As the new year begins, buyers are increasingly attracted to newly built homes, which accounted for 15% of sales last year—a 17-year high. Key motivations include avoiding renovations, customization options, community amenities, low inventory of existing homes, energy efficiency, and smart home features. Having an agent is recommended for the buying process.
Tag Archives: homeownership
The Biggest Perks of Buying a Home This Winter!
Purchasing a home in winter can offer advantages like reduced competition and motivated sellers. Homes typically take longer to sell during this season, giving buyers more time to negotiate. Moreover, prices can be about 5% lower compared to summer, creating opportunities for savings and better deals.
What Will It Take for Prices To Come Down?
Home prices are unlikely to crash due to a significant mismatch between demand and supply in the housing market. Currently, there are more buyers than available homes, leading to sustained or rising prices. This issue stems from years of insufficient homebuilding post-2008 crisis. Local market conditions may vary, affecting price trends.
Sell Your House During the Winter Sweet Spot
Selling a house in winter can be advantageous due to reduced competition, as fewer homes are on the market. Serious buyers tend to look during this season, making them more likely to purchase. Listing now allows sellers to stand out before the influx of spring listings, maximizing their selling potential.
Should You Sell Your House or Rent It Out?
Many homeowners are increasingly considering renting their houses instead of selling them, with a rise from 47% in 2021 to 66% today. Factors to evaluate include the suitability of the property for renting, responsibilities of being a landlord, and associated costs. Ultimately, this choice hinges on personal financial and lifestyle goals.
Expect the Unexpected: Anticipating Volatility in Today’s Housing Market
The current housing market is experiencing volatility due to factors like economic data, unemployment rates, Federal Reserve decisions, and the presidential election. Mortgage rates are fluctuating, though a downward trend is anticipated. Partnering with a knowledgeable real estate agent can help navigate these changes and make informed buying or selling decisions.
Two Reasons Why the Housing Market Won’t Crash
The current housing market is stable, with demand exceeding supply, contrary to the conditions leading to the 2008 crash. Presently, there are only 4.2 months of home supply, and unemployment is low at 4.1%. These factors combined suggest that a housing market crash is highly unlikely in the near future.
Minnetonka First Time Home Buyer Assistance
Minnetonka introduces a generous down payment assistance program, making homeownership more affordable for first-time buyers. Eligibility requirements include income limits, credit score, and completion of a buyer education course. Assistance amount is based on income and purchase price, with up to $75,000 available. Loans have 0% interest and are forgiven by 5% annually.
The Top 5 Reasons You Need a Real Estate Agent when Buying a Home
Real estate agents provide invaluable expertise, guiding buyers through complex processes and ensuring their best interests are served. With industry knowledge, local insights, and negotiation skills, they help buyers make informed decisions and secure fair deals. In today’s dynamic market, their role is more crucial than ever. Trusting in their expertise is essential for successful real estate transactions.
Your Home is a Powerful Investment – So What’s Keeping You from Buying?
In 2023, concerns about a housing market crash were widespread, but home prices actually increased. This trend is consistent with historical data, as home values generally appreciate over time. High mortgage rates have deterred some buyers, but experts predict rates will decrease, potentially below 6%, making it a favorable time to consider purchasing a home.