Buying a home • June 12, 2022

What Are the Best Options for Today’s First-Time Homebuyers?

by Nicole McCormick

If you’re looking to buy your first home, you’re likely balancing several factors. Because both mortgage rates and home prices have risen this year, it costs more to buy a home than it did even just a few months ago. But that doesn’t mean you have to put your plans on hold.

If you partner with a trusted real estate advisor and hone your strategy, you can navigate today’s market and find the home you’re looking for. Here are two tips to help you get started.

Work with a Professional To Prioritize Your Wish List

If you’re having trouble finding a home in your budget that checks all the boxes, it may be worth taking another look at your lists of what you want and what you really need. According to the latest First-Time Homebuyer Metro Affordability Report from NerdWallet, your wish list can have as much impact on your search as your finances:

“Your budget isn’t all that you need to be concerned about; your wish list and desired location may carry just as much weight.”

It’s all about prioritization. If you’re serious about purchasing your first home soon, be flexible in what you’re looking for to open up your pool of options. Partner with a local real estate professional to better understand what’s available in today’s market and reprioritize your wish list. Remember, making a concession now doesn’t mean you’ll never have everything on your list. After you’ve moved in, you can always add certain features to make the home your own.

Increase Your Search Radius To Consider More Locations

Some areas may have more homes within your target price range than others, but it may require you to be flexible on your location. For example, if you’re a remote worker, you may be able to expand your search radius. As Fannie Mae explains:

“. . . continued remote work flexibility is likely giving many the ability to live farther away in more affordable areas.”

The decision to search in places with a lower cost of living could help you find a home that fits your budget and checks the most boxes off your wish list.

Bottom Line

If you’re serious about purchasing your first home this year, revisiting your wish list and desired location can help. Let’s connect to explore all the options in our local market – and beyond – so you can achieve your homeownership dreams.

Housing Market News • June 12, 2022

Why the Growing Number of Homes for Sale Is Good for Your Move Up

by Nicole McCormick

Are you thinking about selling your current home? If so, the biggest question on your mind may be: if I sell now, where will I go? If this resonates with you, there’s something you should know. The number of homes coming onto the market is increasing and that could make it easier for you to move up this summer.

According to the latest data from realtor.com, the number of homes being listed for sale, known as new listings, has increased consistently this year (see graph below):

While this news has clear benefits for buyers who are craving more options for their home search, what does that mean for current homeowners like you? It gives you two distinct opportunities in today’s housing market.

Opportunity #1: Take Advantage of More Options for Your Move Up

If your current house no longer meets your needs or lacks the space and features you want, this gives you even more opportunity to sell and move up into the home of your dreams. As more options come to market, you’ll have more to choose from when you search for your next home.

Partnering with a local real estate professional can help make sure you see these listings as soon as they come onto the market. And when you do find the one, that professional can advise you on how to write a winning offer to seal the deal.

Opportunity #2: Sell Before You Have More Competition

Just know that, in order to make sure your house shines above the rest, it may make sense to put your home up for sale before your neighbors do the same, creating more competition in your area. The increase in the number of homes being listed for sale is expected to continue, and a recent study from realtor.com says two-thirds of homeowners looking to sell say they’ll do so by August.

A real estate professional can advise you on what you need to tackle to get your house ready to list so they can put that for sale sign up in your yard sooner rather than later. That’s because the process of getting a home ready to sell isn’t taking as long as you may think. As a result, you can capitalize on today’s sellers’ market and get ahead of the competition.

Bottom Line

If you’re a current homeowner looking to sell, let’s connect to begin the process. You have a unique opportunity to benefit from the additional homes being listed today and sell before your house has more competition.

Why You Need an Expert To Determine the Right Price for Your House

by Nicole McCormick

If your lifestyle has changed recently and you’re ready to make a move, taking advantage of today’s sellers’ market might be just the answer for your summer plans. With homes continuing to get multiple offers, this could be your moment to get the contract you’re looking for on your house if you’re ready to sell.

And here’s the thing – you need an expert on your side to ensure you make all the right moves when you do, especially when it comes to pricing your house. Even in this competitive market, you can’t stick just any price tag on your home and get the deal you want. A key piece of the puzzle is setting the right asking price so you can help buyers notice your home (and get excited about it) from the very first time they view the listing. That’s where a real estate professional comes in.

Why Pricing Your House Right Is Important

The price you set for your house sends a message to potential buyers. Price it too low and you might raise questions about your home’s condition or lead buyers to assume something is wrong with the property. Not to mention, if you undervalue your house, you could leave money on the table which decreases your future buying power.

On the other hand, price it too high, and you run the risk of deterring buyers. When that happens, you may have to do a price drop to try to re-ignite interest in your house when it sits on the market for a while. But be aware that a price drop can be seen as a red flag for some buyers who will wonder why the price was reduced and what that means about the home.

In other words, think of pricing your home as a target. Your goal is to aim directly for the center – not too high, not too low, but right at market value. Pricing your house fairly based on market conditions increases the chance you’ll have more buyers who are interested in purchasing it. That makes it more likely you’ll see multiple offers, too. And if a bidding war happens, you’ll likely get an even higher final sale price. Plus, when homes are priced right, they tend to sell quickly.

To get a look into the potential downsides of over or underpricing your house and the perks that come with pricing it at market value, see the chart below:

Lean on a Professional’s Expertise

There are several factors that go into pricing your house, and balancing them is the key. That’s why it’s important to lean on an expert real estate advisor when you’re ready to move. A local real estate advisor is knowledgeable about:

The value of homes in your neighborhood
The current demand for houses in today’s market
The condition of your house and how it affects the value

A real estate professional will balance these factors to make sure the price of your house makes the best first impression and gives you the greatest return on your investment in the end.

Bottom Line

If you’re thinking about selling, pricing your house appropriately is key. Let’s connect to make sure your house is priced right for the local market, for your home’s condition, and to stand out from the competition.

Housing Market News • June 9, 2022

History Proves Recession Doesn’t Equal a Housing Crisis [INFOGRAPHIC]

by Nicole McCormick

History Proves Recession Doesn’t Equal a Housing Crisis [INFOGRAPHIC] | MyKCM

Some Highlights

It’s important to understand history proves an economic slowdown does not equal a housing crisis.
In 4 of the last 6 recessions, home prices actually appreciated. Home prices only fell twice – minimally in the early 90s and then by nearly 20% during the housing crash in 2008.
If you have questions, let’s connect to discuss why today’s housing market is nothing like 2008.

Housing Market News • June 2, 2022

May 2022 Housing Market Update

by Nicole McCormick

Geoff Green, the moderator of the monthly Housing Market webinar, is a real estate expert and entrepreneur. And, he is joined for the May 2022 Housing Market Update by Keren Gonen, Green Team New Jersey Realty; Vikki Garby, Green Team New York Realty; Chad Barris, Family First Funding, and Ken Ford, Warwick Valley Financial Advisors.

If you haven’t seen the May 2022 Housing Market Update yet or would like to watch it again, it’s available below. In addition, the Housing Market News section of the Green Team Realty website includes prior HMU recap blogs.

Furthermore, you can sign up to receive updates at HMupdate.com.

The big question… Are we headed for a Housing Bubble?

Of course, it would be wonderful if the panel was able to provide a simple “Yes” or “No” answer. However, there are too many variables to predict whether or not we are headed toward a Housing Bubble.

At each monthly Housing Market Update, Geoff asks mortgage experts if they are seeing a return to the lending practices that contributed to the 2008 housing market crash. To date, there has been no such return to those lending standards.

Furthermore, Geoff shares stats that may impact the answer to the Housing Bubble question. This includes home price appreciation and performance. Also, foreclosure activity is now at an all-time low.

“Housekeeping” Items

The June Housing Market Update will take place on Friday, June 17. Sign up now at HMupdate.com. Again, thanks to NuOp, Sponsor of the Housing Market Update.

May 2022 HMU Housekeeping Items

Agency News and Awards • June 2, 2022

Give Your Career a Boost With Green Team Realty

by Nicole McCormick

Why joining Green Team Realty will Benefit your Real Estate Career.

Whether you are a new real estate professional or someone who has been in the business for years, choosing the right brokerage is crucial. Finding a brokerage that provides its agents with top-of-the-line technology, support, and advanced training can give you an advantage in the field and make it easier for you to create a successful business. Green Team Realty ensures that each of its sales associates receives all of those benefits and more.

Build your online presence with Green Team’s Marketing Support.

In this day and age, social media plays an important role in how a real estate agent connects with their clients. When a new agent joins the team, they receive a Welcome Blog posted to our agency’s social media platforms. Alongside the initial Welcome Blog, our agents also have the option of Meet The Agent or About Me blog. Both of these will help you build your social media presence and SEO right out of the gate.

In addition to the blog posts, Green Team continuously offers its agents a great deal of social media advertising throughout their careers, including: New/Sold Listings, Client Testimonials, Awards and Achievement blogs, designation blogs, and more. Amongst many other things

Teamwork makes the Dreamwork!

Along with a friendly atmosphere, Green Team Realty provides each agent with an extensive support system. The Agent Service Managers (ASM) and Help Desk are available every weekday to assist with any questions you may have

Green Team offers monthly social events and Small Groups which were created to allow Sales Associates an opportunity to connect with and learn from their peers.

To ensure that agents have everything they need to be successful Green Team Realty offers an extensive training program that includes:

Sales Associate Foundation
Video Training tutorials
Technology Training Weekly
Training Sessions
Mentor Program
Activity, Meeting & Transaction tracking

How Green Team can give you an advantage in Lead Generation and Client Management.

One of the most important parts of starting your Real Estate career is generating leads and managing your clients. At Green Team Realty, you will be provided with many opportunities to find new leads, including Lead Routing and Uptime Shifts.:

Lead Routing allows you to receive new leads sent directly to your phone. All that you would need to do is hit accept and start getting to know your new client.

Additionally, Uptime Shifts are a great way to build your clientele. Uptime shifts are in-office hours which give you the first opportunity to speak to any potential clients that may call or stop by.

Green Team believes that it is essential to give their agents everything they need to successfully manage their client base.

Examples of some of the tools offered are:

CRM Mobile UI.
Email Marketing
Event Tracker
Google Calendar Sync.
Projects & Transactions
Instanet – e-doc signing right through commission statement processing.

An Office built on Support and Respect

You often hear that real estate is a cutthroat business and in some cases that may be true. Green Team Realty has worked hard to create a space where its associates can develop strong bonds and learn from their peers.

If you are interested in learning more about becoming part of the Green Team please connect with us. We would be excited to get to know you and talk about how we can help you grow your Real Estate Career.

Buying a home • June 2, 2022

How Homeownership Impacts You

by Nicole McCormick

June is National Homeownership Month, and it’s the perfect time to reflect on how impactful owning a home can truly be. When you purchase a house, it becomes more than just a space you occupy. It’s your stake in the community, an investment, and a place you can put your stamp on.

If you’re thinking about buying a home this year, here are some of the benefits you’ll experience when you do.

The Emotional Benefits of Homeownership

Because it’s a place that’s uniquely yours, owning a home can give you a sense of pride and happiness in several ways.

Your Home Can Reflect Your Tastes and Personality

Investopedia puts it like this:

“One often-cited benefit of homeownership is the knowledge that you own your little corner of the world.”

That knowledge can lead to a powerful, emotional connection to the place where you live. But so can the realization that your home will grow with you. Because it’s yours, you have the freedom to make updates to it as your needs and tastes change. As Logan Mohtashami, Lead Analyst for HousingWire, says:

“The psychology is that this is yours and you’re going to make it as good as possible because you’re in for a long time, . . . “

And that can create a greater sense of ownership, pride, and connection with your home and your community.

It Can Enhance Your Neighborhood and Civic Engagement

Homeownership can lead you to get even more involved with your local area. After all, you’re putting your roots down in a location and will want to do what you can to help improve it, much like your home. In a recent report, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) says:

“Living in one place for a longer amount of time creates and [sic] obvious sense of community pride, which may lead to more investment in said community.”

The Financial Benefits of Homeownership

When you choose to become a homeowner, you’re making a financial decision as well. That’s because your home is also an investment.

It Can Help You Feel Financially Stable

Homeownership is truly one of the best ways to improve your long-term financial position. Not only will you have a predictable monthly housing expense that can benefit your budget in the short term, but you’ll also gain equity as your home appreciates in value and you make your monthly mortgage payment. As Freddie Mac says:

“Building equity through your monthly principal payments and appreciation is a critical part of homeownership that can help you create financial stability.”

It Can Grow Your Wealth

Because of your growing equity, you can build your net worth as a homeowner. And when you compare the difference in net worth between a renter and a homeowner, it’s clear that owning a home truly offers a great way to build your long-term financial position.

According to the latest data from NAR, the median household net worth of a homeowner is roughly $300,000, while the median net worth of renters is only about $8,000. That means a homeowner’s net worth is nearly 40 times that of a renter.

Bottom Line

Homeownership is truly a way to find greater satisfaction and happiness and to build financial freedom. If National Homeownership Month has you dreaming about purchasing a home, then let’s connect to begin the process today.

Buying a home • June 1, 2022

Why Home Loans Today Aren’t What They Were in the Past

by Nicole McCormick

In today’s housing market, many are beginning to wonder if we’re returning to the riskier lending habits and borrowing options that led to the housing crash 15 years ago. Let’s ease those concerns.

Several times a year, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) releases an index titled the Mortgage Credit Availability Index (MCAI). According to their website:

“The MCAI provides the only standardized quantitative index that is solely focused on mortgage credit. The MCAI is . . . a summary measure which indicates the availability of mortgage credit at a point in time.”

Basically, the index determines how easy it is to get a mortgage. The higher the index, the more available mortgage credit becomes. Here’s a graph of the MCAI dating back to 2004, when the data first became available:

As the graph shows, the index stood at about 400 in 2004. Mortgage credit became more available as the housing market heated up, and then the index passed 850 in 2006. When the real estate market crashed, so did the MCAI as mortgage money became almost impossible to secure. Thankfully, lending standards have eased somewhat since then, but the index is still low. In April, the index was at 121, which is about one-seventh of what it was in 2006.

Why Did the Index Get out of Control During the Housing Bubble?

The main reason was the availability of loans with extremely weak lending standards. To keep up with demand in 2006, many mortgage lenders offered loans that put little emphasis on the eligibility of the borrower. Lenders were approving loans without always going through a verification process to confirm if the borrower would likely be able to repay the loan.

An example of the relaxed lending standards leading up to the housing crash is the FICO® credit score associated with a loan. What’s a FICO® score? The website myFICO explains:

“A credit score tells lenders about your creditworthiness (how likely you are to pay back a loan based on your credit history). It is calculated using the information in your credit reports. FICO® Scores are the standard for credit scores—used by 90% of top lenders.”

During the housing boom, many mortgages were written for borrowers with a FICO score under 620. While there are still some loan programs that allow for a 620 score, today’s lending standards are much tighter. Lending institutions overall are much more attentive about measuring risk when approving loans. According to the latest Household Debt and Credit Report from the New York Federal Reserve, the median credit score on all mortgage loans originated in the first quarter of 2022 was 776.

The graph below shows the billions of dollars in mortgage money given annually to borrowers with a credit score under 620.

In 2006, buyers with a score under 620 received $376 billion dollars in loans. In 2021, that number was only $80 billion, and it’s only $20 billion in the first quarter of 2022.

Bottom Line

In 2006, lending standards were much more relaxed with little evaluation done to measure a borrower’s potential to repay their loan. Today, standards are tighter, and the risk is reduced for both lenders and borrowers. These are two very different housing markets, and today is nothing like the last time.

Buying a home • Selling a Home • June 1, 2022

What Does the Rest of the Year Hold for the Housing Market?

by Nicole McCormick

If you’re thinking of buying or selling a house, you’re at an exciting decision point. And anytime you make a big decision like that, one thing you should always consider is timing. So, what does the rest of the year hold for the housing market? Here’s what experts have to say.

The Number of Homes Available for Sale Is Likely To Grow

There are early signs housing inventory is starting to grow and experts say that should continue in the months ahead. According to Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at realtor.com:

“The gap between this year’s homes for sale and last year’s is one-fifth the size that it was at the beginning of the year. The catch up is likely to continue, . . . This growth will mean more options for shoppers than they’ve had in a while, even though inventory continues to lag pre-pandemic normal.”

As a buyer, having more options is welcome news. Just remember, housing supply is still low, so be ready to act fast and put in your best offer up front.
As a seller, your house may soon face more competition when other sellers list their homes. But the good news is, if you’re also buying your next home, having more options to choose from should make that move-up process easier.

Mortgage Rates Will Likely Continue To Respond to Inflationary Pressures

Experts also agree inflation should continue to drive up mortgage rates, albeit more moderately. Odeta Kushi, Deputy Chief Economist at First American, says:

“… ongoing inflationary pressure remains likely to push mortgage rates even higher in the months to come.”

As a buyer, work with trusted real estate professionals, including your lender, so you can learn how rising mortgage rate environments impact your purchasing power. It may make sense to buy now before it costs more to do so, if you’re ready.
As a seller, rising mortgage rates are motivating some homeowners to make a move up sooner rather than later. If you’re planning to buy your next home, talk to a trusted real estate advisor to decide how to time your move.

Home Prices Are Projected To Continue To Climb

Home prices are forecast to keep appreciating because there are still fewer homes for sale than there are buyers in the market. That said, experts agree the pace of that appreciation should moderate – but home prices won’t fall. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), explains:

“Prices throughout the country have surged for the better part of two years, including in the first quarter of 2022. . . Given the extremely low inventory, we’re unlikely to see price declines, but appreciation should slow in the coming months.”

As a buyer, continued home price appreciation means it’ll cost you more to buy the longer you wait. But it also gives you peace of mind that, once you do buy a home, it will likely grow in value. That makes it historically a good investment and a strong hedge against inflation.
As a seller, price appreciation is great news for the value of your home. Again, lean on a professional to strike the right balance of the best conditions possible for both selling your house and buying your next one.

Bottom Line

Whether you’re a homebuyer or seller, you need to know what’s happening in the housing market, so you can make the most informed decision possible. Let’s connect to discuss your goals and what lies ahead, so you can pick your best time to make a move.

Buying a home • June 1, 2022

Bright Days Are Ahead When You Move Up This Summer [INFOGRAPHIC]

by Nicole McCormick

Bright Days Are Ahead When You Move Up This Summer INFOGRAPHIC] | MyKCM

Some Highlights

Warmer weather and longer days mean summer is almost here. Celebrate by upgrading to the home of your dreams so you can enjoy all the season has to offer.
When you list your house, you can capitalize on today’s sellers’ market to fuel your upgrade. Then, you can move to a home with the features you want, like space to entertain or rooms for work and play.
If you’re ready to upgrade to a home that matches your changing needs, let’s connect.

Work with a Professional To Prioritize Your Wish List

Increase Your Search Radius To Consider More Locations

Bottom Line

Opportunity #1: Take Advantage of More Options for Your Move Up

Opportunity #2: Sell Before You Have More Competition

Bottom Line

Why Pricing Your House Right Is Important

Lean on a Professional’s Expertise

Bottom Line

Some Highlights

The big question… Are we headed for a Housing Bubble?

“Housekeeping” Items

Why joining Green Team Realty will Benefit your Real Estate Career.

Build your online presence with Green Team’s Marketing Support.

Teamwork makes the Dreamwork!

How Green Team can give you an advantage in Lead Generation and Client Management.

An Office built on Support and Respect

The Emotional Benefits of Homeownership

Your Home Can Reflect Your Tastes and Personality

It Can Enhance Your Neighborhood and Civic Engagement

The Financial Benefits of Homeownership

It Can Help You Feel Financially Stable

It Can Grow Your Wealth

Bottom Line

Why Did the Index Get out of Control During the Housing Bubble?

Bottom Line

The Number of Homes Available for Sale Is Likely To Grow

Mortgage Rates Will Likely Continue To Respond to Inflationary Pressures

Home Prices Are Projected To Continue To Climb

Bottom Line

Some Highlights

Our Offices

Goshen, NY Real Estate

Pine Island, NY Real Estate