Category: Buying a Home

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What do home inspectors look for? 6 key things

Home Inspection

When you’re under contract on a new house, it’s easy to fall in love with its potential. But before you linger on cloud nine too long, you’ll need the reality check of a home inspection. During a home inspection, a professionally trained inspector visually and physically evaluates the entire structure, from the foundation up to the roof, looking for potential defects, safety issues, environmental issues, or other red flags.

In particularly competitive markets, some buyers consider waiving the home inspection to make their offer stand out. But think very carefully before doing so: A house is most likely the largest purchase you’ll ever make. The last thing you want to do is invest a ton of money only to find out your new home needs extensive repairs or remediation. 

That’s why a home inspection is important: A good inspector can spot minor problems before they become major ones, and speak to the quality of construction and maintenance the home has been through. A home inspection helps you know as much as you can about the property before buying it, says Kenneth Carr of Precision Inspections, a licensed home inspector in New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. “It is part of due diligence,” Carr says. “Just as you have your attorney review the contracts, you should have your home inspector review the property, because there may be something there that you don’t have the expertise to know.”

What do home inspectors look for?

“We are looking for things that aren’t working as designed,” says Carr. “We have to describe what’s there, what may be missing, and things that are either not working as they should or not working at all, and bring it to the attention of the buyer.” Many inspectors even recommend that homebuyers attend the inspection, which allows them to see things for themselves and ask questions.

While each state provides minimum requirements that must be checked out, “how an inspector goes about inspecting the property is up to each inspector,” he says. “If you belong to an organization like ASHI [the American Society of Home Inspectors], there is greater training specialization needed, as inspectors are expected to take continuing education classes as part of their membership and state licensing.”

Here are the top six things an inspector will always look for when assessing a property.

1. Basic safety features

Whether a home is safe to live in is a primary concern for any home inspector, which is why many of the things on the home inspector’s standard checklist are safety items. Things they’re on the lookout for include:

    • Smoke detectors: Does the home have them? Are they installed correctly and in the right places (in or near sleeping areas, not too close to the stove)?
    • Ground fault interrupters: These are the special plugs that protect you from shock in areas where water and electricity are in proximity, such as bathrooms and kitchens.
    • Safety glass: Are the glass features installed near stairs or water (like tubs and showers), made of tempered safety glass?
    • Indoor and outdoor stairs: Are the steps a uniform, safe height and angle? Are they built to code? Do they have handrails and guardrails correctly installed and in the right places?

2. The foundation and exterior ‘envelope’

No matter how old the home is, your inspector will look at the basic “envelope” that shields the structure from weather and water. The inspector will walk the property to check for cracks in the foundation and look at rain gutters and flashings, drainage, and window seals.

He or she will also inspect how the walls and roof intersect. For example, an inspector doesn’t want to see lots of caulk there, because that usually means it’s not properly waterproofed. When done right, waterproofing is part of the home design — not something added after the fact. If signs of prior water penetration are found, he or she will also check whether the issue was fixed properly.

3. The roof

An inspector can tell if a roof was done properly by a professional, or sloppily by an amateur. They’ll want to make sure your roof is well constructed, isn’t showing signs of age or deterioration, and will protect you from the elements. They’ll also check to see that any openings — like a chimney or skylights — are properly sealed, flashed, and free of moss growth and debris.

The older the house, the more likely it is that the roof has already been resurfaced at least once, and roofs do need replacement from time to time, which can be an expensive process. As part of their inspection report, an inspector will typically provide an estimate of how many good years the roof has left before you should consider replacing it.

4. Major systems: electrical, plumbing, etc.

The inspector will check out all of your home’s most important interior systems, from electrical and plumbing to heating and air conditioning.

    • Heating and air: How well does the heating and cooling work? Do they serve every area in the home evenly? Is there good airflow in every room? If there’s an air return, is it properly located and sized to serve the house efficiently?
    • Plumbing: The inspector will check to see that the plumbing is in good shape, provides enough water to the house, and drains as it should — no one wants leaky pipes letting water into their home and causing flooding or mold problems. He or she will also ensure there is sufficient water flow and pressure. If the house uses well water, ask to have the pump and water quality checked.
    • Electrical: Electricity is essential for modern life, but it can also be dangerous. An inspector will make sure that your electrical system is safe, provides enough power for the house, and is installed and grounded correctly. They’ll also check to make sure there are enough outlets and look at the electrical panel — an old or obsolete panel may become a fire hazard. 

5. Ventilation

Dangerous fumes can build up in a house if appliances that run on oil or natural gas, like water heaters for example, aren’t installed and configured the right way. Proper ventilation is crucial. Many of these appliances have safety features built-in, but an inspector will make sure the safety equipment is correctly enabled.

Besides checking the water heater’s ventilation, the inspector will also check its maximum temperature to make sure your tap water can’t get hot enough to burn anyone. Additionally, he or she will make sure that clothes dryers are properly vented to catch lint and expel hot air, which helps prevent house fires and may also test for radon.

6. Signs a specialist is needed

Some areas or conditions might need further examination, often by a specific type of pro with specialized equipment. A good inspector will know when to call in the heavy hitters, and may even have a network of specialists they can refer you to.

For example, a fireplace is one feature that always gets careful evaluation. The inspector wants to see that it vents well and doesn’t have any conditions that could become a hazard, like cracks, blockages, or excessive buildup. If they see something concerning, your inspector might recommend a fireplace inspector, who will use a specialized camera to scope out the interior of the chimney and flue.

Sewers are another area that calls for extra care, especially in an older house. A septic problem hidden beneath your yard can be one of the most expensive repairs a homeowner must make. If you’re buying a home that has sewer service, consider calling in a specialist to have the whole system (from the main house to the street) video scoped or a video inspection that goes through pipes, holes, and other areas.

Source: bankrate.com ~ By: Dori Zinn & Grace Kim ~ Image: Canva Pro

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How to buy a house in 2024

Buying home in 2024

Last year may go down in real estate history as the year of correction. After a pandemic-fueled, seller-benefitting boom — with bidding wars, inventory shortages, and spiraling prices all over the country — the housing market began to cool down in 2022. The impact of inflation and fast-rising interest rates dampened buyers’ interest, causing sales to slow and price appreciation to decelerate.

All this made 2023 something of a transitional year. And now, in 2024, inflation is much lower but home prices and mortgage rates are both still high. Sellers still have an edge in many areas, thanks to a continued scarcity of houses, and no one expects a dramatic housing market crash. Still, many analysts see a shift coming toward a more balanced market, which would benefit buyers.

Whatever the economic state of the real estate market, buying a house can be an exciting and emotional process. Before starting your search, be sure you understand the ins and outs of homebuying, so you can make the best decisions for your family — and your wallet. Here’s what to know when buying a house, one step at a time.

Buying a house: A step-by-step guide

1. Determine why you want to buy a house

Purchasing a home is a major decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly. If you’re not clear on exactly what you want out of homeownership, you could end up regretting your choice.

Get started: Define your personal and financial goals. “Buyers should think about when they intend on moving and what they want in a home — amenities, ideal location, and how long it could take them to save for a down payment,” says Edwence Georges, a real estate agent with RE/MAX in Westfield, New Jersey. “These are all important to help define the goals they would like to meet.”

    • Make a list of what’s important to you in a home. Is location the top priority? Any must-have amenities?
    • Analyze whether it makes sense for you financially. Would renting for another year or two improve your financial standing?
    • Be sure you’re prepared for the ongoing expenses of maintaining a home.

2. Check your credit score

Your credit score will help you determine your financing options; lenders use it (among other factors) to set the terms and rates of your loan. The higher your score, the lower the interest rate you will be eligible for — lower scores equate to more expensive mortgages.

Get started: You can get your credit report and score from each of the three major credit reporting agencies, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, for free once a year. Your bank or credit card company might offer free access to your score or credit report, too. If you discover any discrepancies, contact each agency and report the error.

    • Consider how different credit score ranges impact your interest rate, monthly payments, and total interest.
    • Pull your credit reports from each of the credit bureaus for free every 12 months at AnnualCreditReport.com.
    • Learn other ways to get your free credit report and score.

3. Save for a down payment

To avoid having to pay private mortgage insurance or PMI, you’ll need to put down at least 20 percent of the home’s purchase price for a down payment. Some lenders offer mortgages without PMI with lower down payments but expect to pay a higher interest rate. Be sure to do your research: Many types of loans require a much lower minimum down payment, and there are many government programs to help cover down payment costs for qualified buyers. Shop around carefully based on how much you’re able to pay upfront.

Get started: Research the requirements for the loan you want so you know exactly how much you’ll need to save for a down payment. If a friend, relative, or employer has offered to provide a down payment gift, initiate a conversation early on to learn how much they plan to contribute and if there’s any shortfall you’ll need to cover — and secure a gift letter from them well in advance.

    • Consider options backed by the federal government. If you qualify for an FHA, VA or USDA loan, your down payment minimum will be considerably lower than 20 percent.
    • Conventional loans offered by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, meanwhile, require just 3 percent down.
    • Look into local and state down payment assistance programs to see if you’re eligible for a cost-saving loan or grant.

4. Create a housing budget

The purchase price and down payment aren’t the whole picture. Setting a realistic budget for your new home will help inform how much you can afford and what your all-in costs will be.

Get started: Carefully consider other expenses to determine what you can afford long-term. “Buyers tend to forget to factor in other costs, like homeowners association fees and maintenance,” says Paige Kruger, Realtor and founder of Signal Real Estate in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. “Just because you can afford a mortgage and a down payment doesn’t mean you can afford those long-term costs after you move.”

    • Figure out how much you can set aside for a down payment, plus a buffer fund for ongoing or unexpected maintenance costs.
    • Determine the maximum loan you qualify for. Getting pre-approved can help (see Step 5).
    • Analyze your monthly budget to make sure you can handle mortgage payments along with your other day-to-day bills.

5. Shop for a mortgage

Getting pre-approved for a mortgage gives you a firmer handle on how much you can afford, and it’s helpful when you make an offer on a house because it shows sellers you’re financially qualified. Once you’re ready to apply for official approval, you’re not obligated to stick with the same lender that issued your preapproval — compare the terms and rates offered by several companies.

Get started: Shop around with at least three lenders or a mortgage broker to increase your chances of getting a low-interest rate. Sign up for a Bankrate account to determine the right time to strike on your mortgage with our daily rate trends.

    • Work with an experienced mortgage lender who can walk you through all the options and overall costs.
    • If you’re a first-time homebuyer, inquire about what programs or incentives might be available to you.

6. Hire a real estate agent

An experienced real estate agent can save you time and money by helping you find the right home and negotiating with the seller on your behalf. Agents are licensed professionals who know their markets well and can guide you through your homebuying journey.

Get started: Contact several local real estate agents and talk with them about your needs before choosing one. “Someone with knowledge of an area can tell if your budget is realistic or not, depending on the features you desire in a home,” Kruger says. “They can also point you to adjacent areas in your desired neighborhood or other types of considerations to help you find a house.”

    • Before hiring an agent, ask about their track record and knowledge of your desired neighborhood.
    • Inquire about their workload as well. You don’t want someone who is over-scheduled.
    • Bankrate can help match you with a qualified agent in your area.

7. Go house-hunting

Viewing listing photos online is helpful, but isn’t a substitute for visiting homes in person and getting to know the area and its amenities. In some cases, the right neighborhood might be even more important than the home itself.

Get started: Be specific with your agent about exactly what kinds of homes you want to see, so they can more effectively find options that meet your criteria. Keep an open mind: You may not be able to check off everything on your wish list, so prioritize must-haves over things that are nice to have but not crucial.

    • Explore neighborhoods you like to see what’s for sale, and attend open houses for homes that pique your interest.
    • Take notes on each property you visit — after a few, they can start to blend together in your mind.
    • Keep your schedule open so you can pounce when a great home is listed, especially in a competitive market.

8. Make an offer

Understanding how to make an attractive offer on a home can help increase the chance of it being accepted, putting you one step closer to getting those coveted keys. Confer with your agent and let their expertise lead the way.

Get started: Once you find “the one,” your real estate agent will help you prepare a complete offer package, including your offer price, your preapproval letter, proof of funds for a down payment (this helps in competitive markets), and terms or contingencies.

    • Think carefully about what contingency clauses to include in your contract. Common real estate contingencies can hinge on financing, appraisal, home inspection, and more.
    • It’s not unusual for sellers to make a counteroffer. You can respond if you wish to keep negotiating, or reject it and move on.
    • Once an offer is accepted, you’ll sign a purchase agreement and pay an earnest money deposit, typically 1 to 2 percent of the purchase price. The funds will be held in escrow until closing.

9. Get a home inspection

A home inspection provides an overall picture of the property’s condition and any mechanical or structural issues it might have. This will help you determine how to proceed with the closing process: If major problems are found, you might want to ask the seller for repairs — or, if there’s an inspection contingency in the contract, you might even decide to back out of the deal.

Get started: Your agent can probably recommend a home inspector, but do your homework before choosing one. Depending on your contract and what state you’re in, you’ll generally need to complete the inspection within 10 to 14 days of signing a purchase agreement.

    • Check the inspector’s experience by reading online reviews, asking for client references, and looking at their credentials.
    • To understand what is and isn’t covered, read Bankrate’s home inspection checklist.
    • Fees can vary, but according to HomeAdvisor, you’ll likely pay somewhere between $281 and $403. The average is $342.

10. Negotiate repairs and credits

Your home inspection may reveal a few issues, especially if it’s an older home. Major problems might need to be dealt with before your mortgage lender will finalize your loan, and it’s common to negotiate for the seller to either pay for the repair or offer the buyer a credit to cover the cost.

Get started: Enlist your agent’s help with this — the need for repairs is not unusual, but negotiation can be delicate work and is best left to the pros. They will work with the seller’s agent to come to an agreement about repairs or credits.

    • Hazardous problems like structural damage or improper electrical wiring could keep your lender from approving your loan, so take the solutions very seriously.
    • Some sellers won’t agree to extensive repairs. That’s why a home inspection contingency is important — it gives you a way out of the deal if you need it.

11. Secure your financing

A preapproval is not the same thing as official approval. Getting final loan approval means you need to keep your finances and credit in line during the underwriting phase. Don’t open new credit lines or make any major purchases until the paperwork is signed, and avoid changing jobs before closing too, if possible.

Get started: Respond promptly to requests or questions from the lender, and double-check your loan estimate to ensure all the details are correct. You may need to submit additional paperwork as your lender completes the process, such as bank statements, tax returns or additional proof of income, so keep your paperwork organized.

    • Being preapproved doesn’t mean you’re in the clear — that’s not the case until a lender has given your loan the final stamp of approval.
    • Keep your finances and credit in good shape from preapproval until closing day.
    • Avoid running up credit cards, taking out new loans or closing credit accounts too. These things can hurt your credit score or impact your debt-to-income ratio, which can imperil your final loan approval.

12. Do a final walk-through

A final walk-through is your opportunity to view the property one last time before it becomes yours. This is your last chance to address any outstanding issues before the house becomes your responsibility.

Get started: Your agent will schedule the walk-through for shortly before closing. Bring your home inspection checklist and other documents, like repair invoices and receipts, to ensure everything was done as agreed and that the home is move-in ready.

    • Ask your agent to attend with you — they can act as a witness and help answer any questions.
    • If any problems remain, have your agent communicate immediately with the seller and your lender. Your closing date might have to be delayed to ensure those issues are remedied first.

13. Close on your house

Once all contingencies have been met, you’re happy with the final walk-through and your lender has declared your loan “clear to close,” it’s finally time to make it official and close on your new home. After all of the paperwork has been signed, the home is officially yours and you’ll get the keys. Congratulations!

Get started: Three business days before your closing date, the lender will provide you with a closing disclosure that outlines your loan details, such as the monthly payment, loan type and term, interest rate, loan fees and how much money you must bring to closing. You will attend the closing along with your real estate agent, possibly the seller and their agent, and the closing agent, who may be a representative from the escrow or title company or a real estate attorney. This is also when you’ll wire your closing costs and down payment, depending on the escrow company’s procedures.

    • When you get your closing disclosure, compare it to your loan estimate to ensure the terms are the same. Ask any questions and correct any errors before you sign the paperwork.
    • On closing day, review all the documents you sign carefully, and ask for clarification on anything you don’t understand.
    • Make sure you’re given all house keys, entry codes, and garage door openers before leaving the closing.

Other things to consider

Is it the right time to buy?

Traditionally, spring is the start of the homebuying season, with many listings hitting the market and activity peaking over late spring/early summer. However, your own financial readiness is more important than the time of year.

Mortgage rates recently hit highs not seen in more than 20 years. Meanwhile, strong demand for homes has pushed prices higher and frustrated many potential homebuyers. This combination of high rates and high prices has plenty of people wondering whether they should try to buy a home now, or wait for things to settle down.

The answer likely depends on your own personal circumstances more than the condition of the housing market. If you’re financially stable, you have enough in savings to cover the down payment and other expenses, your employment and income are secure, and you’re ready to stay in one place for a while, then now is a perfectly fine time to buy a house. You can always refinance if rates drop significantly. On the other hand, if your savings are tight or your credit score is less than stellar, it might make more sense to take time to build those before buying.

One thing to keep in mind: Be sure to exercise caution anytime there’s a spike in home prices. “Be careful about buying near the top of the market, especially if you want to be in the home for only a few years,” says Ken H. Johnson, a real estate economist at Florida Atlantic University and co-author of the Beracha, Hardin & Johnson Buy vs. Rent Index. If you’re looking to buy under these conditions, says Johnson, “bargain aggressively and be willing to walk away.”

What’s your local market like?

The area you’re house-hunting in has a major impact on what to brace for as a homebuyer. Each market has its own quirks to consider: For example, the taxes, cost of living, job market and housing situation in California will yield different buying conditions than in Texas or Ohio. And even within the same city, real estate is very localized — you might be surprised by how drastically market conditions can vary from one neighborhood to the next. This is why partnering with a knowledgeable local agent who understands the intricacies of their market is so important.

How prepared are you for extra costs?

The down payment is often considered the biggest homebuying expense, since it’s a large amount that the buyer has to actually pay upfront. But homeownership involves plenty of additional costs that you should be ready for. Before you even close on the purchase, you’ll need to make sure you have enough money set aside to cover closing costs. These fees will vary by state and by individual transaction, but they will almost certainly range into the thousands of dollars.

When budgeting for your monthly housing costs, factor in not only the principal and interest amounts of your mortgage payment, but also property taxes, home insurance premiums, and homeowners association fees (if applicable), plus private mortgage insurance if you’re putting down less than 20 percent. And don’t forget to set aside money for ongoing maintenance and unexpected repairs, too.

Source: bankrate.com ~ By: Jeff Ostrowski ~ Image: Canva Pro

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The Guide to a Real Estate Bidding War

Real Estate Bidding

Many real estate markets across the country right now are marked by low inventory. This is due in large part to higher interest rates, making new mortgages more expensive and hindering construction starts. Homeowners who might like to move (and thus put their home on the market) are not willing to give up a lower interest rate on their mortgage to take on a notably higher rate for a mortgage on the property they might buy. Many people are feeling locked in; there are fewer sellers, and thus, inventory is significantly reduced.

In a low inventory environment, even when fewer active buyers are pounding the pavement, it’s common for a well-priced and well-presented property to attract attention and possibly receive multiple bids. So buyers today should be prepared for competition when they’re ready to make an offer on a well-priced property. And if sellers have truly priced their property in line with today’s nuanced market conditions, they should prepare for the possibility of multiple bids. Most sellers hope for a bidding war when they list, but a competitive bidding situation can fall apart quickly if not handled properly by all parties.

Will We See Bidding Wars This Spring?

Each year, spring brings new market activity, even in a high interest rate environment. “With seasonal demand starting to tick up, we are seeing more bidding wars than expected, given the generally low volume of the market,” says John Walkup, co-founder of Urban Digs, a New York City data and analytics company that tracks Manhattan and Brooklyn real estate. “For many people, there is only so long you can postpone a move, so as those forces run into continual tight supply, you’re going to see bidding wars spring up where, on paper, at least, there should be easy deals for buyers.”

With the spring market almost upon us and interest rates ticking down, it’s likely that many buyers will come off the sidelines, adding to the competition in this low inventory market. “It’s a question of alternatives,” says Walkup. “In a ‘normal’ market, a buyer might be able to find an alternative home within a few weeks as more listings come on. In a tight supply market, that timeline could be extended to months, so a ‘finders keepers’ mindset takes over because the opportunity cost of losing a deal is much higher. That focuses conversations on the cost of not bidding aggressively when the time comes. In a nutshell, agents need to help their buyers understand that lowball bids will likely fail in today’s lower inventory environment.”

If a buyer loves a property and wants to beat out the competition, there are certain strategies they may employ. Additionally, and perhaps less obviously, the seller and listing agent need to handle the bidding war properly, or they run the risk of upsetting all of their suitors and ending up with nothing. A badly managed bidding war can end in disappointment for the seller if the potential buyers feel misled or used – after all, no one wants their offer shopped around.

If you are in the market right now, here are a few evergreen best practices for buyers and for sellers to navigate a bidding war, no matter the market conditions. “Four walls and a roof don’t change,” says Gail Roberts, a realtor with Coldwell Banker in Cambridge, Massachusetts. “The rules of the game haven’t changed, even if market conditions have. When properties are priced well and show well, there’s a good chance they will get multiple bids. The market will always tell us what a property is worth.”

How to Navigate a Bidding War as a Buyer

For buyers, a proper offer on a home includes a strategic number (offer price), a proposed closing date, and financing terms. A buyer should arrive at each of these three terms based on the comps, as well as timing and financial needs. Arming yourself with current and relevant data and information will help you approach the process with confidence and efficiency, which can work to your advantage. And when it’s time to make an offer, being flexible and friendly are two of the best ways to win over the seller and/or the listing agent.

Get smart. The buyer or the buyer’s agent should schmooze with the listing agent and get some intel. Who are the sellers and what are the factors that will influence their decision? Is the seller an investor looking to cash out? An older couple selling their long-held nest egg? If the seller is moving, do they know where yet? And have they emotionally moved on to this new property and chapter of life? If the seller has flexibility on a closing date versus a need to sell quickly, this timeline may greatly influence how they assess offers. And who are the other buyers? Are the other offers all cash? Are there contingencies you can waive to strengthen your position in comparison with the other bidders? Information gathered about the seller and about competition helps a buyer craft a more compelling offer.

Jump in early and come prepared. If you love a property, make an offer. That offer should include not only your bid but also accompanying documentation like a loan preapproval letter or proof of funds. This shows that you’re serious, and should give the sellers confidence that your financing won’t fall through. Start the negotiation quickly, before another shark enters the water. Being first in the swimming pool has its advantages, as many sellers feel a sense of loyalty to the first bidder. Even if someone else comes along, a smart listing agent will circle back to the first buyers who submitted an offer to see if they can improve their bid. If you start a negotiation before another buyer, you won’t be negotiating against the competition (yet).

If you can, drop contingencies and be flexible. “For a buyer, the cleaner your offer, the better,” says Roberts. “This includes a certain amount of flexibility with dates and terms, especially in a competitive market.”

Sometimes, the best offer isn’t the highest. If two offers come in and the higher bid comes with many contingencies (financing, appraisal, inspection contingencies, etc.), the seller may go with the lower number. Talking with the listing agent can give you some insight as to which contingencies can be dropped, and a window into what the competition’s offer comes with.

Decide beforehand when you’re OK walking away. If you’ve done your homework, then you know the comps and you have a good idea of the subject property’s value. Are the sellers being overly ambitious with their asking price? Or did they price it tightly, so if you bid above the asking price you’re still in the ballpark of market value? More importantly, how much can you afford? At a certain number, the property won’t be attractive anymore, so identify that number beforehand and be ready to walk away without regret. Stay cool-headed and don’t let your emotions get the best of you – buying a home is an emotional process, so make sure you understand the numbers and the math beforehand.

Take note also: “How bad will you feel if someone else gets it for just a small amount more than your bid?” asks Roberts. “A good agent helps a buyer understand the market, and can educate you to say ‘this is the value for me’ and to not regret losing a property.”

Make it personal. It may sound silly, but a flowery personalized letter to the sellers along with your offer can add a human touch and differentiate you from the competition. A warm and fuzzy letter may appeal to the sellers, making them feel good about choosing you over the other bidders. Perhaps you remind them of themselves 20 years ago, passing along a dream home from one family to the next. Flattery can go a long way. That said, “your offer should speak for itself,” Roberts says.

Strategize. One tool that buyers can call upon in a bidding war is something called an escalation clause. An escalation clause is “a tool to stay above other offers coming in, while not potentially going over budget, or wildly outbidding any other offers,” says Kate Jay Zweifler, a realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach in Philadelphia. “An escalation clause is an addendum to an agreement of sale that will automatically increase the amount of the purchase price above any other offers in competition, up to a certain amount set by the buyer.”

“However,” says Zweifler, “this is a strategy that comes with its own risks. In a bidding war, sellers are looking for a decisive and strong best and final offer, and they don’t want to drag the process out in small increments. And if there’s emotion wrapped up in the sale, it can be tricky to use an escalation clause. In those cases, sellers want to feel that the buyer really wants the home and isn’t playing games.”

End with an odd number. If your offer is almost identical to another offer, add a few dollars to your offer to tip you over the edge.

How to Navigate a Bidding War as a Seller

Pricing a home correctly is the first step in laying the groundwork for a bidding war. “To get the right buyers, you need to nail the right asking price,” says Roberts. Pricing too ambitiously is often a turnoff for many buyers, but “pricing too low doesn’t help buyers understand how high they need to go. Price with energy that makes buyers say: ‘This seems fair. I don’t want to lose out.’ ”

Roberts adds: “I want to hear buyers say to their broker: ‘How high do you think we have to go?’ I don’t want to hear them say: ‘What do you think they’ll take?’ or ‘What’s it really worth?’ I don’t want them to question the value.”

For sellers, properly handling this exciting but likely stressful process is paramount and an experienced real estate agent should be able to guide you. Above all, it is important to manage the offers and buyers so nobody feels misled. Sellers and their agents must keep in mind that many buyers who enter a bidding war might have already lost out on another property, so their emotions may be running high. This is especially true when inventory is low. You should be timely in your response to each offer, and also do the following:

Get smart: Who are the prospective purchasers? Sellers and their agents should gather as much information as possible about each buyer. Are they financing or all cash, and if they’re taking out mortgages, have they submitted preapproval letters from reputable financial institutions to accompany their bids? What is the debt-to-income ratio for each party? Are these buyers flexible on the closing date? All of this is relevant in helping to choose not just the right buyer from the pack, but also the best backup offer just in case the first deal falls through. Sometimes the winning bidder gets cold feet, so keep those backups in play.

Maintain a schedule and deadlines. In a multiple bid situation, it’s important to set a schedule and keep to it. Determine the deadline for receiving new offers, and clearly communicate this to all interested parties. If you plan to go an additional round with your potential buyers, often referred to as “best and final” offers, set the deadline and be disciplined about this. Once the initial offers are submitted, a “best and final” round allows the buyers to improve their offers. If the market is very active, it makes sense to end the bidding process and make a deal before new inventory comes onto the market. In certain particularly active markets, new properties may be listed on Thursdays, with open houses over the weekend and offers submitted by Sunday night or Monday. If this is the case, for example, “wrap it up before new stuff comes onto the market, ideally by Tuesday,” says Roberts.

During the process, stay in close communication with all bidders. “We need to get back to our prospective buyers in a timely fashion,” Roberts says. “Sellers should not be unreachable during this process, even if they’re in another time zone.”

Know that the best offer might not be the highest. Even if one party is offering you more money, it might not be the best offer. Money is money, but a cash offer is generally stronger than an offer that comes with financing. An offer that includes a mortgage will take longer to close than a cash deal, and if the buyers’ financial profile is at all questionable (for example, how is their credit?) there’s a chance they might not secure their financing, especially if they are heavily invested in unstable assets. And do these offers come with contingencies? Offers that have an inspection contingency waived might be particularly attractive, for example.

If financing is involved, the seller must understand the buyer’s financial profile and their likely ability to secure a loan. But if the purchase requires further approval, perhaps from a homeowners association or from a co-op or condo board, then vetting each buyer is even more relevant and imperative. It’s possible that the second-highest bidder might have a more straightforward and simple financial profile, and thus be more of a slam dunk to make it to the closing table. For example, if the highest bidder is taking out a large mortgage and presents a financial profile that includes student debt, outstanding child support payments or a lackluster credit score, it might be wiser to accept a lower bid that might be all cash from a buyer with no debt.

Leave the door open with your backups. In a competitive bidding situation, buyers can become overly enthusiastic, get caught up in the moment and bid above their comfort level or well above their perceived value of the property. There is always a good chance that the winning bidder may walk away for any number of reasons, including buyer’s remorse or a reassessment of value after a few nights of sleep while the contract is being drawn up. It is prudent to stay in touch with the backup bids and keep them in play, if possible, to be called upon if needed.

Even if the market is slow, in low inventory environments bidding wars should be expected for well-priced properties. The New York City market, for example, seems sluggish, but the data tells a different story. “About 20% of deals are trading at or above the asking price,” says Walkup. “In a true buyer’s market, this would be lower. Historically, discounts for deals signed within 30 days remain very low, including for Q4 2023. This is a sign that the market remains robust and transactional.”

Of course bidding wars are more common under certain housing market conditions than others, but a great property that is priced well will almost always get the attention it deserves. And for buyers, it’s important to note that just because there isn’t a bidding war and you’re the only interested party, it doesn’t mean it’s not a great home. If it’s meant to be, well, it’s meant to be.

Source: realestate.usnews.com ~ By: Steven Gottlieb ~ Image: Canva Pro

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Insider Insights: 12 Housing Market Experts Highlight Key Strategies For Home-Buying Success In 2024

Strategies For Home-Buying Success

Aspiring homeowners experienced a lot of challenges in 2023. Elevated interest rates, eye-watering home prices, and abysmal housing stock resulted in inflated costs that stymied buyers. While experts say the housing market should see some easing in 2024, don’t expect much.

If you plan to dive into the housing market in 2024, you’ll need to plan strategically to outpace the competition and attain a home that meets your preferences and goals.

Forbes Advisor spoke with 12 top industry experts to weigh in on what hopeful buyers should do as they pursue homeownership in 2024.

1. Watch Interest Rate Trends To Get the Best Mortgage Rate in 2024

Mortgage rates are steadily declining after flirting with 8% in late October. Most housing market experts agree that rates will trend down further in 2024 but remain elevated.

Nonetheless, rates can jump around quickly, and even a fraction of a percentage point change can impact the cost of a monthly mortgage payment.

Given this, Michael Merritt, senior vice president of mortgage servicing at BOK Financial, advises buyers to monitor the news and the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decisions to stay on top of trends.

Merritt explains that keeping an eye on the Fed’s monetary policy moves can give borrowers a heads-up for where mortgage rates will go in 2024, as the central bank’s policy rate actions tend to impact mortgage rate movements indirectly.

“It’s hard to forecast rates in a volatile market, but most indicators predict lower rates by the end of 2024,” Merritt says.

Pro Tip
Bonus Advice: “The first step in getting the best mortgage is understanding what you want to achieve. The best mortgage product might be different for a purchase than a refinance or for a home you plan to own five years versus 10 years.” — Michael Merritt, senior vice president of mortgage servicing at BOK Financial

2. Attend Local Real Estate Investor Meetings

The housing market remains competitive mostly due to historically low inventory. However, house hunters can stay ahead by using less conventional methods to track down available homes—especially those that buyers won’t find in traditional listings.

Rick Sharga, founder and CEO of CJ Patrick Company, a market intelligence and business advisory firm, suggests attending real estate investor meetings in areas where you’re interested in buying.

“Almost every city or county across the country has investor groups made up of people who are more or less your neighbors,” Sharga says. “A lot of these investors fix and flip properties and might be willing to give a buyer a little bit of a break if they can save the investor the time and money involved in marketing the property.”

Pro Tip
Bonus Advice: “Focus on homeowners who need to sell, not on homeowners who might want to sell. About 70% of homeowners with a mortgage have an interest rate of 4% or lower and just aren’t going to put their home up for sale unless they have to.” — Rick Sharga, founder and CEO of CJ Patrick Company

3. Investigate Expired or Withdrawn House Listings

Blake Blahut, a broker associate and real estate agent at Realty ONE Group Inspiration in Florida, offers a unique tactic to uncover unidentified for-sale homes—asking real estate agents to scour local neighborhoods for expired or withdrawn listings.

“They can also do mailers or door-knocking in those same areas in the hope of finding someone that is looking to sell,” Blahut says. “In a market with unique challenges, it’ll sometimes require a unique method to overcome them.”

Pro Tip
Bonus Advice: “Be patient and start your search early. … [B]eginning your search at least 75 to 90 days before your lease ends or you need to move would take a lot of unnecessary pressure off [you].” — Blake Blahut, broker associate and real estate agent at Realty ONE Group Inspiration

4. Consider an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM)

Hybrid ARMs are mortgages that start with a low fixed interest rate and change to a variable rate at the end of the fixed term. For example, a 5/1 ARM has a low fixed rate for five years, and then the rate resets once a year until the end of the loan term. Each rate adjustment could move higher or lower.

While ARMs gained a bad reputation due to their role in the 2008 housing crisis, they’re considered less risky now due to higher lending standards. Mark Fleming, chief economist at First American Financial Corporation, suggests an ARM can be a good fit for some people.

“While we are all familiar with the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, remember that we rarely live in one home for 30 years,” Fleming says. “Why pay for the privilege of fixing the rate for 30 years when you’re likely not going to use it? And you get an affordability boost now when you need it.”

Pro Tip
Bonus Advice: “They say to date the rate and marry the house because you can refinance later. But beware, that [assumes] the rate will be lower in the future and there are costs associated with refinancing—it’s not free.” — Mark Fleming, chief economist at First American Financial Corporation

5. Don’t Wait Until Spring to House Hunt

Spring can be a busy time for the housing market, as listings often climb when the weather warms up.

Louis Gordon, a broker at Century 21 Revolution in Massachusetts, says to get out there early in the year before the temperature—and home prices—start rising.

“The best deals are usually found in winter when inventory is limited and sellers are more desperate to get a deal done,” Gordon says. While on the hunt, Gordon advises you to keep your eyes open for homes already a few weeks on the market and need a little TLC.

“Those sellers are more willing to negotiate on price and terms, like offering a rate buydown,” he says.

Pro Tip
Bonus Advice: “[D]on’t wait until the rates come down. If the rates go back into the 6’s or 5’s, the prices will shoot up like they did in 2021 and early 2022.” — Louis Gordon, a broker at Century 21 Revolution

6. Review Your ‘Must-Haves’ Before Home Shopping

As you embark on your house-hunting journey, Bob Driscoll, senior vice president and director of residential lending at Rockland Trust Bank, advises buyers first to take stock of the home features most essential to them.

“Not every house will become a home to everyone—something that one person may consider a need, like a yard for a pet, could be a want for someone else.”

Though you understandably want to keep costs down, Driscoll says buying a home because it’s affordable is not the best approach.

“For example, if hosting large gatherings is a priority for a certain home buyer, they shouldn’t let the frustrating market pressure them into settling for a home without the space needed to accommodate those activities,” Driscoll says.

Ultimately, homeownership is a major purchase that is as much a financial investment as it is about investing in a home that aligns with your priorities and values.

Pro Tip
Bonus Advice: “Instead of focusing on external factors beyond their control in 2024, prospective buyers should be focusing on their personal timelines, goals, and desires.” — Bob Driscoll, senior vice president and director of residential lending at Rockland Trust Bank

7. Research New Construction Options

With resale housing stock hovering at historic lows—and expected to remain there for the foreseeable future—Nick Bailey, president and CEO of RE/MAX, says buyers should consider researching new construction homes.

“Given such low supply and demand softening, builders have returned to offering competitive mortgage rates through their partner lenders and offering builder incentives and complimentary upgrades to entice buyers,” Bailey says.

Moreover, between October 2022 and 2023, the national median price of new homes dropped over 17%, maintaining a narrow enough gap between new home prices and existing home prices that could prove attractive to some buyers.

Bailey points out that buyers should also consider building a new custom home, which you can finance with a construction loan.

“With the crazy lack of inventory still causing headaches in the market, building a home becomes an attractive option, and with spec homes and semi-custom-building options, it’s easier than most consumers think,” Bailey says.

Pro Tip
Bonus Advice: “I wouldn’t write off older or outdated homes and would encourage buyers to picture what something could look like. For (sometimes) simple repairs and few upgrades, you could turn a house with potential into the house of your dreams.” — Nick Bailey, president and CEO of Re/Max

8. Shop for Homes Outside City Centers

If your dream is to live in a place that offers plenty of culture, sports, entertainment, and dining options, but the housing prices and cost of living exceed your budget, Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com, advises you to look outside city centers.

“Buyers will generally find that they get more value for their dollar further away from city centers, so shoppers with flexibility should consider expanding the geography of their home search,” Hale says.

For example, if you want to put down roots in the Los Angeles metro area where the median home price was $1,159,000 in October 2023, according to Realtor.com data, consider expanding your search to Riverside, where the median home price during the same period was $580,000.

Pro Tip
Bonus Advice: “No matter how buyers decide to compete, it’s important to make sure that they understand the terms and implications of waiving contingencies, which may be more likely to help them win the bid but may put them on the hook for more financial risk.” — Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com

9. Pre-qualify Yourself

Before becoming attached to a home that requires a loan you can’t afford, Keith Gumbinger, vice president at mortgage website HSH.com, encourages prospective buyers to determine their income and debt loads ahead of time to get a sense of how much financing they qualify for.

“Borrowers should pre-qualify themselves at a few different interest rates to see whether or not a rate that is likely to appear in the next year is sufficient to allow them to participate in their housing market,” Gumbinger says.

Plugging various rates into a mortgage prequalification calculator can help borrowers determine their maximum loan amount.

Pro Tip
Bonus Advice: “[B]e both opportunistic and flexible. A great house that checks 80% of the boxes and is available at a price you can afford with a mortgage rate that works well enough is likely to be better than waiting for a 100% match.” — Keith Gumbinger, vice president at mortgage website HSH.com

10. Look Into House Hacking

High mortgage rates and house prices may keep homeownership out of reach for some would-be buyers in 2024.

If that’s the case for you, Sherry Chen, a real estate agent with Kappel Realty Group at Compass in California, says house hacking could be the answer.

For instance, Chen says you could buy a four-bedroom house and rent out the other three rooms. She also suggests buying a home with an accessory dwelling unit, or ADU, to generate rental income.

“These strategies can oftentimes cut your mortgage in half or even allow you to live for free,” Chen says.

Pro Tip
Bonus Advice: “Get a fully underwritten preapproval.” — Sherry Chen, real estate agent with Kappel Realty Group at Compass

11. Be Prepared To Bid Over Asking Price

Though bidding wars are less common than they were a few years ago, demand will likely continue to outpace supply, and borrowers will still face plenty of competition in the coming year.

Consequently, Glenn Brunker, president of Ally Home, says to expect to make offers a little over the asking price to improve your chances of landing a home in 2024.

“You may be competing with buyers that have more cash to put towards a house, but if you have a plan in place and know your budget, you’ll be better equipped to make a decision that you’re comfortable with, ” Brunker says.

Pro Tip
Bonus Advice: “Buyers must do their homework in advance by researching lenders and securing a preapproval so you have a competitive advantage when making offers.” — Glenn Brunker, president of Ally Home

12. Build Your Home Buying Team Early

Shopping for a home can be an overwhelming experience, especially for first-time home buyers. To minimize the stress, Cerita Battles, managing director, and head of community and affordable lending at JPMorgan Chase, recommends assembling your team sooner rather than later.

“You don’t have to go through the home-buying process alone—in fact, it’s best to get help very early in the process,” Battles says. She advises buyers to prioritize working with a lending advisor team “because they can help you navigate the home-buying process, with everything from considering homeownership to walking through your new front door to getting connected with a reputable real estate agent.”

Battles also says a trusted lender can guide you through the current rate environment, and educate you on loan products, terms, and fees.

Pro Tip
Bonus Advice: “It’s important to keep in mind that this will be your first home! Even if it lacks some bells and whistles, you can still add more features in the future or use the property as a stepping stone for your dream home.” — Cerita Battles, managing director, head of community and affordable lending at JPMorgan Chase

How To Prepare for Your 2024 Home-Buying Journey

Perhaps the first bit of advice that most housing experts offer hopeful buyers is to confirm you can afford this big step.

“[M]ake sure your financial house is in order and that you’ve factored in all of the costs associated with homeownership beyond a mortgage, like insurance, maintenance, and HOA fees,” Merritt says.

Using a home affordability calculator prior to beginning your search can help you determine a home price range based on your income, debts, mortgage rate, desired loan term, and down payment capability.

Taking these preparatory steps will also improve your borrowing strength, reduce stress, and keep you a few steps ahead of the competition in this fast-moving market:

    1. Create a realistic housing budget that considers all monthly costs
    2. Boost your credit score to help secure a lower mortgage rate and better loan terms
    3. Lower your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio to increase borrowing power
    4. Set aside savings for a down payment
    5. Research and compare loan products
    6. Look into down payment assistance programs in the state where you plan to buy
    7. Gather financial and personal documents lenders require for your mortgage application
    8. Explore different neighborhoods in person to optimize your time when you’re ready to check out homes
    9. Get to know the local real estate agents

Experts Reveal How To Get the Best Mortgage Rate in 2024

Qualifying for the most competitive mortgage rate requires a multi-pronged approach.

Besides keeping on top of mortgage rate trends, here are some other essential actions experts advise you to take to increase your chances of locking in a solid mortgage rate:

    • Save for a larger down payment. “Remember: the higher your down payment, the more likely that you’ll be approved for the loan, the less likely you’ll need to get a loan with mortgage insurance, and the lower your monthly payment will be,” Sharga says.
    • Boost your credit score. “There are dozens of factors that influence a borrower’s mortgage interest rate, and credit score is one of the most important,” Chen says.
    • Shop multiple lenders. “Today’s market is very challenging for mortgage companies who are all hungry for business,” Sharga explains. “[T]hat’s a perfect environment for a consumer to do comparison shopping in.”
    • Strategize and consider points. Blahut advises buyers to budget for mortgage points or to “strategize with their trusted real estate professional” and figure out how to get the seller to contribute closing concessions.
    • Determine the best loan product for your situation. “Discussion about rates typically focuses on the 30-year fixed rate,” Bailey says. However, the average homeowner lives in their home for eight years, so Bailey suggests buyers weigh all their lending options, including ARMs.

Source: Forbes.com ~ By Robin Rothstein ~ Image: Canva Pro

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How to Get Your Finances Ready to Buy a House

Home Buying Financial Readiness

In fact, your finances are so important that you’ll want to start working on them well before you’re ready to apply for a mortgage. That way, if you need to improve your finances or your credit, you’ll have some time.

We’ll delve into tips about how to get your finances ready to buy a home so you can prepare for the process.

Step 1: Know what lenders are looking at when assessing your finances

When you apply for a home loan, lenders want to assess whether you’ll be able to pay them back. They’ll check to see that you have a steady income and look at how much cash you have available to cover a down payment, closing costs, taxes, and other expenses. Recent banking activity, investments, and other aspects of your finances will come under the microscope too.

If you’re a candidate for a no-down-payment loan, such as a VA loan through the Department of Veterans Affairs, you’ll need documentation to prove it.

Lenders will also check your credit to assess your history of paying your debts and look at how much outstanding debt you have.

Different lenders may look at different things when checking your finances, but the goal is the same — to help decide whether to risk lending you money and how much interest to charge. Here’s a list of what lenders are likely to consider.

    • FICO® credit scores and credit history
    • Down payment amount
    • List of assets (stocks, real estate, etc.)
    • Income and employment history
    • Tax returns
    • Bank statements for two to three months
    • Desired loan amount compared to the value of a home
    • Total debt compared to income — your debt-to-income ratio
    • Rental history (if you’re currently renting or have rented in the past)

To improve your chances of getting a home loan with the best possible terms, you should save as much as you can for your down payment, get your debt-to-income ratio under 43%, and do what you can to improve your credit scores. Specifically, we’re talking about the scores compiled by Fair Isaac Corp., known as FICO, which are the mortgage industry benchmark.

Step 2: Take stock of your credit scores and credit reports

It’s not possible to say exactly how to raise your FICO® scores — everyone’s personal situation is different — but there are a few practices that can usually help, especially if you adopt them a year or more before you apply for a mortgage.

    • Pay your bills on time — Your credit scores will fall if you’ve missed payments on a credit card or another debt.
    • Use less of your available credit — Your credit utilization ratio, which measures how much debt you’ve taken on compared to what’s available to you, is an important factor in your scores. Using less than 30% of your available credit may lift your scores. Paying down your debts may also lower your debt-to-income ratio, another measure that doesn’t affect your credit scores but is used by banks to assess your creditworthiness. (We’ll explain later.)
    • Hold off on opening new credit accounts — When you apply for credit, a lender will initiate a hard credit inquiry, which will have a temporary negative effect on your scores.
    • Maintain a mix of credit accounts — Your credit scores are affected by what kinds of credit accounts you have, how old they are, and how many of them you have. If you’re managing a mix of different types of credit without trouble, you’ll look less risky to lenders. Note that you shouldn’t open new accounts just for the sake of creating this mix (see point above).

If you have poor credit and stick with these approaches, your credit scores are likely to rise over a period of months. If your credit improves, lenders may see you as a better risk and charge you a lower interest rate on your mortgage.

Why should you worry about your credit scores? Imagine getting a $250,000 mortgage that lasts 30 years and has a fixed interest rate. Take a look at the table below to see how credit scores affect how much you could pay just in interest (not counting the actual money you borrowed) over the life of the loan. You can plug in your own information on FICO’s site to get a better idea of what your interest payments could be.

FICO® score APR Total interest paid
760 to 850 2.422% $101,970
700 to 759 2.644% $112,384
680 to 699 2.821% $120,811
660 to 679 3.035% $131,145
640 to 659 3.465% $152,384
620 to 639 4.011% $180,245
Note: Rates change frequently. The rates in this example were selected on Oct. 7, 2020.

Step 3: Save for your down payment: Bigger is better

You should save as much as you can for a down payment. A bigger down payment means you’ll own more of your new home from the start. This makes you a lower-risk borrower in the eyes of lenders and usually translates into a lower interest rate on your home loan.

Another reason to put down more cash is to avoid private mortgage insurance or PMI. Most lenders will require you to buy PMI — which protects the lender in case you default on your loan — if your down payment is less than 20% of the purchase price of your home.

The cost of PMI depends on the type of mortgage you get, how much you put down and some other factors, but usually costs between 0.5% and 1.5% of the loan amount each year and can add up to thousands of dollars.

Plus, you’ll want to factor in additional closing costs, which can include home inspections, an appraisal, and escrow costs, like homeowners insurance and property tax payments.

Step 4: Measure your debt-to-income ratio: Getting to 43%

Your debt-to-income ratio, or DTI, — which measures your outstanding debt as a percentage of your income before taxes — is used by lenders as another way to gauge your ability to repay your mortgage.

Your DTI ratio is calculated by adding up all your current monthly debt payments (think student loans, personal loans, credit cards) and your proposed mortgage principal, interest, taxes, and insurance payments, and then dividing that number by your gross monthly income (your income before taxes and other deductions).

For a qualified mortgage — a home loan that meets certain regulatory requirements put in place in 2014 to protect lenders and borrowers — you’ll need to have a DTI ratio of 43% or less.

Lenders can extend loans to borrowers who have a DTI ratio higher than 43%, but you generally need a compensating factor like high cash reserves, and even then it’s rare. Lenders consider a higher DTI risky for both you and the lender, as it suggests to them that you may struggle to pay your mortgage and keep up with all your other debts.

If your DTI ratio is too high for lenders’ comfort, you’ll need to lower your debt increase your income, or both. Since changing jobs or demanding a raise mid-mortgage application may not be practical, you may want to focus on paying down debt.

There are differing opinions about the best way to tackle the job. Some experts recommend paying off your smallest debt first — which research has shown can be effective. Some say it’s better to start with the highest-interest loans — that way you pay less interest over the long term. Still, others say that paying down your debt with the biggest monthly bill is the best way to lower your DTI quickly.

Whichever way you decide to go, keep in mind that the goal is to lower the amount of debt you have as a percentage of your income, so choose a method that you can commit to and that effectively moves you in that direction.

Tips for choosing a home you can afford

It may take a while for you to save for a down payment, lower your DTI ratio, or improve your credit scores. But if you work hard and stick with it over time, you may begin to see some rewards, like easier loan approval and better loan terms.

In the meantime, here are some things to consider as you think about what home you’d like once your finances are ready.

Set a budget

To figure out how much you can afford, consider getting preapproved for a mortgage. But when you do, remember that the lender is making a mostly mathematical calculation and not taking into account your comfort level or preferences. Make sure you’re comfortable with the amount you plan to borrow, even if the lender says you can borrow more.

Your mortgage payment isn’t the only expense you’re responsible for.

Narrow down location and neighborhood

Before you begin looking for a home, take some time to think about the type of environment you want to live in — city, suburbs or rural.

Next, narrow your search to a few neighborhoods. Here are some things to consider.

    • Safety — Some websites offer crime statistics by area. If you’re especially concerned about crime, check with the local police department.
    • School district — Houses in good school districts typically have higher property values. Look up ratings of schools in the area. But don’t rely on ratings alone. Check out online reviews or talk to parents who send their children to local schools.
    • Activities — Find out whether there’s a park nearby. Can you get to hiking trails quickly? What about playgrounds, pools or playing fields?
    • Convenience — Do a test run of your morning commute and check the drive time to the local grocery store. Time spent on the bus or driving to the store adds up and will affect how you spend your time when you move into your new home.

Type of home and other considerations

You’ve got the location and neighborhoods. But what type of home do you want — single-family, townhouse, condo or apartment? Here are some other considerations.

    • Condition — Move-in ready or fixer-upper? Consider how much you’re spending, whether you’re handy or hate the sight of a screwdriver, and how long you’re willing to wait to move in.
    • Resale — If you’re planning to stay in your home for a shorter time period, resale value will be more important than if you’re planning to stay long-term.
    • Other features — Central air conditioning, swimming pool, garage, granite countertops, hardwood floors, walk-in closets. Have some fun figuring out what you can and can’t live without — and how much it will cost you.

Source: creditkarma.com ~ By: Erin Dunn ~ Image: Canva Pro

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Buying or Selling a Home in Winter: What You Need to Know

Buying or Selling a Home in Winter

Nobody buys or sells a home in the winter, right? Well, if you checked the numbers, you’d find that plenty of homes are sold during the coldest months of the year. From December 2022 to February 2023, nearly 800,000 homes sold in the U.S. That’s a lot of houses!

In other words, the number of homes bought and sold during the winter is nothing to sneeze at. Plus, since most buyers search for homes online these days, it’s not like outdoor temperatures are keeping potential buyers from looking around.

If you’re wondering whether you should put off buying or selling a home until spring, there’s no need to wait. In fact, there are several advantages to buying or selling while Jack Frost is nipping at your nose. Let’s look at some of the biggest ones and go over some tips that’ll get you moving in the right direction.

Tips for Selling in the Winter

Nothing says welcome home quite like the smell of a gingerbread candle and some Christmas lights—it’s easier to stage a house and make it feel like home in the wintertime!

Here are a few tips to help you set the buying mood:

    • Keep it simple. If you’re selling around a holiday and have decorations up, make sure they accent—not overpower—a room. Less is more.
    • Crank up the cozy. Light a fire in the hearth, play soft holiday music in the background, and prepare fresh-baked goods or mulled cider for guests.
    • Shine a light outside. Winter days get dark early. Brighten your home’s exterior with outdoor spotlights.
    • Take down outside decor. Nothing says “my home won’t sell” like a house with reindeer inflatables on the lawn in February.
    • Avoid a winter wonderland. Snow is great—unless we’re talking about outside shots of your home. Buyers want to see details of the house, not a blanket of snow. Make sure you have clear-weather photos of your home.

Remember, the nicer your home looks, the more likely it is to sell—and for more money.

Advantages of Selling Your Home in the Winter

Okay, huddle up, home sellers. Let’s unpack the perks of selling when the air gets chilly.

1. You’ll face less competition.

Come spring, more sellers will flood the market and your home will be just another fish in a great big pond. But in winter, you’ve got a limited number of sellers on the market. For example, the number of active home listings in the U.S. during 2021 and 2022 dipped during the winter and didn’t begin rebounding until the spring of the following year.2

If that pattern repeats in 2023–2024, you’ll have less competition on the market if you list your home during the winter! Buyers have fewer homes to choose from, which means you could sell your house faster.

2. Buyers often mean business.

Most folks want to curl up under a blanket next to a warm fire on a cold winter day. If a buyer is trudging around in freezing weather or breaking away from their holiday schedule to look at your home, they must be serious. That’s because many winter buyers are working against a deadline, whether it’s an expiring lease, relocation, or a contract on their current home. They may also be trying to snag some tax breaks before the end of the year.

3. People have time off during the holidays.

You may think people are less likely to see your home in the midst of their hectic holiday schedules. That can definitely be true. But keep in mind, that many people also have more time off around the holidays. That means more time for browsing their favorite home apps, dreaming about their future decor, and even scheduling home showings.

Tips for Buying in the Winter

Alright, home buyers. Now it’s your turn. Below are some tips for buying a house when the weather outside is frightful.

    • Don’t buy until you’re debt-free with an emergency fund. Hold off on buying a home if you haven’t paid off all your consumer debt (think credit cards, car notes, and student loans) or saved up a full emergency fund worth 3–6 months of your typical expenses. You should prioritize those financial goals first.
    • Save up a strong down payment. You need to make a strong down payment when you buy a home because a bigger down payment means smaller monthly payments and less debt overall. Aim for a 20% down payment since that’ll keep you from having to pay monthly private mortgage insurance fees. (A 5–10% down payment is fine if you’re a first-time home buyer, though.)
    • Stick to your budget. Sure, home prices might drop a bit with the temperatures. But that doesn’t mean you should justify spending any more than 25% of your monthly take-home pay on monthly housing payments. To make sure your winter home purchase is a blessing and not a curse, calculate how much house you can afford and stick to it.
    • Negotiate with confidence. Remember, there isn’t much competition. So, sellers will probably be willing to work with you. If the home inspection brings up some issues, don’t be afraid to ask your seller to make repairs or lower the asking price.

Advantages of Buying Your Home in the Winter

Now, here are some of the biggest advantages to buying a home in winter:

1. You’ll have less competition.

Home sellers aren’t the only ones who face less competition during the winter! As we saw earlier, home sales take a bit of a plunge during the winter. So, typically, you won’t have to deal with as many competing buyers as you would if you waited to buy in spring. This probably means you don’t have to worry as much about someone else snagging your dream home before you can submit an offer, or about getting caught in a bidding war.

It’s kind of like when someone brings in holiday treats to share with the office but most of your coworkers are out of town. You get first dibs on the best desserts!

2. You may get a better deal.

Since supply and demand for housing are both down during the winter months, you might be able to save money on your purchase! Hard to believe? Get this: The median sales price of homes sold from December 2022 to February 2023 was about $20,000 lower than homes sold from March to May 2023.

That means people who bought their homes during winter saved tens of thousands of dollars compared to those who waited to buy in the spring or summer! That might make any challenges of buying during the wintertime worthwhile.

3. You can lock in the current mortgage rate.

As you’ve probably heard, interest rates have climbed up a lot lately. Well, there’s a chance that the trend will continue moving forward since the Federal Reserve (the Fed) could raise the national interest rate again at its next meeting. So, if you’re going to use a mortgage to buy a house, locking in your rate now could save you from paying even more down the road. And if rates wind up going down over the next year or so, you can always refinance.

If you follow these tips, there’s hope you’ll find the house you want and get a good price on it this winter.

Ready to Buy or Sell Your Home in Winter?

With all these advantages on your side, hopefully buying or selling your home in the winter won’t feel so daunting. We know you’ve probably got a lot on your plate this time of year though. So, we’ve put together some resources to help you check everything off your list. For a step-by-step plan that’ll walk you through every part of the process, use our free Home Buyers Guide or Home Sellers Guide.

Source: ramseysolutions.com ~ Image: Canva Pro

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Here are 3 major ways debt can affect your ability to buy a home

Debt can affect ability to buy a home.

Debt — and the way you manage it — can help or harm your ability to buy a home.

If you’re preparing to buy a home in the future, you likely have a laundry list of things you need to do to get ready — and that includes getting your finances in tip-top shape.

Aside from double-checking your credit score and credit report and making sure you have enough money saved up to purchase in your desired market, you should also consider the ways your current debt balance might affect your ability to buy a home.

1) It shows lenders you can handle paying back lenders

Having some debt on your credit report is still really important because lenders need “clues” about how good you are at managing different forms of debt. So having a student loan that you paid off on your credit report can be a green flag to lenders.

Or, maybe you’ve been managing two credit cards really well over the last five years; this is another positive trade line that will show up on your credit report and help you appear less risky as a borrower.

If you don’t have any history of managing debt — even one credit card — lenders may not feel comfortable giving you such a large loan because you lack those clues about your debt management habits.

2) Managing debt well can improve your credit score

Healthy debt management habits can set you up to have an easier time getting approved for your home loan. Not only do you have a history of managing debt, but you also have clues that point to positive management habits — and that can be reflected in your credit score.

Most mortgage lenders look for a credit score of at least 620. Some lenders, like Rocket Mortgage, may still consider applicants who have credit scores of at least 580 for some home loans. But the higher your credit score, the lower your mortgage interest rate will be. That’s why working to improve your credit score before you apply can work to your advantage.

Payment history makes up 35% of your credit score. So just by consistently making your credit card, auto loan, and other payments every month, you’re contributing to improving your credit score. Likewise, if you were to miss a payment, this could have a big impact on your credit score.

The amount of money you owe is the second most important factor in determining your credit score (it makes up 30% of your score). This is usually a measure of your credit utilization, which is the amount of money you owe in relation to your total credit limit. Experts typically recommend keeping your credit utilization below 30%.

So if you have $5,000 as a total credit limit and owe $2,500, your credit utilization is 50% and it would be a good idea to continue making payments so you can lower your utilization.

Because of that credit utilization rate, carrying too much debt could drag down your credit score. Coming close to maxing out your available credit makes lenders think that you’re spending beyond your means and would therefore be a risky borrower.

3) Having too much debt can make you ineligible for some home loans

One criteria mortgage lenders assess when reviewing your home loan application is known as the debt-to-income ratio. Your debt-to-income ratio is a comparison of how much you owe to how much money you earn. Your gross income (pre-tax income) is used to measure this number.

A lower debt-to-income ratio suggests that you have a healthy balance between debt and income. However, a higher debt-to-income ratio suggests that too much of your income is going toward paying down debt, and this will make a mortgage lender see you as a risky borrower.

According to a breakdown from The Mortgage Reports, a debt-to-income ratio of no more than 43% is considered good; a ratio closer to 45% might be acceptable depending on the loan you apply for, but a ratio that’s 50% or higher can raise some eyebrows.

A higher debt-to-income ratio could make you unable to be approved for some home loan programs with attractive features, like lower down payment minimums. For instance, the HomeReady loan program from Ally Bank requires applicants to have a debt-to-income ratio of no more than 50%, among other criteria.

If you want to calculate your debt-to-income ratio, here’s what you do: Add up all your monthly debt payments, which include credit card payments, student loan payments, and payments to any other lines of credit you may have. Then Divide this number by your gross income amount. The result is your debt-to-income ratio.

How to consolidate and best payoff debt

If you have an unhealthy amount of debt and are preparing to get a mortgage, consider these strategies to consolidate and pay down your debt.

The debt snowball method is one debt management method where you focus on eliminating the smallest debt balance first while paying just the minimum on all your other debts. On the other hand, the debt avalanche method involves eliminating your highest-interest debt first. Both methods can be instrumental in helping you crush your debt balance in a more organized way.

Debt consolidation is another popular method for paying down debt if you carry balances on multiple credit cards or have multiple loans. Essentially, you’ll apply for a personal loan that’s enough to cover the total amount of debt on all your credit cards. Then, once you’re approved, the lender sends the funding amount to your creditors, which pays off your credit cards. From there, you’ll just have to pay back the personal loan you borrowed.

This method can potentially help you save on interest since personal loan lenders typically offer much lower interest rates compared to credit card issuers. The Happy Money personal loan is one of the best debt consolidation loans out there since this lender will send your funds directly to creditors.

Balance transfer credit cards with a 0% intro APR period are another useful option for getting rid of debt since these credit cards allow you to make interest-free monthly payments for a limited time. Interest charges can eat into your monthly payments and make it feel like your balance is barely going down. With this method, you basically transfer the balance of your current credit card onto a new credit card and you try to pay off the balance before the interest-free period is over.

The Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card offers an intro APR period of 0% for 21 months on balance transfers (after, the 18.24% – 28.99% variable). So you’ll basically have almost two years to make interest-free credit card payments. Just keep in mind that you’ll have to pay a 5% transfer fee on each balance that you transfer ($5 minimum). Balance transfers must be completed within 4 months of account opening.

The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card also offers an intro APR period of 0% for 21 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers (after, 18.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99% variable). Balance transfers made within 120 days from account opening qualify for the intro rate, BT fee of 5%, min $5.

Bottom line

Having experience managing debt in a healthy manner can help you get approved for a mortgage, but the key here is to make sure you’re practicing positive habits with your debt. Continue making on-time monthly payments toward your debts, don’t let your credit utilization rate get too high, and be wary of the amount of debt you have in relation to how much you earn.

Source: cnbc.com ~ By: Jasmin Suknanan ~ Image: Canva Pro

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Tips for First-Time Home Buyers

Celebrating moving

Learn strategies for saving a down payment, applying for a mortgage, shopping for a house, and more.

It’s exciting — and a little scary — to think about buying your first home. Even when you know you’re ready to buy a house, you might not be sure where to begin. These tips for first-time home buyers will help you navigate the process from start to finish.

Preparing to buy tips

1. Start saving early

When calculating how much money you need to buy a house, consider one-time expenses as well as new, recurring bills. Here are the main upfront costs to consider when saving for a home:

  • Down payment: Your down payment requirement will depend on the type of mortgage you choose and the lender. Some conventional loans aimed at first-time home buyers with excellent credit require as little as 3% down. But even a small down payment can be challenging to save. For example, a 3% down payment on a $300,000 home is $9,000. Use a down payment calculator to decide on a goal, and then set up automatic transfers from checking to savings to get started.

  • Closing costs: These are the fees and expenses you pay to finalize your mortgage, and they typically range from 2% to 6% of the loan amount. Your closing costs on a $300,000 loan could be between $6,000 and $18,000. That’s additional money you’d have to pay, on top of your down payment. In a buyer’s market, you can often ask the seller to pay a portion of your closing costs, and you can save on some expenses, such as home inspections, by shopping around.

  • Move-in expenses: Remember to budget for moving costs, which typically run up to $2,500 for most local moves. (Long-distance moves can be much pricier.) You’ll need some cash after the home purchase. Set some money aside for immediate home repairs, upgrades and furnishings.

2. Decide how much home you can afford

Figure out how much you can safely spend on a house before starting to shop. NerdWallet’s home affordability calculator can help with setting a price range based on your income, debt, down payment, credit score and where you plan to live.

3. Check and polish your credit

Your credit score will determine whether you qualify for a mortgage and affect the interest rate lenders will offer. Having a higher score will generally get you a lower interest rate, so take these steps to polish your credit score to buy a house:

  • Get free copies of your credit reports from each of the three credit bureaus — Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion — and dispute any errors that could hurt your score.

  • Pay all your bills on time, and keep credit card balances as low as possible.

  • Keep current credit cards open. Closing a card will increase the portion of available credit you use, which can lower your score.

  • Avoid opening new credit accounts while you’re applying for mortgages. Opening new accounts could put a hard inquiry on your credit report and lower the overall average age of your credit accounts, which could hurt your score. 

    • Standard inspections don’t test for things like radon, mold or pests. Understand what’s included in the inspection and ask your agent what other inspections you might need.

    • Make sure the inspectors can get to every part of the house, such as the roof and any crawl spaces.

      • An existing home generally costs less than buying a new construction home. But if local inventory is low and you have the means, a brand-new home offers enticing options to customize.

      • A condominium or townhome may be more affordable than a single-family home, but shared walls with neighbors will mean less privacy. Don’t forget to budget for homeowners association fees when shopping for condos and townhomes, or houses in planned or gated communities.

      • A manufactured home, including the type commonly called a mobile home, can be an affordable option if you have a tight budget. You’ll need to title it as real property and affix it to a permanent foundation if you want to finance it with a traditional mortgage. Many manufactured homes are financed through chattel loans, which have higher interest rates than mortgages.

      • Fixer-uppers, or single-family homes in need of updates or repairs, usually sell for less per square foot than move-in-ready homes. However, you may need to budget extra for repairs and remodeling. Renovation mortgages finance both the home price and the cost of improvements in one loan.

        The buyer doesn’t have to attend the inspection, but it could be useful to be there. By following the inspectors around you can get a better understanding of the home and ask questions on the spot. If you can’t attend the inspections, review the reports carefully and ask about anything that’s unclear.

        4. Explore mortgage options

        A variety of mortgages are available with varying down payment and eligibility requirements. Here are the main categories:

        • Conventional mortgages are the most common type of home loan and are not guaranteed by the government. Some conventional loans targeted at first-time buyers require as little as 3% down.

        • FHA loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration and allow down payments as low as 3.5%.

        • USDA loans are guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. They are for suburban and rural home buyers and usually require no down payment.

        • VA loans are guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. They are for current military service members and veterans and usually require no down payment.

        You also have options when it comes to the mortgage term. Most home buyers opt for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, which is paid off in 30 years and has an interest rate that stays the same. A 15-year loan typically has a lower interest rate than a 30-year mortgage, but the monthly payments are larger.

        If you plan to stay in the home for only a few years, you might consider an adjustable-rate mortgage or ARM. ARMs often start with a lower fixed-interest introductory rate, enabling you to buy a more expensive home for the same monthly payment, but they can also increase (or decrease) over time.

        5. Research first-time home buyer assistance programs

        Many states and some cities and counties offer first-time home buyer programs, which often combine low-interest-rate loans with down payment assistance and closing cost assistance. If you meet low- to moderate-income benchmarks, you could qualify for a grant or forgivable loan that doesn’t need to be paid back.

        Tax credits, known as mortgage credit certificates, are also available through some first-time home buyer programs.

        6. Compare mortgage rates and fees

        Plan to shop around for mortgage lenders and compare three to five different quotes. Doing so could save you thousands of dollars in interest over the lifetime of the loan.

        The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recommends requesting loan estimates for the same type of mortgage from multiple lenders to compare the costs, including interest rates and possible origination fees.

        Lenders may offer the opportunity to buy discount points, which are fees the borrower pays upfront to lower the interest rate. Buying points can make sense if you have the money and plan to stay in the home for a long time. Use a discount points calculator to decide.

        In a buyer’s market, some motivated sellers may offer to pay some or all of the buyer’s points to close the deal.

        7. Gather your loan paperwork

        Before you’re approved for a mortgage, your lender will ask you for financial records to verify your income, assets, and debt, including:

        • Proof of income and employment, such as tax returns, W-2s and 1099s.

        • Statements for bank, retirement, and brokerage accounts.

        • Records of debt payments, such as student loans, auto loans, or any real estate debt.

        • Documentation of other events that impact your finances, such as divorce, bankruptcy, or foreclosure.

        Pull these documents ahead of time to stay organized throughout the process — you’ll need them for a mortgage preapproval as well as when you apply for the loan.

        8. Get a preapproval letter

        A mortgage preapproval is a lender’s offer to loan you a certain amount under specific terms. Having a preapproval letter shows home sellers and real estate agents that you’re a serious buyer and can give you an edge over home shoppers who haven’t taken this step yet.

        Apply for preapproval when you’re ready to start home shopping. A lender will pull your credit and review the documents you organized in the previous step. Applying for preapproval from more than one lender to shop rates shouldn’t hurt your credit score as long as you apply for them within a limited time frame, such as 30 days.

        Home shopping tips

        9. Choose a real estate agent carefully

        A good real estate agent will scour the market for homes that meet your needs and guide you through the negotiation and closing processes. Get agent referrals from other recent home buyers. Interview at least a few agents and request references. When speaking with potential agents, ask about their experience helping first-time home buyers in your market and how they plan to help you find a home. You might also ask how they find homes that aren’t yet on the market, which can be a handy skill when buyer competition is fierce.

        10. Narrow down your ideal type of house and neighborhood

        Weigh the pros and cons of different types of homes, given your lifestyle and budget.

      Think about your long-term needs and whether a starter home or forever home will meet them best. If you plan to start or expand your family, it may make sense to buy a home with extra room to grow.

      Research potential neighborhoods thoroughly, including property values, property taxes, and safety considerations. Choose one with amenities that are important to you, including schools and entertainment options. If you work away from home, test out the commute during rush hour.

      11. Stick to your budget

      To avoid financial stress down the road, set a price range based on your budget — and then stick to it.

      A lender may offer to loan you more than what is comfortably affordable, or you may feel pressure to spend outside your comfort zone to beat another buyer’s offer in a bidding war.

      In a competitive market, consider looking at properties below your price limit to give some wiggle room for bidding. In a buyer’s market, you may be able to view homes a bit above your limit. Your real estate agent can suggest a range for your offering price.

      12. Make the most of walk-throughs and open houses

      Online 3D home tours have become more popular as technology improves. They don’t supply all the information in-person visits do — like how the carpets smell — but they can help you narrow the list of properties to visit.

      It’s possible to buy a house sight unseen, but it’s always best to visit in person. Open your senses when walking through a home. Listen for noise, pay attention to any odors, and look at the overall condition of the home inside and out. Ask about the type and age of the electrical and plumbing systems and the roof.

      Home purchasing tips

      13. Don’t skip the home inspections

      A home inspection is a thorough assessment of the structure and mechanical systems. Professional inspectors look for potential problems, so you can make an informed decision about buying the property. Here are some things to keep in mind

    14. Negotiate with the seller

    You may be able to save money by asking the seller to pay for repairs in advance or lower the price to cover the cost of repairs you’ll have to make later. You may also ask the seller to pay some of the closing costs. But keep in mind that lenders may limit the portion of closing costs the seller can pay.

    Your negotiating power will depend on the local market. It’s tougher to drive a hard bargain when there are more buyers than homes for sale. Work with your real estate agent to understand the local market and strategize accordingly.

    15. Buy adequate home insurance

    Your lender will require you to buy homeowners insurance before closing the deal. Home insurance covers the cost to repair or replace your home and belongings if they’re damaged by an incident covered in the policy. It also provides liability insurance if you’re held responsible for an injury or accident. Buy enough home insurance to cover the cost of rebuilding the home if it’s destroyed.

    It may be worth buying an umbrella policy if you need to cover your home, cars, and other major assets.

    Source: nerdwallet.com ~ By: Barbara Marquand ~ Image:

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What to Expect From the Housing Market in the Second Half of 2023

What to Expect From the Housing Market in the Second Half of 2023

The outlook of the U.S. housing market in the second half of the year comes down to two familiar words: mortgage rates.

In the first half, high rates have kept housing in a state of suspended animation, as borrowing costs priced out prospective buyers, while homeowners with mortgage rates of 3% or less are unwilling to sell and face having to borrow for their next home at something closer to 7%.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Experts expect mortgage rates to even out around 6% by the end of the year.
  • A new trend of domestic migration into Sun Belt cities is expected to continue.
  • New single family home building will make a dent in the need for housing inventory.

Despite high demand and home prices that are now starting to fall, the market is still relatively sluggish at a point in the year where it’s historically at a peak. While new construction is rising to meet some of the demand for single-family homes, it won’t be enough to meet the current market needs.

So what can homebuyers expect for the latter half of 2023? While the Federal Reserve is expected to continue raising rates through the end of the year, industry leaders foresee mortgage rates dropping and homebuying subsequently picking up as home prices fall and affordability improves.

Still, few expect a recovery that would allow the market to catch up with the pace of activity the U.S. saw in 2022.

Rates Will Determine Trajectory of Market

The Federal Reserve has signaled that more rate hikes may be in store before the end of the year. Once the rate hikes slow or stop, affordability concerns will slowly start to ease, according to Realtor Chief Economist Danielle Hale.

“It means affordability will start to improve, but not drastically,” Hale said.

Experts see mortgage rates headed on a more stable path. As inflation is expected to continue cooling, mortgage rates are expected to decline.  Another peak is anticipated for June, but Hale predicts it could be the final uptick before conditions begin to even out.

“We think that June will have been another temporary peak in mortgage rates and we’ll see them gradually ease from the 6.7% range they’ve been in recently, down to near 6% at the end of the year, likely hovering just above 6%,” Hale said in an email.

That evening out around 6% will help homebuyers who have been waiting on the sidelines to re-enter the market, according to National Association of Realtors Chief Economist Lawrence Yun, but it may not be enough to ease the lack of inventory just yet.

“That will help boost both housing demand and supply. For homeowners who are mishoused (i.e., new child in the family, new job in the other part of town, etc.) but have been unwilling to sell due to locked-in low rates, the cost of a move becomes less costly with falling mortgage rates,” Yun said in a statement provided to Investopedia.

Inventory Boost Expected to Help Meet High Demand

As mortgage rates cool, inventory is expected to tick up again throughout the latter half the year. Chronically low inventory of existing homes is dampening market conditions.  Analysts at Fannie Mae anticipate low inventory when it comes to existing homes through the end of the year.

“We continue to expect that existing home sales will decline modestly through the rest of the year amid a broader economic slowdown, ongoing affordability constraints, and limited inventories of homes available for sale,” Fannie Mae’s economic and strategic research group wrote online.1 “The ongoing lack of existing home inventory continues to provide a boost to the new home market, though, as May represented the largest single-month jump in single-family starts in percentage terms since June 2020.”

Compass CEO Robert Reffkin told CNBC he thinks when rates drop back down to around 5.5%, that’s when the inventory logjam should begin to clear.

“The issue we are seeing is that we need to have an unlock of inventory. It’s probably going to happen when mortgage rates get to 5%, 5.5% at a sustainable level. At that point, I would expect there to be a flood of inventory in the market, and it’ll feel like the pandemic craze all over again,” Reffkin said.2

Meanwhile, homebuilding is picking up to help fill inventory gaps across the country. May brought a significant uptick in the sale of new single-family homes, which rose 20% year-over-year and 12.2% from April.3

Home Prices Likely To Decline

Weak home prices are expected over the summer months, when they are typically at their peak, according to Realtor’s Hale.

“Specifically, while June is expected to be the seasonal peak for home prices in 2023, like it is most years, we won’t see as big of a month to month climb as we did in 2022, which will mean ongoing mild declines when we’re comparing home sale prices to one year ago,” Hale said.

The declines are expected to run through the early fall, depending on the Federal Reserve.

“By the time we get to the fourth quarter, mortgage rate and seasonal home price relief could be enough to stanch the declines” Hale added. “On net, we expect average home prices in 2023 to fall 0.6% compared to 2022.”

As supply boosts and mortgage rates and home prices fall, sales are expected to rise through the end of the year, according to NAR’s Yun.

“We’re likely approaching the bottom in home sales with steady improving home sales in the second half of the year and into 2024,” Yun said.

Source: investopedia.com ~ By: MEG CUNNINGHAM ~ Image: Canva Pro

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Making an Offer On a New Home: Real Tips From Real Estate Agents

Offer accepted, sale pending

Think of making an offer on a home as setting the roller coaster in motion: You might have sharp drops in emotion and slow, trudging climbs to success, but the ride won’t end until the car slows down and the safety bar is lifted. (OK, this metaphor is now officially over.)

But to begin the process, you need to know how to make the right offer, an offer that will end with your receiving the keys to your new house. So check out some of these agent-approved negotiation tactics to make the offer process a whole lot less bumpy.

Pick the right price

Just because a home is listed for $400,000, it doesn’t mean the home is actually worth that much.

It all depends on the current conditions of the local market. If you’re buying in a hot market—especially places with low inventories—offering substantially below asking price is “probably wasting your time,” says Mindy Jensen, a Realtor® with Equity Colorado. But if a home has been sitting unsold for a few months, the sellers may not expect full price. Your best bet at measuring prices in your target area are comps, or what similarly sized homes nearby have sold for recently.

Work with your real estate agent to determine a fair offer. They will have the best read on pricing and marketplace dynamics, and can walk through the local comps with you. Your agent can also help you determine what a fair discount might be without offending the seller. While specific numbers will depend on your market, a rule of thumb is that it is unrealistic to go below 5% of a home’s list price unless it’s been sitting on the market for months. Which leads us to…

Lowball with care

Sometimes a home is priced just too high—no ifs, ands, or buts—or perhaps it’s been sitting unsold for half a year. In those situations, a lowball offer well under asking price might be the right strategy to get the home you love for a bargain price. However, this is a tool to be deployed rarely and with great care—especially if the current owners have lived there for many years.

“Longtime owners usually have tons of pride in their home, and want the new owners to love it like they do,” says Jodie Burns, a Realtor with McEnearney Associates. “Buyers who lowball run a risk of angering the seller and losing the house. Ideally, you’re looking for a closing where both sides feel like they got a fair deal.”

So don’t lowball unless both you and your agent agree that it’s the best tactic to sway a seller. It can be perilous, so it’s best to keep this strategy on the sidelines unless you’re fairly certain it won’t cause a seller to walk away entirely.

Also, think about the big picture. Don’t let a (relatively) small amount come between you and a house you adore. “If a couple of thousand dollars is going to keep them out of a home they love, I remind buyers how little that amount translates into a monthly payment,” Burns says.

Consider contingencies

Along with the price, you’ll also want to factor contingencies into your contract. The more hurdles in the way of the sale, the more likely one of them will trip you up.

For example, do you need to sell your own home first, which requires a selling contingency? Work with your agent to decide what you’ll ask for off the bat—and consider dropping some requests if the market is hot.

As Jensen explains, “Your chances are best if you ask for the fewest things.”

That said, don’t put yourself at risk to get the home you love. Some aggressive buyers might advocate dropping the home inspection clause to sweeten an offer, but that can be dangerous, especially in older homes.

Keep your emotions in check

Yes, the search seems to have dragged on forever; yes, this home has everything you need. But keep your wits about you.

“Don’t fall in love,” Jensen says. “Falling in head over heels with a home can make you do ridiculous things, like overpay.”

Plus sometimes, even an “excellent offer may not be accepted,” says Vici Boguess, a Realtor with the Burke Boguess Zimmerman Group in Alexandria, VA. Don’t assume a rejection is an insult—the sellers might just dislike some of your contingencies or are holding out for a better offer. So, don’t assume it’s over until it’s over.

Source: realtor.com  ~ By Jamie Wiebe ~ Image: Canva Pro

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