Metro Area Wealth Gains from Homeownership as of 2020 Q2

https://ift.tt/3kOxGik

Homeownership Metro Area Wealth Gains as of 2020 Q2

Among all families, the ownership of a primary residence typically accounts for 90% of total wealth.

from written by https://ift.tt/3mEDuM0
via IFTTT

Ps – please let me know if you know of anyone ready to buy or sell real estate. I would love to help!

Peter Murray, Broker
Murray & Co. Real Estate
301-452-5614 | peter@mcre.com
http://www.mcre.com

Should I Renovate My House Before I Sell It? [INFOGRAPHIC]

https://ift.tt/3mBoIFH

Should I Renovate My House Before I Sell It? [INFOGRAPHIC] | Simplifying The Market

Should I Renovate My House Before I Sell It? [INFOGRAPHIC] | Simplifying The Market

Some Highlights

  • In today’s hyper-competitive market, buyers are often willing to overlook cosmetic or minor repair needs if it means snagging a home in their price range.
  • With so few houses available for sale today, you may be able to skip the bigger renovations before you sell and cash in on the current demand for your house.
  • If you’re ready to move, let’s connect to determine your best next steps in this sellers’ market.

from Simplifying the Market™
via IFTTT

Ps – please let me know if you know of anyone ready to buy or sell real estate. I would love to help!

Peter Murray, Broker
Murray & Co. Real Estate
301-452-5614 | peter@mcre.com
http://www.mcre.com

Link to article: https://ift.tt/31YzcqC

September 2020 Pending Home Sales

https://ift.tt/3jFh37i

September 2020 Pending Home Sales

September’s pending home sales pace declined 2.2 last month but rose substantially 20.5% from a year ago.

from written by https://ift.tt/2HMTzQP
via IFTTT

Ps – please let me know if you know of anyone ready to buy or sell real estate. I would love to help!

Peter Murray, Broker
Murray & Co. Real Estate
301-452-5614 | peter@mcre.com
http://www.mcre.com

Instant Reaction: Mortgage Rates, October 29, 2020

https://ift.tt/2HKIyQ0

Instant Reaction: Mortgage Rates

With mortgage rates hovering near record lows, expect real estate to continue to stay strong, boosting economic growth.

from written by https://ift.tt/3e5DLV8
via IFTTT

Ps – please let me know if you know of anyone ready to buy or sell real estate. I would love to help!

Peter Murray, Broker
Murray & Co. Real Estate
301-452-5614 | peter@mcre.com
http://www.mcre.com

Instant Reaction: Third Quarter GDP, October 29, 2020

https://ift.tt/3jCei6J

Instant Reaction: Third Quarter GDP, October 29, 2020

The economy is now out of the technically deepest recession in US history as the GDP rose at an annualized rate of 33.1% in the third quarter.

from written by https://ift.tt/35OaMRI
via IFTTT

Ps – please let me know if you know of anyone ready to buy or sell real estate. I would love to help!

Peter Murray, Broker
Murray & Co. Real Estate
301-452-5614 | peter@mcre.com
http://www.mcre.com

Three Ways Low Inventory Is a Win for Sellers

https://ift.tt/37RLa9i

Three Ways Low Inventory Is a Win for Sellers | Simplifying The Market

The number of houses for sale today is significantly lower than the high buyer activity in the current housing market. According to Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for the National Association of Realtors (NAR):

“There is no shortage of hopeful, potential buyers, but inventory is historically low.”

When the demand for homes is higher than what’s available for sale, it’s a great time for homeowners to sell their house. Here are three ways low inventory can help you win if you’re ready to make a move this fall.

1. Higher Prices

With so many more buyers in the market than homes available for sale, homebuyers are frequently entering into bidding wars for the houses they want to purchase. This buyer competition drives home prices up. As a seller, this can definitely work to your advantage, potentially netting you more for your house when you close the deal.

2. Greater Return on Your Investment

Rising prices mean homes are also gaining value, which drives an increase in the equity you have in your home. In the latest Homeowner Equity Insights Report, CoreLogic explains:

“In the second quarter of 2020, the average homeowner gained approximately $9,800 in equity.”

This year-over-year growth in equity gives you the ability to put that money toward a down payment on your next home or to keep it as extra savings.

3. Better Terms

When we’re in a sellers’ market like we are today, you’re in the driver’s seat if you sell your house. You have the power to sell on your terms, and buyers are more likely to work with you if it means they can finally move into their dream home.

So, is low housing inventory a big deal?

Yes, especially if you want to sell your house at the perfect time. Today’s market gives sellers immense negotiating power. However, it won’t last forever, especially as more sellers return to the housing market next year. If you’re considering selling your house, the best time to do so is now.

Bottom Line

If you’re interested in taking advantage of the current sellers’ market, let’s connect today to determine your best move in our local market.

from Simplifying the Market™
via IFTTT

Ps – please let me know if you know of anyone ready to buy or sell real estate. I would love to help!

Peter Murray, Broker
Murray & Co. Real Estate
301-452-5614 | peter@mcre.com
http://www.mcre.com

Link to article: https://ift.tt/35NRzjr

First-time Buyer Share Declines to 31% in September 2020 But Still Hits 2 Million

https://ift.tt/35GDlRk

First-time Buyer Share Declines to 31% in September

With intense buyer competition, rising prices, and higher credit qualifications, the share of first-time buyers continued to decline in September.

from written by https://ift.tt/3oChbrM
via IFTTT

Ps – please let me know if you know of anyone ready to buy or sell real estate. I would love to help!

Peter Murray, Broker
Murray & Co. Real Estate
301-452-5614 | peter@mcre.com
http://www.mcre.com

Buyer Interest Is Growing among Younger Generations

https://ift.tt/37LPkiX

Buyer Interest Is Growing among Younger Generations | Simplifying The Market

The demand for homes this year is extraordinary as record-breaking numbers of hopeful buyers continue to shop for homes. In a normal year, the peak homebuying season comes to a close by early fall. However, 2020 is anything but a normal year, and the housing market is no exception. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for the National Association of Realtors (NAR), explains:

Home sales traditionally taper off toward the end of the year, but in September they surged beyond what we normally see during this season…I would attribute this jump to record-low interest rates and an abundance of buyers in the marketplace, including buyers of vacation homes given the greater flexibility to work from home.”

What’s drawing so many buyers to the market?

As Yun mentioned, record-low interest rates are key. Today’s rates are strengthening purchasing power for buyers, too. Sam Khater, Chief Economist at Freddie Mac, emphasizes:

“Mortgage rates today are on average more than a full percentage point lower than rates over the last five years.”

If you’re a homebuyer right now, there’s no question that you want to take advantage of this opportunity – and you’re not alone. Competition among buyers is definitely increasing as more buyers enter the market and mortgage interest rates remain so low.

Who’s planning to buy a home right now?

Today’s affordability is appealing to all generations and seems to be especially attractive to younger buyers who want to begin growing their wealth through homeownership. There’s a distinct increase this year in the percentage of those in younger generations searching for homes. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) notes:

“Between the third quarters of 2019 and 2020, the share of Gen Z adults planning a home purchase rose three points to 14%. Millennials, however, are the generation most likely to be considering buying a home (22%).”

Here’s a graph showing the year-over-year increase in homebuying interest by generation:Buyer Interest Is Growing among Younger Generations | Simplifying The MarketAccording to Mark Fleming, Chief Economist for First American, millennials are reaching their prime home-buying years, a likely driver in this increase:

“Record low mortgage rates and millennials continuing to age into their prime home-buying years has boosted demand, but a lack of housing supply remains a challenge.”

What’s the biggest challenge for today’s buyers?

Finding a home, however, as Fleming notes above, is clearly a challenge today. Yun also explains:

“There is no shortage of hopeful, potential buyers, but inventory is historically low.”

With so many buyers actively searching for homes this year and so few houses for sale, it’s more important than ever to work with a trusted real estate professional to navigate today’s market. From pre-approval to bidding wars and guidance on down payment assistance resources, having an agent by your side might make the difference in your ability to land your dream home.

Bottom Line

Let’s connect if you’re ready to buy a home. More buyers mean more competition, so you need an expert guide to help you stand out from the crowd.

from Simplifying the Market™
via IFTTT

Ps – please let me know if you know of anyone ready to buy or sell real estate. I would love to help!

Peter Murray, Broker
Murray & Co. Real Estate
301-452-5614 | peter@mcre.com
http://www.mcre.com

Link to article: https://ift.tt/3otFR61

How Down Payment Assistance Opens the Door to Homeownership

https://ift.tt/2Tqe5cc

How Down Payment Assistance Opens the Door to Homeownership | Simplifying The Market

Many people are eager to buy a home right now while affordability continues to be a highlight of the current housing market. However, a recent survey by Sparks Research shows that 20% of first-time homebuyers cite a lack of financial education as a barrier to homeownership. This is definitely understandable. If you don’t feel comfortable with the financial process of buying a home, it’s hard to make a confident decision. In fact, four in five homebuyers say they need help to understand what they can even afford in the first place. This is why finding the right professionals to help you through the process is so important.

On top of that, the same survey reports over two-thirds of prospective homebuyers believe they’ll need assistance to save enough for a down payment. What they may not realize is that there are a lot of down payment assistance programs at the state and regional levels, and many of them have funds available for potential buyers. Down Payment Resources recently released its Q3 2020 Homeownership Program Index, which explains:

“The number of total programs is 2,340, and over 81 percent (81.1%) of programs currently have funds available for eligible homebuyers.”

Down Payment Assistance Programs Are Not Only for First-Time Homebuyers

Keep in mind, these programs aren’t just for first-time homebuyers, so it’s worth exploring your options no matter where you are in your homeownership journey. For example, if you’re working from home now, you may be thinking of relocating to a more affordable area where you can stretch your dollar further and have more space, inside and out. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for the National Association of Realtors (NAR), explains:

“Rural areas have mortgages (USDA loans) that don’t require down payments; and some workers who can work from home may want to consider outer suburbs or small towns where USDA home loans are available and where homes are very affordable.”

If affordability is on your mind and you’re expecting to be working from home long-term, the right home may be in an area you haven’t considered yet. In addition, the assistance program you need might be within reach too.

If you’re interested in learning more about down payment assistance programs, additional information is available through Down Payment Resource. Your real estate advisor can help you decide which option is best for you personally.

Bottom Line

Thanks to a range of down payment assistance programs, affordable options are out there for today’s hopeful homebuyers. It’s important to get the financial education you need to understand the homebuying process and accomplish your real estate goals. Let’s connect today to get you started on the path to your dream home.

from Simplifying the Market™
via IFTTT

Ps – please let me know if you know of anyone ready to buy or sell real estate. I would love to help!

Peter Murray, Broker
Murray & Co. Real Estate
301-452-5614 | peter@mcre.com
http://www.mcre.com

Link to article: https://ift.tt/3kzUd27

Fewer People Need Unemployment Benefits; New Claims Dropped by 9% Last Week

https://ift.tt/3dWj9P4

New Unemployment Claims Dropped 9% Last Week

New and total unemployment claims dropped significantly last week, implying that there is job creation and people are able to find jobs again.

from written by https://ift.tt/3jA0OIG
via IFTTT

Ps – please let me know if you know of anyone ready to buy or sell real estate. I would love to help!

Peter Murray, Broker
Murray & Co. Real Estate
301-452-5614 | peter@mcre.com
http://www.mcre.com