Tag: properties

The real estate market has changed drastically over the last few years. The pandemic brought a surge in demand for houses, followed by a freeze in the market as inflation and interest rates rose. That begs the question, what should we expect from the following year?

Most experts believe 2023 will bring a new semblance of normalcy. That means the market will settle down and return to more normal levels. Inflation should reduce or at least balance out, while interest rates will slow down. Let’s take a closer look at what to expect this year.

Housing Prices

Experts are quick to weigh in with their opinion on housing prices and values. Unfortunately, not all experts agree on this. For example, Realtor.com believes that housing prices will increase by another 5.4%, while Zelman believes the value will decrease by 5.1%. Ideally, these two extreme estimates will land in the middle, providing us with a stable market.

In other words, if we balance out the expert opinions on prices, it indicates little change. This means we’ll see a flat or neutral appreciation in 2023. This is good for sellers and buyers, as the market will not change drastically.

Rate Lock-In Phenomenon

Mortgage rates hit a record low a couple of years ago, countering the current higher rates we’re seeing. This results in homeowners with a low rate (below 6% in most cases and below 4% in exceptional circumstances). That’s great for those homeowners, but they will unlikely consider selling their homes with an average mortgage above 6%.

Homeowners are unwilling to give up their low mortgage rate in exchange for a higher interest rate. Some homeowners will sell regardless, either because of need or desire. But a large percentage will stay at their current home to wait out this shift.

Ironically, this is going to affect another market. Homeowners that wait out this shift may choose to work on home improvement projects. This will ultimately encourage a stronger contract market and increase home values – if done carefully.

Reduction in Building

There will likely be a reduction in the number of homes built over the next year or two. Specifically, experts believe that builders will cut back on the number of new single-family homes they are constructing. Likewise, building permits will likely decline as homeowners settle in and wait for rates to change.

How Your Credit Score Affects Home Buying

By W Darrow Fiedler

On March 16, 2021

In Finance, Investing, New, News, Real Estate, Uncategorized, Welcome

Credit score has several impacts on people’s lives, among them being home buying. It is a measure of personal credit files that dictates the worthiness of an individual. Let’s look at some of the impacts that a credit score can sum up.

Lending and Payment

Apart from a rock-solid financial history, a credit score also matters a lot in approaching lenders. It has an impact on the amount of loan you qualify for to purchase a house. They look much into applicants who have a good record with other lenders, especially on payment duration. Thus, it is also an indication that the respective borrower will be accountable and meet the obligations.

A good credit score implies that the borrower will repay and in the speculated duration. This varies depending on your credit report’s information that brings together your history of borrowed money and payment habits.

Mortgage Rates and Credit

For you to acquire the best mortgage rates, your credit score should be high enough. Persons with a low credit score will end up paying more money during the term of their mortgage. This is attributed to the increased interest and monthly payments.

Generally, a credit score of 700 and above will place you in the best position for mortgages and with the best rates. However, there are still better options for credits below 700. Below is a summary of the scores and statuses.

800 or higher is an exceptional credit, 740 and higher has excellent credit, between 700 and 739 is good credit, and between 630 and 699 results in a fair credit. But for 629 and below results to poor credit.

Down payment Amount

When your credit score matches the desired range, you will be in for a reasonable down payment. Additionally, there will be favorable terms such as a lower original fee. Also, borrowers who bring in more cash on the table reciprocate their potential of delivering and fulfilling the agreement terms.

Borrowers with a low credit score will raise trust issues and will be an accomplice of higher requirements. Such conditions can be incorporating private mortgage insurance into their loans which is results in extra costs. This is pragmatic, especially for new home buyers who need to create a reputable note.

Why Your Properties Should Be Pet-Friendly

By W Darrow Fiedler

On September 27, 2017

In Real Estate

Pet owners consider their pets to be part of their family. If you’ve ever known someone who owned a pet, you would know it’s almost impossible to convince them to give up their beloved Fluffy to move into a home where they’re not wanted. As a landlord, here are some reasons why you should transform your properties into pet-friendly homes.

Fill Vacancies Faster

Many of your prospective tenants come with pets. According to the 2017-2018 National Pet Owners Survey, about 85 million families, or 68% of U.S. households own a pet. They say that owning a pet reduces one’s stress level. Allowing pets can create a more home-like feel for your properties. If you allow your properties to accept pets, your properties will become increasingly more attractive to the eyes of searching renters.

Keep Great Tenants

Pet-friendly options are not always easy to come by. Tenants with pets are more likely to rent from you longer simply because it’s easier to stay than trying to find another place that allows pets. Additionally, a responsible pet owner is more likely to be a responsible tenant and respect their living quarters.

Pet Rent

The practice of charging rent for a pet is becoming increasingly popular and is widely accepted by renters. The recurring monthly charge, that’s often determined by pet size, simply gets tacked onto the tenant’s rent. Check with your local laws regarding pet rent and research what other landlords in your area are charging. Common fees for cats and small dogs, such as Chihuahuas or Shih Tzus are between $25-$45 a month. If a tenant owns a large dog, like a St. Bernard or Mastiff, the fee can be up to $100. If you own ten properties and they all have a small pet rent fee of $25, that’s an additional $3,000 of additional revenue to you.

Pet Deposit

Similar to a security deposit, a pet deposit can help cover the costs of any damage done by the pet. This protects you as the landlord from paying out of pocket to fix the damage. A typical pet deposit is around $250. Again, check your local laws and the going rate in your area before you settle on a set amount.

Not only will creating your properties to be pet-friendly lead to more revenue but you will also create a stronger relationship with your tenants. Besides, each pet you allow is one less that ends up in a shelter.

Real Estate Made Simple

Tag: properties

What to Expect for the Real Estate Market in 2023

Why Your Properties Should Be Pet-Friendly