Key Takeaways:

• Knowing your property’s real-time value is more important than ever
• Build a relationship with your local real estate team to maximize your money
• This is a great time to plan for the future of your home, so contact us today!

From volatile national market trends impacting local housing markets to unforeseen structural problems, a property’s value fluctuation can be tricky to gauge accurately. However, the good news for current and would-be homeowners curious about a property’s actual value in today’s market is that information is more accessible than ever. So let’s look at some of the easiest, most straightforward options for knowing a property’s actual value and why it’s so important!

Know the accurate value of your property

People usually want to know how much a home is worth to take comfort in knowing they’re making a good investment. Buying or selling a home is one of the most significant financial investments people will ever make. So naturally, when sellers want as much profit as possible and buyers want to pay as little as possible, achieving the right balance between these two when the closing time rolls around can be tricky. Staying informed about your home’s value and the trend of home prices in your local area allows you to make better financial decisions overall. It all boils down to knowing how much a home is realistically worth. 

Suppose you’re a current homeowner about to place your property on the market who’s considering a renovation to increase your payout at closing; knowing your home’s current value will help determine if doing so is even necessary, potentially saving you thousands of dollars. Or perhaps you’re a buyer eager to make an offer; knowing a property’s real-time, comparative value in the market could help you avoid overpaying. 

And this is where getting to know your local real estate professionals becomes one of the most important decisions you will make.

Build a relationship with your local real estate agent

Regardless of what is happening within the broader national housing market, buying or selling a home is always a local matter. While real estate is an industry heavily influenced by environmental, political, social, and broader economic forces that affect property value and pricing, what is valid for buyers and sellers in San Francisco differs from what is reasonable for buyers and sellers in Sioux Falls, SD. 

This is where knowing who your local real estate experts are is invaluable. Top-earning real estate agents have one thing in common: they know their local real estate markets. Ask them any question about the area, and they can answer it, or at least they know where to go and who to ask to find the answer. 

So, when you’re ready to put your house on the market or make an offer, the first and easiest step you can and should take is to contact your local real estate professionals. They are experts in their field who understand market etiquette and know how to make a great offer that achieves the difficult balance of satisfying both buyer and seller. The right real estate agent knows how to negotiate the complex web of forms best, and they can foresee issues you might not.

Discover Your Real Estate Partnership

If you’re ready to move, don’t get caught up in the frenzy of negative news. Instead, work with your local team that knows the micro-housing market in your area. Our real estate agents have decades of experience and understand how to help you best navigate today’s market. So don’t hesitate to reach out and say Hello! to figure out your best options for buying or selling your home!

Key Takeaways:

• Ignore the negative news—the market is coming back down to earth
• Homeowners have record equity, and buyers have more inventory
• This is a great time to make a move in the market, so contact us today!

You might hear a lot of doom and gloom news about the housing market lately, but let’s put it in perspective. The COVID-19 global pandemic caused unprecedented disruptions to financial markets, including housing. Now, with everyone ready to move forward, the historic hot housing market is returning to normal. Let’s look at what that means for buyers and sellers. 

The current housing market and forecast 

Our last blog post looked at mortgage rates in their historical context. While today’s rates range between 5-6% and are certainly higher than homebuyers’ rates during the COVID-19 pandemic, they’re nothing extraordinary. Today’s rates are still far below the all-time high of 18.45% set back in the 1980s! 

A recent report by Fannie Mae forecasts that over the next 12 months, US consumers anticipate home prices to fall for the first time in two years. With potential buyers expecting further price declines and sellers not keen on giving up their lower, fixed mortgage rate, now is the time to buy or sell your home.

However, for first-time homebuyers seeking to make a move, news of continued cooling of home prices is welcome, which will keep demand high. While current homeowners considering selling may be concerned that they missed the window to realize their equity gains or will lose out on their current lower mortgage rate, it’s important to remember the larger historical trends regarding real estate investments. And, if you’re purchasing another home, you have more homes to choose from.

What home sellers need to know right now

Don’t listen to the news cycle pedaling doom and gloom about your equity gains and home value. Buying or selling property is always a good investment. The real estate market always presents opportunities, and home prices are simply moderating from historic highs. 

Moreover, homeownership is a long-term asset that pays out over time, and the record equity gains of the past few years that current homeowners have enjoyed aren’t likely to ever happen again. So, while home prices are cooling off, the decline is less than 1%, leaving those equity gains intact when you decide it’s time to sell.

What home buyers need to know right now

CoStar Group, an online real estate analytics provider, recently reported negative growth in asking rental prices for the first time in 20 months, falling 0.1%. While this is undoubtedly welcome news for renters and would-be homeowners battling skyrocketing rental prices, the cost of rent remains a high hurdle for many to clear every month. 

For potential homebuyers wondering if now is the time to stop paying rent and move toward homeownership, it’s worth remembering that owning a home will always be a better long-term investment of your money than renting. 

So, despite a new Fannie May survey declaring that around half of today’s consumers hold a negative view of the market and think it would be difficult to get a mortgage today, this is overly pessimistic. Moreover, there are numerous loan options for qualifying buyers, such as first-time buyers and veteran programs. 

Getting a mortgage is one of the most significant financial moves a person will ever make, and preparation is critical. So before you apply, spend some time ensuring that your credit and finances are in order. Because when you find your perfect home, you’ll want to be able to make an offer immediately.

Take the Next Step

If you’re ready to make a move, don’t get caught up in the frenzy of negative news. Instead, work with your local team that knows the micro-housing market in your area. Our real estate agents have decades of experience and understand how to help you navigate the market. Contact us today to figure out your best options for buying and selling your home!

Key Takeaways:

• Mortgage rates are going up, but they’re actually not that high. 
• You’re still in control: you can get yourself a lower rate with these smart tips.
• Find opportunities in your local real estate market—contact us today!

Many would-be homebuyers are fearful of rising mortgage rates. It seems like the news is non-stop negative when it comes to talking about the housing market. But it’s worth putting those headlines into perspective. In 1981, mortgage rates hit an all-time high of 18.45%! On a 30-year fixed mortgage right now, you can expect to find rates around 5.9%—that’s 68% less than the highest mortgage rates homeowners have historically managed. Let’s take a look at today’s mortgage rates and see why this is still the time to buy. 

Why are mortgage rates increasing right now?

The COVID-19 pandemic had unexpected financial consequences across the entire world. One of those was a real estate boom in the United States, spurred by record-low mortgage rates. 

In December 2020, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate was an astonishing 2.68%. And guess what? These were the lowest mortgage rates in history. The whole year of 2020 saw the lowest annual average rate in history at 3.11%.

That historical high of 18.45%? That was caused by record inflation during the OPEC embargo. And, the Federal Reserve is working hard to curb inflation right now to avoid things like double-digit mortgage rates returning. 

So, while plenty of lucky homeowners were able to purchase new homes or refinance their existing ones at around a 3% mortgage rate in 2020, it was extremely unlikely that those rates would ever become the norm—because they have never been. It was only due to the COVID-19 pandemic that rates were temporarily at their lowest of all time. 

Can I still buy a home with 5% mortgage rates?

Of course you can still buy a home! Before COVID-19 ushered in a few years of unprecedented global economics, in January 2019 the average mortgage rate was around 4.5% and around two-thirds of Americans still owned and occupied their homes. 

Mortgage rates have seen spikes and dips and national and international events influence financial markets. But for more good news, let’s consider that the average mortgage rates have actually declined every decade since the 1970s, and the amount of homeowners has steadily increased as well. 

With rates around 5% right now and more economic uncertainty on the horizon, this is still a great time to buy a home. You can lock in a rate that’s actually on the lower end, and be able to refinance when the time comes that they fall below 5% again. Or, you’ll be in a perfect position to sell your home at that time and realize your equity gains. 

How you can secure a lower mortgage rate

There are still steps you can take to lower your rate, independent of the Federal Reserve. Even though the Federal Reserve is responsible for setting interest rates, mortgage rates are only influenced by the Federal Reserve, and there are more factors you can control. 

First and foremost, make sure you pay attention to improving your credit score. It’s always important to have a decent credit score when applying for loans, but even more so when you can save yourself money every month on your mortgage.

Next, pay down or off any debt and try to increase your income if you can. A higher annual income helps with mortgage rates, but may also give you some extra spending to pay down debt before applying for a home loan. 

And finally, shop around for different lenders, and consider different types of mortgages. There isn’t just one lender in town, and there are more options than the conventional 30-year fixed mortgage. A combination of the right lender and the right mortgage for your financial situation can make a big difference in your final monthly payment.

Let’s Buy Your Dream Home

There are still plenty of wonderful homes for sale in all types of price ranges in different neighborhoods. That’s why it’s important to contact your local real estate team. Don’t worry so much about the headline news—focus on what’s happening in your backyard, and what kind of home you can buy right now. Contact us today to get started!

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding why a property organizer is your secret weapon
• Learning how to use a property organizer
• Discovering how property organizers will benefit you

Why Use a Property Organizer

Have you ever been overwhelmed in the buying and selling process? With so many options out there and the market constantly changing, it can be challenging to stay organized during your search. Luckily, there’s a user-friendly tool that has your back, and it’s called the property organizer. The property organizer is an overlooked yet extremely beneficial tool that stimulates and simplifies your home search. It’s important for buyers to utilize the property search organizer, as it offers advantageous qualities for each. 

How Will the Property Organizer Help Me?

This handy tool provides an easy way for you to save your favorite listings and property search settings so that properties within your search settings are delivered directly to your inbox. Property organizer benefits include: 

• Allows you to see listings that match your criteria
• Speeds the process of home searching
• Lists properties as soon as they hit the market
• Allows you to save and organize your favorite listings
• Provides a wider range of listings for as many options possible

Property Organizer and Email Alerts

First, you need to know how to use the property organizer to your advantage. Create a search for the area, price point and any additional criteria that fits within your home search. Once you create your search, save that search to receive email notifications directly in your inbox.  Email alerts are widely beneficial, as they ensure that properties in your criteria aren’t missed. You can adjust your settings to expand the area, price range, and how often you receive alerts.

For Buyers 

As a buyer, using the property organizer feature is vital to your home search journey. You have an advantage by using the property organizer, even if you aren’t ready to buy. No matter what stage you’re at in the buying process, creating a saved search in your property organizer is essential as far as monitoring trends, seeing what type of properties are available in your price range, and being aware of what features are common in the area. Overall, the property organizer helps you to become more active and engaged, so your next dream home won’t be missed! 

For Sellers

The property organizer helps to facilitate the selling process, as it allows buyers to see what’s out there with no limitation. When you list with an agent who has a property organizer on their site, you can be assured that your property is marketed directly into buyers’ inboxes as soon as it hits the market.

So, how is this beneficial to a seller versus a buyer? Well, the property organizer may help your home sell faster by increasing the chances of your property being seen, and maximizing its reach. As a seller, you’ll be notified anytime a home is listed in your market, along with its price, size, and other specific features, which promotes awareness and strategy behind your listings. The property organizer is also advantageous to sellers in the sense that it allows them to monitor aspects such as market trends and pricing strategies. 

Ready To Use The Property Organizer?

If you’re not sure how to set up a property organizer don’t worry, our team is here to help you! If you are thinking about buying, just let us know your price point, area, and any details you would like us to include in your search. If you are selling, provide us with your address and you will be notified when properties sell in your area.

Key Takeaways:

• Understanding the ebbs and flows of the market is crucial to success
• A real estate agent is on your side and knows your local market best 
• Start planning your next move now – contact us!

What to Do When the Market Changes

Buying or selling a home is one of the most exciting moments in people’s lives, and it’s also affected by broader economic trends. The challenging process is filled with details and detours. Today’s housing market is continually pivoting amid persistent global pandemic-related influences and a subsequent housing supply crisis.

If you’re looking to buy, sell, or both, employing the services of a trusted real estate professional is a critical decision that can make or break your deal. The local knowledge and experience they bring to the table will help you navigate the real estate investing process wisely, especially in today’s rapidly shifting housing market. 

So, let’s take a deeper look at current housing market trends to better understand what’s going on, why hiring a professional real estate agent is essential, and let’s help you figure out your next best step!

Understanding the current housing market 

Understanding the shifts occurring in today’s housing market is simple when you boil it down to basics: people moved in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some homeowners moved because their jobs went remote, and others upgraded or downsized to cash in on their equity gains. But, regardless of their reasons, people flooded into the housing market, disrupting the balance between supply and demand.

Recently, numerous reports have stated that we are in a “buyer’s market” now due to home prices beginning to stabilize and houses sitting on the market longer. However, at the same time, because of higher mortgage interest rates and the available housing supply continuing to lag behind current market demand, others have declared that we’re still in a “seller’s market.” With all these conflicting reports about what is happening in today’s housing market, it’s easy to get confused about what’s really going on. 

Here’s the truth: today’s historic hot housing market is a robust win-win for both buyers and sellers. With the available housing supply finally beginning to rise, buyers benefit from having more properties to choose from and don’t feel the need to settle or place an offer for fear of missing out. At the same time, sustained demand has preserved historic equity gains that remain beneficial for sellers should they choose to put their homes on the market.

Why hiring a trusted real estate agent never goes out of style

It is not uncommon or unusual for real estate markets to change. It happens all the time. However, one thing that doesn’t change is the value and peace of mind that hiring a trusted real estate professional provides you. 

If you’ve been reading the national headlines and wondering what it all means for you and your local area of interest, hiring a local real estate agent is vital, since real estate is all about location, location, location. Some neighborhoods and communities thrive amid all the turbulence, while others are staying cooler even in this hot market. If you’re selling, your agent will know the best way to position and market your property to get top dollar for the sale. And if you’re buying, your agent will help steer you in the right direction of your desired neighborhood, and cut through all the larger noise of the national market.

The best part? Your agent is a trained negotiator, and their expertise goes way beyond finding a place to call home. With your agent’s help, you can get what you want out of the deal. Think beyond purchase price and consider all of your contract’s terms, with potential benefits including a longer closing date, special repairs, and upgrades to the property, or even getting the seller to pay some of your closing costs.

Ready to Conquer the Market?

The best way to beat the market swings is to work with a real estate professional that knows your area. With decades of experience, our team is here to help. We’ve seen it all, and are here with smart advice to give you the competitive advantage. Let’s connect today and figure out how we can achieve your goals.

Key Takeaways:

• There’s a lot to be excited about with this summer’s housing market.
• Homes are for sale with the features you want, like swimming pools.
• Our team knows how to help get the most for your home – contact us!

Despite news about a looming recession, high mortgage interest rates, and low inventory negatively impacting the housing market, many good things are still happening and worth getting excited about in the 2022 summer housing market. 

Some promising news in today’s historic housing market is that home demand remains strong, with well-vetted, qualified buyers making cash offers, creating a more balanced seller’s and buyer’s market. Additionally, home values continue to defy the odds and climb higher with no end in sight, helping your equity gains grow, which creates opportunities to put your equity gains to use that have never been better.

So, let’s take a deeper look at the 2022 summer market trends and help you figure out your next best step!

Upgrade to a home with the summer features you want

Maybe you’ve just returned from vacation, and you miss relaxing by the sea, or perhaps you didn’t go on holiday this year and missed out on getting to spend afternoons poolside or get to the ocean. Or possibly you’ve looked into getting a pool, or some other addition, installed at your home and have encountered supply chain issues. Regardless, there’s no reason to be discouraged. 

While housing supply is at record lows, it’s important to remember that historically, summer marks a lull in inventory that gets improved upon by the season’s end. This year is no different, with plenty of updated and newly-built properties available on the market, so it’s a great time to look and see if your ideal property that already has a pool or a pavilion is on the market right now waiting for you. 

Real estate is a proven safeguard against recession

A shrinking economy marks a recession. People will spend less money on discretionary purchases, focusing instead on essentials. Companies may slow down hiring or even begin laying off workers to bolster their bottom lines. Stock prices may drop in the face of uncertainty about the economy.

When a recession sets in, the value of your stock portfolio may take a hit if prices drop temporarily. While downturns aren’t ideal, they can create opportunities for savvy real estate investors. If you’re considering investing in real estate during a recession or already own investment property, you need to have a strategy for maximizing your equity gains. 

Real estate can offer some stability for investors when the economy slows. Of course, a recession doesn’t automatically cause a drop in home values. But if a recession causes a hot housing market to cool off, that could open up opportunities for you to find your dream property at a discount.

It may seem contradictory to move during these challenging times, but remember, even with higher mortgage interest rates, there are always opportunities, even in the most demanding of seasons. What makes the difference is doing your research, knowing what you want and can afford, and most importantly, working with a capable guide before leaping.

Just remember: As with any real estate purchase, it’s not about right-timing the market but about buying at the right time for your personal goals and finances.

Let’s Talk About Your Real Estate Goals

Whether following local and national trends and guiding you through a shifting market or pricing your house right, a trusted real estate agent has the expertise you’ll want to rely on throughout your next transaction. So if you’ve been considering selling, let’s connect so you can have an expert on your side.

Key Takeaways:

• Homeownership remains one of the best ways to build long-term wealth
• The cooling housing market is causing bidding wars for rental units
• Our experienced team of dedicated agents will help you secure a home!

The Cost of Rent Is Rising

Recent reports on current conditions in the real estate market have highlighted a new trend developing in today’s heated market: rising rents. In addition to increasing rental costs, bidding wars within the apartment and housing rental market are increasingly becoming commonplace, with some offering hundreds of dollars more than the asking price. 

If you’ve been renting and wondering if buying a home instead of renting would be a better use of your money, the good news is that, yes, buying a house is still a better use of your money. So let’s take a closer look at what’s happening in today’s market and why buying a home remains the better option for building your wealth versus renting. 

Why is rent increasing?

According to real-estate company Redfin, the median U.S. asking rent passed $2,000 for the first time in May, and it has risen 15% over the past 12 months. While bidding wars have long been a staple of hot housing markets, where buyers compete with offers above the seller’s listing price, these contests are now becoming more commonplace in the rental market. 

Historically, rents have risen in step with home prices. As home values rise, renters become more likely to stick to renting, taking pressure off home prices and demands on the housing supply. The push and pull between these two facets of the housing market keep the two markets roughly in balance.

However, an increasing number of white-collar professionals are reluctant to buy because of record-high home prices, rising mortgage rates, and the limited supply of housing that is continuing to haunt the global housing market. As a result, many have said they are renting instead, helping drive a frenzy for leased properties of all kinds and helping fuel the trend of offering above asking rents, which isn’t helping anyone. Real-estate agents from New York to Chicago and Atlanta say they see more people making offers above asking to lease homes and apartments they will never own.

To rent or to buy? It’s not that complicated!

As anyone who has ever rented will tell you, when it’s time to renew your lease, there is an expectation that the cost of rent will increase. Usually, the new monthly rental price will rise nominally, and it’s not that big of a deal for renters to absorb the increase. However, in today’s market, nearly every usual trend has been upended, and renting is no exception. Yet as more individuals experience sticker shock as they renew their rental agreements, with some increases being several hundred dollars more a month, many have begun to question the efficacy of renting for their future. 

So as more frustrated buyers retreat from the market and steer toward renting, the savvy move to be made right now is buying a home. Homeownership remains a stable long-term investment despite the higher mortgage interest rates, because owning a home comes with certain tax benefits that renting does not, helping your money go further. Benefits such as deductions on mortgage interest, discount points, mortgage insurance, and property taxes will reduce your taxable income and help you keep more of your hard-earned money.

Another factor to keep in mind is that as the housing market cools off and bidding wars in the rental market increase, the price of homes is beginning to see price reductions from the seller’s side of the market, which indicates that now is a terrific time to consider becoming a homeowner. 

Secure Your Future

Serious buyers understand that waiting will cost them more later. They should approach today’s competitive market of rising rates and low inventory as a motivating factor to buy sooner, not a reason to wait. Let’s connect today to see what homes are in your budget, prepare you to become a homeowner, and start building your wealth sooner rather than later.

Key Takeaways:

• With home values continuing to rise, what are the best options to maximize your equity gains?
• Now might be the perfect time to tap into your equity for a vacation home or investment property.
• Don’t delay—contact us and put your home equity gains to work for you!

Homeowners Have Historic Equity Gains

It’s no secret that home equity values are at historic highs right now. Surging home prices have caused tappable equity to set a record in 2021, hitting $9.9 trillion, mortgage technology and data firm Black Knight Inc reports. The firm also noted that the average mortgage holder has $185,000 in tappable equity. 

For current homeowners, these recent gains are tremendous and mean all your hard work has paid off. Of course, the big question in many homeowners’ minds now is: what should I do with the equity I’ve gained? So if you’ve been calculating your equity gains and wondering what the best thing to do with them is, let’s explore some ways you could maximize your equity growth.

Renovations, Repairs, and Restoration

With the current equity built up in your home, you can borrow against it by taking out a home equity loan or line of credit (HELOC) and using that money for whatever you want. While homeowners commonly borrow against their equity to fund renovations or repairs, you can take out a home equity loan to use for any goal you have in mind. But if your home desperately needs a new roof, windows, newer energy-efficient appliances, or even an addition, tapping into your equity to make that happen is warranted. And with recent drops in lumber costs, this may be an ideal time to get that extra space you’ve been dreaming of.

There’s also the option to do a cash-out refinance. With a regular refinance, you typically borrow the exact amount you owe on your mortgage. However, with a cash-out refinance, you borrow more than your remaining mortgage balance and receive a check for the difference. And as with a home equity loan or HELOC, you can use that money for any purpose you choose.

Purchase a Second Property

According to CoreLogic, nationally, home prices increased 19.1% between January 2021 and January 2022, which has been fantastic news for current homeowners. Equity gains don’t just benefit those looking to sell their homes to walk away with a substantial profit. If you don’t have plans to sell your home in the near term, having a lot of equity in it affords you plenty of different options to put that money to good use. 

Consider using your existing equity to buy the vacation home you’ve been dreaming of, or to purchase income-producing real estate that may generate passive income and possibly lower your monthly costs, or other investment assets. Until recently, financing a vacation home was the same as financing a primary residence. But the Federal Housing Finance Agency recently announced increases to upfront fees for second-home loans that took effect on April 1, 2022. As a result, homeowners have been encouraged to tap equity from their primary residence to pay for their secondary property.

Make a Smart Move

Your decision on what to do with your equity gains depends upon your financial situation and long-term real estate goals. So as you’re watching your equity grow and wondering how to put that money to good use, having a trusted, experienced real estate team behind you is your best first step to figuring that out. You’ll rest easy knowing that we’ve seen the ups and downs of the market over the years, so contact us today to discuss your options!

Key Takeaways:

• Shifting buyer demand creates lucrative opportunities for decisive sellers
• Higher mortgage rates have set fire to this already hot housing market
• Don’t delay—now is the time to contact us and get your home on the market!

The current housing market

With a sudden jump in home listings recently, today’s hot housing market has many homeowners wondering if now is the best time to sell. Of course, trying to time the market perfectly is challenging, though if there ever was a time to sell, this is absolutely a great one. 

Everyone’s situation is different, but if you’ve been thinking about selling your home lately, contact us today to begin the process and maximize your success. 

The supply of homes for sale, explained 

Compared with last year, the supply of homes for sale jumped 9% in May, which is striking considering the historically low supply of home inventory that has defined the US housing market this year. 

As sellers rushed to put their properties onto the market and cash in their equity gains, new home listings rose nearly twice as fast as a year ago in May, while pending home sales fell by almost 4% in April. And with sales of newly built homes dropping by a much broader 16% compared with March, this marked the sixth straight month of sales declines. 

To fully appreciate this drop-off, consider that this softening in demand for housing marks the greatest slowdown on record in nearly a decade. 

Home sales are slowing because mortgage rates have risen sharply since the start of the year, with the most significant gains coming in April and early May. The average rate on the 30-year fixed mortgage started the year close to 3% and is now well over 5%, causing new home buyers to slow down a bit.

The reality of rising mortgage rates

While homeowners and homebuyers certainly enjoyed locking in 30-year fixed mortgages at the historic low of 2.68% in December 2020, this is far from the norm. It was only a few years ago, during the decade of the 2010’s, that mortgage rates averaged between 3.45% to 4.87%—not that far off from today’s average of just over 5%. 

If you step back even further in time, the absolute highest mortgage rate was a whopping 18.45% in 1981! Like today, that was due to the Federal Reserve raising the federal funds rate to combat inflation, causing mortgage rates to spike. But unlike potential homebuyers in 1981, we have good news on the horizon, as we’re seeing mortgage and refinance rates start to decline for the first time in weeks and the economy showing signs of stabilizing. 

An overdue housing market correction

If you’re still worried about the housing market, you don’t need to. The good news in these reports is that homes are still selling, and in many cases, they’re still selling above their asking price. The housing market is cooling down due to a lull in buyer demand. However, this cooldown is a much-needed correction to what has been a short-term housing market fueled by the pandemic. 

The critical difference in the market now is that with fewer buyers competing with one another over available housing, home prices rose another 21% in May, meaning equity gains are still there for homeowners. And if you’re looking to sell to downsize and lower your monthly expenses, you’ll be perfectly positioned to find your ideal home with fewer buyers competing with you in the market.

Sell Now for Your Best Return

If you’re considering selling your home, this may be the best possible time to list. With a trusted, experienced real estate team behind you, you can rest easy knowing that we’ve seen the ups and downs of the market over the years. You can always make a smart move, so contact us today to discuss your options!

Key Takeaways:

• Home values are rising faster than inflation, making homes a prized asset
• This housing market offers unique opportunities for buyers and sellers
• Contact us today to secure your assets and safeguard your future!

The state of real estate and inflation

As inflation soars to near 40-year highs and raises the cost of everything, many are looking for innovative ways to secure their assets against inflationary losses. Additionally, given the housing market’s recent volatility (primarily driven by historic low levels of housing inventory that have caused an imbalance between supply and demand), it’s understandable that many might consider real estate to be a wrong or risky move right now. But the great news is that nothing could be further from the truth. Let’s explore how and why buying or selling a home can safeguard you against inflation. 

The housing market can protect you from inflation

Real estate remains a stable area for investment and profit realization because a home’s value does not increase in relation to currency; it increases based on demand. So if you’ve been holding back from buying because of today’s market pressures, consider that inflation is up even more than mortgage interest rates, making it a smart move. Similarly, if you’re considering selling, the demand for housing has never been greater, which is terrific news for anyone looking to cash out their equity to hedge against inflation. 

Buying a home: by the numbers

Let’s take a look at some numbers. Experts estimate that Americans face an annualized inflation rate of around 15%. Considering that, the current 5% mortgage rate is a bargain for homebuyers in the short term. Moreover, you’re securing an asset that, over time, will increase. And, as you pay down your mortgage, even at 5%, your equity will continue to grow. 

Selling a home: by the numbers

It’s no secret to homeowners that their home equity values have grown over the last couple of years. According to research firm Black Knight, at the end of 2021, Americans were sitting on record-high home equity levels of approximately $9.9 million. So if you’ve noticed homes in your neighborhood selling above their listing price and you’ve been on the fence about selling yourself, now may be a good time to cash in on this opportunity.

Both buyers and sellers can make tremendous gains

In a hot housing market where home inventory is low, competition is fierce, and home equity values are at all-time highs, buyers and sellers can start to feel overwhelmed. But don’t despair: an increase in mortgage rates isn’t stopping homes from selling quickly, nor is it preventing home equities from appreciating. For example, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), properties remained on the market for just 17 days in March, with many going for over the asking price!

With more buyers than sellers today, current homeowners looking to sell to fight inflation have the advantage of likely bidding wars, resulting in greater profits and fast-moving homes that don’t stay on the market for very long. For those looking towards homeownership to protect their assets against inflation, reassurance comes from knowing that demand is expected to outpace supply for the foreseeable future, meaning that home equities will continue to rise. And if inflation continues, fixed-rate interest rates will drop again, creating the perfect opportunity to refinance your loan. 

Get Ready to Make Your Move

The first step to buying and selling is crunching the numbers. Our team will help you find the real, up-to-the-minute value of your home using the latest microdata and neighborhood trends. Then, we’ll work with you to figure out the best strategy to shelter your investments and assets from inflation. Contact us today!