Keeping It REAL - by Bettsy Tyler

  The last two years caught many of us off guard—and not just because of the pandemic. They also ushered in the hottest housing market on record, with home prices rising nationally by nearly 19% in 2021, driven primarily by low mortgage rates and a major supply shortage. 1 But while some had hoped 2022 would bring a return to normalcy, the U.S. real estate market continues to boom, despite rising interest rates and decreasing affordability. So what’s driving this persistent demand? And is there an end in sight? Here are three factors impacting the real estate market right now. Find out how they could affect you if you’re a current homeowner or plan to buy or sell a home this year. MORTGAGE RATES ARE RISING FASTER THAN EXPECTED Over the past couple of years, homebuyers have faced intense competition for new homes—in part due to historically low mortgage rates that were a result of the Federal Reserve’s efforts to keep the economy afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, in re...

    Our nation is in the midst of a serious housing crunch. Last year, a lack of inventory and soaring prices left many would-be homebuyers feeling pinched. But now, with interest rates climbing, many of them are also feeling desperate to lock in a mortgage—which has only added fuel to the fire. 1 Fortunately, if you’re a buyer struggling to find a home, we have some good news. While it’s true that higher mortgage rates can decrease your purchasing budget, there are additional ways to compete in a hot market. Yes, a high offer price gets attention. But most sellers consider a variety of factors when evaluating an offer. With that in mind, here are five tactics you can utilize to sweeten your proposal and outshine your competition. We can help you weigh the risks and benefits of each tactic and craft a compelling offer designed to get you your dream home—without giving away the farm. 1.    Demonstrate Solid Financing The reality is, no one gets paid if ...

  We’re still in a seller’s market, but that doesn’t mean your home is guaranteed to easily sell. 1 If you want to maximize your sale price, it’s still important to prepare your home before putting it on the market. Start by connecting with a real estate agent as soon as possible. Having the eyes and ears of an insightful real estate professional on your side can help you boost your home’s appeal to buyers. What’s more, beginning the preparation process early allows you to tackle repairs and upgrades that can increase your property’s value. Use the checklist below to figure out what other tasks you should complete in the months leading up to listing your home. While everyone’s situation is unique, these guidelines will help you make sure you’re ready to sell when the time is right. Of course, you can always call us if you’re not sure where to start or what to tackle first. We can help customize a plan that works for you. AS SOON AS YOU THINK OF SELLING Some home sellers ...

      The annual inflation rate in the United States is currently around 7.5 % —the highest it has been since 1982 . 1 It doesn’t matter if you ’ re a cashier, lawyer, plumber, or retiree; if you spend U.S. dollars, inflation impacts you.   Economists expect the effects of inflation, like a higher cost of goods, to continue. 2 Luckily, an investment in real estate can ease some of the financial strain.   Here’s what you need to know about inflation, how it impacts you, and how an investment in real estate can help .     WHAT IS INFLATION AND HOW DOES IT IMPACT ME?   Inflation is a decline in the value of money. When the rate of inflation rises , prices for goods and services go up . Therefore, a dollar buys you a little bit less with every passing day.   The consumer price index, or CPI, is a standard measure of inflation. Based on the latest CPI data, prices increased 7.5% from January 2021 to January 2022 . 1 ...