Some Highlights:
- Whether capitalizing on job opportunities, affordability, or warm-weather places to retire, Americans are making moves to these top cities to take advantage of the strength in the current housing market.
- A strong economy and lower mortgage rates have made it easier for many would-be buyers to get into the market. According to realtor.com, it just depends on which market.
- To find the top market in our area, let’s get together.
Some Highlights:
- On January 10th of each year, “National Cut Your Energy Costs Day” encourages consumers to reduce their overall energy costs by improving home efficiency.
- According to Freddie Mac, a typical U.S. family spends $2,200 per year on energy bills. By making energy efficient upgrades, you could reduce your energy bills by up to 30%.
- To assess the energy efficiency of your home and see how it measures up, take a moment to check out Home Energy Yardstick to calculate your estimated opportunity. Don’t forget to have your energy bills nearby!
Some Highlights:
- If you’re planning on selling your house in 2020, these are the top renovations that will give you the highest Return on your Investment.
- Regardless of how long you’re planning on staying in your current home, it’s smart to be aware of which home renovations add the most value.
- The exterior of a house is the first thing buyers see when searching for a home. Upgrading your roof or siding will ensure your home leaves a great first impression!
Some Highlights:
- Choosing the right real estate professional is one of the most impactful decisions you can make in your home buying or selling process.
- A real estate professional can explain current market conditions and break down what they will mean to you and your family.
- If you’re considering buying or selling a home in 2020, make sure to work with someone who has the experience to answer all of your questions about pricing, contracts, and negotiations.
Some Highlights:
- Interest rates will be lower than they have been since before 1980 at 3.8% and are projected to remain steady throughout 2020!
- According to CoreLogic, home prices will appreciate at a rate of 5.4% over the course of the year.
- Experts predict that the number of homes sold next year will be equal to or outpace 2019.
Some Highlights
- Winter is a great time to list a house, since inventory is traditionally low, and most sellers are holding off until spring to put their homes on the market.
- Waiting for warmer weather when more competition is on the market will only put your house up against many more choices for buyers.
- Get your house ready to sell now with quick and easy fixes that make a big impact.
Some Highlights:
- According to NAR’s latest Profile of Home Buyers & Sellers, the median age of all first-time homebuyers is 32.
- With more millennials entering a homebuying phase of life, they are driving a large portion of the buyer appetite in the market, keeping buyer activity strong.
- More and more “old millennials” (ages 25-36) are realizing that homeownership is now within their grasp, and they’re actively dominating the first-time homebuyer market!
Some Highlights:
- Existing Home Sales are currently at an annual pace of 5.46 million.
- The inventory of existing homes for sale remains below the 6 months needed for a normal market and is now at a 3.9-month supply.
- Inventory remains low due to high demand from buyers who are still looking for a house to buy!
Some Highlights:
- With interest rates around 3.66%, now is a great time to look back at where they’ve been over the past few decades. Comparatively, they’re pretty low!
- According to Freddie Mac, rates are projected to increase to 3.9% by this time next year.
- The impact your interest rate has on your monthly mortgage payment is significant. An increase of just $20 dollars in your monthly payment can add up to $240 per year and $7,200 over the life of your loan.
- Maybe it’s time to lock in now, while rates are still historically low.
Some Highlights:
- Historically, the choice between renting and buying a home has been a tough decision.
- Looking at the percentage of income needed to rent a median-priced home today (27.7%) vs. the percentage needed to buy a median-priced home (17.5%), the choice is clear.
- Every market is different. Before you renew your lease, find out if you can put your housing costs to work by buying a home this year.