best places for snowbirds in florida: Myths About Today’s Housing Market - 04/22/22 06:13 PM
Myths About Today’s Housing 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. … (4 comments)

best places for snowbirds in florida: Why This Housing Market Is Not a Bubble Ready To Pop - 04/21/22 06:15 PM
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.
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 … (2 comments)

best places for snowbirds in florida: How To Approach Rising Mortgage Rates as a Buyer - 04/20/22 08:54 PM
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.
If you’re thinking of buying a home, here are a few things to keep in mind so you can succeed even … (1 comments)

best places for snowbirds in florida: Why Pre-Approval Is an Important Step for Today’s Homebuyers - 04/19/22 06:35 PM
Why Pre-Approval Is an Important Step for Today’s Homebuyers
Being intentional and competitive are musts when buying a home this season. That’s why pre-approval is so important today. Pre-approval from a lender is the only way to know your true price range and how much money you can borrow for your loan. Peter Warden, Editor of The Mortgage Reports, explains:
“The lender will check out your personal finances and issue you a letter confirming the amount you’re eligible to borrow. This not only gives you a firm budget for house hunting, but also lets sellers know you’re qualified to make an offer.”
Why does that matter … (3 comments)

best places for snowbirds in florida: Is It Time To Buy a Smaller Home? - 04/18/22 07:09 PM
Is It Time To Buy a Smaller Home?
Life events can have a major impact on what you need from your home, and retirement is one of the biggest changes many of us face. This period of your life can mean doing more of the things you enjoy, like traveling, visiting with loved ones, or taking on new hobbies. But what does that mean for your home?
If you’re looking for ways to focus more on the important things in your life, the answer could be downsizing. A recent article from The Balance talks about why it could be a great option, saying:
“There are … (2 comments)

best places for snowbirds in florida: On the Fence of Whether or Not To Move This Spring? Consider This. - 04/14/22 08:23 PM
On the Fence of Whether or Not To Move This Spring? Consider This.
If you’re thinking of selling your house, it may be because you’ve heard prices are rising, listings are going fast, and sellers are getting multiple offers on their homes. But why are conditions so good for sellers today? And what can you expect when you move? To help answer both of those questions, let’s turn to the data.
Today, there are far more buyers looking for homes than sellers listing their houses. Here are the maps of the latest buyer and seller traffic from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) to help paint the picture of what this looks … (2 comments)

best places for snowbirds in florida: Where Are Mortgage Rates Headed? - 04/13/22 07:59 PM
Where Are Mortgage Rates Headed?
There’s never been a truer statement regarding forecasting mortgage rates than the one offered last year by Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American:
“You know, the fallacy of economic forecasting is: Don't ever try and forecast interest rates and or, more specifically, if you're a real estate economist mortgage rates, because you will always invariably be wrong.”
Coming into this year, most experts projected mortgage rates would gradually increase and end 2022 in the high three-percent range. It’s only April, and rates have already blown past those numbers. Freddie Mac announced last week that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is already at 4.72%.
Danielle … (3 comments)

best places for snowbirds in florida: Using Your Tax Refund To Achieve Your Homeownership Goals This Year - 04/11/22 08:56 PM
Using Your Tax Refund To Achieve Your Homeownership Goals This Year
If you’re buying or selling a home this year, you’re likely saving up for a variety of expenses. For buyers, that might include things like your down payment and closing costs. And for sellers, you’re probably working on a bit of spring cleaning and maintenance to spruce up your house before you list it.
Either way, any money you get back from your taxes can help you achieve your goals. Using a tax refund is a common tactic for buyers and sellers. SmartAsset estimates the average American will receive a $2,897 tax refund this year. The … (1 comments)

best places for snowbirds in florida: Do You Know How Much Equity You Have in Your Home? - 04/08/22 06:36 PM
Do You Know How Much Equity You Have in Your Home?
Some Highlights If you’re a homeowner, your net worth has gotten a big boost. That’s because recent home price appreciation has increased your equity. Your equity grows as you pay down your loan and as your home increases in value. Over the past year, the average homeowner’s equity grew by $55,300. Ready to sell? Let’s connect to talk about how you can use that equity to fuel your next move. … (4 comments)

best places for snowbirds in florida: The Future of Home Price Appreciation and What It Means for You - 04/07/22 07:55 PM
The Future of Home Price Appreciation and What It Means for You
Many consumers are wondering what will happen with home values over the next few years. Some are concerned that the recent run-up in home prices will lead to a situation similar to the housing crash 15 years ago.
However, experts say the market is totally different today. For example, Odeta Kushi, Deputy Chief Economist at First American, tweeted just last week on this issue:
“. . . We do need price appreciation to slow today (it’s not sustainable over the long run) but high price growth today is supported by fundamentals- short supply, lower rates … (2 comments)

best places for snowbirds in florida: What You Need To Budget for When Buying a Home - 04/05/22 07:50 PM
What You Need To Budget for When Buying a Home
When it comes to buying a home, it can feel a bit intimidating to know how much you need to save and where to find that information. But you should know, you’re not expected to have all the answers yourself. There are many trusted professionals who can help you understand your finances and what you’ll need to budget for throughout the process.
To get you started, here are a few things experts say you should plan for along the way.
1. Down Payment As you set your savings goal for your purchase, … (3 comments)

best places for snowbirds in florida: Balancing Your Wants and Needs as a Homebuyer Today - 04/04/22 08:13 PM
Balancing Your Wants and Needs as a Homebuyer Today
Since the number of homes for sale is low today, it can feel challenging to find one that checks all your boxes. But if you know which features are absolutely essential in your next home and which ones are just nice bonuses, you can land a home that fits your needs.
Danielle Hale, Chief Economist for realtor.com, explains it like this:
“Focus on the goal you set out for yourself, like your list of must-haves and nice-to-haves and your budget, . . . Stick to that. Be persistent.”
So how do you go about creating your list of desired features? … (2 comments)

best places for snowbirds in florida: It’s Still a Sellers’ Market - 04/01/22 08:44 PM
It’s Still a Sellers’ Market 
Some Highlights Due to low supply and high demand, today is one of the strongest sellers’ markets we’ve seen. Sellers can benefit from more offers to pick from, higher home values, and a faster sales process. There’s a reason why 72% of people believe it’s a good time to sell. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity. Let’s connect so you can take advantage of this hot sellers’ market. … (3 comments)

best places for snowbirds in florida: There Are Several Great Reasons To Consider Buying a Condo Today - 03/31/22 07:25 PM
There Are Several Great Reasons To Consider Buying a Condo Today
If you’re a first-time buyer looking to break into the housing market but struggling to find a home to buy, condominiums (or condos) could be a great alternative for you.
Here are a few reasons condos may be something you’ll want to consider.
Exploring Condos Could Add Options That Fit Your Budget Supply challenges are a reality across the board in today’s housing market. Broadening your home search to include condos could increase your overall pool of options. Just keep in mind, condos generally differ from single-family homes in average space … (1 comments)

best places for snowbirds in florida: What’s Happening with Mortgage Rates, and Where Will They Go from Here? - 03/30/22 07:44 PM
What’s Happening with Mortgage Rates, and Where Will They Go from Here?
Based on the Primary Mortgage Market Survey from Freddie Mac, the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has increased by 1.2% (3.22% to 4.42%) since January of this year. The rate jumped by more than a quarter of a point from just a week ago. Here’s a visual to show how mortgage rate movement throughout 2021 was steady compared to the rapid increase in mortgage rates this year:

Just a few months ago, Freddie Mac projected mortgage rates would average 3.6% in 2022. Earlier this month, Fannie Mae forecast mortgage rates would average 3.8% in 2022. As the chart … (0 comments)

best places for snowbirds in florida: The Best Week To List Your House Is Just Around the Corner - 03/29/22 07:48 PM
The Best Week To List Your House Is Just Around the Corner
Are you thinking about selling your house? If so, you may want to make it a priority to start the process soon. According to realtor.com, the sweet spot for sellers is just around the corner. In a recent study, experts analyzed housing market trends by looking at data from the past several years (excluding 2020, since it was an atypical year). When applied to the current market, experts determined the ideal week to list a house this year. The research says:
“Home sellers on the fence waiting for that perfect moment to … (1 comments)

best places for snowbirds in florida: A Key To Building Wealth Is Homeownership - 03/28/22 08:26 PM
A Key To Building Wealth Is Homeownership
The link between financial security and homeownership is especially important today as inflation rises.  But many people may not realize just how much owning a home contributes to your overall net worth. As Leslie Rouda Smith, President of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), says:
"Homeownership is rewarding in so many ways and can serve as a vital component in achieving financial stability."
Here are just a few reasons why, if you’re looking to increase your financial stability, homeownership is a worthwhile goal.
Owning a Home Is a Building Block for Financial Success A recent NAR report details several homeownership trends and … (2 comments)

best places for snowbirds in florida: How an Energy Efficient Home Can Be a Bright Idea - 03/25/22 08:32 PM
How an Energy Efficient Home Can Be a Bright Idea
Some Highlights With inflation driving up the cost of everyday items, seeking out an energy-efficient home can be a great way to decrease the expenses you can control. Energy efficiency can help lower your utility bills and possibly even save you money on your taxes. Options to look for include efficient appliances, windows, and solar panels. If you’re planning to buy a home this year, consider energy efficiency in your search. Let’s connect so you can better understand features that can save you money for years to come. … (3 comments)

best places for snowbirds in florida: What You Need To Know if You’re Thinking About Building a Home - 03/23/22 08:56 PM
What You Need To Know if You’re Thinking About Building a Home
If you’re ready to move up, you may be trying to decide whether you want to buy a home that's already on the market or build a new one. And since the supply of homes available for sale today is low, you’re willing to consider either avenue. While home builders are doing everything they can to construct more houses and help narrow the supply shortage, they’re also facing delays due to factors outside of their control.
Here’s the latest on some of the key challenges homebuilders are experiencing today and how they … (1 comments)

best places for snowbirds in florida: The Many Benefits of Homeownership - 03/22/22 08:26 PM
The Many Benefits of Homeownership
The past two years have taught us the true value of homeownership, especially the stability and the feeling of accomplishment it can provide. But homeownership has so much more to offer. Here’s a look at a few of the non-financial and financial benefits of owning a home. If you’re looking to buy a home today, think about all the ways homeownership can impact your life.
Homeownership Has Impactful Personal and Emotional Benefits Owning your home gives you a significant sense of pride because it’s a space that is truly yours. And as a homeowner, you can customize … (3 comments)