Brandi Samples Realtor

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Homebuyer Tips for Finding the One [INFOGRAPHIC]

The best advice carries across multiple areas of life. When it comes to homebuying, a few simple tips can help you stay on track. Because of increased demand, you’ll need to be patient and embrace compromises during your search. Then, once you’ve fallen in love, commit by putting your best offer forward. If you’re looking to buy a home this year, DM me so you have a dedicated partner and teammate to help you find the one.

Homebuyer Tips for Finding the One Some Highlights The best advice carries across multiple areas of life. When it comes to homebuying, a few simple tips can help you stay on track. Because of increased demand, you’ll need to be patient and embrace compromises during your search. Then, once you’ve fallen in love, commit by putting...

What Do Past Years Tell Us About Today’s Real Estate Market?

The housing market today is anything but normal, and it’s still an incredibly strong sellers’ market, especially when compared to the few years leading up to the pandemic. With that in mind, what can previous years tell us about today’s real estate market and if it’s truly slowing?

>>We’re Still Seeing an Above Average Number of Sales
You may see headlines about a drop in home sales. But are those headlines telling the full story? NAR does show a drop of about 2% from July to August. But the month-over-month decline doesn’t provide the full picture. Today’s home sales are well ahead of some of the more normal years that led up to the health crisis. That means buyers are still in the market, which is great news if you’re planning to list your home.

>>Houses Are Selling Faster Than Usual
When headlines mention the market is...

What Do Past Years Tell Us About Today’s Real Estate Market? As you follow the news, you’re likely seeing headlines discussing what’s going on in today’s housing market. Chances are high that some of the more recent storylines you’ve come across mention terms like cooling or slowing when talking about where the market is headed.

The Big Question: Should You Renovate or Move?

If you’re a homeowner who wants more from their current house, you have two options: renovate your current house or buy a home that already has the spaces you desire. The decision you make could be determined by factors like:

>>A possible desire to relocate
>>The difference in the cost of a renovation versus a purchase
>>Finding an existing home or designing a new home that has exactly what you want (versus trying to restructure the layout of your current house)

In either case, you’ll need access to capital: the funds for the renovation or the down payment your next home would require. The great news is that the money you need probably already exists in your current home in the form of equity.

The record-setting increases in home prices over the last two years dramatically improved homeowners’ equity. As a homeowner, the money you need to purchase the perfect...

The Big Question: Should You Renovate or Move? The last 18 months changed what many buyers are looking for in a home. Recently, the American Institute of Architects released their AIA Home Design Trends Survey results for Q3 2021. The survey reveals the following:

Don’t Wait for a Lower Mortgage Rate – It Could Cost You

Today’s housing market is truly one for the record books. Over the past year, we’ve seen the lowest mortgage rates in history. And while those rates seemed to bottom out in January of this year, the golden window of opportunity for buyers isn’t over just yet. If you’re one of the buyers who worry they’ve missed out, rest assured today’s mortgage rates are still worth taking advantage of.

Even today, our mortgage rates are below what they’ve been in recent decades. So, while you may not be able to lock in the rate your friend got recently, you’re still in a great position to secure a rate well below what your parents and even grandparents got in years past. The key will be acting sooner rather than later.

In late September, mortgage rates ticked above 3% for the first time in months. And according to experts throughout the industry...

Don’t Wait for a Lower Mortgage Rate – It Could Cost You Today’s housing market is truly one for the record books. Over the past year, we’ve seen the lowest mortgage rates in history. And while those rates seemed to bottom out in January of this year, the golden window of opportunity for buyers isn’t over just yet. If you’re one of the buyers who ...

Experts Agree: Homeownership Provides a Path to Long-Term Wealth

A recent survey from LendingTree.com found there are multiple reasons why Americans would choose to purchase a home instead of renting. 41% of respondents say they’d rather own a home than rent because of the unique way homeownership builds wealth over time. And experts agree – the home you own is an important tool for building your net worth.

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), “Homeowners who purchased a typical single-family existing-home 30 years ago at the median sales price of $103,333 with a 10% down payment loan and who sold the property at the median sales price of $357,700 in 2021 Q2 accumulated housing wealth of $349,258, . . .”

Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American, points out that a home is truly a one-of-a-kind asset. “The major financial advantage of homeownership is the accumulation of equity in...

Experts Agree: Homeownership Provides a Path to Long-Term Wealth A recent survey from LendingTree.com found there are multiple reasons why Americans would choose to purchase a home instead of renting. Some of the most popular non-financial reasons given include:

What’s Causing Today’s Competitive Real Estate Market? [INFOGRAPHIC]

Today’s strong sellers’ market is the direct result of high demand and low supply. Low mortgage rates and generational trends have created an increased demand for homes. Meanwhile, the slower pace of new home construction and homeowners staying in their homes longer have both led to today’s low supply. If you’re thinking of selling, let’s connect to talk about our local area and how you can take advantage of today’s housing market.

What’s Causing Today’s Competitive Real Estate Market? Some Highlights Today’s strong sellers’ market is the direct result of high demand and low supply. Low mortgage rates and generational trends have created an increased demand for homes. Meanwhile, the slower pace of new home construction and homeowners staying in their homes longer have both led...

111,285 Reasons You Should Buy a Home This Year

The financial benefits of buying a home versus renting one are always up for debate. However, one element of the equation is often ignored – the ability to build wealth as a homeowner.

An increase in equity builds the wealth of the individual that owns it. This wealth can be passed down to future generations. National Association of Realtors research reveals that the average gain for homeowners over the last five years was $139,134 and over the last 10 years was $218,505.

Homeownership builds household wealth which also enables households to more easily move to the home of their dreams.

If you missed out on the equity gains over the last 30 years, don’t fret. Experts are still calling for substantial growth in equity over the next five years. The most recent Home Price Expectation Survey, a survey of over one hundred economists, real estate experts, and...

111,285 Reasons You Should Buy a Home This Year The financial benefits of buying a home versus renting one are always up for debate. However, one element of the equation is often ignored – the ability to build wealth as a homeowner.

What Do Supply and Demand Tell Us About Today’s Housing Market?

The law of supply and demand explains what’s happening with prices in the current real estate market. Put simply, when demand for an item is high, prices rise. When the supply of the item increases, prices fall. Of course, when demand is very high and supply is very low, prices can rise significantly.

Why Are Prices Rising?
According to CoreLogic, home prices have risen 18% since this time last year. But what’s driving the increase? When we take NAR’s buyer activity data and compare it to the seller traffic during the same timeframe, we can see buyer demand continues to outpace seller activity by a wide margin. In other words, the demand for homes is significantly greater than the current supply that’s available to buy.

Where Are Prices Headed?
Many experts forecast prices will continue to increase, but they’ll likely...

What Do Supply and Demand Tell Us About Today’s Housing Market? There’s a well-known economic theory – the law of supply and demand – that explains what’s happening with prices in the current real estate market. Put simply, when demand for an item is high, prices rise. When the supply of the item increases, prices fall. Of course, when demand is very hig...

The Main Key To Understanding the Rise in Mortgage Rates

Every Thursday, Freddie Mac releases the results of their Primary Mortgage Market Survey which reveals the most recent movement in the 30-year fixed mortgage rate. Last week, the rate was announced as 3.01%. It was the first time in three months that the mortgage rate surpassed 3%. In a press release accompanying the survey, Sam Khater, Chief Economist at Freddie Mac, explains, “Mortgage rates rose across all loan types this week as the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield reached its highest point since June.” The reason Khater mentions the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield is because there has been a very strong relationship between the yield and the 30-year mortgage rate over the last five decades. The relationship has also been consistent throughout 2021.

So, what impacts the yield rate? According to Investopedia, “There are a number of economic factors that impact...

The Main Key To Understanding the Rise in Mortgage Rates Every Thursday, Freddie Mac releases the results of their Primary Mortgage Market Survey which reveals the most recent movement in the 30-year fixed mortgage rate. Last week, the rate was announced as 3.01%. It was the first time in three months that the mortgage rate surpassed 3%. In a press releas...

4 Tips To Prep for Your Home Sale This Fall

Here are four simple tips to make sure you maximize the sale of your house this fall.

>>Price It Right
One of the first things buyers will notice is the price of your house. Your trusted real estate advisor can help you find the price for your home that reflects the current market value. Lean on your agent to help you with this crucial first step.

>>Keep It Clean
It may sound simple, but keeping your house clean is key to making sure it gets the attention it deserves. Before each buyer visits, assess your space and determine what needs your attention. Wash the dishes, make the beds, and put away any toys. Doing these simple things can reduce any potential distractions for buyers.

>>Make It Easy To Visit
Giving buyers the opportunity to see your house on their schedule can be a true game-changer. Buyers are less likely to make an offer if it’s difficult to plan a tour...

4 Tips To Prep for Your Home Sale This Fall Even in a hot sellers’ market like today’s in which homes are selling so quickly, it’s still important to make a good first impression on potential buyers. Taking the time upfront to prep your house appropriately can bring in the greatest return on your investment.

Reasons Renters Buy [INFOGRAPHIC]

When deciding whether you should rent or buy, make sure you’re considering these factors. Buying a home means consistent monthly payments. Homeownership also helps to build your wealth. And owning a home gives you greater flexibility than renting. If you’re ready to take advantage of the perks of homeownership, DM me to explore your options.

Reasons Renters Buy Some Highlights When deciding whether you should rent or buy, make sure you’re considering these factors. Buying a home means consistent monthly payments. Homeownership also helps to build your wealth. And owning a home gives you greater flexibility than renting. If you’re ready to take advantag...

As Home Equity Rises, So Does Your Wealth

Equity is the difference between what you owe on the home and its market value based on factors like price appreciation.

The best thing about equity is that it often grows without you even realizing it, especially in a sellers’ market like we’re in now. In today’s real estate market, the combination of low housing supply and high buyer demand is driving home values up. This is giving homeowners a significant equity boost.

According to the latest data from CoreLogic, the amount of equity homeowners have has continued to grow as home values appreciate. Here are some key takeaways from the Homeowner Equity Insights Report:

>>The average homeowner gained $51,500 in equity over the past year
>>There was a 29.3% increase in national homeowner equity year over year

If you’re already a homeowner, you likely have more equity in your house than you realize...

As Home Equity Rises, So Does Your Wealth Homeownership is still a crucial part of the American dream. For those people who own a home (and those looking to buy one), it’s clear that being a homeowner has considerable benefits both emotionally and financially. In addition to long-term stability, buying a home is one of the best ways to in...

Don’t Tackle Selling Your Home on Your Own - an Agent Can Help

Before you decide to sell your house on your own, here are five reasons why working with an agent is your best bet to maximize the sale of your home.

>>First impressions are everything – and an agent knows how to make a great one.
Prepping a house for sale requires a significant amount of time and effort, even though it may seem simple at first glance. An expert real estate advisor relies on their experience to answer your questions so you don’t invest in the wrong things.

>>Agents have tools to maximize the number of views your home gets.
Put plainly, the more buyers that view your house, the better your return will be. Agents have multiple tools at their disposal – from social media to agency resources – to ensure your home is viewed by more prospective buyers.

>>An agent won’t miss anything in the fine print.
Because there’s so much to...

Don’t Tackle Selling Your Home on Your Own - an Agent Can Help If you’re looking to maximize your sale and minimize your effort, you need to work with a real estate professional. In a sellers’ market like today’s, it can be tempting to list your house on your own – known as For Sale By Owner (FSBO). But the truth is, a real estate professional can save ...

Early October is the Sweet Spot for Buyers

Are you looking to buy a home? If so, we’ve got good news for you.

As a buyer, you’re likely braving bidding wars and weighing low mortgage rates versus price appreciation as you search for your dream home. If you find yourself a bit discouraged, hear this: there are clear signs buyers may have more opportunities this fall. According to realtor.com, the sweet spot for buyers is just around the corner. The research says:

“Nationally, the best time to buy in 2021 is the week of October 3-9. This week historically has shown the best balance of market conditions that favor buyers.”

So, what’s that mean for you? If you’re looking to buy a home, there’s a golden window of opportunity coming. The number of homes available for sale should increase. The findings estimate we’ll see roughly 17.6% more homes available than we saw at the start of the year.

Having more...

Early October is the Sweet Spot for Buyers Are you looking to buy a home? If so, we’ve got good news for you.

If You’re a Buyer, Is Offering Asking Price Enough?

In today’s real estate market, buyers shouldn’t shop for a home with the expectation they’ll be able to negotiate a lower sales price. In a typical housing market, buyers try to determine how much less than the asking price they can offer and still get the home. Homes selling quickly and receiving multiple offers highlights how competitive the housing market is right now. This is due, in large part, to the low supply of homes for sale. Low supply and high demand mean homes often sell for more than the asking price. In some cases, they sell for a lot more.

What does that mean for you? If you’ve found your dream home, you need to be realistic about today’s housing market and how that impacts the offer you’ll make. Offering below or even at a home’s asking price may not cut it.

Because of today’s home price appreciation and the auction-like...

If You’re a Buyer, Is Offering Asking Price Enough? In today’s real estate market, buyers shouldn’t shop for a home with the expectation they’ll be able to negotiate a lower sales price. In a typical housing market, buyers try to determine how much less than the asking price they can offer and still get the home. From there, the buyer and selle...

It’s Still a Sellers’ Market [INFOGRAPHIC]

Due to low supply and high demand, today is one of the strongest sellers’ markets we’ve seen. Sellers can benefit from more offers to pick from, higher home values, and a faster sales process. That might be why 73% of people believe it’s a good time to sell. Sellers, don’t miss out on this unique opportunity. Work with an agent to take advantage of this hot sellers’ market.

It’s Still a Sellers’ Market Some Highlights Due to low supply and high demand, today is one of the strongest sellers’ markets we’ve seen. Sellers can benefit from more offers to pick from, higher home values, and a faster sales process. That might be why 73% of people believe it’s a good time to sell. Sellers, don’t mi...

Two Reasons Why Waiting a Year To Buy Could Cost You

To determine if you should buy now or wait, you need to ask yourself two simple questions:

What will home prices be like in 2022? And where will mortgage rates be by the end of 2022?

Three major housing industry entities project continued home price appreciation for 2022. Here are their forecasts: Freddie Mac: 5.3%, Fannie Mae: 5.1% and Mortgage Bankers Association: 8.4%.

Using the average of the three projections (6.27%), a home that sells for $350,000 today would be valued at $371,945 by the end of next year.

Today, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate is hovering near historic lows. However, most experts believe rates will rise as the economy continues to recover. Here are the forecasts for the fourth quarter of 2022 by the three major entities mentioned above: Freddie Mac: 3.8%, Fannie Mae: 3.2%, and Mortgage Bankers Association: 4.2%. That averages out to 3.7...

Two Reasons Why Waiting a Year To Buy Could Cost You If you’re a renter with a desire to become a homeowner, or a homeowner who’s decided your current house no longer fits your needs, you may be hoping that waiting a year might mean better market conditions to purchase a home.

Is a 20% Down Payment Really Necessary To Purchase a Home?

There’s a common misconception that, as a homebuyer, you need to come up with 20% of the total sale price for your down payment. In fact, a recent survey by Lending Tree asks what is keeping consumers from purchasing a home. For over half of those surveyed, the ability to afford a down payment is the biggest hurdle.

If saving that much money sounds overwhelming, you might be ready to give up on the dream of homeownership before you even begin – but you don’t have to. According to the Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the median down payment hasn’t been over 20% since 2005. It may sound surprising, but today’s average down payment is only 12%. That number is even lower for first-time homebuyers, whose average down payment is only 7%.

If you’re a prospective homebuyer, it’s important to...

Is a 20% Down Payment Really Necessary To Purchase a Home? There’s a common misconception that, as a homebuyer, you need to come up with 20% of the total sale price for your down payment. In fact, a recent survey by Lending Tree asks what is keeping consumers from purchasing a home. For over half of those surveyed, the ability to afford a down payment is ...

Remote Work Is Here To Stay. Can Your Home Deliver the Space You Need?

If you’re still longing for a dedicated home office, now may be the time to find the home that addresses your evolving needs. More and more companies are delaying their plans to return to the office – others are deciding to remain fully remote permanently. According to economists from Goldman Sachs in a recent article from CNN, "Job ads increasingly offer remote work and surveys indicate that both workers and employers expect work from home to remain much more common than before the pandemic."

If you own your home, it’s important to realize that continued remote work may give you opportunities you didn’t realize you had. Since you don’t need to be tied to a specific area for your job, you have more flexibility when it comes to where you can live.

If you’re one of the nearly 23% of workers who will remain 100% remote, you have the...

Remote Work Is Here To Stay. Can Your Home Deliver the Space You Need? A lot has changed over the past year. For many people, the rise in remote work influenced what they’re looking for in a home and created a greater appetite for a dedicated home office. Some professionals took advantage of the situation and purchased a bigger home. Other people thought working from...

Is It Time To Move on to a New Home?

Before 2008, homeowners sold their houses after an average of just five years. Today, that number has more than doubled to over 10 years. The housing industry refers to this as your tenure.

If you’ve been in your home for longer than the norm, chances are you’re putting off addressing one, if not several, of the reasons other individuals choose to move. If this sounds like you, here are a few things to consider:

>>If your needs have changed, it may be time to re-evaluate your home.
As the past year has shown, our needs can change rapidly. That means the longer you’ve been in your home, the more likely it is your needs have evolved. The Balance notes several personal factors that could lead to your home no longer meeting your needs, including relationship and job changes.

>>It’s often financially beneficial to sell your house and move.
One of the biggest...

Is It Time To Move on to a New Home? If you’ve been in your home for longer than five years, you’re not alone. According to recent data from First American, homeowners are staying put much longer than historical averages (see graph below):

Have You Ever Seen a Housing Market Like This? [INFOGRAPHIC]

Whether you’re buying or selling – today’s housing market has plenty of good news to go around. Buyers can take advantage of today's mortgage rates to escape rising rents and keep monthly payments affordable. Sellers can reap the benefits of multiple offers and a fast sale. If this sounds like good news to you, connect with a trusted real estate adviser so you can capitalize on the unique opportunity you have in today’s market.

Have You Ever Seen a Housing Market Like This? Some Highlights Whether you’re buying or selling – today’s housing market has plenty of good news to go around. Buyers can take advantage of today's mortgage rates to escape rising rents and keep monthly payments affordable. Sellers can reap the benefits of multiple offers and a fast sale. If ...

Is the Number of Homes for Sale Finally Growing?

An important metric in today’s residential real estate market is the number of homes available for sale. The shortage of available housing inventory is the major reason for the double-digit price appreciation we’ve seen in each of the last two years. It’s the reason many would-be purchasers are frustrated with the bidding wars over the homes that are available. However, signs of relief are finally appearing.

What normally happens throughout the year?
Historically, housing inventory increases throughout the summer months, starts to tail off in the fall, and then drops significantly over the winter.

What happened last year?
Last year, the trend was different. Historical seasonality wasn’t repeated in 2020 since many homeowners held off on putting their houses up for sale because of the pandemic. In 2020, active listings peaked in April, and then fell off...

Is the Number of Homes for Sale Finally Growing? An important metric in today’s residential real estate market is the number of homes available for sale. The shortage of available housing inventory is the major reason for the double-digit price appreciation we’ve seen in each of the last two years. It’s the reason many would-be purchasers ar...

5 Tips for Making Your Best Offer

In today’s sellers’ market, standing out as a buyer is critical. Here are five things to keep in mind when it’s time to make an offer.

1. Know Your Budget

Knowing your budget and what you can afford is critical to your success as a homebuyer. The best way to understand your numbers is to work with a lender so you can get pre-approved for a loan. It also enables you to act quickly when you’ve found your perfect home.

2. Be Prepared To Move Fast

When homes are selling fast, staying on top of the market and moving quickly are key. After you’ve worked with your agent to find the home that suits your needs, they’ll help you put together and submit your best offer as soon as possible.

3. A Real Estate Professional Can Lead You to Victory

Agents are experts in the local real estate market. They have insight into what's worked for other buyers in your area and what...

5 Tips for Making Your Best Offer In today’s sellers’ market, standing out as a buyer is critical. Multi-offer scenarios and bidding wars are the norm due to the low supply of houses for sale and high buyer demand. If you’re buying this fall, you’ll want every advantage, especially when you’ve found the home of your dreams...

The Truth About Today’s Buyer Demand

Despite what you may have read, the housing market is still undeniably strong. Here’s a look at what leading experts have to say about buyer demand today and how it continues to shape the industry:

Michael Lane, President at ShowingTime: “In general, there are definite signs of cooling demand. However, buyer traffic is still at historically high levels compared to pre-pandemic showings.”

Odeta Kushi, Deputy Chief Economist at First American: “Seasonally adjusted purchase applications tick up slightly to the highest level since July. Demand for homes remains strong and steady. Excluding 2020 (not a good benchmark) purchase applications are the strongest in a decade.”

Selma Hepp, Deputy Chief Economist at CoreLogic: “Home buyer demand pushed price growth to a new record high in June, with S&P CoreLogic national Case-Shiller Index clocking in an 18.6% year-over-year...

The Truth About Today’s Buyer Demand When it comes to the latest news in real estate, there are a lot of sensational headlines in the media. In times like this, when it can be hard to know what to believe, put your trust in the experts. Those of us in the housing market respect that buying or selling a home is a major life decision, an...

Why It’s Still Safe To Sell Your Home

As Bob Goldberg, CEO of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), puts it, “The pandemic has confirmed to all of us in the industry that technology will continue to transform real estate.”

New and Existing Technology Are Impacting the Process

In the 2021 Realtor Technology Survey, NAR asks real estate professionals their opinions on the most valuable pieces of technology for their business over the past 12 months. Tools that allow agents to serve clients at a distance and limit exposure to others, including eSignature, lockboxes, and video conferencing, became increasingly important during the last year. Those same tools are just as essential today. Restricting the number of people a seller must interact with during the process is the best way to keep all parties involved in a sale safe.

Trusted Advisors Stay Up to Date on Guidelines for In-Person Showings

As things...

Why It’s Still Safe To Sell Your Home If you’re on the fence about whether or not you want to sell your house this year, there’s good news. Real estate professionals are highly experienced in how to sell houses safely during the pandemic. Over the last year, agents have adopted new technologies and safety measures designed to keep y...

Fact or Fiction: Homebuyer Edition [INFOGRAPHIC]

When it comes to the current housing market, there are multiple misconceptions – from what the current supply of available homes looks like to how much houses are selling for. It takes professionals who study expert opinions and data to truly understand the real estate market and separate fact from fiction. Trust the pros. DM me today to see why it’s still a good time to buy.

Fact or Fiction: Homebuyer Edition Some Highlights When it comes to the current housing market, there are multiple misconceptions – from what the current supply of available homes looks like to how much houses are selling for. It takes professionals who study expert opinions and data to truly understand the real estate market and s...