sandy giff: Important Distinction: Homes Are Less Affordable, Not Unaffordable - 10/21/21 07:53 PM
Important Distinction: Homes Are Less Affordable, Not Unaffordable
It’s impossible to research the subject of buying a home without coming across a headline declaring that the fall in home affordability is a crisis. However, when we add context to the most recent affordability statistics, we soon realize that, though homes are less affordable than they have been over the last few years, they are more affordable than they historically have been.
Black Knight, a premier provider of data and analytics for the mortgage industry, just released their latest Monthly Mortgage Monitor which includes a new analysis of the affordability situation. Here’s what the report reveals:
“The monthly … (1 comments)

sandy giff: Looking To Move? It Could Be Time To Build Your Dream Home. - 10/20/21 07:26 PM
Looking To Move? It Could Be Time To Build Your Dream Home.
While today’s supply of homes for sale is still low, the number of newly built homes is increasing. If you’re ready to sell but have held off because you weren’t sure you’d be able to find a home to move into, newly built homes and those under construction can provide the options you’ve been waiting for.
The latest Census data shows the inventory of new homes is increasing this year (see graph below):With more new homes coming to the market, this means you’ll have more options to choose from if you’re ready to buy. Of course, if … (2 comments)

sandy giff: Sellers: Your House Could Be an Oasis for Buyers Seeking More Options - 10/18/21 06:44 PM
Sellers: Your House Could Be an Oasis for Buyers Seeking More Options
Sellers have a great opportunity this season as buyer demand still heavily outweighs the current supply of homes for sale. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), today’s housing inventory sits at only a 2.6-month supply. To put that into perspective, a neutral market typically features a 6-month supply. That places today’s market firmly in the sellers’ market category.
That same NAR data also shows today’s inventory of single-family homes is trailing behind the level we saw last year (see graph below):Because of the ongoing supply challenges, buyers can feel like they’re wandering across … (0 comments)

sandy giff: Homebuyer Tips for Finding the One - 10/15/21 07:36 PM
Homebuyer Tips for Finding the One
Some Highlights The best advice carries across multiple areas of life. When it comes to homebuying, a few simple tips can help you stay on track. Because of increased demand, you’ll need to be patient and embrace compromises during your search. Then, once you’ve fallen in love, commit by putting your best offer forward. If you’re looking to buy a home this year, let’s connect so you have a dedicated partner and teammate to help you find the one. … (1 comments)

sandy giff: The Big Question: Should You Renovate or Move? - 10/13/21 05:03 PM
The Big Question: Should You Renovate or Move?
The last 18 months changed what many buyers are looking for in a home. Recently, the American Institute of Architects released their AIA Home Design Trends Survey results for Q3 2021. The survey reveals the following:
70% of respondents want more outdoor living space 69% of respondents want a home office (48% wanted multiple offices) 46% of respondents want a multi-function room/flexible space 42% of respondents want an au pair/in-law suite 39% of respondents want an exercise room/yoga space If you’re a homeowner who wants to add any of the above, you have two options: renovate your … (1 comments)

sandy giff: Experts Agree: Homeownership Provides a Path to Long-Term Wealth - 10/11/21 06:32 PM
Experts Agree: Homeownership Provides a Path to Long-Term Wealth
A recent survey from LendingTree.com found there are multiple reasons why Americans would choose to purchase a home instead of renting. Some of the most popular non-financial reasons given include:
The flexibility to make the space your own The pride homeownership offers The sense of stability In the same survey, 41% of respondents say they’d rather own a home than rent because of the unique way homeownership builds wealth over time.
And experts agree – the home you own is an important tool for building your net worth. Here’s what many of those experts have to say about building long-term financial … (0 comments)

sandy giff: What’s Causing Today’s Competitive Real Estate Market? - 10/08/21 06:42 PM
What’s Causing Today’s Competitive Real Estate Market? Some Highlights Today’s strong sellers’ market is the direct result of high demand and low supply. Low mortgage rates and generational trends have created an increased demand for homes. Meanwhile, the slower pace of new home construction and homeowners staying in their homes longer have both led to today’s low supply. If you’re thinking of selling, let’s connect to talk about our local area and how you can take advantage of today’s housing market. … (1 comments)

sandy giff: 111,285 Reasons You Should Buy a Home This Year - 10/07/21 06:30 PM
111,285 Reasons You Should Buy a Home This Year
The financial benefits of buying a home versus renting one are always up for debate. However, one element of the equation is often ignored – the ability to build wealth as a homeowner.
According to the latest research from the National Association of Realtors (NAR):
“Homeownership is a key pathway to building wealth and narrowing the racial income and wealth inequality gap. Housing wealth (equity) accumulation takes time and is built up by price appreciation and paying off the mortgage.”
An increase in equity builds the wealth of the individual that owns it. This wealth can be passed down … (1 comments)

sandy giff: The Main Key To Understanding the Rise in Mortgage Rates - 10/05/21 06:57 PM
The Main Key To Understanding the Rise in Mortgage Rates
Every Thursday, Freddie Mac releases the results of their Primary Mortgage Market Survey which reveals the most recent movement in the 30-year fixed mortgage rate. Last week, the rate was announced as 3.01%. It was the first time in three months that the mortgage rate surpassed 3%. In a press release accompanying the survey, Sam Khater, Chief Economist at Freddie Mac, explains:
“Mortgage rates rose across all loan types this week as the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield reached its highest point since June.”
The reason Khater mentions the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield is because there has been a … (0 comments)

sandy giff: As Home Equity Rises, So Does Your Wealth - 09/30/21 06:01 PM
As Home Equity Rises, So Does Your Wealth
Homeownership is still a crucial part of the American dream. For those people who own a home (and those looking to buy one), it’s clear that being a homeowner has considerable benefits both emotionally and financially. In addition to long-term stability, buying a home is one of the best ways to increase your net worth. This boost to your wealth comes in the form of equity.
Equity is the difference between what you owe on the home and its market value based on factors like price appreciation.
The best thing about equity is that it often grows without you even realizing … (1 comments)

sandy giff: Don’t Tackle Selling Your Home on Your Own – an Agent Can Help - 09/29/21 05:26 PM
Don’t Tackle Selling Your Home on Your Own – an Agent Can Help
If you’re looking to maximize your sale and minimize your effort, you need to work with a real estate professional. In a sellers’ market like today’s, it can be tempting to list your house on your own – known as For Sale By Owner (FSBO). But the truth is, a real estate professional can save you time and money by managing every step of the process, from pricing your home to reviewing documents and handling negotiations.
Before you decide to sell your house on your own, here are five reasons why working with an … (1 comments)

sandy giff: If You’re a Buyer, Is Offering Asking Price Enough? - 09/27/21 06:37 PM
If You’re a Buyer, Is Offering Asking Price Enough?
In today’s real estate market, buyers shouldn’t shop for a home with the expectation they’ll be able to negotiate a lower sales price. In a typical housing market, buyers try to determine how much less than the asking price they can offer and still get the home. From there, the buyer and seller typically negotiate and agree on a revised price somewhere in the middle.
Things Are Different Today Today’s housing market is anything but normal. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), homes today are:
Receiving an average of  3.8 offers Selling … (0 comments)

sandy giff: It’s Still a Sellers’ Market  - 09/24/21 05:53 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. That might be why 73% of people believe it’s a good time to sell. Sellers, don’t miss out on this unique opportunity. Let’s connect so you can take advantage of this hot sellers’ market. … (0 comments)

sandy giff: Two Reasons Why Waiting a Year To Buy Could Cost You - 09/23/21 06:05 PM
Two Reasons Why Waiting a Year To Buy Could Cost You
If you’re a renter with a desire to become a homeowner or a homeowner who’s decided your current house no longer fits your needs, you may be hoping that waiting a year might mean better market conditions to purchase a home.
To determine if you should buy now or wait, you need to ask yourself two simple questions:
What will home prices be like in 2022? Where will mortgage rates be by the end of 2022? Let’s shed some light on the answers to both of these questions.
What will … (1 comments)

sandy giff: Is a 20% Down Payment Really Necessary To Purchase a Home? - 09/22/21 06:20 PM
Is a 20% Down Payment Really Necessary To Purchase a Home?
There’s a common misconception that, as a homebuyer, you need to come up with 20% of the total sale price for your down payment. In fact, a recent survey by Lending Tree asks what is keeping consumers from purchasing a home. For over half of those surveyed, the ability to afford a down payment is the biggest hurdle.
That may be because those individuals assume a 20% down payment is necessary. While putting more money down if you’re able can benefit buyers, putting 20% down is not mandatory. As Freddie Mac puts it:
“The most damaging down payment … (0 comments)

sandy giff: Is the Number of Homes for Sale Finally Growing? - 09/16/21 07:28 PM
Is the Number of Homes for Sale Finally Growing?
An important metric in today’s residential real estate market is the number of homes available for sale. The shortage of available housing inventory is the major reason for the double-digit price appreciation we’ve seen in each of the last two years. It’s the reason many would-be purchasers are frustrated with the bidding wars over the homes that are available. However, signs of relief are finally appearing.
According to data from realtor.com, active listings have increased over the last four months. They define active listings as:
“The active listing count tracks the number of for sale properties on … (0 comments)

sandy giff: The Truth About Today’s Buyer Demand - 09/14/21 06:25 PM
The Truth About Today’s Buyer Demand
When it comes to the latest news in real estate, there are a lot of sensational headlines in the media. In times like this, when it can be hard to know what to believe, put your trust in the experts. Those of us in the housing market respect that buying or selling a home is a major life decision, and we offer advice based on what the data shows.
Despite what you may have read, the housing market is still undeniably strong. Here’s a look at what leading experts have to say about buyer demand today and how it … (1 comments)

sandy giff: Fact or Fiction: Homebuyer Edition - 09/10/21 05:26 PM
Fact or Fiction: Homebuyer Edition
Some Highlights When it comes to the current housing market, there are multiple misconceptions – from what the current supply of available homes looks like to how much houses are selling for. It takes professionals who study expert opinions and data to truly understand the real estate market and separate fact from fiction. Trust the pros. If you want to understand why it’s still a good time to buy, let’s connect today. … (0 comments)

sandy giff: Home Price Appreciation Is Skyrocketing in 2021. What About 2022? - 09/09/21 06:04 PM
Home Price Appreciation Is Skyrocketing in 2021. What About 2022?
One of the major story lines over the last year is how well the residential real estate market performed. One key metric in the spotlight is home price appreciation. According to the latest indices, home prices are skyrocketing this year.
Here are the latest percentages showing the year-over-year increase in home price appreciation:
The House Price Index (HPI) from the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA): 18.8% The S. National Home Price Index from S&P Case-Shiller: 18.6% The Home Price Insights Report from CoreLogic: 18% The dramatic increases are seen at every price point and in all regions of the country.
Increases … (2 comments)

sandy giff: Buying A Home With Great Resale Value In Orlando - 07/12/15 04:23 AM
Buying a home with great Resale Value In Orlando
 
It may sound odd to suggest that would buy a home in Orlando with great resale value, since you don't own the home has yet.   However, the risks are great that you may move sooner or later. In the event that that happens, you need a house that has developed in quality and speaks to an extensive variety of purchasers, correct?
 
 
Since the majority of us won't live in the same house for whatever remains of our lives, it’s useful to start dissecting resale values from the first day we choose to purchase a home. Discovering a property … (2 comments)