Housing Market News December 13, 2021

If You Think the Housing Market Will Slow This Winter, Think Again.

From the opportunity to take advantage of today’s low mortgage rates to changing homeowner needs, Americans have more motivation than ever to buy a home. According to the experts, buyers are making moves right now, creating an unseasonably strong housing market for this time of year.

As we wrap up the fall season and move into the winter months, here’s a look at what several industry leaders have to say about the continued momentum in the current market, and what it means as we head into the early part of next year.

Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist, National Association of Realtors (NAR)

“This solid buying is a testament to demand still being relatively high, as it is occurring during a time when inventory is still markedly low. The notable gain in October assures that total existing-home sales in 2021 will exceed 6 million, which will shape up to be the best performance in 15 years.” 

Odeta Kushi, Deputy Chief Economist, First American

“So far in November, purchase applications point to another strong month in sales. Still low rates and demographic demand support this strength, even as affordability and inventory headwinds remain.”

The M Report

“The demand for housing in the United States has reached a fever pitch, a trend that opposes the norm of this time of the year when the market cools as the winter months set in.”

Mark Fleming, Chief Economist, First American

Strong demographic demand will continue to act as the wind in the housing market’s sails.”

What does this mean for the winter housing market?

Buyers are actively in the market, and they’re competing for homes to purchase. With the momentum coming out of this fall, all signs point to the winter housing market picking up steam, making it much busier than in a more typical year. And as we’ve seen in so many ways, 2020 and 2021 were anything but typical in real estate. It looks like 2022 may be joining that list before we know it.

Bottom Line

If you think the housing market will slow down this winter, think again. Whether you’re thinking of buying a home, selling your house, or both – let’s connect to determine if this winter is your best time to make a move too.

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Selling a Home December 8, 2021

Struggling To Find a Home To Buy? New Construction May Be an Option.

There’s no question that the financial benefits of selling a house are outstanding today. Now is truly a great time to list if you’re ready to make a change. But if you do sell your house right now, you may be wondering where you’ll go when you move.

With so few homes available to buy right now, you might be considering building a new home as one of your options. But you may be unsure if that’s the way to go. Let’s compare the benefits of a newly built home versus moving into an existing one, and why working with a real estate agent throughout the process is mission-critical to your success no matter what you decide.

The Pros of Newly Built Homes

First, let’s look at the benefits of purchasing a newly constructed home. With a brand-new home, you’ll be able to:

1. Create your perfect home.

If you build a home from the ground up, you’ll have the option to select the custom features you want, including appliances, finishes, landscaping, layout, and more.

2. Cash-in on energy efficiency.

When building a home, you can choose energy-efficient options to help lower your utility costs, protect the environment, and reduce your carbon footprint.

3. Minimize the need for repairs.

Many builders offer a warranty, so you’ll have peace of mind on unlikely repairs. Plus, you won’t have as many little projects to tackle. QuickenLoans puts it like this: 

“Buying a new construction vs. existing home typically means you’ll have fewer repairs to do. It can be a huge relief to know that it’s unlikely you’ll have to repair the roof or replace the furnace.”

4. Have brand new everything.

Another perk of a new home is that nothing in the house is used. It’s all brand new and uniquely yours from day one.

The Pros of Existing Homes

Now, let’s compare that to the perks that come with buying an existing home. With a pre-existing home, you can:

1. Explore a wider variety of home styles and floorplans.

With decades of homes to choose from, you’ll have a broader range of floorplans and designs available.

2. Join an established neighborhood.

Existing homes give you the option to get to know the neighborhood, community, or traffic patterns before you commit.

3. Enjoy mature trees and landscaping.

Established neighborhoods also have more developed landscaping and trees, which can give you additional privacy and curb appeal. As Investopedia says, if you buy an existing home:

“Odds are, too, that the home will have mature landscaping, so you won’t have to worry about starting a lawn, planting shrubs, and waiting for trees to grow.”

4. Appreciate that lived-in charm.

The character of older homes is hard to reproduce. If you value timeless craftsmanship or design elements, you may prefer an existing home. According to Houseopedia:

Charm is priceless. Existing homes, especially those built in the 1950’s or before, often offer architectural elements, historic charm and a quality of craftsmanship not available in new homes.”

The choice is yours. When you start your search for the perfect home, remember that you can go either route – you just need to decide which features and benefits are most important to you. Working with the guidance of your trusted real estate advisor will help you make the most informed and educated decision, so you can move into the home of your dreams.

Bottom Line

If you have questions about the options in your area, let’s discuss what’s available and what’s right for you, so you’re ready to make your next move with confidence.

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Selling a Home December 3, 2021

A Checklist for Selling Your House This Winter

A Checklist for Selling Your House This Winter [INFOGRAPHIC] | MyKCM

Some Highlights

  • If you’re planning to sell your house this winter, you’ll want it to look its best inside and out.
  • Take the time and focus on tasks that make it inviting, show it’s cared for, and boost your curb appeal.
  • Let’s connect so you have an expert opinion on what to focus on, so it shows well and catches a buyer’s eye.

Put an experts eye on your home search! You’ll receive personalized matches of results delivered directly to you. We’ll take into account your goals, criteria, and preferences to find properties that are exactly what you were always dreaming of.
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Maybe with the leverage you currently have, you can negotiate a deal that will allow you to make the move of your dreams.
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Housing Market News November 29, 2021

November 2021 Housing Market Update

The November 2021 Housing Market Update was held on November 16 at 12 p.m. Geoff Green, President of Green Team Realty and co-founder and CEO of NuOp, hosts the monthly market updates. If you missed the live Zoom and Facebook event or would like to watch it again, it’s available below.

It’s not depreciation. It’s deceleration

Housing market prices are not declining or depreciating, The rate at which they’re increasing is just slowing down.

Home Sales forecast 

Home Sales Forecast for 2021 and 2022

Rising Inflation

The impact on the housing market is very simple. According to Green, at the end of the day, it’s all about monthly cash flow.  People know how much they make each month and how much they can afford to pay for their mortgage. The more things cost, the less money is available for a mortgage payment.

November 2021 Housing Market Update on Rising Inflation

 

 

 

 

 

 

What are the national stats telling us?

Existing home sales have come down a little from last year. However, they are still very strong compared to the market pre-Pandemic. Average sales price is still up, above 2017 – 2020 prices. Furthermore, the months supply of inventory is starting to come up a little.

Meet the panel

Panelists for the November 2021 Housing Market Update are Keren Gonen, Green Team New Jersey Realty, Vikki Garby, Green Team New York Realty, and Gian Russo, Northpointe Bank Branch Manager.

The market is softening, according to Keren’s experience. Accordingly, buyers are having more options.  Furthermore, she is seeing overpriced homes no longer selling as they did 6-months ago. Keren’s advice to those thinking about selling? Do it now!

Vikki agrees that we have reached a point where sellers can no longer just slap on a high price and have buyers in a bidding war. Buyers are not throwing crazy offers in desperation to buy a home  Furthermore, some appraisals seem to be pushing back against the pricing.

Rental prices have shot up even more than sales prices. Geoff talked about the importance of owning real estate as a hedge against inflation. Real estate increases in value. Gian explained the process of mortgage origination and how an increase in rates impacts monthly payments. Gian’s advice to buyers is to make sure you stay with a one-on-one lender as well as a one-on-one real estate agent. The market and its changes are complex and buyers will benefit from working with local real estate and mortgage professionals.

For the complete webinar, including the panel discussion, click here:

Housing Market Update November 2021 Panelists

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Housekeeping” Details

November 2021 Housing Market Update "Housekeeping"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Selling a Home November 29, 2021

Why Now Is a Great Time To Sell Your House

As we near the end of the year, more homeowners are realizing the benefits of today’s sellers’ market. Record-breaking home price appreciation, growing equity, low inventory, and competitive mortgage rates are motivating homeowners to make a move that addresses their changing lifestyles.

In fact, recent data from realtor.com shows a larger share of homeowners are planning to list their houses this winter. So, that means more homes are about to hit the market, which will lead to more choices for buyers too.

According to George Ratiu, Manager of Economic Research at realtor.com:

“The pandemic has delayed plans for many Americans, and homeowners looking to move on to the next stage of life are no exception. Recent survey data suggests the majority of prospective sellers are actively preparing to enter the market this winter.

If you’re thinking of waiting until the spring to sell your house, know that your neighbors may be one step ahead of you by selling this winter. If you want to stand out from the crowd, this holiday season is the best time to make sure your house is available for buyers. Here’s why.

Sellers Are Still Firmly in the Driver’s Seat

Historically, a 6-month supply of homes for sale is needed for a normal or neutral market. That level ensures there are enough homes available for active buyers (see graph below):Why Now Is a Great Time To Sell Your House | MyKCMThe latest Existing Home Sales Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows the inventory of houses for sale sits at a 2.4-month supply. This is well below a neutral market.

What Does That Mean for You?

When the supply of homes for sale is as low as it is today, it’s much harder for buyers to find homes to purchase. This drives up competition among buyers, who then submit increasingly competitive offers to win out against others in the home search process. As this happens, prices rise and your leverage as a seller rises too, putting you in the best position to negotiate a contract that meets your ideal terms.

And while the low housing supply we’re facing won’t be solved overnight, sellers this season should move quickly to maximize their potential. As the data shows, with more prospective sellers planning to list their homes this winter, selling sooner rather than later helps your house rise to the top of a holiday buyer’s wish list so you can close the best possible deal.

Bottom Line

Listing your home over the next few weeks gives you the best chance to be in front of buyers competing for homes this holiday season. Let’s connect today to discuss how you can benefit from today’s sellers’ market.

Put an experts eye on your home search! You’ll receive personalized matches of results delivered directly to you. We’ll take into account your goals, criteria, and preferences to find properties that are exactly what you were always dreaming of.
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Maybe with the leverage you currently have, you can negotiate a deal that will allow you to make the move of your dreams.
What’s your home’s value?

Contact one of Our Agents today!

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Buying a homeSelling a Home November 28, 2021

Reasons To Hire a Real Estate Professional

Reasons To Hire a Real Estate Professional [INFOGRAPHIC] | MyKCM

Some Highlights

  • Whether you’re buying or selling, there are many perks that come from working with a real estate advisor.
  • Real estate professionals are experts at navigating all aspects of the buying and selling process, including negotiating on your behalf. We can also explain today’s market and break down what it means for you.
  • Don’t go at it alone. Let’s connect today so you have advice and an expert to count on each step of the way.

Put an experts eye on your home search! You’ll receive personalized matches of results delivered directly to you. We’ll take into account your goals, criteria, and preferences to find properties that are exactly what you were always dreaming of.
Start Here!

Maybe with the leverage you currently have, you can negotiate a deal that will allow you to make the move of your dreams.
What’s your home’s value?

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Agency News and Awards November 17, 2021

Green Team Realty is Climbing in the Rankings

The Little Brokerage That Could

Geoff Green founded Green Team Home Selling System 16 years ago. At that time, the housing market was booming. He created a program to provide the best possible training for his sales associates Understanding the power of technology, he created innovative ways to apply it to his brokerage.  As a result, his agents were provided with innovative tools and services. Green Team provided support from marketing to technology, to training, and full broker support.  Certainly, Green Team Home Selling Systems was doing great.

And then, the housing market crashed, taking 8 years to recover. As a result, many real estate agencies did not survive the Great Recession. However, Green Team Home Selling System not only survived the crash. It came back stronger than ever.

The name has since been changed to Green Team Realty. Today, Green Team, has 100+ agents, with offices in Warwick, NY, and Vernon, NJ.  Green Team Realty’s new rankings reflect Geoff Green’s vision.

What makes Green Team Realty so special?

Green Team is aptly named. It’s about teamwork, even in a business as competitive as real estate. For example, the sales associates are supported by a team of dedicated office and marketing staff. They also receive experienced brokerage support. Furthermore, new agents are encouraged to enter the mentorship program, where they can learn from more experienced real estate professionals. Not only is up-to-date technology provided, training and support are also available. The atmosphere at Green Team is warm and welcoming, and you will find agents supporting each other, Green Team agents are part of our local communities and are involved in volunteering with local organizations and charities.

Green Team Realty’s New Rankings in Orange County, NY and Sussex County, NJ

The systems that Geoff Green created have stood the test of time. With amazing sales agents providing great service to clients, Green Team has risen in the ranks competing with large, franchise-backed offices.

Green Team New York Realty

Green Team New York Building Image

The housing market was strong before the pandemic manifested in lock-down for most New Yorkers. Then, it skyrocketed as people from urban areas sought homes that provided more privacy, and room for work and school in place. Outdoor space also became a priority. Green Team sales associates worked tirelessly to meet the demands of the market. Based on year-to-date sales volume, Green Team New York Realty is 5th out of 587 in the Orange County rankings.

Green Team New Jersey Realty

Green Team New Jersey Realty saw that same dramatic uptick in real estate transactions during the lockdown and beyond. GTNJR is 8th out of 520 in the Sussex County Rankings, based on year-to-date sales volume.

Put an experts eye on your home search! You’ll receive personalized matches of results delivered directly to you. We’ll take into account your goals, criteria, and preferences to find properties that are exactly what you were always dreaming of.
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Contact one of Our Agents today!

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Interested in Joining Green Team Realty? Learn More here!

 

Selling a Home November 16, 2021

Sellers: You’ll Likely Get Multiple Strong Offers This Season

Are you thinking about selling your house right now, but you’re not sure you’ll have the time to do so as the holidays draw near? If so, consider this: even as the holiday season approaches, there are plenty of buyers out there, and they really want your house. Here’s why selling this winter is a win for you.

Today’s buyers are still dealing with a limited number of homes for sale. Thanks to continued low inventory, those buyers are competing with one another for their dream home. And when that happens, if your house is one of the few on the market, it will rise to the top of the pool – and it will be worth it.

According to the latest data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the average seller received 3.7 offers on their house in September. For a view into what’s happening at the state level, take a look at the map below:Sellers: You’ll Likely Get Multiple Strong Offers This Season | MyKCMNationwide, the average seller today is getting nearly four offers. That number is significant because it means you’ll likely have multiple offers to pick from if you sell your house this season. To put things into perspective, no matter where your state falls, remember that you really only need one good offer to close the deal.

Any offer you receive will likely be from a highly motivated buyer who’s doing everything they can to beat the competition. The stakes for buyers are high. They’ve been looking for a house and they want to lock in their dream home before prices and mortgage rates rise further next year. Chances are, they’ll get creative with the terms of their offer, which could include waiving contingencies and offering over the asking price – both of which are great news for you.

If you’re on the fence about when to sell, remember your house is a hot commodity this season. As other sellers take a break for the holidays with plans to re-list their homes in the new year, you can put your house in front of motivated buyers by making your move today. That means your house will be the center of attention, and likely the center of a bidding war too.

Bottom Line

Selling now gives you even more opportunity to win big as buyers compete for your house in today’s market.

Maybe with the leverage you currently have, you can negotiate a deal that will allow you to make the move of your dreams.
What’s your home’s value?

Put an experts eye on your home search! You’ll receive personalized matches of results delivered directly to you. We’ll take into account your goals, criteria, and preferences to find properties that are exactly what you were always dreaming of.
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Housing Market News October 25, 2021

October 2021 Housing Market Update

The October 2021 Housing Market Update was held on October 19 at 12 p.m. If you missed the live webinar or would like to watch it again, it is available below.

Home Price Appreciation

Geoff Green, the host of the event, jumped right into the stats. First, there has been an amazing amount of appreciation taking place in the U.S. housing market.  For example, the year-over-year average appreciation as of July 2021 was +19.2%. Of course, the pandemic has greatly impacted the market. In other words, many people decided to leave metropolitan areas and move to suburban and rural areas. Consequently, the lack of inventory, low mortgage rates, and a robust economy created a “feeding frenzy” of potential buyers.

The map below shows price appreciation by states and regions.Oct 2021 HMU Year-over-year price appreciation map

However, according to Ivy Zelman of Zelman & Associates,

“Closings are set to decline roughly 10% year over year in the 2nd half of 2021 and home price appreciation is on the cusp of flipping to a decelerating trend.”

Geoff stressed that decelerating means a slower amount of appreciation, and not a depreciation of value.

Mortgage rates and the impact on purchasing power

From January of 2020, rates plummeted down and bottomed out at beginning of 2021. They have been rising since. Mortgage rates have now jumped above 3%.  Historically, these rates are still very low.

However, the chart below demonstrates how rising rates can impact your buying power.

Mortgage rate impact on purchasing power

 

More factors discussed

Geoff presented data on factors impacting the economy and the housing market. For instance, the rate of inflation, the high price of food, supply chain issues, oil prices, and more may impact the decision to buy or sell a home.

National Housing Market Stats

Existing home sales are starting to come down after last year’s numbers, but they are coming down softly. Average home sale price is appreciating at a lower rate. The months’ supply of inventory is actually starting to come up, but nowhere near the levels it has been or needs to be to meet demand.

Meet our Panel

Panelists for the October 2021 Housing Market Update are Tiffany Megna, Green Team New York Realty, Keren Gonen, Green Team New Jersey Realty, and Jessica Imparato, Cardinal Financial.

They discussed what they are seeing from their perspective, with “boots on the ground,” Despite stats showing the market softening, they have not seen a decline in their businesses. Jessica discussed how prospective buyers can be impacted by an increase in mortgage rates.

October 2021 Housing Market Update Panelist Contact Information

 

 

 

To see the entire presentation and panel discussion, click here  To sign up for Housing Market Updates, click here.

“Housekeeping” Details

Announcement of Nov 2021 Housing Market Update

 

Buying a homeMortgage and Home LoansSelling a Home October 22, 2021

Your Home Equity Is Growing

Your Home Equity Is Growing [INFOGRAPHIC] | MyKCM

Some Highlights

  • If you’re a homeowner, today’s rising equity is great news. On average, homeowners have gained $51,500 in equity since this time last year.
  • Whether it’s funding an education, fueling your next move, or starting a business, your home equity is a great tool you can use to power your dreams.
  • Ready to sell? Let’s connect to talk about how you can take advantage of your rising equity to reach your goals.

Put an experts eye on your home search! You’ll receive personalized matches of results delivered directly to you. We’ll take into account your goals, criteria, and preferences to find properties that are exactly what you were always dreaming of.
Start Here!

Maybe with the leverage you currently have, you can negotiate a deal that will allow you to make the move of your dreams.
What’s your home’s value?

Contact one of Our Agents today!

See out Complete Inventory of Available Properties!