Keys to the Market
Unlocking Insights, One Door at a Time
How To Get Your House Ready To Sell in 2025
If you’re planning to list your house in 2025, it’s already time to start working on any repairs. But where do you start? Your local agent will be able to help you prioritize projects that will help you get the best return on your investment and appeal to what today’s buyers really want. If your goal is to sell your house next year, let’s connect so you know what to start working on now.
Don’t Miss Out on the Growing Number of Down Payment Assistance Programs
The number of down payment assistance (DPA) programs has increased, offering more opportunities for homebuyers. With an average benefit of $17,000, these programs help cover significant costs, making homeownership more accessible. Consult real estate professionals to find suitable programs for your needs.
What’s Behind Today’s Mortgage Rate Volatility?
Today's mortgage rate volatility is influenced by political events, economic indicators, and Federal Reserve policies. Election outcomes and economic data like inflation and employment rates play significant roles in fluctuating rates. Understanding these dynamics can help buyers and sellers make informed decisions in a fluctuating market.
Is Wall Street Really Buying All the Homes?
The belief that Wall Street is buying up all available homes is largely a myth. Most property investors are small, mom-and-pop operations, not large corporations. Recent data shows that five out of every six homes are bought by regular homebuyers, and investor purchases are declining, making room for everyday buyers in the market.
Don’t Let These Two Concerns Hold You Back from Selling Your House
Don't let concerns about high mortgage rates or finding a new home stop you from selling. Leveraging your home equity and the increasing number of homes on the market means now might be the right time to sell and find a home you love. Let’s discuss how you can use these factors to your advantage.
The Big Difference Between Renter and Homeowner Net Worth
If you’re torn between renting or buying, don’t forget to factor in the wealth-building power of homeownership. Unlike renters, homeowners gain equity as they pay their mortgage and as home values rise. That’s why, on average, a homeowner’s net worth is nearly 40x higher than a renter’s. Let’s connect if you want to learn more about the financial benefits of homeownership or the programs that can help make buying possible.
Should You Sell Your House or Rent It Out?
With a rising trend in homeowners considering renting out their properties, it's crucial to weigh the benefits and challenges. Evaluate factors like property suitability, landlord responsibilities, and financial implications to decide whether selling or renting aligns better with your goals.
More Homes, Slower Price Growth – What It Means for You as a Buyer
With a 29.2% increase in available homes compared to last year, buyers now enjoy more options and less rushed decisions. This surge in inventory, a high since December 2019, is slowing home price growth, making it a favorable market for potential buyers.
What’s Motivating Homeowners To Move Right Now
Many homeowners are moving due to significant life changes despite higher mortgage rates. Key reasons include job changes, family needs, or lifestyle shifts. Understanding these motivations can clarify whether it's time for you to sell and seize new opportunities.
The Majority of Veterans Are Unaware of a Key VA Loan Benefit
Many veterans are unaware that VA home loans can offer a zero down payment option, a feature that significantly eases the path to homeownership. This benefit, along with no required private mortgage insurance and limited closing costs, makes it an invaluable resource for eligible veterans aiming to buy homes.
Why You Need an Agent To Set the Right Asking Price
The #1 task sellers struggle with is setting the right asking price for their house. Without an agent’s help, you may set a price that turns away buyers and takes a long time to sell. To make sure your house is priced right, let’s connect. Because, if the price isn’t compelling, it’s not selling.
Renting vs. Buying: The Net Worth Gap You Need To See
The Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances reveals that homeowners' net worth is typically 40 times greater than renters', largely due to equity gains from rising home prices. Despite potential market volatility, buying a home remains a significant wealth-building strategy. Engaging a local real estate agent can provide insights into personal financial strategies and the benefits of homeownership.
What To Look For From This Week’s Fed Meeting
You may be hearing a lot of talk about the Federal Reserve (the Fed) and how their actions will impact the housing market right now. Here’s why.
The Fed meets again this week to decide the next step with the Federal Funds Rate. That's how much it costs banks to borrow from each other. Now, that’s not the same thing as setting mortgage rates, but mortgage rates can be influenced through this process. And if you’re thinking about buying or selling a home, you may be wondering about the downstream impact and when mortgage rates will come down.
Expect the Unexpected: Anticipating Volatility in Today’s Housing Market
Today's housing market exhibits notable volatility, driven by economic reports, Federal Reserve decisions, and geopolitical events, impacting mortgage rates and home prices. Engaging with a professional agent can provide essential guidance through market fluctuations, ensuring informed decisions whether buying or selling.
Is a Fixer Upper Right for You?
Considering a fixer upper could open the door to homeownership, especially in a tight market. These homes, needing varying degrees of repair, often come at lower costs, offering a unique opportunity to create value by customizing and upgrading over time. Essential tips include focusing on location, budgeting for unexpected costs, prioritizing repairs, and getting a thorough home inspection to ensure the investment is sound.
Q&A: How Do Presidential Elections Impact the Housing Market?
Even if you’re not looking to move right away, you may have questions about how the election will impact the housing market. When we look at historical trends, combined with what’s happening right now, we can find your answers. Based on historical data, mortgage rates decrease in the months before and home prices and sales increase the year after the election. The facts show Presidential elections only have a small and temporary impact on the housing market.
How Real Estate Agents Take the Fear Out of Moving
Real estate agents play a crucial role in alleviating the fears associated with moving by providing expertise, debunking misleading market information, guiding clients through each step, advocating for their interests, and solving unexpected problems. This support turns the moving process into a more manageable and enjoyable experience.
Avoid These Top Homebuyer Mistakes in Today’s Market
No one likes making mistakes, especially when they happen in what's likely the biggest transaction of your life -- buying a home.
Here's a sneak peek at the most common missteps buyers are making in today's market and how a great agent will help you steer clear of each one.
Why Home Sales Bounce Back After Presidential Elections
Election years typically see a slight dip in home sales due to uncertainty, with many buyers pausing major decisions. Historically, the market rebounds strongly post-election, with projections for 2025 suggesting a significant increase in home sales, continuing past trends.
Why Your House Will Shine in Today’s Market
Despite more homes on the market than last year, a significant housing shortfall ensures your home stands out to buyers, offering a prime selling opportunity.