If you’re planning to sell your house and move, you probably know there’s been a shortage of options available. But here’s the good news: the supply of homes for sale has grown in a lot of markets this year – and that’s not just existing, or previously-owned, homes. It’s true for newly built homes too. So how do you decide which route to go? Do you buy an existing home or a brand-new one? The choice is yours – you just need to figure out what’s most important to you.Perks of a Newly Built HomeHere are some benefits of buying a newly built home right now:Have brand new everything with never-been-used...
Mortgage rates have been one of the hottest topics in the housing market lately because of their impact on affordability. And if you’re someone who’s looking to make a move, you’ve probably been waiting eagerly for rates to come down for that very reason. Well, if the past few weeks are any indication, you may be getting your wish.Mortgage Rates Trend Down in Recent WeeksThere’s big news for mortgage rates. After the latest reports on the economy, inflation, the unemployment rate, and the Federal Reserve’s recent comments, mortgage rates started dropping a bit. And according to Freddie Mac,...
If you haven’t already heard, homebuyers are regaining some negotiating power in today’s market. And while that doesn’t make this a buyer’s market, it does mean buyers may be able to ask for a little more. So, sellers need to be ready for that possibility and know what they’re willing to negotiate.Whether you’re looking to buy or sell a house, here’s a quick rundown of potential negotiations that may pop up during your transaction. That way, you’re prepared no matter which side of the deal you’re on.What Can You Negotiate?Most things in a home purchase are on the negotiation table. Here’s a...
Curious about selling your home? Understanding how much equity you have is the first step to unlocking what you can afford when you move. And since home prices rose so much over the past few years, most people have much more equity than they may realize.Here’s a deeper look at what you need to know if you’re ready to cash in on your investment and put your equity toward your next home.Home Equity: What Is It and How Much Do You Have?Home equity is the difference between how much your house is worth and how much you still owe on your mortgage. For example, if your house is worth $400,000 and...
Some HighlightsBack in 2008, there was an oversupply of homes for sale. Today, there’s an undersupply. The three main sources of inventory show this isn’t like the last time.Existing homes, new homes, and foreclosures are all way below the levels we saw during the housing crash.Inventory data shows there just aren’t enough homes available to have a repeat of what happened back in 2008.
Are you a part of the Sandwich Generation? According to Realtor.com, that’s a name for the roughly one in six Americans who take care of their children and their parents or grandparents at the same time.If that sounds familiar to you, juggling all the responsibilities involved certainly must have its challenges. But it turns out there’s one pretty significant benefit: it can actually make it a bit easier for you to buy a home.How Can It Help You Buy a Home?Realtor.com asked members of the Sandwich Generation if they agree or disagree that taking care of children and parents at the same time...
Figuring out what to do with your house when you’re ready to move can be a big decision. Should you sell it and use the money for your next adventure, or keep it as a rental to build long-term wealth?It’s a question many homeowners face, and the answer isn’t always straightforward. Whether you’re curious about the potential income from renting or worried about the responsibilities of being a landlord, there’s a lot to consider.Let’s walk through some key questions to ask to help you make the best decision for your situation.Is Your House a Good Fit for Renting?Even if...
The housing market is going through a transition. Higher mortgage rates are causing more moderate buyer activity at the same time the supply of homes for sale is growing.And if you aren’t working with an agent, you may not realize that. Here’s the downside. If you’re not informed, you can’t adjust your strategy or expectations to today’s market. And that can lead to a number of costly mistakes.Here’s a look at some of the most common ones – and how an agent will help you avoid them when you sell. 1. Overpricing Your HouseMany sellers set their asking price too high and that’s why there’s an...
Today’s headlines and news stories about home prices are confusing and make it tough to know what’s really happening. Some say home prices are heading for a correction, but what do the facts say? Well, it helps to start by looking at what a correction means.Here’s what Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, says: “In stock market terms, a correction is generally referred to as a 10 to 20% drop in prices . . . We don’t have the same established definitions in the housing market.”In the context of today’s housing market, it doesn’t mean home prices are going to fall dramatically....
Some HighlightsEquity is the difference between what your house is worth and what you still owe on your mortgage.The typical homeowner gained $28,000 over the past year and has a grand total of $305,000 in equity. And there are a lot of great ways you can use that equity.To find out how much equity you have, connect with a real estate agent who can give you a Professional Equity Assessment Report (PEAR).