Real Estate with Astryd & Emma

Come out and check out this condo in El Cajon! Perfect as a stepping stone to achieve tour real estate goals and become a homeowner! 🏡

Astryd Gonzalez
Century 21 Affiliated | Dre # 01887817
619.750.4613

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for this recommendation.

See more: https://www.realsatisfied.com/Astryd-Gonzalez

Exciting news! 🎉 CalHFA’s Dream for All Mortgage Program is BACK! Exclusively for first-time buyers! 🏡✨ Get up to 20% assistance for down payment/closing costs, capped at $150K. But here’s the twist: it’s not first-come, first-served! Let us help you get your voucher and let the randomized drawing do the rest! Don’t miss your chance to own your dream home.

Astryd Gonzalez | Century 21 Affiliated
Dre 01887817 | 619.750.4613
#

There’s no arguing it, affordability is still tight. And if you’re trying to buy a home, that may mean you need to look at smaller houses to find one that’s still in your budget. But there is a silver lining: builders are focused on building these smaller homes right now and they’re offering incentives. And that can help give you more options that fit the bill.

Newly Built Homes Are Trending Smaller

During the pandemic, homebuyers wanted (and could afford) larger homes – and builders delivered. They focused on homes that were bigger, so people had more space for things like working from home, having a home gym, bonus rooms for virtual school, and more.

But with the affordability challenges buyers are facing today, builders are increasingly shifting their attention to bringing smaller single-family homes to the market.

So, why the shift to less square footage...



Astryd Gonzalez - Century 21 Award - DRE 01887817

Builders Are Building Smaller Homes There’s no arguing it, affordability is still tight.

Have you heard the term “Silver Tsunami” getting tossed around recently? If so, here’s what you really need to know. That phrase refers to the idea that a lot of baby boomers are going to move or downsize all at once. And the fear is that a sudden influx of homes for sale would have a big impact on housing. That’s because it would create a whole lot more competition for smaller homes and would throw off the balance of supply and demand, which ultimately would impact home prices.

But here’s the thing. There are a couple of faults in that logic. Let’s break them down and put your mind at ease.

Not All Baby Boomers Plan To Move

For starters, plenty of baby boomers don’t plan on moving at all. A study from the AARP says more than half of adults aged 65 and older want to stay in their homes and not move as they age.

Even Those Who Do Move Won’t Do It All at...



Astryd Gonzalez - Century 21 Award - DRE 01887817

Boomers Moving Will Be More Like a Gentle Tide Than a Tsunami Have you heard the term “Silver Tsunami” getting tossed around recently? If so, here’s what you really need to know.

Thinking about buying a home?

Most people agree the key to a successful home purchase is having a pro to partner with.

That way you have someone by your side every step of the way.

Have questions about how I can help? Let’s set up a buyer consultation so we can walk through your goals together.



Astryd Gonzalez - Century 21 Award - DRE 01887817

First and foremost, an agent is here to help make sure your homebuying process is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Because let’s face it. In the homebuying process, there’s a ton that happens. An agent will handle a lot of that for you behind the scenes.

From setting up showings to helping you navigate multiple offer scenarios, inspections, and more, having a pro by your side can make all the difference.



Astryd Gonzalez - Century 21 Award - DRE 01887817

I'm always thrilled when a happy client expresses their happiness.

See more: https://www.realsatisfied.com/Astryd-Gonzalez

Are you thinking about making a move? If so, now may be the perfect time to start the process. That’s because experts say the best week to list your house is just around the corner.

A recent Realtor.com study looked at housing market trends over the past several years (with the exception of 2020, since it was an unusual year), and found the best week to put your house on the market this year is April 14-20.

Here’s why this matters for you. While the spring market is a great time to sell no matter the week, this may be the peak sweet spot. And if you’ve been putting your plans on the back burner and waiting for the right time to act, this could be the nudge you need to make your move happen.

But, if you want to get in on the action, you’ll need to move quickly and lean on the pros. Your local real estate agent is the perfect go-to when it comes to figuring out...



Astryd Gonzalez - Century 21 Award - DRE 01887817

Real Estate Blog Today's real estate news and insights delivered to your inbox. Establish your credibility as a trusted agent by staying up to date on the housing market.

In real estate, a good first impression is key. If the outside of a house looks welcoming, more people will want to come in and see it. Your agent helps you by giving advice on what you may want to prioritize, finding easy fixes that make a big difference, knowing what buyers in your area like, and showing off your updates in your listing. DM me so you have expert advice on what'll have the biggest impact in our area.



Astryd Gonzalez - Century 21 Award - DRE 01887817

Outdoor Projects Can Boost Curb Appeal When You Sell [INFOGRAPHIC] In real estate, a good first impression is key. If the outside of a house looks welcoming, more people will want to come in and see it.

Want to sell your house for top dollar? Boosting curb appeal with small projects – without draining your wallet or time – can lead to big returns.

And now that it’s spring, it's the perfect time to focus on the exterior of your house.

Let’s connect so I can help you prioritize the updates that’ll give you the best bang for your buck in our local market.



Astryd Gonzalez - Century 21 Award - DRE 01887817

Before making the decision to buy a home, it's important to plan for all the costs you’ll be responsible for.

What Are Closing Costs?

A recent article from Bankrate explains: “Closing costs are the fees and expenses you must pay before becoming the legal owner of a house, condo or townhome . . . Closing costs vary depending on the purchase price of the home and how it’s being financed . . .”
Simply put, your closing costs are the additional fees and payments you have to make at closing.

How Much Are Closing Costs?

According to Freddie Mac, they’re typically between 2% and 5% of the total purchase price of your home. With that in mind, here’s how you can get an idea of what you’ll need to budget.
Let’s say you find a home you want to purchase at today’s median price of $384,500. Based on the 2-5% Freddie Mac estimate, your closing fees could be between roughly...



Astryd Gonzalez - Century 21 Award - DRE 01887817

Real Estate Blog Today's real estate news and insights delivered to your inbox. Establish your credibility as a trusted agent by staying up to date on the housing market.

Trying to buy your first home? If you’re worried about affordability today or the limited number of homes for sale, these tips can help. Look into homebuyer programs, expand your search area, and consider a multi-generational home. DM me so you have an expert on your side to help you make your dream a reality.



Astryd Gonzalez - Century 21 Award - DRE 01887817

www.simplifyingthemarket.com

Here’s what the professionals are saying about what’s in store for this season.

Odeta Kushi, Deputy Chief Economist, First American: “. . . it seems our general expectation for the spring is that we will see a pickup in inventory. In fact, that already seems to be happening. But it won’t necessarily be enough to satiate demand.”

Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist, Bright MLS: “There is still strong demand, as the large millennial population remains in the prime first-time homebuying range.”

Danielle Hale, Chief Economist, Realtor.com: “Where we are right now is the best of both worlds. Price increases are slowing, which is good for buyers, and prices are still relatively high, which is good for sellers.”

Skylar Olsen, Chief Economist, Zillow: “There are slightly more homes for sale than this time last year, and there is still plenty of competition for...



Astryd Gonzalez - Century 21 Award - DRE 01887817

Real Estate Blog Today's real estate news and insights delivered to your inbox. Establish your credibility as a trusted agent by staying up to date on the housing market.

Thinking about buying or selling a home? If so, it's important to know what's happening in the housing market. Right now, the supply of homes for sale is growing, prices are on the rise, and homes are selling fast. Wanna know what this means for your plans? Let's chat about what's happening in our area.



Astryd Gonzalez - Century 21 Award - DRE 01887817

If you’re dreaming of buying a home, you might not want to wait – homes are just going to get more expensive. Why? Experts are projecting home prices will go up for the next five years. That means buying now will likely help you build in the future as your home’s value rises.

Be sure you’re following me so you always know what’s happening with in our area.



Astryd Gonzalez - Century 21 Award - DRE 01887817

Considering buying a home this spring? There aren't enough houses for sale to meet buyer demand, which means you could find yourself in a multiple-offer scenario. Here are some tips to ensure yours stands out from the competition. When you’re ready to explore what's available in our area, DM me.



Astryd Gonzalez - Century 21 Award - DRE 01887817

If you’ve been on the fence about selling your house, this spring might just be the sweet spot. There are more homes for sale right now than there were last year, which means you’ll have more options for your next home. At the same time, inventory is still really low, so you’ll face less competition from other sellers. Let’s chat and get the process started today.



Astryd Gonzalez - Century 21 Award - DRE 01887817

Wondering if now’s a good time to sell your house? Based on how many homes are on the market, there are two big reasons why this spring is looking so good for sellers. Thanks to an uptick in inventory over last year, you’ve got more options for your next home. But there are still fewer homes for sale than there’d normally be, meaning your house should stand out and get a lot of attention from buyers. If you want to sell your house, this spring is the sweet spot. When you’re ready, let’s chat to get the ball rolling.



Astryd Gonzalez - Century 21 Award - DRE 01887817

The Spring Market Is a Sweet Spot if You’re Looking To Sell [INFOGRAPHIC] Wondering if now’s a good time to sell your house?

If you’re looking to buy a home, your down payment doesn’t have to be a big hurdle. You might be surprised how achievable your goal is, especially with the right support on your side. There are over 2,200 programs out there designed to assist homebuyers like you with down payments. To learn more about your options, DM me today.



Astryd Gonzalez - Century 21 Award - DRE 01887817

Understanding how rates impact your purchasing power is important when buying a home. Don't let changing mortgage rates catch you off guard – they can make a big difference in what you can afford and how much you’ll pay each month. To talk through how all of this affects your plans, DM me and reach out to a trusted lender.



Astryd Gonzalez - Century 21 Award - DRE 01887817

If you’re looking to buy a home in 2024, getting pre-approved is a key piece of the puzzle. Mortgage pre-approval means a lender checks your finances and decides how much you’re qualified to borrow. As more buyers re-enter the market, it’ll help you make a strong offer that stands out from the crowd. Talk to a trusted professional to learn more and begin your homebuying process today.



Astryd Gonzalez - Century 21 Award - DRE 01887817

The First Step: Getting Pre-Approved for a Mortgage [INFOGRAPHIC] If you’re looking to buy a home in 2024, getting pre-approved is a key piece of the puzzle. Mortgage pre-approval means a lender checks your finances and decides how much you’re qualified to borrow.

Selling your house involves more than just sticking a sign in the yard. It's a complex process that takes the skill of a professional. That's where having a real estate agent is valuable - they're experts at navigating the selling process. DM me today to make sure you have a partner who can support you every step of the way.



Astryd Gonzalez - Century 21 Award - DRE 01887817

Over the past few months, experts have revised their 2024 home price forecasts based on the latest data and market signals, and they’re even more confident prices will rise, not fall.

2024 Home Price Forecasts: Then and Now

There are two big factors keeping such strong upward pressure on home prices. The first is how few homes are for sale right now. According to Business Insider: “Low home inventory is a chronic problem in the US. This has generally kept home prices up . . .”

A lack of housing inventory has been pushing prices up for a long time now – and that’s not expected to change dramatically this year. But what has changed a bit is mortgage rates.

Late last year when most housing market experts were calling for home prices to rise only a little bit in 2024, mortgage rates were up and buyer demand was more moderate.

Now that rates have come down from their peak...



Astryd Gonzalez - Century 21 Award - DRE 01887817

Expert Home Price Forecasts for 2024 Revised Up Over the past few months, experts have revised their 2024 home price forecasts based on the latest data and market signals, and they’re even more confident prices will rise, not fall.

Worried about saving 20% for a down payment? You might not need to. Plus, time is money, and taking the time to save that much could cost you more in the long run. That’s because while you’re saving, rising rents and home prices are working against you, and you’re missing out on building home equity.



Astryd Gonzalez - Century 21 Award - DRE 01887817

Thinking about buying a home this year? There’s a lot more to it than just finding the right house. You’ve got to be strategic about how you prepare. From saving for your down payment to improving your credit score, the steps you take before you start browsing are key. Don't wait until you're ready to start house hunting, let's connect now for expert guidance on how to achieve your homebuying goals.



Astryd Gonzalez - Century 21 Award - DRE 01887817

Homeownership is a major part of the American Dream. But, the path to achieving this dream can be quite difficult. While progress has been made to improve fair housing access, households of color still face unique challenges on the road to owning a home. Working with the right real estate experts can make all the difference for diverse buyers.

It's clear that achieving homeownership is more challenging for certain groups because there’s still a measurable gap between the overall average U.S. homeownership rate and that of non-white groups.

According to a report by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), almost half of Black homebuyers in 2023 were first-time buyers. That means many didn’t have home equity they could use toward their home purchase.

That financial hurdle alone makes buying a home more challenging, especially at a time when affordability is...



Astryd Gonzalez - Century 21 Award - DRE 01887817

Bridging the Gaps on the Road to Homeownership Homeownership is a major part of the American Dream.