Thursday, August 31, 2023

Georgia’s Early Q3 Housing Market Snapshot

Home sales in Atlanta ↓14.9% MoM, amounting to 4,896 properties sold.
Sales volume measured at $2.37B, ↓ 17.4% MoM.



Original post here: Georgia’s Early Q3 Housing Market Snapshot

Wednesday, August 30, 2023

Tuesday, August 29, 2023

What’s Going To Happen With Mortgage Rates? Going Up Or Down?

Check out our latest video – What’s Going To Happen With Mortgage Rates:

 

 

So you’ve undoubtedly seen some news concerning inflation and mortgage rates, as well as something about a Federal Reserve (the Fed) decision. You may be wondering what it all means for you, especially if you’re considering purchasing a home. Allow me to break it down for you.

The Housing Market and Inflation

The Fed is working really hard to reduce inflation. Even if the most recent figures show modest improvement, the inflation rate remains above the 2% target. One of the reasons the Fed chose to raise the Federal Rate again was because of this. According to Bankrate, the Fed has hiked interest rates for the tenth time in ten meetings to combat inflation and cool the economy, which has been growing since rebounding from the 2020 coronavirus recession.

The Fed’s activities do not directly affect mortgage rates, but they do have an impact. Their actions last year contributed to a purposeful downturn in the residential real estate market.

What Impact Does Rates And Inflation Have on You?

Everyday expenses, such as gas and groceries, are becoming more expensive as a result of high inflation. You’ve probably already observed this, especially at the Grocery store!! The Fed is attempting to reduce inflation by hiking the Federal Funds Rate. If they are successful, it may result in lower mortgage rates, making house ownership more accessible for you. This is because when inflation is high, so are mortgage rates. Experts predict that if inflation slows, mortgage rates will follow suit.

The problem is that Biden’s Administration has gone after America’s fossil fuel production. Here at Complete Realty Team we are all for having a cleaner planet, but it will take time to do so. We can’t stop our dependence on fossil fuels overnight. It takes energy to produce everything from the clothes on your back to the food on your table!

What Do Experts Expect to Happen Next?

Inflation and mortgage rates will continue to have an impact on the housing market in the future. According to Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), mortgage rates will likely fall later this year as consumer price inflation moderates. Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) Chief Economist Mike Fratantoni concurs, predicting that mortgage rates will fall this year as the economy slows.

Nobody knows what will happen to mortgage rates, but analysts believe they will fall this year if inflation falls as well. Connect with a reputable real estate advisor if you want to stay informed. They are aware of what is going on and can assist you in understanding what the experts are predicting and how it may affect your plans to purchase a home.

Summing It Up

Don’t be perplexed by the recent Federal Reserve decision. What happens to mortgage rates is determined by the rate of inflation. Mortgage rates will fall if inflation cools off, but will go up if inflation continues.

Our take – rates are probably going to go up with the Fed already hinting at raising rates at least one more time this year. The last stat we saw is that inflation was at 3.2% with their target being 2%. 

If you have questions, want to know your home’s value or to buy or sell a house, just visit Complete Realty Team or give us a call at (404) 410-6465. You can also go here to get more real estate news VIDEOS.

 



Original post here: What’s Going To Happen With Mortgage Rates? Going Up Or Down?

Monday, August 28, 2023

The Next Thing The News Will Get Wrong And Mislead About Home Prices

 
 

The media likes to distort info to get clicks and watch time. Don't fall for their next set of headlines about home prices!

Get more Real Estate News Here

First-Time Home Buyers Priorities

Plan your finances and consult an advisor before house hunting to set a budget within 30-35% of your income.
Define must-have features based on lifestyle and plans to streamline the home-searching process after budgeting.Mortgage pre-approval helps serious buyers determine affordability, compare lenders, and gain a competitive edge.



Original post here: First-Time Home Buyers Priorities

Sunday, August 27, 2023

How inventory inches up with higher interest rates

Mortgage rates have been steadily increasing for the past six weeks, causing a slight dip in home purchases and an increase in the available inventory of homes for sale. The economy is strong and the Federal Reserve is expected to keep rates high for longer, further increasing monthly payments and making home buying less affordable. Inventory is expected to peak at the end of August, with 20% fewer homes on the market than in 2022.



Original post here: How inventory inches up with higher interest rates

Saturday, August 26, 2023

If You Can Afford Mortgage Payments, Does That Mean You Can Afford to Own a Home?

This article discusses the financial obligations of both homeowners and renters, and how to determine if you can afford to buy a house. Homeowners have to pay more than just their monthly mortgage payments, such as taxes, insurance, and repairs. On the other hand, renters usually only need to pay their monthly rent and a deposit when they move in, along with optional pet or cleaning deposits. It is important to consider all of the costs before deciding to become a homeowner.



Original post here: If You Can Afford Mortgage Payments, Does That Mean You Can Afford to Own a Home?

Thursday, August 24, 2023

How Much Does It Cost to Buy a Home in Middle Georgia?

Avg home price/sq-ft in Middle Georgia increased to $123 from $118, reflecting recent growth.
A 2,058 sq-ft home on Ashford Chase Court sold for $255K, indicating market activity.
Figures based on sales from July provide current trend insight.
Recent data suggests ongoing price fluctuations in Middle Georgia's housing market.



Original post here: How Much Does It Cost to Buy a Home in Middle Georgia?

Wednesday, August 23, 2023

Hidden Costs of Homeownership and Utilities

Homeowners pay $14,144 yearly, or $1,180 MoM, for bills, taxes, insurance, and maintenance on top of their mortgage.
Nationally, property taxes, homeowners insurance, and utility payments avg $7,742.



Original post here: Hidden Costs of Homeownership and Utilities

Monday, August 21, 2023

Build Your Dream Home in Georgia

Georgia's buyers can save $30K by building instead of buying a home.
The estimated cost to build a home in Georgia is $365K.
The median home price in Georgia is $395K.



Original post here: Build Your Dream Home in Georgia

Sunday, August 20, 2023

How much house can I afford if I make $100000 a year?

Despite earning a salary of $100,000, which is higher than the national median household income, 49% of people still find it difficult to buy a home. The 28/36 rule suggests spending no more than 28% of your income on housing expenses and no more than 36% on total debt payments. This means that on a salary of $100,000, the mortgage payment should be no more than $2,333 and other debts should be no more than $667 per month. Other variables such as savings, homeowners insurance and property taxes also need to be taken into account. A 20% down payment on a $400



Original post here: How much house can I afford if I make $100000 a year?

Friday, August 18, 2023

4 great reasons to buy a home today

Today's market is tough for many prospective homebuyers, with mortgage rates on average around 6-7%, and a shortage of homes for sale pushing up prices. However, for some buyers, now can still be a great time to buy. Plus, you can start building equity in your home and plan to refinance in the future.



Original post here: 4 great reasons to buy a home today

Thursday, August 17, 2023

Importance of Mortgage Brokers in the Current Market Climate

Rising interest rates and economic uncertainty have created challenges for borrowers.
Mortgage brokers and agents play a crucial role in guiding clients through these challenges and providing financial advice.
It is essential for mortgage professionals to prioritize building relationships and offering advice rather than focusing solely on transactions.



Original post here: Importance of Mortgage Brokers in the Current Market Climate

Wednesday, August 16, 2023

Tips for Deciding Whether to Remodel Your Home or Move

When deciding whether to move or remodel a home, many factors should be considered, such as the cost of materials, the cost of hiring a contractor, the need for specific features, and the location of the home. Researching home prices and neighborhoods in the area can help determine if it is better to move or remodel.



Original post here: Tips for Deciding Whether to Remodel Your Home or Move

Office Market Unlikely to Bounce Back Before 2040

A new analysis suggests that office buildings won't recover from pandemic-related value reductions until around 2040.
The prolonged recovery is attributed to the shift of people away from city centers and the adoption of remote work practices.



Original post here: Office Market Unlikely to Bounce Back Before 2040

Monday, August 14, 2023

Baby Boomers’ Costly Mortgage Mistake

Baby boomers often fail to negotiate their mortgage rates, missing out on potential savings.
Negotiating a lower interest rate can save thousands of dollars over the life of the loan.
Strategies for negotiating a lower rate include shopping around, improving credit scores, and paying down debt.



Original post here: Baby Boomers’ Costly Mortgage Mistake

Friday, August 11, 2023

Tips For Choosing the Best Cash Home Buyers

This article provides tips for finding and working with cash home buyers as an alternative to the traditional process of selling a house. It suggests researching potential buyers, getting multiple offers, and looking for flexibility and convenience when choosing a buyer. It also advises seeking advice from a realtor or property attorney to ensure a fair and competitive offer.



Original post here: Tips For Choosing the Best Cash Home Buyers

Thursday, August 10, 2023

It Takes Georgians ~10 Years to Save for a Home

Georgians would need 9.4-yr to save up for a 10% down payment on the typical home.
This would require saving 5% of the median household income every month.
To achieve a 20% down payment, homebuyers would need to save 10% of the median household income in the same time frame.



Original post here: It Takes Georgians ~10 Years to Save for a Home

Wednesday, August 9, 2023

A Look on Early-Q3 Prices Around Georgia

In July 2023, the avg price of a house in Georgia was $320K, ↑ 1.3% yearly.
In the Atlanta metro area, the avg home price was higher than the state avg, with $377K.



Original post here: A Look on Early-Q3 Prices Around Georgia

Monday, August 7, 2023

Converting Downtown Office Into Multifamily Residential

The shift to hybrid or remote work has led to a 50% vacancy rate in downtown office buildings in the US.
Converting vacant office towers into residential spaces is seen as a solution to the housing shortage.
However, demolishing existing office towers and building residential multifamily properties from scratch is more cost-effective.



Original post here: Converting Downtown Office Into Multifamily Residential

Sunday, August 6, 2023

Here’s What Happens When You Have $0 for a Home Down Payment

In response to the Bank of England raising interest rates at their fastest pace since gaining independence, many households with mortgages have seen their monthly repayments increase by 50%, from £600 to £900 overnight. This has put many households at risk of becoming cash-flow insolvent, and government schemes are in place to adjust repayments and provide liquidity. Looking to the future, wages will likely rise with inflation, and the value of mortgage debt will fall in real terms.



Original post here: Here’s What Happens When You Have $0 for a Home Down Payment

Friday, August 4, 2023

Essential Homeowners Insurance for Mortgage Protection

Homeowners insurance is essential for mortgage loans and protects against property damage and liability.
Premium rates can increase over time, and understanding the reasons behind the rise is crucial.



Original post here: Essential Homeowners Insurance for Mortgage Protection

Thursday, August 3, 2023

Housing Market Challenges in 2023

Affordability and availability of homes are now scarce commodities.

Spring 2023 saw a mere 400K homes on the market, a sharp ↓ from 1M in 2019.

Also high rents and housing prices make saving for a down payment tough.



Original post here: Housing Market Challenges in 2023

Tuesday, August 1, 2023

Eco-Friendly, Energy-Efficient Homes Attract Buyers

If you are planning to sell your house, it is important to keep in mind that buyers today value energy efficiency and eco-friendly features. The 2023 Realtors and Sustainability Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows that 48% of agents or brokers have noticed consumers are interested in sustainability. To make your house more appealing, consider upgrading it with features such as energy efficient windows and doors, a comfortable living space, and a programmable thermostat. Installing a heat pump water heater and proper attic insulation can also help reduce energy consumption and appeal to environmentally conscious buyers.



Original post here: Eco-Friendly, Energy-Efficient Homes Attract Buyers

Georgia Fights Property Tax Surge: Capping vs. Exempting

Home values in Georgia have surged, leading property taxes to ↑ 41% since 2018. Lawmakers are proposing solutions: 1. Senate: – Cap an...