Pinellas County Real Estate Deals

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.

For twelve years straight, real estate has been voted the best long-term investment in an annual Gallup poll.

So, if you’re debating between renting or buying, remember, that it's more than just a roof over your head. A home is an asset that usually grows in value over time – and that makes it a powerful investment.

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.

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.

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.

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.

June is a big month for buying and selling homes because a lot of people try to move in between school years.

What does this mean for you?

If you’re a buyer, expect more listings, but also more competition.

If you're selling, know that motivated buyers could mean a faster sale and potentially higher price.

Want more info on what to expect from a June move? DM me.

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.

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.

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?

Veterans, did you know VA home loans can help you buy a home with no down payment, no PMI, and limited closing costs?

Over 24 million service members have become homeowners thanks to this loan option. Learn more and make your American Dream come true.

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.

https://youtu.be/628pitN4FDE
It was a slow week for economic reports. The ones that did come out did not help the bond market as we hover around the 7’s heading into the holiday weekend.

Mortgage Rate Update 5/24/24 It was a slow week for economic reports. The ones that did come out did not help the bond market as we hover around the 7’s heading into the holiday weekend.

How Many Homes Are Investors Actually Buying?

Are big investors really buying up all the homes today?

If you’re trying to find a house to buy, this may be something you’re wondering about. To clear things up, here's the scoop on what's really happening. A lot of the big investor activity is actually in the rearview mirror already.

The key here is investor activity has slowed significantly, and even during the peak of investor buying, 3 out of every 4 single-family homes purchased were by regular, everyday buyers – not investors. And of the investors who bought over the past few years, most weren’t the big investors you may be hearing about. The vast majority were small mom-and-pop investors – people like your neighbors who own only a couple of homes, maybe even just their main residence and a vacation home.

But let’s focus on the giant, mega-investor firms since that's what is being talked about so frequently on...

How Many Homes Are Investors Actually Buying? Are big investors really buying up all the homes today?

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.

https://youtu.be/Zq9lhz2F53g
Very important economic reports on inflation came out this week. Rates rallied a bit and we may have turned the corner.

Mortgage Rate Update 5/17/24 Very important economic reports on inflation came out this week. Rates rallied a bit and we may have turned the corner.

Thinking of selling? Make sure you have an agent with the right skills.

You want someone who makes it easy to understand what’s happening, uses data to inform their strategies, and offers customized advice throughout the process.

Your home journey deserves expertise and understanding. Let's see if we’re the perfect match.

https://youtu.be/7rTPbiMTKl8
Do we really want one candidate or the other controlling home values? I don’t believe either one will have an impact one way or the other. We’re in a free market economy.

Biden vs Trump on The Housing Market Affordability Do we really want one candidate or the other controlling home values? I don’t believe either one will have an impact one way or the other. We’re in a free ma...

Home Prices Are Climbing in These Top Cities

Thinking about buying a home or selling your current one to find a better fit? If so, you might be wondering what's going on with home prices these days. Here's the scoop.

Home prices were rising for most of 2023. But over the course of December and January, they were virtually flat – which is pretty normal for that time of year.

But here's what you need to know now. As of February, when the spring market kicked off, prices were on the rise again.

Home Prices Are Going Up in Most of America's Top Cities

After seeing a jump in home prices nationally in February, you might be wondering if they’re going up in your area, too. While it depends on where you live, prices are rising in 18 of the top 20 cities Case-Shiller reports on in the monthly price index.

Most experts also think home prices will keep rising and end the year on a high note. Forbes explains why: “Even as mortgage...

Home Prices Are Climbing in These Top Cities Thinking about buying a home or selling your current one to find a better fit?

What's Motivating Your Move?

Thinking about selling your house? As you make your decision, consider what's pushing you to think about moving. A recent survey from Realtor.com looked into why people want to sell their homes this year. Here are the top two reasons.

1. To Make a Profit

If you’re thinking about selling your house, you probably have a lot of questions on your mind. Well, here's some good news – the latest data shows most sellers get a great return on their investment when they sell.

That’s significant. And here’s one contributing factor. During the pandemic, home prices skyrocketed. There was way more buyer demand than homes available for sale and that combination pushed prices up.

Now, home prices are still rising, just not as fast. That ongoing appreciation is good news for your bottom line. Any profit you make can help offset some of today’s affordability challenges when you buy your next home.

2...

What's Motivating Your Move? Thinking about selling your house?

https://youtu.be/ag3ONJqoInU
It was a quiet week in the bond market as there weren’t any major reports out. The market continued in a positive direction.

Mortgage Rate Update 5/10/24 It was a quiet week in the bond market as there weren’t any major reports out. The market continued in a positive direction.

Hey, Gen Z. While becoming a homeowner may seem out of reach right now, options like down payment assistance programs and more can help make it possible. With the right tips and the help of an expert like me, it may be more achievable than you think. Let's make it happen together.

What Is Going on with Mortgage Rates?

You may have heard mortgage rates are going to stay a bit higher for longer than originally expected. And if you’re wondering why, the answer lies in the latest economic data.

Economic Factors That Impact Mortgage Rates

When it comes to mortgage rates, things like the job market, the pace of inflation, consumer spending, geopolitical uncertainty, and more all have an impact. Another factor at play is the Federal Reserve (the Fed) and its decisions on monetary policy. And that’s what you may be hearing a lot about right now.

Basically, long story short, inflation and its impact on the broader economy are going to be key moving forward. As Greg McBride, Chief Financial Analyst at Bankrate, says: “It’s the longer-term outlook for economic growth and inflation that have the greatest bearing on the level and direction of mortgage rates. Inflation, inflation, inflation — that’s really the...

What Is Going on with Mortgage Rates? You may have heard mortgage rates are going to stay a bit higher for longer than originally expected.

Now’s a Great Time To Sell Your House

Thinking about selling your house? If you are, you might be weighing factors like today’s mortgage rates and your own changing needs to figure out your next move.

Here’s something else to consider. According to the latest Home Purchase Sentiment Index (HPSI) from Fannie Mae, the percent of respondents who say it’s a good time to sell is on the rise.

Why Are Sellers Feeling so Optimistic?

One reason why is because right now is traditionally the best time of year to sell a house.
These are the seasons when most people move. That means buyer demand grows. And because there still aren’t enough homes for sale to meet that demand, sellers see some serious perks. According to Rocket Mortgage: “Homes that are listed at the end of spring and the beginning of summer typically sell faster at a higher sales price.”

What Does This Mean for You?

More sellers are coming to realize...

Now’s a Great Time To Sell Your House Thinking about selling your house?

https://youtu.be/stvIJi4eipw
Finally some positives! There were several economic reports this week along with the Federal Reserve’s decision on rates. All were pretty favorable to mortgage rates. Hopefully this is the start of a good trend.

Mortgage Rate Update 5/3/24 Finally some positives! There were several economic reports this week along with the Federal Reserve’s decision on rates. All were pretty favorable to mortg...

The Perks of Buying over Renting

Thinking about buying a home? While today’s mortgage rates might seem a bit intimidating, here are two solid reasons why, if you’re ready and able, it could still be a smart move to get your own place.

1. Home Values Typically Go Up Over Time

There’s been some confusion over the past year or so about which way home prices are headed. Make no mistake, nationally they’re still going up. In fact, over the long-term, home prices almost always go up.

This is a big reason why buying a home can be better than renting. As prices go up and you pay down your mortgage, you build equity. Over time, this growing equity can really increase your net worth. The Urban Institute says: “Homeownership is critical for wealth building and financial stability.”

2. Rent Keeps Rising in the Long Run

Rent just keeps going up over the years. Sure, it might be cheaper to rent right now in some areas, but...

The Perks of Buying over Renting Thinking about buying a home?

https://youtu.be/1qBr09LJ77I
Debt-to-income ratio is an extremely important calculation that is used for mortgage approval. What is it and how is it calculated?

Debt-to-Income Ratio Explained Debt-to-income ratio is an extremely important calculation that is used for mortgage approval. What is it and how is it calculated?

No matter what you’ve seen in the news, there is no wave of foreclosures on the horizon.

Yes, we’ve seen numbers tick up slightly (hence those headlines), but that was expected when the moratorium ended. It’s not a cause for alarm.

We’re still well below pre-pandemic levels and way lower than what we saw during the crash.

If you have questions, I’m here to help.

Multi-generational homes are gaining popularity for a number of reasons.

From cost savings to making it easier to care for aging parents, there are a lot of benefits to consider.

Thinking of buying a multi-gen home? Let’s talk to see if it's a perfect fit for you and your needs.