Margie Lupo - Realtor

08/14/2024

Ann was the winner last night! LRC so fun! 🤩

06/30/2024

Housing Market Forecast for the 2nd Half of 2024 [INFOGRAPHIC]

Wondering what the second half of the year holds for the housing market? Here’s what expert forecasts say. Home prices are expected to climb moderately. Mortgage rates are forecast to come down slightly. And, home sales are projected to hold steady. If you have questions about what to expect for the rest of the year, DM me so we can have a conversation about what it means for you and your plans.



Message me if you’d like to talk about buying or selling!

Wondering what the second half of the year holds for the housing market? Here’s what expert forecasts say. 

06/29/2024

Housing Market Forecast for the 2nd Half of 2024

Housing market forecasts for the second half of the year say price growth will moderate, rates could come down slightly, and home sales will hold steady. Want to talk about what these forecasts mean for you? Reach out and let’s chat.



Message me if you’d like to talk about buying or selling!

06/27/2024

The Difference Between an Inspection and an Appraisal

When you decide to buy your first home, you may come across a number of terms and conditions you’re not familiar with. While you may have a general idea of what an inspection is, maybe you’re not sure why you need one or how it’s different from an appraisal. To keep it simple, here’s an explainer of each one and what they mean for you as a homebuyer.

Home Inspection

Once you’re under contract on a home you’d like to buy, getting an inspection is a key part of the process. An inspection gives you a clear idea of the safety and overall condition of the home – which is important for such a big transaction.

And don’t worry – you don’t have to go through that process alone. Your real estate agent will be your advocate and negotiate with the seller for you.

Home Appraisal

While the inspection tells you about...



Message me if you’d like to talk about buying or selling!

When you decide to buy your first home, you may come across a number of terms and conditions you’re not familiar with.

06/26/2024

What You Need To Know About Today’s Down Payment Programs

There's no denying it's gotten more challenging to buy a home, especially with today's mortgage rates and home price appreciation. And that may be one of the big reasons you’re eager to look into grants and assistance programs to see if there’s anything you qualify for that can help. But unfortunately, many homebuyers feel like they don’t know where to start.

A recent Bank of America Institute study asked prospective buyers where they lack confidence in the process and need more information. And this is what topped the list:

53% said they need help understanding homebuying grant programs.

So, here’s some information that can help you close that gap.

What Is Down Payment Assistance?

Contrary to what you may have heard, typically you don’t have to put 20% down unless it’s specified by your loan...



Message me if you’d like to talk about buying or selling!

There's no denying it's gotten more challenging to buy a home, especially with today's mortgage rates and home price appreciation.

06/24/2024

Housing Market Forecast: What’s Ahead for the 2nd Half of 2024

As we move into the second half of 2024, here’s what experts say you should expect for home prices, mortgage rates, and home sales.

Home Prices Are Expected To Climb Moderately

Home prices are forecasted to rise at a more normal pace. The graph below shows the latest forecasts from seven of the most trusted sources in the industry:

The reason for continued appreciation? The supply of homes for sale.

While inventory is up compared to the last couple of years, it’s still low overall. And because there still aren’t enough homes to go around, that’ll keep upward pressure on prices.

If you’re thinking of buying, the good news is you won’t have to deal with prices skyrocketing like they did during the pandemic. Just remember, prices aren’t expected to drop. They’ll continue climbing, just at a...



Message me if you’d like to talk about buying or selling!

As we move into the second half of 2024, here’s what experts say you should expect for home prices, mortgage rates, and home sales.

06/23/2024

The Downsides of Selling Your House Without an Agent

Considering selling your house without an agent? You should know there are some serious downsides to handling it on your own. You’ll be missing out on marketing tools that draw in more buyers, pricing and market expertise, essential negotiation skills, in-depth knowledge of the fine print in contracts, and so much more. Don’t take all of this responsibility on. Instead, DM me so you have someone with the knowledge and experience you’ll need on your side.



Message me if you’d like to talk about buying or selling!

Considering selling your house without an agent? You should know there are some serious downsides to handling it on your own.

06/22/2024

The Downsides of Selling Your House Without an Agent

There are downsides to selling your house without an agent. You’ll have limited marketing tools, a greater risk of mistakes with pricing and contracts, and more. That’s a lot to take on. Save yourself time and stress by hiring a pro.



Message me if you’d like to talk about buying or selling!

06/20/2024

Homebuilders Aren’t Overbuilding, They’re Catching Up

You may have heard that there are more brand-new homes available right now than the norm. Today, about one in three homes on the market are newly built. And if you’re wondering what that means for the housing market and for your own move, here’s what you need to know.

Why This Isn’t Like 2008

People remember what happened to the housing market back in 2008. And one of the factors that contributed to that crash was that there were too many homes for sale. While only part of the oversupply back then came from builders, the lasting impact is that some people still feel uneasy when they hear new home construction has ramped up.

Even though the supply of new homes has grown this year, the data shows there’s no need to worry. Builders aren’t overbuilding, they’re just catching up.

New Home Construction...



Message me if you’d like to talk about buying or selling!

You may have heard that there are more brand-new homes available right now than the norm.

06/19/2024

What is your Net Worth? How much Equity are you sitting on?

It's important to stay on top of one of your biggest investments.

06/19/2024

Do Elections Impact the Housing Market?

The 2024 Presidential election is just months away. As someone who’s thinking about potentially buying or selling a home, you’re probably curious about what effect, if any, elections have on the housing market.

Home Sales

During the month of November, in years when the Presidential election takes place, there’s typically a slight slowdown in home sales. As Ali Wolf, Chief Economist at Zonda, explains: “Usually, home sales are unchanged compared to a non-election year with the exception being November. In an election year, November is slower than normal.”

Home Prices

What about home prices? Do they drop during election years? Not typically. As residential appraiser and housing analyst Ryan Lundquist puts it: “An election year doesn’t alter the price trend that is already happening in the market.”

Mortgage...



Message me if you’d like to talk about buying or selling!

The 2024 Presidential election is just months away.

06/19/2024

🎉 Exciting news for music lovers in Alameda County!
The Alameda County Fair is back this summer with a fantastic lineup of concerts that you won't want to miss. Whether you're a fan of country, rock, or tributes to legendary bands, there's something for everyone! 🎶

🌟 **Alameda County Fair Concert Series Highlights:**
- **June 26:** Catch the country vibes with Russell Dickerson.
- **June 27:** Sing along with The Fray.
- **June 28:** Enjoy the classics with Revisiting Creedence.
- **June 29:** A double tribute night with Lady Winehouse, celebrating the music of Amy Winehouse and Lady Gaga.
- **June 30:** Spice up your life with Spice Wannabe, a tribute to the Spice Girls.
- **July 3:** Rock out with X Ambassadors.
- **July 5:** Country sensation Hunter Hayes hits the stage.
- **July 6:** Relive the 80s with Fast Times.
- **July 7:** Finish strong with 40oz to Freedom, a tribute to Sublime.

🎡 In addition to great music, enjoy nightly drone shows, movies on the lawn, and all the fun fair activities and food you can dream of! Bring your family and friends for unforgettable summer nights at the fair, held from June 14 to July 7.

🎟️ Special advance pricing available until June 13, so grab your tickets early to enjoy these amazing performances and so much more!

👉 Don’t forget to check out the special promotions and discounts available on select days. It's a summer celebration you don't want to miss!

🔗 For more details and the full concert schedule, visit the Alameda County Fair's official website.