Debi Johnston, North Texas Realtor

09/20/2024

Mortgage rates have hit their lowest level since February 2023 – and that’s big news.

So if you’ve been sitting on the homebuying sidelines waiting for this to happen, it’s time to talk about making your move. Because the monthly savings is going to be a game changer for your purchasing power.

DM me and I’ll show you how the recent decline may help you get a better monthly payment than you’d expect.

09/19/2024

The Best Time To Buy a Home This Year

A shift is underway in the housing market this season. And if you’ve been sitting on the sidelines waiting for the right moment to jump back into your homebuying search, this is a great time to do it. That’s because the best week to buy a home this year is just around the corner. Your sweet spot is here.

The experts at Realtor.com study seasonal trends to figure out the ideal week for homebuyers: “Nationally, the best time to buy in 2024 is the week of Sept. 29–Oct. 5. This week historically has shown the best balance of market conditions that favor buyers. Inventory tends to be high, prices are below peak levels, demand is waning, and the pace of the market slows to a more manageable speed.”

In addition to the historical trends and typical seasonality that Realtor.com looks at, there are also clear indicators in today’s market data that you’ll see better conditions right now than...

A shift is underway in the housing market this season.

09/18/2024

Mortgage Rates Drop to Lowest Level in over a Year and a Half

Mortgage rates have hit their lowest point in over a year and a half. And that’s big news if you’ve been sitting on the homebuying sidelines waiting for this moment.

Even a small decline in rates could help you get a better monthly payment than you would expect on your next home. And the drop that’s happened recently isn’t small. As Sam Khater, Chief Economist at Freddie Mac, says:

“Mortgage rates have fallen more than half a percent . . . and are at their lowest level since February 2023.”

But if you want to see it to really believe it, here’s how the math shakes out. Going from 7.5% just a few months ago to the low 6s has a big impact on your bottom line. In just a few months’ time, the anticipated monthly payment on a $400K loan has come down by over $370. That’s hundreds of dollars less per month.

With the recent drop in mortgage rates, the...

Mortgage rates have hit their lowest point in over a year and a half.

09/17/2024

Trying to get your house ready to list? Here are a few general tips on where you’ll want to spend some time and effort.

Prioritize things that will make it inviting, show it’s cared for, and boost your curb appeal. But this is just a starting point.

If you want more specific advice to help your house stand out in our local market, DM me.

09/16/2024

September 29 – October 5 is the best week to buy a home this year, according to a study from Realtor.com.

And with mortgage rates coming down like they have recently, that makes this sweet spot even hotter.

So, if you’re looking to make a move, DM me so we can make sure you’re ready to go.

09/15/2024

Why Pre-Approval Should Be at the Top of Your Homebuying To-Do List

Since the supply of homes for sale is growing and mortgage rates are coming down, you may be thinking it’s finally your moment to jump into the market. To make sure you’re ready, you need to get pre-approved for a mortgage.

That’s when a lender looks at your finances, including things like your W-2, tax returns, credit score, and bank statements, to figure out what they’re willing to loan you. After that process, you’ll get a pre-approval letter to show what you can borrow. Here are two reasons why this is essential in today’s market.

Pre-Approval Helps You Know Your Numbers

While home affordability is finally starting to show signs of improving, it’s still tight. So, it’s a good idea to talk to a lender about your loan options and how today’s changing mortgage rates will impact your monthly payment. The pre-approval process is the perfect time...

Since the supply of homes for sale is growing and mortgage rates are coming down, you may be thinking it’s finally your moment to jump into the market.

09/14/2024

Checklist for Getting Your House Ready To Sell

Getting your house ready to sell? Here’s a few tips on what you may want to do to prepare. Focus on making it inviting, showing it’s cared for, and boosting your curb appeal. If you want specific advice to help your house stand out in our local market, let’s connect.

Getting your house ready to sell? Here are a few tips on what you may want to do to prepare.

09/13/2024

How To Get Your House Ready To Sell

Thinking about making a move? Here are a few general tips on how to get your house ready. You want to focus on things that’ll make it inviting, show it’s cared for, and boost your curb appeal. If you want specific advice to help your house stand out in our local market, let’s connect.

09/12/2024

Planning to buy a home? Make sure you’re budgeting not just your down payment, but for your closing costs too.

And if you want to try to cut down on those a bit, try these tips. Negotiate with the seller for concessions, shop around for more affordable home insurance, and look into closing cost assistance programs. DM me for more homebuying tips.

09/11/2024

The Real Story Behind What’s Happening with Home Prices

If you’re wondering what’s going on with home prices lately, you’re definitely not the only one. With so much information out there, it can be hard to figure out your next move.

Home Price Growth Is Slowing, but Prices Aren’t Falling Nationally

Throughout the country, home price appreciation is moderating. What that means is, prices are still going up, but they're not rising as quickly as they were in recent years.

What’s Next for Home Prices? It’s All About Supply and Demand

Nationally, the number of homes for sale is going up, but there still aren’t enough of them to meet today’s buyer demand. That’s keeping upward pressure on prices – even though recent inventory growth has caused that home price appreciation to slow. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, said, “. . . today’s low but quickly improving for-sale inventory has ushered in more market...

If you’re wondering what’s going on with home prices lately, you’re definitely not the only one.

09/10/2024

The luxury market is thriving. With more million-dollar homes than ever before and prices on the rise, this could be the perfect time to start your search for a high-end home.

DM me if you want to explore your options.

09/09/2024

How long have you lived in your house? Because if it’s been a while, chances are you have a whole lot of equity built up.

In the last 5 years, home values have gone up by almost 60%. And in 30 years, they’ve more than tripled.

When you sell, you can use the equity that gives you to your advantage. Want to find out more? DM me.