Some HighlightsHeadlines saying foreclosures are rising might make you feel uneasy. But the truth is, there’s no need to worry.If you look at the latest numbers, they’re still below pre-pandemic norms and way below what happened during the crash.If you're worried about a flood of foreclosures, the data shows a foreclosure crisis is not where the market is today and is not where it’s headed. … Continue reading...
Don’t Wait Until Spring To Sell Your House
As you think about the year ahead, one of your big goals may be moving. But, how do you know when to make your move? While spring is usually the peak homebuying season, you don’t actually need to wait until spring to sell. Here's why.1. Take Advantage of Lower Mortgage RatesLast October, the 30-year fixed mortgage rates peaked at 7.79%. In January, they hit their lowest level since May. That means you may not feel as locked-in to your current mortgage rate right now. That downward trend in rates has made moving more affordable now than it was just a few months ago.Another reason today’s rates make now a good time to sell? More buyers are jumping back into the market. Many had been waiting on the sidelines for rates to fall, but now that that’s happening, they’re eager and ready to buy. That means more demand for your house. According to Sam Khater, Chief Economist at Freddie Mac:“Given this stabilization in rates, potential homebuyers with affordability concerns have jumped off the … Continue reading...
Foreclosure Activity Is Still Lower than the Norm
Have you seen headlines talking about the increase in foreclosures in today’s housing market? If so, they may leave you feeling a bit uneasy about what’s ahead. But remember, these clickbait titles don’t always give you the full story.The truth is, if you compare the current numbers with what usually happens in the market, you’ll see there’s no need to worry.Putting the Headlines into PerspectiveThe increase the media is calling attention to is misleading. That’s because they’re only comparing the most recent numbers to a time where foreclosures were at historic lows. And that’s making it sound like a bigger deal than it is.In 2020 and 2021, the moratorium and forbearance program helped millions of homeowners stay in their homes, allowing them to get back on their feet during a very challenging period.When the moratorium came to an end, there was an expected rise in foreclosures. But just because foreclosures are up doesn’t mean the housing market is in trouble.Historical Data Shows … Continue reading...
2 of the Factors That Impact Mortgage Rates
If you’re looking to buy a home, you’ve probably been paying close attention to mortgage rates. Over the last couple of years, they hit record lows, rose dramatically, and are now dropping back down a bit. Ever wonder why?The answer is complicated because there’s a lot that can influence mortgage rates. Here are just a few of the most impactful factors at play.Inflation and the Federal ReserveThe Federal Reserve (Fed) doesn’t directly determine mortgage rates. But the Fed does move the Federal Funds Rate up or down in response to what’s happening with inflation, the economy, employment rates, and more. As that happens, mortgage rates tend to respond. Business Insider explains:“The Federal Reserve slows inflation by raising the federal funds rate, which can indirectly impact mortgages. High inflation and investor expectations of more Fed rate hikes can push mortgage rates up. If investors believe the Fed may cut rates and inflation is decelerating, mortgage rates will typically trend … Continue reading...
Will a Silver Tsunami Change the 2024 Housing Market?
Have you ever heard the term “Silver Tsunami” and wondered what it's all about? If so, that might be because there’s been lot of talk about it online recently. Let's dive into what it is and why it won't drastically impact the housing market.What Does Silver Tsunami Mean?A recent article from HousingWire calls it:“. . . a colloquialism referring to aging Americans changing their housing arrangements to accommodate aging . . .”The thought is that as baby boomers grow older, a significant number will start downsizing their homes. Considering how large that generation is, if these moves happened in a big wave, it would affect the housing market by causing a significant uptick in the number of larger homes for sale. That influx of homes coming onto the market would impact the balance of supply and demand and more.The concept makes sense in theory, but will it happen? And if so, when? Why It Won’t Have a Huge Impact on the Housing Market in 2024Experts say, so far, a silver tsunami hasn’t … Continue reading...
Why It’s More Affordable To Buy a Home This Year [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some HighlightsHome affordability depends on three factors: mortgage rates, home prices, and wages.Mortgage rates are down from their recent peak, home prices are expected to rise at a slower pace, and wages are increasing faster than usual.That’s good news if you want to buy a home because it means affordability is getting better. … Continue reading...
The Top Benefits of Buying a Multi-Generational Home
Has the idea of sharing a home with loved ones like your grandparents, parents, or other relatives crossed your mind? If so, you’re not alone. More buyers are choosing to go this route and buy a multi-generational home. Here’s a look at some of the top reasons why, to see if a home like this may be right for you too.Why Buyers Are Opting for Multi-Generational LivingAccording to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), two of the top reasons buyers are opting for multi-generational homes today have to do with affordability (see graph below):First-time buyers are focused most on cost savings – with 28% saying this was a key reason for them. By pooling their resources with others, they can share financial responsibilities like mortgage payments, utilities, and more to make homeownership more affordable. This is especially helpful for those first-time homebuyers who may be finding it tough to afford a home on their own in today’s market.Buyers are also turning to multi-generational … Continue reading...
Are More Homeowners Selling as Mortgage Rates Come Down?
If you’re looking to buy a home, the recent downward trend in mortgage rates is good news because it helps with affordability. But there’s another way this benefits you – it may inspire more homeowners to put their houses up for sale.The Mortgage Rate Lock-In EffectOver the past year, one factor that’s really limited the options for your move is how few homes were on the market. That’s because many homeowners chose to delay their plans to sell once mortgage rates went up. An article from Freddie Mac explains:“The lack of housing supply was partly driven by the rate lock-in effect. . . . With higher rates, the incentive for existing homeowners to list their property and move to a new house has greatly diminished, leaving them rate locked.”These homeowners decided to stay put and keep their current lower mortgage rate, rather than move and take on a higher one on their next home.Early Signs Show Those Homeowners Are Ready To Move AgainAccording to the latest data from Realtor.com, there … Continue reading...
Experts Project Home Prices Will Increase in 2024
Even though home prices are going up nationally, some people are still worried they might come down. In fact, a recent survey from Fannie Mae found that 24% of people think home prices will actually decline over the next 12 months. That means almost one out of every four people are dealing with that fear, and you might be, too.To help ease that concern, here's what experts forecast will happen with prices this year.Experts Project a Modest IncreaseCheck out the latest home price forecasts from eight different sources (see graph below):The blue bar on the left means, on average, experts think home prices will go up over 2% by the end of this year – not down.Prices aren’t likely to depreciate in 2024 because inventory is still tight and lower mortgage rates are leading to strong buyer demand. Those two factors will keep pushing prices up as the year goes on. As Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at CoreLogic, explains:“With mortgage rates dropping, demand for homes in early 2024 is likely to be … Continue reading...
3 Must-Do’s When Selling Your House in 2024
If one of the goals on your list is selling your house and making a move this year, you’re likely juggling a mix of excitement about what’s ahead and feeling a little sentimental about your current home.A great way to balance those emotions and make sure you’re confident in your decision is to keep these three best practices in mind when you’re ready to sell.1. Price Your Home Right The housing market shifted in 2023 as mortgage rates rose and home price appreciation started to normalize once again. As a seller, you still need to recognize how important it is to price your house appropriately based on where the market is today. Hannah Jones, Economic Research Analyst for Realtor.com, explains:“Sellers need to become familiar with their local market and work closely with a local agent to make sure their listing is attractive to buyers. Buyers feeling the pressure of affordability are likely to be pickier, so a well-priced, well-maintained home is the ticket to drumming up big demand.”If … Continue reading...