The Benefits of Growing Equity in Your Home
Over the last couple of years, we’ve heard quite a bit about rising home prices. Today, expert projections still forecast continued growth, just at a slower pace. One of the often-overlooked benefits of rising home prices is the positive impact they have on home equity. Let’s break down three ways this is a win for homeowners.
American Confidence in Housing at an All-Time High
Fannie Mae just released the July edition of their Home Purchase Sentiment Index (HPSI). The HPSI takes information regarding consumers’ confidence in the real estate market from Fannie Mae’s National Housing Survey and condenses it into a single number. Therefore, the HPSI reflects consumers’ current views and forward-looking expectations of housing market conditions.
Why All the Chicken Littles Should Calm Down
The U.S. Census Bureau recently released their 2019 Q2 Homeownership Report. Some began to see the sky falling, believing the report showed Americans may be stepping back from their belief in homeownership.
Appreciation Is Strong: It Might Be Time to Sell
There’s no doubt that today’s housing market is changing, and everything we see right now indicates it is time to sell. Here’s a look at why selling now is likely to drive the greatest return on your largest investment.
Existing Home Sales Point Toward a Good Time to Sell [INFOGRAPHIC]
![Existing Home Sales Point Toward a Good Time to Sell [INFOGRAPHIC] | Simplifying The Market](https://files.keepingcurrentmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/20190801-MEM.jpg)
Some Highlights
- Existing Home Sales dropped 1.7% from May to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.27 million in June.
- Low inventory levels are still a factor in the market. The current supply of homes for sale is at 4.4 months, which is less than the optimal 6-month supply.
- Median home prices were up 4.3% from June 2018, hitting $285,700. This marked the 88th consecutive month with year-over-year price gains.
How to Judge the Impact of the Next Economic Slowdown on Housing
We’ve experienced economic growth for almost a decade, which is the longest recovery in the nation’s history. Experts know a recession can’t be too far off, but when will this economic slowdown actually occur?
Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Sell Your House
As a homeowner, it’s always tempting to dream about the next big project you’re going to tackle. The possibilities are endless. Should I renovate? Should I refinance? Should I stay? Should I move? The list goes on and on.
How to Increase Your Equity Over the Next 5 Years
Many of the questions currently surrounding the real estate industry focus on home prices and where they are heading. The most recent Home Price Expectation Survey (HPES) helps target these projected answers.
3 Expert Insights On Inventory In The Current Market
The current housing landscape presents greater home values, low interest rates, and high buyer demand. All of these factors point to the strong market forecasted to continue throughout the rest of the year.
Home Prices Up 5.05% Across the Country [INFOGRAPHIC]
![Home Prices Up 5.05% Across the Country [INFOGRAPHIC] | Simplifying The Market](https://files.keepingcurrentmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/20190729-MEM.jpg)
Some Highlights
- The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) recently released their latest Quarterly Home Price Index report.
- In the report, home prices are compared both regionally and by state.
- Based on the latest numbers, if you plan on relocating to another state, waiting to move may end up costing you more!
3 Powerful Reasons to Buy a Home Now
Whether you are a first-time buyer or looking to move up to the home of your dreams, now is a great time to purchase a home. Here are three major reasons to buy today.
Mid-Year Housing Market Update: Three Things to Know Today
Shifting trends and industry-leading research are pointing toward some valuable projections about the status of the housing market for the rest of the year.
What Experts are Saying About the Current Housing Market
We’re halfway through the year, and with a decline in interest rates as well as home price and wage appreciation, many are wondering what the experts predict for the second half of 2019.
Is Renting Right for Me?
If you’re currently renting and have dreams of owning your own home, it may be a good time to think about your next move. With rent costs rising annually and many helpful down payment assistance programs available, homeownership may be closer than you realize.
The Cost of Waiting: Interest Rates Edition [INFOGRAPHIC]
![The Cost of Waiting: Interest Rates Edition [INFOGRAPHIC] | Simplifying The Market](https://files.keepingcurrentmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/20190719-MEM.jpg)
Some Highlights
- Interest rates are projected to increase steadily heading into 2020.
- The higher your interest rate, the more money you will end up paying for your home and the higher your monthly payment will be.
- Rates are still low right now – don’t wait until they hit 5% to start searching for your dream home!
The Surprising Profile of the Real Estate Investor
Over 10% of all residential homes are purchased by investors, and that number continues to rise. Who are these investors?
What a Difference a Year Makes for Sellers
Over the last few years, many sellers have been hesitant to put their houses on the market because they feared not being able to find another home to buy.
Should I Refinance My Home?
With the recent lower interest rates, many homeowners are wondering if they should refinance.
Home Price Appreciation Forecast
Questions continue to come up about where home prices will head throughout the rest of this year, as well as where they may be going over the few years beyond.
Is Your First Home Now Within Your Grasp? [INFOGRAPHIC]
![Is Your First Home Now Within Your Grasp? [INFOGRAPHIC] | Simplifying the Market](https://files.keepingcurrentmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/FTHB-Demographics-ENG-MEM.jpg)
Some Highlights
- According to the US Census Bureau, “millennials” are defined as 18-36-year-olds.
- According to NAR’s latest Profile of Home Buyers & Sellers, the median age of all first-time home buyers is 32.
- More and more “old millennials” (25-36) are realizing that homeownership is within their grasp now!
Americans' Powerful Belief in Homeownership as an Investment
The Federal Reserve Bank (The Fed) recently released their 2019 Survey of Consumer Expectations Housing Survey. The survey reported that 65% of Americans believe homeownership is a good financial investment. Since 2014, the percentage has increased by over nine percent.
Now’s the Time to Move-Up and Upgrade Your Current Home!
Homes priced at the top 25% of the price range for a particular area of the country are considered "premium homes." In today’s real estate market, there are deals to be had at the higher end! This is great news for homeowners wanting to upgrade from their current house.
Is Mortgage Debt out of Control?
The housing crisis of the last decade was partially caused by unhealthy levels of mortgage debt. Homeowners were using their homes as ATMs by refinancing and swapping their equity for cash.
Millennials Are Increasing the Demand for Condominiums
When deciding to buy a home, people are presented with many different options. The type of home you buy depends on your needs, budget, and in many cases, the desired maintenance level. For many millennials, their choice has been buying a condominium!
Top 5 Reasons You Should NOT FSBO
Rising home prices coupled with a lack of inventory in today’s market may cause some homeowners to consider selling their home on their own (known in the industry as a For Sale By Owner). However, a FSBO might not be a good idea for the vast majority of sellers.
