Should You Sell Before Spring?!

Hi Friends!

Last week a ground hog (aka "Punxsutawney Phil") didn't see his shadow & foretold of an early spring! Which is great news for all our gardens!

But it got me thinking -- would it be best for Sellers to continue to wait until Spring has sprung to list their homes? Take a look at this short article that offers some great points on why listing your home now might actually be in your favor:

"No Matter Which Groundhog You Listen To, You Should Sell Before Spring!

Is spring closer than we think? Depending on which Groundhog you witnessed today, you may have less time than you think to get your home on the market before the busy spring season.

Many sellers feel that the spring is the best time to place their home on the market as buyer demand traditionally increases at that time of year. However, the next six weeks before spring hits also have their own advantages.

Here are five reasons to sell now.

1. Demand is Strong

Foot traffic refers to the number of people out actually physically looking at homes right now. The latest foot traffic numbers show that buyers are still out in force looking for their dream home. These buyers are ready, willing and able to buy…and are in the market right now!

Take advantage of the strong buyer activity currently in the market. 

2. There Is Less Competition Now

Housing supply just dropped to 3.9 months, which is well under the 6 months’ supply that is needed for a normal housing market. This means, in many areas, there are not enough homes for sale to satisfy the number of buyers in that market. This is good news for home prices. However, additional inventory is about to come to market.

There is a pent-up desire for many homeowners to move, as they were unable to sell over the last few years because of a negative equity situation. Homeowners are now seeing a return to positive equity as real estate values have increased over the last three years. Many of these homes will be coming to the market in the near future.

Also, new construction of single-family homes is again beginning to increase. A study by Harris Poll revealed that 41% of buyers would prefer to buy a new home while only 21% prefer an existing home (38% had no preference).

The choices buyers have will increase in the spring. Don’t wait until all this other inventory of homes comes to market before you sell.

3. The Process Will Be Quicker

One of the biggest challenges of the housing market has been the length of time it takes from contract to closing. Banks are requiring more and more paperwork before approving a mortgage. There is less overall business done in the winter. Therefore, the process will be less onerous than it will be in the spring. Getting your house sold and closed before the spring delays begin will lend itself to a smoother transaction.

4. There Will Never Be a Better Time to Move-Up

If you are moving up to a larger, more expensive home, consider doing it now. Prices are projected to appreciate by 5.4% over the next 12 months according to CoreLogic. If you are moving to a higher priced home, it will wind-up costing you more in raw dollars (both in down payment and mortgage payment) if you wait. You can also lock-in your 30-year housing expense with an interest rate below 4% right now. Rates are projected to rise by three-quarters of a percent by the end of 2016.

5. It’s Time to Move On with Your Life

Look at the reason you decided to sell in the first place and determine whether it is worth waiting. Is money more important than being with family? Is money more important than your health? Is money more important than having the freedom to go on with your life the way you think you should?

Only you know the answers to the questions above. You have the power to take back control of the situation by putting your home on the market. Perhaps, the time has come for you and your family to move on and start living the life you desire.

That is what is truly important."

Demand is high my friends -- and our inventory is lagging to meet that demand, which creates a desirable environment for Sellers!  If you, or someone you know, are considering selling their home - we are here to help!

As always, please let me know if you have any questions at all!

~Amy

Source: KCMBlog.com

Is Qualifying for a Mortgage Getting Easier?

Last week I shared that requirements for obtaining a mortgage were easing as interest rates were beginning to creep.

I wanted to pass along this article as well that offers some additional information related to mortgages & the requirements to obtain a mortgage for first-time & next home buyers.

Is Qualifying for a Mortgage Getting Easier? 

Again, even with the loosening of the reins for qualifying, it is always important to mindful of the trajectory of mortgage interest rates, so that you can take advantage of the market at the best possible time.

Let me know if you have any questions!

~Amy

Source: KCMBlog.com

Credit Score Requirements Lower as Interest Rates Creep Higher!

Hi Friends!

Now is definitely the time to take advantage of the still historically low interest rates before their continue their upward trend!  

Take a look at this graphic -- it's clear that interest rates are heading upward.  

If you or someone you know is thinking of making their first, or next, move - please let us know how we can help!  

~Amy
Source: KCMBlog.com

Why You Should Stop Renting & Buy Today!

Hi Friends!

So many out there, especially in our younger generations, are wondering if now is a good time or not to make that first purchase rather than renting.  Interest rates, property taxes, etc -- they're all things people have to take into consideration.

But take a look at this article to help dispel a few of those concerns: Why You Should Stop Renting & Buy Today!

And if you, or someone you know, is ready to take that next step -- please don't hesitate to call!  Our full service team is ready to help you navigate this path!

~Amy

Selling Your Home? Price It Right From the Start!

Hi Friends!

Even with our improving market here in the Salem-Keizer area, pricing a home to sell still requires expertise & knowledge.

I came across this article in my reading recently and thought it shared some great insight on why it's wise to property price your home from the beginning.

Take a look: Selling Your Home? Price It Right From the Start! and let me know your thoughts!

And if you're curious if now is the right time to be selling your home, please don't hesitate to call! I'd love to set up a consultation in my office to connect.

As always - please let me know if you have any questions!

~Amy

Source: KCMBlog.com

Contentment - What's That?

As many of you know, I am a huge Dave Ramsey fan. I was a Financial Peace University leader when he first brought out the program and I currently serve as one of his Endorsed Local Providers. No one has so consistently taught debt-free living like Dave Ramsey. But not only does he teach it, he lives it out.

Our entire office was laughing in the Spring when we were making reservations on-line to see him live in Portland. I was buying tickets for my whole team, so it was an investment I wanted as a tax write-off. As you would expect, I normally use my business credit card for those kinds of things. We burst into much raucous roaring laughter when Dave's system would not accept my card - it would only take a Debit Card! Now that's integrity living.

Dave recently started a movement called the Great Recovery. You can access information about it at www.greatrecovery.com. Included is a video from his kick off event that I would strongly encourage you to watch. In these times, all of us need Dave's positive kick in the pahtootie! I warn you; prepare yourself to be inspired.

In the meantime, as a person participating in the Great Recovery, I received this email from Dave, and I wanted to share it with you.

Recovering Contentment Becoming content and stressing less. It's tough trying to keep up with the neighbors. They have a newer car and a brand new SUV. They have kids in the best private school in the state. The only time you see them is when they're talking to the landscaper or carrying bags in both hands into the house from their daily trip to the mall. You half-heartedly smile, wave and glance back at your 10 year-old car that needs a few repairs and a good washing. "We are holding our own GREAT RECOVERY in the small town of Morrisville, Missouri. I am the Class Coordinator and we have 50 attendees in the class!" —Troy from Facebook Appearances are easy to maintain, until the truth catches up. Ken and Barbie next door with the "perfect" life are in debt up to their eyeballs. Ken is stressed beyond belief at work, trying to close every deal because he needs each one of them to make his payments. And Barbie's migraines are back because she's losing the fight to keep up with the other private school moms, who are fighting to keep up with their neighbors. Peace is a beautiful thing. Resting in who we are and what we have is worth far more than we imagine. How can we be content? How can we rest? Trust. If we trust that God loves us completely and unconditionally, and He'll provide no matter what, we can be content. Consider the lilies and the birds. Remember? "Then he said to them, 'Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.'" — Luke 12:15 In Hebrews 13:5, we read this. "Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'" He won't leave us! We can be content. We have money, but we don't love it. It doesn't have us. The kids aren't being tortured taking their PB&J to lunch and wearing hand-me-downs from their cousins. And we're not really missing anything at the theater anyway. Let's approach life like Paul. Philippians 4:11-12 "Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need." What Now? Are you trying to keep up with the neighbors? If so, why? Are you making a payment on something you can get rid of? Are you actively trying to educate yourself on how to get out of debt? If you haven't committed to learning how to handle money God's way, find an FPU class near you.

To Your Contentment,
Amy