Ivonne Franco-Coldwell Banker Realty

Mortgage rates are trending down and that’s great news for your bottom line. As rates drop, your monthly payment on your next home does too. Even a small change in mortgage rates can have a big impact on your purchasing power. If you put your search on hold when mortgage rates were higher, think about how much you could save now that rates are coming down.

Lower Mortgage Rates Boost Your Buying Power Mortgage rates are trending down and that’s great news for your bottom line.

Mortgage rates are dropping. As a result, more buyers are getting ready to re-enter the market. That’s clear based on the rise in mortgage applications since rates started to fall.

If you’ve been thinking about selling, let’s talk about how to get your house ready so you can take advantage of increased buyer activity.

Have you felt like homeownership is out of reach? You aren’t alone.

But here’s some good news: builders are focusing on bringing smaller, more affordable homes to market. And if we open up your search to include those new builds, we may be able to find the right fit for your budget.

Let’s chat if you’re ready to explore what builders have to offer in and around our area.

Mortgage rates have hit their lowest level since February 2023 – and that’s big news.

So if you’ve been sitting on the homebuying sidelines waiting for this to happen, it’s time to talk about making your move. Because the monthly savings is going to be a game changer for your purchasing power.

DM me and I’ll show you how the recent decline may help you get a better monthly payment than you’d expect.

Planning to buy a home? Make sure you’re budgeting not just your down payment, but for your closing costs too.

And if you want to try to cut down on those a bit, try these tips. Negotiate with the seller for concessions, shop around for more affordable home insurance, and look into closing cost assistance programs. DM me for more homebuying tips.

Now that you’ve decided to buy a home and are ready to make it happen, it’s a good idea to plan ahead for the costs that are a typical part of the homebuying process. And while your down payment is probably the number one expense on your mind, don't forget about closing costs. Here’s what you need to know.

What Are Closing Costs?

Simply put, your closing costs are the additional fees and payments you have to make at closing. Some of these are one-time expenses that are baked into your closing costs. Others, like homeowners’ insurance, are initial installment payments for ongoing responsibilities you’ll have once you take possession of the home.

How Much Are Closing Costs?

Freddie Mac says: “Closing costs vary greatly depending on your location and the price of your home. Typically, you should be prepared to pay between 2% and 5% of the home purchase price in closing fees.”

Tips To Reduce Your Closing Costs

If...

What To Know About Closing Costs Now that you’ve decided to buy a home and are ready to make it happen, it’s a good idea to plan ahead for the costs that are a typical part of the homebuying process.

Since the supply of homes for sale is growing and mortgage rates are coming down, you may be thinking it’s finally your moment to jump into the market. To make sure you’re ready, you need to get pre-approved for a mortgage.

That’s when a lender looks at your finances, including things like your W-2, tax returns, credit score, and bank statements, to figure out what they’re willing to loan you. After that process, you’ll get a pre-approval letter to show what you can borrow. Here are two reasons why this is essential in today’s market.

Pre-Approval Helps You Know Your Numbers

While home affordability is finally starting to show signs of improving, it’s still tight. So, it’s a good idea to talk to a lender about your loan options and how today’s changing mortgage rates will impact your monthly payment. The pre-approval process is the perfect time for that. In addition to determining the maximum amount you can borrow...

Why Pre-Approval Should Be at the Top of Your Homebuying To-Do List Since the supply of homes for sale is growing and mortgage rates are coming down, you may be thinking it’s finally your moment to jump into the market.

Wondering what’s really happening with home prices? This visual should help.

Data shows home price appreciation is moderating nationally. That means prices are still rising, just not as fast. And if you compare the numbers for last year to 2024, you can see it.

But that’s just the national picture. If you want to know what prices are doing in our area, DM me.

Luxury living is about more than just stunning views and cutting-edge smart home technology—it's about elevating your lifestyle. And if you're in the market for a million-dollar home, now is an excellent time to explore the thriving luxury market. Here's why.

The Number of Luxury Homes Is Growing

The top of the market, or luxury homes, can mean different things depending on where you live. But in general, these are homes that are in the top 5% price range in any area. According to a recent report from Redfin, the average value of those homes has risen to over one million dollars: “The median sale price for U.S. luxury homes, defined as the top 5% of listings, rose 9% year-over-year to a record $1.18 million during the second quarter.”

That same report goes on to show the percentage of homes valued at a million dollars or more has risen to an all-time high.

Your Luxury Home Is an Investment

In addition, a luxury home could...

The Latest on the Luxury Home Market Luxury living is about more than just stunning views and cutting-edge smart home technology—it's about elevating your lifestyle.

Are you on the fence about whether to sell your house now or hold off? It’s a common dilemma, but here’s a key point to consider: your lifestyle might be the biggest factor in your decision. While financial aspects are important, sometimes the personal motivations for moving are reason enough to make the leap sooner rather than later.

An annual report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) offers insight into why homeowners like you chose to sell. All of the top reasons are related to life changes.

If you, like the homeowners in this report, find yourself needing features, space, or amenities your current home just can’t provide, it may be time to consider talking to a real estate agent about selling your house. Your needs matter. That agent will walk you through your options and what you can expect from today’s market, so you can make a confident decision based on what matters most to you and your loved...

Should You Sell Now? The Lifestyle Factors That Could Tip the Scale Are you on the fence about whether to sell your house now or hold off?

Thinking about moving in 2025 and wondering what to expect?

In their early 2025 housing market forecasts, experts say mortgage rates will come down slightly. As that happens, more buyers will jump back into the market, so more homes will sell. And that’ll keep upward pressure on prices.

Want to talk to an expert about what that really means for you? DM me.

Thinking about making a move in 2025 and wondering what you can expect? Here’s what expert forecasts say lies ahead. Mortgage rates will come down slightly. More homes will sell. And prices will rise more moderately. Let’s connect to go over what these forecasts mean for your move and what to expect from our local market in 2025.

Early Forecasts for the 2025 Housing Market Infographic Thinking about making a move in 2025 and wondering what you can expect? Here’s what expert forecasts say lies ahead.

Want to know the top mistakes sellers are making today? It’s overpricing their house.

A price that’s too high is going to cost you. It turns buyers away and may mean you need a price drop to re-ignite interest in the home.

To make sure you don’t end up making this mistake, DM me, and let’s price it right from the start.

Selecting the right real estate agent can make a world of difference when buying or selling a home. But how do you find the best one? Here are some tips to help you make that big decision as you determine your partner in the process.

Check Their Reputation

Start by gathering information about agents in your area. From there, try to narrow down the list. Ask the people you trust if they have someone they’d recommend. You’ll want to find an agent with a strong online presence, plenty of positive reviews, and someone whose great reputation truly precedes them.

Look for Local Market Expertise

A great agent should have in-depth knowledge of what’s happening at the national and local level. That way they can clear up any misconceptions sparked by what you’re reading or hearing in the news.

Get a Feel for Their Communication Style and Availability

Effective communication is key in real estate transactions. Choose an...

How To Choose a Great Local Real Estate Agent Selecting the right real estate agent can make a world of difference when buying or selling a home.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home, you’ve probably got mortgage rates on your mind. That’s because you’ve likely heard that mortgage rates impact how much you can afford in your monthly mortgage payment, and you want to factor that into your planning. Here’s what you need to know.

What’s Happening with Mortgage Rates?

Mortgage rates have been trending down recently. While that’s good news for your homebuying plans, it’s important to know that rates can be unpredictable because they’re affected by many factors.

Things like the economy, job market, inflation, and decisions made by the Federal Reserve all play a part. So, even as rates go down, they can still bounce around a bit based on new economic data. As Odeta Kushi, Deputy Chief Economist at First American, says: “The ongoing deceleration in inflation, coupled with the Federal Reserve’s recent indication of potential rate cuts [in 2024]...

How Mortgage Rate Changes Impact Your Homebuying Power If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home, you’ve probably got mortgage rates on your mind.

Thinking about buying a home? It’s important to know how mortgage rates can affect your monthly payment. Because even a slight change in rates can have a big impact.

Overall, rates have been trending down lately. So, this could be your chance to make your move a reality. Send me a message today if you want to talk about starting your search.

The housing market is in a transition. And that gives you 3 key opportunities going into the fall. There are more homes actively for sale. Builders are motivated to sell, so a newly built home may be more achievable than you think. And mortgage rates have come down from their recent peak. If you’re ready and able to buy, you may find the housing market this fall a bit easier to navigate. Let’s connect to get started.

3 Reasons To Move in Today’s Shifting Market The housing market is in a transition. And that gives you 3 key opportunities going into the fall.

If you’re thinking about buying a home, there are 3 reasons you may want to make your move this fall.

1) Inventory is growing, giving you more options
2) Newly built homes may be more budget-friendly than you’d expect
3) Mortgage rates have come down from their peak last October

Want to talk about what this means for your move? DM me.

One of the biggest bright spots in today’s housing market is how much the supply of homes for sale has grown since the beginning of this year.

Recent data from Realtor.com shows that nationally, there are 36.6% more homes actively for sale now compared to the same time last year. That’s a significant improvement. It gives you far more options for your move than you would’ve had just a year ago. And with supply improving, you’re also regaining a bit of negotiation power. So, if you’re someone who thought about buying a home over the last few years but were discouraged by how limited inventory was, this should be welcome news.

As Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at NAR, says, “Increased housing supply spells good news for consumers who want to see more properties before making purchasing decisions.”

While we’re up by almost 37% year-over-year, we’re still not back to how much inventory there’d be in a normal market.

The...

Are There More Homes for Sale Where You Live? One of the biggest bright spots in today’s housing market is how much the supply of homes for sale has grown since the beginning of this year.

When you're thinking about buying a home, your credit score is one of the biggest pieces of the puzzle. Think of it like your financial report card that lenders look at when trying to figure out if you qualify, and which home loan will work best for you. As the Mortgage Report says:

"Good credit scores communicate to lenders that you have a track record for properly managing your debts. For this reason, the higher your score, the better your chances of qualifying for a mortgage."

The trouble is most buyers overestimate the minimum credit score they need to buy a home. According to a report from Fannie Mae, only 32% of consumers have a good idea of what lenders require. That means nearly 2 out of every 3 people don’t.

So, here’s a general ballpark to give you a rough idea. Experian says:

“The minimum credit score needed to buy a house can range from 500 to 700, but will ultimately depend on the type of mortgage loan you're...

What Credit Score Do You Really Need To Buy a House? When you're thinking about buying a home, your credit score is one of the biggest pieces of the puzzle.

In recent years, there’s been a significant shift in how wealth is distributed among generations. It’s called the Great Wealth Transfer.

Basically, as more Baby Boomers retire, sell businesses, or downsize their homes, more substantial assets are being passed down to younger generations. And this creates a powerful ripple effect that’ll continue over the next few decades.

Impact on the Housing Market

One of the most immediate effects of this wealth transfer is on the housing market. Home affordability has been a concern for many aspiring buyers, especially in high-demand areas. The increase in generational wealth is expected to ease some of these challenges by providing future homeowners with greater financial resources. As assets are passed down through generations, buyers may find themselves in a better position to afford homes.

Impact on the Economy

But the Great Wealth Transfer doesn’t just impact housing. It’s...

The Great Wealth Transfer: A New Era of Opportunity In recent years, there’s been a significant shift in how wealth is distributed among generations.

If you haven’t already heard, homebuyers are regaining some negotiating power in today’s market. And while that doesn’t make this a buyer’s market, it does mean buyers may be able to ask for a little more. So, sellers need to be ready for that possibility and know what they’re willing to negotiate.

Whether you’re looking to buy or sell a house, here’s a quick rundown of potential negotiations that may pop up during your transaction. That way, you’re prepared no matter which side of the deal you’re on.

What Can You Negotiate?

Most things in a home purchase are on the negotiation table. Here’s a list of just a few of those options, according to Kiplinger and LendingTree:

• Sale Price
• Home Repairs
• Fixtures
• Closing Costs
• Home Warranties
• Closing Date

One thing is true whether you’re a buyer or a seller, and that’s how much your agent can help you throughout the process. Your agent is your go-to for any...

Helpful Negotiation Tactics for Today’s Housing Market If you haven’t already heard, homebuyers are regaining some negotiating power in today’s market.

Good news for all the buyers out there.

The supply of homes for sale has grown significantly this year. There are 36.6% more homes actively for sale compared to 2023. This means more options for you.

But this doesn’t mean we have an oversupply. Inventory is still almost 29% lower compared to more normal years like 2017-2019.

Getting ready to sell your house? Here’s the scoop on home inspections and how to prep for them.

As more homes hit the market, buyers are regaining some negotiating power. That means it might be a good idea to tackle some key repairs before listing.

But how do you know which ones are worth it?

Expert advice is key. Let's chat so you know what to prioritize.

Thinking about selling, but not sure where you’ll go?

The good news is the supply of newly built and existing homes for sale has grown this year. That gives you more options – each with their own perks.

So, which will you choose? A charming existing home or a shiny new build?

Let me know which features you’re looking for in your next home. Drop your answer below.

Mortgage rates have been one of the hottest topics in the housing market lately because of their impact on affordability. And if you’re someone who’s looking to make a move, you’ve probably been waiting eagerly for rates to come down for that very reason. Well, if the past few weeks are any indication, you may be getting your wish.

After the latest reports on the economy, inflation, the unemployment rate, and the Federal Reserve’s recent comments, mortgage rates started dropping a bit. And according to Freddie Mac, they’re now at a level we haven’t seen since February.

Maybe you’re seeing this and wondering if you should ride the wave and see how low they’ll go. If that’s the case, here’s some important perspective. Remember, the record-low rates from the pandemic are a thing of the past. And if you wait for mortgage rates to drop further, you might find yourself dealing with more competition as other buyers re-ignite...

Mortgage Rates Down a Full Percent from Recent High Mortgage rates have been one of the hottest topics in the housing market lately because of their impact on affordability.

🎉🏡🦋 Congratulations to my buyers on their home purchase! We won against other offers. Let the celebrations begin! Thank you for trusting me, it was a pleasure working with you!

☀️🩵🙏🏼Muchas felicidades an mis compradores! Ganamos en ofertas múltiples. A celebrar! Gracias por confiar en mi, fue un placer trabajar con ustedes. 💻🤩

Have you heard the good news?

Mortgage rates are down a full percent from their recent peak.

And if higher rates were the biggest thing keeping you on the sidelines, this may be exactly what you were waiting for.

If you’re ready to jump back into the market, DM me.