real estate market – The Real Estate Beat

What To Expect from the Housing Market in 2023 – shared article

What To Expect from the Housing Market in 2023 – SOURCE

The 2022 housing market has been defined by two key things: inflation and rapidly rising mortgage rates. And in many ways, it’s put the market into a reset position.

As the Federal Reserve (the Fed) made moves this year to try to lower inflation, mortgage rates more than doubled – something that’s never happened before in a calendar year. This had a cascading impact on buyer activity, the balance between supply and demand, and ultimately home prices. And as all those things changed, some buyers and sellers put their plans on hold and decided to wait until the market felt a bit more predictable.

But what does that mean for next year? What everyone really wants is more stability in the market in 2023. For that to happen we’ll need to see the Fed bring inflation down even more and keep it there. Here’s what housing market experts say we can expect next year.

What’s Ahead for Mortgage Rates in 2023?

Moving forward, experts agree it’s still going to be all about inflation. If inflation is high, mortgage rates will be as well. But if inflation continues to fall, mortgage rates will likely respond. While there may be early signs inflation is easing as we round out this year, we’re not out of the woods just yet. Inflation is still something to watch in 2023.

Right now, experts are factoring all of this into their mortgage rate forecasts for next year. And if we average those forecasts together, experts say we can expect rates to stabilize a bit more in 2023. Whether that’s between 5.5% and 6.5%, it’s hard for experts to say exactly where they’ll land. But based on the average of their projections, a more predictable rate is likely ahead (see chart below):

What To Expect from the Housing Market in 2023 | Keeping Current Matters

That means, we’ll start the year out about where we are right now. But we could see rates tick down if inflation continues to drop. As Greg McBride, Chief Financial Analyst at Bankrate, explains:

“. . . mortgage rates could pull back meaningfully next year if inflation pressures ease.”

In the meantime, expect some volatility as rates will likely fluctuate in the weeks ahead. If we see inflation come back under control, that would be good news for the housing market.

What Will Happen to Home Prices Next Year?

Homes prices will always be defined by supply and demand. The more buyers and fewer homes there are on the market, the more home prices will rise. And that’s exactly what we saw during the pandemic.

But this year, things changed. We’ve seen home prices moderate and housing supply grow as buyer demand pulled back due to higher mortgage rates. The level of moderation has varied by local area – with the biggest changes happening in overheated markets. But do experts think that will continue?

The graph below shows the latest home price forecasts for 2023. As the different colored bars indicate, some experts are saying home prices will appreciate next year, and others are saying home prices will come down. But again, if we take the average of all the forecasts (shown in green), we can get a feel for what 2023 may hold.

The truth is probably somewhere in the middle. That means nationally, we’ll likely see relatively flat or neutral appreciation in 2023. As Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), says:

“After a big boom over the past two years, there will essentially be no change nationally . . . Half of the country may experience small price gains, while the other half may see slight price declines.”

Bottom Line

The 2023 housing market is going to be defined by mortgage rates, and rates will be determined by what happens with inflation. The best way to keep a pulse on what experts are projecting for next year is to lean on a trusted real estate advisor.

Got Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

Interest rates rise and fall – as do our client’s needs. Let us help you determine your Real Estate course, regardless of the market conditions. We stand ready to serve.

We love what we do and would love to help you navigate your sale or purchase of Residential Real Estate. Please reach out at your convenience for a personal consultation. Please enjoy our free resources below and get to know our team through our clients’ words. Testimonials.

HOW TO SELL | HOW TO BUY

How can The Caton Team help You?

Get exclusive inside access when you follow us on Facebook & Instagram

HOW TO SELL during COVID-19 – HOW TO SELL – HOW TO BUY during COVID-19- – HOW TO BUY – MOVING MID PANDEMIC – TRUST AGREEMENTS and HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVES – OUR TESTIMONIALS

Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

We strive to be more than just Realtors – we are also your home resource. If you have any real estate questions, or concerns, need a referral, or some guidance – we are here for you. Contact us at your convenience – we are but a call, text, or click away!

The Caton Team believes, in order to be successful in the San Fransisco | Peninsula | Bay Area | Silicon Valley Real Estate Market we have to think and act differently. We do this by positioning our clients in the strongest light, representing them with the utmost integrity, while strategically maneuvering through negotiations and contracts. Together we make dreams come true.

A mother and daughter-in-law team with over 35 years of combined, local Real Estate experience and knowledge – wouldn’t you like The Caton Team to represent you? Let us know how we can be of service. Contact us any time.

The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina
A Family of Realtors
Effective. Efficient. Responsive.
What can we do for you?

Want Real Estate Info on the Go? Download our FREE Real Estate App: Mobile Real Estate by The Caton Team

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

DRE # |Sabrina 01413526 | Susan 01238225 | Team 70000218 |Office 01499008

The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third-party information not verified.

Making sense of this market… (updated)

Are Interest Rates Stopping You From Buying Real Estate Today? They don’t have to… CLICK HERE

Updated Winter 2023

Quick Read:

We’ve come to accept interest rates are not going to be 3% for a while. The good news is – this week – mid-Jan 2023 – rates are the lowest they’ve been in months. Rates change daily – so it’s best to speak to your lender directly.

What I can say – I’m seeing my buyers reapply for loans and start new budget talks around the kitchen table. There has always been an excess of demand in the Bay Area and a shortage of housing supply. So that’s good news for sellers and owners. I do see sale prices adjust accordingly but I don’t see a crash. I’m thinking we’ll have normal growth – which is better than hyper-appreciation.

The rate hike did what it was supposed to – temper the market. With its ups and downs, the data shows one thing – home values in the San Francisco Bay Area have appreciated since 1849. Buyers – this may be the market we’ve been waiting a decade for.

So, time to accept reality – re-evaluate the budget and cross-examine what homes are currently on the market. The Winter season in Real Estate has always been slow. Homes on the market now need to sell and if you’re the only offer on the table – you could have terms in your contract – a contingency even. Imagine that? Remember buyers – buy low, sell high. Marry the House, Date the Rate – just Get The House. Real Estate is an important long-term investment. You can always refinance your loan when rates go down again.

Today, I’m seeing my sellers who can wait, gear up for Spring, and prepare their homes for the market. Paint, flooring, packing, cleaning. This is the season for that as we enjoy the rain we’ve been hoping for.

For my buyers out there, don’t give up on the dream. Let’s re-evaluate the loan and monthly costs, see what properties fit our needs, and take it from there.

For my sellers, your timing is everything. Where are you going and when do you need to get there? The rest, we’ll figure out together – because that’s what we do.

The Caton Team is here to weather any storm and help our clients achieve their Real Estate Goals. How can we help you? Reach out.

The Caton Team | Call|Text 650.799.4333 or Email | Info@TheCatonTeam.com

Previous articles…

Update – Fall 2022.

Quick Read:

Well, rates went up again. This shakes things up for buyers, how much they can afford and that will impact home values over time.

This – for buyers – is exciting because – if you can buy a home for less – you can always REFINANCE out of that high rate when rates go down! So Marry the House – Date the Rate!

Each market is impacted differently – if you’re thinking about selling and buying – The Caton Team is here to guide you. We’ve worked through several different market dynamics and have the wisdom and knowledge to aid us. Reach out – we’re happy to help.

The Caton Team | Call|Text 650.799.4333 or Email | Info@TheCatonTeam.com

Long Read:

Right now, Realtors and their buyers are reworking the numbers, trying to stay within their budget and readjust their plans to accommodate for higher interest rates. Sometimes the goal changes, and sometimes there is a silver lining.

For buyers in Silicon Valley – anyone shopping for a home since 2020 – had low rates, lots of competition, and overbidding. When rates went up – buyers lost their purchase power and it was back to the drawing board – determining their new budget and how that translates into homes. The sellers felt it as offers dried up and escrows didn’t close.

It’s going to take some time to hash out but life doesn’t stop.

With higher rates – buyers can afford less, so eventually, that will impact home sales and prices. But for an agent who’s always working with buyers – as scary as this all seems – this is the market we’ve been waiting for!

There are going to be homes that need to sell, job transfers, weddings, and babies – life events trigger moving events – no matter the market. So for the well-prepared buyer, even with higher rates – this is a rare opportunity to be – dare I say – the only offer on the table? This is where the real negotiating happens. Finding that middle ground where the buyer can buy and afford their home and the seller gets what they need to move forward with their lives. It’s the sweet spot.

If you’re a homeowner with no need to move – this doesn’t hurt you – it is all part of the normal business cycle. However, if you’re a homeowner who has to sell – well – some of your equity is lost for now. So if selling is a must – let’s sit down and chat about your goals and how we can make them happen. Because homes are still selling.

What we are seeing is a shift to a buyer market, if a seller wants their price and a buyer can’t go that high, the buyer is moving on to the next. There are options out there, homes that need to sell, and price reductions galore. And if that is not enough incentive – I’ll say it – just offer a fair price. Finding that middle ground doesn’t have to be a mystery.

For buyers – this is a wonderful time to prepare. Get your loan approved, and understand your budget and the impact of the Interest Rate. Are there homes within reach? Then go for it? If not – then save and wait but keep that goal in mind. SAVE SAVE SAVE!

Now here’s the golden rule – Marry the House – Date the Rate. If you can afford any Real Estate in the Bay Area – even if it is not your dream house – buy it. Hold it and when the rates go down – refinance – and when the home values go up-sell and make your move. This is how it is done, the old advice – Buy Low Sell High – applies.

So how low will it go? Not that low. Let’s stay realistic – we’re not dropping to 1990 prices – but we will see prices reflect the higher rate.

Truthfully – for buyers – this is exciting because – if you can buy a home for less – you can always REFINANCE out of that high rate when rates go down! So Marry the House – Date the Rate! I said it three times – it’s gotta be ringing in your ears by now.

The Caton Team | Call|Text 650.799.4333 or Email | Info@TheCatonTeam.com

Previous Article…

It’s the middle of 2022. The “Pandemic Real Estate” seems to have simmered down with the rate hike as we watch prices adjust. With so much chatter about “this crazy market”, I thought I’d share my insight.

Interest Rates go up and down. That’s what they do, and rates will continue to do so. We don’t control the rates. As it fluctuates – it is wise to consider saving to buy down your rate and when budgeting – round up to account for a higher rate. I prefer knowing if I lock a lower rate – I’m more than comfortable with my payments.

Back in the 80’s rates for home loans were 13%. Back in the early 2000s, we were around 5%, then we dipped down to 3% and life was good.

Now that rates are dancing around 4.5-5% over the past few weeks – we are experiencing two phenomena. Well-positioned homes are still seeing multiple offers and over-list price sales while some homes are dropping their price to garnish more viewers.

I’ve had some clients jump into getting approved – knowing when the market “slows down” they have a better chance of getting a home. I also see some clients stalling, a wait-and-see approach. Especially when a lot of “down payment funds” are tied up in stocks – those clients are forced to wait.

But if there is one thing I want to make clear – in the Bay Area – this was and is not a crazy market. This IS our market.

The San Francisco Peninsula – Silicon Valley – has had limited inventory for sale at any given time. I’ve been a full-time Realtor for going on 19 years now and we’ve always had limited inventory – thus the overbidding. Coupled with high salaries and when the Stock Market is robust – there is no stopping the Real Estate Market around here. This has fueled our prices, the over-bidding with the already low inventory – it’s classic

Supply & Demand.

What I do know – everyone needs somewhere to live and owning your own place is the best way to keep a roof over your head and create long-term wealth. Real Estate is the only investment you can live in. Real Estate prices may flux month over month, year over year – but decade over decade – Real Estate will appreciate. They have since 1849…

I am no economist and I too am glued to the news about our economy, interest rates, inflation, and gas prices. All this will be represented in Real Estate and why long-term vision is key.

Let’s look at the big picture – a few questions to help you determine your course.

Do you want to live in the Bay Area?

Is your job in the Bay Area?

Do you want long-term financial security?

Do you want to stop worrying about your rent going up?

Do you have assets to invest in?

If your answer is yes, – you want to own a piece of Silicon Valley – contact The Caton Team. We’re happy to guide you through the steps of homeownership. If you’re not ready to buy today – we’ll let you know what it takes so you can plan.

I became a Realtor because, as a first-generation American, I understood what the American Dream was and it is grounded in Real Estate.

If you are considering a sale or purchase of Real Estate – The Caton Team would love to interview for the job as your Realtor. We love what we do, let us take care of you.

We believe to be successful in the Silicon Valley Real Estate Market we have to think and act differently. We do this by positioning our clients in the strongest light, representing them with integrity, while strategically maneuvering through negotiations and contracts.

A mother and daughter-in-law team with 40 years of combined, local real estate experience, knowledge, and know-how – wouldn’t you like The Caton Team to represent you? Let us know how we can be of service. Contact us any time. Call | Text | 650.799.4333 | Email | Info@TheCatonTeam.com

Effective. Efficient. Responsive. What can The Caton Team do for you?

The Caton Team ~ A Family of Realtors

Susan & Sabrina

Sabrina | Call | Text | 650.799.4333

Susan | Call | Text | 650.796.0654

Email Info@TheCatonTeam.com

DRE 01413526 | 01238225 | 70000218 | 01499008

The Caton Team is here to help.

Please enjoy our free resources below and get to know our team through our clients’ words. Testimonials.

HOW TO SELL | HOW TO BUY

How can The Caton Team help You?

Get exclusive inside access when you follow us on Facebook & Instagram

HOW TO SELL during COVID-19 – HOW TO SELL – HOW TO BUY during COVID-19- – HOW TO BUY – MOVING MID PANDEMIC – TRUST AGREEMENTS and HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVES – OUR TESTIMONIALS

Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

We strive to be more than just Realtors – we are also your home resource. If you have any real estate questions, or concerns, or need a referral or some guidance – we are here for you. Contact us at your convenience – we are but a call, text, or click away!

The Caton Team believes, to be successful in the San Fransisco | Peninsula | Bay Area | Silicon Valley Real Estate Market we have to think and act differently. We do this by positioning our clients in the strongest light, representing them with the utmost integrity, while strategically maneuvering through negotiations and contracts. Together we make dreams come true.

The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina

A Family of Realtors

Effective. Efficient. Responsive.

What can we do for you?

Want Real Estate Info on the Go? Download our FREE Real Estate App: Mobile Real Estate by The Caton Team

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

DRE # |Sabrina 01413526 | Susan 01238225 | Team 70000218 |Office 01499008

The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third-party information not verified.

Yun: Slowing Inflation Suggests Mortgage Rates Have Topped Out – From Realtor.com

Source

NAR’s chief economist shares what now needs to happen to bring down borrowing costs and increase affordability for home buyers.

August 11, 2022

Melissa Dittmann Tracey

Inflation eased slightly in July, which could bode well for the housing market in the months ahead, says Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of REALTORS®. Overall, inflation slowed from 9.1% in June to 8.5% in July, but prices for food and rent continued to climb, the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index showed Wednesday.

Still, the slight deceleration suggests that consumer price inflation may have peaked, which suggests that mortgage rates also may have peaked, Yun says. The level of inflation “is still high and uncomfortable but may indicate the start of a steady retreat,” Yun adds.

Gasoline prices posted a 7% monthly decline, a significant contributor to the recent moderation in inflation. However, prices remain 44% higher than a year ago and 104% higher than two years ago. Also, the CPI showed that the rising costs of food, up 10.9% in July, continue to hit many Americans’ pocketbooks. That’s the highest increase in food prices since May 1979. Household energy costs were up 20.5%, and furniture costs were up 14.8%.

Rents continued to rise in July, up 6.3% compared to a year prior, the CPI showed. “That is a testament to the ongoing housing shortage,” Yun says.

But could the worst of sky-high inflation be behind Americans? Yun thinks so. “If there is a sustained decline in gasoline prices and more production of apartments and single-family homes, consumer prices will pull back, encouraging the Federal Reserve policy to be less aggressive,” Yun says. “Mortgage rates will fall.”

On Wednesday morning, the 10-year Treasury yield stood at 2.7%. “That should translate into 30-year mortgage rates pulling back to under 5%,” Yun says. “Some recent potential home buyers who were pushed out of the market may now be able to get back in and qualify for a mortgage.”

Got Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

HOW TO SELL | HOW TO BUY

How can The Caton Team help You?

Get exclusive inside access when you follow us on Facebook & Instagram

HOW TO SELL during COVID-19 – HOW TO SELL – HOW TO BUY during COVID-19- – HOW TO BUY – MOVING MID PANDEMIC – TRUST AGREEMENTS and HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVES – OUR TESTIMONIALS

Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

We strive to be more than just Realtors – we are also your home resource. If you have any real estate questions, concerns, need a referral or some guidance – we are here for you. Contact us at your convenience – we are but a call, text or click away!

A mother and daughter-in-law team with over 35 years of combined, local Real Estate experience and knowledge – would’t you like The Caton Team to represent you? Let us know how we can be of service. Contact us any time.

The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina
A Family of Realtors
Effective. Efficient. Responsive.
What can we do for you?

Want Real Estate Info on the Go? Download our FREE Real Estate App: Mobile Real Estate by The Caton Team

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

DRE # |Sabrina 01413526 | Susan 01238225 | Team 70000218 |Office 01499008

The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third party information not verified.

Your House Could Be Closer to List-Ready Than You Think

One of the biggest concerns for a homeowner looking to sell is the time they’ll have to put in before listing their house. If that’s the case for you, you should know – your home might be closer to list-ready than you think in today’s housing market. A survey of recent sellers from realtor.com finds that many were able to get their house ready in less than a month. It says:

“With many homeowners expecting a quick sale, and in many cases a lack of contingencies, the preparation process took less than a month for over 50% of home sellers this past year, with 20% completing it in less than two weeks.”

Those sellers expecting to sell quickly are following recent buyer trends. With mortgage rates and home prices rising, buyers in today’s market are serious about finding a home quickly. But with the limited number of homes for sale, there are very few options for those buyers to choose from. That means many may be willing to take on projects after they purchase.

Because of this, you may be able to focus on less time-consuming tasks before putting your house on the market. According to the survey mentioned above, some of the top things recent sellers completed before listing over the past year include landscaping, making minor cosmetic updates, and touching-up paint (see image below):

Your House Could Be Closer to List-Ready Than You Think | Keeping Current Matters

A Real Estate Advisor Will Help Streamline the Process and Keep You Focused

Of course, each situation is different, and knowing what repairs or updates your house needs to stand out in your local area is critical. That’s where a trusted real estate professional comes in. In a recent article, NextAdvisor explains:

“. . . Real estate can be hyper-local, and demand can vary from one neighborhood to the next. It’s a good idea to work with a local real estate professional to determine an ideal listing price and if any improvements or repairs need to be completed before putting your home on the market.”

Your trusted real estate advisor knows the ins and outs of the market in your specific area. They’ll help you identify the places where you should and shouldn’t spend your time and money – and that can enable you to list quickly.

Bottom Line

If you’re ready to take advantage of the incredible conditions for sellers in today’s real estate market but are worried about the time it’ll take to get your home ready, you might be closer than you think. Partner with a local real estate advisor to see what you need to do before listing your house today.

The Caton Team is here to help.

HOW TO SELL | HOW TO BUY

How can The Caton Team help You?

Get exclusive inside access when you follow us on Facebook & Instagram

HOW TO SELL during COVID-19 – HOW TO SELL – HOW TO BUY during COVID-19- – HOW TO BUY – MOVING MID PANDEMIC – TRUST AGREEMENTS and HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVES – OUR TESTIMONIALS

Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina
A Family of Realtors
Effective. Efficient. Responsive.
What can we do for you?

Want Real Estate Info on the Go? Download our FREE Real Estate App: Mobile Real Estate by The Caton Team

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

DRE # |Sabrina 01413526 | Susan 01238225 | Team 70000218 |Office 01499008

The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third party information not verified.

The One Thing Every Homeowner Needs To Know About a Recession – Shared Article –

A recession does not equal a housing crisis. That’s the one thing that every homeowner today needs to know. Everywhere you look, experts are warning we could be heading toward a recession, and if true, an economic slowdown doesn’t mean homes will lose value.

The National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) defines a recession this way:

“A recession is a significant decline in economic activity spread across the economy, normally visible in production, employment, and other indicators. A recession begins when the economy reaches a peak of economic activity and ends when the economy reaches its trough. Between trough and peak, the economy is in an expansion.”

To help show that home prices don’t fall every time there’s a recession, take a look at the historical data. There have been six recessions in this country over the past four decades. As the graph below shows, looking at the recessions going all the way back to the 1980s, home prices appreciated four times and depreciated only two times. So, historically, there’s proof that when the economy slows down, it doesn’t mean home values will fall or depreciate.

The One Thing Every Homeowner Needs To Know About a Recession | Keeping Current Matters

The first occasion on the graph when home values depreciated was in the early 1990s when home prices dropped by less than 2%. It happened again during the housing crisis in 2008 when home values declined by almost 20%. Most people vividly remember the housing crisis in 2008 and think if we were to fall into a recession that we’d repeat what happened then. But this housing market isn’t a bubble that’s about to burst. The fundamentals are very different today than they were in 2008. So, we shouldn’t assume we’re heading down the same path.

Bottom Line

We’re not in a recession in this country, but if one is coming, it doesn’t mean homes will lose value. History proves a recession doesn’t equal a housing crisis.

SOURCE

My Two Cents…

Each market is unique. If you’re considering a sale or purcahse in the Califorani Silicon Valley – The Caton Team is here to help. Contact us to dicuss your goals and how this market impacts you.

The Caton Team believes, in order to be successful in the San Fransisco | Peninsula | Bay Area | Silicon Valley Real Estate Market we have to think and act differently. We do this by positioning our clients in the best light, representing them with the utmost integrity; while strategically maneuvering through negotiations and contracts. Together we make dreams come true.

A mother and daughter-in-law team with over 40 years of combined local Real Estate experience and knowledge – wouldn’t you like The Caton Team to represent you? Let us know how we can be of service. Contact us any time.

Got Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

HOW TO SELL | HOW TO BUY

How can The Caton Team help You?

Get exclusive inside access when you follow us on Facebook & Instagram

HOW TO SELL during COVID-19 – HOW TO SELL – HOW TO BUY during COVID-19- – HOW TO BUY – MOVING MID PANDEMIC – TRUST AGREEMENTS and HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVES – OUR TESTIMONIALS

Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina
A Family of Realtors
Effective. Efficient. Responsive.
What can we do for you?

Want Real Estate Info on the Go? Download our FREE Real Estate App: Mobile Real Estate by The Caton Team

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

DRE # |Sabrina 01413526 | Susan 01238225 | Team 70000218 |Office 01499008

The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third party information not verified.

Ways to Avoid Buyer’s Remorse – Shared Article

Buying a home can be a daunting experiance. I read this article and thought I’d share it and added my two cents.

SOURCE

Find a Good Agent – like The Caton Team…

A savvy real estate agent who has your best interests at heart can make all the difference in the home-buying process. These days, buying a home within your budget will likely involve trade-offs. A good agent can help you navigate the process and establish and focus on your priorities. – We always tell our clients – we won’t sell you a house – but we will get you the house you want. We strive to educate our clients on the market, how aggressive we need to be in order to be the winning offer, and how the budget translates into homes. We’re here to guide our client’s home.

Make a List, and Check It Twice

Use a checklist to help identify what you need and want as you search for and visit homes. It can help you stay focused as you evaluate each house. Here is a comprehensive home viewing checklist you can use to track important details and what you liked (and didn’t like) about each house you visit. –– This can be the hard part. We often have an idea of what our home will look like and in reality, it is different. It’s best to understand why you are buying? What’s important to you – size or commute and your long-term goals. We happily discuss this with our clients to learn what is most important so we can hone into the areas they can compete.

Remember: Location, Location, Location (and Layout)

To prevent buyer’s remorse, it’s important to focus on the important things that aren’t easy to change: location and layout. You can change many things about a house after it becomes yours, but the location isn’t one. If a quiet neighborhood or short commute are high priorities for you, don’t lose sight of these. Similarly, it’s usually difficult and expensive (or sometimes impossible) to change a home’s layout. – Couldn’t agree more. Don’t lose sight of what you need.

Pay Attention to Your Home Inspection

When buying a home, your inspection report can help you better understand your home’s physical structure and components. It should detail the age and condition of your home’s systems and appliances and point out needed maintenance and possible repairs you should plan for. See how long home systems and appliances last.

In a competitive market, it can be tempting to forgo inspections to make your offer more attractive, but unless you are prepared for the unexpected and have a financial cushion, it can be a risky move. Let your real estate agent guide you. – Never forgo an inspection – a buyer needs to know the condition of the home they are buying – the question is – do you make the inspection contingent on the offer. That – is a case-by-case situation, and we review the inspections with our clients. Then have them ask questions directly to the inspector to understand the condition of the property they are buying.

Include a Home Warranty When You Buy a House

A great way to minimize risk, maximize budget protection, and prevent buyer’s remorse is to purchase a home warranty when you buy your new home. You get all these valuable home warranty benefits from First American, plus special pricing and coverage for home buyers:

Budget protection from costly repairs and replacements of covered items
An easy, time-saving way to schedule service providers when covered items break
The security and convenience of unlimited service requests via phone or online 24/7
Coverage that lasts for a year or more after closing

Got Questions? – The Caton Team is here to help.

HOW TO SELL | HOW TO BUY

How can The Caton Team help You?

Get exclusive inside access when you follow us on Facebook & Instagram

HOW TO SELL during COVID-19 – HOW TO SELL – HOW TO BUY during COVID-19- – HOW TO BUY – MOVING MID PANDEMIC – TRUST AGREEMENTS and HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVES – OUR TESTIMONIALS

Got Real Estate Questions? The Caton Team is here to help.

The Caton Team – Susan & Sabrina
A Family of Realtors
Effective. Efficient. Responsive.
What can we do for you?

Want Real Estate Info on the Go? Download our FREE Real Estate App: Mobile Real Estate by The Caton Team

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices – Drysdale Properties

DRE # |Sabrina 01413526 | Susan 01238225 | Team 70000218 |Office 01499008

The Caton Team does not receive compensation for any posts. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Third party information not verified.

Report Shows ‘Double Trouble’ for Housing

I love sharing articles that discuss the hottest topic in my career – the market.

Record-high home prices and record-low inventories, a combination labeled “double trouble” by analysts, are growing roadblocks for many Americans to achieve homeownership, particularly for Black Americans, according to a new analysis from the National Association of REALTORS® and realtor.com®. The newly released report, The Double Trouble of the Housing Market,”examines the impacts of rapidly rising home prices and low inventories on housing affordability.

About 400,000 fewer affordable homes are available for sale for households earning $75,000 to $100,000 compared to before the pandemic began, according to the study. There’s one affordable listing available for every 65 households, a notable decrease in availability from one affordable listing for every 24 households in 2019 for this income segment, the study says.

Home prices have risen by double-digit gains over the past year. Nationwide, the total home valuation has surged by $8.1 trillion from the first quarter of 2020 through the end of 2021.

“The housing wealth gain has been sizable over the past two years,” says Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist. “However, due to the ongoing inventory shortage and rising interest rates, homeownership attainment will become especially challenging unless drastically more housing supply is available.”

The low-inventory challenge is “particularly acute for some racial and ethnic groups who have faced greater hurdles to homeownership stemming from, among other things, lower incomes as a group,” adds Danielle Hale, realtor.com®’s chief economist.

Rising home prices and record-low numbers of homes for sale have made it increasingly difficult for Black Americans to achieve homeownership, according to the report. Since 2017, the annual homeownership rate for White Americans has remained above 70%. But the homeownership rate for Black Americans has been only about 40%—some 30 percentage points lower.

NAR and realtor.com®’s report analyzed housing affordability by racial group to help explain the possible differences in homeownership. They found that 35% of White households but only 20% of Black households have incomes greater than $100,000. However, about half of all homes currently listed for sale—51%—are affordable only to households with at least $100,000 income. A significant and persistent racial homeownership gap exists in America, the report says. Despite the challenges, though, Black Americans are finding a path to homeownership in some markets like Baltimore, Memphis, Tenn., and St. Louis.

“There are affordable markets that still provide opportunities to achieve homeownership as inventory at affordable price points is reasonably available,” says Yun.

NAR Calls for More to Be Done

To increase the nation’s housing inventory, NAR has advocated for lawmakers to:

Include funding for affordable housing construction
Preserve, expand, and create tax incentives to renovate distressed properties
Convert unused commercial space to residential units
Encourage and incentivize zoning reform

Further, expanding new-home construction by an additional 550,000 units a year for 10 years would create 2.8 million new jobs and generate more than $400 billion in economic activity, NAR says. A separate report conducted by NAR and the Rosen Consulting Group, Housing is Critical Infrastructure: Social and Economic Benefits of Building More Housing, examines the causes of America’s housing shortage and provides a range of actions that can effectively address this longtime problem.

SOURCE

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