The Green Team is proud to announce that Kevin Many has decided to join our Warwick, NY office. We’re excited to have him on our team and look forward to helping him grow!
Please join us in Welcoming Kevin to The Green Team New York!
To learn more about Kevin and his business visit his website.
Today’s homebuyers are not just talking about their plans, they’re actively engaged in the buying process – and they’re serious about it. A recent report by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) indicates:
“…. Of American adults considering a future home purchase in the second quarter of 2020, about half (49%) are not simply planning it, they are actively engaged in the process to find a home. That is a significantly higher share than the comparable figure a year ago (41%), which suggests that the COVID-19 crisis and its accompanying record-low mortgage rates have converted some prospective buyers into active buyers.”
It’s no surprise that buyers are out in full force today. Many Americans now need more space to work from home, and the current low mortgage rates are providing an extra boost of motivation to enter the housing market.
If you’re considering selling your house, know that today’s buyers are serious about making a move. Your opportunity to sell your house in a market with high demand is growing, especially as more millennials enter the housing market too. The same report also notes:
“Of Millennials planning a home purchase in the next year, 57% are already actively searching for a home.”
Odeta Kushi, Deputy Chief Economist at First American, explains:
“When breaking down house-buying power by educational attainment for millennials in 2019, we find that the higher the education, the higher the household income, and the higher the house-buying power. In 2019, median house-buying power for millennials increased 16 percent relative to 2018.”
As demand for homes to buy grows and more millennials enter the market with growing buying power, the opportunity to sell your house grows too.
Today’s buyers are serious ones and more millennials are helping to fuel that charge. So, if you’re considering selling your home, let’s connect you with one of our Real Estate Sales Associates today to determine your next steps in the process while buyers are actively looking.
Geoff Green, President of Green Team Realty, welcomed everyone to the July 2020 Housing Market Update. The webinar, which was held on Tuesday, July 24 at 2 p.m., examined the housing market on national and local levels, in light of the impact of various economic factors resulting from the Covid-19 pandemic.
If you missed the webinar or would like to view it again, it is available here.
Following a review of the national and local stats, Geoff checked in with the panel. Sales Associates from Green Team New York Realty and Green Team New Jersey Realty shared what was happening in their respective states and communities. Covid-19 regulations on the real estate industries in New York and New Jersey have differed, with varying results. The July 2020 Housing Market Update panelists were Keren Gonen, Pam Zachowski, and Kristi Anderson, who discussed the Vernon and Sussex County, NJ market. Toni Kreusch shared her experiences and views on the Warwick and Orange County, NY market. Additionally, our guest panelist, Ken Aulicino, Mortgage Loan Originator with Family First Funding, shared his expertise and experiences.
First, though, here are some of the stats presented by Geoff.
The consensus of various experts was that the US would add 3,000,000 new jobs in June. However, the actual number of jobs added was 4,800,000. While that’s a good number, there is more to the story. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the unemployment rate for June was 11.1%. In March, just before Covid-necessitated shut-downs, unemployment was at 4.4%. In April, it shot up to 14.7%. Then in May it declined to 13.3% So it would appear unemployment is trending downwards. However, it’s just not that simple.
The core unemployment rate is trending upwards. Geoff took a look at historical core unemployment rates to bring things into perspective. How many companies will actually be bringing jobs back?
Geoff predicted that we’ll be hearing more and more about forbearances and foreclosures in the media. Of all active forbearances past due, 77% had at least 20% equity in their homes. Of these, 59% had 30% or more equity. According to Geoff, not many people will walk away from the equity they have in their homes. As long as pricing stays intact and doesn’t plummet, many homeowners will do their best to stay in their homes and keep their mortgages going.
According to Showingtime.com, showing activity is up big time. Year-over-year, the showing index is up nationally by 21.4%. Inventory has been a problem for a while, but it’s exacerbated now. The long term average of households currently on the market is 2.4% Currently that number is down to 1.2%. How does this impact pricing? It is all about supply and demand.
Watch the video to hear what the experts had to say, as well as to see Geoff’s full presentation on national and local economic and real estate trends. To compare with what was happening last month, click here for the June 2020 Housing Market Update.
The Green Team is proud to announce that Sandra Medina has decided to join our Warwick, NY team. We’re excited to have her on our team and look forward to helping her grow!
Please join us in Welcoming Sandra to The Green Team New York Realty!
To learn more about Sandra Medina and her business visit her website here.
The health crisis we face as a country has led businesses all over the nation to reduce or discontinue their services altogether. This pause in the economy has greatly impacted the workforce and as a result, many people have been laid off or furloughed. Naturally, that would lead many to believe we might see a rush of foreclosures this fall like we saw in 2008. The market today, however, is very different from 2008.
The concern of more foreclosures based on those that are out of work is one that we need to understand fully. There are two reasons we won’t see a rush of foreclosures this fall: forbearance extension options and strong homeowner equity.
1. Forbearance Extension
Forbearance, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), is “when your mortgage servicer or lender allows you to temporarily pay your mortgage at a lower payment or pause paying your mortgage.” This is an option for those who need immediate relief. In today’s economy, the CFPB has given homeowners a way to extend their forbearance, which will greatly assist those families who need it at this critical time.
Under the CARES Act, the CFPB notes:
“If you experience financial hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic, you have a right to request and obtain a forbearance for up to 180 days. You also have the right to request and obtain an extension for up to another 180 days (for a total of up to 360 days).”
2. Strong Homeowner Equity
Equity is also working in favor of today’s homeowners. This savings is another reason why we won’t see substantial foreclosures in the near future. Today’s homeowners who are in forbearance actually have more equity in their homes than what the market experienced in 2008.
The Mortgage Monitor report from Black Knight indicates that of all active forbearances which are past due on their mortgage payment, 77% have at least 20% equity in their homes (See graph below):
Black Knight notes:
“The high level of equity provides options for homeowners, policymakers, mortgage investors and servicers in helping to avoid downstream foreclosure activity and default-related losses.”
Many think we may see a rush of foreclosures this fall, but the facts just don’t add up in this case. Today’s real estate market is very different from 2008 when we saw many homeowners walk away when they owed more than their homes were worth. This time, equity is stronger and plans are in place to help those affected weather the storm.
With a worldwide health crisis that drove a pause in the economy this year, the housing market was greatly impacted. Many have been eagerly awaiting some bright signs of a recovery. Based on the latest Existing Home Sales Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), June hit a much-anticipated record-setting rebound to ignite that spark.
According to NAR, home sales jumped 20.7% from May to a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of 4.72 million in June:
“Existing-home sales rebounded at a record pace in June, showing strong signs of a market turnaround after three straight months of sales declines caused by the ongoing pandemic…Each of the four major regions achieved month-over-month growth.”
This significant rebound is a major boost for the housing market and the U.S. economy. According to Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for NAR, the momentum has the potential to continue on, too:
“The sales recovery is strong, as buyers were eager to purchase homes and properties that they had been eyeing during the shutdown…This revitalization looks to be sustainable for many months ahead as long as mortgage rates remain low and job gains continue.”
With mortgage rates hitting an all-time low, dropping below 3% for the first time last week, potential homebuyers are poised to continue taking advantage of this historic opportunity to buy. This fierce competition among buyers is contributing to home price increases as well, as more buyers are finding themselves in bidding wars in this environment. The report also notes:
“The median existing-home price for all housing types in June was $295,300, up 3.5% from June 2019 ($285,400), as prices rose in every region. June’s national price increase marks 100 straight months of year-over-year gains.”
The graph below shows home price increases by region, powered by low interest rates, pent-up demand, and a decline in inventory on the market:
Yun also indicates:
“Home prices rose during the lockdown and could rise even further due to heavy buyer competition and a significant shortage of supply.”
Buyers returning to the market is a great sign for the economy, as housing is still leading the way toward a recovery. If you’re ready to buy a home this year, let’s connect you to one of our Real Estate Agents to make sure you have the best possible guide with you each step of the way.
Geoff Green, President of Green Team Realty, was proud to announce the 2nd Quarter 2020 Sales Leaders. They are Chris Kimiecik of Green Team New York Realty in Warwick NY, In addition, Carol Buchanan was second and Terry Gavan, third. Keren Gonen is 2Q Sales Leader for Green Team New Jersey Realty, located in Vernon NJ, with Charles Nagy and Ted Van Laar in second place, and Pam Zachowski in third.
Geoff had the following to say about Chris’s achievement:
“Chris Kimiecik is a shining example of “success begets success.” Here is a guy who runs one of the most successful landscaping companies in Orange County and yet he finds time to not only become a Realtor, but to be very successful at doing so. Chris will be the first one to point out that he couldn’t do it all without the support of his wife Megan who plays an integral role in his Real Estate business. This is the first Quarterly Sales Leader award for Chris, but I am certain that there will be more. Congratulations Chris and Megan!”
“Our clients, my wife and real estate partner, Megan, and the support of The Green Team “Warwick” all played a part on this journey to Q2 sales leader. Through diversified businesses that integrate with each other, and our partnership with the Green Team, we are able to offer an unmatched experience. When you surround yourself with the right people and team, anything is possible. We look forward to working with you, your friends, your family and anyone considering buying or selling a home in Warwick NY and surrounding area.”
Geoff said the following about Keren’s latest achievement:
“If it wasn’t clear before, it should be abundantly clear to everyone now that Keren Gonen is going to top the production charts in her market territory for many years to come. No one works harder and cares more for her clients then Keren. We are extremely blessed to have Keren as part of Green Team New Jersey Realty. Congratulations Keren, and keep up the good work!”
This is not Keren’s first time as a Sales Leader. This is her third time as Quarterly Sales Leader. And in 2017, the year Keren started at Green Team New Jersey Realty, she was Yearly Sales Leader.
Keren had this to say about her latest achievement:
“I am very grateful to be the Second Quarter Sales Leader! 2020 started out really well for me in the Real Estate Market as it did for many others. I contribute this to the networking group I am a part of (Referral Roundtable), my involvement in the Community, and my overall work ethic. I am that agent that gets up at 5 am to finish paperwork and still is out with clients late in the evening. This Pandemic that has aggressively changed all of our lives, also changed the Housing Market. Like many others, working during COVID-19 means that I was able to assist clients running away from The City and into “The Country.” Working seven days a week, coordinating showings during Corona, along with inspections, appraisals, and being mindful of how cautious we all must be during this process meant that I was able to help more people get into new homes. Although Real Estate Agents were not deemed “Essential Workers” and thank God for those people who put their lives on the line every day and continue to do so, I believe that Real Estate Agents made the mass exodus from NYC possible for many people that were hopeless and quarantined. This made us Agents essential to those people seeking a different way of life.”
The Green Team is proud to announce that James (Jimmy) Colgan has decided to join our Warwick, NY team.
James has been a resident of Warwick for 15 years and is in the process of owning a townhome in New Jersey. James spent 2 years doing Real Estate in New York City but has decided to join our team because of the small, friendly, and helping atmosphere. He loves the experience of being able to help others find a new home and making the process easy for them!
Please Welcome James (Jimmy) Colgan to Green Team New York Realty!
[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″][et_pb_row _builder_version=”3.0.48″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”3.0.47″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.0.74″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat”]Pending Home Sales increased by 44.3% in May, registering the highest month-over-month gain in the index since the National Association of Realtors (NAR) started tracking this metric in January 2001. So, what exactly are pending home sales, and why is this rebound so important?
According to NAR, the Pending Home Sales Index (PHS) is:
“A leading indicator of housing activity, measures housing contract activity, and is based on signed real estate contracts for existing single-family homes, condos, and co-ops. Because a home goes under contract a month or two before it is sold, the Pending Home Sales Index generally leads Existing-Home Sales by a month or two.”
In real estate, pending home sales is a key indicator in determining the strength of the housing market. As mentioned before, it measures how many existing homes went into contract in a specific month. When a buyer goes through the steps to purchase a home, the final one is the closing. On average, that happens about two months after the contract is signed, depending on how fast or slow the process takes in each state.
With the COVID-19 pandemic and a shutdown of the economy, we saw a steep two-month decline in the number of houses that went into contract. In May, however, that number increased dramatically (See graph below):
This jump means buyers are back in the market and purchasing homes right now. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at NAR mentioned:
“This has been a spectacular recovery for contract signings and goes to show the resiliency of American consumers and their evergreen desire for homeownership…This bounce back also speaks to how the housing sector could lead the way for a broader economic recovery.”
But in order to continue with this trend, we need more houses for sale on the market. Yun continues to say:
“More listings are continuously appearing as the economy reopens, helping with inventory choices…Still, more home construction is needed to counter the persistent underproduction of homes over the past decade.”
As we move through the year, we’ll see an increase in the number of houses being built. This will help combat a small portion of the inventory deficit. The lack of overall inventory, however, is still a challenge, and it is creating an opportunity for homeowners who are ready to sell. As the graph below shows, during the last 12 months, the supply of homes for sale has been decreasing year-over-year and is not keeping up with the demand from homebuyers.
If you decided not to sell this spring due to the health crisis, maybe it’s time to jump back into the market while buyers are actively looking for homes. Let’s connect today to determine your best move forward.
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In a recent survey of home sellers by Qualtrics, 87% of respondents said they were concerned their home won’t sell because of the pandemic and resulting economic recession. Of the respondents, 51% said they are “seriously worried.” That concern seems reasonable considering the current condition of the economy. The data, however, is showing that home purchasers are still very active despite the disruptions American families have experienced this year.
The latest Existing Home Sales Report published by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) revealed that 340,000 single-family homes sold in this country last month. NAR’s most recent Pending Sales Report (homes going into contract) surpassed last month’s number by over 44%, which far exceeded analysts’ projections of 15%. ShowingTime reported that appointments to see homes (both virtually and in-person) have increased in every region of the country and are up 21.4% nationwide over the same time last year.
While buyer activity is surging, the number of listings has fallen to an all-time low. Zelman Associates, in their latest residential real estate report, revealed that housing inventory as a percentage of households has fallen to 1.2%, which is half of the long-term average and lower than any other time in our history.
With buyer demand growing and the supply of available homes shrinking, purchasers are again finding themselves needing to outbid other buyers. NAR, in a recent blog post, revealed:
“On average, there were about three offers on a home that closed in May, up from just about two in April 2020 and in May 2019 (2.3 offers).”
Bidding wars guarantee houses sell quickly at a price near or even slightly over the listing price.
If you’re thinking of selling, don’t be concerned about putting your house on the market right now. There’s no better time to sell an item than when demand for it is high and supply is low. It is exactly at that time when you will negotiate your best possible deal.
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© 2022 Green Team Residential Realty LLC. All Rights Reserved. Better Homes and Gardens® and the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate logo are registered service marks owned by Meredith Operations Corporation and licensed to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. Listing information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate.
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