Wave Beach Realty - Wendy Batten-Ward

Ways To Use Your Tax Refund If You Want To Buy a Home Have you been saving up to buy a home this year?

Finding the right home is one of the biggest challenges for potential buyers today.

But it’s important to remember the process of working with a builder is different than buying from a homeowner. And, while builders typically have sales agents on-site, having your own agent helps make sure you have proper representation throughout your homebuying journey.

Agents Know the Local Area and Market

One way a real estate agent can help is by reviewing the builder's site plan. For example, you’ll want to know if there are any plans to construct a highway or add a drainage ditch behind your prospective backyard.

Knowledge of Construction Quality and Builder Reputation

An agent give you insights into each one's track record, customer satisfaction, and construction practices. Armed with this information, you can choose a builder known for consistently delivering top-notch homes.

Assistance with Customization and Upgrades

Your agent will guide you through that process and share advice on the upgrades that are most likely to add long-term value to your home. Their expertise helps make sure you focus your budget on areas that will give you the greatest return on your investment later.

Understanding Builder Negotiations and Contracts

When it comes to working with builders, having a skilled negotiator on your side can make all the difference. Builder contracts can be complex. Your agent can help you navigate these contracts to make sure you fully understand the terms and conditions.

If you are interested in buying or building a new construction home, having a trusted agent by your side can make a big difference. If you'd like to start that conversation, DM me.

Why Having Your Own Agent Matters When Buying a New Construction Home Finding the right home is one of the biggest challenges for potential buyers today.

On the road to becoming a homeowner? If so, you may have heard the term pre-approval get tossed around. Let’s break down what it is and why it’s important if you’re looking to buy a home in 2024.

What Pre-Approval Is

As part of the homebuying process, your lender will look at your finances to figure out what they’re willing to loan you. According to Investopedia, this includes things like your W-2, tax returns, credit score, bank statements, and more.

From there, they’ll give you a pre-approval letter to help you understand how much money you can borrow.

This sets you up to make an informed decision about your numbers. That way you’re able to tailor your home search to what you’re actually comfortable with budget-wise and can act fast when you find a home you love.

Why Pre-Approval Is So Important in 2024

If you want to buy a home this year, there’s another reason you’re going to want to be sure you’re working with a trusted lender to make this a priority.

It means you’ll likely find you have more competition from other buyers as more and more people who were sitting on the sidelines when mortgage rates were higher decide to jump back in. But pre-approval can help with that too.

Pre-approval shows sellers you mean business because you’ve already undergone a credit and financial check. Sellers love that because that makes it more likely the sale will move forward without unexpected delays or issues.

If you’re looking to buy a home in 2024, know that getting pre-approved is going to be a key piece of the puzzle. With lower mortgage rates bringing more buyers back into the market, this can help you make a strong offer that stands out from the crowd.

Why Pre-Approval Is Even More Important This Year On the road to becoming a homeowner? If so, you may have heard the term pre-approval get tossed around.

Have you seen headlines talking about the increase in foreclosures in today’s housing market? If so, they may leave you feeling a bit uneasy about what’s ahead. But remember, these clickbait titles don’t always give you the full story.

The truth is, if you compare the current numbers with what usually happens in the market, you’ll see there’s no need to worry.

Putting the Headlines into Perspective

The increase the media is calling attention to is misleading. That’s because they’re only comparing the most recent numbers to a time where foreclosures were at historic lows. And that’s making it sound like a bigger deal than it is.

In 2020 and 2021, the moratorium and forbearance program helped millions of homeowners stay in their homes, allowing them to get back on their feet during a very challenging period.
When the moratorium came to an end, there was an expected rise in foreclosures. But just because foreclosures are up doesn’t mean the housing market is in trouble.

Historical Data Shows There Isn’t a Wave of Foreclosures

Instead of comparing today’s numbers with the last few abnormal years, it’s better to compare to long-term trends – specifically to the housing crash – since that’s what people worry may happen again.

So, while foreclosure filings are up in the latest report, it’s clear this is nothing like it was back then.

In fact, we’re not even back at the levels we’d see in more normal years, like 2019. As Rick Sharga, Founder and CEO of the CJ Patrick Company, explains: “Foreclosure activity is still only at about 60% of pre-pandemic levels. . .”

That’s largely because buyers today are more qualified and less likely to default on their loans. Delinquency rates are still low and most homeowners have enough equity to keep them from going into foreclosure. As Molly Boesel, Principal Economist at CoreLogic, says: “U.S. mortgage delinquency rates remained healthy in October, with the overall delinquency rate unchanged from a year earlier and the serious delinquency rate remaining at a historic low… borrowers in later stages of delinquencies are finding alternatives to defaulting on their home loans.”

The reality is, while increasing, the data shows a foreclosure crisis is not where the market is today, or where it’s headed.

Even though the housing market is experiencing an expected rise in foreclosures, it’s nowhere near the crisis levels seen when the housing bubble burst. If you have questions about what you’re hearing or reading about the housing market, DM me.

Foreclosure Activity Is Still Lower than the Norm Have you seen headlines talking about the increase in foreclosures in today’s housing market?

If your listing has expired and your house didn’t sell, it's completely normal to feel a mix of frustration and disappointment. Understandably, you're probably wondering what may have gone wrong. Here are three questions to think about as you figure out what to do next.

Did You Limit Access to Your House?

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when selling your house is restricting the days and times when potential buyers can tour it. Being flexible with your schedule is important, even though it might feel a bit stressful to drop everything and leave when buyers want to see it. After all, minimal access means minimal exposure to buyers.

Did You Make Your House Stand Out?

When you're selling your house, the old saying matters: you never get a second chance to make a first impression. Putting in the work to make the exterior of your home look nice is just as important as how you stage it inside. Freshen up your landscaping to boost your home’s curb appeal so you can make an impact upfront.

But don’t let that impact stop at the front door. By removing personal items and reducing clutter inside, you give buyers more freedom to picture themselves in the home.

Did You Price Your House at Market Value?

Setting the right price is key. While it might be tempting to push the price higher to maximize your profit, overpricing your house can actually turn off potential buyers and slow down the selling process.

It’s natural to feel disappointed when your listing has expired and your house didn’t sell. DM me to determine what happened, and what changes you should make to get your house back on the market.

Things To Consider If Your House Didn’t Sell If your listing has expired and your house didn’t sell, it's completely normal to feel a mix of frustration and disappointment.

If you’re thinking of buying a home this year, you’re probably paying closer attention than normal to the housing market. Here are the top two questions you need to ask yourself as you make your decision, including the data that helps cut through the noise.

1. Where Do I Think Home Prices Are Heading?

One reliable place you can turn to for information on home price forecasts is the Home Price Expectations Survey from Fannie Mae – a survey of over one hundred economists, real estate experts, and investment and market strategists.

According to the most recent release, the experts are projecting home prices will continue to rise at least through 2028. And home prices rising, even at a more moderate pace, is good news not just for the market, but for you too.

2. Where Do I Think Mortgage Rates Are Heading?

Over the past year, mortgage rates spiked up in response to economic uncertainty, inflation, and more. But there’s an encouraging sign for the market and mortgage rates. Inflation is moderating, and here’s why this is such a big deal if you’re looking to buy a home.

No one can say with absolute certainty where mortgage rates will go from here. But the recent decline and the latest decision from the Federal Reserve to stop their rate increases, signals there’s hope on the horizon.

If you’re thinking about buying a home, you need to know what’s expected with home prices and mortgage rates. While no one can say for certain where they’ll go, making sure you have the latest information can help you make an informed decision. DM me so you can stay up to date on what’s happening and why this is such good news for you.

Thinking About Buying a Home? Ask Yourself These Questions If you’re thinking of buying a home this year, you’re probably paying closer attention than normal to the housing market.

Wishing you all the best in the New Year. I look forward to working with you on your real estate goals in 2024.

As you get ready to sell your house, there are a few things you should add to your to-do list to make it inviting and boost curb appeal. To name just a couple, it’s a good idea to declutter, take down personal photos and items, touch up any scuffs on the walls, and tidy up your landscaping. Connect with a trusted real estate professional for advice on what else you may want to do to get your house ready to sell this season.

Get Your House Ready To Sell This Winter [INFOGRAPHIC] As you get ready to sell your house, there are a few things you should add to your to-do list to make it inviting and boost curb appeal.

If you’re hoping to buy a home this year, you’re probably paying close attention to mortgage rates. Since mortgage rates impact what you can afford when you take out a home loan – and affordability is a challenge today – it’s a good time to look at the big picture of where mortgage rates have been historically compared to where they are now.

Giving Context to the Sticker Shock

Mortgage rates have increased significantly since the start of last year. But even with that rise, today’s rates are still below the 52-year average.

That’s important because it explains why the recent jump in rates might have you feeling sticker shock even though they’re close to their long-term average. While many buyers have adjusted to the elevated rates over the past year, a slightly lower rate would be a welcome sight. To determine if that’s a realistic possibility, it’s important to look at inflation.

Where Could Mortgage Rates Go in the Future?

The Federal Reserve has been working hard to lower inflation since early 2022. If history is any guide, the market is waiting for mortgage rates to follow inflation and head back down. It’s impossible to accurately predict where mortgage rates will go for sure, but moderating inflation means mortgage rates going down in the near future would fit a well-established trend.

To understand where mortgage rates may be going, it’s helpful to look at where they’ve been in the past. There’s a clear connection between inflation and mortgage rates, and if that historical relationship holds true, the recent decline in inflation may mean good news for the future of mortgage rates and your homeownership goals.

Mortgage Rates: Past, Present, and Possible Future If you’re hoping to buy a home this year, you’re probably paying close attention to mortgage rates.

Low Housing Inventory Is a Sweet Spot for Sellers [INFOGRAPHIC] Today’s housing inventory is still well below more normal years.

Balancing Your Wants and Needs as a Homebuyer This Spring Though there are more homes for sale now than there were at this time last year, there’s still an undersupply with fewer houses available than in more normal, pre-pandemic years.

Buying a Home May Make More Sense Than Renting [INFOGRAPHIC] Some HighlightsIf you’re trying to decide whether to rent or buy a home, there are a few things you should consider.Homeownership can help you escape the cycle of rising rents, builds your wealth, and serves as a hedge against inflation.

New Listing in Calabash NC
3BR 2.5 Bath, 2400 heated sq feet on half acre lot
24x24 Detached Garage
Storage building, Deck, Patio, fence back lawn
Minutes from Sunset Beach, Ocean Isle Beach and N Myrtle Beach
www.wavebeachrealty.com
Click Below for more information and photos!

425 Maplewood Drive NW, Calabash, NC 28467

A Smaller Home Could Be Your Best Option Many people are reaching the point in their lives when they need to decide where they want to live when they retire. If you’re a homeowner approaching this stage, you have several options to explore. Jessica Lautz, Deputy Chief Economist and Vice President of Research at the National Association o...

How To Win as a Buyer in Today’s Housing Market [INFOGRAPHIC] Some Highlights In today’s housing market, you can still be the champion if you have the right team and strategy. To win as a buyer, you need to build your team, make strategic plays, consider what’s in and out of bounds, and stand out from the crowd.

Many people believe you need 20% of the purchase price for a down payment. However, data shows that’s not always the case. The average homebuyer actually puts down much less than that. DM me today because you might be closer to your savings goal than you realize.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home, you probably want to know what’s really happening in today’s housing market. The internet can’t always help you separate fact from fiction and give you the answers you need – but a local professional can. If you have questions about what’s going on in the housing market today, let’s chat.
Call/text 843-902-2582 or email [email protected]!!! Licensed Broker in NC and SC
www.wavebeachrealty.com

The 2023 housing market is going to be defined by mortgage rates, and rates will be determined by what happens with inflation. If inflation continues to fall, mortgage rates will likely respond, even though experts agree rates won’t sink back to 3% anytime soon. Ready to discuss how this impacts your homebuying goals? DM me.

Mortgage rates peaked at over 7% a few months ago and have been gradually coming down since. As that shift opens the door to homeownership for more people, it’s important to understand what a lower rate means for you and your bottom line. DM me today so we can talk about your goals.