Home insurance rates have increased by almost 20% nationally between 2021 and 2023 and even more in some states like Arizona where rates have jumped 62% in some cases. In today’s economy, the phrase “every penny counts” seems to hold its truth. The appreciation that homeowners have enjoyed, especially in the past four years, has […]
A real estate transaction often involves substantial financial investments and emotional considerations which can all lead to stress. To streamline this process, adopt these effective strategies that promote a smoother journey. You’ll want to begin by clearly outlining your primary motivations for either buying or selling a property. By eliminating distractions and maintaining a focused […]
In the world of real estate, numbers are still fluctuation in all different directions. Sales in February 2023 were up 14.5% month over month and still down 22.6% year over year according to the NAR Housing Snapshot. The median sales price dipped 0.2% to $363,000 and there are 2.6 months supply of homes on the […]
There wasn’t anything at all “normal” about the housing market in 2021 and in part of 2022. Mortgage rates were at an all-time low, and there’s a great possibility we will never reach those levels again! Double-digit appreciation drove prices to new heights. Low inventories fueled by high buyer demand made multiple offers a normal […]
Homebuyers in 2022 experienced a huge shock – soaring mortgage rates which doubled in one year resulting in approximately 15 million mortgage ready buyers displaced from the market due to affordability issues. As of February 23, 2023, the 30-year fixed rate mortgage was at 6.5%. While that is twice as high as it was on […]
Market conditions are a big reason as to why you should lock your interest rate. Quite simple – locking that interest rate will protect you from increases due to market conditions. If you lock your interest rate early, it can safeguard your budgeted payment. Here’s how it works – if you lock the rate, and […]
Last year, sellers weren’t necessarily willing to make any concessions. This year, due to the softening of the market because of inflation and higher mortgage rates affecting affordability for buyers, they are much more likely to do so. Let’s discuss concessions. They can take place in many forms. A seller could offer to pay the […]
Your home is a tangible asset, which consistently becomes more valuable over time. During times where inflation is significantly high, a home is a good investment and is a hedge against inflation. Why? The interest earned in savings is almost always less than inflation. Borrowing money, in other words, a loan, can be a great […]
If you’ve thought about waiting until mortgage rates come down until your buy a home, you might not be making the best decision. Here’s a reason – if you are correct, and the rates do come down by two percent, the savings you benefit from a lower rate will most likely be devoured by the […]
This topic makes me think of a record. Remember back in the day, watching records spin while you listened to your favorite music? The housing market, especially when it comes to affordability, almost makes me think of those spinning records. A question many of us are asked as realtors is “when is the market going […]
