4 Reasons to Buy Before Winter

 

by The KCM Crew on September 8, 2014    
                

It's that time of year, the seasons are changing and with them bring thoughts of the upcoming holidays, family get togethers, and planning for a new year. Those who are on the fence about whether now is the right time to buy don't have to look much farther to find four great reasons to consider buying a home now, instead of waiting.
 

1. Prices Will Continue to Rise

 

The Home Price Expectation Survey polls a distinguished panel of over 100 economists, investment strategists, and housing market analysts. Their most recent report released recently projects appreciation in home values over the next five years to be between 11.2% (most pessimistic) and 27.8% (most optimistic).
 

The bottom in home prices has come and gone. Home values will continue to appreciate for years. Waiting no longer makes sense.
 

2. Mortgage Interest Rates Are Projected to Increase

 

Although Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey shows that interest rates for a 30-year mortgage have softened recently, most experts predict that they will begin to rise later this year. The Mortgage Bankers Association, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the National Association of Realtors are in unison projecting that rates will be up almost a full percentage point by the end of next year.
 

An increase in rates will impact YOUR monthly mortgage payment. Your housing expense will be more a year from now if a mortgage is necessary to purchase your next home.
 

3. Either Way You are Paying a Mortgage

 

As a recent paper from the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University explains: “Households must consume housing whether they own or rent. Not even accounting for more favorable tax treatment of owning, homeowners pay debt service to pay down their own principal while households that rent pay down the principal of a landlord plus a rate of return. That’s yet another reason owning often does—as Americans intuit—end up making more financial sense than renting.”
 

4. It’s Time to Move On with Your Life

 

The ‘cost’ of a home is determined by two major components: the price of the home and the current mortgage rate. It appears that both are on the rise. But, what if they weren’t? Would you wait? Look at the actual reason you are buying and decide whether it is worth waiting. Whether you want to have a great place for your children to grow up, you want your family to be safer or you just want to have control over renovations, maybe it is time to buy.
 

Bottom Line

 

If the right thing for you and your family is to purchase a home this year, buying sooner rather than later could lead to substantial savings.

Real Estate: This Spring Will Be Different.

The KCM Crew. - Posted: 17 Apr 2014.

Just like May flowers, every spring the housing market blossoms as buyers come out ready to purchase their dream house. This spring, we believe we are going to see the strongest purchasing market we have seen in a decade.

Why are we so bullish on the housing market this spring?

Here are a few reasons:

MILLENNIALS

Contrary to many reports, this age demographic is READY, WILLING and ABLE to become homeowners. As a matter of fact, the latest National Association of Realtors’ gender study revealed that the Millennial generation has recently accounted for a greater percentage of all buyers than any other generation.

BABY BOOMERS

As prices have risen, so has the equity in many homes across American. Homeowners, having been shackled to their house because of low or negative equity for the last several years, are again free to make a move without worrying about bringing cash to a closing table in order to sell. We believe this new-found freedom will release a pent-up demand of sellers who want to move-up to the home they’ve always dreamed of or want to downsize their primary residence and also purchase a second home they can use for vacation, retirement or both.

BOTH PRICES and MORTGAGE RATES are on the RISE

As the economy improves, more and more Americans are regaining faith that their own personal finances are headed in a positive direction. With this new confidence, they want to take advantage of the opportunity that presents itself with real estate still undervalued in most parts of the country and mortgage rates being well below historic numbers.

A Home’s Cost vs. Price Explained

by The KCM Crew on April 2014.

We have often talked about the difference between COST and PRICE. As a seller, you will be most concerned about ‘short term price’ – where home values are headed over the next six months. As either a first time or repeat buyer, you must not be concerned about price but instead about the ‘long term cost’ of the home. Let us explain.

Recently, we reported that a nationwide panel of over one hundred economists, real estate experts and investment & market strategists projected that home values would appreciate by approximately 8% from now to the end of 2015.

Additionally, Freddie Mac’s most recent Economic Commentary & Projections Table predicts that the 30 year fixed mortgage rate will be 5.7% by the end of next year.

What Does This Mean to a Buyer?

Here is a simple demonstration of what impact these projected changes would have on the mortgage payment of a home selling for approximately $250,000 today:

Hispanic Millennials & Housing

by Jeymy Gonzalez on April 2, 2014    

Nielsen recently released their report “Millennials – Breaking the Myths” and today I want to focus on the information reported about Hispanic Millennials.

Of the 77 million Millennials, 19% are Hispanic. This group (age 18-36) is the most racially and ethnically diverse than any previous generation. According to this report, Nielsen expects the Hispanic population to grow by 167% by 2050.
Millennials are 14% first generation, and 12% second generation Americans, keeping strong ties to their home country, culture and language. For example:

1. 63% of the Millennials feel it is their responsibility to care for an elderly parent, according to Nielsen: “this is partially tied to the ethnic diversity of the generation. Typically ‘Hispanic and Asian Americans’ have cultural expectations that elderly family members will be cared for by the younger generations.”

This can help you to understand why when a Hispanic Millennial is looking for a home, they are requesting that extra bedroom.

2. 65% of Hispanic Millennials are U.S. Born and are more bilingual than other generations

• In 2003, 34% were Spanish dominant, 44% English dominant, 22% bilingual
• In 2013, 31% were Spanish dominant, 31% English dominant, 38% bilingual

"Today, the bilingual Hispanic is the dominant group within these Millennials.” According to this report, this is telling us that “Hispanics are choosing to speak more Spanish and maintain cultural ties.”

Where are they looking for homes?

This report revealed “62% of the Millennials prefer to live in the type of mixed-use communities found in urban centers where they live in close proximity to a mix of shopping, restaurants and offices. This is the first time since the 1920s where the growth in U.S. cities outpaces growth outside of the cities. And, 40 percent say they would like to live in an urban area in the future.

The “American Dream” is transitioning from the white picket fence in the suburbs to the historic brownstone stoop in the heart of the city” and the markets with a major concentration of Millennials reflect this desire:

Top 10 markets for Millennials (by %):

• Austin, TX (16%)
• Salt Lake City, UT (15%)
• San Diego, CA (15%)
• Los Angeles, CA (14%)
• Denver, CO (14%)
• Washington, DC (14%)
• Houston, TX (14%)
• Las Vegas, NV (14%)
• San Francisco, CA (14%)
• Dallas-Ft. Worth, TX (14%)

 

Millennials: Optimistic & Ready to Buy

by The KCM Crew

We believe that 2014 will be the year that Millennials re-enter the housing market in a big way. Because of that, we will be dedicating our blog posts each day this week to a better understanding of this generation. - The KCM Crew

A recent survey by the PulteGroup revealed that the Millennial generation has a more optimistic outlook regarding the American economy than other generations. According to the survey, 54% of Millennials believe the economy is in better shape today than it was last year compared to only 41% of the total population.

It seems this optimism is impacting purchasing decisions as 74% of Millennials view now as an excellent or good time to buy the things they want or need. Jim Zeumer, vice president of corporate communications for the PulteGroup explained:

"No other cohort of adults is nearly as confident about their economic future as the millennials are right now. This is definitely a change, as millennials have regularly been viewed as the disenfranchised generation vastly affected by the fallout of the recession. But now, with an increased sense of optimism, this generation is starting to feel as though they have the resources available to lead the lives they want or expect to in the future."

WHAT ABOUT HOUSING?

Specific to real estate, the survey indicated:

• 85% of Millennials plan to purchase a home in the future
• 49% plan to purchase a home in the next two years
• Of those planning to purchase in the near-term, 56 percent are current homeowners and 41 percent are renters
• 65% prefer spending more money on a home that is move-in ready compared to doing renovations
• 58% increased their interest in purchasing a home in the past year as the positive attributes of homeownership resonate with this generation.

If you, or anyone you know is thinking about buying or selling a home, feel free to contact me and find out why our services are above and beyond the competition.

Noemi Cardoso
William Raveis Real Estate
www.DistinctiveHomes-NE.com

Money Magazine: Buy Now Not Later

by The KCM Crew on March 24, 2014 in For Buyers

We have often suggested that potential home buyers consider rising interest rates when thinking about the true cost of a home. Remember, cost is not determined by price alone but by price and mortgage rate. The longer a buyer waits, the higher the mortgage payment will be if rates continue to increase (as is projected by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, the National Association of Realtors and the Mortgage Bankers Association).

Money Magazine, in its latest issue, agreed with our analysis as they also warned their readership of the same ramification if they waited to buy a home.

Here is what they said:

"BE MINDFUL OF RATES. The average interest rate on a 30-year fixed loan is predicted to climb from the current 4.4% to 5.3% by the 2015 spring buying season, according to Freddie Mac. For a $250,000 loan, that means that a borrower who waits would pay $136 more per month and an additional $49,090 in interest over the life of the loan. Will you need a big loan? Better to act soon before rates tick up."

And the monthly increase Money mentioned did not take into consideration that prices are also projected to increase over the next year. Here is what the additional cost would be if prices rise by the 4.5% projected by the latest Home Price Expectation Survey and interest rates go to 5.3%.

Home Sales Up in 3 of 4 Regions

Some industry gurus are questioning whether the housing momentum we saw early in 2013 began to dissipate later in the year. The more dramatic have claimed the housing sector is still on shaky ground. Others have blamed the slowdown in sales on a lack of consumer confidence or rising interest rates.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) just released their 2013 4th Quarter Housing Report. The report revealed that home sales numbers barely outperformed (an .08% increase) those in the 4th quarter of 2012.

We believe the leveling in home sales is directly attributable to a lack of salable listing inventory; specifically in the West.

Three of the four regions in the NAR report had an increase in sales: Northeast (+7.1%), Midwest (+2%) and South Regions (+3.6%). A big fall-off in sales occurred in the Western Region. The dramatic fall-off in the West (-8.1%) can be directly linked to a shortage of inventory in their hottest markets.

If the decrease in sales was caused by an eroding of consumer confidence and/or rising interest rates, we believe each region would have seen similar decreases.

by The KCM Crew on February 19, 2014 in For Sellers

Spring is just around the corner and this is the best time of the year to sell a home. If you are ready to sell your home and  are looking for an agent that work with your goal in mind give me a call and let's start working and get your home sold.

Noemi Cardoso
William Raveis Real Estate
Cell: 508-558-1945
www.DistinctiveHomes-NE.com

10 Things That Make a Home a Good Home

Buyers spend a lot of time looking at properties online, touring homes on the Sunday open house circuit, and talking to their real estate agent. They’re laser-focused on finding the best home that meets their needs. The problem is, buyers sometimes don’t take the long view of a property. They’re only looking at a home as a potential buyer — and not as someone who, years down the road, may also have to sell the property. Given that homes are such a big investment, there should be a little inside your head, picking away at your options and decisions.

As the home buying market starts to heat up again, here are ten things you should consider when choosing your next home.

1. Location, location, location

 

Perhaps nothing is more important than the three L’s, and there’s a reason why it’s said three times.

Location is extremely important when it comes time to sell. You can have the worst house in the world with the ugliest kitchen and bath. But put it on a great block or in a good school district, and your home will be coveted.

Location location location matters on so many different levels. At the highest level is the town where the house is located, then the school district, then the neighborhood and the block — right down to the location of the lot on the block. Keep all of this in mind when shopping. Also remember that while real estate markets rise and fall, no one can take a great location away from you.

2. The school district

 

The school district is right up there on the list of what’s most important to many buyers. It’s not uncommon for buyers to start their search based solely on the school district they want to be in. Parents want their kids to go to the best school, which can drive up prices of homes in those districts. Even though you might not have children, buying a home in a good school district is always smart. If the schools are desirable, homes tend to hold their value. As a homeowner, you should always be aware of how the schools are doing, not unlike being aware of your roof’s condition, the neighborhood development or city government.

3. The home’s position on the lot

 

Where the home sits on the lot in relation to the street or the overgrown oak are key elements in picking out a home. In the case of a condo, an end unit vs. an interior unit is a key consideration. You may have chosen the most beautifully renovated home in the best school district and figure all is good. But if the main living areas are shaded by a neighbor’s extension or the master bedroom looks into the neighbors’ family room, you may have a location problem. Light or privacy may not be a hot button for you, but chances are, they might be concerns for a future buyer.

4. Crime

 

It’s a good idea to check the latest crime figures for a neighborhood. It can give you a good snapshot about the number and severity of crimes over a time period. So much information is online nowadays that when you find your perfect home, a quick Internet search on the area should provide you with the much-needed information.

Most municipalities post their police blotters or crime statistics online these days.  Don’t freak out if you notice more crime than what you’d have expected. Crime, especially petty crime, is everywhere. If you’re new to the area, consult with your real estate agent if you have concerns.

5. Walkability

 

More than ever, ‘walkability’ is becoming a key factor in the search process.  There are entire websites, apps and algorithms that help people figure out how walkable their future home is. As a matter of fact, Zillow even has a Walk Score for most homes.  As people get out of their cars and slip into their Keds, they want a home in a walkable neighborhood. People put high value on the ability to walk to a store, school, work or public transportation.  The more we move away from cars and the more we see invested in public transportation over the coming decades, the more of a huge value-add walkability will become.

6. The neighborhood’s character

 

You may have found the absolute most perfect home, on the best block, in the best school district and on a great lot. But there could be circumstances outside your control that may give you pause — specifically, the character of the surrounding neighborhood.

Check out the area late at night, early morning and in the middle of the day. See if there are any odd weather or traffic patterns and try to observe some of the neighbors. You may even go so far as talking to some neighbors. It’s important to walk around, open your eyes and ears and make sure there isn’t anything you’re overlooking. That next-door neighbor practicing drums in the garage at 9 p.m. could be a source of immediate neighbor conflict. Go into it with eyes wide open.

7. Don’t buy the best house on the block

 

Simply put, avoid buying the best house on the block because there may not be any room for your investment to grow (unless you physically have the house moved to a better neighborhood). It’s better to buy the worst house on the best block, because you can improve the house to add value to an already great location.

8. Is it a fixer-upper?

 

If you’re buying a fixer-upper, make sure you understand what you’re getting into.  Did you set out to buy a home that needed work? Or does the home just happen to be in the most desirable neighborhood, the block of your dreams?

Do your homework upfront. If you want to build an extension or add another story to the property, make sure it is within local zoning or building codes. Have the property inspected so that you know exactly what you’re getting yourself into. Sometimes, what appears to be a simple kitchen needing cosmetic work turns out to be a huge project. Ask yourself repeatedly if your life can support a home renovation. Not only does a renovation take money, it takes time, energy and emotional stress.

9. Will the home hold its value?

 

A good real estate agent who’s been working the neighborhood for some time can vouch for the long-term value or investment potential of the property. But be sure to find ways to add value, or at least be certain the home will hold its value.

The market may be strong when you purchase, but ask yourself, “Am I in a seller’s market?” “What would happen to this property if the market changed tomorrow”? Check out the median home value in the neighborhood as it compares to neighborhoods around it. The Zillow Home Value Index gives you one, five, and 10-year snapshots of how home values have gone up or down in neighborhoods and cities.

10. Taxes, dues and fees

 

Many people overlook the monthly fees associated with homeownership. Nearly every property will have taxes, and any sort of planned community or homeowners association (HOA) will have regular assessments.

Be sure that the amount of property tax and assessments are clear from the get-go. If in doubt, go to city hall or do research online. If you’d be buying into a condo complex, be sure to get your hands on the meeting minutes, financials of the HOA and the condo documents. Any mention of changes coming down the pike?

Does the HOA seem well funded? It could take one quick $10K assessment to immediately affect property values if you need to turn around and sell your new home. And any uncertainty about the building, its integrity or the financials could scare off buyers when it’s time to sell.

Author: Brendon DeSimone

3 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Home

by The KCM Crew on January 20, 2014 in For Buyers

If you are thinking about purchasing a home right now, you are surely 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 real estate. Let’s look at whether or not now is actually a good time for you to buy a home.

There are three questions you should ask before purchasing in today’s market:

1. Why am I buying a home in the first place?

 

This truly is 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 finances. A study by the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University reveals that the four major reasons people buy a home have nothing to do with money:

• A good place to raise children and for them to get a good education
• A place where you and your family feel safe
• More space for you and your family
• Control of the space

What non-financial benefits will you and your family derive from owning a home? The answer to that question should be the biggest reason you decide to purchase or not.

2. Where are home values headed?

When looking at future housing values, we like the Home Price Expectation Survey. Every quarter, Pulsenomics surveys a nationwide panel of over one hundred economists, real estate experts and investment & market strategists about where prices are headed over the next five years. They then average the projections of all 100+ experts into a single number.

Here is what the experts projected in the latest survey:

• Home values will appreciate by 4.3% in 2014.
• The cumulative appreciation will be 28% by 2018.
• Even the experts making up the most bearish quartile of the survey still are projecting a cumulative appreciation of over 16.8% by 2018.

 

3. Where are mortgage interest rates headed?

 

A buyer must be concerned about more than just prices. The ‘long term cost’ of a home can be dramatically impacted by an increase in mortgage rates.

The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), the National Association of Realtors, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have all projected that mortgage interest rates will increase by approximately one full percentage over the next twelve months.

 

Bottom Line

Only you and your family can know for certain the right time to purchase a home. Answering these questions will help you make that decision.

So when you are ready feel free to contact me because I am ready when you are.

Noemi Cardoso
William Raveis Real Estate
508-558-1945
www.DistinctiveHomes-NE.com

Tapering Begins!

by The KCM Crew on December 23, 2013 in For Buyers, For Sellers

The Fed announced they would be pulling back some of their stimulus package which has helped the housing market by keeping long term mortgage rates at historic lows for the last few years. This should come as no surprise as the KCM Blog has been warning of this likelihood over the last several months.

We even went against the belief of the vast majority of economists who thought the Fed would wait until next year. In this month’s edition of KCM, we quoted Bill McBride of Calculated Risk:

“Although the consensus is the Fed will wait until 2014 to start to taper asset purchases, December is still possible.”

We also gave our members the following grouping of slides to help them explain the ramifications of the Fed’s decision during meetings with buyers and sellers.

 

What it Means to the Consumer

 

In an article in MarketWatch today, Lawrence Yun, the Chief Economist at NAR, explained that sellers looking to move-up (to a better school district or larger home) “need to realize that it could be more challenging a year from now.” Yun stated the average 30-year mortgage rate currently hovers at 4.3%, but that could rise to 5% or 5.5% next year.

What it Does NOT Mean to the Housing Market

 

Some reports will now claim that housing prices will have to drop as interest rates begin to rise. There is no historical evidence of this. Below is a chart showing the last four instances of mortgage rates rising dramatically and what happened to home values at the time.

Bottom Line

 

If a client is either a first time buyer or a move-up buyer, they should make the move earlier in 2014 instead of later as mortgage rates will probably increase as the year goes on.

Many people ask me when it is the right time to buy or sell. Well, the market is always moving and the right time depends on your personal circumstances. If you are  ready to move forward to that dream home, or downsize, or get a bigger house because the family is growing, or stop paying rent, or jumping into a new job to start with the new year...whatever your reason is, that is the right time for you.

If your time is right feel free to contact me so we can start a marketing campaign to get your home sold or start looking for that place you can call home.

Buying a Home? Don't Let Fear Get in Your Way

by The KCM Crew on December 9, 2013 in Millennials    

Our founder, Steve Harney, occasionally asks to do a personal post on what he sees as important to our industry. Today we are reposting one of his favorites from this past summer. Enjoy! – The KCM Crew

Last week, I was talking to a young couple I know that was about to close on their first home. They were riding the wild rollercoaster of current mortgage rate swings and were not happy about the mortgage process overall. Yet, when the conversation shifted to finally living in a home that they own, their disposition changed dramatically.

A smile came across their faces as they talked about decorating their son’s bedroom and how much he will enjoy the backyard. They talked about inviting friends over for dinner and their family over for the holidays. The more they talked, the more excited they became.

I asked them if many of their friends were also buying. I was shocked to find out that they weren’t. Why not? Their friends believed that homeownership was financially unobtainable right now. Many wanted to own but didn’t think they could afford the monthly mortgage payment. They decided to rent instead.

I said that, with interest rates and prices where they are today, owning a home might not be any more expensive than renting one. The couple agreed but said their friends were afraid; afraid they might not qualify for a loan, afraid to handle negotiations with a seller, afraid of the home buying process itself.

Wow!

People should not make decisions out of fear! I’m not saying that every young person should own a home. I am saying that anyone that is qualified and wants to buy should not be afraid of the process. I realize the process may seem daunting but realize over 10,000 homes sell every day in this country. Sit down and discuss your goals with professionals from both the real estate and mortgage industries. Get the facts. Make an informed decision. Don’t let the fear of the unknown prevent you from living the life of your dreams.

When Will Mortgage Rates Hit 5%?

by The KCM Crew on November 26, 2013 in Interest Rates 

The big question for homebuyers is when interest rates will begin to rise to the 5% mark. The effect of a rise in mortgage rates could be a dramatic increase in the monthly mortgage payment when purchasing a home. In an article last week, HousingWire quoted two different sources regarding this issue.

Most experts are projecting that rates will rise when the Fed decides to taper the purchase of bonds which has acted as a stimulus to the housing market by keeping long term mortgage rates at historic lows.
In the article, Sterne Agee’s managing director and chief economist Lindsey Piegza pointed out:

"Federal Reserve officials said they might reduce their monthly bond buying program from $85 billion 'in coming months' as the economy continues to improve."

The article also quotes Frank Nothaft, chief economist with Freddie Mac:

“By the end of 2014, rates will probably approach and perhaps touch 5%. A reason we see the uptick in rates is that I do think some point the Federal Reserve will start to taper and scale back its very active purchase on long-term Treasuries and mortgage-backed securities.”

Rates will hit 5% sometime in 2014. It might be better to buy sooner rather than later.

If you are ready to make a move before you only think about the good old days call me and let's start looking for you dream home.

Noemi Cardoso
William Raveis Real Estate
Cell: 508-558-1945
www.DistinctiveHomes-NE.com

5 Reasons to Buy A Home Now Instead of Spring

by The KCM Crew on November 25, 2013 in For Buyers

Based on prices, mortgage rates and soaring rents, there may have never been a better time in real estate history to purchase a home than right now. Here are five major reasons purchasers should consider buying:

Supply Is Shrinking

With inventory declining in many regions, finding a home of your dreams may become more difficult going forward. There are buyers in more and more markets surprised that there is no longer a large assortment of houses to choose from. The best homes in the best locations sell first. Don’t miss the opportunity to get that ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ buy.

Price Increases Are on the Horizon

Prices are projected to appreciate by over 25% from now to 2018. First home buyers will probably pay more both in price and interest rate if they wait until the spring. Even if you are a move-up buyer, it will wind-up costing you more in net dollars as the home you will buy will appreciate at approximately the same rate as the house you are in now.

Owning a Home Helps Create Family Wealth

Whether you are rent or you own the home you are leaving in, you are paying a mortgage. Either you are paying your mortgage or your landlord’s. The Fed, in a recent study, revealed that the net worth of the average homeowner is 30 times greater than that of a renter.

Interest Rates Are Projected to Rise

The Mortgage Bankers Association, the National Association of Realtors, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae have all projected that the 30-year mortgage interest rate will be over 5% by the end of 2014. That is an increase of almost one full point over current rates.

Buy Low, Sell High

We would all agree that, when investing, we want to buy at the lowest price possible and hope to sell at the highest price. Housing can create family wealth as long as we follow this simple principle. Today, real estate is selling ‘low’ compared to where it will be next year. It’s time to buy.

Noemi Cardoso
William Raveis Real Estate
508-55-1945
www.DistinctiveHomes-NE.com

5 Reasons to Sell Before Spring

by The KCM Crew on November 2013 in For Sellers

Many sellers feel that the spring is the best time to place their home on the market as buyer demand increases at that time of year. However, the fall and winter have their own advantages. Here are five reasons to sell now.

Only Serious Buyers Are Out

At this time of year, only those purchasers who are serious about buying a home will be in the marketplace. You and your family will not be bothered and inconvenienced by mere 'lookers'. The lookers are at the mall or online doing their holiday shopping.

There Is Far Less Competition

Housing supply always shrinks dramatically at this time of year. The choices for buyers will be limited. Don't wait until the spring when all the other potential sellers in your market will put their homes up for sale.

The Process Will Be Quicker

One of the biggest challenges of the 2013 housing market has been the length of time it takes from contract to closing. Banks have been inundated with both purchase and refinancing loan requests. Both of these will slow in the winter cutting timelines and the frustration these delays cause both buyers and sellers.

There Will Never Be a Better Time to Move-Up

If you are moving up to a larger, more expensive home, consider doing it now. Prices are projected to appreciate by over 25% from now to 2018. If you are moving to a higher priced home, it will wind-up costing you more in raw dollars (both in down payment and mortgage payment) if you wait. You can also lock-in your 30 year housing expense with historically low interest rates right now. There is no guarantee rates will remain at these levels in years to come.

It's Time to Move On with Your Life

Look at the reason you decided to sell in the first place and decide whether it is worth waiting. Is money more important than being with family? Is money more important than your health? Is money more important than having the freedom to go on with your life the way you think you should?
You already know the answers to the questions we just asked. You have the power to take back control of the situation by pricing your home to guarantee it sells. The time has come for you and your family to move on and start living the life you desire. That is what is truly important.

Noemi Cardoso
William Raveis Real Estate
Serving MA & RI
Cell: 508-558-1945
www.DistinctiveHomes-NE.com

Where Prices are Headed over the Next 5 Years

KCM Team - November 12th, 2013.

Today, many real estate conversations center on housing prices and where they may be headed. That is why we like the Home Price Expectation Survey. Every quarter, Pulsenomics surveys a nationwide panel of over one hundred economists, real estate experts and investment & market strategists about where prices are headed over the next five years. They then average the projections of all 100+ experts into a single number.

The results of their latest survey

The latest survey was released last week. Here are the results:

• Home values will appreciate by 4.3% in 2014.
  
• The average annual appreciation will be 4.2% over the next 5 years 
  

The cumulative appreciation will be 28% by 2018.

Even the experts making up the most bearish quartile of the survey still are projecting a cumulative appreciation of over 16.8% by 2018.

Individual opinions make headlines. We believe the survey is a fairer depiction of future values.

Chicken Little is Wrong: Homeownership Still the American Dream

 

by The KCM Crew on November 4, 2013 in For Buyers

After the harrowing challenges experienced by so many homeowners over the last few years, many housing experts had predicted that the belief in homeownership as a major element of the American Dream would soon die. There is now conclusive evidence that these experts were wrong. As we reported back in September, The Joint Center of Housing Studies at Harvard University completed a study which concluded:

"The long term cultural preference for owning seems to have weathered the recent housing crisis."

Now, a second source recently announced similar results. Fannie Mae just released their National Housing Survey of Delinquent Mortgage Borrowers. The survey asked questions about the value of homeownership to the most sensitive of all groups – those delinquent on their mortgages. Here is what they found:

Of those delinquent borrowers:

• 74% still see homeownership as better than renting when building up wealth
• 71% still see homeownership as better than renting when saving for retirement
• 73% still see homeownership as better than renting for overall financial stability
• 80% still see homeownership as better than renting as an investment plan
• 70% still see homeownership as better than renting for creating an overall tax strategy

Bottom Line

Homeownership has always been and will always be a crucial piece of the American Dream.

Noemi Cardoso
William Raveis Real Estate
Westport MA 02790
Cell: 508-558-1945
www.DistinctiveHomes-NE.com

What to Consider When Buying a Second Home

Today we are happy to have Mark Scheets, a writer for Total Mortgage Services, as our guest blogger. – The KCM Crew

Sooner or later you may reach a point in your life where you are financially stable and plan to purchase a second home.  For the most part, people who look to buy a second home are either looking at it as an investment or somewhere to vacation.  It is important to become familiar with the process when looking for and making the decision to purchase a second home.

Purchasing a second home is similar to the purchase of your first home, but there are also some important differences that you may not be aware of.  Two of the most important things to consider when buying a second home are to know what you’re looking for and how much you can spend before beginning the process.

When considering buying a second home, timing is a big aspect of the purchasing decision.  If you are in the middle of your career or ready to retire, you need to ask yourself what is the point of buying a second home.  Many homeowners will ask themselves “Do I want to use this home as a personal retreat or as a rental property?” Another question often asked is “Can I afford this?”  You may have to wait 6 months or a year, but having a good understanding of the current market and knowing when you are planning on making the purchase, will get you what you want.

Get Help

 

One step that will benefit you when looking for a home, is hiring an agent.  Most people find their agents through friends, family members or colleagues.  The agent’s job and expertise is in helping guide you down the correct path and being there to answer whatever questions you may have.

Do Your Research

 

Your second home can be whatever you want it to be, but one thing to keep in mind is that the location and property need to be a good fit with your current lifestyle.  A good idea for buying an investment property is to make sure that it is somewhat near your current home, in order to be close to it in case of an emergency. 

When considering a vacation home, especially one that is far away, it is a good idea to talk to the locals who live there to get their prospective on the area.  This is important because you will not be at the house year round; and you need to see yourself enjoying living there.

Whether you have planned to purchase a second home for years, or have finally started considering it, it is extremely important to make sure all of your finances are in order.  It is a good idea to know exactly what is needed financially to get your plan into motion.   When applying for a second mortgage, there will be stricter lending and mortgage requirements, especially if you will not be living in that home.

Be Prepared

 

Another aspect to take into consideration is your taxes, which will be based on the use of your second home.  The IRS has declared “if you live in your home for more than 14 days, or more than 10% of the time you rent it out in a year, then it is considered your personal residence”.  If these conditions are not met, your home will be considered a rental property and you must report all rental receipts as income.

When the time comes to finally figuring out how to purchase your home, weighing your options are important.  It’s good to know that buying an existing home is far cheaper than buying land and building.  Many people with second homes have made financial mistakes with their home and are looking to sell quickly to cut their losses and move on.  This fact could help a buyer if the house is similar to what they are looking for, as it can be had for a cheaper price.

A mortgage on a second home will have a higher interest rate than one on a first home.  It might be a good idea to consider a home equity line of credit (HELOC).  A HELOC allows the buyer to tap into their existing home’s equity so that you can provide a bigger down payment.

Protect Yourself

 

If the time ever comes where you decide you would like a second home, make sure that you do your research.  Being aware of what you are getting into is always smart before diving in.  There are various differences between the ownership of a primary home compared to a secondary home and knowing these differences will help out immensely.  However you decide to use it, those who pursue the ownership of a second home will have to take extra precautions in protecting their investment.

Westport and its surrounding areas, bathed by Buzzards Bay are an ideal location for a second home. If you are considering to join us for the beautiful summers in New England give me.

Noemi Cardoso
Local Office. Local Agents. Local Knowledge.
Serving MA & RI Coasts
www.DistinctiveHomes-NE.com
 

Top 10 Reasons To Hire A Real Estate Agent

Courtesy of: Park City Real Estate – JensenandCompany.com

Noemi Cardoso
William Raveis Real Estate
Mobile: 508-558-1945
Noemi.Cardoso@raveis.com

 

Real Estate without Freddie and Fannie

by THE KCM CREW on AUGUST 13, 2013 

in FOR BUYERS, FOR SELLERS

“The good news is right now there’s a bipartisan group of senators working to end Fannie and Freddie as we know them. And I support these kinds of reform efforts."

- President Obama, August 6th

Ending Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae will mean two things to the housing industry: higher rates and probably shorter mortgages. This will result in larger monthly mortgage payments.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are government run agencies that have propped up a troubled real estate market over the last several years. The agencies always had a place within the mortgage sector but over the past several years have been involved in over 90% of new mortgage originations. As they wind down this involvement, the mortgage space may change dramatically.

David Stevens, CEO of the Mortgage Bankers Association and a former Obama administration housing official, in a recent AP article explains what will be the result of winding down Fannie and Freddie:

 

“You have to assume that almost in any future model being drafted, loans will be more expensive.”

This will be felt in two ways.

Higher Interest Rates

In the same AP article, Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Analytics, reveals:

 

“It will mean higher mortgage rates. The question is how much higher.”

According to Zandi, borrowers could pay about ½ point higher in interest rate ($75-$135 extra in interest payments per month to the average purchaser on a $200,000 loan).

 

Why a projected increase in rates? The average 30 year mortgage rate over the last three decades is 8.69%. From 2003-2008, it was 6.06%. Part of the government’s stimulus program was spent on keeping mortgage rates low while the economy recovered. Many think that rates will return to the 6-6.5 range should Fannie and Freddie cease operations.
 

Shorter Loan Terms

 

Once Freddie and Fannie no longer exist, the question becomes whether or not the private sector will any longer feel comfortable issuing a fixed rate loan for 30 years. In Canada, for example, they don’t even have 30 year fix rate mortgages available. The vast majority of Canadian home loans have a 25 year payout with the interest rate being renegotiated every five years. If rates go down, the borrower will wind up with a lower rate. If rates go up, the borrower ends up paying a higher rate. If you want a fixed rate mortgage for 25 years you pay a rate approximately two percentage points higher than the going rate at the time of your closing.

Some believe that the private sector will no longer make the 30 year mortgage option available for at least a portion of borrowers.

Bottom Line

It will be interesting to see how the winding down of the two agencies impacts the housing market going forward.

Noemi Cardoso
William Raveis Real Estate
508-558-1945
www.DistinctiveHomes-NE.com
 

Buying or Selling a Home? Where Are Values Headed?

by The KCM Crew on August 12, 2013

Today, many real estate conversations center around housing prices and where they may be headed. Some believe rapidly rising prices have created a new ‘housing bubble’. Others believe that the sudden rise in interest rates will impact purchasing power to such a degree that it will force prices downward. There is no lack of opinions and there is absolutely no consensus.

That is why we like the Home Price Expectation Survey. Every quarter, Pulsenomics surveys a nationwide panel of over one hundred economists, real estate experts and investment & market strategists about where prices are headed over the next five years. They then averages the projections of all 100+ experts into a single number.

The results of their latest survey

The latest survey was released last week. Here are the results:

• Home values will appreciate by 6.7% in 2013.
• The average annual appreciation will be 4.7% over the next 5 years
• The cumulative appreciation will be 23.7% by 2017.
• Even the experts making up the most bearish quartile of the survey still are projecting a cumulative appreciation of over 13% by 2017.

Individual opinions make headlines. We believe the survey is a fairer depiction of future values

Noemi Cardoso
William Raveis Real Estate
508-558-1945
www.DistinctiveHomes-NE.com