Xenia McGregor, Realtor

Here are a few reasons you may not want to hold off until the new year to sell your house. Buyers looking right now are highly motivated, the supply of homes for sale is still low, and you may find buyers are more flexible with showings this time of year. DM me to determine if selling your house now is the right move for you.

3 Reasons To Sell Your House Before the New Year [INFOGRAPHIC] Here are a few reasons you may not want to hold off until the new year to sell your house.

Everyone has their own idea of the American Dream, and it's different for each person. But, in a recent survey by Bankrate, people were asked about the achievements they believe represent the American Dream the most. The answers show that owning a home still claims the #1 spot for many Americans today.

A recent survey by 1000watt asks if they (Gen Z and millennials) want to buy a home in the future. The resounding answer is yes.

While there are plenty of reasons why someone might prefer homeownership to renting, the same 1000watt survey shows, that for 63% of Gen Z and millennials, it’s that your place doesn’t feel like “home” unless you own it – maybe you feel the same way.

That emotional draw is further emphasized when you look at the reasons why Gen Z and millennials want to become homeowners. For all the financial benefits homeownership provides, in most cases it’s about the lifestyle or emotional benefits.

What Does This Mean for You?

If...

Is Owning a Home Still the American Dream for Younger Buyers? Everyone has their own idea of the American Dream, and it's different for each person.

If you’re worried about a coming recession, you’re not alone. Over the past couple of years, there’s been a lot of recession talk. And many people worry, if we do have one, it would cause the unemployment rate to skyrocket. Some even fear that a spike in unemployment would lead to a rash of foreclosures similar to what happened 15 years ago.

However, the latest Economic Forecasting Survey from the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reveals that, for the first time in over a year, less than half (48%) of economists believe a recession will actually occur within the next year.

If those expert projections are correct, more people will lose their jobs in the upcoming year. And job losses of any kind are devastating for those people and their loved ones.

However, the question here is: will there be enough job losses to cause a wave of foreclosures that will crash the housing market? Based on historical context from Macrotrends and the Bureau of Labor Statistics...

Why the Economy Won’t Tank the Housing Market If you’re worried about a coming recession, you’re not alone.

When it comes to what’s happening in the housing market, there’s a lot of confusion going around right now. And, if you’re thinking about making a move, that can leave you with a lot of lingering questions.

1. What’s Next for Mortgage Rates?

Mortgage rates are higher than they’ve been in recent years. And, if you’re looking to buy a home, that impacts how much you can afford. That’s why so many buyers want to know what’s ahead for mortgage rates. The answer to that question is: no one can say for certain, but here’s what we know based on historical trends.

Over the past year, inflation was up, so mortgage rates were as well. But inflation is easing now. And this is why the Federal Reserve has recently paused their federal funds rate hikes, which means many experts believe mortgage rates will begin to come down.

2. Where Are Home Prices Headed?

While there’s been a lot of concern prices would come crashing down this year, data shows that didn’t...

Are the Top 3 Housing Market Questions on Your Mind? When it comes to what’s happening in the housing market, there’s a lot of confusion going around right now.

If you’re thinking about buying a home, you may find yourself interested in the latest real estate headlines so you can have a pulse on all of the things that could impact your decision. If that’s the case, you’ve probably heard mention of investors, and wondered how they’re impacting the housing market right now. That could leave you asking yourself questions like:

• How many homes do investors own?
• Are institutional investors, like large Wall Street Firms, really buying up so many homes that the average person can’t find one?

Let’s start with establishing how many single-family homes (SFHs) there are and what portion of those are rentals owned by investors. According to SFR Investor, which studies the single-family rental market in the United States, there are eighty-two million single-family homes in this country. But how many of them are actually rentals?

According to data shared in a recent post, sixty-eight million (82.93%) of those homes...

Is Wall Street Buying Up All the Homes in America? If you’re thinking about buying a home, you may find yourself interested in the latest real estate headlines so you can have a pulse on all of the things that could impact your decision.

Here are three reasons why homeowners feel thankful for their homes. First, it’s a safe place that can give you a greater sense of comfort, safety, and security. Second, it gives you freedom of expression. From the color of the paint to the art on the walls, you can express your style and your personality. Third, it provides a sense of community. Owning your home helps you build lasting friendships with neighbors and connects you to your community. If you're thinking of buying a home and want to hear more about the potential benefits, DM me.

Why Homeowners Feel Thankful for Their Homes [INFOGRAPHIC] Here are three reasons why homeowners feel thankful for their homes.

Countless people have set out on the exciting journey of homeownership. Ask around and you’ll find the vast majority are thankful they took the leap and bought a home. But why? It’s because of the many emotional and lifestyle benefits that come with being a homeowner.

It’s a Safe Haven

Owning a home goes beyond just having a roof over your head.

Your home is a place where you can truly relax and unwind. Knowing that you have a sanctuary to return to at the end of the day is a great source of comfort.

It’s a Canvas for Self-Expression

For many homeowners, their home is a reflection of who they are. Put simply, owning a home gives you the freedom to make changes and improvements that resonate with your personality.

It Helps You Feel More Connected to the Community

As NAR states: “Remaining in one neighborhood for several years allows you and your family time to build long-lasting relationships within the community.”

The sense of community where...

Why Homeowners Are Thankful They Own Countless people have set out on the exciting journey of homeownership.

If you’re feeling a bit muddy on what’s happening with home prices, that’s no surprise. Some people are still saying prices are falling, even though data proves otherwise. Part of that misconception is because people are getting their information from unreliable sources. But it’s also coming from some media coverage misrepresenting what the data really shows.

Normal Home Price Seasonality Explained

In the housing market, there are predictable ebbs and flows that happen each year. It’s called seasonality. Spring is the peak homebuying season when the market is most active. That activity is typically still strong in the summer but begins to wane as the cooler months approach.

Home prices follow along with seasonality because prices appreciate most when something is in high demand. That’s why there’s a reliable long-term home price trend.

This Year, Seasonality Has Returned

In a nutshell, nationally prices aren’t falling, it’s just that price...

Home Prices Still Growing – Just at a More Normal Pace If you’re feeling a bit muddy on what’s happening with home prices, that’s no surprise.

If you’re looking to make a move, you want to be sure you have the latest information on the housing market. To help make that possible, here’s an update on the supply of homes for sale today. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, the number of homes available in your local market matters to you. Take a look below.

What’s the Truth About Today’s Housing Inventory?

While the story for the past few years has been how few homes are on the market, recent national data may leave you feeling a bit confused. That’s because Realtor.com shows inventory is actually growing a bit month-over-month in many parts of the country.

As the map shows, nationally, housing supply increased just over 5% last month.

Does That Mean the Days of Limited Inventory Are Over?

As Lance Lambert, Founder, ResiClub Analytics, explains: “Housing market inventory is so far below pre-pandemic levels that October's big jump is still just a drop in the bucket.”

What does that...

Are There Actually More Homes for Sale Right Now? If you’re looking to make a move, you want to be sure you have the latest information on the housing market.

This time every year, homeowners who are planning to move have a decision to make: sell now or wait until after the holidays? Some sellers with homes already on the market may even remove their listing until the new year.

But the truth is, many buyers want to purchase a home for the holidays, and your house might be just what they’re looking for.

To help prove that point, here are four reasons you shouldn’t wait to sell your house.

1. The desire to own a home doesn’t stop during the holidays. A recent article from Investopedia says: “Anyone shopping for a new home between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is likely going to be a serious buyer. Putting your home on the market at this time of year and attracting a serious buyer can often result in a quicker sale.”

2. While the supply of homes for sale has increased a little bit lately, overall inventory is still lower than it was before the pandemic. What does that mean for you? If you work with an agent...

Is Your House the Top Thing on a Buyer’s Wish List this Holiday Season? This time every year, homeowners who are planning to move have a decision to make: sell now or wait until after the holidays?

Thinking of buying or selling a house and wondering what the new year holds for the housing market? Experts forecast home prices to end this year up 2.8% and to rise another 1.5% in 2024. And climbing prices help make homeownership a good investment. Plus, home sales are projected to increase in 2024. That’s good news because it means experts are forecasting more activity as people continue to move. If you're planning to buy or sell, it’s helpful to know what experts project for the housing market. Let’s connect to talk about the latest forecasts and craft a plan together.

2024 Housing Market Forecast [INFOGRAPHIC] Thinking of buying or selling a house and wondering what the new year holds for the housing market?

If you're thinking about buying or selling a home, you might have heard that it’s tough right now because mortgage rates are higher than they’ve been over the past few years, and home prices are rising. That much is true.

According to NAR, based on the pace of sales right now, just under 4 million homes will sell this year. With some simple math, let’s break down what that really means for you:

• 3.96 million homes divided by 365 days in a year = 10,849 houses sell each day
• 10,849 divided by 24 hours in a day = 452 houses sell per hour
• 452 divided by 60 minutes in an hour = about 8 houses sell each minute

So, on average, over 10,000 homes sell each day in this country. Whether you're a buyer or a seller, this goes to show there are still ways to make your move possible, even at a time when affordability is tight.

An Agent Can Help You Make Your Move a Reality

You may be wondering how other homebuyers and sellers are making this happen now...

People Are Still Moving, Even with Today’s Affordability Challenges If you're thinking about buying or selling a home, you might have heard that it’s tough right now because mortgage rates are higher than they’ve been over the past few years, and home prices are rising.

The new year is right around the corner, and you might be wondering if 2024 will be the right time to buy or sell a home. If you want to make the most informed decision possible, it’s important to know what the experts have to say about what's ahead for the housing market.

Experts Forecast Ongoing Home Price Appreciation

Looking forward, experts project home prices will continue to rise next year, but not quite as much as they did this year. Even though the expected rise in 2024 isn't as big as in 2023, it's important to understand home price appreciation is cumulative. That ongoing price growth is a big part of why owning a home can be a smart decision in the long run.

Projections Show Sales Should Increase Slightly Next Year

While expectations are for just a slight uptick in total sales, improved activity next year is a good thing for the housing market, and for buyers and sellers like you. As people continue to move, that opens up options for...

www.simplifyingthemarket.com

If you’re considering buying a home or selling your current one to find something that better suits your needs, you may have questions about what’s happening with home prices today. Here’s what you need to know.

There’s still a lot of confusion and misinformation out there. So, no matter what you may have heard, the national data shows they've actually been climbing again.

Home Prices Are Rising Across the Top Cities in the U.S.

After seeing steady home price growth at the national level for the last several months, you may wonder if prices are going up in your local area, too. Know this: while this will vary from one area to the next, home prices are appreciating in these top cities Case-Shiller reports on in their monthly price index.

Here’s How This Affects You

• For Buyers: If you've been waiting to buy a home because you were concerned it might lose value, the fact that home prices are going up should ease your worries. Buying a home before...

These Top Cities Show Home Prices Are Still Climbing If you’re considering buying a home or selling your current one to find something that better suits your needs, you may have questions about what’s happening with home prices today. 

Life is a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns, like the excitement of welcoming a new addition, retiring and starting a new adventure, or the bittersweet feeling of an empty nest. If something like this is changing in your own life, you may be considering buying or selling a house. That’s because through all these life-altering events, there is one common thread—the need to move.

Lean On a Real Estate Professional for Help

Whether you're beginning your search for a home or preparing to sell your current house, you don't have to go it alone. With their expertise, a real estate agent is an invaluable partner who can help you smoothly transition through these big moments in your life.

When Buying a Home

If you’re welcoming a new addition and want more space, the need for a new home may be a top priority. While higher home prices and mortgage rates are creating challenges for buyers, you may have to find a way to meet your changing...

www.simplifyingthemarket.com

VA home loans can help people who served our country become homeowners. These loans can help qualified individuals purchase a VA-approved home or condo, build a new home, or enhance their current one. Owning a home is the American Dream, and one way to show our appreciation to veterans is by providing them with important information about the advantages of VA home loans.

VA Loans Help Heroes Achieve Homeownership [INFOGRAPHIC] VA home loans can help people who served our country become homeowners.

For more than 79 years, Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans have helped millions of veterans buy their own homes. If you or someone you care about has served in the military, it's essential to learn about this program and its advantages.

Here are some important things to know about VA loans before you buy a home.

The Many Advantages of VA Home Loans

VA home loans provide a pathway to homeownership for those who have served our nation, and they’re a great benefit for buyers who qualify. According to the Department of Veteran Affairs:

• Options for No Down Payment: Qualified borrowers can often purchase a home with no down payment. That’s a huge weight lifted when you’re trying to save for a home.
• Limited Closing Costs: There are limits on the types of closing costs you pay when you qualify for a VA home loan. So, more money stays in your pocket when it’s time to seal the deal.
• Don’t Require Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI): Many other loans with...

How VA Loans Can Help Make Homeownership Dreams Come True For more than 79 years, Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans have helped millions of veterans buy their own homes.

Are you dreaming of buying your own home and wondering about how you’ll save for a down payment? You're not alone. Some people think about tapping into their 401(k) savings to make it happen. But before you decide to dip into your retirement to buy a home, be sure to consider all possible alternatives and talk with a financial expert. Here’s why.

The Numbers May Make It Tempting

It can be really tempting when you have a lot of money saved up in your 401(k) and you see your dream home on the horizon. But remember, dipping into your retirement savings for a home could cost you a penalty and affect your finances later on. That's why it's important to explore all your options when it comes to saving for a down payment and buying a home.

Alternative Ways To Buy a Home

Using your 401(k) is one way to finance a home, but it's not the only option. Before you decide, consider a couple of other methods, courtesy of Experian:

• FHA Loan: FHA loans allow...

Thinking About Using Your 401(k) To Buy a Home? Are you dreaming of buying your own home and wondering about how you’ll save for a down payment? You're not alone.

If you’re weighing your options to decide whether it makes more sense to rent or buy a home today, here’s one key data point that could help you feel more confident in making your decision. Every three years, the Federal Reserve Board releases the Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF). That report covers the difference in net worth for both homeowners and renters. Spoiler alert: the gap between the two is significant.

The average homeowner’s net worth is almost 40X greater than a renter’s.

One of the biggest reasons homeowner net worth skyrocketed is home equity.

Over the last few years, known as the ‘unicorn’ years for housing, home prices went through the roof. That’s because there weren’t enough homes for sale, and there was a big influx of buyers rushing to buy them and take advantage of the then record-low mortgage rates. That imbalance of supply and demand pushed prices higher and higher. As a result, most homeowners who had a home during that...

Homeowner Net Worth Has Skyrocketed If you’re weighing your options to decide whether it makes more sense to rent or buy a home today, here’s one key data point that could help you feel more confident in making your decision.

As the year winds down, you may have decided it's time to make a move and put your house on the market. But should you sell now or wait until January? While it may be tempting to hold off until after the holidays, here are three reasons to make your move before the new year.

Get One Step Ahead of Other Sellers

Typically, in the residential real estate market, homeowners are less likely to list their houses toward the end of the year.

Selling now, while other homeowners may hold off until after the holidays, can help you get a leg up on your competition. Start the process with a real estate agent today so you can get your house on the market before your neighbors do.

Get Your House in Front of Eager Buyers

A recent article from Investopedia says: “. . . if your house is up for sale in the winter and someone is looking at it, chances are that person is serious and ready to buy. Anyone shopping for a new home between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is...

Reasons To Sell Your House Before the New Year As the year winds down, you may have decided it's time to make a move and put your house on the market.

If you’re ready to buy a home but are having a hard time affording it on your own, or, if you have aging loved ones you need to care for, you might want to consider a multi-generational home. Living with siblings, parents, and even grandparents can help you save money, give or receive childcare, and spend quality time together. Let’s connect to find a home in our area that’s perfect for you and your loved one’s needs.

The Benefits of Buying a Multi-Generational Home [INFOGRAPHIC] If you’re ready to buy a home but are having a hard time affording it on your own, or, if you have aging loved ones you need to care for, you might want to consider a multi-generational home.

According to the latest data from Fannie Mae, 23% of Americans still think home prices will go down over the next twelve months. But why do roughly 1 in 4 people feel that way?

It has a lot to do with all the negative talk about home prices over the past year. Since late 2022, the media has created a lot of fear about a price crash and those concerns are still lingering.

The answer is simple. Listen to the professionals who specialize in residential real estate.

Market experts acknowledge that nationally, prices did dip down slightly late last year, but that was short-lived. Data shows prices have already rebounded this year after that slight decline in 2022.

What’s worth noting is that, just a few short weeks ago, the Fannie Mae forecast was for 3.9% appreciation in 2023. In the forecast that just came out, that projection was updated from 3.9% to 6.7% for the year. This increase goes to show just how confident experts are that home prices will...

Don’t Believe Everything You Read About Home Prices According to the latest data from Fannie Mae, 23% of Americans still think home prices will go down over the next twelve months.

Maybe you’re in the market for a home and are having a hard time finding the right one that fits your budget. Or perhaps you’re already a homeowner in need of extra income or a place for loved ones. Whether as a potential homebuyer or a homeowner with changing needs, accessory dwelling units, or ADUs for short, may be able to help you reach your goals.

What Is an ADU?

As AARP says:
• “An ADU is a small residence that shares a single-family lot with a larger, primary dwelling.”
• “An ADU is an independent, self-contained living space with a kitchen or kitchenette, bathroom and sleeping area.”
• “An ADU can be located within, attached to, or detached from the main residence.”

The Benefits of ADUs

• Living Close by, But Still Separate: According to Freddie Mac: “Having an accessory dwelling unit on an existing property has become a popular way for homeowners to offer independent living space to family members.”

• Aging in Place: Similarly, ADUs...

What Are Accessory Dwelling Units and How Can They Benefit You? Maybe you’re in the market for a home and are having a hard time finding the right one that fits your budget.

If you've been following the news recently, you might have seen articles about an increase in foreclosures and bankruptcies. That could be making you feel uneasy, especially if you're thinking about buying or selling a house.

But the truth is, even though the numbers are going up, the data shows the housing market isn’t headed for a crisis.

Foreclosure Activity Rising, but Less Than Headlines Suggest

In recent years, the number of foreclosures has been very low. That’s because, in 2020 and 2021, the forbearance program and other relief options were put in place to help many homeowners stay in their homes during that tough time.

When the moratorium ended, there was an expected rise in foreclosures. But just because they’re up, that doesn't mean the housing market is in trouble.

Foreclosure filings are still way lower than when the housing market crashed in 2008. The tremendous amount of equity American homeowners have in their homes can help...

Foreclosures and Bankruptcies Won’t Crash the Housing Market If you've been following the news recently, you might have seen articles about an increase in foreclosures and bankruptcies.

Do negative headlines and talk on social media have you feeling worried about the housing market? Maybe you’ve even seen or heard something lately that scares you and makes you wonder if you should still buy or sell a home right now.

Regrettably, when news in the media isn't easy to understand, it can make people feel scared and unsure. Similarly, negative talk on social media spreads fast and creates fear.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. Buying a home is a big decision, and it should be one you feel confident making. You should lean on a trusted real estate agent to help you separate fact from fiction and get the answers you need.

That agent will use their knowledge of what’s really happening with home prices, housing supply, expert forecasts, and more to give you the best possible advice.

The right agent will help you figure out what’s going on at the national level and in your local area.

They’ll debunk headlines using data you can trust...

A Real Estate Agent Helps Take the Fear Out of the Market Do negative headlines and talk on social media have you feeling worried about the housing market?

Here’s what you really need to know about a few myths causing fear in today’s housing market. Despite common misconceptions, many people can buy a home even if they have student loans, home prices are rising nationally (not falling), and you usually don’t have to have 20% for a down payment. If you have other fears or reservations about buying a home today, DM me so you have an expert to help clear those up.

Unmasking Scary Myths about Today’s Housing Market [INFOGRAPHIC] Here’s what you really need to know about a few myths causing fear in today’s housing market.

The idea of owning a home has always been a big part of the American Dream. It's a symbol of stability, independence, and having a place to truly call your own. But for Gen Z, the "Zoomers" born between 1997 and 2012, making that dream a reality can feel like quite the challenge today with higher mortgage rates and rising home prices.

But achieving that goal of owning your first home can still be attainable, even today, with some strategic planning and resourcefulness.

Explore Financing and Down Payment Assistance Options

With prices rising all around you, it can be hard to save up for a home. There are a lot more options out there than you may realize. According to Down Payment Resource, there are over 2,000 programs designed to help hopeful homebuyers with down payments and closing costs.

Consider Living with Relatives To Save

Many savvy Zoomers have made a strategic choice to live with relatives so they can get to their savings goals even...

Affordable Homeownership Strategies for Gen Z The idea of owning a home has always been a big part of the American Dream.

Are you wondering if it makes sense to buy a home right now? While today’s mortgage rates might seem a bit intimidating, here are two compelling reasons why it still may be a good time to become a homeowner.

Home Values Appreciate over Time

There’s been a lot of confusion around what’s happened with home prices over the past two years. While they did dip ever so slightly in late 2022, this year they’ve been appreciating at a more normal pace, which is good news for the housing market. And while looking at price movement over just a year or two can make you worry prices are usually this unpredictable, history shows in the long run, home values rise.

As prices rise, and as you pay down your mortgage, you build equity. Over time, that growing equity gives your net worth a boost.

Rent Keeps Going Up Through the Years

Another reason you may want to consider buying a home instead of renting is the never-ending rent hike. If you've ever felt the pinch...

Invest in Yourself by Owning a Home Are you wondering if it makes sense to buy a home right now?

When it comes to selling your house, you’re probably trying to juggle the current market conditions and your own needs as you plan your move.

One thing that may be working in your favor is how few homes there are for sale right now. Here’s what you need to know about the current inventory situation and what it means for you.

The Supply of Homes for Sale Is Far Below the Norm

When you’re selling something, it helps if what you’re selling is in demand, but is also in low supply. Why? That makes it even more desirable since there’s not enough to go around. That’s exactly what’s happening in the housing market today. There are more buyers looking to buy than there are homes for sale.

What That Means for You

Buyers have fewer choices now than they did in more typical years. And that’s why you could still see some great perks if you sell today. Because there aren’t enough homes to go around, homes that are priced right are still selling fast and the...

The Perks of Selling Your House When Inventory Is Low When it comes to selling your house, you’re probably trying to juggle the current market conditions and your own needs as you plan your move.

If you've ever dreamed of buying your own place, or selling your current house to upgrade, you're no stranger to the rollercoaster of emotions changing home prices can stir up.

But if you put off moving because you’re worried home prices might drop, make no mistake, they’re not going down. In fact, it's just the opposite.

Orphe Divounguy, Senior Economist at Zillow, explains changing home prices over the past 12 months this way: “The U.S. housing market has surged over the past year after a temporary hiccup from July 2022-January 2023. . . . That downturn has proven to be short lived as housing has rebounded impressively so far in 2023. . .”

Looking ahead, home price appreciation typically starts to ease up this time of year. As that happens, there’s some risk the media will confuse slowing price growth (deceleration of appreciation) with home prices falling (depreciation). Don’t be fooled. Slower price growth is still growth.

Why Are Home Prices...

Why Home Prices Keep Going Up If you've ever dreamed of buying your own place, or selling your current house to upgrade, you're no stranger to the rollercoaster of emotions changing home prices can stir up.