Mandy Dundovich, Realtor

Do Elections Impact the Housing Market?

The 2024 Presidential election is just months away. As someone who’s thinking about potentially buying or selling a home, you’re probably curious about what effect, if any, elections have on the housing market.

Home Sales

During the month of November, in years when the Presidential election takes place, there’s typically a slight slowdown in home sales. As Ali Wolf, Chief Economist at Zonda, explains: “Usually, home sales are unchanged compared to a non-election year with the exception being November. In an election year, November is slower than normal.”

Home Prices

What about home prices? Do they drop during election years? Not typically. As residential appraiser and housing analyst Ryan Lundquist puts it: “An election year doesn’t alter the price trend that is already happening in the market.”

Mortgage Rates

Mortgage rates are important because they affect how much your...

Do Elections Impact the Housing Market? The 2024 Presidential election is just months away.

What’s one of the top things today’s homebuyers say they need more information on?

It’s programs that can help with the upfront costs of buying a home.

There are over 2000 down payment programs available – and with how tight affordability still is, it’s worth seeing if there’s one that can help you.

Want to learn more? Connect with a trusted lender and local agent.

You can’t control what happens in the broader economy or how it impacts mortgage rates. But you can control the controllables.

And if you’re looking to buy a home, your credit score is one big area you could focus on.

A good score can help you secure the best rate possible – and that’s especially important today.

Real Estate Is Still the Best Long-Term Investment [INFOGRAPHIC]

According to a recent poll from Gallup, real estate has been voted the best long-term investment for twelve straight years. That’s because a home is so much more just than a roof over your head. It’s also an asset that typically grows in value over time. If you’ve been debating if it makes more sense to rent or buy, DM me to talk about why homeownership can be a better bet in the long run.

Real Estate Is Still the Best Long-Term Investment [INFOGRAPHIC] According to a recent poll from Gallup, real estate has been voted the best long-term investment for twelve straight years.

Homebuilders Aren’t Overbuilding, They’re Catching Up

You may have heard that there are more brand-new homes available right now than the norm. Today, about one in three homes on the market are newly built. And if you’re wondering what that means for the housing market and for your own move, here’s what you need to know.

Why This Isn’t Like 2008

People remember what happened to the housing market back in 2008. And one of the factors that contributed to that crash was that there were too many homes for sale. While only part of the oversupply back then came from builders, the lasting impact is that some people still feel uneasy when they hear new home construction has ramped up.

Even though the supply of new homes has grown this year, the data shows there’s no need to worry. Builders aren’t overbuilding, they’re just catching up.

New Home Construction May Be at Its Peak for the Year

Builders remember what...

Homebuilders Aren’t Overbuilding, They’re Catching Up You may have heard that there are more brand-new homes available right now than the norm.

Home Prices Aren’t Declining, But Headlines Might Make You Think They Are

If you’ve seen the news lately about home sellers slashing prices, it’s a great example of how headlines do more to terrify than clarify. Here’s what’s really happening with prices.

The key is knowing the difference between the asking price and the sold price.

Understanding Asking Price vs. Sold Price

In essence, the asking price, also known as a listing price, is the amount a seller hopes to get for their home when they list it. In reality, sellers can’t just put any price tag on their house and expect it to sell for top dollar.

Here’s the most important thing to note: Actual sold prices are still rising, and they’re expected to continue to do so at least over the next 5 years.

What Does This Mean for Home Prices?

So, while there's been an increase in price reductions recently, this doesn't mean overall home values are declining.

Why This...

Home Prices Aren’t Declining, But Headlines Might Make You Think They Are If you’ve seen the news lately about home sellers slashing prices, it’s a great example of how headlines do more to terrify than clarify.

If you’re seeing headlines about sellers slashing prices and are worried about what that means for home values, let's clear things up.

There’s a difference between the asking price and the sold price.

While more sellers are adjusting their asking price, that’s a signal of moderating demand – not falling home values.

As this graphic shows, actual sold prices are still climbing.

Planning to buy your first home? It helps to start with a solid savings plan.

Set a budget, track your expenses, and focus on cutting down on any unnecessary spending. And, if you can automate your savings, that can go a long way to speeding up the process.

With the right strategies and planning, your dream home may be closer than you think.

The Wealth-Building Power of Homeownership [INFOGRAPHIC]

If you’re trying to decide if buying a home is worth it, consider the long-term benefits, like building equity as home values grow over time. According to the FHFA, home values have increased by 315.7% since 1991. Home equity is one reason owning your own place can really pay off in the long run. When you're ready, DM me.

The Wealth-Building Power of Homeownership [INFOGRAPHIC] If you’re trying to decide if buying a home is worth it, consider the long-term benefits, like building equity as home values grow over time.

Thinking about buying a home? Consider the long-term wealth-building benefits.
Homeownership isn't just about having a place to live—it's a key to building wealth. As you pay off your mortgage, your equity grows, and any increase in your home's value adds to your net worth.
Just check out how home values have grown since 1991.

More Than a House: The Emotional Benefits of Homeownership

With all the headlines and talk about housing affordability, it can be tempting to get lost in the financial side of buying a home. That’s only natural as you think about the dollars and cents of it all.

And while you ultimately need to be able to afford a home you buy, don’t lose sight of why homeownership was so important to you in the first place. That’s because buying a home is so much more than just a financial transaction.

Here’s a look at just a few of those more emotional or lifestyle perks, to help anchor you to why homeownership is one of your goals.

A Sense of Satisfaction

Owning a home is often associated with better mental health and well-being. T

More Stability for Your Family

Another thing that may make homeowners feel more satisfied is that they’re finally able to put down roots.

A Stronger Feeling of Community

And if you’re also...

More Than a House: The Emotional Benefits of Homeownership With all the headlines and talk about housing affordability, it can be tempting to get lost in the financial side of buying a home.

The Sweet Spot for Buying Luxury Homes

If you’ve been looking for a home at the high end of your market, but haven’t found the right one, you may have put your search on hold. But according to recent data, now may be the time to jump back in. Here’s why.

There Are More Luxury Homes To Choose From

What’s considered the top-end of the market, or a luxury home, will always vary by location. But generally speaking, they’re homes that are valued in the top 5% of any given market. According to a recent report from the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing, the selection of luxury homes is increasing.

There are considerably more single-family luxury homes available now than there were a year ago. In fact, there are even more than there were just a month ago. This means you should have a wider variety of top-of-the-line homes to choose from, each with unique features and styles.

Rising Luxury Home Prices Can Help You Build...

The Sweet Spot for Buying Luxury Homes If you’ve been looking for a home at the high-end of your market, but haven’t found the right one, you may have put your search on hold.

Today's market can feel like a lot to navigate, but these reasons show why homeownership is worth it if you’re ready and able to buy.
When you want to enjoy these amazing advantages, I’m here to help guide you through the process.

Homeownership is more than just a financial decision—it's about satisfaction, stability, community, and finding a space that you can truly make your own.

Ready to experience the pride and fulfillment of owning your own home? Let's chat about your goals.

Top Reasons To Own a Home [INFOGRAPHIC]

Buying a home has powerful financial and non-financial benefits. It creates more stability, helps grow your net worth, and gives you an undeniable sense of pride. While today’s market can be challenging for buyers, use these reasons to remind you of why homeownership is so worthwhile. When you’re ready to enjoy all the amazing advantages that come with owning a home, let’s get in touch.

Top Reasons To Own a Home [INFOGRAPHIC] Buying a home has powerful financial and non-financial benefits.

Ready to sell your house? One of your top priorities may be getting help marketing your home.
Partnering with a great agent can make all the difference.
These are just a few strategies we can use to get your house more visibility.
Ready to maximize your home's exposure and potential? Let's connect.

How an Agent Helps Market Your House

You’re ready to sell your house. But what do you need most from your real estate agent? Well, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) asked that very question to recent sellers and found one of the top things they were looking for is help marketing their house to potential buyers. Maybe that’s what you need the most help with too.

You expect your real estate agent to write a great description of your house for the listing and pair it with some high-quality photos. But that’s not all you’re going to get when you partner with a great agent:

• Listing on the MLS – By listing your house on the MLS, it will get more visibility from other real estate agents and buyers.

• Using a Yard Sign – A yard sign catches the eye of people driving or walking by.

• Having an Open House – When your agent advertises and hosts your open house, buyers see others are interested in your house, too...

How an Agent Helps Market Your House You’re ready to sell your house. But what do you need most from your real estate agent?

Climate risks are having an impact on where people buy homes.
And if it’s something that’s on your mind, you want to work with an agent with expertise on the local area, what’s impacting homes near you, and what features you may want your home to have to help safeguard it from the elements.
Want to buy? Together, we’ll find you a home you love that’s built to last.

How VA Loans Can Help You Buy a Home

For over 80 years, Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans have helped millions of veterans buy their own homes. If you or someone you know has served in the military, it's important to learn about this program and its benefits.

Here are some key things to know about VA loans before buying a home.

Top Benefits of VA Home Loans

VA home loans make it easier for veterans to buy a home, and they're a great perk for those who qualify. According to the Department of Veteran Affairs, some benefits include:

• Options for No Down Payment: Qualified borrowers can often purchase a home with no down payment. That’s a huge weight lifted when you’re trying to save for a home. The Associated Press says: “. . . about 90% of VA loans are used to purchase a home with no money down.”

• Don’t Require Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI): Many other loans with down payments under 20% require PMI. VA loans do not...

How VA Loans Can Help You Buy a Home For over 80 years, Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans have helped millions of veterans buy their own homes.

Your agent holds the key to unlocking the perfect asking price for your house.

You don’t want the price to be too high or too low – either way has some serious drawbacks.

Instead, you want to aim for current market value.

So, don't leave money on the table or risk scaring away buyers with the wrong price. Trust your agent's expertise on how to price it just right.

Let’s separate fact from fiction.

Despite some recent buzz, mega investors aren’t buying up all the homes.

They’re only buying less than 1% of the single-family homes. And that’s down from the 2% in 2022.

So, don't believe the hype – and if you have questions, I’m here.

Worried About Home Maintenance Costs? Consider This

If one of the main reasons you’re hesitant to buy a home is because you’re worried about the upkeep, here’s some information you may find interesting on both new home construction and existing homes (a home that’s been lived in by a previous owner).

Newly Built Homes Need Less Upfront Maintenance

If you can afford it, you may find a newly built home could help ease your worries about maintenance costs. Think about it, if everything in the house is brand new, it won’t have the wear and tear you may see in an existing home – and that means it’s less likely to need repairs. Plus, many builders also have warranties on their homes that would cover some of the more major expenses that could pop up.

Existing Homes Can Still Have Great Perks

But it’s worth mentioning, that it’s not just newly built homes that can have warranties. It’s an option for existing homes too.

Your...

Worried About Home Maintenance Costs? Consider This If one of the main reasons you’re hesitant to buy a home is because you’re worried about the upkeep, here’s some information you may find interesting on both new home construction and existing homes.

Should I Rent or Buy a Home? [INFOGRAPHIC]

While renting may be less expensive in some areas right now, there are two big benefits homeownership provides that renting can’t. Owning a home means you get to say goodbye to rising rents and hello to stability. It also gives you the chance to gain equity as home values rise over time. If you’re ready to learn more about the perks of owning a home, let’s chat.

Should I Rent or Buy a Home? [INFOGRAPHIC] While renting may be less expensive in some areas right now, there are two big benefits homeownership provides that renting can’t. 

Wondering about the future of home prices? Here's the scoop.

Experts forecast a steady rise in home prices until at least 2028.

That means buying now sets you up to gain equity as values climb. But, if you wait, the price of a home will only be higher later on.

If you want to chat about what this means for you, I’m here and happy to help.

Renting or buying: which is right for you?

While renting may be cheaper in some areas right now, homeownership offers stability and equity growth over time.

Want to learn more about the perks of homeownership? Let's talk.