Sales in March 2023 were down 2.4% month over month and still down 22.0% year over year according to the NAR Housing Snapshot.  The median sales price dipped 0.9% to $375,700 and there are 2.6 months supply of homes on the market compared to 2 months a year ago."Inventory levels are still at historic lows, and consequently, multiple offers are returning on 28% of properties." According to Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for the National Association of REALTORS®.It is still important to have a strategy for potentially competing with other buyers on the house you want to buy.  The plan should include several available provisions and options, so that at the time of drafting the sales offer, you can consider exactly what to include based on the situation.Unless a person is paying cash, you ne... 08/06/2023

Like opening and closing a faucet increases and decreases the water flow, lowering interest rates increases home sales and raising interest rates decreases home sales.When home sales increase during periods of limited inventory, demand increases and prices go up.  Contrarily, when home sales decrease, demand could lessen and prices moderate. There is opportunity with higher rates because it affects sales and demand, which in turn keeps prices in check.  By waiting for rates to come down, and no one knows by how much but certainly not to the 3-4% range, buyers' pent-up demand will affect the already low supply and cause prices to increase.Let's look at a scenario where you could buy a home today for $400,000 with a 90% loan at 6.5% for 30-years with P&I payments of $2,275.44.  If interes... 08/06/2023

Nobel Prize recipient, Richard Thaler, in his research into seemingly irrational economic behaviors, "found that consumers generally search too little, get confused while evaluating complex alternatives, and are slow to switch from past choices, even if it costs them." "Why are consumers leaving money on the table?"Based on this behavior, a borrower securing a mortgage might depend on their existing banking relationship or a single referral from a friend or agent rather than shopping multiple lenders.When shopping for a lower mortgage rate, consider that not all lenders share the same business practices.  Some may lure unsuspecting borrowers to a rate, knowing full well that they cannot deliver on it.  After making a loan application and supplying information necessary for approval, the... 08/06/2023

A person's decision to sell their home comes with a lot of other decisions causing an owner to stress or procrastinate.  Early in the process, the owner will consider selling the home "As Is" to avoid the looming issues that accompany selling a home.From a seller's standpoint, "as is" means the buyer will purchase the home in its current condition without asking for any repairs.  While it is convenient for the seller to take this approach, the normal trade out is the property will not result in the highest possible sales price.Regardless of how the home is sold, the seller is required to disclose all defects which include repair history, condition of systems and appliances, water damage, pest infestation, radon, and other things that affect the value and livability of the home.From a bu... 08/06/2023

Key Reasons To Use a Real Estate Agent When You SellSome Highlights An agent is a really important part of selling your home because they bring a lot of skill and expertise to the sales process. They’ll explain what’s happening today, what that means for you, and how to price and market your house. They’re also skilled negotiators and well versed in the contracts and disclosures involved. Let’s connect to ensure you have an expert helping you sell your house successfully. 08/06/2023

Where Will You Go If You Sell? Newly Built Homes Might Be the Answer.Do you want to sell your house, but hesitate because you’re worried you won’t be able to find your next home in today’s market? You're not alone, but there’s some good news that may ease your worries. New home construction is up and is becoming an increasingly significant part of the housing inventory.That means when you go to put your house on the market this summer, considering newly built homes is crucial for expanding the options you’ll have for your next move.Near-Record Percentage of New Home InventoryNewly built homes today make up a near-record percentage of the total number of homes available for sale (see graph below):In fact, as the data shows, newly built homes now make up 31% of the total for-sale inventor... 08/06/2023

Lending Standards Are Not Like They Were Leading Up to the CrashYou might be worried we’re heading for a housing crash, but there are many reasons why this housing market isn’t like the one we saw in 2008. One of which is how lending standards are different today. Here’s a look at the data to help prove it. Every month, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) releases the Mortgage Credit Availability Index (MCAI). According to their website:“The MCAI provides the only standardized quantitative index that is solely focused on mortgage credit. The MCAI is . . . a summary measure which indicates the availability of mortgage credit at a point in time.”Basically, the index determines how easy it is to get a mortgage. Take a look at the graph below of the MCAI since they started keeping track ... 08/06/2023

Why Homeownership Wins in the Long RunToday’s higher mortgage rates, inflationary pressures, and concerns about a potential recession have some people questioning: should I still buy a home this year? While it’s true this year has unique challenges for homebuyers, it’s important to think about the long-term benefits of homeownership when making your decision.Consider this: if you know people who bought a home 5, 10, or even 30 years ago, you’re probably going to have a hard time finding someone who regrets their decision. Why is that? The reason is tied to how home values grow with time and how, by extension, that grows your own wealth. That may be why, in a recent Fannie Mae survey, 70% of respondents say they believe buying a home is a safe investment.Here’s a look at how just the hom... 08/06/2023

 Dania Beach 2/2 Corner Unit Condo SELL$ for $200,000!This Dania Beach 2/2 corner unit condo SELL$ for $200,000! The new owner will enjoy the spacious floor plan with peaceful, relaxing courtyard view from the screened in patio.  The Oak Hills Condominium community amenities include a clubhouse, barbeque area and sparkling pool.  It is also conveniently located near a variety of restaurants, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino and major highways to get you to great shopping, Fort Lauderdale International Airport and beautiful beaches.The Broward County Public Schools that the children of this community will attend are:  Stirling Elementary School, Attucks Middle School and Hollywood Hills High School.  There are also Brauser Maimonides Academy, AEF Schools and Nova Elementary, Middl... 08/03/2023

The True Cost of Selling Your House on Your OwnSelling your house is no simple task. While some homeowners opt to sell their homes on their own, known as a FSBO (For Sale by Owner), they often encounter various challenges without the guidance of a real estate agent. If you’re currently considering selling your house on your own, here’s what you should know.The most recent Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) surveyed homeowners who’d recently sold their own homes and asked what difficulties they faced. Those sellers say some of the greatest challenges were prepping their home for sale, pricing it right, and properly managing the required paperwork, just to name a few.When it comes to selling your most valuable asset, consider the invaluable ... 08/03/2023

Homeownership Helps Protect You from InflationSome Highlights Wondering if it makes sense to buy a home today even when inflation is high? When other costs go up due to inflation, buying a home helps you keep your monthly housing expense steady. Rents typically increase with inflation. Maybe that’s why, according to a recent survey, 65.1% of landlords say they plan to raise the rent of at least one of their properties within the next 12 months. Especially when inflation is up, having a stable housing payment can be helpful. Let’s connect so you can learn more and start your journey to owning a home today. 08/03/2023

What Homebuyers Need To Know About Credit ScoresIf you’re thinking about buying a home, you should know your credit score’s a critical piece of the puzzle when it comes to qualifying for a home loan. Lenders review your credit to assess your ability to make payments on time, to pay back debts, and more. It’s also a factor that helps determine your mortgage rate. An article from Bankrate explains:  “Your credit score is one of the most important factors lenders consider when you apply for a mortgage. Not just to qualify for the loan itself, but for the conditions: Typically, the higher your score, the lower the interest rates and better terms you’ll qualify for.” This means your credit score may feel even more important to your homebuying plans right now since mortgage rates are a key fa... 08/03/2023

Eco-Friendly, Energy-Efficient Homes Attract BuyersAre you planning to sell your house? If so, you may be surprised to hear just how much buyers value energy efficiency and eco-friendly features today. This is especially true as summer officially kicks off.In fact, the 2023 Realtors and Sustainability Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows 48% of agents or brokers have noticed consumers are interested in sustainability. So, if you’re considering selling your house, why does this matter to you? It helps you know what you can do to make your house even more appealing to today’s buyers. According to Jessica Lautz, Deputy Chief Economist and VP of Research at NAR:  "Buyers often seek homes that either lessen their environmental footprint or reduce their monthly energy ... 08/03/2023

Your Needs Matter More Than Today’s Mortgage RatesIf you’re thinking about selling your house right now, chances are it’s because something in your life has changed. And, while things like mortgage rates are a key part of your decision on what you’ll buy next, it’s important to not lose sight of the reason you want to make a change in the first place.It’s true mortgage rates have climbed from the record lows we saw in recent years, and that has an impact on affordability. With rates where they are right now, some homeowners are deciding they’ll wait to sell because they don’t want to move and have a higher mortgage rate on their next home. As Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, explains:“. . . homeowners who locked in a 30-year fixed rate in the 2-3% range don't necessarily w... 08/03/2023

Shenandoah 4/2.5 Home on Lake in Davie SELL$ for $875,000!  A Shenandoah 4/2.5 home on lake in Davie SELL$ for $875,000! The new owners of this absolutely STUNNING home have over $115,000 in recent upgrades including BRAND NEW roof and impact windows and doors.  Stepping outside to a true Florida oasis that is complete with a large covered patio, huge pool/spa, BIG fenced yard and gorgeous sunsets views. The community of Shenandoah is conveniently located near great shopping, restaurants, FLA Live Arena and major highways for easy commuting.  Shenandoah Park is close by with a revamped playground, splash pad and tennis. The top rated Broward County schools that children living in this home will attend are Flamingo Elementary School, Indian Ridge Middle School and Western High School.If ... 08/02/2023

3/2 Vista Filare Single Family Home on Lake SELLS for $575,300! A 3/2 Vista Filare single family home on lake SELLS for $575,300!  The new family of this adorable home in Davie's popular Vista Filare community has a spacious yard overlooking a beautiful lake with plenty of room to play and garden.  This home is  in a terrific location and close to great shopping including, Publix, Sawgrass Mills Mall, Ikea and FLA Liv Arena for hockey games and concerts.The great Davie schools that the children of Vista Filare will attend are:  Flamingo Elementary School, Indian Ridge Middle School and Western High School. If you are interested in homes similar to this 3/2 Vista Filare single family home on lake that SOLD for $575,300 or the surrounding area, contact an agent from the Teri Arbogast Team... 07/11/2023

Why You Can’t Compare Now to the ‘Unicorn’ Years of the Housing MarketSome Highlights Comparing housing market metrics from one year to another can be challenging in a normal housing market – and the last few years have been anything but normal. In a way, they were ‘unicorn’ years. Expect unsettling housing market headlines this year, mostly due to unfair comparisons with the ‘unicorn’ years. Let’s connect so I can share the data that puts those headlines in the proper perspective. 07/05/2023

This Real Estate Market Is the Strongest of Our LifetimeWhen you look at the numbers today, the one thing that stands out is the strength of this housing market. We can see this is one of the most foundationally strong housing markets of our lifetime – if not the strongest housing market of our lifetime. Here are two fundamentals that prove this point. 1. The Current Mortgage Rate on Existing MortgagesFirst, let’s look at the current rate on existing mortgages. According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), as of the fourth quarter of last year, over 80% of existing mortgages have a rate below 5%. That’s significant. And, to take that one step further, over 50% of mortgages have a rate below 4% (see graph below):Now, there’s a lot of talk in the media about a potential foreclos... 07/05/2023

The Main Reason Mortgage Rates Are So HighToday’s mortgage rates are top-of-mind for many homebuyers right now. As a result, if you’re thinking about buying for the first time or selling your current house to move into a home that better fits your needs, you may be asking yourself these two questions:  Why Are Mortgage Rates So High? When Will Rates Go Back Down? Here’s context you need to help answer those questions. 1. Why Are Mortgage Rates So High? The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is largely influenced by the supply and demand for mortgage-backed securities (MBS). According to Investopedia: “Mortgage-backed securities (MBS) are investment products similar to bonds. Each MBS consists of a bundle of home loans and other real estate debt bought from the banks that issued them . . . The ... 07/05/2023

Oops! Home Prices Didn’t Crash After AllDuring the fourth quarter of last year, many housing experts predicted home prices were going to crash this year. Here are a few of those forecasts:Jeremy Siegel, Russell E. Palmer Professor Emeritus of Finance at the Wharton School of Business:“I expect housing prices fall 10% to 15%, and the housing prices are accelerating on the downside.”Mark Zandi, Chief Economist at Moody’s Analytics: "Buckle in. Assuming rates remain near their current 6.5% and the economy skirts recession, then national house prices will fall almost 10% peak-to-trough. Most of those declines will happen sooner rather than later. And house prices will fall 20% if there is a typical recession.” Goldman Sachs:  “Housing is already cooling in the U.S., according to July data t... 07/02/2023