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Interest Rates Hover Near Historic All-Time Lows

Friday, May 22, 2020
by Christie Cannon

Interest Rates Hover Near Historic All-Time Lows 

Interest Rates Hover Near Historic All-Time Lows [INFOGRAPHIC] | MyKCM
 

Some Highlights

  • Mortgage interest rates have dropped considerably this spring and are hovering at a historically low level.
  • Locking in at a low rate today could save you thousands of dollars over the lifetime of your home loan.
  • Let’s connect to determine the best way to position yourself for a move in today’s market.
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Economy

Tuesday, May 19, 2020
by Christie Cannon

Housing Market Positioned to Bring Back the Economy

Housing Market Positioned to Bring Back the Economy | MyKCM
 

All eyes are on the American economy. As it goes, so does the world economy. With states beginning to reopen, the question becomes: which sectors of the economy will drive its recovery? There seems to be a growing consensus that the housing market is positioned to be that driving force, the tailwind that is necessary.

Some may question that assertion as they look back on the last recession in 2008 when housing was the anchor to the economy – holding it back from sailing forward. But even then, the overall economy did not begin to recover until the real estate market started to regain its strength. This time, the housing market was in great shape when the virus hit.

As Mark Fleming, Chief Economist of First American, recently explained:

“Many still bear scars from the Great Recession and may expect the housing market to follow a similar trajectory in response to the coronavirus outbreak. But, there are distinct differences that indicate the housing market may follow a much different path. While housing led the recession in 2008-2009, this time it may be poised to bring us out of it.”

Fleming is not the only economist who believes this. Last week, Dr. Frank Nothaft, Chief Economist for CoreLogic, (@DrFrankNothaft) tweeted:

“For the first 6 decades after WWII, the housing sector led the rest of the economy out of each recession. Expect it to do so this time as well.”

And, Robert Dietz, Chief Economist for the National Association of Home Builders, in an economic update last week explained:

“As the economy begins a recovery later in 2020, we expect housing to play a leading role. Housing enters this recession underbuilt, not overbuilt…Based on demographics and current vacancy rates, the U.S. may have a housing deficit of up to one million units.”

Bottom Line

Every time a home is sold it has a tremendous financial impact on local economies. As the real estate market continues its recovery, it will act as a strong tailwind to the overall national economy.

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The Christie Cannon Team Brings Confidence in a Pandemic: Frisco TX's Top Real Estate Team Adapts to Virtual Market

Friday, May 15, 2020
by Christie Cannon

The Christie Cannon Team Brings Confidence in a Pandemic: Frisco TX's Top Real Estate Team Adapts to Virtual Market

Thursday, May 14, 2020 11:00 AM

The Christie Cannon Team is the leading Real Estate Team in North Texas and they are redefining the real estate industry by setting an example of proven systems to provide clients a top-notch service using innovative technology when buying and selling homes and are sharing their thoughts and advice in making wise decisions especially during this COVID-19 Pandemic

FRISCO, TX / ACCESSWIRE / May 14, 2020 / Adapting your career to fit the new rules created by COVID-19 is tough, especially in the world of real estate. Luckily, Christie Cannon, Frisco Texas' expert in real estate for over 20 years, has found a way to utilize technology to buy and sell homes virtually. She, and her husband Kevin, along with their entire Team have set up a process to walk their clients through every step of buying or selling a home online. Everything from house hunting, listing, touring, or signing papers can be done through a virtual portal; and Christie's team will be there to give you confidence in your search for the right home or the right buyer.

Christie's Texas based team is one of the top 25 teams with Keller Williams Realty nationwide. They have done over 455 transactions in the past 12 months, with over $150 million dollars in sales. D Magazine has awarded The Christie Cannon Team the "Top Real Estate Producers" every year for nearly a decade. This constant experience is what sets the team apart from other agents and real estate teams. For example, most real estate agents are selling 7-10 homes a year. Christie and her team manage sales each and every day. Each sale brings different experiences, people, and challenges. After working in housing development and managing the team over the course of two decades, Christie has seen it all. Her newest challenge? Adapt the home buying process to fit a digital landscape, and make people feel comfortable with it along the way.

The Cannon Team has already virtually sold multiple houses completely online in the past month. Christie has found that prices have not fallen in her area, but inventory has, which is increasing demand. This means that sellers are seeing multiple offers on their home, and getting the most out of their equity. It also means that The Cannon Team's knowledge of the local market is incredibly valuable. She and her team know your area, so you don't have to and they are ready to hold your hand through finding the perfect home. Also, the level of support which they provide, paired with the quality of their service, creates an environment where clients are in constant communication and it keeps them up to date on the status of their transaction.

In a recent one-on-one interview, Christie mentioned how she and her team has been serving the market while adapting to the new rules and conditions. The level of adaptation that she has seen from people wanting to leverage technology for buying or selling their homes has been increasing day-by-day and the feedback which she has received from her clients has been very positive.

It starts with a free consultation over zoom or phone call. The Cannon Team will send you the best options for your personal situation and help pair you with a buyer or seller. Their job is not to be a salesperson, it is to educate you and take the nerves away from the whole process. "If we do our job well," Cannon said, "our clients will know and feel we have their best interest in mind, not ours."

Once they help clients find a home in their price range, one of the Team's experts can set up a virtual tour and explain every inch of the house over zoom. The client can walk through the home, ask questions, and feel confident before making an offer. When the client falls in love with a home, it's time to get the home under contract, schedule inspections and start planning your move.

On the selling side, The Cannon Team will help you check off all the boxes safely and securely. You can meet with one of the Team's experts in person at your home if you are comfortable, or over a Zoom meeting. The Team's on-staff photographer and stager can meet you at your home, or you can even elect to allow the on-staff stager to help you from afar over a Zoom meeting as you show her around your home. The only in-person meeting you will need to do is with the Team's photographer, who is dressed down in extensive PPE equipment. As a Seller, you can have control over who is entering your home and you can control the showings. The Cannon Team is encouraging "virtual" showings on all of their homes before a buyer steps foot inside to reduce unnecessary exposure. All of The Cannon Team's homes offer 3-D Virtual viewing so you can walk through an entire home without ever stepping foot inside. One of Christie's biggest focuses has been to make sure all the guidelines regarding social distancing and hygiene have been met, therefore she and her team has been working diligently with anyone who visits your property to ensure that all the government requirements and regulations are fully met and are adhered to.

Christie and her team, with their extensive experience and knowledge of the real estate industry have seen all possible emotions which people go through while considering to buy or sell their homes using online means. However, she recommends that people should adapt to the new way of communicating and interacting as the opportunities are rising and whether you are buying or selling, there are plenty of great deals to be had during times like these.

If you are in the market to buy or sell a home, do not let the current pandmeic stop you from getting the care you need. Christie and her team have been offering free consultations to share the entire process with you and answer any of your questions to ensure that you are confident before moving ahead. She has adapted her process to hold your hand through every step, and the only thing between you and finding the home of your dreams is a computer. Christie and her husband Kevin are working everyday to help ensure their Team is servicing the needs of each and every client and home they represent.




http://christiecannon.com


http://cannonteamhomes.com

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https://finance.yahoo.com/news/christie-cannon-team-brings-confidence-150000645.html

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A Surprising Shift to the ‘Burbs May Be on the Rise

Wednesday, May 13, 2020
by Christie Cannon

A Surprising Shift to the ‘Burbs May Be on the Rise

A Surprising Shift to the ‘Burbs May Be on the Rise | MyKCM
 

While many people across the U.S. have traditionally enjoyed the perks of an urban lifestyle, some who live in more populated city limits today are beginning to rethink their current neighborhoods. Being in close proximity to everything from the grocery store to local entertainment is definitely a perk, especially if you can also walk to some of these hot spots and have a short commute to work. The trade-off, however, is that highly populated cities can lack access to open space, a yard, and other desirable features. These are the kinds of things you may miss when spending a lot of time at home. When it comes to social distancing, as we’ve experienced recently, the newest trend seems to be around re-evaluating a once-desired city lifestyle and trading it for suburban or rural living.

George Ratiu, Senior Economist at realtor.com notes:

“With the re-opening of the economy scheduled to be cautious, the impact on consumer preferences will likely shift buying behavior…consumers are already looking for larger homes, bigger yards, access to the outdoors and more separation from neighbors. As we move into the recovery stage, these preferences will play an important role in the type of homes consumers will want to buy. They will also play a role in the coming discussions on zoning and urban planning. While higher density has been a hallmark of urban development over the past decade, the pandemic may lead to a re-thinking of space allocation.”

The Harris Poll recently surveyed 2,000 Americans, and 39% of the respondents who live in urban areas indicated the COVID-19 crisis has caused them to consider moving to a less populated area.A Surprising Shift to the ‘Burbs May Be on the Rise | MyKCMToday, moving outside the city limits is also more feasible than ever, especially as Americans have quickly become more accustomed to – and more accepting of – remote work. According to the Pew Research Center, access to the Internet has increased significantly in rural and suburban areas, making working from home more accessible. The number of people working from home has also spiked considerably, even before the pandemic came into play this year.

Bottom Line

If you have a home in the suburbs or a rural area, you may see an increasing number of buyers looking for a property like yours. If you’re thinking of buying and don’t mind a commute to work for the well-being of your family, you may want to consider looking at homes for sale outside the city. Let’s connect today to discuss the options available in our area.

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Why Home Equity Is a Bright Spark in the Housing Market

Wednesday, May 6, 2020
by Christie Cannon

Why Home Equity Is a Bright Spark in the Housing Market

Why Home Equity is a Bright Spark in the Housing Market | MyKCM
 

Given how we have seen more unemployment claims than ever before over the past several weeks, fear is spreading widely. Some good news, however, shows that more than 4 million initial unemployment filers have likely already found a new job, especially as industries such as health care, food and grocery stores, retail, delivery, and more increase their employment opportunities. Breaking down what unemployment means for homeownership, and understanding the significant equity Americans hold today, are important parts of seeing the picture clearly when sorting through this uncertainty.

One of the biggest questions right now is whether this historic unemployment rate will initiate a new surge of foreclosures in the market. It’s a very real fear. Despite the staggering number of claims, there are actually many reasons why we won’t see a significant number of foreclosures like we did during the housing crash twelve years ago. The amount of equity homeowners have today is a leading differentiator in the current market.

Today, according to John Burns Consulting, 58.7% of homes in the U.S. have at least 60% equity. That number is drastically different than it was in 2008 when the housing bubble burst. The last recession was painful, and when prices dipped, many found themselves owing more on their mortgage than what their homes were worth. Homeowners simply walked away at that point. Now, 42.1% of all homes in this country are mortgage-free, meaning they’re owned free and clear. Those homes are not at risk for foreclosure (see graph below):Why Home Equity is a Bright Spark in the Housing Market | MyKCMIn addition, CoreLogic notes the average equity mortgaged homes have today is $177,000. That’s a significant amount that homeowners won’t be stepping away from, even in today’s economy (see chart below):Why Home Equity is a Bright Spark in the Housing Market | MyKCMIn essence, the amount of equity homeowners have today positions them to be in a much better place than they were in 2008.

Bottom Line 

The fear and uncertainty we feel right now are very real, and this is not going to be easy. We can, however, see strength in our current market through homeowner equity that has not been there in the past. That may be a bright spark to help us make it through.

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U.S. Homeownership Rate Rises to Highest Point in 8 Years

Monday, May 4, 2020
by Christie Cannon

U.S. Homeownership Rate Rises to Highest Point in 8 Years

U.S. Homeownership Rate Rises to Highest Point in 8 Years | MyKCM
 

For nearly two months, most of us have been following strict stay-at-home orders from our state and local governments. It is a whole new way of life that has put our daily lives on pause. On the other hand, many of us have also found a sense of comfort by slowing down and spending time at home, highlighting the feeling of security that comes with having a much-needed safe place for our families to live.

The latest results of the Housing Vacancy Survey (HVS) provided by the U.S. Census Bureau shows how Americans place immense value in homeownership, and it is continuing to grow in the United States. The results indicate that the homeownership rate increased to 65.3% for the first quarter of 2020, a number that has been rising since 2016 and is the highest we’ve seen in eight years (see graph below):U.S. Homeownership Rate Rises to Highest Point in 8 Years | MyKCMWhy is the rate increasing? The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) explained:

“Strong owner household formation with around 2.7 million homeowners added in the first quarter has driven up the homeownership rate, especially under the decreasing mortgage interest rates and strong new home sales and existing home sales in the first two months before the COVID-19 pandemic hit the economy.”

The NAHB also emphasizes the year-over-year increase in each generational group:

“The homeownership rates among all age groups increased in the first quarter 2020. Households under 35, mostly first-time homebuyers, registered the largest gains, with the homeownership rate up 1.9 percentage points from a year ago. Households ages 35-44 experienced a 1.2 percentage points gain, followed by the 55-64 age group (a 0.9 percentage point increase), the 45-54 age group (a 0.8 percentage point gain), and the 65+ group age (up by 0.2 percentage point).” (See chart below):

U.S. Homeownership Rate Rises to Highest Point in 8 Years | MyKCMHomeownership is an important part of the American dream, especially in moments like this when many are feeling incredibly grateful for the home they have to shelter in place with their families. COVID-19 may be slowing our lives down, but it is showing us the emotional value of homeownership too.

Bottom Line

If you’re considering buying a home this year, let’s connect to set a plan that will help you get one step closer to achieving your dream.

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Spring Home Buying Recovering From Coronavirus

Wednesday, April 29, 2020
by Christie Cannon

"We estimate that there are currently 29 states that have a housing deficit, and when we consider only these states, the housing shortage grows from 2.5 million units to 3.3 million units" 

Texas currently is experiencing a 4.81% deficit in housing supply

- from the Freddie Mac Report - The Housing Supply Shortage: State of the States ​

 

Contact one of our expert agents today if you are looking to buy or sell and want to know your options during the Coronavirus.  Our team is always here to help and educate!

972-215-7747 | cannonteamhomes.com

The novel coronavirus was unable to dampen the interest of homebuyers in the past week.

Even as people follow stay-at-home guidelines, the number of people filing home purchase applications rose 12 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

That's the strongest level in almost a month.

"The ten largest states had increases in purchase activity, which is potentially a sign of the start of an upturn in the pandemic-delayed spring homebuying season, as coronavirus lockdown restrictions slowly ease in various markets,” said Joel Kan, MBA’s associate vice president of economic and industry forecasting. “California and Washington continued to show increases in purchase activity, with New York seeing a significant gain after declines in five of the last six weeks.”

Helping to boost purchase interest was a decline in mortgage rates to 3.43 percent for a 30-year mortgage, a record low in MBA's survey.

"Refinance activity declined 7 percent, as rates for refinances likely remained higher than those for purchase loans, " said Kan. "Lenders are still working through pipelines at capacity, and observed changes in credit availability for refinance loans have also in turn impacted rates.”

Overall demand for mortgage applications fell 3.3 percent from the prior week.

The survey covers over 75 percent of all U.S. retail residential mortgage applications and has been conducted weekly since 1990.

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The Pain of Unemployment: It Will Be Deep, But Not for Long

Monday, April 20, 2020
by Christie Cannon

The Pain of Unemployment: It Will Be Deep, But Not for Long

The Pain of Unemployment: It Will Be Deep, But Not for Long | MyKCM
 

There are two crises in this country right now: a health crisis that has forced everyone into their homes and a financial crisis caused by our inability to move around as we normally would. Over 20 million people in the U.S. became instantly unemployed when it was determined that the only way to defeat this horrific virus was to shut down businesses across the nation. One second a person was gainfully employed, a switch was turned, and then the room went dark on their livelihood.

The financial pain so many families are facing right now is deep.

How deep will the pain cut?

Major institutions are forecasting unemployment rates last seen during the Great Depression. Here are a few projections:

  • Goldman Sachs - 15%
  • Merrill Lynch - 10.6%
  • JP Morgan - 8.5%
  • Wells Fargo - 7.3%

How long will the pain last?

As horrific as those numbers are, there is some good news. The pain will be deep, but it won’t last as long as it did after previous crises. Taking the direst projection from Goldman Sachs, we can see that 15% unemployment quickly drops to 6-8% as we head into next year, continues to drop, and then returns to about 4% in 2023.

When we compare that to the length of time it took to get back to work during both the Great Recession (9 years long) and the Great Depression (12 years long), we can see how the current timetable is much more favorable.The Pain of Unemployment: It Will Be Deep, But Not for Long | MyKCM

Bottom Line

It’s devastating to think about how the financial heartache families are going through right now is adding to the uncertainty surrounding their health as well. Hopefully, we will soon have the virus contained and then we will, slowly and safely, return to work.

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How Technology is Helping Buyers Navigate the Home Search Process

Friday, April 17, 2020
by Christie Cannon

How Technology is Helping Buyers Navigate the Home Search Process 

How Technology is Helping Buyers Navigate the Home Search Process [INFOGRAPHIC] | MyKCM
 

Some Highlights:

  • A recent realtor.com survey revealed that buyers are still considering moving forward with the homebuying process, even if they can’t see the home in-person.
  • While they still prefer to physically see a home, virtual home tours and accurate listing information top the list of tech specs buyers find most helpful in today’s process.
  • Let’s connect today to determine how technology can help power your home search.
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How to Stay Entertained During Home Lockdown

Wednesday, April 15, 2020
by Christie Cannon

How to Stay Entertained During Home Lockdown

 

 

For those of you looking to add some new ideas to your daily home quarantine schedule, check out these options:

 

-Home Organization

Choose one category at a time to be organized, like clothes, shoes, books, games, toiletries, food items, tools, toys, etc.  Remove all of the items from that category from their spaces, review each item piece by piece, and decide what will be kept, donated or thrown away.  Then, place the items you’ve decided to keep back into their designated homes in a neat, organized manner.  Likewise, store your donations in one place, ready to be given away as soon as the opportunity arises.

 

-Outdoor Landscaping

Pull weeds from the lawn and flowerbeds, trim hedges and trees, dispose of any dead plants or leaves, mow and edge lawn, re-soil in areas where needed, add fresh mulch and flowers from local growers to beds and pots, and sweep porches and pathways

 

-Exercise

Designate a specific time in your day to get your body moving, as this is good for your mind and soul, too.  If your kids are with you, incorporate a workout that involves them too.  Walks with the dog, bicycle rides, online yoga or aerobic classes, jogs around the block, games of family tag- anything is good!  Just get moving!

 

-Hone Your Talents

If you like to read, read books that you find uplifting.  If you have children at home or that you can connect with virtually, schedule a daily story time with them.  If you like to write, start journaling or author your own short story.  Encourage children to write land mail letters to grandparents or friends that they haven’t seen in a while- especially those who are living alone.  If you prefer drawing, use this time to sketch a pet, a scene from nature, or even another family member.  Kids can even attempt portraits of family members, too!

 

-Cook & Bake

Now is the perfect time to try some new recipes.  Have each family member choose a meal or treat they’d like to cook or bake and take turns creating and enjoying everyones’ efforts.  Sharing in the clean-up afterwards is equally important!  Consider making extra dishes to share with neighbors, too.

 

-Play

Some daily downtime does your mind and body good so be sure schedule time for this too!  Dance parties are great for this.  Turn up your favorite music and dance virtually, with family members, or alone- anyway works great!  Play board games, cards or a game outside with your family.  Play with your pets.  Play dress up or dolls or robots with your kids.  Use your imagination and play creatively!

 

 

Hopefully, some of these ideas will work their way into your daily routine at home.  Share with us how you’re spending your time, too!

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Displaying blog entries 11-20 of 61

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Photo of Christie Cannon Real Estate
Christie Cannon
Keller Williams Realty
5933 Preston Road #300
Frisco TX 75034
972-215-7747
Fax: 972-215-7748
Send an Email
Keller Williams Frisco - The Christie Cannon Team - http://www.christiecannon.com

 

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