Michelle Jaeger-Realtor

08/01/2024

Caught between caring for your kids and aging parents? Here’s some good news.

In a recent survey, 1 in 3 people in this same situation find it actually makes it easier to afford a home.

That’s because a multi-generational home has big financial perks like sharing expenses and built-in childcare.

If you want to talk about whether this type of home is right for you, DM me.

07/30/2024

During the pandemic, home prices soared due to high demand coupled with low inventory and mortgage rates. But that rapid appreciation couldn’t last forever.

Now, data confirms prices are still rising, just more moderately.

This healthier pace is actually a good thing. It means home price growth is normalizing.

DM me if you want more details on prices in our area.

07/28/2024

A Newly Built Home May Actually Be More Budget-Friendly

If you’re in the market to buy a home, there’s some exciting news for you.

Here are two key reasons working with your agent to look into new home construction could help you find a more budget-friendly option.

Reason 1: Lower Median Prices for Newly Built Homes

The median sales price for newly built homes is lower than the median sales price for existing homes today. This might seem surprising, but it’s true according to the latest data from the Census and the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

Why is that? Builders are focused on building what they can sell. And right now, there’s a very real need for smaller and more affordable homes – so that’s what they’ve been bringing to the market.

Reason 2: Attractive Incentives from Home Builders

Another big reason to consider a newly built home is the range of incentives that many home builders are offering...

If you’re in the market to buy a home, there’s some exciting news for you.

07/25/2024

How the Economy Impacts Mortgage Rates

As someone who’s thinking about buying or selling a home, you’re probably paying close attention to mortgage rates – and wondering what's ahead.

One thing that can affect mortgage rates is the Federal Funds Rate, which influences how much it costs banks to borrow money from each other. While the Federal Reserve (the Fed) doesn’t directly control mortgage rates, they do control the Federal Funds Rate.

The relationship between the two is why people have been watching closely to see when the Fed might lower the Federal Funds Rate. Whenever they do, that’ll put downward pressure on mortgage rates. The Fed meets next week, and three of the most important metrics they’ll look at as they make their decision are:

1. The Rate of Inflation
2. How Many Jobs the Economy Is Adding
3. The Unemployment Rate

What Does This Mean Moving Forward?

While mortgage rates are going to continue to be...

As someone who’s thinking about buying or selling a home, you’re probably paying close attention to mortgage rates – and wondering what's ahead.

07/23/2024

Do high prices at the gas pump and grocery store have you worried more people are going to fall behind on their mortgage payments?

If you’re thinking that’ll lead to a surge of foreclosures, let this reassure you.

Serious delinquencies (loans that are 3 or more monthly payments past due) are on the decline – so there’s no wave of foreclosures on the horizon.

07/21/2024

The Biggest Mistakes Homebuyers Are Making Right Now

Some of the biggest mistakes homebuyers are making right now are putting off pre-approval, holding out for perfection, and buying more than they can afford. The best way to avoid making these mistakes? Hire an agent who knows today’s market and how to help you navigate it.

07/18/2024

Choosing the right agent is a big deal.
One key thing to look for? A local real estate expert.
You want to find someone who knows the area like the back of their hand, including where you're most likely to find the home you're looking for.
It can make a world of difference in your homebuying journey.

07/16/2024

Why Working with a Real Estate Professional Is Crucial Right Now

Navigating the housing market can be tricky, especially these days. That's why having an experienced guide when buying or selling a home is so important.
Here are just a few of the ways a real estate expert is invaluable:
Contracts – Agents help with the disclosures and contracts necessary in today’s heavily regulated environment.
Experience – In today’s market, experience is crucial. Real estate professionals know the entire sales process, including how it’s changing right now.
Negotiations – Your real estate advisor acts as a buffer in negotiations with all parties, and advocates for your best interests throughout the entire transaction.
Industry Expertise– Knowledge is power in today’s market, and your advisor will simply and effectively explain processes, market conditions, and key terms, translating what they mean for you along the way along the...

Navigating the housing market can be tricky, especially these days.

07/14/2024

How Do Presidential Elections Impact the Housing Market?

How do presidential elections impact the housing market? Data shows Presidential elections only have a small and temporary impact on the housing market. If you have questions about what this means for your move, let’s connect.

07/11/2024

Not a Crash: 3 Graphs That Show How Today’s Inventory Differs from 2008

Even if you didn't own a home at the time, you probably remember the housing crisis in 2008. That crash impacted the lives of countless people, and many now live with the worry that something like that could happen again. But rest easy, because things are different than they were back then.

Homeowners Deciding To Sell Their Houses

Although the supply of existing (previously owned) homes is up compared to this time last year, it’s still low overall. And while this varies by local market, nationally, the current months’ supply is well below the norm, and even further below what we saw during the crash.

New Home Construction

People are also talking a lot about what's going on with newly built houses these days, and that might make you wonder if homebuilders are overdoing it. Even though new homes make up a larger percentage of the total inventory...

Even if you didn't own a home at the time, you probably remember the housing crisis in 2008.

07/09/2024

Just applied for a mortgage? Heads up – there are a few things to avoid to keep your closing smooth:
-Don't change bank accounts
-Don't apply for new credit or close accounts
-Don't make large purchases or transfers
-Don't co-sign loans
Pro tip: Once you’ve started the process, always check with your loan officer before making any financial moves.

07/07/2024

Homeownership: The Heart of the American Dream

Everyone’s vision for the future is personal and unique. But for many, common goals include success, freedom, and prosperity — values closely tied to having your own home and the iconic feeling of achieving the American Dream.

So, why is buying a home important to so many today? One reason is the financial and physical security it provides. Many people see homeownership as a way to reduce stress because owning a home with a fixed-rate mortgage stabilizes what is likely their largest monthly expense.
Another factor is the potential for building wealth. That’s because, over time, homeowners gain equity as they pay down their mortgage and as home prices appreciate, leading to longer-term financial stability.
But what about the responsibilities that come with owning and maintaining a home? According to a survey by Entrata, only 23% of renters feel homeownership is too much...

Everyone’s vision for the future is personal and unique.