Mark Haley - Real Estate Agent

Here's my Greater Houston Real Estate update for January 23, 2025! Click the link below to get caught up:

Copy of Welcome to Your Weekly Real Estate Update for the Greater Houston Area

Hey everyone! Check out my newest listing! It's a lovely, well maintained 3 bedroom, 2 bath home in the Willow Bend/Willow Meadows/Meyerland area! It comes complete with a Kohler whole home generator, Bosch appliances, and high end fixtures.

I'll be hosting an open house there this weekend on both Saturday and Sunday from 11am - 3pm! Come by and tour this home before someone else snatches it up. I can't wait to see y'all there!

10610 Willowisp Dr, Houston, TX 77035
https://www.har.com/s/mGDgVGrJeDQm

On October 26th of this year, according to Freddie Mac's reporting, the average mortgage rate peaked at 7.79%. Today, that average is 6.95%. That might not seem like much. But, on a $300k house with a 3.5% down payment, that 0.84% represents a savings of $165.68/mo and nearly $60,000 over the life of the loan.

While that's FANTASTIC news for potential home buyers, I can't recommend strongly enough that you consider getting pre-approved and start the home search ASAP. Rates dropping isn't a secret. This will drive buyers out of the woodwork, which will drive up prices. Not only that, typically, the busy season for home sales starts early spring. So, even more buyers will enter the market soon. So, if you're thinking about it, even a little bit, let me know and I'll help walk you through some great options.

(The numbers in the chart below are only principle and interest payments. There are too many variables for me to estimate taxes, insurance, & HOA. But, if you send me a home you're interested in, I'd be happy to estimate those other fees too.)

PSA: Waiting for rates to drop isn't everything you probably think it is.

Rates have already started trickling downward and most expect that to continue. It isn't unusual for rates to trend downward through election season, btw. That sounds like great news. Here's why it might not be. If/when rates drop, you should fully expect lots of prospective home buyers to flood the market.

This is basic economics. We're just talking supply and demand. Demand rises, but supply remains the same, prices rise. If you wait too long, you're going to be paying more for that house at 6% than you would be at today's average of 7.22% (contact a lender for your actual rate. I know some great ones, if you don't).

I don't know the future, so there's no way I know exactly how high those prices will go. This is just an example. I also didn't include taxes and insurance because it all depends on where you're buying and what sorts of exemptions you qualify for. Besides, lots of those costs can be deductions on your income tax if you itemize.

Congrats to my newest clients from California! Welcome to Texas, Krinkies!

What's my home worth? (It's free for homeowners!) Homebot is a monthly financial dashboard that enables you to maximize the wealth from the single largest asset you will ever own.

I'll be hosting another open house this weekend in Katy! I'll be there 12pm-4pm on Saturday & Sunday (4/29 & 4/30). Swing by and grab some cookies!

https://myre.io/0WubpDLshE1k

If you'd like to see all of the homes for sale under $300k in Katy, click the link below!

Homes in Katy TX Search all available properties including Homes via the MLS in Katy, TX - brought to you by eXp Realty in Houston

This weekend, I'll be hosting an open house here in Katy and I'd love for y'all to stop by! Come get some cookies!

https://www.har.com/s/31C00E0f12

Another satisfied client! So glad that I was able to help Sharlene find a fantastic home at an even better price.

If you're waiting for rates to drop again (and most lenders seem to believe they will go down a bit), I'm not sure that I would. When rates go down, it encourages more people to look to buy, which typically drives prices way up. I believe the smarter move is to buy when you need to move, regardless of when that is, and refinance when rates drop enough to make it worth it.

There are lots of great homes available in the Houston area that can be had for a fantastic price right now. If you're looking to purchase or sell a home, I'd love to have your trust to guide you through the process. I'm happy to answer any questions you may have. Just reach out!