Leah Vallee , Greater Atlanta Realtor

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.



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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. 

When it comes to buying a new construction home, you want to pick a builder with a reputation for top-notch homes. An agent’s guidance is key. A real estate agent knows the builders in your area and has expert advice that’ll make your decision easier. To learn more about how your agent can help you when you buy a new home, let’s connect.



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Here’s some encouraging news. Experts anticipate mortgage rates may decline this year if inflation continues to cool. If this projection holds true, it could make buying a home more affordable. If you're curious about housing market trends or want insights into what experts are saying about the rest of the year, DM me.



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Reluctant to list your house because you’re not sure if homes are selling right now? Based on current home sales data, roughly 11,000 homeowners are selling their homes daily. That’s over 450 an hour or eight homes every minute. But here's the key: your house won't sell if we don't list it. DM me today to get started.



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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...



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

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...



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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.

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.

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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 strong...



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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).

According to a Gallup poll, real estate was voted the best long-term investment by Americans for the 11th year in a row – beating out stocks, gold, and more. This shows, even when inflation is high like it is today, Americans still firmly believe in the of power of real estate. DM me to learn how buying a home can be a great long-term move for you too.



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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 happen...



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

Right now, there are more buyers looking to make a purchase than there are homes available for sale. That’s why the market favors sellers and why homeowners are still seeing multiple offers today. DM me so we can start the process of selling your house before the end of the year.



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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.



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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 ra...



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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.

According to Freddie Mac, 18% of survey respondents say they’re likely to in the next 6 months. This means there are still plenty of buyers thinking about making a move. If you’re considering selling your house, now’s a great time to start the process. DM me if you’re thinking of listing your home while we’re still in a .



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If you’re thinking about buying a home soon, one thing you can do to help you get ready is focus on your credit score. Higher scores can help you get a lower mortgage rate and better loan terms. A loan officer can provide even more strategies to help you improve your credit score. If you're ready to buy now, DM me for other valuable tips on the homebuying process.



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Foreclosure Numbers Today Aren’t Like 2008

If you've been keeping up with the news lately, you've probably come across headlines talking about the increase in foreclosures in today’s housing market. This may have left you with some uncertainty, especially if you're considering buying a home. It’s important to understand the context of these reports to know the truth about what’s happening today.

According to a recent report from ATTOM, a property data provider, foreclosure filings are up 2% compared to the previous quarter and 8% since one year ago. While media headlines are drawing attention to this increase, reporting on just the number could actually generate worry for fear that prices could crash. The reality is, while increasing, the data shows a foreclosure crisis is not where the market is headed.

In recent years, the number of foreclosures has been down to r...



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Foreclosure Numbers Today Aren’t Like 2008 If you've been keeping up with the news lately, you've probably come across headlines talking about the increase in foreclosures in today’s housing market.

Real Estate Continues To Be the Best Investment [INFOGRAPHIC]

According to a recent Gallup poll, real estate has been voted the best long-term investment for 11 years in a row, beating gold, stocks, bonds, and more. Owning real estate means more than just having a home—it’s an investment in your future. That’s because it’s typically a stable and secure asset that tends to increase in value as time goes on. DM me if you’re ready to buy a home and invest in your future.



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Real Estate Continues To Be the Best Investment [INFOGRAPHIC] According to a recent Gallup poll, real estate has been voted the best long-term investment for 11 years in a row, beating gold, stocks, bonds, and more.

Newly listed homes are down across the country. If you’re looking to move this summer, selling while the number of homes coming onto the market is so low means your house will be in the spotlight for eager buyers who have limited options. DM me today so we can discuss why now is a great time to sell, if you’re ready.



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Are you a seller worried buyer demand has disappeared because of today’s mortgage rates? Know this: homebuyers are adjusting to the new normal and are still active today. If you’ve been on the fence about selling your home, let’s connect to chat about how your house could still sell quickly in today’s market.



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If you’re working remotely or only going into the office a couple of days, you may not need to limit your homebuying options based on your office’s location. Remote work allows you to broaden your search radius to include more affordable options outside of your traditional commute. DM me today if you’d like to cast a wider net when looking for your next home.



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According to the analysis from Bank of America Corp, Austin saw the largest net inflow of people both during the first two years of the pandemic and over the past four quarters. Followed by Tampa, Orlando, Cleveland and Dallas to round off the top five.

Bank of America finds the 'Great Migration' isn't over, but it's evolving - Atlanta Business Chronicle The 'Great Migration' fueled by Covid-19 isn't completely dead. But it is changing — and so is its impact on housing

Home Prices Are Rebounding

If you’re following the news today, you may feel a bit unsure about what’s happening with home prices and fear whether or not the worst is yet to come. That’s because today’s headlines are painting an unnecessarily negative picture. If we take a year-over-year view, home prices did drop some, but that’s because we’re comparing to a ‘unicorn’ year when prices peaked well beyond the norm.

To avoid an unfair comparison to that previous peak, we need to look at monthly data. And that tells a very different and much more positive story. While local home price trends still vary by market, here’s what the national data tells us.

We can see the past year in the housing market can be divided into two parts. In the first half of 2022, home prices were going up, and fast. However, starting in July, prices began to go down. By around August or Septemb...



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Home Prices Are Rebounding If you’re following the news today, you may feel a bit unsure about what’s happening with home prices and fear whether or not the worst is yet to come.

Low Housing Inventory Is a Sweet Spot for Sellers [INFOGRAPHIC]

Today’s housing inventory is still well below more normal years. This low inventory is why homes that are priced right are still selling quickly and seeing multiple offers. If you want to sell your house, now is a great time because inventory is still low. Let’s connect to start the process.



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

If you’re planning to buy a home, saving for a down payment is probably top of mind. But do you know how much you need to save? Contrary to popular belief, you don't need to put down 20% unless it’s specified by your loan type or lender. The average down payment is much lower than you’d think. DM me today so we can start the homebuying process.



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"We want to recognize that Atlanta is a culinary powerhouse, with a long list of styles and flavors for foodies to enjoy," said Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guides

Michelin Guide to feature Atlanta restaurants - Atlanta Business Chronicle The Michelin Guide, which judges restaurants with its well-known three-star system, will begin featuring Atlanta restaurants this fall.

Renting or Selling Your House: What's the Best Move?

If you’re a homeowner ready to make a move, you may be thinking about using your current house as a short-term rental property instead of selling it. A short-term rental (STR) is typically offered as an alternative to a hotel, and they’re an investment that’s gained popularity in recent years.

While a short-term rental can be a tempting idea, you may find the reality of being responsible for one difficult to take on. Here are some of the challenges you could face if you rent out your house instead of selling it.

>>A Short-Term Rental Comes with Responsibilities

Successfully managing your house as a short-term rental takes a lot of time and effort. You’ll have to juggle tasks like dealing with reservations, organizing check-ins, and tackling cleaning, landscape, and maintenance duties. Any one of those can feel demanding,...



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Renting or Selling Your House: What's the Best Move? If you’re a homeowner ready to make a move, you may be thinking about using your current house as a short-term rental property instead of selling it. 

Momentum Is Building for New Home Construction

If you’re in the process of looking for a home today, you know the supply of homes for sale is low because you’re feeling the impact of having a limited pool of options. And, if your biggest hurdle right now is that you’re having trouble finding something you like, don’t forget that a newly built home is a great option.

According to the latest report from the Census, builders are matching the long-term average for completions right now. And residential starts and permits are also gaining momentum. Since both are up, it’s a sign there are even more newly built homes coming soon.

More newly built homes in various stages of the construction process means your pool of options just got bigger. If you’re looking to move right now and timing is important to you, reach out to a local real estate professional to explore the hom...



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Momentum Is Building for New Home Construction If you’re in the process of looking for a home today, you know the supply of homes for sale is low because you’re feeling the impact of having a limited pool of options.

Even now, there are still too few homes for sale to meet today’s buyer demand. As a result, home prices are appreciating nationwide because buyers are competing over the limited number of homes available. If you’re considering selling your house, let’s connect to discuss what home prices are doing in our local area.



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If you're thinking about selling your home, it's likely because something significant changed in your life. While factors like mortgage rates play a crucial role in your future home purchase, it's important not to lose sight of the underlying reason driving your desire for a change. Let’s connect so you have an expert on your side who will help you sell your house.



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