Ernie Hernandez Realtor

01/14/2024

Why the Price of Your House Matters When Selling

The asking price for your house can greatly affect your bottom line and how fast your house sells. Let’s connect so we can find the right price for your house.

01/13/2024

What Lower Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Purchasing Power

If you want to buy a home, it's important to know how mortgage rates impact what you can afford and how much you’ll pay each month. Fortunately, rates for 30-year fixed mortgages have come down significantly since the end of October and are currently under 7%, according to Freddie Mac.

This recent trend is great news for buyers. As a recent article from Bankrate says: “The rate cool-off somewhat eases the housing affordability squeeze.”

And according to Edward Seiler, AVP of Housing Economics and Executive Director of the Research Institute for Housing America at the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA): “MBA expects that affordability conditions will continue to improve as mortgage rates decline . . .”

Here’s a bit more context on how this could help with your plans to buy a home.

How Mortgage Rates Affect Your Search for a Home

Understanding the connection...

If you want to buy a home, it's important to know how mortgage rates impact what you can afford and how much you’ll pay each month.

01/12/2024

The Dramatic Impact of Homeownership on Net Worth

If you're trying to decide whether to rent or buy a home this year, here's a powerful insight that could give you the clarity and confidence you need to make your decision.

Every three years, the Federal Reserve releases the Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF), which compares net worth for homeowners and renters. The latest report shows the average homeowner’s net worth is almost 40X greater than a renter’s.

One reason a wealth gap exists between renters and homeowners is because when you’re a homeowner, your equity grows as your home appreciates in value and you make your mortgage payment each month.

The Largest Part of Most Homeowner Net Worth Is Their Equity

Home equity does more to build the average household’s wealth than anything else. According to data from First American and the Federal Reserve, this holds true across different income levels.
Based on this...

If you're trying to decide whether to rent or buy a home this year, here's a powerful insight that could give you the clarity and confidence you need to make your decision.

01/11/2024

Wondering where you’ll go when you sell your house? With so few homes available today, it’s crucial to explore all your options. That includes both existing homes as well as newly built ones. If you're curious about the choices in our area, let's chat. I'm here to help you navigate what's available and find what suits you best.

01/09/2024

Trying to decide if it makes more sense to rent or buy a home right now? Here’s something that might help. The average homeowner’s net worth is far greater than a renter’s across all income levels. That’s because owning your home can give your net worth a big boost over time. DM me when you’re ready to start your journey to homeownership.

01/07/2024

Thinking About Buying a Home? Ask Yourself These Questions

If you’re thinking of buying a home this year, you’re probably paying closer attention than normal to the housing market. Here are the top two questions you need to ask yourself as you make your decision, including the data that helps cut through the noise.

1. Where Do I Think Home Prices Are Heading?

One reliable place you can turn to for information on home price forecasts is the Home Price Expectations Survey from Fannie Mae – a survey of over one hundred economists, real estate experts, and investment and market strategists.

According to the most recent release, the experts are projecting home prices will continue to rise at least through 2028. And home prices rising, even at a more moderate pace, is good news not just for the market, but for you too.

2. Where Do I Think Mortgage Rates Are Heading?

Over the past year, mortgage rates spiked up...

If you’re thinking of buying a home this year, you’re probably paying closer attention than normal to the housing market.

01/06/2024

There’s so much a trusted real estate agent can help you with when you sell a house. We’re specialists at navigating today’s market and each step of the selling process. Don’t go at it alone. DM me today so we can sell your house this year.

01/05/2024

Why Pre-Approval Is Your Homebuying Game Changer

If you’re thinking about buying a home, pre-approval is a crucial part of the process you definitely don’t want to skip. So, before you start picturing yourself in your new living room or dining on your future all-season patio, be sure you’re working with a trusted lender to prioritize this essential step. Here’s why.

Affordability is tight with today’s mortgage rates and rising home prices. At the same time, there’s a limited number of homes for sale right now, and that means ongoing competition among hopeful buyers. But, if you’re strategic, there are ways to navigate these waters – and pre-approval is the game changer.

What Pre-Approval Does for You

To understand why it’s such an important step, you need to know more about pre-approval. As part of the homebuying process, a lender looks at your finances to determine what they’re willing to loan you. From there...

If you’re thinking about buying a home, pre-approval is a crucial part of the process you definitely don’t want to skip.

01/04/2024

What Are Your Goals for 2024?

What are your goals for 2024? Let’s connect and find a home that has enough room for you to reach your goals this year.

01/02/2024

Things To Consider If Your House Didn’t Sell

If your listing has expired and your house didn’t sell, it's completely normal to feel a mix of frustration and disappointment. Understandably, you're probably wondering what may have gone wrong. Here are three questions to think about as you figure out what to do next.

Did You Limit Access to Your House?

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when selling your house is restricting the days and times when potential buyers can tour it. Being flexible with your schedule is important, even though it might feel a bit stressful to drop everything and leave when buyers want to see it. After all, minimal access means minimal exposure to buyers.

Did You Make Your House Stand Out?

When you're selling your house, the old saying matters: you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Putting in the work to make the exterior of your home look nice is just as...

12/31/2023

The Benefits of Working With an Agent When You Sell Your House [INFOGRAPHIC]

When it comes to selling your house, the expertise of a trusted real estate agent can make a big difference. 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. DM me so you have expert advice throughout the entire process.

When it comes to selling your house, the expertise of a trusted real estate agent can make a big difference. 

12/30/2023

Pre-Approval Matters When Buying a Home

If you’re thinking about buying a home, getting pre-approved is an important first step. Want more information on buying a home? Let’s connect.