Marius & Lumi - Spouses Selling Houses

07/13/2021

Why This Isn’t Your Typical Summer Housing Market

Here’s how this summer is stacking up against the norm and what it means for you.

>>Inventory is increasing.

According to the latest Existing Home Sales Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), inventory levels have been rising since February of this year.

If you’re looking to buy, some relief is on the way in the form of more homes coming to the market. Just remember, we still have less inventory than the norm, so be patient in your search.

If you’re thinking of selling, now is the time. Work with your agent to list your house before it has more competition on the market.

>>Time on the market is still shorter than normal.

If you’re looking to buy, this means you need to be prepared to move fast. Brace for a quick pace and rely on your agent to stay in-the-know on the available homes in your area.

If you’re thinking of selling, data shows your house will likely sell quickly...

In real estate, it’s normal to see ebbs and flows in the market. Typically, the summer months are slower-paced than the traditionally busy spring. But this isn’t a typical summer. As the economy rebounds and life is returning to normal, the real estate market is expected to have an unusually str...

07/12/2021

4 Major Incentives To Sell This Summer

While the housing market forecast for the second half of the year remains positive, there may not be a better time to sell than right now. Here are four things to consider if you’re trying to decide if now’s the right time to make a move.

>>Your House Will Likely Sell Quickly
According to the most recent Realtors Confidence Index released by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), homes continue to sell quickly. The report notes homes are selling in an average of just 17 days.

>>Buyers Are Willing To Compete for Your House
In addition to selling fast, homes are receiving multiple offers. NAR reports sellers are seeing an average of 5 offers, and these offers are competitive ones.

>>When Supply Is Low, Your House Is in the Spotlight
One of the most significant challenges for motivated buyers is the current inventory of homes for sale, which while improving, remains at near-record lows.

>>If You’re Thinking...

While the housing market forecast for the second half of the year remains positive, there may not be a better time to sell than right now. Here are four things to consider if you’re trying to decide if now’s the right time to make a move.

07/09/2021

Your Home Equity Can Take You Places [INFOGRAPHIC]

The amount of wealth Americans have stored in their homes has increased astronomically. On average, homeowners gained $33,400 in equity over the last 12 months, and the average equity on mortgaged homes is now $216,000. When it’s time to sell, your home equity can help accomplish your goals. DM me to discuss how you can take advantage of today’s sellers’ market to get the most out of your home sale.

Some Highlights The amount of wealth Americans have stored in their homes has increased astronomically. On average, homeowners gained $33,400 in equity over the last 12 months, and the average equity on mortgaged homes is now $216,000. When it’s time to sell, your home equity can help accomplish y...

07/08/2021

How to Stay Motivated as a Buyer in a Sellers' Market

If you're a homebuyer, today's market requires patience and persistence. Let's connect to make sure you have an expert guide along the way.

07/07/2021

The Truths Young Homebuyers Need To Hear

A recent survey shows some homebuyers ages 25 to 40 may be unsure about the homebuying process and what they can afford. It found:
>>“1 in 4 underestimated their buying potential by $150k or more”
>>“1 in 4 underestimated the increase in value by $100k or more”
>>“47% don’t know what a good interest rate is”

If you’re interested in buying but aren’t sure where to begin, here are three key concepts about homeownership you should understand before you get started.

>>What You Need To Know About Down Payments
Saving for a down payment is sometimes viewed as one of the biggest obstacles for homebuyers, but that doesn’t have to be the case. As Freddie Mac says, “The most damaging down payment myth—since it stops the homebuying process before it can start—is the belief that 20% is necessary.”

>>You May Be Able To Afford More Home Than You Think
As an article recently published by NAR points...

For many young or first-time homebuyers, purchasing a home can feel intimidating. A recent survey shows some homebuyers ages 25 to 40 may be unsure about the homebuying process and what they can afford. It found:

07/06/2021

A Look at Home Price Appreciation Through 2025

Home prices have increased significantly over the last year, which has in turn grown the net worth of homeowners. Appreciation and home equity are directly linked – as the value of a home increases, so does a homeowner’s equity. And with these recent gains, homeowners are witnessing their financial stability and well-being grow to record levels.

In more good news for homeowners, the most recent Home Price Expectations Survey – a survey of a national panel of over one hundred economists, real estate experts, and investment and market strategists – forecasts home prices will continue appreciating over the next five years, adding to the record amount of equity homeowners have already gained over the past year.

Home prices are climbing today, and the data in the survey indicates they’ll continue to increase, but at rates which approach a more normal pace. Even still, the amount of household wealth a...

Home prices have increased significantly over the last year, which in turn has grown the net worth of homeowners. Appreciation and home equity are directly linked – as the value of a home increases, so does a homeowner’s equity. And with these recent gains, homeowners are witnessing their financ...

07/05/2021

Housing inventory is beginning to return, which is great news if you’re a homebuyer. More homes on the market means you could have more options and less competition for your dream home. DM me so we can plan the best next steps in your path to homeownership.

07/02/2021

Today’s sellers’ market provides unique challenges – and benefits – for buyers. However, there are clear reasons for to stick with it, such as the future of mortgage rates and home prices. The long-term benefits outweigh the short-term challenges, so DM me to talk more about the best path to take from here.

07/01/2021

Summer Is a Great Time To Upgrade

If you're ready to upgrade your home, summer is a great time to do so. Let's connect to get your house listed so you can find your dream home.

06/30/2021

What Do Experts See on the Horizon for the Second Half of the Year?

As we move into the latter half of the year, questions about what’s to come are top of mind for buyers and sellers. Near record-low mortgage rates coupled with rising home price appreciation kicked off a robust housing market in the first half of 2021, but what does the forecast tell us about what’s on the horizon?

Mortgage Rates Will Likely Increase, but Remain Low

Many experts are projecting a rise in interest rates. However, even as mortgage rates rise, the anticipated increase is expected to be modest at most, and still well below historic averages. Rates remaining low is good news for homebuyers who are looking to maximize their purchasing power.

Home Price Appreciation Will Continue, but Price Growth Will Likely Slow

Experts remain optimistic about home prices, too. Joe Seydl, Senior Markets Economist at J.P. Morgan, shares, “Homebuyers—interest rates are still historically...

As we move into the latter half of the year, questions about what’s to come are top of mind for buyers and sellers. Near record-low mortgage rates coupled with rising home price appreciation kicked off a robust housing market in the first half of 2021, but what does the forecast tell us about what...

06/29/2021

What To Expect as Appraisal Gaps Grow

In today’s real estate market, low inventory and high demand are driving up home prices. As many as 54% of homes are getting offers over the listing price, based on the latest Realtors Confidence Index from the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Shawn Telford, Chief Appraiser at CoreLogic, elaborates:

“The frequency of buyers being willing to pay more than the market data supports is increasing.”

While this is great news for today’s sellers, it can be tricky to navigate if the price of your contract doesn’t match up with the appraisal for the house. It’s called an appraisal gap, and it’s happening more in today’s market than the norm.

According to recent data from CoreLogic, 19% of homes had their appraised value come in below the contract price in April of this year. That’s more than double the percentage in each of the two previous Aprils.

If an appraisal comes in below the contract price...

In today’s real estate market, low inventory and high demand are driving up home prices. As many as 54% of homes are getting offers over the listing price, based on the latest Realtors Confidence Index from the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Shawn Telford, Chief Appraiser at CoreLogic, el...

06/28/2021

Save Time and Effort by Selling with an Agent

Selling a house is a time-consuming process – especially if you decide to do it on your own, known as a For Sale By Owner (FSBO). From conducting market research to reviewing legal documents, handling negotiations, and more, it’s an involved and highly detailed process that requires a lot of expertise to navigate effectively. That’s one of the reasons why the percentage of people selling their own house has declined from 19% to 8%.

To help you understand just how much time and effort it takes to sell on your own, here’s a look at a few of the things you need to think about before putting that “For Sale” sign up in your yard.

>>Making a Good First Impression
While it may sound simple, there are a lot of proven best practices to consider when prepping a house for sale.

>> Pricing It Right
Real estate professionals have mission-critical information on what sells and how to maximize your profit...

Selling a house is a time-consuming process – especially if you decide to do it on your own, known as a For Sale By Owner (FSBO). From conducting market research to reviewing legal documents, handling negotiations, and more, it’s an involved and highly detailed process that requires a lot of exp...