Key Takeaways Beware of Misleading Online Information Online advice about renting versus buying can be misleading. It often ignores tax savings and legal protections for homeowners. Misinterpreting Housing Market Signs Many “available” signs in new build communities don’t mean a housing crash. These houses often sell quickly, indicating ongoing demand. Pre-Approval Reality Check If you’re pre-approved for a lower amount, … Read More
More BAD NEWS for Austin Housing Market
Key Takeaways Market Dynamics: The Austin housing market is currently experiencing a shift with more homes listed for sale than in the past 13 years. This has led to increased inventory and a decrease in median sales prices. Impact of Interest Rates: The rapid rise in interest rates has significantly slowed buyer demand. Sellers may need to adjust their expectations … Read More
Golden Opportunities in this “Terrible” Housing Market
Key Takeaways High home prices, interest rates, and inflation might make the market seem terrible, but much of that is hype. Interest rates are unlikely to decrease soon, with cuts not expected until the end of 2024. Current housing inventory is high, offering more choices for buyers and pressuring sellers to price realistically. Many listings are priced under $300,000, and … Read More
47% of New Buyers Surprised by How Affordable Homes Are Today
Headlines matter. Right now, it’s hard to read about real estate without seeing a headline that suggests homes have become unaffordable for most Americans. In reality, there’s hard evidence that shows how owning a home is more affordable than renting in most parts of the country, as record-low interest rates are keeping monthly mortgage payments about 23% lower than the typical payment of 20 … Read More
Do You Need to Know More about Forbearance and Mortgage Relief Options?
Earlier this year when the nation pressed pause on the economy and unemployment rates jumped up significantly, many homeowners were immediately concerned about being able to pay their mortgages, and understandably so. To assist in this challenging time, two protection plans were put into place to help support those in need. First, there was a pause placed on initiating foreclosures for government-backed … Read More
The Cost of a Home Is Far More Important than the Price
Housing inventory is at an all-time low. There are 39% fewer homes for sale today than at this time last year, and buyer demand continues to set records. Zillow recently reported: “Newly pending sales are up 25.5% compared to the same week last year, the highest year-over-year increase in the weekly Zillow database.” Whenever there is a shortage in supply of an item that’s in … Read More
Homes Are More Affordable Right Now Than They Have Been in Years
Today, home prices are appreciating. When we hear prices are going up, it’s normal to think a home will cost more as the trend continues. The way the housing market is positioned today, however, low mortgage rates are actually making homes more affordable, even as prices rise. Here’s why. According to the Mortgage Monitor Report from Black Knight: “While home prices have risen for 97 … Read More
Mortgage Rates Hit Record Lows for Three Consecutive Weeks
Over the past several weeks, Freddie Mac has reported the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate dropping to record lows, all the way down to 3.03%. Last week’s reported rate reached the lowest point in the history of the survey, which dates back to 1971 (See graph below): What does this mean for buyers? This is huge for homebuyers. Those currently taking advantage of the … Read More
Interest Rates Hover Near Historic All-Time Lows [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some Highlights Mortgage interest rates have dropped considerably this spring and are hovering at a historically low level. Locking in at a low rate today could save you thousands of dollars over the lifetime of your home loan. Let’s connect to determine the best way to position yourself for a move in today’s market.