https://albaprete.realtyconnectusa.com/

Alba Prete Licensed Real Estate Salesperson, 35 Arkay Drive Ste, 300 Hauppague, Hauppauge, NY (2026)

04/20/2022

How To Approach Rising Mortgage Rates as a Buyer

In the last few weeks, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate from Freddie Mac inched up to 5%. While that news may have you questioning the timing of your home search, the truth is, timing has never been more important. Even though you may be tempted to put your plans on hold in hopes that rates will fall, waiting will only cost you more. Mortgage rates are forecast to continue rising in the year ahead. If you’re thinking of buying a home, here are a few things to keep in mind so you can succeed even as mortgage rates rise.

Mortgage rates play a significant role in your home search. As rates go up, they impact how much you’ll pay in your monthly mortgage payment, which directly affects how much you can comfortably afford. With mortgage rates on the rise, you’ve likely seen your purchasing power impacted already. Instead of delaying your plans, today’s...

In the last few weeks, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate from Freddie Mac inched up to 5%. While that news may have you questioning the timing of your home search, the truth is, timing has never been more important. Even though you may be tempted to put your plans on hold in hopes that rates w...

04/18/2022

Is It Time To Buy a Smaller Home?

Life events can have a major impact on what you need from your home, and retirement is one of the biggest changes many of us face. But what does that mean for your home?

If you’re looking for ways to focus more on the important things in your life, the answer could be downsizing.

>>You Can Find the Right Home for Your Needs

The 2022 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) provides more information on why people of retirement age choose to move. It shows the need for a smaller home, the desire to be closer to loved ones, and retirement itself as three of the top reasons homebuyers over the age of 55 make a move.

If you’re in this group, changing priorities may be top of mind for you today, and that could be driving your decision to downsize. After all, as your lifestyle changes, what you need in your home likely...

Life events can have a major impact on what you need from your home, and retirement is one of the biggest changes many of us face. This period of your life can mean doing more of the things you enjoy, like traveling, visiting with loved ones, or taking on new hobbies. But what does that mean for you...

04/17/2022

On the Fence of Whether or Not To Move This Spring? Consider This.

If you’re thinking of selling your house, it may be because you’ve heard prices are rising, listings are going fast, and sellers are getting multiple offers on their homes. But why are conditions so good for sellers today? And what can you expect when you move? To help answer both of those questions, let’s turn to the data.

Today, the demand for homes is significantly greater than what’s available to purchase. Since buyer demand is so high at a time when seller traffic is so low, there’s a good chance buyers will be competing for your house. According to NAR, in February, the average home sold got 4.8 offers. When buyers have to compete with one another like this, they’ll do everything they can to make their offer stand out. Selling when demand is high and supply is low sets you up for a big win.

If you’re also looking to...

If you’re thinking of selling your house, it may be because you’ve heard prices are rising, listings are going fast, and sellers are getting multiple offers on their homes. But why are conditions so good for sellers today? And what can you expect when you move? To help answer both of those quest...

04/15/2022

What Is Multigenerational Housing? [INFOGRAPHIC]

If you have additional loved ones coming to live with you but don’t have enough space, it may be time to consider a larger, multigenerational home. Some key benefits of multigenerational living include a combined homebuying budget, shared caregiving duties, enhanced relationships, and more. These benefits might be why more people are choosing to live in multigenerational homes today. DM me so you can find a house that meets your changing needs and has plenty of space for you and your loved ones.

Some Highlights If you have additional loved ones coming to live with you but don’t have enough space, it may be time to consider a larger, multigenerational home. Some key benefits of multigenerational living include a combined homebuying budget, shared caregiving duties, enhanced relationships, ...

04/13/2022

Where Are Mortgage Rates Headed?

There’s never been a truer statement regarding forecasting mortgage rates than the one offered last year by Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American. “You know, the fallacy of economic forecasting is: Don't ever try and forecast interest rates and or, more specifically, if you're a real estate economist mortgage rates, because you will always invariably be wrong.”

Coming into this year, most experts projected mortgage rates would gradually increase and end 2022 in the high three-percent range. It’s only April, and rates have already blown past those numbers. Freddie Mac announced last week that the 30-year fixed rate mortgage is already at 4.72%. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at realtor.com, tweeted on March 31, “Continuing on the recent trajectory, would have mortgage rates hitting 5% within a matter of weeks. . . .” Just five days later, on April...

There’s never been a truer statement regarding forecasting mortgage rates than the one offered last year by Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American:

04/11/2022

Using Your Tax Refund To Achieve Your Homeownership Goals This Year

If you’re buying or selling a home this year, you’re likely saving up for a variety of expenses. Using a tax refund is a common tactic for buyers and sellers. SmartAsset estimates the average American will receive a $2,897 tax refund this year.

Here are a few tips to help with your home purchase or sale this season.

>>How Buyers Can Use Their Tax Refund

According to American Financing, there are multiple ways your refund check can help you as a homebuyer. A few include:
• Growing your down payment fund
• Paying for your home inspection
• Saving for closing costs

The best way to prepare is to work with a trusted real estate professional to make sure you understand what’s to come in the process.

>>How Sellers Can Use Their Tax Refund

If you own a home and are planning to sell this spring, your tax refund can help you make sure...

If you’re buying or selling a home this year, you’re likely saving up for a variety of expenses. For buyers, that might include things like your down payment and closing costs. And for sellers, you’re probably working on a bit of spring cleaning and maintenance to spruce up your house before y...

04/10/2022

The Future of Home Price Appreciation and What It Means for You

Many wonder what will happen with home values in the next few years. Some are concerned that the recent run-up in home prices will lead to a situation similar to the housing crash 15 years ago. However, experts say the market is totally different today. For example, Odeta Kushi, Deputy Chief Economist at First American, tweeted just last week on this issue. “. . . We do need price appreciation to slow today (it’s not sustainable over the long run) but high price growth today is supported by fundamentals- short supply, lower rates & demographic demand. And we are in a much different & safer space: better credit quality, low DTI [Debt-To-Income] & tons of equity. Hence, a crash in prices is very unlikely.”

Price appreciation will slow from the double-digit levels the market has seen over the last two years. However, experts believe...

Many consumers are wondering what will happen with home values over the next few years. Some are concerned that the recent run-up in home prices will lead to a situation similar to the housing crash 15 years ago.

04/08/2022

Do You Know How Much Equity You Have in Your Home? [INFOGRAPHIC]

If you’re a homeowner, your net worth has gotten a big boost. That’s because recent home price appreciation has increased your equity. Your equity grows as you pay down your loan and as your home increases in value. Over the past year, the average homeowner’s equity grew by $55,300.

Some Highlights If you’re a homeowner, your net worth has gotten a big boost. That’s because recent home price appreciation has increased your equity. Your equity grows as you pay down your loan and as your home increases in value. Over the past year, the average homeowner’s equity grew by $55...

04/06/2022

Remote Work Trends Mean Flexibility for First-Time Homebuyers

Today's low inventory can be challenging for homebuyers, especially if you’re looking to purchase your first home. But if you're one of many people who work remotely, you may have a great opportunity to use the flexibility you have at work to achieve your homebuying goals this year.

In a recent report, Arch Capital Services explains how the ongoing trend of remote work can open up more options for homebuyers. “. . . This will enable those who are able to work from home on a part-time or hybrid basis to move slightly farther away from job centers. . . . For workers who secure full-time remote jobs, their place of residence will be determined by affordability and personal preferences.” Basically, working from home is great news if you’re a first-time buyer trying to find a home that meets your needs and budget.

If your job is 100% remote, you...

Today's low inventory can be challenging for homebuyers, especially if you’re looking to purchase your first home. But if you're one of many people who work remotely, you may have a great opportunity to use the flexibility you have at work to achieve your homebuying goals this year.

04/04/2022

Balancing Your Wants and Needs as a Homebuyer Today

Since the number of homes for sale is low today, it can feel challenging to find one that checks all your boxes. But if you know which features are absolutely essential in your next home and which ones are just nice bonuses, you can land a home that fits your needs. Danielle Hale from realtor.com explains, “Focus on the goal you set out for yourself, like your list of must-haves and nice-to-haves and your budget, . . . Stick to that. Be persistent.”

The first step is to get pre-approved for your mortgage. Once you have a good grasp on your budget, you can begin to list all the features of a home you would like. Here’s a great way to think about them before you begin:

>>Must-Haves – If a house doesn’t have these features, it won’t work for you and your lifestyle (examples: distance from work or loved ones, number of bedrooms/bathrooms...

Since the number of homes for sale is low today, it can feel challenging to find one that checks all your boxes. But if you know which features are absolutely essential in your next home and which ones are just nice bonuses, you can land a home that fits your needs.

04/03/2022

There Are Several Great Reasons To Consider Buying a Condo Today

If you’re a first-time buyer looking to break into the housing market but struggling to find a home to buy, condominiums (or condos) could be a great alternative for you. Here are a few reasons condos may be something you’ll want to consider.

>>Exploring Condos Could Add Options That Fit Your Budget
Supply challenges are a reality across the board in today’s housing market. Broadening your home search to include condos could increase your overall pool of options. Just keep in mind, condos generally differ from single-family homes in average space and floorplans. But if the size of a condominium meets your needs, they could match your budget as well. Data from NAR shows the difference in the median price for both housing types. For single-family homes, the median price is $363,800. And for condominiums, the median price is lower at...

If you’re a first-time buyer looking to break into the housing market but struggling to find a home to buy, condominiums (or condos) could be a great alternative for you.

04/01/2022

It’s Still a Sellers’ Market [INFOGRAPHIC]

Due to low supply and high demand, today is one of the strongest sellers’ markets we’ve seen. Sellers can benefit from more offers to pick from, higher home values, and a faster sales process. There’s a reason why 72% of people believe it’s a good time to sell. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity. DM me so you can take advantage of this hot sellers’ market.

Some Highlights Due to low supply and high demand, today is one of the strongest sellers’ markets we’ve seen. Sellers can benefit from more offers to pick from, higher home values, and a faster sales process. There’s a reason why 72% of people believe it’s a good time to sell. Don’t miss o...

Alba Prete Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

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