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Is a Multi-Generational Home Right for You?
Ever thought about living in the same house with your grandparents, parents, or other loved ones? You’re not alone. A lot of people are choosing to buy multi-generational homes where everyone can live together. Let’s check out why they think it’s a good idea to see if it might be a good fit for you, too.
Why People Are Choosing Multi-Generational Living
According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), here are just a few key reasons buyers opted for multi-generational homes over the past year (see graph below):
Two of the top reasons had to do with aging parents. 27% of buyers chose multi-generational homes so they could take care of their parents more easily. And 19% did it to spend more time with them. A lot of older adults want to age in place, and living in a home with loved ones can help them do just that. If your parents are hoping to do the same, but need a bit of help, a multi-generational home may be worth considering.
But buying a multi-generational home isn’t just about being close or taking care of the people you love—it can save you money, too. 22% of buyers say they picked a multi-generational home to cut down on costs, and 11% needed a bigger house multiple incomes could afford together.
Sharing costs like the mortgage and utilities can make owning a home more affordable. This is especially helpful for first-time homebuyers who might find it challenging to buy a place on their own in today’s market.
As Axios explains:
“Financial concerns and caregiving needs are two of the major reasons people live with their parents (and parents’ parents).”
How an Agent Is Key in Finding the Right Home for You
Looking for the perfect multi-generational home is a bit trickier than finding a regular house. You’ve got more people, which means more opinions and needs to think about. It’s kind of like putting together a puzzle where all the pieces need to fit perfectly.
If you’re into the idea of living with loved ones and want all the benefits that come with it, team up with a local real estate agent who can help you out.
Bottom Line
Whether you’re looking to save money or want to take care of your loved ones, buying a multi-generational home might be a good idea for you. If you want to find out more, let’s talk.
Foreclosure Numbers Are Nothing Like the 2008 Crash
If you’ve been keeping up with the news lately, you’ve probably come across some articles saying the number of foreclosures in today’s housing market is going up. And that may leave you feeling a bit worried about what’s ahead, especially if you owned a home during the housing crash in 2008.
The reality is, while increasing, the data shows a foreclosure crisis is not where the market is headed.
Here’s the latest information stacked against the historical data to put your mind at ease.
The Headlines Make the Increase Sound Dramatic – But It’s Not
The increase the media is calling attention to is a little bit misleading. That’s because it’s comparing the most recent numbers to a time when foreclosures were at historic lows. And that lopsided comparison is making it sound like a much bigger deal than it actually is.
Back in 2020 and 2021, there was a moratorium and forbearance program that helped millions of homeowners avoid foreclosure during challenging times. That’s why numbers for just a few years ago were so low.
Now that the moratorium has come to an end, foreclosures are resuming and that means numbers are rising. But it’s an expected increase, not a surprise, and not a cause for alarm. Just because foreclosure filings are up doesn’t mean the housing market is in trouble.
To prove that to you, let’s expand the comparison out a bit more. Specifically, we’ll go all the way back to the housing crash in 2008 – since that’s what people worry may happen again.
The graph below uses research from ATTOM, a property data provider, to show foreclosure activity has been consistently lower since the crash in 2008:
What the data shows is that things now aren’t anything like they were surrounding the housing crash. The bars in red are when there were over 1 million foreclosure filings a year. In 2023, there were roughly 357,000. That’s a big difference.
A recent article from Bankrate explains one of the reasons things aren’t like they were back then:
“In the years after the housing crash, millions of foreclosures flooded the housing market, depressing prices. That’s not the case now. Most homeowners have a comfortable equity cushion in their homes.”
Basically, foreclosure activity is nothing like it was during the crash. That’s because most homeowners today have enough equity to keep them from going into foreclosure. And that’s a really good thing for homeowners and for the market.
The reality is, the data shows a foreclosure crisis is not where the market is today, or where it’s headed.
Bottom Line
Right now, putting the data into context is more important than ever. While the housing market is experiencing an expected rise in foreclosures, it’s nowhere near the crisis levels seen when the housing bubble burst, and that won’t lead to a crash in home prices.
The Best Way To Keep Track of Mortgage Rate Trends
The problem is, with all the headlines in the news about rates lately, it can be a bit overwhelming to sort through. Here’s a quick rundown of what you really need to know.
The Latest on Mortgage Rates
Rates have been volatile – that means they’re bouncing around a bit. And, you may be wondering, why? The answer is complicated because rates are affected by so many factors.
Things like what’s happening in the broader economy and the job market, the current inflation rate, decisions made by the Federal Reserve, and a whole lot more have an impact. Lately, all of those factors have come into play, and it’s caused the volatility we’ve seen. As Odeta Kushi, Deputy Chief Economist at First American, explains:
“Ongoing inflation deceleration, a slowing economy and even geopolitical uncertainty can contribute to lower mortgage rates. On the other hand, data that signals upside risk to inflation may result in higher rates.”
Professionals Can Help Make Sense of it All
While you could drill down into each of those things to really understand how they impact mortgage rates, that would be a lot of work. And when you’re already busy planning a move, taking on that much reading and research may feel a little overwhelming. Instead of spending your time on that, lean on the pros.
They coach people through market conditions all the time. They’ll focus on giving you a quick summary of any broader trends up or down, what experts say lies ahead, and how all of that impacts you.
Take this chart as an example. It gives you an idea of how mortgage rates impact your monthly payment when you buy a home. Imagine being able to make a payment between $2,500 and $2,600 work for your budget (principal and interest only). The green part in the chart shows payments in that range or lower based on varying mortgage rates (see chart below):
As you can see, even a small shift in rates can impact the loan amount you can afford if you want to stay within that target budget.
It’s tools and visuals like these that take everything that’s happening and show what it actually means for you. And only a pro has the knowledge and expertise needed to guide you through them.
You don’t need to be an expert on real estate or mortgage rates, you just need to have someone who is, by your side.
Bottom Line
Have questions about what’s going on in the housing market? Let’s connect so we can take what’s happening right now and figure out what it really means for you.
Navigating the Real Estate Journey: Expert Advice and Stories
Welcome to the exciting world of real estate! Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, an experienced investor, or somewhere in between, embarking on a real estate journey can be both exhilarating and daunting. With so many factors to consider and decisions to make, having expert advice and insights can make all the difference in navigating this complex terrain.
In this blog post, we’ll explore key tips, strategies, and real-life stories from the trenches of real estate. From finding the perfect property to negotiating the best deal and everything in between, let’s dive into the fascinating world of real estate together.
Understanding Your Needs:
The first step in any real estate journey is understanding your needs and preferences. Are you looking for a cozy family home in the suburbs, a trendy loft in the heart of the city, or a lucrative investment property? Taking the time to clarify your priorities will help streamline your search process and ensure you find a property that aligns with your goals.
Expert Tip: Create a list of “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves” for your ideal property. This will help you narrow down your options and focus on what matters most to you.
Navigating the Market:
The real estate market is constantly evolving, with trends, prices, and inventory levels fluctuating regularly. Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing, staying informed about market conditions is essential for making informed decisions.
Expert Tip: Work with a knowledgeable real estate agent who has their finger on the pulse of the market. They can provide valuable insights and help you navigate market dynamics with confidence.
Finding Your Dream Home:
Ah, the thrill of the hunt! Searching for your dream home can be both exciting and overwhelming. With so many properties to choose from, how do you know which one is “the one”? It’s essential to prioritize your criteria, conduct thorough research, and be prepared to act quickly in a competitive market.
Expert Tip: Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and consider properties that might need a little TLC. With the right vision and renovation plan, you could turn a diamond in the rough into your dream home.
Negotiating Like a Pro:
Negotiation is a critical skill in real estate, whether you’re haggling over price, terms, or repairs. Understanding the art of negotiation and knowing when to stand firm and when to compromise can make a significant difference in the outcome of your real estate transactions.
Expert Tip: Approach negotiations with a clear understanding of your goals and priorities. Be prepared to listen to the other party’s perspective and seek win-win solutions whenever possible.
Overcoming Challenges:
No real estate journey is without its challenges. From bidding wars and financing hurdles to unexpected repairs and legal issues, there are plenty of obstacles that can arise along the way. The key is to stay flexible, resilient, and resourceful in the face of adversity.
Expert Tip: Surround yourself with a team of professionals you trust, including real estate agents, lenders, attorneys, and inspectors. They can provide guidance and support when you encounter challenges and help you navigate complex situations with ease.
Real-Life Success Stories:
To truly understand the real estate journey, let’s hear from those who have experienced it firsthand. From first-time homebuyers who found their perfect starter home to seasoned investors who built wealth through strategic property acquisitions, real-life success stories offer valuable insights and inspiration for anyone embarking on their own real estate journey.
Conclusion:
Navigating the real estate journey is an exhilarating adventure filled with opportunities, challenges, and lessons learned. By understanding your needs, staying informed about market conditions, and working with experienced professionals, you can navigate the complexities of real estate with confidence and achieve your goals. Remember, the journey may have its ups and downs, but with perseverance and determination, you can unlock the door to your dream property and embark on the next chapter of your life with excitement and anticipation.
Master Your Home Budget
🏠💰 Learn how to budget for homeownership and avoid financial stress. From mortgages to maintenance costs, we’ve got you covered. Join Coldwell Banker Professionals REALTOR Bob DeVore for more Real Estate Insider tips and advice!
What You Really Need To Know About Home Prices
According to recent data from Fannie Mae, almost 1 in 4 people still think home prices are going to come down. If you’re one of the people worried about that, here’s what you need to know.
A lot of that fear is probably coming from what you’re hearing in the media or reading online. But here’s the thing to remember. Negative news sells. That means, you may not be getting the full picture. You may only be getting the clickbait version. As Jay Thompson, a Real Estate Industry Consultant, explains:
“Housing market headlines are everywhere. Many are quite sensational, ending with exclamation points or predicting impending doom for the industry. Clickbait, the sensationalizing of headlines and content, has been an issue since the dawn of the internet, and housing news is not immune to it.”
Here’s a look at the data to set the record straight.
Home Prices Rose the Majority of the Past Year
Case-Shiller releases a report each month on the percent of monthly home price changes. If you look at their data from January 2023 through the latest numbers available, here’s what you’d see:
What do you notice when you look at this graph? It depends on what color you’re more drawn to. If you look at the green, you’ll see home prices rose for the majority of the past year.
But, if you’re drawn to the red, you may only focus on the two slight declines. This is what a lot of media coverage does. Since negative news sells, drawing attention to these slight dips happens often. But that loses sight of the bigger picture.
Here’s what this data really says. There’s a lot more green in that graph than red. And even for the two red bars, they’re so slight, they’re practically flat. If you look at the year as a whole, home prices still rose overall.
It’s perfectly normal in the housing market for home price growth to slow down in the winter. That’s because fewer people move during the holidays and at the start of the year, so there’s not as much upward pressure on home prices during that time. That’s why, even the green bars toward the end of the year show smaller price gains.
The overarching story is that prices went up last year, not down.
To sum all that up, the source for that data in the graph above, Case Shiller, explains it like this:
“Month-over-month numbers were relatively flat, . . . However, the annual growth was more significant for both indices, rising 7.4 percent and 6.6 percent, respectively.”
If one of the expert organizations tracking home price trends says the very slight dips are nothing to worry about, why be concerned? Even Case-Shiller is drawing your attention to how those were virtually flat and how home prices actually grew over the year.
Bottom Line
The data shows that, as a whole, home prices rose over the past year. If you have questions about what’s happening with home prices in our area, let’s chat.
Myths About the 2024 Housing Market (Video)
There are a number of myths out there about the 2024 housing market. Need help separating fact from fiction? Let’s connect.
Myths About the 2024 Housing Market
Some Highlights
- When it comes to the current housing market, there are some myths circling around right now.
- Some of the more common ones are that it’s better to wait for mortgage rates to fall or prices to crash. But there are others about the supply of homes for sale and down payments.
- Let’s connect so you have an expert to help separate fact from fiction in today’s housing market.
