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April 2019 - MVP - Social Media Image B

Top 10 Myths That Trip Up First-Time Home Buyers

Paul Mychalowych
Leave a comment Blog / General

If you’re thinking about buying a home, you’ve probably received your share of advice from family and friends. Add to that the constant stream of TV shows, news segments, and social media posts that over-simplify the home buying process for easy entertainment.

 

With so much information to sift through, it can be tough to distinguish fact from fiction. That’s why we’re revealing the truth behind some of the most common home buyer myths and misconceptions.

 

Buying a home is a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be a scary one. If you arm yourself with knowledge and a qualified team of support professionals, you’ll be well equipped to make the right choices for your family and financial future.

 

 

DON’T FALL FOR THESE COMMON HOME BUYER MYTHS

 

Myth #1: You need a 20% down payment.

Plenty of buyers are purchasing homes with down payments that are much less than 20% of the total cost of the property. Today, you can buy a home with as little as 3-5% down.

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Wallpaper is Back

WALLPAPER IS BACK: TOP 6 WALLPAPER TRENDS RIGHT NOW

Paul Mychalowych
Blog / General

Whether you love it or hate it, wallpaper is having a moment in the spotlight. This eye-catching trend can be seen everywhere from bathrooms to boardrooms, kitchens to lobbies, coffee shops to your perfect home reading nook. While wallpaper is a huge commitment, for those who love to live boldly it could be the right way to accent a special room.

Here’s a roundup of the top wallpapers right now.

1. FLORAL DESIGNS
Don’t think of the 1980’s version of floral wallpaper, the modern version is showy and designed to pop.

 

2. RETRO WITH A MODERN TWIST
Retro designs with modern accents can make for throwback wallpaper that still feels current.

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time_for_taxes

Appealing Your Property Tax Assessment

Paul Mychalowych
Blog / General

The deadline for appealing your property tax assessment is quickly approaching!

If you’re curious about how your homes market value stacks up to what the government says it is worth, please feel free to contact me. I’d be happy to give you a current market analysis that you can use as a basis for your argument, should you chose to pursue an appeal.

I have also included a couple of links to related articles.

https://www.realtor.com/advice/finance/lower-property-taxes/

https://www.thisoldhouse.com/ideas/how-to-dispute-your-property-taxes

Appeal Assessments

The procedure for establishing assessed values is mandated by State Law. If your concerns are regarding government procedures and laws, these should be addressed to your State Legislators. Click here for contact information for your State Legislators.

FAQ’s

If your concerns are regarding the current year assessed value, please read below:

Q: When can I appeal my property assessment?
A: Property assessments can only be appealed at the March Board of Review. These meetings are held during the second week of March every year. Residents must appear in person to appeal. Protest at the Board of Review is necessary to protect your future right to appeal to the Michigan Tax Tribunal. Owners of commercial or industrial real property may appeal directly to the Michigan Tribunal by filing an appeal no later than May 31. A Board of Review appearance is not required.

Q: I was out of town when the Board of Review was in session and could not make an appeal -what can I do about my assessment?
A: If a protest was not made to the Board of Review while they were in session, no further protests can be made. The tax laws of the State of Michigan are very specific in the requirement of a Board of Review protest.

Continue reading →

Paul Mychalowych
Blog / General

March2019MVPSocialMediaImage-1551378668160

It’s easy to look up how much money you have in your savings account or the real-time value of your stock investments. But determining the dollar value of a home is trickier.

As a seller, knowing your home’s worth helps you price it correctly when you put it up for sale. If you price it too high, it may sit on the market. But price it too low and you may be losing out on a good chunk of money (nobody wants that!). For buyers, it’s important to know a home’s worth before you make an offer. You want your offer to be competitive, but you don’t want to overpay for the property.

Even if you’re not a buyer or seller right now, as a current homeowner you might just be curious about the value of your home. Keeping track of your home’s worth year over year helps you understand the trends in your market. So when you are ready to sell, you can take advantage of a good window of opportunity.

The good news is, a trained real estate agent—who understands the nuances of your particular neighborhood—can determine the true market value of your property … and at no cost to you!

THE THREE TYPES OF HOME VALUES

When you start the process of buying or selling a home, you’ll frequently hear the words appraised value, assessed value, and true market value. It’s important to know the difference between each one so you can make better, informed decisions.

Appraised Value

A professional appraiser is in charge of determining the appraised value of a home. These appraisals are typically required by a lender when a buyer is financing the property. And while the lender is the one requiring this information, the appraiser does not work for the lender.1 Your appraiser should be an objective, licensed professional who doesn’t have allegiance to the buyer, seller, or lender—no matter who is paying their fee.

The number the appraiser comes up with (the appraised value) assures the lender that the buyer is not overpaying for the property. For example, imagine a seller lists a home for $400,000. They reach a deal with the buyer to sell the home for $375,000. However, if an appraiser evaluates the property and determines that the appraised value is actually $325,000, then the lender will not lend for an amount higher than that appraised value of $325,000.2

When figuring out this number, an appraiser will compare the property to similar homes in your neighborhood, and they’ll evaluate factors such as location, square footage, appliances, upgrades, improvements, and the interior and exterior of the home.

Assessed Value

The assessed value of a home is determined by your local municipal property assessor. This value matters when your county calculates property taxes each year. The lower your assessed value, the less property tax you’ll pay.3

To come up with this value, your assessor will evaluate what comparable homes in the neighborhood have sold for, the size of your home, age, overall condition, and any improvements or upgrades that have been made. However, most assessors don’t have full access to your home, so their information is limited.

Assessments are done annually to determine how much property tax you owe. Many counties use a multiplier (typically between 60%-80%) to calculate the final assessed value. So, if the assessor determines that the value of the home is $300,000, but the county uses a 70% multiplier, the assessed value of the home would be $210,000 for tax purposes.4

If your assessed value isn’t as high as you envisioned, don’t sweat it. Many homeowners appeal their assessment in favor of a lower valuation so that they can save money on property taxes. If you’re interested in appealing your property tax assessment, let us know. We offer complimentary assistance and would be happy to help you build your case.

True Market Value

True market value is established by your real estate agent. It basically refers to the value that a buyer is willing to pay for the property. A good real estate agent is an expert in determining true market value because they have hands-on experience buying and selling properties. They understand the mindsets of buyers in your market and know what they’ll pay for a desirable house, townhouse, or condo.

As a seller, knowing your true market value is important because it helps you choose how much to list your property for. It can also help you decide if you want to make any improvements to your home before putting it on the market. Your agent can help you figure out which updates and upgrades will have the biggest impact on your true market value.

WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH ONLINE CALCULATORS?

When figuring out your home’s value, you might be tempted to see what popular real estate sites like Zillow, Redfin, and Trulia have to say. When you use an online calculator to determine your home’s value on these sites, it is just an estimate. It’s not an actual appraisal or the “true market value.” These sites all have their own algorithms for coming up with their estimates. For example, Zillow comes up with their “Zestimates” by calculating “public and user-submitted data, taking into account special features, location, and market conditions.” 5

These online estimates can be a great starting point for opening up the conversation with your real estate agent about your home’s worth. But even Zillow recommends that you use a real estate agent for coming up with the actual market value of your home. The site says that once you get your “Zestimate,” you should still get “a comparative market analysis from a real estate agent.”

Having an agent involved in this process is essential because they understand the market better than a computer ever could. They’re showing property in your city every single day, and they know the particular preferences of buyers and sellers in the area. Young professionals, large families, empty nesters, and other groups are all looking for different things in a home. A local agent has most likely worked with all of them, so they understand what every segment in your market is specifically looking for.

HOW AN AGENT FINDS YOUR HOME’S TRUE MARKET VALUE

So, how does an actual real estate agent determine true market value? They’ll start by doing a comparative market analysis (CMA). This means they’ll compare your home’s features to similar properties in your area. For the CMA, the agent looks at the below factors to influence their assessment of your home’s worth:6

  • Neighborhood sales – Your agent will look at similar, recently sold homes in your neighborhood to see what they sold for and what they have in common with your house.
  • The exterior – What does your home look like from the outside? Your agent will factor in curb appeal, the style of the house, the front and backyard, and anything else that impacts how the house looks to everyone walking and driving by.
  • The interior – This is everything inside the walls of the house. Square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, appliances, and more all influence the overall market value.
  • Age of the home – Whether you have a newer or older home affects the number your agent comes up with as part of their assessment.
  • Style of the home – The style of your home is important because buyers in different markets have different tastes. If buyers prefer ranch-style homes and you have one, then your home may sell for a premium (aka more money!).
  • Market trends – Because a local agent has so much experience in your market, they have their finger on the pulse of your area’s trends and know what buyers are willing to pay for a property like yours.
  • Location, location, location – This one’s probably the most obvious. Your agent will think about how popular the area is, how safe it is, and what schools are like.

A computer algorithm simply can’t take all of these factors into account when calculating the value of your home. The reality is, nothing beats the accuracy of a real estate agent or professional appraiser when it comes to determining a home’s true market value.

YOUR AGENT IS THERE EVERY STEP OF THE WAY

Determining a home’s true market value is a real estate agent’s forte. If you’re a seller, your agent will help you find your home’s market value so you can list it at the right price.

For buyers, your agent will help you determine the value so you can come up with a fair offer. Your agent can also set up a personalized home search on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) for you so you’ll receive emails of listings that meet your criteria. This will help you see what’s out there in your city and how properties are being priced.

Get a Complimentary Report With Your Home’s True Market Value

Curious about your home’s true market value? Call us to request a free, no-obligation Comparative Market Analysis to find out exactly how much your home is worth!

Sources:

  1. Chicago Tribune – https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/chi-ugc-article-what-is-the-difference-between-market-value-a-2013-09-30-story.html
  1. SFGATE – https://homeguides.sfgate.com/market-value-vs-appraised-value-1206.html
  1. ValuePenguin – https://www.valuepenguin.com/mortgages/what-is-the-assessed-value-of-a-house
  1. Movoto – https://www.movoto.com/blog/homeownership/assessed-value-vs-market-value/
  1. Zillow – https://www.zillow.com/how-much-is-my-home-worth/
  1. com – https://www.realtor.com/advice/sell/assessed-value-vs-market-value-difference/

 

 

OPEN HOUSE: SUNDAY FEB. 17, 2019 12pm-2pm | 164 BALDWIN Road

Paul Mychalowych
Blog / General

BaldwinRd164

http://tours.mixedmediaco.com/115321/164-baldwin-birmingham-mi-48009

OPEN HOUSE:164 BALDWIN Road, Birmingham 48009-1356
SUNDAY FEB. 10, 2019 12pm-2pm
4 BD 2.1 BA 2844 SQ FT
MLS# 218101342 $995,000

Stunning, peaceful location in the most sought after area in Birmingham. This gorgeous home backs up to the Rouge River and is just steps away through trails to the Waterfall and Quarton Lake Park. Spacious and sprawling, this home has unique features such as copper gutters, refinished original hardwood floors throughout entire home, Pewabic tile foyer floor and fireplace surround, and eco friendly dyed cement baths. Dual staircases and a high-end gourmet kitchen with exquisite Vermont Verde Antique marble countertops, new stainless steel appliances and custom lined oak cabinets. The two story great room with it’s custom fireplace boasts a cathedral ceiling and a beautiful wall of windows overlooking the sprawling, private yard and brick paver patio. Custom built-in desk and wall units create a cozy office off the kitchen. So many more unique features you just have to see to believe! Could easily be expanded to over 6000 sq.ft. BATVAI

OPEN HOUSE: SUNDAY FEB. 10, 2019 12pm-2pm | 164 BALDWIN Road

Paul Mychalowych
Blog / General

BaldwinRd164

http://tours.mixedmediaco.com/115321/164-baldwin-birmingham-mi-48009

OPEN HOUSE:164 BALDWIN Road, Birmingham 48009-1356
SUNDAY FEB. 10, 2019 12pm-2pm
4 BD 2.1 BA 2844 SQ FT
MLS# 218101342 $995,000

Stunning, peaceful location in the most sought after area in Birmingham. This gorgeous home backs up to the Rouge River and is just steps away through trails to the Waterfall and Quarton Lake Park. Spacious and sprawling, this home has unique features such as copper gutters, refinished original hardwood floors throughout entire home, Pewabic tile foyer floor and fireplace surround, and eco friendly dyed cement baths. Dual staircases and a high-end gourmet kitchen with exquisite Vermont Verde Antique marble countertops, new stainless steel appliances and custom lined oak cabinets. The two story great room with it’s custom fireplace boasts a cathedral ceiling and a beautiful wall of windows overlooking the sprawling, private yard and brick paver patio. Custom built-in desk and wall units create a cozy office off the kitchen. So many more unique features you just have to see to believe! Could easily be expanded to over 6000 sq.ft. BATVAI

feb2019
Paul Mychalowych
Blog / General

If you’re a current homeowner, or in the market to buy, you’re probably curious about the latest trends in home design.

Sellers who make strategic updates before listing a property can generate increased interest from buyers and, in some cases, a premium selling price. And buyers should consider which features of a home will need updating immediately (or in the near future) so they can factor renovation costs into their overall budget.

Even if you have no immediate plans to buy or sell, we advise our clients to be thoughtful about the colors, materials, and finishes they select when planning a remodel. Making over-personalized or unpopular design choices could hurt a home’s value when it does come time to sell. And selecting out-of-style or overly-trendy elements could cause your renovation to feel dated quickly.

To help, we’ve rounded up eight of the hottest home design trends for 2019. Keep in mind, not all trends will work well in every house. If you plan to buy, list, or renovate a property, consult a professional who can help you realize your vision and maximize the impact of your investment.

1. WARMER PAINT COLORS

White and grey aren’t going anywhere, but expect to see warmer tones and more earthy neutrals popping up in 2019. Cold whites are being replaced by warmer, softer whites. And warmer tones of grey have become a popular alternative to the cooler grays we were seeing earlier in the decade. Dove grey—with a lilac undertone—is a particular favorite with designers this year.

Sherwin Williams chose Cavern Clay, a warm terracotta, as its 2019 color of the year, while Behr selected Blueprint, a mid-tone blue. Benjamin Moore’s selection is Metropolitan, a sophisticated grey.

If you’re preparing to sell your home, consider a light, neutral paint color. Neutral colors provide a blank canvas upon which a buyer can envision placing their belongings, and lighter colors make a room appear larger and brighter.

2. MIXED METALS

Don’t feel limited to using one metallic finish throughout your home—or even throughout a single room. Designers are mixing metals in 2019, and their favorites include copper, brass, pewter, gunmetal, and matte black.

Experts suggest picking one metal hue to dominate your color palette and a contrasting tone to complement it. If your room has a warm color palette, choose a warm-hued primary metal, such as brass or copper. For cool palettes, choose a cool-toned metal, like pewter or stainless steel. You can also experiment with mixing finishes, such as polished and hammered copper.

From faucets to cabinet pulls to accent pieces, swapping out your old or dated fixtures is an easy—and relatively inexpensive—way to modernize your decor. Mixing metals adds depth and gives your room a more curated look.

3. OUTDOOR ELEMENTS

Bringing outdoor elements into the home can help warm up a sterile space. And natural materials can soften a modern design esthetic.

Homeowners are increasingly looking for ways to incorporate these materials throughout their home. Especially popular right now: stone, copper, concrete, and wood. From concrete showers to agate stone tiles, designers are finding unexpected ways to bring the outside in.

One notable exception: granite countertops. Engineered quartz—a combination of ground quartz and resin—overtook natural granite stone as the most popular countertop material in 2018. This durable, low-maintenance, highly-customizable product has won over homeowners and designers alike.

4. ALTERNATIVE APPLIANCES

Stainless steel has been the industry standard for years, but the market is trending toward variety and fresh alternatives. Homeowners have more options available than ever to personalize their kitchens with vibrant colors, black stainless, or modern white appliances. Another favorite? Integrated appliances that blend seamlessly into cabinetry. Built-in column refrigerators, which allow you to customize the design and size of your freezer and refrigerator, are becoming a “must-have” in high-end homes.

Advancements in technology have also brought a new wave of appliances to the market. Induction cooktops are replacing commercial gas ranges as a gourmet favorite. And french door ovens and steam ovens are also gaining in popularity—especially ones with smart features you can control from an app on your smartphone.

5. COLORFUL KITCHENS

White will always be a classic choice, but color is finally coming back to kitchens. More homeowners are choosing cabinets in alternative neutrals like black, cream, and grey, along with colorful options like green and blue. Also popular? Wood cabinets in stains like warm chestnut and fruitwood.

Two-tone kitchen cabinets remain a homeowner favorite, as well. To incorporate this trend, try pairing darker lower cabinets with lighter upper cabinets or a colorful kitchen island with neutral-colored perimeter cabinets.

6. OPEN SHELVING

Swapping upper kitchen cabinets for open shelves continues to be a popular choice in 2019. It’s a cost-effective update that can make a kitchen feel larger and brighter. However, it’s not a practical option for everyone. Before you commit, test it out by removing your cabinet doors for a few weeks. See how it feels to have your glasses and dishware on display.

Not ready to give up all your upper cabinet storage space? Replace just one or two upper cabinets with open shelves for a lower-commitment but still-updated look.

7. STATEMENT TILE

The ubiquitous white subway tile is finally fading in popularity. In 2019, homeowners are gravitating toward more colorful choices, creative textures and finishes, and alternative shapes. Especially hot right now: hexagons, arabesques, diamonds, and Moroccan fish scales.

Natural stone remains a favorite, including marble, quartzite and river rock. But advancements in porcelain tile that mimics stone, and even concrete, has made it an attractive, affordable, and low-maintenance alternative.

8. SHOWCASE CEILINGS

Once an afterthought, ceilings are taking center stage. While 2018 was all about statement walls, statement ceilings are shaping up to be the darling of 2019. Designers are using bold paint colors, wallpaper, intricate moldings, fabric, and other materials to transform a ceiling into something truly special.

Want to incorporate this trend without going too bold? Choose a classic design, like coffered or wooden beams. Or stick with wood paneling or tin tiles for a more timeless look. Even something as simple as painting a ceiling the same color as the walls can make your space feel more modern.

DESIGNED TO SELL

Are you contemplating a remodel? Want to find out how upgrades could impact the value of your home? Give us a call for a free consultation!

Buyer preferences can vary greatly by neighborhood and price range. We can share the insights we’ve gathered from working with buyers in this market … and offer tips on how to maximize the return on your remodeling investment. And if you’re in the market to sell, we can run a Comparative Market Analysis on your home to find out how it compares to others in the area.

Want to learn more about how to stage your home to sell? Contact us at [insert preferred method] to request a free copy of our report: 10 Staging Secrets From the Pros for a Quick Sale at Top Dollar!

Sources:
1. Decor Mag –
https://www.decoraid.com/blog/home-design-trends-2019
2. Gates Interior Design –

Hottest new Kitchen and Bath Trends for 2019


3. House Beautiful –
https://www.housebeautiful.com/home-remodeling/interior-designers/a24844028/home-trends-for-2019/
4. Houzz –
https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/114552119/list/32-home-design-trends-that-will-rule-in-2019
5. Invaluable –
https://www.invaluable.com/blog/mixing-metals/
6. Real Simple –
https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/decorating/decorating-tips-techniques/design-trends-2019-according-to-designers
7. Sebring –
https://sebringdesignbuild.com/top-trends-in-kitchen-design/

OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULE JANUARY 26 & 27

Paul Mychalowych
Blog / General

SAT & SUN 164 BALDWIN Road, Birmingham 48009
Saturday Jan 26th 1pm-3pm
Sunday Jan 27th 12pm-2pm

BaldwinOH
http://tours.mixedmediaco.com/115321/164-baldwin-birmingham-mi-48009

Stunning, peaceful location in the most sought after area in Birmingham. This gorgeous home backs up to the Rouge River and is just steps away through trails to the Waterfall and Quarton Lake Park. Spacious and sprawling, this home has unique features such as copper gutters, refinished original hardwood floors throughout entire home, Pewabic tile foyer floor and fireplace surround, and eco friendly dyed cement baths. Dual staircases and a high-end gourmet kitchen with exquisite Vermont Verde Antique marble countertops, new stainless steel appliances and custom lined oak cabinets. The two story great room with it’s custom fireplace boasts a cathedral ceiling and a beautiful wall of windows overlooking the sprawling, private yard and brick paver patio. Custom built-in desk and wall units create a cozy office off the kitchen. So many more unique features you just have to see to believe! Could easily be expanded to over 6000 sq.ft. BATVAI

7605 DEVINS Ridge, Independence Twp 48348
Sunday Jan. 27th 1pm-3pm

DevinsRidge

BRIDGE VALLEY FAMILY RESORT ALL ON 1.5 ACRE LOT. ESTATE BOASTS 5 BEDROOMS. 2 OWNER SUITES WITH PRIVATE BATHS, JETTED JACUZZI AND SHOWERS.TWO STORY GREAT ROOM WITH SURROUND SOUND,GORGEOUS BUILT INS,FIELDSTONE GAS FIREPLACE AND LARGE WINDOWS FOR BEAUTIFUL VIEWS OF NATURE. OPEN CONCEPT KITCHEN PERFECT FOR ENTERTAINING. HOME HAS GRANITE AND TILE BATHS THROUGHOUT. CUSTOMIZED LAUNDRY AND MUDD ROOM WITH GRANITE SINK, CABINET AND CUBBIES. LOWER LEVEL IS A FINISHED WALK OUT WITH LARGE FAMILYROOM,SURROUND SOUND, STONE GAS FIREPLACE,BUILT IN CABINETRY,FULL BATH,AMPLE STORAGE. EXTERIOR HAS AN IN GROUND HEATED 36×18 POOL WITH DIVING BOARD, BREATHLESS LANDSCAPING,AND AMPLE YARD TO PLAY. Much, much more. BATVAI

OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULE: SUN JAN. 20, 2019

Paul Mychalowych
Blog / General

12:00 PM – 2:00 pm

HickoryGrove

http://s3.amazonaws.com/veewme.videos.output/1080-mp4/8082aa34-6456-464c-9500-94a351a61917-1080p.mp4

Completely updated (2016) NEW high-end kitchen, NEW baths, NEW flooring, NEW windows, super energy efficient condo with the best views in the complex. Quiet, kind neighbors. Bloomfield Hills schools! Close to St Joe’s Hospital, Chrysler Headquarters, Downtown Birmingham, doctors offices and many restaurants. Miles of sidewalks for exercise. NEW Thermatru doors, Oxbow windows, pet proof carpet. All NEW furnace overhaul. Gorgeous new kitchen with quartz countertops and Stainless Steel appliances. Both bathrooms completely remodeled. Beautifully refinished hardwood floors and new paint throughout. Private, partially finished basement with a real bar perfect for gatherings. Brand new water system at the complex and seller has paid assessment! One car shared garage. BATVAI – Watch Video Tour and be amazed!

3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

BaldwinRd164

http://s3.amazonaws.com/veewme.videos.output/1080-mp4/8082aa34-6456-464c-9500-94a351a61917-1080p.mp4

Stunning, peaceful location in the most sought after area in Birmingham. This gorgeous home backs up to the Rouge River and is just steps away through trails to the Waterfall and Quarton Lake Park. Spacious and sprawling, this home has unique features such as copper gutters, refinished original hardwood floors throughout entire home, Pewabic tile foyer floor and fireplace surround, and eco friendly dyed cement baths. Dual staircases and a high-end gourmet kitchen with exquisite Vermont Verde Antique marble countertops, new stainless steel appliances and custom lined oak cabinets. The two story great room with it’s custom fireplace boasts a cathedral ceiling and a beautiful wall of windows overlooking the sprawling, private yard and brick paver patio. Custom built-in desk and wall units create a cozy office off the kitchen. So many more unique features you just have to see to believe! Could easily be expanded to over 6000 sq.ft. Also for lease $6,995 p/m MLS#218101395 BATVAI

What’s Ahead for Real Estate in 2019?

Paul Mychalowych
Blog / General

January2019MVPSocialMediaImage-1546099525875

What’s Ahead for Real Estate in 2019?

As we begin another year, everyone wants to know: “Where is the housing market headed in 2019?”

It’s not only buyers, sellers, and homeowners who are impacted. The real estate market plays an integral role in the overall U.S. economy.  Fortunately, key indicators point toward a stable housing market in 2019 with signs of modest growth. However, shifting conditions could impact you if you plan to buy, sell, or refinance this year.

HOME VALUES WILL INCREASE

The value of real estate will continue to rise. Freddie Mac predicts housing prices will increase by 4.3 percent in 2019.1  While the rapid price appreciation we witnessed earlier in the decade has slowed, the combination of a strong economy, low unemployment, and a lack of inventory in many market segments continues to push prices higher.

“Ninety percent of markets are experiencing price gains while very few are experiencing consistent price declines,” according to National Association of Realtors (NAR) Chief Economist Lawrence Yun.2

Yun predicts that the national median existing-home price will increase to around $266,800 in 2019 and $274,000 in 2020. “Home price appreciation will slow down—the days of easy price gains are coming to an end—but prices will continue to rise.”

What does it mean for you? If you’re in the market to buy a home, act fast. Prices will continue to go up, so you’ll pay more the longer you wait. If you’re a current homeowner, real estate has proven once again to be a solid investment over the long term. In fact, the equity level of American homeowners reached an all-time high in 2018, topping $6 trillion.3

 

SALES LEVELS WILL STABILIZE

In 2018, we saw a decline in sales, primarily driven by rising mortgage rates and a lack of affordable inventory. However, Yun isn’t alarmed. “2017 was the best year for home sales in ten years, and 2018 is only down 1.5 percent year to date. Statistically, it is a mild twinge in the data and a very mild adjustment compared to the long-term growth we’ve been experiencing over the past few years.”2

Yun and other economists expect home sales to remain relatively flat over the next couple of years. Freddie Mac forecasts homes sales will increase 1 percent to 6.08 million in 2019 and 2 percent to 6.20 million in 2020.1

“The medium and long-term prospects for housing are good because demographics are going to continue to support demand,” explains Tendayi Kapfidze, chief economist for LendingTree. “With a slower price appreciation, incomes have an opportunity to catch up. With slower sales, inventory has an opportunity to normalize. A slowdown in 2019 creates a healthier housing market going forward.”4

What does it mean for you? If you’ve been scared off by reports of a market slowdown, it’s important to keep things in perspective. A cooldown can prevent a hot market from becoming overheated. A gradual and sustainable pace of growth is preferable for long-term economic stability.

 

MORTGAGE RATES WILL RISE

The Mortgage Bankers Association predicts the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates three times this year, resulting in a rise in mortgage rates.5 While no one can predict future mortgage rates with certainty, Realtor.com Chief Economist Danielle Hale estimates that the rate for a 30-year mortgage will reach 5.5 percent by the end of 2019, up from around 4.62 percent at the end of 2018.6

While mortgage rates above 5 percent may seem high to today’s buyers, it’s not out of line with historical standards. According to Hale, “The average mortgage rate in the 1990s was 8.1 percent, and rates didn’t fall below 5 percent until 2009. So for buyers who can make the math work, buying a home is likely still an investment worth making.”7

What does it mean for you? If you’re in the market to buy a house or refinance an existing mortgage, you may want to act quickly before mortgage rates rise. To qualify for the lowest rate available, take steps to improve your credit score, pay down existing debt, and save up for a larger down payment.

 

AFFORDABILITY ISSUES WILL PERSIST

Although the desire to own a home remains strong, the combination of higher home prices and rising mortgage rates will make it increasingly difficult for many first-time buyers to afford one.

“Buyers who are able to stay in the market will find less competition as more buyers are priced out but feel an increased sense of urgency to close before it gets even more expensive,” according to Hale. “Although the number of homes for sale is increasing, which is an improvement for buyers, the majority of new inventory is focused in the mid-to-higher-end price tier, not entry-level.”6

What does it mean for you? Unfortunately, market factors make it difficult for many first-time buyers to afford a home. However, as move-up buyers take advantage of new high-end inventory, we could see an increase in starter homes hitting the market.

 

MILLENNIALS WILL MAKE UP LARGEST SEGMENT OF BUYERS

“The housing market in 2019 will be characterized by continued rising mortgage rates and surging millennial demand,” according to Odeta Kushi, senior economist for First American. “Rising rates, by making housing less affordable, will likely deter certain potential homebuyers from the market. On the other hand, the largest cohort of millennials will be turning 29 next year, entering peak household formation and home-buying age, and contributing to the increase in first-time buyer demand.”4

Danielle Hale, chief economist for Realtor.com, predicts the trend will continue. “Millennials are also likely to make up the largest share of home buyers for the next decade as their housing needs adjust over time.”6

What does it mean for you? If you’re in the market for a starter home, prepare to compete for the best listings. And if you plan to sell a home in 2019, be sure to work with an agent who knows how to reach millennial buyers by utilizing the latest online marketing techniques.

 

WE’RE HERE TO GUIDE YOU

While national real estate numbers and predictions can provide a “big picture” outlook for the year, real estate is local. And as local market experts, we can guide you through the ins and outs of our market and the local issues that are likely to drive home values in your particular neighborhood.

If you’re considering buying or selling a home in 2019, contact us now to schedule a free consultation. We’ll work with you to develop an action plan to meet your real estate goals this year.

 

START PREPARING TODAY

If you plan to BUY this year:

  1. Get pre-approved for a mortgage. If you plan to finance part of your home purchase, getting pre-approved for a mortgage will give you a jump-start on the paperwork and provide an advantage over other buyers in a competitive market. The added bonus: you will find out how much you can afford to borrow and budget accordingly. 
  2. Create your wish list. How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need? How far are you willing to commute to work? What’s most important to you in a home? We can set up a customized search that meets your criteria to help you find the perfect home for you.
  3. Come to our office. The buying process can be tricky. We’d love to guide you through it. We can help you find a home that fits your needs and budget, all at no cost to you. Give us a call to schedule an appointment today!

 If you plan to SELL this year: 

  1. Call us for a FREE Comparative Market Analysis. A CMA not only gives you the current market value of your home, it will also show how your home compares to others in the area. This will help us determine which repairs and upgrades may be required to get top dollar for your property, and it will help us price your home correctly once you’re ready to list.
  2. Prep your home for the market. Most buyers want a home they can move into right away, without having to make extensive repairs and upgrades. We can help you determine which ones are worth the time and expense to deliver maximum results.
  3. Start decluttering. Help your buyers see themselves in your home by packing up personal items and things you don’t use regularly and storing them in an attic or storage locker. This will make your home appear larger, make it easier to stage … and get you one step closer to moving when the time comes!

 

Sources:

  1. Freddie Mac Economic & Housing Research Forecast –
    http://www.freddiemac.com/research/pdf/201811-Forecast-04.pdf
  2. National Association of Realtors 2019 Forecast –
    https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom/2019-forecast-existing-home-sales-to-stabilize-and-price-growth-to-continue
  3. Bankrate 2018 Year in Review –
    https://www.bankrate.com/mortgages/year-in-review-for-housing-market/’
  4. Forbes 2019 Real Estate Forecast –
    https://www.forbes.com/sites/alyyale/2018/12/06/2019-real-estate-forecast-what-home-buyers-sellers-and-investors-can-expect/#a98b80a70d9a
  5. Mortgage Bankers Association Forecast –
    https://www.mba.org/2018-press-releases/october/mba-forecast-purchase-originations-to-increase-to-12-trillion-in-2019
  6. com 2019 National Housing Forecast –
    https://www.realtor.com/research/2019-national-housing-forecast/
  7. FOX Business –
    https://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/where-mortgage-rates-are-headed-in-2019