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Control the Controllables if you are Worried about Mortgage Rates

Wednesday, November 27, 2024
by Liz Warren

Control the Controllables If You’re Worried About Mortgage Rates



 

Chances are you’re hearing a lot about mortgage rates right now, and all you really want to hear is that they’re coming back down. And if you’ve seen headlines about the early November Federal Funds Rate cut by the Federal Reserve (The Fed), maybe you got hopeful mortgage rates would start to decline right away. Although some media sources may lead you to believe that the Fed’s actions determine mortgage rates, in reality, they don’t. 

The truth is, the Fed, the job market, inflation, geopolitical changes, and a whole list of other economic factors influence mortgage rates, too. So, while recent actions from the Fed set the stage for mortgage rates to come down over time — it's going to be a gradual and, likely bumpy, process.

Here’s the best advice anyone can give you right now. While you may be tempted to wait for rates to fall, it’s really hard to try and time the market — there’s just too much that can have an impact. Instead, set yourself up for homebuying success by focusing on the factors you can control. Here’s what to prioritize if you’re looking to put your best foot forward.

Your Credit Score

Credit scores can play a big role in your mortgage rate. And the difference of just a few points can make a significant impact on your monthly payment. As an article from Bankrate explains:

“Your credit score is one of the most important factors lenders consider when you apply for a mortgage. Not just to qualify for the loan itself, but for the conditions: Typically, the higher your score, the lower the interest rates and better terms you’ll qualify for.”

With rates where they are today, maintaining a good credit score is one of the keys to getting the best rate possible. To find out where your credit score stands and what you can do to give it a boost, reach out to a trusted loan officer.

Your Loan Type

There are many types of loans, and each one offers different terms for qualified buyers. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) says:

“There are several broad categories of mortgage loans, such as conventional, FHA, USDA, and VA loans. Lenders decide which products to offer, and loan types have different eligibility requirements. Rates can be significantly different depending on what loan type you choose. Talking to multiple lenders can help you better understand all of the options available to you.”

Work with your team of real estate professionals to see which loan types you may qualify for and figure out what will work best for you financially.

Your Loan Term

Just like with loan types, you have options when it comes to terms, or the length of your loan. As Freddie Mac says:

“When choosing the right home loan for you, it’s important to consider the loan term, which is the length of time it will take you to repay your loan before you fully own your home. Your loan term will affect your interest rate, monthly payment, and the total amount of interest you will pay over the life of the loan.”

Lenders typically offer mortgages in 15, 20, and 30-year terms. And which term you go with has a direct impact on your rate. Talk to your lender about which one is right for your situation. 

Bottom Line

Remember, you can’t control what happens in the broader economy or when mortgage rates will come down. But there are actions you can take that could help you set yourself up for success.

Let’s connect to go over what you can now do that’ll make a difference when you’re ready to make your move.

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Homeowner Equity on Mt. Hood

Monday, November 25, 2024
by Liz Warren

Homeowner Equity on Mt. Hood

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How to Get Your Mt. Hood Home Ready to Sell in 2025

Friday, November 22, 2024
by Liz Warren

         

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Slash Burning in the Mt. Hood National Forest

Thursday, October 31, 2024
by Liz Warren

Mt. Hood National Forest

Forest Service News Release

 

Pile burning begins on Mt. Hood National Forest

 

The arrival of cooler weather has allowed firefighters to begin burning piles of slash on Mt. Hood National Forest. Pile burning operations will continue over the next several weeks as conditions allow. 

 

Woody debris, also known as slash, is created from post-fire restoration, fuels management, and vegetation projects. The slash is placed in piles and left to cure for about a year before burning during the wet season to reduce the fire footprint. Allowing time for the vegetative material to dry out means piles burn more efficiently and produce less smoke. Removing these large accumulations of hazardous fuels during the fall and winter months is part of an ongoing effort to reduce wildfire risk.

 

All prescribed burns are carefully and methodically thought out. Fire personnel consider many factors before burning, including temperature, moisture levels, wind speed and direction, and relative humidity. Before implementing a burn, weather is assessed, a test fire is lit, and its behavior is monitored to determine whether conditions are safe to continue and will meet burn objectives.

 

Firefighters plan to ignite slash piles along the following roads, focusing first on higher elevations:

 

East Zone

  • Forest Roads 16/1610/1630/1640
  • Forest Roads 17/1720/1721/1722
  • Forest Roads 27/2710
  • Forest Roads 44/4430/4431
  • Forest Roads 48/4810/4811/4820/4885 

 

West Zone

  • Forest Road 4220
  • Forest Roads 45/4545
  • Forest Roads 46/4630/4640/4660/4661
  • Forest Road 57
  • Forest Roads 58/5810
  • Forest Roads 63/6330/6340
  • Forest Roads 70/7010

 

Smoke may be visible in the vicinity during ignition operations and for a short time afterward. Fire personnel follow policies outlined in the Oregon Department of Forestry smoke management plan. These guidelines help minimize smoke impacts to visibility and public health.

 

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

 

Pile burning on Mt. Hood National Forest, 2019.
 
Mt. Hood National Forest
 
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Mt. Hood National Forest | 16400 Champion Way | Sandy, OR 97055 US
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Debunking Scary Myths About Buying A Home on Mt. Hood

Wednesday, October 30, 2024
by Liz Warren

          

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Why Your Mt. Hood House Will Shine in Today's Market

Monday, October 28, 2024
by Liz Warren

Why Your House Will Shine in Today’s Market



 

Even though there are more homes available for sale than there were at this time last year, there are still more buyers than there are houses to choose from. So, know that if you’ve got moving on your mind, your house can really stand out.

There are several key reasons why there aren’t enough homes to go around and understanding them will help you see why the market is working in your favor if you’re ready to make a move.

What’s Causing the Shortage?

1. Underproduction of Homes: For years, the industry hasn’t built enough homes to keep up with demand. As Zillow explains:

“In 2022, 1.4 million homes were built — at the time, the best year for home construction since the early stages of the Great Recession. However, the number of U.S. families increased by 1.8 million that year, meaning the country did not even build enough to make a place for the new families, let alone begin chipping away at the deficit that has hampered housing affordability for more than a decade.”

2. Rising Costs: Building materials, labor shortages, and supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic have all made it harder and more expensive to build homes. This can either limit or stop new home construction in some areas.

3. Regional Imbalances: Some markets are more affected by the shortage of homes than others. Popular and more desirable areas have more people moving in faster than new homes can be built. The number of new building permits issued doesn’t always keep pace with job growth in these regions, and that leads to even tighter markets and higher prices.

How Big Is the Problem?

According to estimates from Real Estate News, the U.S. is facing a housing shortfall of roughly 3.3 million homes, based on an average of several expert insights (see graph below):

a graph of blue squaresThis shows there’s a significant number of homes that need to be built just to meet current demand from buyers. But what about future demand?

According to John Burns Research and Consulting (JBREC), over the next 10 years, the U.S. will need about 18 million new homes to meet projected demand, including homes for new households, second homes, and replacements for aging or unusable homes.

So, even though more homes are on the market compared to last year, there still aren’t enough of them to go around. This is where you can really win if you’re ready to sell your house.

What You Need To Remember

If you’re thinking about selling, the shortage of homes for sale means your house is likely to get some serious attention from buyers. It’ll take years to climb out of this inventory deficit, and the market is still very tight. So, when buyers are competing for relatively few homes like they are right now, that creates more interest in the houses that are on the market, putting upward pressure on prices and ultimately working in your favor.

And since every market is different, it’s important to work with a real estate agent who understands local trends. They can help you price your house right and create a strategy to attract the right buyers.

Bottom Line

While there are more homes for sale than there were at this time last year, there’s still a shortage overall. And this puts you in the driver’s seat as a seller. Let’s connect so you have someone who can help you take advantage of today’s market.

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Affordability is Increasing on Mt. Hood

Thursday, October 10, 2024
by Liz Warren

      

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Sale Stats for Mt. Hood Area September 2024

Thursday, October 10, 2024
by Liz Warren

Mt. Hood Sales Statistics for Mt. Hood September 2024

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How Much Does it Cost to Sell My House on Mt. Hood?

Thursday, October 10, 2024
by Liz Warren

How Much Does It Cost To Sell My House on Mt. Hood?



 

If you’re toying with the idea of selling your house, you’re probably wondering how much it’ll cost. To be honest, the final number will depend on several factors like the offer you accept, if you help with your buyer’s closing costs, how many repairs you tackle, and more.

So, to give you a ballpark of what to expect, here’s some information on a few of the expenses you’ll want to be ready for (see graph below):

a graph of cost and costsBut here’s something that puts those costs into perspective. Most homeowners today have a substantial amount of equity built up in their homes, and that means they stand to make significant gains when they sell. Chances are, you do too. This can help quickly recoup these selling costs. You may even have enough equity leftover to put some toward your next home purchase too.

Let’s dive into a few of the costs from the graph above, so you have a bit more context on what they include and where you may be able to save some money, when it makes sense.

Closing Costs and Commission

These are the fees you’ll pay at the closing table to cover various aspects of the sale. You’ll have your own closing costs and you may even offer to pay some of the buyer’s as a concession. As U.S. News Real Estate explains:

“Closing costs are fees that are paid to finalize the transaction and transfer ownership of the home to the buyer . . . Sellers can expect to pay 2% to 4% of the sale price of the home in fees and taxes on top of the agent commission. Based on the national median home sale price, this means that closing costs in 2023 for sellers are about $7,740 to $15,480. . .”

Taxes are going to vary by state and agent commissions depend on what you agree upon upfront. And keep in mind, that the numbers in the chart above are just an example, not exact figures. Not to mention, if you put money toward things like your property taxes, mortgage escrow, etc. as part of your current mortgage payments – there's a chance you’ll get a credit back at closing that can help offset some of these selling expenses.

Pre-Listing Inspection and Repairs

One optional step some sellers take is having a pre-listing inspection. It gives you an idea of what may pop up later on in the buyer’s inspection – because those are the items a buyer may ask you to toss in a credit (or concession) to cover later on.

This allows you to get a jump on any repairs and tackle them before you list, so your house is set up to impress from the start.

Again, if you want to skip this step, an agent can help. They’ll be able to give you advice on things like paint colors, small cosmetic repairs, what buyers are looking for, and whether it’s worth tackling anything else ahead of time. This will help make sure you’re spending money on things that are most likely to net you a solid return on your investment.

Home Staging

As inventory grows, you may want to take a few extra steps to make sure your house stands out. Staging is an optional way to make sure your house shows well. It can include bringing in rental furniture if the house is vacant or art to warm up the walls. Some staging can even be done virtually once the photos are taken. But, in general, how much does it cost? According to Bankrate:

“Home sellers typically pay somewhere between $782 and $2,817 in home staging costs . . . but the price tag can vary widely.”

If you want to skip this step, you could opt to lean on your agent’s advice for what looks good and what may feel cluttered. A great agent will suggest things like removing a chair to open up the flow of a room, laying down a rug to add warmth to a space, or taking down photographs to de-personalize strategic areas.

Why Leaning on an Agent Is Key

If you’re looking to cut down on your costs, you have options. But be careful of where you trim. You may be able to skip staging or a pre-listing inspection since those are optional, but you don’t want to skimp and sell without a pro.

An agent is your go-to expert throughout the transaction. They’ll offer customized advice every step of the way, including how to stage the house and what repairs to tackle. This can help you avoid hiring an outside stager or having to pay for a pre-listing inspection.

But that’s not the only way your agent adds value. They’ll also create tailored marketing and pricing strategies that’ll highlight the house’s best assets and any work you did to get the home show ready. And that can actually help your house sell for more in the long run.

Bottom Line

Want a better picture of what you should expect when you sell your house? Let’s have a conversation and walk through it together.

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Get Ready to Sell Your Mt. Hood Property

Tuesday, September 17, 2024
by Liz Warren

            

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Displaying blog entries 91-100 of 778

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