Shaw Sells DC, 200 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington D.C., DC (2026)

08/25/2023

A message about real estate from The Shaw Team

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

A message about real estate from The Shaw Team

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...

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

08/22/2023

A message about real estate from The Shaw Team

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...

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

08/20/2023

A message about real estate from The Shaw Team

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.

08/11/2023

A message about real estate from The Shaw Team

Home Prices Are Back on the Rise [INFOGRAPHIC]

Looking at monthly home price data from six expert sources shows the worst home price declines are behind us, and they’re rising again nationally. If you’ve put your plans to move on pause because you were worried about home prices crashing, this rebound is good news. Let’s connect so you know what’s happening with prices in our area.

Looking at monthly home price data from six expert sources shows the worst home price declines are behind us, and they’re rising again nationally.

08/10/2023

A message about real estate from The Shaw Team

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...

Buying a new construction home can be an exciting experience.

08/08/2023

A message about real estate from The Shaw Team

There's Only Half the Inventory of a Normal Housing Market Today

Wondering if it still makes sense to sell your house right now? The short answer is, yes. Especially if you consider how few homes there are for sale today.

You may have heard inventory is low right now, but you may not fully realize just how low or why that’s a perk when you go to sell your house.

While the housing inventory did grow slightly week-over-week, overall supply is still low. Compared to the same week last year, supply is down roughly 10% – and it was already considered low at that time. But, if you look further back, you’ll see inventory is down even more significantly.

To gauge just how far off from normal today’s inventory is, let’s compare right now to 2019 (the last normal year in the market). When you compare the same week this year with the matching week in 2019, supply is about 50% lower. That means there are half the...

Wondering if it still makes sense to sell your house right now?

08/06/2023

A message about real estate from The Shaw Team

How To Know If You’re Ready to Buy a Home

If you’re trying to decide if you’re ready to buy a home, there’s probably a lot on your mind.

Instead of trying to time the market, it may help to focus on what you can control. Here are a few questions that can give you clarity on whether you’re ready to make your move.

1. Do You Have a Stable Job?

One thing to consider is how stable you feel your employment is. Buying a home is a big purchase, and you’re going to sign a home loan stating you’re going to pay that loan back. That can feel like a big obligation. Knowing you have a reliable job and income coming in can help put your mind at ease.

2. Have You Figured Out What You Can Afford?

To make sure you have a good idea of what you’ll need to save and what you can expect to spend on your monthly payment, talk to a trusted lender. They’ll be able to tell you about the pre-approval process and what you can...

If you’re trying to decide if you’re ready to buy a home, there’s probably a lot on your mind.

08/04/2023

A message about real estate from The Shaw Team

Housing Market Forecast for the Rest of 2023 [INFOGRAPHIC]

Want to know what experts say will happen in the rest of 2023? Home prices are already appreciating again in many areas. The average of the expert forecasts shows positive price growth. Where mortgage rates go for the rest of the year will depend on inflation. Based on historical trends, rates are likely to ease as inflation continues to cool. Even though low inventory continues to be a challenge, experts project 5 million homes will still sell this year. That pace should pick up if rates come down.

Want to know what experts say will happen in the rest of 2023?

08/03/2023

A message about real estate from The Shaw Team

How Inflation Affects Mortgage Rates

When you read about the housing market in the news, you might see something about a recent decision made by the Federal Reserve (the Fed). But how does this decision affect you and your plans to buy a home? Here's what you need to know.

The Fed is trying hard to reduce inflation. And even though there’s been 12 straight months where inflation has cooled, the most recent data shows it’s still higher than the Fed’s target of 2%.

While you may have been hoping the Fed would stop their hikes since they’re making progress on their goal of bringing down inflation, they don’t want to stop too soon, and risk inflation climbing back up as a result. Because of this, the Fed decided to increase the Federal Funds Rate again last week.

Greg McBride, Senior VP, and Chief Financial Analyst at Bankrate, explains how high inflation and a strong economy play into the Fed’s recent deci...

When you read about the housing market in the news, you might see something about a recent decision made by the Federal Reserve (the Fed).

08/01/2023

A message about real estate from The Shaw Team

Sellers: Don’t Let These Two Things Hold You Back

Many homeowners thinking about selling have two key things holding them back. That’s feeling locked in by today’s higher mortgage rates and worrying they won’t be able to find something to buy while supply is so low. Let’s dive into each challenge and give you some helpful advice on how to overcome these obstacles.

Challenge #1: The Reluctance to Take on a Higher Mortgage Rate

The Advice: Waiting May Not Pay Off

While experts project mortgage rates will gradually fall this year as inflation cools, that doesn’t necessarily mean you should wait to sell. Mortgage rates are notoriously hard to predict. And, right now home prices are back on the rise. If you move now, you’ll at least beat rising home prices when you buy your next home. And, if experts are right and rates fall, you can always refinance later if that happens.

Challenge #2: The Fear of Not Find...

Many homeowners thinking about selling have two key things holding them back.

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