Keys to the Market

Unlocking Insights, One Door at a Time

Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Is the Housing Market Starting To Balance Out?

As housing inventory increases, the market is shifting, offering more leverage to buyers in certain areas. Understanding the local market dynamics, whether it's a buyer's or seller's market, is crucial. Engaging a knowledgeable real estate agent can help you navigate these changes effectively, whether you're buying or selling.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Buying Your First Home? It’s Okay To Feel Nervous

Feeling anxious about buying your first home is common. By focusing on manageable elements like mortgage specifics and considering a home warranty for unexpected repairs, you can alleviate some concerns. Remember, initial financial stretches are normal and usually improve over time as your circumstances evolve.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Mortgage Rates Hit Lowest Point So Far This Year

Mortgage rates have reached the lowest point this year, encouraging potential buyers to reconsider entering the market. With a significant decline over seven weeks, now may be an optimal time to capitalize on lower rates, enhancing affordability and buying power as rates could fluctuate further.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Should I Buy a Home Right Now? Experts Say Prices Are Only Going Up

Despite high mortgage rates and rising prices, delaying a home purchase may cost more as prices are projected to keep rising by 3-4% annually. Buying now allows for immediate equity building, with experts advising against trying to time the market. Understanding local trends and exploring options can help make a timely, strategic investment.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Do You Know What Your House Is Really Worth?

Over the past 5 years, home prices have risen dramatically. If you own a home, that means your house may be worth a lot more than you think. ​

Nationally, prices are up nearly 60% since 2019. ​And, if selling has been on your mind, you can use that bigger-than-expected return to power your next move.

​Do you want to know how much your home is worth in today’s market? Let’s connect.​ The number may surprise you.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Headed Back Into the Office? You May Decide To Move

As companies require office returns, many workers face decisions about relocating closer to their jobs or adjusting to long commutes. Returning to the office after remote work flexibility is pushing people to reevaluate their living situations, highlighting the need to balance commute demands with home location preferences. Consulting a real estate agent can simplify finding the right home to match new work requirements.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Why a Pre-Listing Inspection May Be Worth It in Today’s Market

Considering a pre-listing inspection can be strategic for home sellers, helping identify potential issues early and enhancing market appeal. This proactive step, discussed with an agent, ensures a smoother sale process by addressing problems before they become deal-breakers.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

More Buyers Are Making Moves — Is It Time To Sell?

With an uptick in mortgage applications and buyer demand, now might be the ideal time to sell your home. Data indicates rising buyer activity, making it a promising moment for sellers to capitalize on increased interest and potential offers. As the market stabilizes and we approach the peak real estate season, connecting with a knowledgeable agent could position your property advantageously in this dynamic market.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Is a Newly Built Home Right for You? The Pros and Cons

Newly built homes offer numerous advantages including customization options, lower maintenance costs, and energy-efficient features, making them an appealing choice amid today’s market conditions. However, potential buyers should consider longer wait times and possible price fluctuations due to economic factors. Engaging with a knowledgeable real estate agent can help navigate these aspects to make an informed decision.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Understanding Home Sales and Taxes: Do You Need to Report Yours?

Selling your home? You may exclude up to $250K ($500K for married couples) from taxes if you meet the residency rule. If you receive Form 1099-S, you must report the sale, even if no tax is owed. No form? Reporting is optional but can help avoid IRS scrutiny. If required, use IRS Form 8949 and Schedule D. Unsure? Consult a tax pro to ensure compliance.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Is It Better To Rent or Buy a Home Today?

A study shows that 70% of prospective buyers fear the long-term consequences of renting. And here’s why. Rent usually rises over time and that can make it harder to save up to buy a home. But when you buy, you can stabilize your housing expenses and grow your net worth as home values rise. While renting may be the less expensive option in some markets, it can’t match the long-term benefits of homeownership. What’s your #1 reason for wanting to buy?

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Do You Know How Much Your Home Is Worth?

With national home values soaring by nearly 60% in five years, understanding your home's worth is crucial. Learn how market trends and expert insights offer a precise home valuation, empowering informed selling decisions in a booming market.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Is an Accessory Dwelling Unit Right for You? Here’s What To Know

Are you having a hard time finding the right home in your budget? Or maybe you already own a home but could use some extra income or a designated space for aging loved ones. Either way, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) could be the smart solution you’ve been looking for in today’s market.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Are Investors Actually Buying Up All the Homes?

It's a common belief that large institutional investors are dominating the home buying market, but data shows this isn't the case. Most real estate investors are small-scale, owning just a few properties. Additionally, institutional investor purchases have significantly declined; they constituted only 0.3% of home sales by Q3 2024, down from 2.4% at their peak in Q2 2022. This reduction is mainly due to less favorable market conditions like higher mortgage rates and home prices. Understanding that big investors are less active could reassure potential homebuyers about their chances in the current market.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

How To Buy a Home Without Waiting for Lower Rates

Mortgage rates are expected to stay around 6.5-7%. Don't wait for a significant drop; consider alternatives:

  1. Mortgage Buydowns - Pay upfront to lower rates temporarily, popular with first-timers.

  2. Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARMs) - Start with lower rates; safer post-2008 with better borrower qualifications.

  3. Assumable Mortgages - Take over the seller's lower rate loan; over 11 million homes qualify.

Discuss these with a lender to find what suits you. How does this influence your homebuying plans?

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Should I Update My House Before I Sell It?

With more homes for sale and buyers being more selective, it’s smart to make strategic updates.​ But how do you decide what’s worth doing? ​You lean on an agent. An agent will be able to tell you what buyers want, quick wins that’ll have a big impact, and what projects have the best ROI. What projects are on your to-do list before selling? With only a month left before spring, let’s connect so you know what’s worth the time and effort.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Seller Concessions: A Smart Strategy To Get Your House Sold

With market balance, concessions like covering closing costs, price adjustments, or home warranties are increasing, with 24% of sellers in 2024 offering them. These reduce profit at closing, not additional costs, and might include leaving items. They facilitate deals by addressing buyer issues. An agent's guidance is key for negotiation. What concession would you consider?

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

The Return to Urban Living — Why More People Are Moving Back to Cities

Urban living is on the rise with 16% of people moving to cities, the highest in a decade. Key reasons include: 1) Vibrant Culture - cities offer cultural hubs with endless activities. 2) Proximity to Work - hybrid work models make commuting easier. 3) Convenience - easy access to transport, healthcare, etc. If you own a suburban home, selling it can provide equity for a city move, despite smaller spaces. What's your favorite city aspect? Let's find you an urban home.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Buying a Home May Help Shield You from Inflation

Buying a home can serve as a defense against inflation because a fixed-rate mortgage keeps your housing costs stable, unlike rent which typically increases faster than inflation. Additionally, home values generally appreciate at a rate above inflation, boosting your wealth. This stability in payments and potential appreciation make homeownership a strategic move during inflationary times, offering both budget predictability and long-term financial growth.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Are You Asking Yourself These Questions About Selling Your House?

Common concerns for sellers include timing, finding a suitable new home, and buyer interest. Home values are up, providing funds for moving despite rates. Inventory has increased by 25%, improving options. Despite conditions, 4.24 million homes sold last year, showing ongoing demand. Discuss with an agent for clarity on your move. What's your biggest concern?

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