York Realty Group at Coldwell Banker

Do high prices at the gas pump and grocery store have you worried more people are going to fall behind on their mortgage payments?

If you’re thinking that’ll lead to a surge of foreclosures, let this reassure you.

Serious delinquencies (loans that are 3 or more monthly payments past due) are on the decline – so there’s no wave of foreclosures on the horizon.

As someone who’s thinking about buying or selling a home, you’re probably paying close attention to mortgage rates – and wondering what's ahead.

One thing that can affect mortgage rates is the Federal Funds Rate, which influences how much it costs banks to borrow money from each other. While the Federal Reserve (the Fed) doesn’t directly control mortgage rates, they do control the Federal Funds Rate.

The relationship between the two is why people have been watching closely to see when the Fed might lower the Federal Funds Rate. Whenever they do, that’ll put downward pressure on mortgage rates. The Fed meets next week, and three of the most important metrics they’ll look at as they make their decision are:

1. The Rate of Inflation
2. How Many Jobs the Economy Is Adding
3. The Unemployment Rate

What Does This Mean Moving Forward?

While mortgage rates are going to continue to be volatile in the days and months ahead...

How the Economy Impacts Mortgage Rates As someone who’s thinking about buying or selling a home, you’re probably paying close attention to mortgage rates – and wondering what's ahead.

New trend alert.

The median price for new builds has dipped lower than the median for existing homes.

Plus, some builders are tossing in sweet perks like competitive mortgage rates and free upgrades.

So, if you aren’t already considering brand-new homes, it may be worth looking into. Drop a comment with your dream home feature, and let’s find your perfect fit together.

Even though data shows inflation is cooling, a lot of people are still feeling the pinch on their wallets. And those high costs on everything from gas to groceries are fueling unnecessary concerns that more people are going to have trouble making their mortgage payments. But, does that mean there’s a big wave of foreclosures coming?

Here's a look at why the data and the experts say that’s not going to happen.

There Aren’t Many Homeowners Who Are Seriously Behind on Their Mortgages

One of the main reasons there were so many foreclosures during the last housing crash was because relaxed lending standards made it easy for people to take out mortgages, even when they couldn’t show they’d be able to pay them back. At that time, lenders weren’t being as strict when looking at applicant credit scores, income levels, employment status, and debt-to-income ratio.

But since then, lending standards have gotten a whole lot...

Why a Foreclosure Wave Isn’t on the Horizon Even though data shows inflation is cooling, a lot of people are still feeling the pinch on their wallets.

There’s an interesting trend happening in the housing market. People are increasingly moving to more affordable areas, and remote or hybrid work is helping them do it.

Consider Moving to a More Affordable Area

Today’s high mortgage rates combined with continually rising home prices mean it’s tough for a lot of people to afford a home right now. That’s why many interested buyers are moving to places where homes are less expensive, and the cost of living is lower.

If you’re hoping to buy a home soon, it might make sense to broaden your search area to include places where homes that fit your needs are more affordable. That’s what a lot of other people are doing right now to find a home within their budget.

Remote Work Opens Up More Home Options

If you work remotely or drive into the office only a few times each week, you have many more possibilities when looking for your next home. That’s because you can cast a broader net...

How Affordability and Remote Work Are Changing Where People Live There’s an interesting trend happening in the housing market.

Did you put off your home search because the market was too intense?

Here’s some good news: buyer demand is easing and inventory is growing. This means you may be able to avoid being in a multiple-offer scenario.

Want to learn more about the opportunities buyers have in the second half of this year? DM me.

Want to know the biggest mistakes homebuyers are making today? They include everything from putting off pre-approval for too long, holding out for the perfect home, buying more than they can afford, and skipping out on hiring a pro. Let’s connect to make sure you have a pro on your side who can help you avoid these mistakes.

The Biggest Mistakes Homebuyers Are Making Right Now Want to know the biggest mistakes homebuyers are making today?

There’s no arguing this past year has been difficult for homebuyers. And if you’re someone who has started the process of searching for a home, maybe you put your search on hold because the challenges in today’s market felt like too much to tackle. You’re not alone in that. A Bright MLS study found some of the top reasons buyers paused their search in late 2023 and early 2024 were:

• They couldn’t find anything in their price range
• They didn’t have any successful offers or had difficulty competing
• They couldn’t find the right home

If any of these sound like why you stopped looking, here’s what you need to know. The housing market is in a transition in the second half of 2024. Here are four reasons why this may be your chance to jump back in.

1. The Supply of Homes for Sale Is Growing

2. There’s More New Home Construction

3. Less Buyer Competition

4. Home Prices Are Moderating

The Opportunity in Front of...

Unlocking Homebuyer Opportunities in 2024 There’s no arguing this past year has been difficult for homebuyers.

Trying to get your house ready to list?

If your home is between 20-39 years old, it’s entering the prime remodeling years. And to make sure it shows well and appeals to today’s buyers, you may need to tackle some strategic updates.

Have a project on your mind but you’re wondering if it’s worth the time and money?

Comment below and I’ll help you prioritize your to-do list.

If you’re trying to decide if you’re ready to buy a home, there’s probably a lot on your mind. Instead of trying to time the market, focus on what you can control. Here are a few questions that can give you clarity on whether you’re ready to make your move.

1. Do You Have a Stable Job?

One thing to consider is how stable you feel your employment is.

2. Have You Figured Out What You Can Afford?

If you have reliable paychecks coming in, the next thing to figure out is what you can afford.

3. Do You Have an Emergency Fund?

Another key factor is whether you’ll have enough cash leftover in case of an emergency.

4. How Long Do You Plan To Live There?

5. Above all else, the most important question to answer is: do you have a team of real estate professionals in place?

If not, finding a trusted local agent and a lender is a good first step. The pros can talk you through your options and help you decide if you’re ready...

How To Determine if You’re Ready To Buy a Home If you’re trying to decide if you’re ready to buy a home, there’s probably a lot on your mind.

Thinking about buying a home? You want to consider everything from mortgage rates to your personal finances and goals.
My best advice: focus on what you can control and take the time to evaluate your situation.
These 4 questions can help you figure out if you’re ready.
If you want to have a conversation about how to prepare, send me a DM.

Choosing the right agent is a big deal.
One key thing to look for? A local real estate expert.
You want to find someone who knows the area like the back of their hand, including where you're most likely to find the home you're looking for.
It can make a world of difference in your homebuying journey.

Wondering if the upcoming Presidential election will shake up the housing market?

Here's what you need to know. History shows home sales may slow down a bit in November, but they usually bounce back fast, prices keep climbing, and mortgage rates tend to dip a bit.

Overall, the impact is minor and short-lived. Have questions? Let's chat.

Ready to retire? Downsizing can simplify your life.
From less maintenance to financial savings, there are many perks to opting for a smaller home.
Plus, your equity can help make it happen.
Ready for the next step? Let’s chat and explore your options.

Follow these essential home decorating tips to make your home look flawless.

Are you wondering if the upcoming election will have an impact on the housing market? Here’s what history tells us you need to know if you’re considering a move. Data shows home sales slow in November but quickly bounce back and rise the following year. Prices usually keep climbing. And mortgage rates typically come down slightly. Presidential elections have only a small and temporary impact on the housing market. If you have questions, let’s connect.

How Do Presidential Elections Impact the Housing Market? Are you wondering if the upcoming election will have an impact on the housing market?

Retirement is a time for relaxation, adventure, and enjoying the things you love. As you imagine this exciting new chapter in your life, it's important to think about whether your current home still fits your needs.

If it's too big, too costly, or just not convenient anymore, downsizing might help you make the most of your retirement years. To find out if a smaller, more manageable home might be the perfect fit for your new lifestyle, ask yourself these questions:

• Do the original reasons I bought my current house still stand, or have my needs changed since then?
• Do I really need and want the space I have right now, or could somewhere smaller be a better fit?
• What are my housing expenses right now, and how much do I want to try to save by downsizing?

If you answered yes to any of these, consider the benefits that come with downsizing.

Your Equity Can Help Make Downsizing Possible

You may already have what you need...

Why Moving to a Smaller Home After Retirement Makes Life Easier Retirement is a time for relaxation, adventure, and enjoying the things you love.

Even if you didn't own a home at the time, you probably remember the housing crisis in 2008. That crash impacted the lives of countless people, and many now live with the worry that something like that could happen again. But rest easy, because things are different than they were back then.

Homeowners Deciding To Sell Their Houses

Although the supply of existing (previously owned) homes is up compared to this time last year, it’s still low overall. And while this varies by local market, nationally, the current months’ supply is well below the norm, and even further below what we saw during the crash.

New Home Construction

People are also talking a lot about what's going on with newly built houses these days, and that might make you wonder if homebuilders are overdoing it. Even though new homes make up a larger percentage of the total inventory than the norm, there’s no need for alarm. Here’s why.

There’s just too...

Not a Crash: 3 Graphs That Show How Today’s Inventory Differs from 2008 Even if you didn't own a home at the time, you probably remember the housing crisis in 2008.

Upgrade your home, upgrade your life!

Thinking of selling? You can’t just pick any price.

With moderating demand and a growing number of homes for sale, your asking price matters even more right now.

Buyers have more options, and they’re not going to look at a home that’s overpriced.

Want to price your house so it stands out and avoids a price cut? With my local market expertise, we can find the right price.

Homeownership continues to top the list as a big part of the American Dream.

A recent Bankrate survey found that 78% of people rank it above other milestones like retirement and career success.

Why? Security and wealth-building. A fixed-rate mortgage keeps expenses stable, and as you pay down your mortgage, you build equity and financial stability.

Let’s make your homeownership dream come true.

Seeing headlines about foreclosures rising? Don’t worry.
That’s only compared to years when foreclosures were at a record low.
We're still below what we’d see in a more normal year.
And, if you compare today to what happened during the crash, we’re nowhere near what we saw back then.
Got questions? Drop them below.

Did you know?

Real estate has been voted the best long-term investment for 12 years straight.

That’s because history shows home values usually go up. And when that happens, it helps homeowners grow their net worth.

So, if you’re debating renting or buying, remember to factor this into your decision.

When you’re ready to start your homeownership journey, let's connect.

Just applied for a mortgage? Heads up – there are a few things to avoid to keep your closing smooth:
-Don't change bank accounts
-Don't apply for new credit or close accounts
-Don't make large purchases or transfers
-Don't co-sign loans
Pro tip: Once you’ve started the process, always check with your loan officer before making any financial moves.

If your house didn’t sell, it's natural to feel frustrated.
And when you’re ready, it’s worth it to take a look at what happened.
One thing to consider is the price.
Was it priced right? If not, that could’ve turned buyers away.
If you want someone’s help figuring out the right price or getting it back on the market with a fresh strategy, let's connect and make it happen.

Wishing you a sparkling 4th of July filled with joy and celebration! 🇺🇸🎆

Equity is the current value of your home minus what you owe on the loan.

And thanks to the ongoing rise in home prices, the average homeowner's equity grew by $28,000. That’s huge.

Check out the map above to see how much the typical homeowner gained in our state.

And if you want to find out how much equity you have, reach out to me and let’s chat.