In the third quarter of 2019, the U.S. homeownership rate rose again, signaling another strong indicator of the current housing market.

Many sellers believe spring is the best time to put their homes on the market because buyer demand traditionally increases at that time of year. What they don’t realize is if every homeowner believes the same thing, then that’s when they’ll have the most competition.

Every Hour in the U.S. Housing Market: 

• 614 Homes Are Sold
• 95 Homes Regain Positive Equity
• Median Home Values Go Up $1.38

 

Some Highlights

Tom Petty famously penned the words, “the waiting is the hardest part” in his early 80’s hit song The Waiting, and his thought process can surprisingly also be applied to individuals considering selling their homes today. Traditional thinking would suggest it may be best to wait until the spring to sell when there is a flood of buyers in the market, but right now may in fact be an even better time to list your home.

Did you know that 1 in 6 Americans currently live in a multigenerational household?

To understand today’s complex real estate market, it is critical to have a local, trusted advisor on your side – for more reasons than you may think.

Some Highlights

• The National Association of REALTORS® surveyed their members for the release of their Confidence Index.
• The REALTORS® Confidence Index is a key indicator of housing market strength based on a monthly survey sent to over 50,000 real estate practitioners. Practitioners are asked about their expectations for home sales, prices, and market conditions.
• Homes across the country are selling quickly, in an average of just 31 days.
• 49% of homes sold in less than a month.

Today’s real estate market is nothing like the 2008 market. When an economic slowdown happens, it won’t resemble the last one.

Based on the current state of the market, trends are shifting in favor of sellers. If you are going to sell, now may be the time to take advantage of the number of buyers who are searching for their dream home.

In today’s world, hiring an agent who has a finger on the pulse of the market will make your buying or selling experience an educated one.

Recently two U.S. Census Bureau researchers released their findings on the biggest determinants of household wealth. What they found may help shape your view on building your family’s net worth.

The residential real estate market has been plodding along for most of the year. However, three recent reports show the market may be on the verge of a rebound.

By making a few key upgrades to your home, you’ll save on your utility bills and improve the energy efficiency of your home. When you’re ready to sell your house, these key features will make it even more attractive to potential buyers.

You made an offer and it was accepted. Your next task is to have the home inspected prior to closing. Agents often recommend you make your offer contingent upon a clean home inspection.

The latest edition of the Realtors Confidence Index from NAR sheds some light on the relationship between seller traffic (supply) and buyer traffic (demand). Until the supply of homes for sale starts to meet buyer demand, prices will continue to rise.

In today’s real estate market, more houses are coming to market every day. Eager buyers are searching for their dream homes, so setting the right price for your house is one of the most important things you can do.

Some Highlights

• Buyers are active in the market and often competing with one another for available listings.
• Housing inventory is still under the 6-month supply found in a normal housing market.
• Homes are still selling relatively quickly, averaging 31 days on the market.

 

One of the benefits of homeownership is that it is a “forced savings plan.” Here’s how it works: You make a mortgage payment each month. Part of that payment is applied to the principal balance of your mortgage. Each month you owe less on the home. The difference between the value of the home and what you owe is called equity.

When searching for a home, you may end up selecting a property in a community with a Homeowners Association (HOA). Before you buy, it’s important to know how an HOA works and what they mean for you.

Price appreciation can differ depending on your price range. CoreLogic analyzed four individual home prices tiers and shares the increase in each one.

Congratulations! You’ve found a home to buy and have applied for a mortgage! You're undoubtedly excited about the opportunity to decorate your new home, but before you make any large purchases, move your money around, or make any big-time life changes, consult your loan officer – someone who will be able to tell you how your decisions will impact your home loan.

Some Highlights

• Keeping an eye on the current status of the housing market is one of the best ways to make powerful and confident decisions when buying or selling a home.
• Mortgage rates remaining near historic lows and houses selling in an average of only 29 days are just two key elements driving the strength of today’s market.
• With the national data shown here, make sure to also determine what’s happening in your local market so you are fully informed when you’re ready to make your next move.

With the current uncertainty about the economy triggered by a potential trade war, some people are waiting to purchase their first home or move-up to their dream house because they think or hope home prices will drop over the next few years. However, the experts disagree with this perspective.

In a recent article by Realtor Magazine, Mark Fleming, Chief Economist of First American Financial Corporation, notes, “The largest group of millennials by birth year will turn 30 in 2020, which puts them entering their prime homebuying years”.

So, you’ve decided to sell your house. You’ve hired a real estate professional to help you with the entire process and you’ve been asked what level of access you want to provide to potential buyers.