Where Are Prices Headed Next Year?!

Hi Friends!

I'm often asked to try & predict Real Estate trends, and more specifically prices!  Isn't ever Realtor asked this question? Because inquiring minds REALLY want to know!  And that makes complete sense - it's always wise to try and take advantage of the real estate market when it's most beneficial to you.  

But without the power of a crystal ball - I often go turn to information that is shared from our industry leaders.  

Below is a quick graphic with some projections on where home prices will be next year...and as you can see, we're expecting to see continued strengthening in our local real estate market!

If you, or someone you know, is thinking of selling - let our team guide you through the process!

And as always, please let me know if you have any questions!

~Amy

Source: kcmblog.com

4 Reasons to Buy NOW Before Winter Hits!

Hi Friends!

We're already into the thick of fall -- with winter right around the corner!  

Here's a quick article with some insight on why it may be wise for you to take advantage of the real estate market now - before we find ourselves in the middle winter.

4 Reasons to Buy NOW Before Winter Hits!

Though you, or someone you know, may be on the fence about getting in to the market - there really is no better time than now to take that jump.  And we will there with you every step of the way!

~Amy

Source: KCMBlog.com

#1 Reason to List Your House Today!

Hi Friends!

Over the past few weeks I've been highlighting why it might be a good time to get in to the real estate market as a buyer (i.e. credit requirements vs mortgage rates); but I also wanted to share why, as a Seller, now is one of the best times to consider listing your home!

As you will see in this article, #1 Reason to List Your House Today, the simple notion of supply & demand puts Sellers in a unique position when selling their home as of late!  

According to NAR, "there are more buyers out in the market right now than at any other time in the past three years."

If you, or someone you know, is considering selling their home, please don't hesitate to call!  

~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

5 Financial Reasons to Buy A Home

There are always many factors that go in to deciding whether or not to enter the real estate market.  

Here are a few that I have found to be sound reasons on why now might be the ideal time!

5 Financial Reasons to Buy A Home

"We have reported many times that the American Dream of homeownership is alive and well. The personal reasons to own differ for each buyer, with many basic similarities.

Eric Belsky, the Managing Director of the Joint Center of Housing Studies at Harvard University expanded on the top 5 financial benefits of homeownership in his paper -The Dream Lives On: the Future of Homeownership in America.

Here are the five reasons, each followed by an excerpt from the study: 

1.) Housing is typically the one leveraged investment available.

“Few households are interested in borrowing money to buy stocks and bonds and few lenders are willing to lend them the money. As a result, homeownership allows households to amplify any appreciation on the value of their homes by a leverage factor. Even a hefty 20 percent down payment results in a leverage factor of five so that every percentage point rise in the value of the home is a 5 percent return on their equity. With many buyers putting 10 percent or less down, their leverage factor is 10 or more.”

2.) You're paying for housing whether you own or rent.

“Homeowners pay debt service to pay down their own principal while households that rent pay down the principal of a landlord.”

3.) Owning is usually a form of “forced savings”.

“Since many people have trouble saving and have to make a housing payment one way or the other, owning a home can overcome people’s tendency to defer savings to another day.”

4.) There are substantial tax benefits to owning.

“Homeowners are able to deduct mortgage interest and property taxes from income...On top of all this, capital gains up to $250,000 are excluded from income for single filers and up to $500,000 for married couples if they sell their homes for a gain.”

5.) Owning is a hedge against inflation.

“Housing costs and rents have tended over most time periods to go up at or higher than the rate of inflation, making owning an attractive proposition.”

Bottom Line

We realize that homeownership makes sense for many Americans for an assortment of social and family reasons. It also makes sense financially. If you are considering a purchase this year, contact a local professional who can help evaluate your ability to do so."

If you, or someone you know, is considering making their first or next home purchase - I would love to walk alongside!

~Amy

Source: KCMBlog.com