The Difference a Year Makes for Homeownership

Tuesday, December 22, 2020

by Christie Cannon

The Difference a Year Makes for Homeownership

Over the past year, mortgage rates have fallen more than a full percentage point, hitting a new historic low 15 times. This is a great driver for homeownership, as today’s low rates provide consumers with some significant benefits. Here’s a look at three of them.

1. Move-up or Downsize: One option is to consider moving into a new home, putting the equity you’ve likely gained in your current house toward a down payment on a new one that better meets your needs – something that’s truly a perfect fit, especially if your lifestyle has changed this year.

2. Become a First-Time Homebuyer: There are many financial and non-financial benefits to owning a home, and the most important thing is to first decide when the time is right for you. You have to determine that on your own, but know that now is a great time to buy if you’re considering it. Just take a look at the cost of renting vs. buying.

3. Refinance: If you already own a home, you may decide you’re going to refinance. It’s one way to lock in a lower monthly payment and save more over time. However, it also means paying upfront closing costs, too. If you want to take this route, you have to answer the question: Should I refinance my home?

Why 2020 Was a Great Year for Homeownership

Last year, the average mortgage rate was 3.93% (substantially higher than it is today). If you waited for a better time to make a move, market conditions have improved significantly. Today’s low mortgage rates are a huge perk for buyers, so it’s a great time to get more for your money and consider a new home.

The chart below shows how much you would save per month based on today’s rates compared to what you would have paid if you purchased a home exactly one year ago, depending on how much you finance:

Bottom Line

If you’ve been waiting since last year to make your move into homeownership or to find a house that better meets your needs, today’s low mortgage rates may be just what you need to get the process going. Let’s connect today to discuss how you may benefit from the current rates.

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3 Reasons to Be Optimistic about Real Estate in 2021

Wednesday, December 16, 2020

by Christie Cannon

3 Reasons to Be Optimistic about Real Estate in 2021

This year will be remembered for many reasons, and optimism is one thing that’s been in short supply since the spring. We’re experiencing a global pandemic, social unrest, an economic downturn, and natural disasters, just to name a few. The challenges brought on by the health crisis have also forced many homeowners to reevaluate their space and what they need in a home going into 2021. So, experts are forecasting that next year is one in which we can be optimistic about real estate for three key reasons.

1. The Economy Is Expected to Continue Improving

Tim Duy from the University of Oregon puts it this way:

“There is nothing fundamentally ‘broken’ in the economy that needs to heal…there was no obvious financial bubble driving excessive activity in any one economic sector when the pandemic hit…With Covid-19 cases surging again, it is understandably hard to look optimistically to the other side of this winter…Don’t let the near-term challenges distract from the economic stage being set for next four years.”

2. Interest Rates Are Projected to Stay Low

In the latest projections from Freddie Mac, interest rates for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage are expected to remain at or near 3% next year. These low rates will continue to make homes more affordable, driving demand for housing in 2021.

3. Future Home Sales Are Forecasted to Grow

While the economy improves and interest rates remain low, homes are also expected to continue appreciating as more people buy in the coming year. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at realtor.com, says:

“We expect home sales in 2021 to come in 7.0% above 2020 levels, following a more normal seasonal trend and building momentum through the spring and sustaining the pace in the second half of the year.”

Bottom Line

Experts forecast that buyers and sellers are going to be active in 2021. If you’ve thought about buying or selling your home this year but have held off, now may be the time to take advantage of this market. Let’s connect to take the first step toward your new home today.

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Winning as a Buyer in a Sellers’ Market

Monday, December 14, 2020

by Christie Cannon

Winning as a Buyer in a Sellers’ Market

Winning as a Buyer in a Sellers’ Market [INFOGRAPHIC] | MyKCM

Some Highlights

Buying a home in today’s sellers’ market doesn’t have to feel like an uphill battle.
Here are four ways to make sure you’re positioned for success when making a home purchase, even when the scale tips toward sellers.
Let's connect to make sure you're armed for victory in the housing market this season.

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10 BEST PLACES TO INVEST IN REAL ESTATE IN 2021

Tuesday, December 8, 2020

by Christie Cannon

With the US real estate market managing to thrive during the coronavirus pandemic, many investors are beginning to make plans to enter the market next year. If you want to ensure a high return on investment in the US housing market 2021, turn to our list of the best places to invest in real estate.

This list is based on the PwC’s Emerging Trends in Real Estate 2021: US and Canada report. The annual report put out by the PwC and the Urban Land Institute features key data, trends, and insights from over 1,600 real estate experts. In this year’s report, the effects of COVID-19 were analyzed among other market factors in order to rank US cities in the Markets to Watch list. Those listed below ranked in the top 10 for overall real estate prospects. Read the full report here.

In addition to breaking down information from the report, we have included key real estate market statistics derived from Mashvisor’s database and other top resources.

The 10 Best Places to Invest in Real Estate in 2021

best places to invest in real estate 2021 infographic

Raleigh/Durham, NC
Austin, TX
Nashville, TN
Dallas/Fort Worth, TX
Charlotte, NC
Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL
Salt Lake City, UT
Washington, DC–Northern VA
Boston, MA
Long Island, NY

#1. Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina

Last year and pre-COVID-19, the Raleigh/Durham real estate market came in #2 in the report for overall real estate prospects. Now, amid the pandemic, the location has managed to take the title of the best place to invest in real estate for 2021.

The report labels Raleigh/Durham as a “Magnet City” – a place where both people and businesses have been migrating to during COVID-19. As an 18-hour city, the location’s culture, general way of life, and the local job opportunities continue to attract residents.

Another factor that is attracting newcomers is the relative affordability of homes for sale in the market. At the same time, both the Durham and Raleigh real estate markets have a high price to rent ratio (see Mashvisor’s data below). This is one of the factors that make the location one of the best cities to buy a rental property for 2021. Residents still find it more affordable to rent than to buy a home. In Raleigh, the current renter population is around 51%. For Durham, the population sits at around 53%.

In terms of general economic health, the Raleigh/Durham housing market ranked #3 based on the expert opinions in the report. Although much of the US still suffers from high unemployment rates, the Raleigh-Durham-Cary metropolitan area had an unemployment rate of 6.2% at the end of September 2020. Compared to the national average of 7.9%, the area’s job market is slowly but surely recovering from the high unemployment rate witnessed in April of this year (10.7%).

Raleigh Real Estate Market Statistics:

Median Property Price: $477,440
Price per Square Foot: $197
Price to Rent Ratio: 27
Traditional Rental Income: $1,485
Traditional Cash on Cash Return: 2.2%
Top Raleigh Neighborhood for Real Estate Investing: Northeast Raleigh
Seller’s Market
Forecasted Real Estate Appreciation for 2021: 7%

Durham Real Estate Market Statistics:

Median Property Price: $377,133
Price per Square Foot: $209
Price to Rent Ratio: 22
Traditional Rental Income: $1,413
Traditional Cash on Cash Return: 2.5%
Top Durham Neighborhood for Real Estate Investing: Scarsdale Village
Seller’s Market
Forecasted Real Estate Appreciation for 2021: 6.9%

Other Raleigh/Durham Housing Market Rankings for 2021:

#1 for Homebuilding Prospects
#6 for Real Estate Investor Demand
#1 for Development and Redevelopment Opportunities
#11 for Availability of Debt and Equity Capital

Raleigh/Durham Multifamily Market 2021 Outlook:

72% of experts recommend buying a multifamily property
20% of experts recommend holding onto your multifamily property
9% recommend selling

#2. Austin, Texas

One reason the Austin real estate market has managed to weather the coronavirus is its lack of major economic dependence on the leisure and hospitality industries. As these sectors were hit the hardest during the pandemic, economics wholly dependent on them continue to struggle. Fortunately, Austin enjoys a diverse economy – just one of the reasons it takes the second spot on the list for the best places to invest in real estate in 2021. Austin ranked #1 for its local economy, according to the experts interviewed. As of September 2020, the unemployment rate was 6.5%.

The report labels the Austin housing market as a “Boom Market.” These are locations where real estate is in high demand and property values continue to appreciate rapidly. At the same time, Austin homes for sale have managed to remain relatively affordable, driving in-migration from West Coast areas like the California housing market during COVID-19.

Still, the local renter population remains high – around 56%. So Austin rental property owners will continue to enjoy good occupancy rates and high rental income next year as in-migration drives rental demand higher.

Austin Real Estate Market Statistics:

Median Property Price: $631,959
Price per Square Foot: $326
Price to Rent Ratio: 26
Traditional Rental Income: $2,036
Traditional Cash on Cash Return: 1.6%
Top Austin Neighborhood for Real Estate Investing: West University
Seller’s Market
Forecasted Real Estate Appreciation for 2021: 7.7%

Other Austin Housing Market Rankings for 2021:

#2 for Homebuilding Prospects
#1 for Real Estate Investor Demand
#4 for Development and Redevelopment Opportunities
#1 for Availability of Debt and Equity Capital

Austin Multifamily Market 2021 Outlook:

63% of experts recommend buying a multifamily property
26% of experts recommend holding onto your multifamily property
12% recommend selling

#3. Nashville, Tennessee

The Nashville real estate market is being hailed as a “New Boomtown” in the report and as a “strong housing market.” As such, it has managed to maintain its #3 spot on the annual list of the best places to invest in real estate.

Being an 18-hour city, it continued to attract new residents during COVID-19. However, it is one of the few major cities that has managed to draw in a large amount of “smart, young workers.” This has allowed Nashville to officially begin recovering from the pandemic-driven job losses witnessed earlier this year. The unemployment rate for the metro area dropped to 5.9% at the end of September. The city ranked #4 for the general health of its local economy.

If you are considering buying rental property in the Nashville real estate market in 2021, know that the renter population is around 48%. Based on Mashvisor’s statistics below, the rental demand drives a good monthly income and cash on cash return.

Nashville Real Estate Market Statistics:

Median Property Price: $481,706
Price to Rent Ratio: 25
Traditional Rental Income: $1,612
Traditional Cash on Cash Return: 2.6%
Top Nashville Neighborhood for Real Estate Investing: Trinity Hills
Seller’s Market
Forecasted Real Estate Appreciation for 2021: 7.2%

Other Nashville Housing Market Rankings for 2021:

#10 for Homebuilding Prospects
#3 for Real Estate Investor Demand
#8 for Development and Redevelopment Opportunities
#3 for Availability of Debt and Equity Capital

Nashville Multifamily Market 2021 Outlook:

59% of experts recommend buying a multifamily property
37% of experts recommend holding onto your multifamily property
4% recommend selling

#4. Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas

The Dallas/Fort Worth market has moved up the list from #6 in 2020 to #4 for 2021.

Dallas is grouped with Nashville as a “New Boomtown.” However, the housing market also falls into another group: the Super Sun Belt Magnet Cities. Locations are labeled as such for their ability to offer an affordable environment for both residents and businesses. They also have thriving economies that are home to a diverse range of businesses. The location ranked #2 for its local economy.

This points to a positive job outlook, with the report estimating that cities like Dallas/Fort Worth will see 28% new jobs from 2019 – 2025. Currently, however, the local unemployment rate remains high amid the pandemic compared to other cities on this list – 8.4% for September 2020.

A diverse economy and a growing job market definitely earn the Dallas/Fort Worth housing market a spot on the list of the best places to invest in real estate. And those looking to enter the residential market should know that the renter population is high in both locations: 59% for the Dallas real estate market and 44% for the Fort Worth real estate market.

Dallas Real Estate Market Statistics:

Median Property Price: $490,477
Price per Square Foot: $227
Price to Rent Ratio: 21
Traditional Rental Income: $1,966
Traditional Cash on Cash Return: 1.9%
Top Dallas Neighborhood for Real Estate Investing: Reunion District
Seller’s Market
Forecasted Real Estate Appreciation for 2021: 6.1%

Fort Worth Real Estate Market Statistics:

Median Property Price: $324,337
Price per Square Foot: $152
Price to Rent Ratio: 16
Traditional Rental Income: $1,655
Traditional Cash on Cash Return: 2.7%
Top Fort Worth Neighborhood for Real Estate Investing: Village Creek
Seller’s Market
Forecasted Real Estate Appreciation for 2021: 7.3%

Other Dallas/Fort Worth Housing Market Rankings for 2021:

#3 for Homebuilding Prospects
#2 for Real Estate Investor Demand
#9 for Development and Redevelopment Opportunities
#2 for Availability of Debt and Equity Capital

#5. Charlotte, North Carolina

Another entry for the state of North Carolina, the Charlotte real estate market takes the #5 spot. The city is another labeled as a “New Boomtown” as people continue to migrate to the location during the pandemic.

Looking at the local economy, experts interviewed ranked Charlotte in position #5. As of the end of September 2020, the unemployment rate was 8.1%. So if you’re considering a real estate investment in Charlotte in 2021, keep an eye on the developing situation with the job market.

Charlotte rental properties enjoy demand as the renter population is around 48%.

Charlotte Real Estate Market Statistics:

Median Property Price: $435,448
Price per Square Foot: $219
Price to Rent Ratio: 23
Traditional Rental Income: $1,561
Traditional Cash on Cash Return: 2.4%
Top Charlotte Neighborhood for Real Estate Investing: Lakewood
Seller’s Market
Forecasted Real Estate Appreciation for 2021: 7.7%

Other Charlotte Housing Market Rankings for 2021:

#11 for Homebuilding Prospects
#4 for Real Estate Investor Demand
#2 for Development and Redevelopment Opportunities
#5 for Availability of Debt and Equity Capital

Charlotte Multifamily Market 2021 Outlook:

56% of experts recommend buying a multifamily property
36% of experts recommend holding onto your multifamily property
8% recommend selling

#6. Tampa/St. Petersburg, Florida

Tampa is one of the best places to invest in real estate 2021

The Tampa/St. Petersburg market did not make it onto last year’s list for the 10 best places to invest in real estate. For 2021, however, it has climbed up to position #6.

As a “Boom Market,” the location has benefited from in-migration during COVID-19. Similarly to Dallas/Fort Worth, the Tampa/St. Petersburg real estate market is a “Super Sun Belt Magnet” city.

For local economic prospects, the market was ranked #11. The unemployment rate for the metro area has been generally dropping since highs reached in April 2020. As of the end of September, the rate is 6.9%.

Tampa is a good rental market with a high renter population. The population in the Tampa real estate market is about 54%. It’s lower in the St. Petersburg real estate market, around 43%.

Tampa Real Estate Market Statistics:

Median Property Price: $516,442
Price per Square Foot: $254
Price to Rent Ratio: 24
Traditional Rental Income: $1,768
Traditional Cash on Cash Return: 2.5%
Top Tampa Neighborhood for Real Estate Investing: Northeast
Seller’s Market
Forecasted Real Estate Appreciation for 2021: 8.0%

St. Petersburg Real Estate Market Statistics:

Median Property Price: $537,210
Price per Square Foot: $336
Price to Rent Ratio: 24
Traditional Rental Income: $1,902
Traditional Cash on Cash Return: 2.3%
Top St. Petersburg Neighborhood for Real Estate Investing: Bartlett Park
Seller’s Market
Forecasted Real Estate Appreciation for 2021: 8.6%

Other Tampa/St. Petersburg Housing Market Rankings for 2021:

#5 for Homebuilding Prospects
#22 for Real Estate Investor Demand
#10 for Development and Redevelopment Opportunities
#28 for Availability of Debt and Equity Capital

Tampa/St. Petersburg Multifamily Market 2021 Outlook:

67% of experts recommend buying a multifamily property
30% of experts recommend holding onto your multifamily property
2% recommend selling

#7. Salt Lake City, Utah

This is the first time in a few years that Salt Lake City makes it onto the list of the 10 best places to invest in real estate in the US.

The Salt Lake City real estate market has continually been a destination for those leaving California – before and during the coronavirus. As such, it is another 18-hour city to be called a “Magnet.”

The city’s economy ranked #13 in the report. At the same time, the city had the lowest unemployment rate of cities on this list by the end of September – 5.4%. And it is this improvement in employment opportunities during the pandemic that has kept in-migration high in the city.

A Salt Lake City real estate investment rented out long term would find demand from the general population as 53% currently live in rental properties.

Salt Lake City Real Estate Market Statistics:

Median Property Price: $562,222
Price per Square Foot: $288
Price to Rent Ratio: 33
Traditional Rental Income: $1,426
Traditional Cash on Cash Return: 1.6%
Top Salt Lake City Neighborhood for Real Estate Investing: Bonneville Hills
Seller’s Market
Forecasted Real Estate Appreciation for 2021: 7.3%

Other Salt Lake City Housing Market Rankings for 2021:

#18 for Homebuilding Prospects
#19 for Real Estate Investor Demand
#11 for Development and Redevelopment Opportunities
#25 for Availability of Debt and Equity Capital

Salt Lake City Multifamily Market 2021 Outlook:

67% of experts recommend buying a multifamily property
27% of experts recommend holding onto your multifamily property
6% recommend selling

#8. Washington DC- Northern VA

It may be surprising to see Washington DC, an “out-migration market”, make it onto the list of the 10 best places to invest in real estate in 2021. However, keep in mind it is a suburban area of Washington DC that ranks in position #8. And despite the fact that the city has lost some of its popularity among the general population, most of the experts interviewed believe this COVID-19 trend is not a permanent one. It’s likely that the Washington DC real estate market will remain an influential center in the United States.

In terms of market groupings, the Washington DC housing market is an “Establishment.” This is because the city is considered to be a major center in the US and has continued to offer real estate opportunities for years. Washington DC- Northern VA is subcategorized as “Suburbs Ascending,” as it has gained popularity due to the coronavirus, allowing it to break into the top 10 for 2021.

For economy rankings, Washington DC- Northern VA came in #6. Although the unemployment rate initially showed signs of improvement back in May, it has remained steady, near 8.8% for a few months now.

Not only is the renter population in the Washington DC real estate market high (61%), but there is another reason to buy a rental property in the city in 2021. Studies show that after an election year, the DC housing market typically gets a boost.

Washington DC Real Estate Market Statistics:

Median Property Price: $711,007
Price per Square Foot: $577
Price to Rent Ratio: 23
Traditional Rental Income: $2,596
Traditional Cash on Cash Return: 2.8%
Top Washington DC Neighborhood for Real Estate Investing: Garfield Heights
Seller’s Market
Forecasted Real Estate Appreciation for 2021: 6.3%

Other Washington DC Housing Market Rankings for 2021:

#19 for Homebuilding Prospects
#13 for Real Estate Investor Demand
#24 for Development and Redevelopment Opportunities
#8 for Availability of Debt and Equity Capital

Washington DC Multifamily Market 2021 Outlook:

54% of experts recommend buying a multifamily property
43% of experts recommend holding onto your multifamily property
3% recommend selling

#9. Boston, Massachusetts

The Boston real estate market is another “Establishment” on the list of best cities for 2021. One that is also witnessing out-migration during COVID-19 but that is expected to quickly regain its footing as a popular city center in the future. It’s subcategorized as a “Multitalented Metro Area.” Not only is Boston’s economy diverse, but it is considered to be a leader in a few different sectors, including biotech, education, healthcare, and even finance.

The Boston housing market is the only “Multitalented Metro Area” to be named one of the best places to invest in real estate in 2021, likely due to the specific industries it leads. Boston is also expected to experience growth, despite being an expensive market to do business or buy a home. Experts strongly believe that Boston will continue to attract residents in the future thanks to its leadership and the top universities in the area.

With all of that said, the local economy was ranked #9 in the report. The city still struggles with a high unemployment rate of 11% although it has been significantly improving over the last few months.

The Boston real estate market is clearly not the cheapest place to invest for 2021. Naturally, housing costs keep the renter population high – 67%. However, if you can afford to buy a Boston investment property for sale, you will find high demand and a low vacancy rate.

Boston Real Estate Market Statistics:

Median Property Price: $1,040,905
Price per Square Foot: $787
Price to Rent Ratio: 32
Traditional Rental Income: $2,714
Traditional Cash on Cash Return: 1.6%
Top Boston Neighborhood for Real Estate Investing: Mission Hill
Seller’s Market
Forecasted Real Estate Appreciation for 2021: 6.9%

Other Boston Housing Market Rankings for 2021:

#29 for Homebuilding Prospects
#5 for Real Estate Investor Demand
#23 for Development and Redevelopment Opportunities
#4 for Availability of Debt and Equity Capital

Boston Multifamily Market 2021 Outlook:

60% of experts recommend buying a multifamily property
32% of experts recommend holding onto your multifamily property
9% recommend selling

#10. Long Island, New York

The Long Island market has been slowly growing for years now and as such, it’s not typical to see it named as one of the best places to invest in real estate. However, with the surge in demand for suburban homes, the location has quickly climbed the list and broke into the top 10 for 2021. It falls under the category of “Establishment” and the subcategory of “Suburbs Ascending” in the report.

The local economy placed #15 with the region’s unemployment continuing to drop, landing at 9.5% at the end of September.

Long Island Real Estate Market Statistics:

Median Property Price: $1,185,517
Price per Square Foot: $618
Price to Rent Ratio: 35
Traditional Rental Income: $2,789
Traditional Cash on Cash Return: 1.2%
Top Long Island Neighborhood for Real Estate Investing: Arverne
Seller’s Market
Forecasted Real Estate Appreciation for 2021: 5.6%

Other Long Island Housing Market Rankings for 2021:

#22 for Homebuilding Prospects
#9 for Real Estate Investor Demand
#14 for Development and Redevelopment Opportunities
#6 for Availability of Debt and Equity Capital

Long Island Multifamily Market 2021 Outlook:

46% of experts recommend buying a multifamily property
54% of experts recommend holding onto your multifamily property
0% recommend selling

This article was provided by:

SYLVIA SHALHOUT WITH MASHVISOR

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Your Home May Be Worth More Than You Think

Thursday, December 3, 2020

by Christie Cannon

There is currently a shortage of homes for sale in North Texas.
Buyers are out there and their biggest complaint is a lack of inventory

The shortage of homes is creating stiff competition for buyers and resulting in homes receiving multiple offers. This feeding frenzy is driving up sales prices and reducing the number of time homes are on the market.

Most people have more equity in their home than they realize. Couple this with high buyer demand reduced inventory and record low-interest rates... there has never been a better time to list your home for sale!

Interested in selling but want to find a new home to purchase first? No sweat, we have several programs that will allow you to buy before you put your home on the market!

Let us know if you want some additional information on buying before you sell, or if we can send you over a CMA (comparative market analysis) to show you how much your home would list for in today's market.

Give us a call today!

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Knowledge Is Power on the Path to Homeownership

Tuesday, December 1, 2020

by Christie Cannon

Knowledge Is Power on the Path to Homeownership

Homeownership is on the goal list for many young adults, but sometimes it’s hard to know exactly how to get there. From understanding the homebuying process to pre-approval and down payment assistance options, uncertainty along the way can ultimately hold some buyers back.

Today, there are over 75 million Millennials and 67 million Gen Z’ers in the U.S., making up a significant number of both current and soon-to-be homebuyers. According to a recent Fannie Mae survey of more than 2,000 of these individuals:

“88% said they are confident they will achieve homeownership someday.”

In addition, the survey also reveals that for younger generations, the motivation to own a home may be more emotional than financial compared to previous generations:

<50% say they want to use their home as an asset
78% believe it’s the best way to live the way they want, without restrictions
80% believe homeownership is the best way to make it on their own

Whether homeownership goals come from the heart or are driven by financial aspirations (or maybe both), the obstacles standing in the way don’t have to bring these dreams to a screeching halt. The same survey also reveals two key roadblocks for potential buyers. Thankfully, they’re both easily overcome with the power of knowledge and trusted advisors leading the way. Here’s a look at these two challenges potential homebuyers face today:

1. 73% of future homebuyers are unaware of low-down-payment mortgage options

For those who want to purchase a home, low-down-payment options are instrumental to affording one sooner rather than later, especially given the amount of debt many younger adults have accumulated. Fannie Mae also notes:

“Among the challenges they face is an unprecedented amount of debt, along with a lack of understanding of the mortgage process and their own purchasing power. Debt, in particular, creates many obstacles such as a limited ability to save and the fear of taking on more debt.”

Today, there are more than 2,340 down payment assistance programs available nationwide to help relieve this pressure. Understanding what’s out there and the options available may help many buyers become homeowners faster than they thought possible. In a year like this, with record-low mortgage rates making their mark in the history books, being able to take advantage of the opportunity buyers have right now is essential to long-term affordability.

2. 64% of buyers expect lenders and other real estate professionals to educate them about the mortgage process

While many people love to do a quick search online to find instant answers to their questions, it isn’t the only way younger generations want to consume information or build their knowledge base. As the survey mentions, having trusted professionals help them learn what it takes to achieve their dreams is definitely on their wish list too.

Bottom Line

If you’re aiming for homeownership someday, it may be in closer reach than you think. Let’s connect so you can learn about the process and get the guidance you need to make it happen.

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Your House May Be High on the Buyer Wish List This Holiday Season

Wednesday, November 25, 2020

by Christie Cannon

Your House May Be High on the Buyer Wish List This Holiday Season

Around this time each year, many homeowners decide to wait until after the holidays to sell their houses. Similarly, others who already have their homes on the market remove their listings until the spring. Let’s unpack the top reasons why selling your house now, or keeping it on the market this season, is the best choice you can make. This year, buyers want to purchase homes for the holidays, and your house might be the perfect match.

Here are seven great reasons not to wait to sell your house this holiday season:

1. Buyers are active now. Mortgage rates are historically low, providing motivation for those who are ready to get more for their money over the life of their home loan.

2. Purchasers who look for homes during the holidays are serious ones, and they’re ready to buy.

3. You can restrict the showings in your house to days and times that are most convenient for you, or even select virtual options. You’ll remain in control, especially in today’s sellers’ market.

4. Homes decorated for the holidays appeal to many buyers.

5. Today, there’s minimal competition for you as a seller. There just aren’t enough houses on the market to satisfy buyer demand, meaning sellers are in the driver’s seat. Over the past year, inventory has declined to record lows, making it the opportune time to sell your house (See graph below):6. The desire to own a home doesn’t stop during the holidays. Buyers who have been searching throughout the fall and have been running into more and more bidding wars are still on the lookout. Your home may be the answer.

7. This season is the sweet spot for sellers, and the number of listings will increase after the holidays. In many parts of the country, more new construction will also be available for sale in 2021, which will lessen the demand for your house next year.

Bottom Line

More than ever, this may be the year it makes the most sense to list your house during the holiday season. Let’s connect today to determine if selling now is your best move.

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DFW CHRISTMAS LIGHT DISPLAY

Monday, November 23, 2020

by Christie Cannon

You can still have fun this holiday season while being safe! We have compiled a list of Covid safe holiday events all across DFW. Remember to be safe but to still have lots of cheer!

Wishing you and yours a very special holiday season!

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Why Working from Home May Spark Your Next Move

Monday, November 16, 2020

by Christie Cannon

Why Working from Home May Spark Your Next Move

If you’ve been working from home this year, chances are you’ve been at it a little longer than you initially expected. Businesses all over the country have figured out how to operate remotely to keep their employees healthy, safe, and productive. For many, it may be carrying into next year, and possibly beyond.

While the pandemic continues, Americans are re-evaluating their homes, floorplans, locations, needs, and more. Some need more space, while others need less. Whether you’re renting or own your home, if remote work is part of your future, you may be thinking about moving, especially while today’s mortgage rates are so low.

A recent study from Upwork notes:

“Anywhere from 14 to 23 million Americans are planning to move as a result of remote work.”

To put this into perspective, last year, 6 million homes were sold in the U.S. This means roughly 2 – 4X as many people are considering moving now, and there’s a direct connection to their ability to work from home.

The same study also notes while 45.3% of people are planning to stay within a 2-hour drive from their current location, 41.5% of the people who are citing working from home as their primary reason for making a move are willing to look for a home more than 4 hours away from where they live now (See graph below):In some cases, moving a little further away from your current location might mean you can get more home for your money. If you have the opportunity to work remotely, you may have more options available by expanding your search. Upwork also indicates, of those surveyed:

“People are seeking less expensive housing: Altogether, more than half (52.5%) are planning to move to a house that is significantly more affordable than their current home.”

Whether you can eliminate your daily commute to the office, or you simply need more space to work from home, your plans may be changing. If that’s the case, it’s time to connect with a local real estate professional to assess your evolving needs and determine your path together.

Bottom Line

This has been a year of change, and what you need in a home is no exception. Let’s connect today to make sure you have expert guidance on your side to help you find a home that fits your remote work needs.

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Winter Will Bring a Flurry of Activity to the Housing Market

Thursday, November 12, 2020

by Christie Cannon

Winter Will Bring a Flurry of Activity to the Housing Market

In the second half of this year, the housing market surged with activity. Today, real estate experts are looking ahead to the winter season and the forecast is anything but chilly. As Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for the National Association of Realtors (NAR), notes:

“It will be one of the best winter sales years ever.”

The typical winter slowdown in the housing market is simply not on the radar. Here’s why.

While today’s historically low mortgage rates are expected to remain low, they won’t be this low for much longer. This could be the last chance for homebuyers to secure such low rates, and they’re ready to take action. In a recent article, Bankrate explained:

“If you’re looking to buy a home…expect mortgage rates to remain low into 2021. However, the possibility of rates falling to 2.5 percent or lower has faded as the U.S. economy has rebounded.”

As long as we continue to see low interest rates, we’ll see hopeful buyers on the hunt for their dream homes. Yun confirmed:

“The demand for home buying remains super strong…And we're still likely to end the year with more homes sold overall in 2020 than in 2019…With persistent low mortgage rates and some degree of a continuing jobs recovery, more contract signings are expected in the near future.”

The challenge, however, is the lack of homes available for sale. With that in mind, all eyes are on homeowners to see if they’ll sell this winter or wait until spring. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist for realtor.com, says it’s best for sellers to capitalize on this moment sooner rather than later:

“We currently see buyers sticking around in the housing market much later than we usually do this fall. If that trend continues, we will see more buyers in the market this winter, too. So, this winter is likely to be a good time to sell.”

With buyers ready to stay active this winter, sellers who want to close a deal on the best possible terms shouldn’t wait until spring to put their homes on the market.

Bottom Line

Experts agree the winter housing market could potentially be bigger than ever. Whether you’re ready to buy or sell, let’s connect today so you can be in your dream home by the new year.

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Real Estate Information Archive

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SYLVIA SHALHOUT WITH MASHVISOR

There is currently a shortage of homes for sale in North Texas. Buyers are out there and their biggest complaint is a lack of inventory

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There is currently a shortage of homes for sale in North Texas.
Buyers are out there and their biggest complaint is a lack of inventory