by Keeping Current Matters
Two positive trends have started to emerge that impact the 2019 Spring Housing Market. Mortgage interest rates for a 30-year fixed rate loan have dropped to new lows, right as reports show that wages have increased at their highest rate in decades!These two factors have helped keep housing affordable despite low supply of houses for sale driving up prices. First American’s Chief Economist, Mark Fleming, explains the impact,“Ongoing supply shortages remain the main driver of the performance gap as the housing market continues to face an inventory impasse – you can’t buy what’s not for sale.  However, an unexpected affordability surge, driven primarily by lower-than-anticipated mortgage rates, rising wages and favorable demographics, has boosted housing demand.”Mortgage interest rates had been on the rise for most of 2018 before . . .

by Keeping Current Matters
With home prices on the rise and buyer demand still strong, some sellers may be tempted to try to sell their homes on their own rather than using the services of a real estate professional.Real estate agents are trained and experienced in negotiation while, in most cases, the seller is not. Sellers must realize that their ability to negotiate will determine whether or not they get the best deal for themselves and their families.Here is a list of just some of the people with whom the seller must be prepared to negotiate with if they decide to For Sale by Owner (FSBO):The buyer, who wants the best deal possibleThe buyer’s agent, who solely represents the best interests of the buyerThe buyer’s attorney (in some parts of the country)The home inspection companies, which work for the buyer and will almost always find some problems with the houseThe . . .

by Keeping Current Matters
If you are debating purchasing a home right now, you are probably getting a lot of advice. Though your friends and family have your best interests at heart, they may not be fully aware of your needs and what is currently happening in the real estate market.Ask yourself the following three questions to help determine if now is a good time for you to buy in today’s market.1. Why am I buying a home in the first place?This is truly the most important question to answer. Forget the finances for a minute. Why did you even begin to consider purchasing a home? For most, the reason has nothing to do with money.For example, a study by realtor.com found that “73% said buying in a good school district was “important” in their search.”This report supports a study by the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University which revealed that the . . .

by Keeping Current Matters
One of the many benefits of owning your own home is the freedom to find your ‘furever’ friend. By pointing out the aspects of your home that make it ‘pet-friendly’ in your listing, you’ll attract these buyers, rather than alienating the 68% of American households that have a pet!If you are one of the many homeowners looking to list your home for sale, how do you stand out to the millions of pet parents searching for their dream home?Whether a dog person, a cat person, or someone who prefers the company of another pet species, 99% of pet owners say that they consider their animal to be family. When finding a home, 95% of animal owners believe it is important that a housing community allows animals.A study by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) revealed that there are many aspects of the home buying, selling and owning . . .

by Keeping Current MattersHere are five compelling reasons listing your home for sale this spring makes sense.1. Demand Is StrongThe latest Buyer Traffic Index from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows that buyer demand remains strong throughout the vast majority of the country. These buyers are ready, willing, and able to purchase… and are in the market right now! More often than not, multiple buyers are competing with each other for the same home.Take advantage of the buyer activity currently in the market.2. There Is Less Competition NowHousing inventory is still under the 6-month supply needed for a normal housing market. This means that, in most of the country, there are not enough homes for sale to satisfy the number of buyers.Historically, the average number of years a homeowner stayed in his or her home was six, but that number has hovered between . . .

by Keeping Current Matters
Spring has sprung, and it’s a great time to buy a home! Here are four reasons to consider buying today instead of waiting.1. Prices Will Continue to RiseCoreLogic’s latest U.S. Home Price Insights reports that home prices have appreciated by 4.4% over the last 12 months. The same report predicts that prices will continue to increase at a rate of 4.6% over the next year.Home values will continue to appreciate for years. Waiting no longer makes sense.2. Mortgage Interest Rates Are Projected to IncreaseFreddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey shows that interest rates for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage came in at 4.41% last week. Most experts predict that rates will rise over the next 12 months. The Mortgage Bankers Association, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the National Association of Realtors are in unison, . . .