Connect Real Estate Services

12/24/2021

Whether it’s a familiar scent or a favorite chair, the feel-good connections to our own homes can be more important to us than the financial ones. Here are some of the reasons why.

>>Owning your home is an accomplishment worth celebrating

You’ve put in a lot of work to achieve the dream of homeownership, and whether it’s your first home or your fifth, congratulations are in order for this milestone. You’ve earned it.

>>There’s no place like home

Owning your own home offers not only safety and security, but also a comfortable place where you can simply relax and unwind after a long day. Sometimes that’s just what we need to feel recharged and truly content.

>>You can find more space to meet your needs

Whether you want more room for your changing lifestyle (think: working from home, dedicated space for a hobby, or a personal gym) or you simply prefer to have a large backyard for entertaining, you can invest in a home that truly works for your evolving needs.

>>You have control over renovations, updates, and your style

Looking to try one of those decorative wall treatments you saw on Pinterest? Tired of paying an additional pet deposit for your apartment building? Maybe you want to create an entire in-home yoga studio. You can do all of these things in your own home.

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a repeat buyer who’s ready to start a new chapter in your life, now is a great time to reflect on the non-financial factors that turn a house into a happy home.

12/21/2021

You may not realize it, but homeownership acts as forced savings as you build equity with each mortgage payment you make. In other words, your home is an investment in your future. DM me today if you’re ready to buy or if you want to know how you can use the equity in your existing home to address your changing needs.

If you are considering selling your home or would like a market analysis, please contact me!! ((805)334-8949

Visit my website to get an instant home-value estimate
https://www.connectres.org/sell.php

12/18/2021

Check out these beautiful homes waiting you to buy!

Be The First To Know When They Hit The Market!

12/15/2021

We may be in a sellers’ market, but it’s still important to price your house correctly. Overpricing or underpricing your home are common missteps that could limit your return on investment. DM me today so you can have an expert on your side and so we can work together to list your house for the right price this winter.

If you are considering selling your home or would like a market analysis, please contact me!! ((805)334-8949

Visit my website to get an instant home-value estimate
https://www.connectres.org/sell.php

12/13/2021

Experts are calling for a flurry of activity as more buyers and sellers make their moves this season than they would in a typical winter. If you're thinking of selling, don't wait until the spring. Buyers are eagerly looking for your house right now. DM me to kickstart the process.

If you are considering selling your home or would like a market analysis, please contact me!! (805)334-8949

Visit my website to get an instant home-value estimate
https://www.connectres.org/sell.php

12/09/2021

To determine whether you should buy now or wait another year, you can ask yourself two simple questions. Let’s shed some light on the answers to both.

>>Where Will Home Prices Be a Year from Now?

Three major housing industry entities are projecting ongoing home price appreciation in 2022. Here are their forecasts:
Fannie Mae: 7.4%
Freddie Mac: 7%
Mortgage Bankers Association: 5.2%

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the median price of a home today is $353,900. Using an average of the three price projections above (6.53%), a home that sold for $353,900 today would be valued at $377,010 at the end of next year. As a prospective buyer, you would therefore pay an additional $23,110 by waiting.

>>Where Will Mortgage Rates Be a Year from Now?

Today, Freddie Mac estimates the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate in the fourth quarter of this year will be 2.8%. However, most experts believe mortgage rates will rise as the economy recovers. Here are the forecasts for the fourth quarter of 2022 by the three major entities mentioned above:
Fannie Mae: 3.4%
Freddie Mac: 3.8%
Mortgage Bankers Association: 4%

That averages out to 3.73% if you include all three forecasts. Any increase in mortgage rates will increase your costs.

What Does It Mean for You if Home Values and Mortgage Rates Increase?
If both variables increase, you’ll pay a lot more in mortgage payments each month. When asking if you should buy a home, you may think of the non-financial benefits of homeownership. When asking when to buy, the financial benefits make it clear that doing so now is much more advantageous than waiting until next year.

DM me so we can discuss all the benefits of starting your homebuying journey today.

Want to see what's new in the market? I have the most up-to-date listings on my website. Check it out at https://www.connectres.org/

If you or someone you know is looking to purchase a home, please contact me!! (805)334-8949

12/08/2021

Here are two obstacles some homebuyers are facing:
• The ability to save for a down payment
• The ability to qualify for a mortgage at the current lending standards
This past week, both of those challenges have been mitigated to some degree for many purchasers. The FHFA is raising their loan limit for prospective purchasers in 2022. The term used to describe the maximum loan amount they will entertain is the Conforming Loan Limit.

A Forbes article explains the benefits of a conforming loan and why they exist:
“Since lenders can’t sell non-conforming loans to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac to free up their cash, they’re a bit riskier for the lender. This is especially true for jumbo loans, which aren’t backed by any government guarantees. If you default on a jumbo loan, it’s a huge blow to the lender.
Thus, lenders generally charge higher interest rates to compensate, and they can have even more requirements. For example, lenders who give out jumbo loans often require that you make a down payment of at least 20% and show that you have at least six months’ worth of cash in reserve, if not more.”

The FHFA has significantly increased their Conforming Loan Limits for 2022. This means that more homes now qualify for a conforming loan with lower down payment requirements and easier lending standards – the two challenges holding many buyers back over the last year. DM me to see how these changes may impact you.

12/07/2021

If you’re trying to decide when to sell your house, there may not be a better time than this winter. Selling this season means you can take advantage of today’s strong sellers’ market when you make a move.

Win When You Sell

Right now, conditions are very favorable for current homeowners looking for a change. If you sell now, here’s what you can expect:

>>Your House Will Stand Out –If you sell your house now before more houses are listed, it will get more attention from serious buyers who are eager to find a home.
>>Your House Will Likely Get Multiple Offers –The latest from NAR shows sellers are getting an average of 3.6 offers in today’s market.
>>Your House Should Sell Quickly – According to the same report from NAR, homes are selling in an average of just 18 days.

Win When You Move

In addition to these great perks, you’ll also win big on your next move if you sell now. CoreLogic reports homeowners gained an average of $51,500 in equity over the past year. This wealth boost is the result of buyer competition driving home prices up. You can leverage that equity to fuel a move, before mortgage rates and home prices climb higher.

Selling before rates climb higher means you can make your move and lock in a low rate on the mortgage for your next home. This helps you get more home for your money and keeps your payments down too. If you’re thinking about making a move, DM me so you have the information you need to get the process started.

12/04/2021

A Checklist for Selling Your House This Winter.

12/02/2021

If you’re living on your own and looking to buy a home, know that you can make your dream a reality with thoughtful planning and the right team of experts. If you fall into this category, here are three tips to help you achieve your homeownership goals.

>>Know Your Credit Score
When you buy a home on your own, you have to qualify for your loan based solely on your own finances and credit history. If you’re not sure if it’s strong enough or where to focus your energy to improve it, meet with a professional for expert advice on your individual situation.

>>Explore Down Payment Options
Next, look into down payment programs so you can get a feel for what you’ll need to save to buy a home. Rob Chrane of Down Payment Resource, explains, “Buyers should discuss their program options with their loan officer and real estate agent to make sure they choose the program best suited to their personal needs.”

>>Think About Your Future Home and Your Needs
You should also spend time thinking about what you want. Quicken Loans shares this advice: “Think about your lifestyle, what you want out of your home and your needs. Is being close to work important? Do you need a lot of yard space? Do you want an extra bedroom that you can transform into a home office? Condo or detached home? Lots of space for entertaining? It’s all up to you (and your budget).”

The share of sole-person households is growing. If you’re looking to buy a home on your own, be confident that the dream is achievable. When you’re ready to begin your search, DM me so you have expert advice each step of the way.

11/30/2021

Do you want to know how much your home is worth?
Click on the picture below to get access to our free and instant property valuation tool.

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You Might Be Surprised How Much Is Your Home Is Worth!

11/29/2021

Recent data from NAR tells us it’s still a great time to list your house. Inventory is lower than it was at this time last year, so your house should sell quickly and get multiple offers. Feeling motivated? DM me if you’re ready to capitalize on today’s sellers’ market.

If you are considering selling your home or would like a market analysis, please contact me!! ((805)334-8949

Visit my website to get an instant home-value estimate
https://www.connectres.org/sell.php