Categories
Home Buying Home Selling Real Estate

The Changing Face of Home Buyers

The National Association of Realtors created this great visual that shows how things have changed in the last 30 years.

Categories
Home Buying Home Prices Home Selling Real Estate

My 2022 Crystal Ball

Sorry, I don’t have one. That said, I am not sure even the best forecaster knows what next year will bring us in terms of changes in housing prices. I don’t recall ever going into a year where forecasts have been as varied as they are now (see below).

Categories
Home Buying Home Prices Home Selling Real Estate

Home Price Trajectories

According to CoreLogic, home prices nationwide increased year over year by 18% in September 2021 compared with September 2020. On a month-over-month basis, home prices increased by 1.1% in September 2021 compared with August 2021. In Florida, we saw even more annualized growth, with year over year prices going up by 20%.

Categories
Home Buying Home Prices Home Selling Real Estate

On Zillow & iBuying

Example Home for Sale

While I was happy to see Zillow officially announce that is getting out of the home buying business, it is unfortunate that it will result in a reduction in their employees. The reason I felt good about another iBuyer dropping out of the market is that it should continue to contribute to a rebalancing of supply and demand.

Categories
Home Buying Mortgages Real Estate

Which Down Payment Strategy is Right for You?

Front elevation of a home for sale in Central Park in Lakewood Ranch, FL

While you are still at a bit of a disadvantage using financing in our area due to the extreme seller’s market, it is slowly looking better for buyers. Accordingly, I thought I would revisit the financing question. You’ve most likely heard the rule: Save for a 20-percent down payment before you buy a home. The logic behind saving 20 percent is solid, as it shows that you have the financial discipline and stability to save for a long-term goal. It also helps you get favorable rates from lenders.