Real Estate Blog - Buyers

A Smaller Home Could Be Your Best Option

Posted by Shane Andersen on March 21st, 2023

Many people are reaching the point in their lives when they need to decide where they want to live when they retire. If you’re a homeowner approaching this stage, you have several options to explore. Jessica Lautz, Deputy Chief Economist and Vice President of Research at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), says:

“As we see the transition of the large Baby Boomer generation age into retirement, it will be interesting to see if they move in with their Millennial and Gen Z children or if they stay put in their own homes.”

Lautz lists two options: move into a multigenerational home with loved ones, or stay in your current house. Multigenerational living is rising in popularity, but it isn’t an option for everyone. And staying put may…

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Should You Consider Buying a Newly Built Home?

Posted by Shane Andersen on March 14th, 2023

If you’re thinking about buying a home, you might be focusing on previously owned ones. But with so few houses for sale today, it makes sense to consider all your options, and that includes a home that’s newly built.

The Number of Newly Built Homes Is on the Rise

While there are more houses for sale right now than there were at this time last year, there’s still a historically low number of homes available on the market. One reason for that is years of underbuilding—meaning there haven’t been enough new homes built to keep up with demand.

The graph above shows how low the production of newly constructed homes has been over the past 14 years. But it also shows another important trend: the number of new homes being built each year is…

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Why It’s Easy To Fall in Love with Homeownership

Posted by Shane Andersen on March 13th, 2023

No matter how the housing market changes, there are some things about owning a home that never change—like the personal benefits it can provide. When you own your home, you likely feel a sense of attachment because of the comfort it gives and also because it’s a space that’s truly yours.

Over the last few years, we’ve fully embraced the meaning of our homes as we spent more time than ever in them. As a result, the emotional benefits our homes provide have become even more important to us.

As the most recent State of the American Homeowner from Unison puts it:

“. . . one thing has stayed the same: the home continues to be of the utmost importance and a place of security and comfort.”

The same study from Unison notes:

• 91%…

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What You Should Know About Closing Costs

Posted by Shane Andersen on March 10th, 2023

Before you buy a home, it’s important to plan ahead. While most buyers consider how much they need to save for a down payment, many are surprised by the closing costs they have to pay. To ensure you aren’t caught off guard when it’s time to close on your home, you need to understand what closing costs are and how much you should budget for.

What Are Closing Costs?

People are sometimes surprised by closing costs because they don’t know what they are. According to Bankrate:

“Closing costs are the fees and expenses you must pay before becoming the legal owner of a house, condo or townhome . . . Closing costs vary depending on the purchase price of the home and how it’s being financed . . .”

In other words, your closing costs are…

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How To Win as a Buyer in Today’s Housing Market

Posted by Shane Andersen on March 9th, 2023

Some Highlights

• In today’s housing market, you can still be the champion if you have the right team and strategy.
• To win as a buyer, you need to build your team, make strategic plays, consider what’s in and out of bounds, and stand out from the crowd.
• Let’s connect today to make your game-winning play.

THINKING OF SELLING AND/OR MOVING TO BROOKINGS, VOLGA, OR ANY SURROUNDING AREAS? GOT QUESTIONS? I’M HERE TO HELP! VISIT BROOKINGSHOMETEAM.COM FOR MORE DETAILS!

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Why Today’s Housing Market Isn’t Headed for a Crash

Posted by Shane Andersen on March 8th, 2023

67% of Americans say a housing market crash is imminent in the next three years. With all the talk in the media lately about shifts in the housing market, it makes sense why so many people feel this way. But there’s good news. Current data shows today’s market is nothing like it was before the housing crash in 2008.

Back Then, Mortgage Standards Were Less Strict

During the lead-up to the housing crisis, it was much easier to get a home loan than it is today. Banks were creating artificial demand by lowering lending standards and making it easy for just about anyone to qualify for a home loan or refinance an existing one.

As a result, lending institutions took on much greater risk in both the person and the mortgage products offered.…

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Number of Homes for Sale Up from Last Year, but Below Pre-Pandemic Years

Posted by Shane Andersen on March 6th, 2023

The biggest challenge in the housing market right now, and likely for years to come, is how few homes there are for sale compared to the number of people who want to buy. That’s why, if you’re thinking about selling your house, this is a great time to do so. Your house would be welcome in a market that has fewer homes for sale than it did in the years leading up to the pandemic.

According to the latest Monthly Housing Market Trends Report from realtor.com:

“There were 65.5% more homes for sale in January compared to the same time in 2022. This means that there were 248,000 more homes available to buy this past month compared to one year ago. While the number of homes for sale is increasing, it is still 43.2% lower than it was before…

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You May Not Need as Much as You Think for Your Down Payment

Posted by Shane Andersen on March 1st, 2023

Some Highlights

• Many people believe you need to put down 20% of the purchase price when you buy a home. But recent homebuyers actually put down far less on their purchase.
• And with programs like FHA loans, VA loans, and USDA loans, some qualified buyers are able to put down as little as 0-3.5%.
• Let’s connect to make sure you have a trusted lender and can find out if you’re ready to buy a home sooner rather than later.

THINKING OF SELLING AND/OR MOVING TO BROOKINGS, VOLGA, OR ANY SURROUNDING AREAS? GOT QUESTIONS? I’M HERE TO HELP! VISIT BROOKINGSHOMETEAM.COM FOR MORE DETAILS!

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Experts Forecast a Turnaround in the Housing Market in 2023

Posted by Shane Andersen on February 28th, 2023

The housing market has gone through a lot of change recently, and much of that was a result of how quickly mortgage rates rose last year.

Now, as we move through 2023, there are signs things are finally going to turn around. Home price appreciation is slowing from the recent frenzy, mortgage rates are coming down, inflation is easing, and overall market activity is starting to pick up. All of that’s great news for the housing market this year. Here’s what experts are saying.

Cristian deRitis, Deputy Chief Economist, Moody’s Analytics:

“The current state of the housing market is that it is certainly in transition.”

Susan Wachter, Professor of Real Estate and Finance, University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School:

“Housing…

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Homeownership Builds Your Wealth over Time

Posted by Shane Andersen on February 21st, 2023

Some Highlights

• If you’re thinking of buying a home this year, be sure to factor in the long-term benefits of homeownership.
• On average, nationwide, home prices appreciated by 288.7% over the last 32 years. That means homeowners grow their net worth significantly in the long term.
• Homeownership wins over time. Let’s connect so you can start your homebuying journey today.

THINKING OF SELLING AND/OR MOVING TO BROOKINGS, VOLGA, OR ANY SURROUNDING AREAS? GOT QUESTIONS? I’M HERE TO HELP! VISIT BROOKINGSHOMETEAM.COM FOR MORE DETAILS!

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