Rates can not be predicted with 100% accuracy but most experts agree that rates will trend upward in 2015.
Filed under Home Buying (For Buyers), Mortgage Info
Selling a home when you own a dog can take some extra planning. Not all buyers will enjoy your pet as much as you do, so it’s best to keep your pet out-of-the-way during showings.
What should you do with your dog when your house is being shown?
Ideally, it is best to remove your dog from the premises when your home is being shown. This is not always possible, so some sellers choose to use a crate to contain their pet when they don’t have alternative solutions.
The Crate – Peaceful Sanctuary or Puppy Prison
Should you decide to use a crate, take some time to properly crate train your pet to reduce their stress. Learn the appropriate time limits of confinement and purchase the appropriate size and type crate for your pet. A crate can be a peaceful sanctuary for short periods of time or it can become a stressful puppy prison. Also, keep in mind, some dogs don’t adjust well to crates, in which case you may need to seek other alternatives.
Please be a responsible puppy parent, be empathetic toward your pets needs, and make proper arrangements for your dog while your home is on the market.
Helpful Resources
Humane Society – Crate Training
Filed under Selling Real Estate (For Sellers)
There are some who are calling for a substantial drop in home prices should mortgage interest rates begin to rise rapidly. Intuitively that makes sense. The cost of a home is determined by the price of the home and the price of financing that home. If mortgage interest rates increase, less people will be able to buy. The logic says prices will fall if demand decreases.
However, history shows us that this has not been the case the last four times mortgage interest rates dramatically increased.
We will have to wait and see what happens as we move forward. But, a fall in prices should rates go up is not guaranteed.
There is no doubt that the housing market has recovered from the meltdown that occurred just a few short years ago
However, in some states home values still have not returned to the prices we saw in 2006 and 2007. Here is a breakdown showing where current prices are in each state as compared to peak prices.
According to Freddie Mac’s latest U.S. Economic & Housing Market Outlook, U.S. home sales in 2015 will show increase to the numbers associated with a normal real estate market. Here is their projection:
“We are projecting a 4 percent rise in sales to 5.6 million, which would mark the highest level of annual sales since 2007.”
And their optimism was seconded by both the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA).
It seems that an improving economy and jobs market will mean a very healthy housing market.
Gena Glaze
Some of you will be braving the crowds and looking for sales this weekend and having a plan will help ensure you get the best deals possible! Check out the quick links to the Black Friday Circulars below.
Click To view;
Walmart Black Friday Circular Target Black Friday Circular Best Buy Black Friday Circular Toys R Us Black Friday Circular Kohls Black Friday Circular Belk Black Friday Circular JC Penney Black Friday Circular
Or Click Circulars Below
Old Navy is 50 percent off the entire store on Thanksgiving and Black Friday.
Target has an App that will help you find doorbusters within your local store. You can download it at the iOS App Store or in the Google Play Store. Target has also said that opening the app between 6pm on Thanksgiving and 8am on Black Friday will reveal a special Easter egg. Target will also be offering 10 percent off Target Gift Cards from 6am to noon on Black Friday
Have a safe and happy holiday!…And Happy Shopping!
Filed under Stories, News & Events
Most homeowners believe that the winter is not a good time to sell. This belief is based on the fact that historically the number of buyers decreases in the winter and then increases dramatically during the spring buying market. Though this is still true, there is an interesting pattern developing over the last few months.
The number of prospective purchasers actively looking at a home (foot traffic) has remained strong going into the fall. As a matter of fact, the foot traffic far exceeds the numbers reported for the same months last year (see chart):
At the same time, the National Association of Realtors revealed that the months’ supply of housing inventory has decreased from 5.5 months to 5.3. That equates to less competition for homeowners selling today as compared to next spring when many homeowners will decide to put their home on the market.
Since buying activity is still strong, this might be a great time to put your house on the market.
From KCM Crew
This tip actually came from one of my Sellers – Great idea!
Two kids and a dog, A Realtor is on their way to show your home….and its raining. What to do?
GO TO PETSMART!
Petsmart is one of the few stores that allows dogs inside the store…And kids love Petsmart! The kids will be entertained, the dog will have fun and Mom or Dad can make good use of their time by purchasing needed pet supplies. A fun family outing!
So, Thank You, PetsSmart! Now, if they only had a lounge and served snacks!
IN A NUT SHELL: Availability of mortgage credit has increased, The minimum credit scores needed to qualify for a mortgage has decreased and Mortgage Rates are Predicted to Rise!
Nexton’s Brighton Park Village is scheduled for a grand opening this spring. Below are the homebuilders and collections that have just been announced;
One Step Closer!
Filed under Home Buying (For Buyers), Places, Properties, Stories, News & Events
