the giff group: Three Reasons To Buy a Home in Today’s Shifting Market - 07/29/22 08:23 PM
Three Reasons To Buy a Home in Today’s Shifting Market Some Highlights The housing market is moving away from the frenzy of the past year and it’s opening doors for you if you’re thinking about buying a home. Housing inventory is increasing, which means more options for your search. Plus, the intensity of bidding wars may ease as buyer demand moderates, leading to fewer homes selling above asking price. If you’re ready to buy a home, now may be the moment you’ve been waiting for. Let’s connect to start the homebuying process today. … (2 comments)

the giff group: Two Ways Homebuyers Can Win in Today’s Market - 01/12/22 08:35 PM
Two Ways Homebuyers Can Win in Today’s Market
If your goal is to purchase a home this year, you might be looking for any advantage you can get in today’s sellers’ market. While competition is still fierce for homebuyers, there are ways you can win and secure the home of your dreams, even in a hot market.
Act Early and Save The earlier you act this year, the more affordable your purchase will be. That’s because experts project mortgage rates will rise as we move deeper into 2022. According to Freddie Mac, the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is expected to be 3.5% by year’s … (2 comments)

the giff group: How Smart Buyers Are Approaching Rising Mortgage Rates - 11/24/21 07:39 PM
How Smart Buyers Are Approaching Rising Mortgage Rates
Last week, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate from Freddie Mac inched up to 3.1%, and experts project rates will continue rising through 2022:
“The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage was 2.9% in the third quarter of 2021. We forecast mortgage rates to increase slightly through the remainder of the year and reach 3.0%, rising to 3.5% for full year 2022.”
If you’re thinking of buying a home, here are a few things to keep in mind so you can succeed even as mortgage rates rise.
Taking Time Off Can Be Costly Mortgage rates play a significant role in your home … (0 comments)

the giff group: Two Graphs That Show Why You Shouldn’t Be Upset About 3% Mortgage Rates - 11/08/21 07:57 PM
Two Graphs That Show Why You Shouldn’t Be Upset About 3% Mortgage Rates
With the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate from Freddie Mac climbing above 3%, rising rates are one of the topics dominating the discussion in the housing market today. And since experts project rates will rise further in the coming months, that conversation isn’t going away any time soon.
But as a homebuyer, what do rates above 3% really mean?
Today’s Average Mortgage Rate Still Presents Buyers with a Great Opportunity Buyers don’t want mortgage rates to rise, as any upward movement increases your monthly mortgage payment. But it’s important to put today’s average mortgage rate into … (0 comments)

the giff group: Sellers Have Incredible Leverage in Today’s Market - 11/02/21 08:21 PM
Sellers Have Incredible Leverage in Today’s Market
With mortgage rates climbing above 3% for the first time in months, serious buyers are more motivated than ever to find a home before the end of the year. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for the National Association of Realtors (NAR), puts it best, saying:
"Housing demand remains strong as buyers likely want to secure a home before mortgage rates increase even further next year."
But the sense of urgency they feel is complicated by the lack of homes for sale in today’s market. According to the latest Existing Home Sales Report from NAR:
“From one year ago, the inventory of unsold homes decreased 13%. . . … (0 comments)

the giff group: 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)

the giff group: 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)

the giff group: Why It’s Still Safe To Sell Your Home - 09/13/21 04:53 PM
Why It’s Still Safe To Sell Your Home
If you’re on the fence about whether or not you want to sell your house this year, there’s good news. Real estate professionals are highly experienced in how to sell houses safely during the pandemic. Over the last year, agents have adopted new technologies and safety measures designed to keep you safe. And experts say these practices are here to stay. As Bob Goldberg, CEO of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), puts it:
“The pandemic has confirmed to all of us in the industry that technology will continue to transform real estate.”
Below is a closer look at … (1 comments)

the giff group: Reasons You Should Consider Selling This Fall - 09/07/21 06:03 PM
Reasons You Should Consider Selling This Fall
If you're trying to decide when to sell your house, there may not be a better time to list than right now. The ultimate sellers' market we're in today won't last forever. If you’re thinking of making a move, here are four reasons to put your house up for sale sooner rather than later.
1. Your House Will Likely Sell Quickly According to the Realtors Confidence Index released by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), homes continue to sell quickly – on average, they're selling in just 17 days. As a seller, that's great news for you.
Average days on market is a … (1 comments)

the giff group: Your Agent Is Key When Pricing Your House - 09/03/21 04:40 PM
Your Agent Is Key When Pricing Your House Some Highlights Pricing your house right takes market experience and expertise. To find the best list price, your agent balances current market demand, values of homes in your neighborhood, where prices are headed, and your home’s condition. If you’re ready to sell, don’t guess on the price. Let’s connect today so we price your house to attract multiple offers and maximize your return on investment. … (1 comments)

the giff group: What Buyers and Sellers Need To Know About the Appraisal Gap - 08/31/21 05:56 PM
What Buyers and Sellers Need To Know About the Appraisal Gap
It’s economy 101 – when supply is low and demand is high, prices naturally rise. That’s what’s happening in today’s housing market. Home prices are appreciating at near-historic rates, and that’s creating some challenges when it comes to home appraisals.
In recent months, it’s become increasingly common for an appraisal to come in below the contract price on the house. Shawn Telford, Chief Appraiser for CoreLogic, explains it like this:
“Recently, we observed buyers paying prices above listing price and higher than the market data available to appraisers can support. This difference is known as … (2 comments)

the giff group: The Difference in Net Worth Between Homeowners and Renters Is Widening - 08/30/21 06:33 PM
The Difference in Net Worth Between Homeowners and Renters Is Widening
Becoming financially secure is an important goal for many people today, but some don’t realize just how much homeownership can help them achieve that dream. A recent report, The Journey Toward Financial Freedom, surveys Americans about their perspective on financial wellness and their goals. It shows there may be a significant misconception about the role owning a home plays in building wealth:
“Home ownership is one of the indicators Americans say is least connected to financial health."
Two major personal wealth goals – homeownership and net worth – work hand-in-hand. Below are just a few … (1 comments)

the giff group: What To Do with Your Vacation Home as Summer Ends - 08/24/21 05:35 PM
What To Do with Your Vacation Home as Summer Ends
As summer comes to a close, is it time to think about selling your vacation home? Based on recent data and expert opinions, it’s something you may want to consider. According to research from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), vacation home sales are up 57.2% year-over-year for January-April 2021.
If you’ve taken your last vacation this summer, here are reasons you should consider selling your vacation home this year.
1. Remote work continues to drive demand for vacation homes. As the report from NAR says, based on continuously evolving work needs, there could be more … (0 comments)

the giff group: More Young People Are Buying Homes - 08/19/21 05:53 PM
More Young People Are Buying Homes
There’s a common misconception that younger generations aren’t interested in homeownership. Many people point to the fact that millennials put off purchasing their first home as a reason for this belief.
Odeta Kushi, Deputy Chief Economist for First American, explains why millennials have put off certain milestones linked to homeownership. Those delays led to their homeownership rates trailing slightly behind older generations:
“Historically, millennials have delayed the critical lifestyle choices often linked to buying a first home, including getting married and having children, in order to further their education. This is clear in cross-generational comparisons of homeownership rates which show … (1 comments)

the giff group: The Best Use of Time (and Money) When It Comes to Renovations - 08/12/21 05:38 PM
The Best Use of Time (and Money) When It Comes to Renovations
In the current sellers’ market, many homeowners wonder what, if anything, needs to be remodeled before they list their house. That’s where a trusted real estate professional comes in. They can help you think through today’s market conditions and how they impact what you should – and shouldn’t – renovate before selling.
Here are some considerations a professional will guide you through:
1. With current supply challenges, buyers may be willing to take on projects of their own. A more balanced market typically sees a 6-month supply of homes … (1 comments)

the giff group: Are Houses Less Affordable Than They Were in Past Decades? - 08/11/21 03:36 PM
Are Houses Less Affordable Than They Were in Past Decades?
There are many headlines about how housing affordability is declining. The headlines are correct: it’s less affordable to purchase a home today than it was a year ago. However, it’s important to give this trend context. Is it less expensive to buy a house today than it was in 2005? What about 1995? What happens if we go all the way back to 1985? Or even 1975?
Obviously, the price of a home has appreciated dramatically over the last 45 years. So have the prices of milk, bread, and just about … (0 comments)

the giff group: Looking for a Place To Call Home? Consider a Condominium. - 08/10/21 06:01 PM
Looking for a Place To Call Home? Consider a Condominium.
It’s no secret that one of the top stories in today’s real estate market is low housing supply and high buyer demand. If you’re a first-time buyer looking for a starter home or are someone who’s interested in downsizing, it may be worth considering a condominium (condo) as a worthwhile option.
In fact, trends indicate condos are gaining popularity among buyers. In the latest Existing Homes Sales Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the data shows condo sales rising throughout the first half of this year (see graph below):There are a few reasons more and more people … (0 comments)

the giff group: 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)

the giff group: Butler Ridge in Windermere, FL. - 03/24/15 01:39 PM
Butler Ridge in Windermere, FL.

During late 2007, the Town of Windermere filed a proposal to annex Isle worth and Butler Bay, a wealthy subdivision.  After much discussions, and negotiations with the county, Isle worth remained in the county, but Butler Bay was annexed into Windermere, with over 90% of its residents approving annexation via a mail-in ballot. Now Windermere FL is growing at a rate that many thought it wouldn't happen. Windermere definitely has the potential to grow into something more than what we've seen, buy your new home now and become part of this gorgeous city.

Stay up … (0 comments)

the giff group: New Homes in Davenport Florida with Builder's Discount - 03/24/15 12:52 PM
New Homes in Davenport Florida with Builder's Discount

 
Davenport is a vacation destination in north eastern Polk County that is popular because of its close proximity to the Walt Disney World theme park. While small in size, the town is experiencing rapid growth. Most Davenport tourists stay in this town and spend their time at the major theme parks outside Orlando. However, Davenport has its own attractions that should not be overlooked. Visit Lake Kissimmee State Park and explore nature trails, horse trails, and boating activities. Play a round on one of Davenport’s two large golf courses: the Highlands … (0 comments)