Patricia Garcia - Your Garden State Realtor

09/28/2023

Happy National S🧑🏻ns Day !!
Thank you for making my days brighter ☀️ and for being SO amazing !!! I ♥️ You
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💙 🏡

09/11/2023

Securing your dream home means considering homeowners insurance.

Here’s what impacts your coverage and rates:

Location Matters: Proximity to fire stations, flood zones, and crime rates can influence premiums.

Home’s Age & Condition: Older homes may have higher rates due to potential maintenance risks.

Construction Materials: The type of materials used can impact vulnerability to damage.

Credit Score: A good credit score often leads to more favorable insurance rates.

Claim History: Past claims on the property might affect your eligibility and rates.

Safety Features: Security systems, smoke detectors, and alarms can lower premiums.

Understanding these factors helps you make informed decisions about homeowners insurance, ensuring your haven remains protected. 🏡🔒💡
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eXp Realty
Cell: 201-503-4542
Office: 866-201 -6210 Ext 893
📧[email protected]

09/10/2023

Strike a Pose! 🎳
Happy Birthday SonShine! ☀️🧑🏻

09/05/2023

Why It’s Still a Seller’s Market Today

Even though activity in the housing market has slowed from the frenzy that was the ‘unicorn’ years, it’s still a seller’s market because the supply of homes for sale is so low. But what does that really mean for you? And why are conditions today so good if you want to sell your house?

The latest Existing Home Sales Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows housing supply is still astonishingly low. Housing inventory is measured by the number of available homes on the market. It’s also measured by months’ supply, meaning the number of months it would take to sell all those available homes based on current demand. In a balanced market, there’s usually about a six-month supply. Today, we have only about 3 months’ supply of homes at the current sales pace

As Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for NAR, says: “There are simply not enough homes for sale. The market can easily absorb a doubling of...

Even though activity in the housing market has slowed from the frenzy that was the ‘unicorn’ years, it’s still a seller’s market because the supply of homes for sale is so low. 

09/02/2023

Homeowners Have a Lot of Equity Right Now [INFOGRAPHIC]

Your equity grows as you pay down your home loan and as home prices increase. With home prices rising again, your equity is getting an extra boost. Almost half of homeowners are equity rich because they have at least 50% equity in their homes. If you’ve been in your home for a while, you might have gained a considerable amount of equity, too. Want to find out how much equity you have? DM me for a Professional Equity Assessment Report (PEAR).

Your equity grows as you pay down your home loan and as home prices increase. With home prices rising again, your equity is getting an extra boost.

08/31/2023

How Inflation Affects the Housing Market

Have you ever wondered how inflation impacts the housing market? Believe it or not, they’re connected. Whenever there are changes to one, both are affected. Here’s a high-level overview of the connection between the two.

The Relationship Between Housing Inflation and Overall Inflation

Shelter inflation is the measure of price growth specific to housing. It comes from a survey of renters and homeowners that’s done by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The survey asks renters how much they’re paying in rent, and homeowners how much they’d rent their homes for, if they weren’t living in them.

Much like overall inflation measures the cost of everyday items, shelter inflation measures the cost of housing. And for four consecutive months, based on that survey, shelter inflation has been coming down.

Inflation and the Federal Funds Rate

What’s the Fed been doing to lower inflation? They’ve been increasing...

Have you ever wondered how inflation impacts the housing market?

08/29/2023

Gen Z: The Next Generation Is Making Moves in the Housing Market

Generation Z (Gen Z) is eager to put down their own roots and achieve financial independence. As a result, they’re turning to homeownership. According to the latest Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 30% of Gen Z buyers transitioned straight from living under their parents' roofs to owning their own homes.

If you’re a member of this generation, and you’re interested in pursuing your own dream of homeownership, here’s some information you may find helpful on why and where your peers are buying.

The Reasons Gen Z Want To Become Homeowners

A recent survey by Rocket Mortgage identifies some of the top motivators driving Gen Z buyers to purchase a home: “Of those surveyed, 34% said that starting or growing their family was their main motivation to buy a home. . . . Along with growing a family comes establishing a home base.”...

Generation Z (Gen Z) is eager to put down their own roots and achieve financial independence.

08/26/2023

Today’s Housing Market Has Only Half the Usual Inventory [INFOGRAPHIC]

There are only about half the number of homes for sale compared to the last normal years in the market. That means buyers don’t have enough options right now. So, if you work with an agent to list your house, it should be in the spotlight. If you're thinking of selling, DM me so your house can stand out while there’s such a shortage of supply and buyers are craving more options.

There are only about half the number of homes for sale compared to the last normal years in the market.

08/24/2023

More Jobs and Better Pay Leads to More Buyer Demand

There’s been talk about a recession for quite a while now. But the economy has been remarkably resilient. Why? One reason is employment and wages have stayed strong. Let’s look at the latest information on each one and why both are good news if you’re thinking about selling your house.

More Jobs Are Being Created

Instead of facing the job losses typical of any recession, the economy has been growing and adding jobs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 187,000 jobs were created in July, which is up from the 185,000 created in June. That means more people are finding work. In fact, so many jobs are being added that the unemployment rate is far lower than the long-term average of 5.7%.

A low unemployment rate means that most people who want to work are finding jobs. When people have jobs, they have steady incomes – and that can help set them up to consider homeownership.

People Are...

There’s been talk about a recession for quite a while now.

08/22/2023

Why You Don’t Need To Fear the Return of Adjustable-Rate Mortgages

If you remember the housing crash back in 2008, you may recall just how popular adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) were back then. And after years of being virtually nonexistent, more people are once again using ARMs when buying a home. Let’s break down why that’s happening and why this isn’t cause for concern.

Why ARMs Have Gained Popularity More Recently

Last year is when mortgage rates climbed dramatically. With higher borrowing costs, some homeowners decided to take out this type of loan because traditional borrowing costs were high, and an ARM gave them a lower rate.

Why Today’s ARMs Aren’t Like the Ones in 2008

To put things into perspective, let’s remember these aren’t like the ARMs that became popular leading up to 2008. Back then, when a buyer got an ARM, banks and lenders didn’t require proof of their employment, assets, income, etc. Basically, people were getting loans...

If you remember the housing crash back in 2008, you may recall just how popular adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) were back then.

08/19/2023

Don’t Expect a Wave of Foreclosures [INFOGRAPHIC]

With ongoing high inflation pushing up everyday costs, some people are worried that'll create a flood of foreclosures. Here's why that's unlikely. Fewer people are seriously behind on mortgage payments right now. If foreclosures were going to rise a lot, more people would need to be late on their payments. Since most are paying on time, a wave isn’t coming. If you're concerned about a flood of foreclosures, the data shows that's not likely.

With ongoing high inflation pushing up everyday costs, some people are worried that'll create a flood of foreclosures. Here's why that's unlikely. 

08/10/2023

The Value of an Agent When Buying Your New Construction Home

Buying a new construction home can be an exciting experience. But navigating the complexities of buying a home that’s under construction can also be a bit overwhelming. This is where a skilled real estate agent can make all the difference.

Here’s how your agent is an invaluable resource in your search to find and buy your new home.

Agents Know the Local Area and Market

Your agent is well-versed in the emerging communities and upcoming developments that could influence your decision. Your agent can help you find a community that perfectly aligns with your preferences, lifestyle, and future needs.

Knowledge of Construction Quality and Builder Reputation

An agent also has the expertise to evaluate the construction quality and reputation of different builders. This information can help you avoid any potential risks and help you confidently select a builder known for delivering quality...

Buying a new construction home can be an exciting experience.