Zactherealtor

02/08/2023

Your morning Real Estate Blast!

How Experts Can Help Close the Gap in Today’s Homeownership Rate

As we celebrate Black History Month, we reflect on the past and present experiences of Black Americans. This includes the path toward investing in a home of their own. And while equitable access to housing has come a long way, homeownership can be a steeper climb for households of color.

We know it’s more challenging for some to buy a home because there’s still a measurable gap between the overall average U.S. homeownership rate and that of non-white groups. Today, the lowest homeownership rate persists in the Black community.

Homeownership is an essential piece for building household wealth that can be passed down to future generations. However, there are obstacles in the homebuying process that can negatively impact certain groups. This can delay or prevent many from achieving homeownership, challenging their ability to benefit from everything owning a...

As we celebrate Black History Month, we reflect on the past and present experiences of Black Americans. This includes the path toward investing in a home of their own. And while equitable access to housing has come a long way, homeownership can be a steeper climb for households of color. It’s an i...

02/07/2023

Your morning Real Estate Blast!

The Top Reasons for Selling Your House

Many of today’s homeowners bought or refinanced their homes during the pandemic when mortgage rates were at history-making lows. Since rates doubled in 2022, some of those homeowners put their plans to move on hold, not wanting to lose the low mortgage rate they have on their current house. And while today’s rates have started coming down from last year’s peak, they’re still higher than they were a couple of years ago.

Today, 93% of outstanding mortgages have a rate at or below 6%. That means a strong majority of homeowners with mortgages have a rate below what they’d get if they moved right now. But if you’re a homeowner in that position, remember that mortgage rates aren’t the only thing to consider when making a move. Your mortgage rate is important, but there are plenty of reasons you may still need or want to move. A recent report from NAR breaks down why homeowners...

Many of today’s homeowners bought or refinanced their homes during the pandemic when mortgage rates were at history-making lows. Since rates doubled in 2022, some of those homeowners put their plans to move on hold, not wanting to lose the low mortgage rate they have on their current house. And wh...

02/06/2023

Your morning Real Estate Blast!

You May Not Need as Much as You Think for Your Down Payment [INFOGRAPHIC]

Many people believe you need to put down 20% of the purchase price when you buy a home. But recent homebuyers actually put down far less on their purchase. And with programs like FHA loans, VA loans, and USDA loans, some qualified buyers are able to put down as little as 0-3.5%. DM me to make sure you have a trusted lender and can find out if you’re ready to buy a home sooner rather than later.

Some Highlights Many people believe you need to put down 20% of the purchase price when you buy a home. But recent homebuyers actually put down far less on their purchase. And with programs like FHA loans, VA loans, and USDA loans, some qualified buyers are able to put down as little as 0-3.5%.

02/05/2023

Your Sunday morning Brunch!

Mortgage rates peaked at over 7% a few months ago and have been gradually coming down since. As that shift opens the door to homeownership for more people, it’s important to understand what a lower rate means for you and your bottom line. DM me today so we can talk about your goals.

02/03/2023

Your morning Real Estate Blast!

Mortgage Rates Historically Decline in Recessions

Two in three economists are forecasting a recession in 2023, but you don’t need to fear the word recession when it comes to the housing market. Let’s connect so you always have the latest insights as the housing market changes.

02/02/2023

Your morning Real Estate Blast!

Should You Rent Your House or Sell It?

You may be thinking about using your current house as a short-term rental property instead of selling it. A short-term rental (STR) is typically offered as an alternative to a hotel, and they’re an investment that’s gained popularity in recent years. According to a Harris Poll survey, 28% of homeowners have considered using a rental service to temporarily rent out their home for additional income.

Owning a short-term rental can be a tempting idea, but you may find the reality of being responsible for one difficult to take on. Here are some of the challenges you could face if you rent out your house instead of selling it.

>>A Short-Term Rental Comes with Responsibilities

Successfully owning and renting a house takes work. Think through your ability to make that commitment, especially if you plan to use a platform that advertises your rental listing. Most of them have specific...

If you’re a homeowner ready to make a move, you may be thinking about using your current house as a short-term rental property instead of selling it. A short-term rental (STR) is typically offered as an alternative to a hotel, and they’re an investment that’s gained popularity in recent years....

02/01/2023

Your morning Real Estate Blast!

Lower Mortgage Rates Are Bringing Buyers Back to the Market

As mortgage rates rose last year, activity in the housing market slowed down. Now, however, rates are beginning to come down—and buyers are starting to reenter the market.

So, if you’ve been planning to sell your house but you’re unsure if there will be anyone to buy it, this shift in the market could be your chance. Here’s what experts are saying.

>>Mike Fratantoni, SVP and Chief Economist, MBA:

“Mortgage rates are now at their lowest level since September 2022, and about a percentage point below the peak mortgage rate last fall. As we enter the beginning of the spring buying season, lower mortgage rates and more homes on the market will help affordability for first-time homebuyers.”

>>Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist, National Association of Realtors (NAR):
“The upcoming months should see a return of buyers, as mortgage rates appear to have already...

As mortgage rates rose last year, activity in the housing market slowed down. And as a result, homes started seeing fewer offers and stayed on the market longer. That meant some homeowners decided to press pause on selling.

01/31/2023

Your morning Real Estate Blast!

Where Will You Go If You Sell? You Have Options.

There are plenty of good reasons you might be ready to move. No matter your motivations, before you list your current house, you need to consider where you’ll go next.

>>The Benefits of Newly Built Homes

1. Build your dream home
If you build a home from the ground up, you’ll have the option to select the custom features you want, including appliances, finishes, landscaping, layout, and more.

2. Take advantage of builder concessions
A lot of home builders are working hard to sell their current inventory before they add more to their mix. That means many of them are offering concessions and are more willing to negotiate with buyers.

3. Minimize home repairs
Many builders offer a warranty, so you’ll have peace of mind on unlikely repairs. Plus, you won’t have as many little improvement projects to tackle.

4. Take advantage of energy efficiency
When building a home...

There are plenty of good reasons you might be ready to move. No matter your motivations, before you list your current house, you need to consider where you’ll go next.

01/30/2023

Your morning Real Estate Blast!

Homeownership Builds Your Wealth over Time [INFOGRAPHIC]

If you’re thinking of buying a home this year, be sure to factor in the long-term benefits of homeownership. On average, nationwide home prices appreciated by 288.7% over the last 32 years. That means homeowners grow their net worth significantly in the long term. Homeownership wins over time. DM me so you can start your homebuying journey today.

Some Highlights If you’re thinking of buying a home this year, be sure to factor in the long-term benefits of homeownership. On average, nationwide, home prices appreciated by 288.7% over the last 32 years. That means homeowners grow their net worth significantly in the long term.

01/29/2023

Your Sunday morning Brunch!

There’s been a lot in the news recently about declining home sales over the past year. But it’s important to look beyond the headlines and keep context in mind. According to data from NAR, over 4 million homes sold last year. And if you do the math, that means over 11,000 still sold each day. DM me to learn more about the activity in our local market right now.

01/27/2023

Your morning Real Estate Blast!

Are We in a Housing Bubble?

Despite what some headlines might suggest, experts say today’s housing market isn’t a repeat of 2008. Let’s connect to make sure you have the latest insights.

01/26/2023

Your morning Real Estate Blast!

Why You Shouldn’t Fear Today’s Foreclosure Headlines

If you’ve seen recent headlines about foreclosures surging in the housing market, you’re certainly not alone. There’s no doubt, the stories in the media can be pretty confusing right now. They may even make you think twice about buying a home for fear that prices could crash. The reality is, the data shows a foreclosure crisis is not where the market is headed, and understanding what that really means is mission critical if you want to know the truth about what’s happening today.

According to data from ATTOM, foreclosure filings are up 115% from 2021, but down 34% from 2019. While the number of foreclosure filings did more than double last year, we need to remember why that happened and how it compares to more normal, pre-pandemic years in the market. Thanks to the forbearance program and other relief options for homeowners, foreclosure filings were down to...

If you’ve seen recent headlines about foreclosures surging in the housing market, you’re certainly not alone. There’s no doubt, the stories in the media can be pretty confusing right now. They may even make you think twice about buying a home for fear that prices could crash. The reality is, t...