Shah Realty

If you're debating renting for another year or buying a home, consider this. Rental prices have been skyrocketing for years. Buying a home with a fixed-rate mortgage gives you the opportunity to stabilize your monthly housing costs. DM me today so we can discuss how homebuying could be the alternative you’re looking for.


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Prioritizing Your Wants and Needs as a Homebuyer in Today’s Market

There’s no denying mortgage rates are higher now than they were last year. And if you’re thinking about buying a home, this may be top of mind for you. That’s because those higher rates impact how much it costs to borrow money for your home loan. As you set out to make a purchase this winter, you’ll need to be strategic so you can find a home that meets your needs and budget.

The first step? Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Pre-approval helps you better understand what you can borrow for your home loan, and that plays an important role in how you’ll craft your list. After all, you don’t want to fall in love with a home that’s out of reach. Once you have a good grasp of your budget, you can begin to list (and prioritize) all the features of a home you would like.

Here’s a great way to...


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Prioritizing Your Wants and Needs as a Homebuyer in Today’s Market There’s no denying mortgage rates are higher now than they were last year. And if you’re thinking about buying a home, this may be top of mind for you. That’s because those higher rates impact how much it costs to borrow money for your home loan. As you set out to make a purchase this winter, ...

Winter Home Selling Checklist [INFOGRAPHIC]

As you get ready to sell your house, focus on tasks that make it inviting, show it’s cared for, and boost your curb appeal. This list will help you get started, but don’t forget, a real estate professional will provide other helpful tips based on your specific situation. DM me for advice on what you may want to do to get your house ready to sell this season.


Contact me at (650) 455-9221

Winter Home Selling Checklist Some Highlights As you get ready to sell your house, focus on tasks that make it inviting, show it’s cared for, and boost your curb appeal. This list will help you get started, but don’t forget, a real estate professional will provide other helpful tips based on your specific situation. Let’s ...

What You Want To Know If You’re Pursuing Your Dream of Homeownership

If you’re a young adult, you may be thinking about your goals and priorities for the months and years ahead. As the 2022 Millennial & Gen Z Borrower Sentiment Report from Maxwell says:

“More than half of millennials and Gen Zs plan to apply for a mortgage sometime within the next year.”

Let’s take a look at why homeownership makes the top of so many young buyers’ to-do list.

>>Top Motivators To Buy a Home

The survey mentioned above sheds light on some of the top reasons why younger generations are looking to buy a home:

• 50.95% believe the cost of renting is too high
• 48.35% think owing a home is an important wealth building tool
• 38.16% seek the sense of security owning a home provides

Your top motivator may be different than that of your friends, but they’re all equally valid...


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What You Want To Know If You’re Pursuing Your Dream of Homeownership If you’re a young adult, you may be thinking about your goals and priorities for the months and years ahead. And if homeownership ranks high on your goal sheet, you’re in good company. Many of your peers are also pursuing their dream of owning a home. The 2022 Millennial & Gen Z Borrower Sen...

Why There Won’t Be a Flood of Foreclosures Coming to the Housing Market

With the rapid shift that’s happened in the housing market this year, some people are raising concerns that we’re destined for a repeat of the crash we saw in 2008. One of the reasons this isn’t like the last time is the number of foreclosures in the market is much lower now. Here’s a look at why there won’t be a wave of foreclosures flooding the market.

>>Not as Many Homeowners Are in Trouble This Time

After the last housing crash, over nine million households lost their homes due to a foreclosure, short sale, or because they gave it back to the bank. This was, in large part, because of more relaxed lending standards where people could take out mortgages they ultimately couldn’t afford.

Today, revised lending standards have led to more qualified buyers. As a result, there are fewer...


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Why There Won’t Be a Flood of Foreclosures Coming to the Housing Market With the rapid shift that’s happened in the housing market this year, some people are raising concerns that we’re destined for a repeat of the crash we saw in 2008. But in truth, there are many key differences between what’s happening today and the bubble in the early 2000s.

3 Ways You Can Use Your Home Equity

If you’re a homeowner, odds are your equity has grown significantly over the last few years as home prices skyrocketed and you made your monthly mortgage payments. Home equity builds over time and can help you achieve certain goals. Here are a few examples.

>>1. Buy a Home That Fits Your Needs

If you no longer have the space you need, it might be time to move into a larger home. Or it’s possible you have too much space and need something smaller. No matter the situation, consider using your equity to power a move into a home that fits your changing lifestyle.

A real estate advisor can help you figure out how much equity you have and how you can use it toward the purchase of your next home.

>>2. Reinvest in Your Current House

According to a recent survey from Point, 39% of homeowners would invest in home improvement projects if they chose to...


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3 Ways You Can Use Your Home Equity If you’re a homeowner, odds are your equity has grown significantly over the last few years as home prices skyrocketed and you made your monthly mortgage payments. Home equity builds over time and can help you achieve certain goals. According to the latest Equity Insights Report from CoreLogic, th...

Your House Could Be the #1 Item on a Homebuyer’s Wish List During the Holidays

Each year, homeowners planning to make a move are faced with a decision: sell their house during the holidays or wait. Here are five great reasons you shouldn’t wait to sell your house.

1. While the supply of homes for sale has increased this year, there still aren’t enough homes on the market to keep up with buyer demand.

2. Serious homebuyers are out looking right now. Millennials are driving homebuying demand today, and many are eager to make a purchase.

3. The desire to own a home doesn’t stop during the holidays. In fact, homes decorated for the holidays appeal to many buyers. Plus, purchasers who look for homes during the holidays are ready to buy.

4. You can restrict the showings in your house to days and times that are most convenient for you. That can help you minimize...


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Your House Could Be the #1 Item on a Homebuyer’s Wish List During the Holidays Each year, homeowners planning to make a move are faced with a decision: sell their house during the holidays or wait. And others who have already listed their homes may think about removing their listings and waiting until the new year to go back on the market.

If you’ve set out to buy a home, you’re likely balancing your own needs with higher mortgage rates and today's home prices. That can feel challenging. But know that making a purchase today can pay off in the long run as you build your net worth through equity. DM me to discuss all the benefits has to offer.


Contact me at (650) 455-9221

Home Sweet Home: The Emotional Benefits of Homeownership [INFOGRAPHIC]

While there are many financial perks to owning a home, there are also powerful non-financial benefits to consider if you’re thinking about making a move. Homeownership allows you to express yourself, gives you greater privacy and comfort, enhances your connection to your community and loved ones, and is an achievement to feel proud of. DM me today to discuss all that homeownership has to offer.


Contact me at (650) 455-9221

Home Sweet Home: The Emotional Benefits of Homeownership Some Highlights While there are many financial perks to owning a home, there are also powerful non-financial benefits to consider if you’re thinking about making a move. Homeownership allows you to express yourself, gives you greater privacy and comfort, enhances your connection to your community ...

Thank you for your business, your partnership, and for making me your trusted advisor in the real estate process this year.


Contact me at (650) 455-9221

The U.S. homeownership rate is on the rise, which means the desire to own a home is still strong today. The benefits of owning a home are life changing, and it’s one reason so many people are drawn to homeownership. If you’re planning to buy a home or are a current homeowner planning to make a move, DM me and let’s discuss your options.


Contact me at (650) 455-9221

Mortgage Rates Will Come Down, It’s Just a Matter of Time

Over the past nine months, we’ve seen fewer homes sold than the previous month as home price growth has slowed. This is because the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate has doubled this year, severely limiting homebuying power for consumers. This month, the average rate for financing a home briefly rose over 7% before coming back down into the high 6% range. But we’re starting to see a hint of what mortgage interest rates could look like next year.

As long as inflation is high, we’ll see higher mortgage rates. Recently, we’ve seen indications that inflation may be cooling, giving us a glimpse into what may happen in the future. The mortgage market is eagerly awaiting positive news on inflation. As Ali Wolf, Chief Economist at Zonda, says, “The housing market is expected to face continued uncertainty...


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Mortgage Rates Will Come Down, It’s Just a Matter of Time This past year, rising mortgage rates have slowed the red-hot housing market. Over the past nine months, we’ve seen fewer homes sold than the previous month as home price growth has slowed. All of this is due to the fact that the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate has doubled this year, severely ...

Should You Update Your House Before You Sell? Ask a Real Estate Professional. [INFOGRAPHIC]

You may be wondering what needs to be renovated before you sell your house. In today’s shifting market, making your house appealing is more important than ever. That’s why it’s essential to lean on a real estate professional who has in-depth knowledge of today’s housing market. They know what buyers are looking for and how to highlight any upgrades you make. DM me so you know where to focus your efforts so your house will stand out in a today’s market.


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Should You Update Your House Before You Sell? Ask a Real Estate Professional. Some Highlights You may be wondering what needs to be renovated before you sell your house. In today’s shifting market, making your house appealing is more important than ever. That’s why it’s essential to lean on a real estate professional who has in-depth knowledge of today’s housing marke...

The supply of homes for sale has increased this year compared to last, but supply is still far below more normal years like 2019. One reason is because of decades of underbuilding. That means your house should still be in demand if you work with an agent to price it right. If you’re ready to sell, DM me to get started.


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More People Are Finding the Benefits of Multigenerational Households Today

The Pew Research Center defines a multigenerational household as a home with two or more adult generations. And the number of individuals choosing multigenerational living has increased over the past 50 years.

As you consider this option for your own home search, know it could help you on your homeownership journey and provide you with other incredible benefits along the way.

>>Living with Loved Ones Could Help You Achieve Your Homeownership Goals

There are several reasons people choose to live in a multigenerational household, and for many, the arrangement is a personal one. But according to the Pew Research Center, the top reason people choose to live together today is financial.

A recent study from Freddie Mac also finds more people are choosing to buy a home together so they can save money in the...


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More People Are Finding the Benefits of Multigenerational Households Today If you’re thinking of buying a home and living with siblings, parents, or grandparents, then multigenerational living may be for you. The Pew Research Center defines a multigenerational household as a home with two or more adult generations. And the number of individuals choosing multigenerational...

Top Questions About Selling Your Home This Winter

There’s no denying the housing market is undergoing a shift this season, and that may leave you with some questions about whether it still makes sense to sell your house.

>>1. Should I Wait To Sell?

Even though the supply of homes for sale has increased in 2022, inventory is still low overall. That means it’s still a sellers’ market.

While buyers have regained some negotiation power as inventory has grown, you haven’t missed your window to sell. Your house could still stand out since inventory is low, especially if you list now while other sellers hold off until after the holiday rush and the start of the new year.

>>2. Are Buyers Still Out There?

If you’re thinking of selling your house but are hesitant because you’re worried buyer demand has disappeared in the face of higher mortgage rates, know that...


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Top Questions About Selling Your Home This Winter There’s no denying the housing market is undergoing a shift this season, and that may leave you with some questions about whether it still makes sense to sell your house. Here are three of the top questions you may be asking – and the data that helps answer them – so you can make a confident d...

Why It May Be Time To Add Newly Built Homes to Your Search

If you put a pause on your home search because you weren’t sure where you’d go once you sold your house, it might be a good time to get back into the market. If you’re willing to work with a trusted agent to consider a newly built home, you may have even more options and incentives than you realize.

>>More Options To Choose from and Potential Builder Incentives

While the inventory of existing homes has increased this year, it’s still below more typical years like 2019. While it’s a smaller segment of the overall inventory of homes for sale, the supply of newly built homes has grown even more.

Because the inventory of newly built homes has grown so much, builders are motivated to sell their properties before they build more. Back in the housing crash of 2008, builders were building too many homes, and...


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Why It May Be Time To Add Newly Built Homes to Your Search If you put a pause on your home search because you weren’t sure where you’d go once you sold your house, it might be a good time to get back into the market. If you’re willing to work with a trusted agent to consider a newly built home, you may have even more options and incentives than you re...

Home Equity: A Source of Strength for Homeowners Today

Experts agree there’s no chance of a large-scale foreclosure crisis like we saw back in 2008, and that’s good news for the housing market. As Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American, says:

“. . . don’t expect a housing bust like the mid-2000s, as lending standards in this housing cycle have been much tighter and homeowners have historically high levels of home equity, so there likely won’t be a surge in foreclosures.”

But even though the volume of homeowners at risk is very low, there is still a small percentage of homeowners who may be coming face to face with foreclosure as a possibility today.

The good news is there are alternatives available to help you avoid going through the foreclosure process, including:

• Reinstatement
• Loan modification
• Deed-in-lieu of foreclosure
• Short...


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Home Equity: A Source of Strength for Homeowners Today Experts agree there’s no chance of a large-scale foreclosure crisis like we saw back in 2008, and that’s good news for the housing market. As Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American, says:

If you’re a homeowner planning to sell, recognize that today’s market is different than it was last year. But that doesn’t mean you’ve missed your window, just that you need to make your plans and set your asking price based on where the market is now. DM me so you have a local market expert who can help you get the most out of your sale.


Contact me at (650) 455-9221

Homeownership is still the American Dream. One way we can honor and thank our veterans this year is to ensure they have the best information about the benefits of VA Loans and the homebuying process. If you have questions about where to start on your journey to homeownership, DM me today.


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VA Loans Can Help Veterans Achieve Their Dream of Homeownership

For over 78 years, Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans have provided millions of veterans with the opportunity to purchase homes of their own. If you or a loved one have served, it’s important to understand this program and its benefits.
Here are some things you should know about VA loans before you start the homebuying process.

VA home loans provide a pathway to homeownership for those who have served our nation.

Top Benefits of the VA Home Loan Program

In addition to helping eligible buyers achieve their homeownership dreams, VA loans have several other great benefits for buyers who qualify. According to the Department of Veteran Affairs:

• Qualified borrowers can often purchase a home with no down payment.
• Many other loans with down payments under 20% require Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI). VA...


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VA Loans Can Help Veterans Achieve Their Dream of Homeownership For over 78 years, Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans have provided millions of veterans with the opportunity to purchase homes of their own. If you or a loved one have served, it’s important to understand this program and its benefits.

During the housing crash, there was an oversupply of homes for sale. While inventory has increased this year, supply is still low. That means there isn’t enough inventory for home prices to come crashing down like they did last time, even though some markets may experience slight declines. DM me for more on why this isn’t 2008 all over again.


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The Majority of Americans Still View Homeownership as the American Dream

Buying a home is a powerful decision, and it remains a key part of the American Dream. Let’s explore just a few of the reasons why so many Americans continue to value homeownership.

>>The Financial Benefits of Owning a Home

Over time, owning a home not only helps boost your own net worth, but it also sets future generations up for success as you pass that wealth down. That may be why the Mynd report also says:

“Most Americans (78%) still associate homeownership with the ‘American dream.’ And nearly two-thirds of Americans (65%) see homeownership as a means of building intergenerational wealth.”

>>The Non-Financial Benefits of Homeownership

While the financial benefits of owning a home are important, becoming a homeowner impacts you on a social and emotional level, too. As Mark Fleming, Chief...


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The Majority of Americans Still View Homeownership as the American Dream Buying a home is a powerful decision, and it remains a key part of the American Dream. In fact, the 2022 Consumer Insights Report from Mynd found the majority of people polled still view homeownership as a key life achievement. Let’s explore just a few of the reasons why so many Americans continue...

If you’re thinking of selling your house but are worried buyer demand has disappeared, know that millennials are the largest generation, and they're reaching their peak homebuying years now. That means there are still buyers looking to buy. DM me so we can get your house on the market and in front of eager buyers.


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Buying or selling a home is a process that involves a lot of moving pieces. That’s why partnering with a professional is so essential. An agent has the necessary expertise to smoothly work through each step along the way. If you’re planning to make a move this year, DM me so we can talk about the best ways to accomplish your specific goals.


Contact me at (650) 455-9221

Homeownership Wins Over Time [INFOGRAPHIC]

If you’re questioning whether or not to buy a home this year due to today’s cooling market, consider the long-term financial benefits of homeownership. As a homeowner, equity increases your wealth. On average, nationwide, home prices appreciated by 290.2% since 1991. Homeownership wins in the long run. If you’re ready to buy a home, DM me today.


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Homeownership Wins Over Time Some Highlights If you’re questioning whether or not to buy a home this year due to today’s cooling market, consider the long-term financial benefits of homeownership. As a homeowner, equity increases your wealth. On average, nationwide, home prices appreciated by 2% since 1991. Homeownership wi...

Do You Believe Homeownership Is Out of Reach? Maybe It Doesn’t Have To Be.

It turns out, millennials aren’t the renter generation after all. The 2022 Consumer Insights Report from Mynd says there’s a portion of millennial and Gen Z buyers who are pursuing homeownership as a way to build their wealth.

Instead of buying a home and moving into it themselves, some young buyers are purchasing a home so they can use it as a rental. This tactic may be gaining popularity, at least in part, because of the affordability challenges brought about by today’s higher mortgage rates. The report above mentions how many people in this group are considering this approach. It says:

“Almost half of Millennials and Gen Z (43%) are considering buying an investment property compared to only 9% of Baby Boomers and 27% of Gen X.”

>>Why Younger Buyers Are Buying a Home To Use as a...


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Do You Believe Homeownership Is Out of Reach? Maybe It Doesn’t Have To Be. It turns out, millennials aren’t the renter generation after all. The 2022 Consumer Insights Report from Mynd says there’s a portion of millennial and Gen Z buyers who are pursuing homeownership as a way to build their wealth, but it may not be exactly the way previous generations have done it. ...

Over the past two years, we’ve seen a massive amount of buyer demand (showings) and not enough homes available for sale (listings). Today, that’s shifting. Buyer demand has eased and the supply of homes for sale is up compared to the same time last year. If you have questions about what that means for you when you buy or sell, DM me.


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3 Trends That Are Good News for Today’s Homebuyers

As the market has cooled this year, some of the intensity buyers faced during the peak frenzy of the pandemic has cooled too. Here are just a few trends that may benefit you when you go to buy a home today.

>>1. More Homes To Choose from

According to Calculated Risk, the supply of homes for sale increased by 39.5% for the week ending October 28 compared to the same week last year.

Even though it’s still a sellers’ market and supply is still lower than more normal levels, you have more to choose from in your home search. That makes finding your dream home a bit less difficult.

>>2. Bidding Wars Have Eased

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the average number of offers on recently sold homes has declined. This September, the average was 2.5 offers per sale. In contrast, last September, the average was...


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3 Trends That Are Good News for Today’s Homebuyers While higher mortgage rates are creating affordability challenges for homebuyers this year, there is some good news for those people still looking to buy a home.

Taking the Fear out of Saving for a Home

If you’re planning to buy a home, knowing what to budget for and how to save may sound scary at first. But it doesn’t have to be. One way to take the fear out of budgeting is understanding some of the costs you might encounter.

Here are just a few costs experts say you can expect.

>>1. Down Payment

Saving for your down payment is likely top of mind as you set out to buy a home. While each situation is different, there’s a common misconception that putting 20% down toward your purchase is required.

To understand your options, partner with a trusted real estate professional to go over the various loan types, down payment assistance programs, and what each one requires.

>>2. Closing Costs

Make sure you also budget for closing costs, which are a collection of fees and payments made to the various people involved in your...


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Taking the Fear out of Saving for a Home If you’re planning to buy a home, knowing what to budget for and how to save may sound scary at first. But it doesn’t have to be. One way to take the fear out of budgeting is understanding some of the costs you might encounter. And to do that, turn to trusted real estate professionals. They can ...

Owning a home has many financial benefits. As a homeowner, you gain equity by paying your monthly mortgage and when your home appreciates in value. And if your needs change, you can use that equity to help fuel a move. Whether you’re already a homeowner or planning to be one, DM me to learn more.


Contact me at (650) 455-9221

Applying for a Mortgage Doesn’t Have To Be Scary [INFOGRAPHIC]

Even with higher mortgage rates, the mortgage process doesn’t need to be something you fear. Here are some steps to help as you set out to buy a home. Know your credit score and work to build strong credit. When you’re ready, lean on the pros and connect with a lender so you can get pre-approved and begin your home search. Any major life change can be scary, and buying a home is no different. DM me so you have an advisor by your side to take fear out of the equation.


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Applying for a Mortgage Doesn’t Have To Be Scary Some Highlights Even with higher mortgage rates, the mortgage process doesn’t need to be something you fear. Here are some steps to help as you set out to buy a home. Know your credit score and work to build strong credit. When you’re ready, lean on the pros and connect with a lender so you can ...