Annette Fontanella-Badea - Keller Williams Realty

Why You Need a True Expert in Today’s Housing Market

The housing market continues to shift and change, and in a fast-moving landscape like we’re in right now, it’s more important than ever to have a trusted real estate agent on your side. Whether you’re buying your first home or selling once again, it’s mission critical to work with an expert who can guide you through each unique step of the process.

Jay Thompson, 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.”

Unfortunately, when information in the media isn’t clear, it can generate a lot of fear and uncertainty for...



Know anyone who can benefit from this article?

Why You Need a True Expert in Today’s Housing Market The housing market continues to shift and change, and in a fast-moving landscape like we’re in right now, it’s more important than ever to have a trusted real estate agent on your side.

Today’s Housing Market Has Only Half the Usual Inventory [INFOGRAPHIC]

There are only about half the number of homes for sale compared to the last normal years in the market. That means buyers don’t have enough options right now. So, if you work with an agent to list your house, it should be in the spotlight. If you're thinking of selling, DM me so your house can stand out while there’s such a shortage of supply and buyers are craving more options.



Know anyone who can benefit from this article?

Today’s Housing Market Has Only Half the Usual Inventory [INFOGRAPHIC] There are only about half the number of homes for sale compared to the last normal years in the market.

Thinking about moving but wondering what your current home is worth? Click the link to find your home’s Sale Price Estimate, free!

Want to know how much your home is worth? Find out now! https://homeasap.com/1080193/homevalue

More Jobs and Better Pay Leads to More Buyer Demand

There’s been talk about a recession for quite a while now. But the economy has been remarkably resilient. Why? One reason is employment and wages have stayed strong. Let’s look at the latest information on each one and why both are good news if you’re thinking about selling your house.

More Jobs Are Being Created

Instead of facing the job losses typical of any recession, the economy has been growing and adding jobs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 187,000 jobs were created in July, which is up from the 185,000 created in June. That means more people are finding work. In fact, so many jobs are being added that the unemployment rate is far lower than the long-term average of 5.7%.

A low unemployment rate means that most people who want to work are finding jobs. When people have jobs, they have...



Know anyone who can benefit from this article?

More Jobs and Better Pay Leads to More Buyer Demand There’s been talk about a recession for quite a while now.

Find your dream home using my Home Search! Please feel free to contact me or schedule a showing.

Start searching now: https://homeasap.com/1080193/

300 Union Hill Rd., MANALAPAN, NJ Affordable Center Hall Colonial offers 4 bedrooms, 2.1 baths and a bonus room, great for a home office or add a closet and make it a 5th bedroom! Needs some TLC and it will provide you with many happy memories in the making! Close to shopping, restaurants, and NY transportation. All completed in 201...

Why You Don’t Need To Fear the Return of Adjustable-Rate Mortgages

If you remember the housing crash back in 2008, you may recall just how popular adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) were back then. And after years of being virtually nonexistent, more people are once again using ARMs when buying a home. Let’s break down why that’s happening and why this isn’t cause for concern.

Why ARMs Have Gained Popularity More Recently

Last year is when mortgage rates climbed dramatically. With higher borrowing costs, some homeowners decided to take out this type of loan because traditional borrowing costs were high, and an ARM gave them a lower rate.

Why Today’s ARMs Aren’t Like the Ones in 2008

To put things into perspective, let’s remember these aren’t like the ARMs that became popular leading up to 2008. Back then, when a buyer got an ARM, banks and lenders didn’t require...



Know anyone who can benefit from this article?

Why You Don’t Need To Fear the Return of Adjustable-Rate Mortgages If you remember the housing crash back in 2008, you may recall just how popular adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) were back then.

Don’t Expect a Wave of Foreclosures [INFOGRAPHIC]

With ongoing high inflation pushing up everyday costs, some people are worried that'll create a flood of foreclosures. Here's why that's unlikely. Fewer people are seriously behind on mortgage payments right now. If foreclosures were going to rise a lot, more people would need to be late on their payments. Since most are paying on time, a wave isn’t coming. If you're concerned about a flood of foreclosures, the data shows that's not likely.



Know anyone who can benefit from this article?

Don’t Expect a Wave of Foreclosures [INFOGRAPHIC] With ongoing high inflation pushing up everyday costs, some people are worried that'll create a flood of foreclosures. Here's why that's unlikely. 

Don’t Expect a Flood of Foreclosures

The rising cost of just about everything from groceries to gas right now is leading to speculation that more people won’t be able to afford their mortgage payments. And that’s creating concern that a lot of foreclosures are on the horizon. While it’s true that foreclosure filings have gone up a bit compared to last year, experts say a flood of foreclosures isn’t coming.

Take it from Bill McBride of Calculated Risk. “There will not be a foreclosure crisis this time.”

Let’s look at why another flood is so unlikely.

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

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 if they couldn't show that they’d be able to pay them back...



Know anyone who can benefit from this article?

Don’t Expect a Flood of Foreclosures The rising cost of just about everything from groceries to gas right now is leading to speculation that more people won’t be able to afford their mortgage payments.

Check your Home’s Estimated Sales Price! Just click the link below to get started!

Want to know how much your home is worth? Find out now! https://homeasap.com/1080193/homevalue

See what properties are available on the market near you!

Click to start your search:

Start searching now: https://homeasap.com/1080193/

Home Prices Are Back on the Rise [INFOGRAPHIC]

Looking at monthly home price data from six expert sources shows the worst home price declines are behind us, and they’re rising again nationally. If you’ve put your plans to move on pause because you were worried about home prices crashing, this rebound is good news. Let’s connect so you know what’s happening with prices in our area.



Know anyone who can benefit from this article?

Home Prices Are Back on the Rise [INFOGRAPHIC] Looking at monthly home price data from six expert sources shows the worst home price declines are behind us, and they’re rising again nationally.

The Value of an Agent When Buying Your New Construction Home

Buying a new construction home can be an exciting experience. But navigating the complexities of buying a home that’s under construction can also be a bit overwhelming. This is where a skilled real estate agent can make all the difference.

Here’s how your agent is an invaluable resource in your search to find and buy your new home.

Agents Know the Local Area and Market

Your agent is well-versed in the emerging communities and upcoming developments that could influence your decision. Your agent can help you find a community that perfectly aligns with your preferences, lifestyle, and future needs.

Knowledge of Construction Quality and Builder Reputation

An agent also has the expertise to evaluate the construction quality and reputation of different builders. This information can help you avoid any...



Know anyone who can benefit from this article?

The Value of an Agent When Buying Your New Construction Home Buying a new construction home can be an exciting experience.

Searching for your next Cabin retreat? Find it here with my IDX Home Search! Just click the link below to get FREE access to MLS Listings, New Homes, and MORE!

Start searching now: https://homeasap.com/1080193/

There's Only Half the Inventory of a Normal Housing Market Today

Wondering if it still makes sense to sell your house right now? The short answer is, yes. Especially if you consider how few homes there are for sale today.

You may have heard inventory is low right now, but you may not fully realize just how low or why that’s a perk when you go to sell your house.

While the housing inventory did grow slightly week-over-week, overall supply is still low. Compared to the same week last year, supply is down roughly 10% – and it was already considered low at that time. But, if you look further back, you’ll see inventory is down even more significantly.

To gauge just how far off from normal today’s inventory is, let’s compare right now to 2019 (the last normal year in the market). When you compare the same week this year with the matching week in 2019, supply is about...



Know anyone who can benefit from this article?

There's Only Half the Inventory of a Normal Housing Market Today Wondering if it still makes sense to sell your house right now?

Here's one butcher shop in NJ being recognized by Guy Fieri from Diners, Drive-ins and Dives, known for their choice of meats and top-rated cheesesteaks, if you're at the South Jersey Shore, you want to check out Earnest and Son and if you live in Monmouth county like me, 2 of these other butcher shops are worth the drive to the next neighboring county!

4 top butcher shops to get the best meat in NJ The best way to buy meat is to go to a guy that understands the cuts and the quality of meat. I remember my grandmother going to the local butcher in Westmont, NJ when I was growing up. We never bought meat from a supermarket. What's interesting is how things...

Four Ways You Can Use Your Home Equity

If you’re a homeowner, odds are your equity has grown significantly over the last few years. Equity builds over time as home values grow and as you pay down your home loan.

Here are a few examples of how you can put your home equity to work for you.

1. Buy a Home That Fits Your Needs

If your current space no longer meets your needs, it might be time to think about moving to a bigger home. And if you've got too much space, downsizing to a smaller home could be just right. Either way, you can put your equity toward a down payment on a home that fits your changing lifestyle.

2. Reinvest in Your Current Home

Renovations are a great option if you want to change your living space, but you aren’t yet ready to make a move. But it's important to consider the long-term benefits certain upgrades can bring to your home’s value.

3. Pursue...



Know anyone who can benefit from this article?

Four Ways You Can Use Your Home Equity If you’re a homeowner, odds are your equity has grown significantly over the last few years.

How To Know 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.

Instead of trying to time the market, it may help to 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. Buying a home is a big purchase, and you’re going to sign a home loan stating you’re going to pay that loan back. That can feel like a big obligation. Knowing you have a reliable job and income coming in can help put your mind at ease.

2. Have You Figured Out What You Can Afford?

To make sure you have a good idea of what you’ll need to save and what you can expect to spend on your monthly payment, talk to a trusted lender. They’ll be able to tell you about the...



Know anyone who can benefit from this article?

How To Know 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.

Housing Market Forecast for the Rest of 2023 [INFOGRAPHIC]

Want to know what experts say will happen in the rest of 2023? Home prices are already appreciating again in many areas. The average of the expert forecasts shows positive price growth. Where mortgage rates go for the rest of the year will depend on inflation. Based on historical trends, rates are likely to ease as inflation continues to cool. Even though low inventory continues to be a challenge, experts project 5 million homes will still sell this year. That pace should pick up if rates come down.

Know anyone who can benefit from this article?

Housing Market Forecast for the Rest of 2023 [INFOGRAPHIC] Want to know what experts say will happen in the rest of 2023?

How Inflation Affects Mortgage Rates

When you read about the housing market in the news, you might see something about a recent decision made by the Federal Reserve (the Fed). But how does this decision affect you and your plans to buy a home? Here's what you need to know.

The Fed is trying hard to reduce inflation. And even though there’s been 12 straight months where inflation has cooled, the most recent data shows it’s still higher than the Fed’s target of 2%.

While you may have been hoping the Fed would stop their hikes since they’re making progress on their goal of bringing down inflation, they don’t want to stop too soon, and risk inflation climbing back up as a result. Because of this, the Fed decided to increase the Federal Funds Rate again last week.

Greg McBride, Senior VP, and Chief Financial Analyst at Bankrate, explains how high inflation and a stro...



Know anyone who can benefit from this article?

How Inflation Affects Mortgage Rates When you read about the housing market in the news, you might see something about a recent decision made by the Federal Reserve (the Fed).

Sellers: Don’t Let These Two Things Hold You Back

Many homeowners thinking about selling have two key things holding them back. That’s feeling locked in by today’s higher mortgage rates and worrying they won’t be able to find something to buy while supply is so low. Let’s dive into each challenge and give you some helpful advice on how to overcome these obstacles.

Challenge #1: The Reluctance to Take on a Higher Mortgage Rate

The Advice: Waiting May Not Pay Off

While experts project mortgage rates will gradually fall this year as inflation cools, that doesn’t necessarily mean you should wait to sell. Mortgage rates are notoriously hard to predict. And, right now home prices are back on the rise. If you move now, you’ll at least beat rising home prices when you buy your next home. And, if experts are right and rates fall, you can always refinance later if that happ...



Know anyone who can benefit from this article?

Sellers: Don’t Let These Two Things Hold You Back Many homeowners thinking about selling have two key things holding them back.

Search for homes on my site! Please feel free to contact me or schedule a showing.

Start searching now: https://homeasap.com/1080193/

Pricing Your House Right Still Matters Today

While this isn’t the frenzied market we saw during the ‘unicorn’ years, homes that are priced right are still selling quickly and seeing multiple offers right now. That’s because the number of homes for sale is still so low. Data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows 76% of homes sold within a month and the average saw 3.5 offers in June.

The price you set for your house sends a message to potential buyers.

A recent article from NerdWallet sums it up like this: "Your house’s market debut is your first chance to attract a buyer and it’s important to get the pricing right. If your home is overpriced, you run the risk of buyers not seeing the listing . . . But price your house too low and you could end up leaving some serious money on the table. A bargain-basement price could also turn some buyers away, as...



Know anyone who can benefit from this article?

Pricing Your House Right Still Matters Today While this isn’t the frenzied market we saw during the ‘unicorn’ years, homes that are priced right are still selling quickly and seeing multiple offers right now.

Tips for Making Your Best Offer on a Home

While the wild ride that was the ‘unicorn’ years of housing is behind us, today’s market is still competitive in many areas because the supply of homes for sale is still low.

Here are a few things to consider to help you put your best foot forward when making an offer on a home.

1. Lean on a Real Estate Professional

Rely on an agent who can support your goals and help you understand what’s happening in today’s housing market. Agents are experts in the local market and on the national trends too.

Plus, they know what’s worked for other buyers in your area and what sellers may be looking for in an offer.

2. Get Pre-Approved for a Home Loan

Having a clear budget in mind is especially important right now given the current affordability challenges. The best way to get a clear picture of what you can borrow is to work with a lender...



Know anyone who can benefit from this article?

Tips for Making Your Best Offer on a Home While the wild ride that was the ‘unicorn’ years of housing is behind us, today’s market is still competitive in many areas because the supply of homes for sale is still low.

Key Housing Market Trends [INFOGRAPHIC]

If you’re considering buying or selling a home, you’ll want to know what’s happening in the housing market. Housing inventory is still very low, prices are climbing back up, and homes are selling fast when priced right. If you want more information about our local area and what the trends mean for your plans to buy or sell, let’s connect.



Know anyone who can benefit from this article?

Key Housing Market Trends [INFOGRAPHIC] If you’re considering buying or selling a home, you’ll want to know what’s happening in the housing market.

Homebuyers Are Still More Active Than Usual

Even though the housing market is no longer experiencing the frenzy that was so characteristic of the last couple of years, it doesn’t mean today’s market is at a standstill. In actuality, buyer traffic is still strong today.

The ShowingTime Showing Index is a measure of how much buyers are touring homes. It shows there’s seasonality in real estate. If you look at the last normal years in the market (shown in gray), there was a consistent pattern as buyer activity peaked in the first half of each year (during the peak homebuying season in the spring) and slowed as each year came to a close.

When the pandemic hit in March of 2020, that trend was disrupted as the market responded to the resulting uncertainty (shown in blue in the middle). From there, we entered the ‘unicorn’ years of housing (shown in pink). This is when mortgage...



Know anyone who can benefit from this article?

Homebuyers Are Still More Active Than Usual Even though the housing market is no longer experiencing the frenzy that was so characteristic of the last couple of years, it doesn’t mean today’s market is at a standstill.

https://homes.motioncitymedia.com/3ocalact

Do you have a mortgage pre-approval and would like to tour this beautiful home located in Clayton Farms, Freehold Township. Available for showings only Saturday and Sunday afternoons 2-4 p.m.

3 Ocala Ct Reap the rewards of all of your hard work and make this home yours! Located in the most sought-after Toll Bros. development in town! Home sits on prime location in cul-de-sac. Enter 2-story foyer through new double steel doors, overlooking winding staircase and glistening h/w floors. Spacious rooms....

What did you learn about this story? #lessons #livelessons #motivation #businessmotivation #grit #passion #resiliency #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship

How Accurate Is the Zillow Zestimate? The Truth Behind the Numbers Cut through the mystery surrounding Zillow Zestimate. Read our complete guide on the factors & accuracy of the Zillow Zestimate in 2023.

Are you looking to sell? I'd be happy to provide an estimated sale price!

Want to know how much your home is worth? Find out now! https://homeasap.com/1080193/homevalue

Don’t Fall for the Next Shocking Headlines About Home Prices

If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home, one of the biggest questions you have right now is probably: what’s happening with home prices? And it’s no surprise you don’t have the clarity you need on that topic. Part of the issue is how headlines are talking about prices.

They’re basing their negative news by comparing current stats to the last few years. But you can’t compare this year to the ‘unicorn’ years (when home prices reached record highs that were unsustainable). And as prices begin to normalize now, they’re talking about it like it’s a bad thing and making people fear what’s next. But the worst home price declines are already behind us. What we’re starting to see now is the return to more normal home price appreciation.

Why This Is So Important to Understand

In the coming months, as the housing ma...



Know anyone who can benefit from this article?

Don’t Fall for the Next Shocking Headlines About Home Prices If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home, one of the biggest questions you have right now is probably: what’s happening with home prices?

Lending Standards Are Not Like They Were Leading Up to the Crash

You might be worried we’re heading for a housing crash, but there are many reasons why this housing market isn’t like the one we saw in 2008. One of which is how lending standards are different today. Here’s a look at the data to help prove it.

Every month, the Mortgage Bankers Association releases the Mortgage Credit Availability Index. According to their website, “The MCAI provides the only standardized quantitative index that is solely focused on mortgage credit. The MCAI is . . . a summary measure which indicates the availability of mortgage credit at a point in time.”

Basically, the index determines how easy it is to get a mortgage. In 2004, the index was around 400. But, by 2006, it had gone up to over 850. Today, the story is quite different. Since the crash, the index went down because lend...



Know anyone who can benefit from this article?

Lending Standards Are Not Like They Were Leading Up to the Crash You might be worried we’re heading for a housing crash, but there are many reasons why this housing market isn’t like the one we saw in 2008.