TOP KITCHEN TRENDS DESIGNS-2018
/
We are continuing our report on the hottest designs for 2018 with the KITCHENS and what to look out for this year!!
Read More
Real Estate 2018: What to Expect
/
Get ready for another strong year in the 2018 housing market! U.S. home values and sales volume will continue to rise in 2018. Find out how you can maximize your Real Estate selling or buying this coming year.
Read More93% Believe Homeownership Is Important In Attaining The American Dream
/Americans continue to believe that homeownership is important in achieving the American Dream. A recent survey by NeighborWorks America reported that:
“Owning a home remains a core element of the American Dream.”
When asked “How important a part of the American dream is owning a home?”
- 18% of those surveyed said it was the most important part
- 53% of those surveyed said it was very important
- 22% of those surveyed said it was somewhat important
Homeownership and Financial Stability
The survey also revealed that 81% of Americans believe that owning a home leads to a family being more financially stable. This feeling was reiterated by Zillow Senior Economist Aaron Terrazas who, in a recent press release, explained:
“After about a two-year slowdown, rent growth is starting to pick back up across the nation…Looking into 2018, rent is expected to continue gaining.
More widespread rent growth could mean home buying demands stay high, as renters who can afford it move away from the unpredictability of rising rents toward the relative stability of a monthly mortgage payment instead.” (emphasis added)
Bottom Line
Owning a home always has been, and always will be, a crucial part of attaining the American Dream.
The Impact Of Tight Inventory On The Housing Market
/The housing crisis is finally in the rear-view mirror as the real estate market moves down the road to a complete recovery. Home values are up, home sales are up, and distressed sales (foreclosures and short sales) have fallen to their lowest points in years. It seems that the market will continue to strengthen in 2018.
However, there is one thing that may cause the industry to tap the brakes: a lack of housing inventory. While buyer demand looks like it will remain strong throughout the winter, supply is not keeping up.
Here are the thoughts of a few industry experts on the subject:
National Association of Realtors
“Total housing inventory at the end of November dropped 7.2 percent to 1.67 million existing homes available for sale, and is now 9.7 percent lower than a year ago (1.85 million) and has fallen year-over-year for 30 consecutive months. Unsold inventory is at a 3.4-month supply at the current sales pace, which is down from 4.0 months a year ago.”
Joseph Kirchner, Senior Economist for Realtor.com
“The increases in single-family permits and starts show that builders are planning and starting new construction projects, that’s a good thing because it will help to relievethe shortage of homes on the market.”
Sam Khater, Deputy Chief Economist at CoreLogic
“Inventory is tighter than it appears. It’s much lower for entry-level buyers.”
Bottom Line
If you are thinking of selling, now may be the time. Demand for your house will be strong at a time when there is very little competition. That could lead to a quick sale for a really good price.
27 New Year’s Resolutions for Homeowners
/
Personal resolutions can be motivating, exciting or just plain silly. This year I will…lose weight, run a marathon, go to Paris, break the hot-dog-eating record. As a homeowner, resolutions can also be empowering. Some are mission-critical for a solid financial year, others maybe fall in the wish list. Need ideas? This list should get you (and your real estate clients) started:
Read More5 Home Projects You Should Tackle Before You List Your House
/
Your home is a major investment, and it’s something that you want to get the most from when you move on. Don’t let minor flaws get in the way of your profits. Something as simple as picking up toys in the yard or clearing away your collection of soda bottles can make a major difference in how potential buyers feel about your home. Add these projects to your checklist if you want to make a good first impression and sell your home for top dollar.
Read More
