Real Estate Information Archive

Blog

Displaying blog entries 21-30 of 38

Why Owning a Home Is a Powerful Financial Decision

Monday, February 8, 2021
by Christie Cannon

Why Owning a Home Is a Powerful Financial Decision

Why Owning a Home Is a Powerful Financial Decision | MyKCM
 

In today’s housing market, there are clear financial benefits to owning a home: increasing equity, the chance to build your net worth, and appreciating home values, just to name a few. If you’re a renter, it’s never too early to think about how homeownership can propel you toward a stronger future. Here’s a dive into three often-overlooked financial benefits of homeownership and how preparing for them now can steer you in the direction of greater financial security and savings.

1. You Won’t Always Have a Monthly Housing Payment

Personal finance advisor Dave Ramsey explains:

“Every payment brings you closer to owning the house. When you pay your rent, that money is spent. Gone. Bye. Not returning. But when you pay your mortgage, you work toward full ownership.”

As a homeowner, you can eventually eliminate the monthly payment you make on your house. That’s a huge win and a big factor in how homeownership can drive stability and savings in your life. As soon as you buy a home, your monthly housing costs begin to work for you as forced savings in the form of equity. When you build equity and grow your net worth, you can continue to reinvest those savings into your future, maybe even by buying that next dream home. The possibilities are truly endless.

2. Homeownership Is a Tax Break

One thing people who have never owned a home don’t always think about are the tax advantages of homeownership. The same article states:

“You have tax advantages. Many of the costs of owning a home—like property taxes—are tax deductible. And if you’re paying off a mortgage, you’ll get to count your mortgage interest as a deduction when you file your tax return.”

Whether you’re living in your first home or your fifth, it’s a huge financial advantage to have some tax relief tied to the interest you pay each year. It’s one thing you definitely don’t get when you’re renting. Be sure to work with a tax professional to get the best possible benefits on your annual return.

3. Monthly Housing Costs Are Predictable

A third benefit is the fact that monthly costs start to become more predictable with homeownership, something that doesn’t happen if you’re renting. Ramsey also notes:

“Rent rates will go up. Even if you found a killer deal in a hot area, inflation, competition, and rising property values will cause your rent to go up year after year.”

With a mortgage, you can keep your monthly housing costs relatively steady and predictable. Your monthly costs are most likely based on a fixed-rate mortgage, which allows you to budget your finances over a longer period of time. Rental prices have been skyrocketing since 2012, and with today’s low mortgage rates, it’s a great time to get more for your money when purchasing a home. If you want to lock-in your monthly payment at a low rate and have a solid understanding of what you’re going to spend in your mortgage payment each month, buying a home may be your best bet.

Bottom Line

If you’re ready to start feeling the benefits of stability, savings, and predictability that come with owning a home, let’s connect to determine if buying sooner rather than later is right for you.

Add Comment

Housing expert on price increases: 'I don’t see that slowing down anytime soon'

Thursday, February 4, 2021
by Christie Cannon

Even though home values experienced their largest increase since 2014, the price hikes may not be over yet.

“I expect there to be another year of rising home prices,” said Jeff Taylor, managing partner at Digital Risk, a mortgage data and analytics firm. “I think the median home price will get to about $360,000.”

Standard & Poor’s reported last month that its S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller national home price index posted a 9.5% year-over-year gain in November, up from 8.4% in October. The last time the index reached that level was in February 2014.

“I don’t see that slowing down anytime soon,” Taylor said.

2021 is poised to be another big year for housing, following the record number of existing home sales last year and 811,000 new home sales, Taylor said. Supply chain constraints from the pandemic still remain, making it harder for builders to keep up with demand.

Taylor also expects to see a surge of buyer demand as the threat from the coronavirus wanes.

“A lot of people — believe it or not — are waiting for full covid vaccination to put their homes on the market and potentially look for other places,” he said.

He also expects Gen Z, many of which moved back in with their parents during the pandemic, to return to the big cities in the second half of the year, lured in by rental prices discounted by as much as 30%.

“You’ll start to see that stabilize a little more in the second half of 2021,” he said.

A sale sign sits in front of a home in the Shaker Heights section of Cleveland, Ohio, 25 January 2008. The area is filled with homes for sale or on the auction block. The city of Cleveland is the epicenter of the nation's home foreclosure crisis and is creating bad news for nearby homeowners and cities across the country because they lead to falling property values and increased crime. AFP PHOTO/Timothy A. CLARY (Photo by Timothy A. CLARY / AFP) (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images)
A sale sign sits in front of a home in the Shaker Heights section of Cleveland, Ohio, 25 January 2008. (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images)

While many predicted that the pandemic would be the end of big cities as people rushed to the suburbs, “we still haven’t seen that mass exodus that we thought was going to happen,” Taylor said.

The National Association of Realtor reported that 8.9 million Americans had relocated to different areas in 2020. Those who had moved according to the study were residents from larger cities.

Many are making that move to the suburbs for “maybe tax reasons and lifestyle reasons,” he said, noting families still need more space for working remotely and virtual schooling.

“It’s a whole new view on what a house means to a family than it did 12 months ago,” he said.

 

Article Proivided by: Yahoo Money and Dhara Singh

 

Dhara Singh
·Reporter
Add Comment

Why It’s Important to Price Your House Right Today

Monday, December 28, 2020
by Christie Cannon

Why It’s Important to Price Your House Right Today

Why It’s Important to Price Your House Right Today | MyKCM
 

Even in today’s sellers’ market, setting the right price for your house is one of the most valuable things you can do. According to the U.S. Economic Outlook by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), existing home prices nationwide are forecasted to increase by 4.5% in 2021. This means experts anticipate home values will continue climbing next year. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist for realtor.com, notes:

“We expect price gains to ease somewhat in 2021 and end 5.7% above 2020 levels, decelerating steadily through the spring and summer, and then gradually reaccelerating toward the end of the year.”

How to Price Your House

When it comes to setting the right price for your house, the goal is to increase visibility and drive more buyers your way. Instead of trying to win the negotiation with one buyer, you should price your house so that demand is maximized and more buyers want to take a look.

As a seller in today’s market, you might be thinking about pricing your house on the high end while so many of today’s buyers are searching harder than ever just to find a home to purchase. But here’s the thing – a high price tag does not mean you’re going to cash in big on the sale. It’s actually more likely to deter buyers.

Right now, even when there are so few houses for sale, your house is more likely to sit on the market longer or require a price drop that can send buyers running if it isn’t priced just right from the very beginning.Why It’s Important to Price Your House Right Today | MyKCMIt’s important to make sure your house is priced correctly by working with a trusted real estate professional throughout the process. When you price it competitively from the start, you won’t be negotiating with one buyer. Instead, you’ll likely have multiple buyers competing for the house, potentially increasing the final sale price.

The key is to make sure your house is priced to sell immediately. This way, it will be seen by the greatest number of buyers. More than one of them may be interested, and it will be more likely to sell at a competitive price.

Bottom Line

Let's connect to price your house correctly from the start so you can maximize your exposure and your return.

Add Comment

Homeowner Equity Increases an Astonishing $1 Trillion

Thursday, December 17, 2020
by Christie Cannon

Homeowner Equity Increases an Astonishing $1 Trillion

Homeowner Equity Increases an Astonishing $1 Trillion | MyKCM
 

In a year that was financially devastating for many Americans, some good news for most homeowners is the dramatic gain in home equity over the last twelve months. Last week, CoreLogic released its 2020 3rd Quarter Homeowner Equity Insights report, which reveals four major findings:

  1. U.S. homeowners with mortgages have seen their equity increase by a total of $1 trillion since the third quarter of 2019.
  2. The average homeowner gained approximately $17,000 in equity over the past year.
  3. This is a 10.8% increase in equity over last year.
  4. The average household with a mortgage now has $194,000 in home equity.

This has given many homeowners the ability to redesign their homes to meet their changing needs. Frank Martell, President and CEO of CoreLogic, explains in the report:

“The housing market has remained a strong pillar in an otherwise tumultuous economic year. A sharp rise in demand, spurred by record-low interest rates, continues to bolster homeowner equity. And with many people now spending more time than ever before at home, some homeowners have tapped into their strengthening equity to fund renovations.”

This build-up in equity also gives more options to homeowners who have been financially impacted by the pandemic. Today, homeowners with substantial equity are in a much better position to work out a deal with their lender if they cannot pay their mortgage. Alternatively, they also have the power to sell and walk away with their equity in the form of cash or as a down payment toward a more affordable house. Frank Nothaft, Chief Economist for CoreLogic, addresses the issue in the report:

"Over the past year, strong home price growth has created a record level of home equity for homeowners…This provides an important buffer to protect families if they experience financial difficulties and is one reason for the generational-low in foreclosure rates reported."

Here’s a map showing equity gains by state:Homeowner Equity Increases an Astonishing $1 Trillion | MyKCMThis gain in home equity is a blessing for homeowners in these trying times, and it seems that the next two years will continue to reward those who own a home.

Last week, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) held their 2020 Real Estate Forecast Summit. At the summit, they shared the results of a recent survey of 23 economic and housing market experts. The median forecast among the experts called for home values to increase further by 8% in 2021 and 5.5% in 2022.

Bottom Line

In a year that has many of us reevaluating what “home” really means, those who own their homes have been rewarded with a financial windfall that averages $17,000 individually and totals $1 trillion nationally.

Add Comment

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

  1. Raleigh/Durham, NC
  2. Austin, TX
  3. Nashville, TN
  4. Dallas/Fort Worth, TX
  5. Charlotte, NC
  6. Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL
  7. Salt Lake City, UT
  8. Washington, DC–Northern VA
  9. Boston, MA
  10.  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:

 

 

 

#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.

Related: 50 Best Cities for Rental Income

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

Related: The 7 Best Nashville Neighborhoods to Invest in Real Estate

#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.

Related: Suburban Real Estate Market Boom Due to COVID-19

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: 

 WITH MASHVISOR
Add Comment

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!

Add Comment

The #1 Reason Not to Wait to List Your House for Sale

Thursday, October 15, 2020
by Christie Cannon

The #1 Reason Not to Wait to List Your House for Sale

The #1 Reason Not to Wait to List Your House for Sale | MyKCM
 

Many industries have been devastated by the economic shutdown caused by the COVID-19 virus. Real estate is not one of them.

Mark Fleming, Chief Economist for First American, just reported:

“Since hitting a low point during the initial stages of the pandemic, the only major industry to display immunity to the economic impacts of the coronavirus is the housing market. Housing has experienced a strong V-shaped recovery and is now exceeding pre-pandemic levels.”

Buyer demand is still strong heading into the fall. ShowingTime, which tracks the average number of buyer showings on residential properties, just announced that buyer showings are up 61.9% compared to the same time last year. They went on to say:

“Normally, real estate activity begins to slow down in the late summer, but this year it peaked in July, August and into September.”

There Is One Big Challenge

Purchaser demand is so high, the market is running out of available homes for sale. Just last week, realtor.com reported:

“Since the beginning of the COVID pandemic in March, nearly 400,000 fewer homes have been listed compared to last year, leaving a gaping hole in the U.S. housing inventory.”

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) revealed that, while home sales are skyrocketing, the inventory of existing homes for sale is dropping dramatically. Below is a graph of existing inventory (September numbers are not yet available):The #1 Reason Not to Wait to List Your House for Sale | MyKCMHomebuilders are increasing construction, but they cannot keep up with the high demand. Bill McBride, founder of the Calculated Risk blog, in discussing inventory of newly constructed houses, notes:

“The months of supply decreased to 3.3 months...This is the all-time record low months of supply.”

What does this mean for sellers?

Anyone thinking of putting their home on the market should not wait. A seller will always negotiate the best deal when demand is high and supply is limited. That’s exactly the situation in the real estate market today.

Next year, when the pandemic is hopefully behind us, there will be many more properties coming to the market. Don’t wait for that increase in competition in your neighborhood. Now is the time to sell.

Bottom Line

Let’s connect today to get your house on the market at this optimal time to sell.

Add Comment

Homebuyer Traffic Is on the Rise

Thursday, September 10, 2020
by Christie Cannon

Homebuyer Traffic Is on the Rise

Homebuyer Traffic Is on the Rise | MyKCM
 

One of the biggest surprises of 2020 is the resilience of the residential real estate market. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), is now forecasting that more homes will sell this year than last year. He’s also predicting home sales to increase by 8-12% next year. There’s strong evidence that he will be right.

ShowingTime, a leading showing software and market stat service provider for the residential real estate industry, just reported on their latest the ShowingTime Showing Index:

“Home buyer traffic jumped again in July, recording a 60.7 percent year-over-year increase in nationwide showing activity.”

That means there are 60% more buyers setting appointments to see homes than there were at this same time last year. The number of potential purchasers was also up dramatically in every region of the country:

  • The Northeast was up 76.6%
  • The West was up 56.7%
  • The Midwest was up 52.1%
  • The South was up 46.7%

The Housing Market Is Showing a ‘V’ Type Recovery

ShowingTime also indicates the real estate market has already come back from the downturn earlier this year that was caused by shelter-in-place orders. Here are the year-over-year numbers for each region on a monthly basis (See graph below):Homebuyer Traffic Is on the Rise | MyKCMWe’re way ahead of where we were at this time last year. This data validates the thoughts of Frank Martell, President and CEO of CoreLogic, who recently noted:

“On an aggregated level, the housing economy remains rock solid despite the shock and awe of the pandemic.”

Bottom Line

If you’re thinking about selling your house, this may be a great time to get the best price and the most favorable terms.

Add Comment

Want to Make a Move? Homeowner Equity is Growing Year-Over-Year

Friday, June 19, 2020
by Christie Cannon

Want to Make a Move? Homeowner Equity is Growing Year-Over-Year

Want to Make a Move? Homeowner Equity is Growing Year-Over-Year | MyKCM
 

One of the bright spots of the 2020 real estate market is the growth in equity homeowners are experiencing across the country. According to the recently released Homeowner Equity Insights Report from CoreLogic, in nearly every state there was a year-over-year first-quarter equity increase, averaging out to a 6.5% overall gain.

The report notes:

“CoreLogic analysis shows U.S. homeowners with mortgages (roughly 63% of all properties) have seen their equity increase by a total of nearly $590 billion since the first quarter of 2019, an increase of 6.5%, year over year.” (See map below):

Want to Make a Move? Homeowner Equity is Growing Year-Over-Year | MyKCMThis means that “In the first quarter of 2020, the average homeowner gained approximately $9,600 in equity during the past year.”

That’s a huge win for homeowners, especially for those looking to sell their houses and make a move this summer. Having equity to re-invest in your next home is a major force that can make moving a reality, especially while buyers are expressing such a high demand for homes to purchase.

Frank Martell, President and CEO of CoreLogic addresses the potential long-term outlook and how homeowners will likely fare much more positively through the current recession than many did during the last one:

"Many homeowners will experience a recession during their lifetime, and it is reasonable to compare the current recession to those in the past. But the comparison is not apples to apples — every recession is different. Primary drivers of the Great Recession were an overbuilt housing stock, risky mortgages and the collapse of home prices, creating a massive increase in negative equity that proved difficult to recover from. Today’s housing environment has low vacancy and delinquency rates and a large home equity cushion.”

Bottom Line

Now is a great time to consider leveraging your equity and making a move, especially while buyer interest is high. Let’s connect to explore your equity position and make your next move a reality.

Add Comment

Is Now a Good Time to Refinance My Home?

Tuesday, March 31, 2020
by Christie Cannon

Is Now a Good Time to Refinance My Home?

Is Now a Good Time to Refinance My Home? | MyKCM
 

With interest rates hitting all-time lows over the past few weeks, many homeowners are opting to refinance. To decide if refinancing your home is the best option for you and your family, start by asking yourself these questions:

Why do you want to refinance?

There are many reasons to refinance, but here are three of the most common ones:

1. Lower Your Interest Rate and Payment: This is the most popular reason. Is your current interest rate higher than what’s available today? If so, it might be worth seeing if you can take advantage of the current lower rates.

2. Shorten the Term of Your Loan: If you have a 30-year loan, it may be advantageous to change it to a 15 or 20-year loan to pay off your mortgage sooner rather than later.

3. Cash-Out Refinance: You might have enough equity to cash out and invest in something else, like your children’s education, a business venture, an investment property, or simply to increase your cash reserve.

Once you know why you might want to refinance, ask yourself the next question:

How much is it going to cost?

There are fees and closing costs involved in refinancing, and The Lenders Network explains:

“As an example, let’s say your mortgage has a balance of $200,000. If you were to refinance that loan into a new loan, total closing costs would run between 2%-4% of the loan amount. You can expect to pay between $4,000 to $8,000 to refinance this loan.”

They also explain that there are options for no-cost refinance loans, but be on the lookout:

“A no-cost refinance loan is when the lender pays the closing costs for the borrower. However, you should be aware that the lender makes up this money from other aspects of the mortgage. Usually charging a slightly higher interest rate so they can make the money back.”

Keep in mind that, given the current market conditions and how favorable they are for refinancing, it can take a little longer to execute the process today. This is because many other homeowners are going this route as well. As Todd Teta, Chief Officer at ATTOM Data Solutions notes about recent mortgage activity:  

“Refinancing largely drove the trend, with more than twice as many homeowners trading in higher-interest mortgages for cheaper ones than in the same period of 2018.”

Clearly, refinancing has been on the rise lately. If you’re comfortable with the up-front cost and a potential waiting period due to the high volume of requests, then ask yourself one more question:

Is it worth it? 

To answer this one, do the math. Will it help you save money? How much longer do you need to own your home to break even? Will your current home meet your needs down the road? If you plan to stay for a few years, then maybe refinancing is your best move.

If, however, your current home doesn’t fulfill your needs for the next few years, you might want to consider using your equity for a down payment on a new home instead. You’ll still get a lower interest rate than the one you have on your current house, and with the equity you’ve already built, you can finally purchase the home you’ve been waiting for.

Bottom Line

Today, more than ever, it’s important to start working with a trusted real estate advisor. Whether you connect by phone or video chat, a real estate professional can help you understand how to safely navigate the housing market so that you can prioritize the health of your family without having to bring your plans to a standstill. Whether you’re looking to refinance, buy, or sell, a trusted advisor knows the best protocol as well as the optimal resources and lenders to help you through the process in this fast-paced world that’s changing every day.

Add Comment

Displaying blog entries 21-30 of 38

Syndication

Categories

Archives

Share This Page

Contact Information

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

 

​