buyers who are ready to buy. Let’s connect so you can jumpstart the selling process. [created_at] => 2022-04-25T19:58:13Z [description] => Even if you haven’t been following real estate news, you’ve likely heard about the current sellers’ market. That’s because there’s a lot of talk about how strong market conditions are for people who want to sell their houses. But if you’re thinking about listing your house, you probably want to know: what does being in a sellers’ market really mean? [exclusive_id] => [expired_at] => [featured_image] => https://files.simplifyingthemarket.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/25155732/20220428-KCM-Share.jpg [id] => 4011 [kcm_ig_caption] => Even if you haven’t been following real estate news, you’ve likely heard about the current sellers’ market. That’s because there’s a lot of talk about how strong market conditions are for people who want to sell their houses. But if you’re thinking about listing your house, you probably want to know: what does being in a sellers’ market really mean? The latest Existing Home Sales Report from NAR shows housing supply is still very low. There’s a 2-month supply of homes at the current sales pace. Historically, a 6-month supply is necessary for a normal or neutral market where there are enough homes available for active buyers. That puts today deep in sellers’ market territory. When the supply of houses for sale is as low as it is right now, it’s much harder for buyers to find homes to purchase. That creates increased competition among purchasers which can lead to more bidding wars. And if buyers know they may be entering a bidding war, they’re going to do their best to submit a very attractive offer up front. This could drive the final price of your house up. And because mortgage rates and home prices are climbing, serious buyers are motivated to make their purchase soon, before those two things rise further. That means, if you put your house on the market while supply is still low, it will likely get a lot of attention from competitive buyers. The current real estate market has incredible opportunities for homeowners looking to make a move. Listing your house this season means you’ll be in front of serious buyers who are ready to buy. DM me so you can jumpstart the selling process. [kcm_ig_hashtags] => realestate,homeownership,homebuying,sellersmarket,realestatetips,realestatelife,realestatenews,realestateagent,realestateexpert,realestateagency,realestateadvice,realestateblog,realestatemarket,realestateexperts,realestateagents,instarealestate,instarealtor,realestatetipsoftheday,realestatetipsandadvice,keepingcurrentmatters [kcm_ig_quote] => Here’s what you need to know about selling in a sellers’ market. [public_bottom_line] => [published_at] => 2022-04-28T10:00:37Z [related] => Array ( ) [slug] => what-you-need-to-know-about-selling-in-a-sellers-market [status] => published [tags] => Array ( ) [title] => What You Need To Know About Selling in a Sellers' Market [updated_at] => 2022-11-16T17:31:16Z [url] => /2022/04/28/what-you-need-to-know-about-selling-in-a-sellers-market/ )

What You Need To Know About Selling in a Sellers' Market

Even if you haven’t been following real estate news, you’ve likely heard about the current sellers’ market. That’s because there’s a lot of talk about how strong market conditions are for people who want to sell their houses. But if you’re thinking about listing your house, you probably want to know: what does being in a sellers’ market really mean?
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If you’re planning to buy a home this year, there are incredible benefits waiting for you at the end of your journey. Let’s connect to discuss everything homeownership has to offer.
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    [contents] => If you’re in the market to buy a home this season, stick with it. Homebuyers face challenges in any market, and today’s is no exception. But if you persevere, your decision to purchase a home will be worth the effort in the end. In fact, a recent survey from Bankrate shows homeownership is so powerful that:
Nearly three in four homeowners say they would still buy their current home if they had it to do [sic] all over again.”
That means the results – owning a home and the benefits that come with it – outweigh the effort needed to achieve their goal. If you’re a homebuyer, let that provide you with the confidence to know the work you’re putting in today will pay off for years to come. Here are a few reasons to stick with your search and focus on the outcome.

Homeownership Contributes Significantly to Your Financial Well-Being

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) lists several motivations to consider if you’re thinking about buying a home. One of the top financial reasons is the equity you build. As NAR says:
“Money paid for rent is money that you’ll never see again, but mortgage payments let you build equity . . . Building equity in your home is a ready-made savings plan.”
Your equity is a powerful tool you can leverage in a number of ways. And with recent home price appreciation, homeowners are seeing record levels of equity today. That may be one reason why so many people view owning a home as a great investment and a top indicator of financial well-being. As the survey from Bankrate mentioned above shows:
“. . . Americans place a higher value on homeownership than on any other indicator of economic stability, . . .”
Owning a home ranks above other major accomplishments like retirement, having a successful career, and getting a college degree. That indicates just how impactful the financial benefits of homeownership truly are.

The Emotional Benefits of Owning a Home Are Powerful

Of course, homeownership is more than an investment. In their list of top reasons to buy a home, NAR also highlights some of the powerful, non-financial aspects of homeownership. Among them is the opportunity to customize your home to reflect your personality and needs. As they say: “The home is yours. You can decorate any way you want and choose the types of upgrades and new amenities that appeal to your lifestyle.” Another benefit homeowners enjoy is the stability it provides. Homeowners typically stay put longer than renters. According to NAR, when you remain in one place longer than a few years, you can grow closer to your community. And that can enhance your sense of pride and lead to better relationships.

What Does That Mean for You?

The benefits of homeownership are powerful, as Leslie Rouda Smith, President of NAR, says:
"From building personal wealth and fostering communities, to strengthening social stability and driving the national economy, the value of homeownership is indisputable.”
Even if you face challenges in today’s market, the payoff when you succeed and purchase a home will be worth it.

Bottom Line

If you’re planning to buy a home this year, there are incredible benefits waiting for you at the end of your journey. Let’s connect to discuss everything homeownership has to offer. [created_at] => 2022-04-25T17:51:52Z [description] => If you’re in the market to buy a home this season, stick with it. Homebuyers face challenges in any market, and today’s is no exception. But if you persevere, your decision to purchase a home will be worth the effort in the end. In fact, a recent survey from Bankrate shows homeownership is so powerful that: [exclusive_id] => [expired_at] => [featured_image] => https://files.simplifyingthemarket.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/25135133/20220427-KCM-Share.jpg [id] => 4010 [kcm_ig_caption] => If you’re in the market to buy a home this season, stick with it. Homebuyers face challenges in any market, and today’s is no exception. But if you persevere, your decision to purchase a home will be worth the effort in the end. are a few reasons to stick with your search and focus on the outcome. >>Homeownership Contributes Significantly to Your Financial Well-Being As NAR says, “Money paid for rent is money that you’ll never see again, but mortgage payments let you build equity . . . Building equity in your home is a ready-made savings plan.” A Bankrate survey also shows, “. . . Americans place a higher value on homeownership than on any other indicator of economic stability, . . .” Owning a home ranks above other major accomplishments like retirement, having a successful career, and getting a college degree. That indicates just how impactful the financial benefits of homeownership truly are. >>The Emotional Benefits of Owning a Home Are Powerful Of course, homeownership is more than an investment. In their list of top reasons to buy a home, NAR also highlights some of the powerful, non-financial aspects of homeownership. Among them is the opportunity to customize your home to reflect your personality and needs. Another benefit homeowners enjoy is the stability it provides. Even if you face challenges in today’s market, the payoff when you succeed and purchase a home will be worth it. If you’re planning to buy a home this year, there are incredible benefits waiting for you at the end of your journey. DM me to discuss everything homeownership has to offer. [kcm_ig_hashtags] => realestate,homeownership,homebuying,realestategoals,realestatetips,realestatelife,realestatenews,realestateagent,realestateexpert,realestateagency,realestateadvice,realestateblog,realestatemarket,realestateexperts,realestateagents,instarealestate,instarealtor,realestatetipsoftheday,realestatetipsandadvice,keepingcurrentmatters [kcm_ig_quote] => The dream of homeownership is worth the effort. [public_bottom_line] => [published_at] => 2022-04-27T10:00:16Z [related] => Array ( ) [slug] => the-dream-of-homeownership-is-worth-the-effort [status] => published [tags] => Array ( ) [title] => The Dream of Homeownership Is Worth the Effort [updated_at] => 2022-11-16T17:30:58Z [url] => /2022/04/27/the-dream-of-homeownership-is-worth-the-effort/ )

The Dream of Homeownership Is Worth the Effort

If you’re in the market to buy a home this season, stick with it. Homebuyers face challenges in any market, and today’s is no exception. But if you persevere, your decision to purchase a home will be worth the effort in the end. In fact, a recent survey from Bankrate shows homeownership is so powerful that:
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    [contents] => If you’re following along with the news today, you’ve likely heard about rising inflation. You’re also likely feeling the impact in your day-to-day life as prices go up for gas, groceries, and more. These rising consumer costs can put a pinch on your wallet and make you re-evaluate any big purchases you have planned to ensure they’re still worthwhile.

If you’ve been thinking about purchasing a home this year, you’re probably wondering if you should continue down that path or if it makes more sense to wait. While the answer depends on your situation, here’s how homeownership can help you combat the rising costs that come with inflation.

Homeownership Offers Stability and Security

Investopedia explains that during a period of high inflation, prices rise across the board. That’s true for things like food, entertainment, and other goods and services, even housing. Both rental prices and home prices are on the rise. So, as a buyer, how can you protect yourself from increasing costs? The answer lies in homeownership. Buying a home allows you to stabilize what’s typically your biggest monthly expense: your housing cost. If you get a fixed-rate mortgage on your home, you lock in your monthly payment for the duration of your loan, often 15 to 30 years. James Royal, Senior Wealth Management Reporter at Bankrate, says:
A fixed-rate mortgage allows you to maintain the biggest portion of housing expenses at the same payment. Sure, property taxes will rise and other expenses may creep up, but your monthly housing payment remains the same.” 
So even if other prices rise, your housing payment will be a reliable amount that can help keep your budget in check. If you rent, you don’t have that same benefit, and you won’t be protected from rising housing costs.

Use Home Price Appreciation to Your Benefit

While it’s true rising mortgage rates and home prices mean buying a house today costs more than it did a year ago, you still have an opportunity to set yourself up for a long-term win. Buying now lets you lock in at today’s rates and prices before both climb higher. In inflationary times, it’s especially important to invest your money in an asset that traditionally holds or grows in value. The graph below shows how home price appreciation outperformed inflation in most decades going all the way back to the seventies – making homeownership a historically strong hedge against inflation (see graph below): How Homeownership Can Help Shield You from Inflation | Simplifying The Market So, what does that mean for you? Today, experts say home prices will only go up from here thanks to the ongoing imbalance in supply and demand. Once you buy a house, any home price appreciation that does occur will be good for your equity and your net worth. And since homes are typically assets that grow in value (even in inflationary times), you have peace of mind that history shows your investment is a strong one.

Bottom Line

If you’re ready to buy a home, it may make sense to move forward with your plans despite rising inflation. If you want expert advice on your specific situation and how to time your purchase, let’s connect. [created_at] => 2022-04-25T14:29:00Z [description] => If you’re following along with the news today, you’ve likely heard about rising inflation. You’re also likely feeling the impact in your day-to-day life as prices go up for gas, groceries, and more. These rising consumer costs can put a pinch on your wallet and make you re-evaluate any big purchases you have planned to ensure they’re still worthwhile. [exclusive_id] => [expired_at] => [featured_image] => https://files.simplifyingthemarket.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/25102825/20220426-KCM-Share.jpg [id] => 4009 [kcm_ig_caption] => Rising consumer costs can put a pinch on your wallet and make you re-evaluate any big purchases you have planned to ensure they’re still worthwhile. If you’ve been thinking about purchasing a home this year, you’re probably wondering if you should continue down that path or if it makes more sense to wait. While the answer depends on your situation, here’s how homeownership can help you combat the rising costs that come with inflation. Both rental prices and home prices are on the rise. So, as a buyer, how can you protect yourself from increasing costs? The answer lies in homeownership. If you get a fixed-rate mortgage on your home, you lock in your monthly payment for the duration of your loan, often 15 to 30 years. So even if other prices rise, your housing payment will be a reliable amount that can help keep your budget in check. In inflationary times, it’s especially important to invest your money in an asset that traditionally holds or grows in value. Home price appreciation outperformed inflation in most decades going all the way back to the seventies – making homeownership a historically strong hedge against inflation. So, what does that mean for you? Today, experts say home prices will only go up from here thanks to the ongoing imbalance in supply and demand. Once you buy a house, any home price appreciation that does occur will be good for your equity and your net worth. And since homes are typically assets that grow in value (even in inflationary times), you have peace of mind that history shows your investment is a strong one. If you want expert advice on your specific situation and how to time your purchase, DM me. [kcm_ig_hashtags] => Inflation,firsttimehomebuyer,opportunity,homeownership,housingmarket,househunting,makememove,homegoals,houseshopping,housegoals,investmentproperty,emptynest,downsizing,locationlocationlocation,newlisting,homeforsale,renovated,starterhome,dreamhome,curbappeal,keepingcurrentmatters [kcm_ig_quote] => Homeownership can help shield you from inflation. [public_bottom_line] => [published_at] => 2022-04-26T10:00:24Z [related] => Array ( ) [slug] => how-homeownership-can-help-shield-you-from-inflation [status] => published [tags] => Array ( ) [title] => How Homeownership Can Help Shield You from Inflation [updated_at] => 2022-11-16T17:30:33Z [url] => /2022/04/26/how-homeownership-can-help-shield-you-from-inflation/ )

How Homeownership Can Help Shield You from Inflation

If you’re following along with the news today, you’ve likely heard about rising inflation. You’re also likely feeling the impact in your day-to-day life as prices go up for gas, groceries, and more. These rising consumer costs can put a pinch on your wallet and make you re-evaluate any big purchases you have planned to ensure they’re still worthwhile.
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    [contents] => If you’re planning to buy a home this season, you’re probably thinking about what you’ll need to do to get your offer accepted. In previous years, it was common for buyers to try and determine how much less than the asking price they could offer to still get the home. The buyer and seller would then negotiate and typically agree on a revised price that was somewhere between the buyer’s bid and the home’s initial asking price.

In today’s real estate market, buyers shouldn’t shop for a home with the same expectations.

Things Are Different Today

Today’s housing market is anything but normal. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the average home that’s sold today:
  • Receives 4.8 offers
  • Sells in just 17 days
Homes selling quickly and receiving multiple offers shows how competitive the housing market is for buyers right now. This is because there are more buyers on the market than homes for sale. When the number of homes available can’t keep up with demand, homes often sell for more than the asking price.

How Does This Impact You When It’s Time To Submit an Offer?

Market conditions should help guide your decisions throughout the process. Today, the asking price of a home is often the floor of the negotiation rather than the ceiling. Knowing this is important when it’s time to submit an offer, but you should also use that information as you’re searching for homes too. After all, you don’t want to fall in love with a home that ultimately sells for a price higher than what you’ve budgeted for. The Mortgage Reports has advice if you’re looking to purchase a home in a competitive market. The article encourages you to be realistic with your housing search, saying:
The best thing to do is set your budget and expectations ahead of time so you know how much you can afford to offer — and when to walk away. This will make negotiations a lot easier.”
Of course, when you’ve found your dream home, you’ll want to do everything you can to submit your best offer up front and win a potential bidding war. Knowing the current market is key to crafting a winning offer. That’s where working with an expert real estate advisor becomes critical. A real estate professional will draw from their experience and expert-level knowledge of today’s housing market throughout the process. They’ll also balance conditions in your area to make sure your offer stands out above the rest.

Bottom Line

Understanding how to approach the asking price of a home and what’s happening in today’s real estate market are critical for buyers. Let’s connect so we can work together to create a winning plan for you. [created_at] => 2022-04-21T18:36:13Z [description] => If you’re planning to buy a home this season, you’re probably thinking about what you’ll need to do to get your offer accepted. In previous years, it was common for buyers to try and determine how much less than the asking price they could offer to still get the home. The buyer and seller would then negotiate and typically agree on a revised price that was somewhere between the buyer’s bid and the home’s initial asking price. [exclusive_id] => [expired_at] => [featured_image] => https://files.simplifyingthemarket.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/21151533/20220425-KCM-Share-3.jpg [id] => 4008 [kcm_ig_caption] => If you’re planning to buy a home this season, you’re probably thinking about what you’ll need to do to get your offer accepted. In previous years, it was common for buyers to try and determine how much less than the asking price they could offer to still get the home. The buyer and seller would then negotiate and typically agree on a revised price that was somewhere between the buyer’s bid and the home’s initial asking price. In today’s real estate market, buyers shouldn’t shop for a home with the same expectations. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the average home that’s sold today: • Receives 4.8 offers • Sells in just 17 days When the number of homes available can’t keep up with demand, homes often sell for more than the asking price. >>How Does This Impact You When It’s Time To Submit an Offer? Today, the asking price of a home is often the floor of the negotiation rather than the ceiling. Knowing this is important when it’s time to submit an offer, but you should also use that information as you’re searching for homes too. The Mortgage Reports has advice if you’re looking to purchase a home in a competitive market: “The best thing to do is set your budget and expectations ahead of time so you know how much you can afford to offer — and when to walk away. This will make negotiations a lot easier.” Knowing the current market is key to crafting a winning offer. That’s where working with an expert real estate advisor becomes critical. Understanding how to approach the asking price of a home and what’s happening in today’s real estate market are critical for buyers. DM me so we can work together to create a winning plan for you. [kcm_ig_hashtags] => expertanswers,stayinformed,staycurrent,powerfuldecisions,confidentdecisions,realestate,homevalues,homeownership,homebuying,realestategoals,realestatetips,realestatelife,realestatenews,realestateagent,realestateexpert,realestateagency,realestateadvice,realestateblog,realestatemarket,realestateexperts,instarealestate,instarealtor,realestatetipsoftheday,realestatetipsandadvice,keepingcurrentmatters [kcm_ig_quote] => Is it enough to offer asking price in today’s housing market? [public_bottom_line] => [published_at] => 2022-04-25T10:00:54Z [related] => Array ( ) [slug] => is-it-enough-to-offer-asking-price-in-todays-housing-market [status] => published [tags] => Array ( ) [title] => Is It Enough To Offer Asking Price in Today’s Housing Market? [updated_at] => 2022-11-16T17:30:07Z [url] => /2022/04/25/is-it-enough-to-offer-asking-price-in-todays-housing-market/ )

Is It Enough To Offer Asking Price in Today’s Housing Market?

If you’re planning to buy a home this season, you’re probably thinking about what you’ll need to do to get your offer accepted. In previous years, it was common for buyers to try and determine how much less than the asking price they could offer to still get the home. The buyer and seller would then negotiate and typically agree on a revised price that was somewhere between the buyer’s bid and the home’s initial asking price.
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  • If you’re planning to buy or sell a home today, it’s important to be aware of common misconceptions.
  • Whether it’s timing your purchase as a buyer based on home prices and mortgage rates or knowing what to upgrade or repair before listing your house as a seller, it takes a professional to guide you through those decisions.
  • Let’s connect so you have an expert to help separate fact from fiction in today’s housing market.
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Myths About Today’s Housing Market [INFOGRAPHIC] | Simplifying The Market

Some Highlights

  • If you’re planning to buy or sell a home today, it’s important to be aware of common misconceptions.
  • Whether it’s timing your purchase as a buyer based on home prices and mortgage rates or knowing what to upgrade or repair before listing your house as a seller, it takes a professional to guide you through those decisions.
  • Let’s connect so you have an expert to help separate fact from fiction in today’s housing market.

[created_at] => 2022-04-21T14:58:41Z [description] =>

Some Highlights

  • If you’re planning to buy or sell a home today, it’s important to be aware of common misconceptions.
  • Whether it’s timing your purchase as a buyer based on home prices and mortgage rates or knowing what to upgrade or repair before listing your house as a seller, it takes a professional to guide you through those decisions.
[exclusive_id] => [expired_at] => [featured_image] => https://files.simplifyingthemarket.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/21104830/20220422-KCM-Share.png [id] => 4002 [kcm_ig_caption] => If you’re planning to buy or sell a home today, it’s important to be aware of common misconceptions. Whether it’s timing your purchase as a buyer based on home prices and mortgage rates or knowing what to upgrade or repair before listing your house as a seller, it takes a professional to guide you through those decisions. DM me so you have an expert to help separate fact from fiction in today’s housing market. [kcm_ig_hashtags] => expertanswers,stayinformed,staycurrent,powerfuldecisions,confidentdecisions,realestate,homevalues,homeownership,homebuying,realestategoals,realestatetips,realestatelife,realestatenews,realestateagent,realestateexpert,realestateagency,realestateadvice,realestateblog,realestatemarket,realestateexperts,instarealestate,instarealtor,realestatetipsoftheday,realestatetipsandadvice,keepingcurrentmatters [kcm_ig_quote] => Watch out for the myths about today’s housing market. [public_bottom_line] => [published_at] => 2022-04-22T10:00:46Z [related] => Array ( ) [slug] => myths-about-todays-housing-market-infographic [status] => published [tags] => Array ( ) [title] => Myths About Today’s Housing Market [INFOGRAPHIC] [updated_at] => 2023-01-19T03:44:18Z [url] => /2022/04/22/myths-about-todays-housing-market-infographic/ )

Myths About Today’s Housing Market [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights

  • If you’re planning to buy or sell a home today, it’s important to be aware of common misconceptions.
  • Whether it’s timing your purchase as a buyer based on home prices and mortgage rates or knowing what to upgrade or repair before listing your house as a seller, it takes a professional to guide you through those decisions.
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The major reason for the housing crash 15 years ago was a tsunami of foreclosures. With much stricter mortgage standards and a historic level of homeowner equity, the fear of massive foreclosures impacting today’s market is not realistic.
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    [contents] => Homeownership has become a major element in achieving the American Dream. A recent report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) finds that over 86% of buyers agree homeownership is still the American Dream.

Prior to the 1950s, less than half of the country owned their own home. However, after World War II, many returning veterans used the benefits afforded by the GI Bill to purchase a home. Since then, the percentage of homeowners throughout the country has increased to the current rate of 65.5%. That strong desire for homeownership has kept home values appreciating ever since. The graph below tracks home price appreciation since the end of World War II:

Why This Housing Market Is Not a Bubble Ready To Pop | Simplifying The Market

The graph shows the only time home values dropped significantly was during the housing boom and bust of 2006-2008. If you look at how prices spiked prior to 2006, it looks a bit like the current spike in prices over the past two years. That may lead some people to be concerned we’re about to see a similar fall in home values as we did when the bubble burst. To help alleviate those worries, let’s look at what happened last time and what’s happening today.

What Caused the Housing Crash 15 Years Ago?

Back in 2006, foreclosures flooded the market. That drove down home values dramatically. The two main reasons for the flood of foreclosures were:
  1. Many purchasers were not truly qualified for the mortgage they obtained, which led to more homes turning into foreclosures.
  2. A number of homeowners cashed in the equity on their homes. When prices dropped, they found themselves in an underwater situation (where the home was worth less than the mortgage on the house). Many of these homeowners walked away from their homes, leading to more foreclosures. This lowered neighboring home values even more.
This cycle continued for years.

Why Today’s Real Estate Market Is Different

Here are two reasons today’s market is nothing like the one we experienced 15 years ago.
1. Today, Demand for Homeownership Is Real (Not Artificially Generated)
Running up to 2006, banks were creating artificial demand by lowering lending standards and making it easy for just about anyone to qualify for a home loan or refinance their current home. Today, purchasers and those refinancing a home face much higher standards from mortgage companies. Data from the Urban Institute shows the amount of risk banks were willing to take on then as compared to now. Why This Housing Market Is Not a Bubble Ready To Pop | Simplifying The Market There’s always risk when a bank loans money. However, leading up to the housing crash 15 years ago, lending institutions took on much greater risks in both the person and the mortgage product offered. That led to mass defaults, foreclosures, and falling prices. Today, the demand for homeownership is real. It’s generated by a re-evaluation of the importance of home due to a worldwide pandemic. Additionally, lending standards are much stricter in the current lending environment. Purchasers can afford the mortgage they’re taking on, so there’s little concern about possible defaults. And if you’re worried about the number of people still in forbearance, you should know there’s no risk of that causing an upheaval in the housing market today. There won’t be a flood of foreclosures.
2. People Are Not Using Their Homes as ATMs Like They Did in the Early 2000s
As mentioned above, when prices were rapidly escalating in the early 2000s, many thought it would never end. They started to borrow against the equity in their homes to finance new cars, boats, and vacations. When prices started to fall, many of these homeowners were underwater, leading some to abandon their homes. This increased the number of foreclosures. Homeowners didn’t forget the lessons of the crash as prices skyrocketed over the last few years. Black Knight reports that tappable equity (the amount of equity available for homeowners to access before hitting a maximum 80% loan-to-value ratio, or LTV) has more than doubled compared to 2006 ($4.6 trillion to $9.9 trillion). The latest Homeowner Equity Insights report from CoreLogic reveals that the average homeowner gained $55,300 in home equity over the past year alone. Odeta Kushi, Deputy Chief Economist at First American, reports:
“Homeowners in Q4 2021 had an average of $307,000 in equity - a historic high.”
ATTOM Data Services also reveals that 41.9% of all mortgaged homes have at least 50% equity. These homeowners will not face an underwater situation even if prices dip slightly. Today, homeowners are much more cautious.

Bottom Line

The major reason for the housing crash 15 years ago was a tsunami of foreclosures. With much stricter mortgage standards and a historic level of homeowner equity, the fear of massive foreclosures impacting today’s market is not realistic. [created_at] => 2022-04-20T19:25:31Z [description] => Homeownership has become a major element in achieving the American Dream. A recent report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) finds that over 86% of buyers agree homeownership is still the American Dream. [exclusive_id] => [expired_at] => [featured_image] => https://files.simplifyingthemarket.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/20152423/20220421-KCM-Share.jpg [id] => 4000 [kcm_ig_caption] => What Caused the Housing Crash 15 Years Ago? Back in 2006, foreclosures flooded the market. That drove down home values dramatically. The two main reasons for the flood of foreclosures were: >>Many purchasers were not truly qualified for the mortgage they obtained, which led to more homes turned into foreclosures. >>A number of homeowners cashed in the equity on their homes. When prices dropped, they found themselves in an underwater situation (where the home was worth less than the mortgage on the house). Many of these homeowners walked away from their homes, leading to more foreclosures. This lowered neighboring home values even more, and this cycle continued for years. Why Today’s Real Estate Market Is Different Here are two reasons today’s market is nothing like the one we experienced 15 years ago. >>Today, Demand for Homeownership Is Real (Not Artificially Generated) Running up to 2006, banks were creating artificial demand by lowering lending standards and making it easy for just about anyone to qualify for a home loan or refinance their current home. Today, purchasers and those refinancing a home face much higher standards from mortgage companies. >>People Are Not Using Their Homes as ATMs Like They Did in the Early 2000s Homeowners didn’t forget the lessons of the crash as prices skyrocketed over the last few years. Black Knight reports that tappable equity (the amount of equity available for homeowners to access before hitting a maximum 80% loan-to-value ratio, or LTV) has more than doubled compared to 2006 ($4.6 trillion to $9.9 trillion). [kcm_ig_hashtags] => realestate,homeownership,homebuying,realestategoals,realestatetips,realestatelife,realestatenews,realestateagent,realestateexpert,realestateagency,realestateadvice,realestateblog,realestatemarket,realestateexperts,realestateagents,instarealestate,instarealtor,realestatetipsoftheday,realestatetipsandadvice,keepingcurrentmatters [kcm_ig_quote] => This housing market is not a bubble ready to pop. [public_bottom_line] => [published_at] => 2022-04-21T10:00:59Z [related] => Array ( ) [slug] => why-this-housing-market-is-not-a-bubble-ready-to-pop [status] => published [tags] => Array ( ) [title] => Why This Housing Market Is Not a Bubble Ready To Pop [updated_at] => 2022-11-16T17:29:35Z [url] => /2022/04/21/why-this-housing-market-is-not-a-bubble-ready-to-pop/ )

Why This Housing Market Is Not a Bubble Ready To Pop

Homeownership has become a major element in achieving the American Dream. A recent report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) finds that over 86% of buyers agree homeownership is still the American Dream.
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Serious buyers should approach rising rates as a motivating factor to buy sooner, not a reason to wait. Waiting will cost you more in the long run. Let’s connect today so you can better understand your budget and be prepared to buy your home even before rates climb higher.
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    [contents] => In the last few weeks, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate from Freddie Mac inched up to 5%. While that news may have you questioning the timing of your home search, the truth is, timing has never been more important. Even though you may be tempted to put your plans on hold in hopes that rates will fall, waiting will only cost you more. Mortgage rates are forecast to continue rising in the year ahead.

If you’re thinking of buying a home, here are a few things to keep in mind so you can succeed even as mortgage rates rise. 

How Rising Mortgage Rates Impact You

Mortgage rates play a significant role in your home search. As rates go up, they impact how much you’ll pay in your monthly mortgage payment, which directly affects how much you can comfortably afford. Here’s an example of how even a quarter-point increase can have a big impact on your monthly payment (see chart below): How To Approach Rising Mortgage Rates as a Buyer | Simplifying The Market With mortgage rates on the rise, you’ve likely seen your purchasing power impacted already. Instead of delaying your plans, today’s rates should motivate you to purchase now before rates increase more. Use that motivation to energize your search and plan your next steps accordingly. The best way to prepare is to work with a trusted real estate advisor now. An agent can connect you with a trusted lender, help you adjust your search based on your budget, and make sure you’re ready to act quickly when it’s time to make an offer.

Bottom Line

Serious buyers should approach rising rates as a motivating factor to buy sooner, not a reason to wait. Waiting will cost you more in the long run. Let’s connect today so you can better understand your budget and be prepared to buy your home even before rates climb higher. [created_at] => 2022-04-18T19:33:51Z [description] => In the last few weeks, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate from Freddie Mac inched up to 5%. While that news may have you questioning the timing of your home search, the truth is, timing has never been more important. Even though you may be tempted to put your plans on hold in hopes that rates will fall, waiting will only cost you more. Mortgage rates are forecast to continue rising in the year ahead. [exclusive_id] => [expired_at] => [featured_image] => https://files.simplifyingthemarket.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/18153316/20220420-KCM-Share.jpg [id] => 3999 [kcm_ig_caption] => In the last few weeks, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate from Freddie Mac inched up to 5%. While that news may have you questioning the timing of your home search, the truth is, timing has never been more important. Even though you may be tempted to put your plans on hold in hopes that rates will fall, waiting will only cost you more. Mortgage rates are forecast to continue rising in the year ahead. If you’re thinking of buying a home, here are a few things to keep in mind so you can succeed even as mortgage rates rise. Mortgage rates play a significant role in your home search. As rates go up, they impact how much you’ll pay in your monthly mortgage payment, which directly affects how much you can comfortably afford. With mortgage rates on the rise, you’ve likely seen your purchasing power impacted already. Instead of delaying your plans, today’s rates should motivate you to purchase now before rates increase more. Use that motivation to energize your search and plan your next steps accordingly. Serious buyers should approach rising rates as a motivating factor to buy sooner, not a reason to wait. Waiting will cost you more in the long run. DM me today so you can better understand your budget and be prepared to buy your home even before rates climb higher. [kcm_ig_hashtags] => firsttimehomebuyer,opportunity,homeownership,housingmarket,househunting,makememove,homegoals,houseshopping,housegoals,investmentproperty,emptynest,downsizing,locationlocationlocation,newlisting,homeforsale,renovated,starterhome,dreamhome,curbappeal,keepingcurrentmatters [kcm_ig_quote] => Here’s how to approach rising mortgage rates as a buyer. [public_bottom_line] => [published_at] => 2022-04-20T10:00:55Z [related] => Array ( ) [slug] => how-to-approach-rising-mortgage-rates-as-a-buyer [status] => published [tags] => Array ( ) [title] => How To Approach Rising Mortgage Rates as a Buyer [updated_at] => 2022-11-16T17:29:03Z [url] => /2022/04/20/how-to-approach-rising-mortgage-rates-as-a-buyer/ )

How To Approach Rising Mortgage Rates as a Buyer

In the last few weeks, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate from Freddie Mac inched up to 5%. While that news may have you questioning the timing of your home search, the truth is, timing has never been more important. Even though you may be tempted to put your plans on hold in hopes that rates will fall, waiting will only cost you more. Mortgage rates are forecast to continue rising in the year ahead.