Buyers Show Interest in Smart-Home Tech Tout those smart-home features in listings. More than a third of young Americans say they’re more interested in smart-home tech for safety and security, energy efficiency, and entertainment and relaxation since the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new survey from realtor.com®. Overall, a quarter of Americans say they’re …
Category: Real Estate Tips
Dec 22
Mortgage Rates Continue to Drop
Mortgage Rates Continue to Drop This week marked the 15th record low for mortgage rates this year. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage dipped further to an average of 2.67%, the lowest rate ever recorded by Freddie Mac, with records dating back to 1971. “The housing market continues to surge higher and support an otherwise stagnant economy that …
Dec 21
Home Flipping Drops Even as Profits Reach New Highs
Home Flipping Drops Even as Profits Reach New Highs Fewer investors are taking on home flips during the pandemic. But many of those who’ve stayed with it are seeing profits rise. The number of home flips dropped again in the third quarter, comprising only 5.1% of all home sales, ATTOM Data Solutions reports. Home flipping …
Dec 21
Timely Home Design Trends for 2021
Timely Home Design Trends for 2021 The stress of 2020 is causing an overhaul in home design. For example, open floor plans are now being considered too open as households seek privacy for work and school while everyone is at home. As a result, home offices are growing in demand in buyers’ home search. Real …
Dec 17
Consumers Say They’d Move if Bosses Continue to Allow Remote Work
Consumers Say They’d Move if Bosses Continue to Allow Remote Work The work-from-home trend may be translating into a need-a-new-home trend. The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted more people to work remotely, and as more people hunker down at home, they’re looking at real estate for a move. Forty-five percent of consumers recently surveyed by Homes.com …
Dec 16
Condo Vs. Single Family Homes
Condo Vs. Single Family Homes Check out these pro’s and con’s when it comes to single family homes versus condominiums. With the help of myself and John Coneys of Freedom Mortgage, (NMLS# 183853 – 610.322.4886) we can explore homebuying options to help you meet your goals. #RealEstate #Realtor #HomePurchase #BuyersMarket #FreedomFast #PlymouthMeetingFM
Dec 15
Record-Low Rates a Lifeline for Delinquent Owners
Record-Low Rates a Lifeline for Delinquent Owners Low mortgage rates may also be helping to keep elevated delinquencies in check, according to a new report from CoreLogic. “Our analysis of CoreLogic public records shows that more than one-half of all home mortgage loans created since the onset of the pandemic have been no-cash-out refinance,” …
Dec 15
Bad Digital Experiences Drive Clients Away
Bad Digital Experiences Drive Clients Away Consumers crave digital connection from small businesses, including from real estate firms, a new study finds. The COVID-19 outbreak has sparked a greater reliance on digital and mobile tech to do jobs and complete transactions. Moxtra, a firm that offers digital solutions, recently surveyed 1,500 small business personnel and …
Dec 14
Appraisals Commonly Cause Transaction Delays
Appraisals Commonly Cause Transaction Delays The appraisal can be a stressful process and may threaten to derail transactions. Twenty-one percent of REALTORS® say “appraisal issues” delayed their sales contracts in October, according to the most recent REALTORS® Confidence Index. Appraisal issues led to 13% of contracts being terminated. The appraiser evaluates the home’s lot size, …
Dec 14
Outdoor Home Trends That May Gain Steam in 2021
Outdoor Home Trends That May Gain Steam in 2021 Homeowners are enjoying their property’s outdoor space more during the pandemic, and house hunters are paying particular attention to outdoor features as they evaluate homes to purchase. Landscape design firm Tilly Design predicts the top trends for outdoor space in 2021. 1. “Social” front yards. You …
Dec 10
Down Payments Are Up
Down Payments Are Up Faced with more expensive home prices, home buyers are bringing more money to closing. The median down payment on a single-family home and condo purchased in the third quarter increased by nearly 67% compared to a year ago. Median down payments are at the highest level recorded since at least 2000, …
Dec 09
Get on Your Way to Home Ownership
Get on Your Way to Home Ownership Getting started on your path to home ownership means having the right materials ready. See the list below with the materials you need to provide. With the help of myself and John Coneys of Freedom Mortgage, (NMLS# 183853 – 610.322.4886) we can explore homebuying options to help you …
