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Showing posts from February, 2021

It’s a Sellers’ Market [INFOGRAPHIC]

FYI: Some Highlights * Over the past year, homeowners have gained an unprecedented opportunity to sell with great success while buyer demand is soaring. * With homes selling twice as fast as they did last year at this time, getting multiple offers, and rising in price, homeowners are in the driver’s seat. * Let’s connect today if you’re ready to learn about the leverage you have as a seller in today’s housing market. http://dlvr.it/RthhMW

Are There Going to Be More Homes to Buy This Year?

FYI: If you’re looking for a home to purchase right now and having trouble finding one, you’re not alone. At a time like this when there are so few houses for sale, it’s normal to wonder if you’ll actually find one to buy. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), across the country, inventory of […] http://dlvr.it/Rtdv1c

It’s a Sellers’ Market [INFOGRAPHIC]

ICYMI: Some Highlights * Over the past year, homeowners have gained an unprecedented opportunity to sell with great success while buyer demand is soaring. * With homes selling twice as fast as they did last year at this time, getting multiple offers, and rising in price, homeowners are in the driver’s seat. * Let’s connect today if you’re ready to learn about the leverage you have as a seller in today’s housing market. http://dlvr.it/Rtd5YQ

How Much Leverage Do Today’s House Sellers Have?

FYI: The housing market has been scorching hot over the last twelve months. Buyers and their high demand have far outnumbered sellers and a short supply of houses. According to the latest Existing Home Sales Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), sales are up 23.7% from the same time last year while the inventory […] http://dlvr.it/RtZzc4

Are There Going to Be More Homes to Buy This Year?

ICYMI: If you’re looking for a home to purchase right now and having trouble finding one, you’re not alone. At a time like this when there are so few houses for sale, it’s normal to wonder if you’ll actually find one to buy. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), across the country, inventory of […] http://dlvr.it/RtYyxL

It’s a Sellers’ Market [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights * Over the past year, homeowners have gained an unprecedented opportunity to sell with great success while buyer demand is soaring. * With homes selling twice as fast as they did last year at this time, getting multiple offers, and rising in price, homeowners are in the driver’s seat. * Let’s connect today if you’re ready to learn about the leverage you have as a seller in today’s housing market. http://dlvr.it/RtXLM7

The Reason Mortgage Rates Are Projected to Increase and What It Means for You

FYI: We’re currently experiencing historically low mortgage rates. Over the last fifty years, the average on a Freddie Mac 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has been 7.76%. Today, that rate is 2.81%. Flocks of homebuyers have been taking advantage of these remarkably low rates over the last twelve months. However, there’s no guarantee rates will remain this low […] http://dlvr.it/RtW7kC

How Much Leverage Do Today’s House Sellers Have?

ICYMI: The housing market has been scorching hot over the last twelve months. Buyers and their high demand have far outnumbered sellers and a short supply of houses. According to the latest Existing Home Sales Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), sales are up 23.7% from the same time last year while the inventory […] http://dlvr.it/RtTzvH

Are There Going to Be More Homes to Buy This Year?

If you’re looking for a home to purchase right now and having trouble finding one, you’re not alone. At a time like this when there are so few houses for sale, it’s normal to wonder if you’ll actually find one to buy. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), across the country, inventory of […] http://dlvr.it/RtSGft

Where Have All the Houses Gone?

FYI: In today’s housing market, it seems harder than ever to find a home to buy. Before the health crisis hit us a year ago, there was already a shortage of homes for sale. When many homeowners delayed their plans to sell at the same time that more buyers aimed to take advantage of record-low mortgage […] http://dlvr.it/RtR3rM

The Reason Mortgage Rates Are Projected to Increase and What It Means for You

ICYMI: We’re currently experiencing historically low mortgage rates. Over the last fifty years, the average on a Freddie Mac 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has been 7.76%. Today, that rate is 2.81%. Flocks of homebuyers have been taking advantage of these remarkably low rates over the last twelve months. However, there’s no guarantee rates will remain this low […] http://dlvr.it/RtPwwm

How Much Leverage Do Today’s House Sellers Have?

The housing market has been scorching hot over the last twelve months. Buyers and their high demand have far outnumbered sellers and a short supply of houses. According to the latest Existing Home Sales Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), sales are up 23.7% from the same time last year while the inventory […] http://dlvr.it/RtNCYj

Where Have All the Houses Gone?

ICYMI: In today’s housing market, it seems harder than ever to find a home to buy. Before the health crisis hit us a year ago, there was already a shortage of homes for sale. When many homeowners delayed their plans to sell at the same time that more buyers aimed to take advantage of record-low mortgage […] http://dlvr.it/RtKqP7

Transferring Property Prior to Death

Sometimes, as people approach the inevitable, they start trying to get their things "in order".   They may even have a will, but they decide to transfer title to real estate prior to their death which could be an unnecessary expense for the would-be heir. Generally, when property is passed through direction of a will, the heir will receive a stepped-up basis which means that the fair market value of the property at the time of death becomes the cost basis for the heir.   If the property were sold for that fair market value, there would be no gain and no capital gains tax due. However, if the property is gifted prior to death of the donor, along with the title to the property comes the cost basis of the property.   The transfer of title does not trigger the capital gains tax but when the property is sold, the gain is calculated by subtracting the basis from the sales price leaving a capital gain subject to tax.   In other words, the person receiving the gift does not get t

The Reason Mortgage Rates Are Projected to Increase and What It Means for You

We’re currently experiencing historically low mortgage rates. Over the last fifty years, the average on a Freddie Mac 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has been 7.76%. Today, that rate is 2.81%. Flocks of homebuyers have been taking advantage of these remarkably low rates over the last twelve months. However, there’s no guarantee rates will remain this low […] http://dlvr.it/RtJ67D

Where Have All the Houses Gone?

In today’s housing market, it seems harder than ever to find a home to buy. Before the health crisis hit us a year ago, there was already a shortage of homes for sale. When many homeowners delayed their plans to sell at the same time that more buyers aimed to take advantage of record-low mortgage […] http://dlvr.it/RtD4TG

Home Mortgage Rates by Decade [INFOGRAPHIC]

FYI: Some Highlights * Mortgage interest rates have dropped considerably over the past year, and compared to what we’ve seen in recent decades, it’s a great time to buy a home. * Locking in a low rate today could save you thousands of dollars over the lifetime of your home loan, but these low rates may not last forever. * If you’re in a position to buy a home, let’s connect to determine your best move in today’s housing market while interest rates are still in your favor. http://dlvr.it/RtBwSM

Will Low Mortgage Rates Continue through 2021?

FYI: With mortgage interest rates hitting record lows so many times recently, some are wondering if we’ll see low rates continue throughout 2021, or if they’ll start to rise. Recently, Freddie Mac released their quarterly forecast, noting: “The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage hit a record low over a dozen times in 2020 and the low interest […] http://dlvr.it/Rt85y3

Sold Property Median Price for: Location: Ozone Park

I take the time to listen carefully to understand my client’s needs, wants and concerns. I will be ready to take quick action when required and spend more time with those who are not quite sure which direction to take. My genuine concern for my client’s best interests and happiness ensures the job is done! visit www.costrealestate.com Sold Property Median Price for: Location: Ozone Park

Home Mortgage Rates by Decade [INFOGRAPHIC]

ICYMI: Some Highlights * Mortgage interest rates have dropped considerably over the past year, and compared to what we’ve seen in recent decades, it’s a great time to buy a home. * Locking in a low rate today could save you thousands of dollars over the lifetime of your home loan, but these low rates may not last forever. * If you’re in a position to buy a home, let’s connect to determine your best move in today’s housing market while interest rates are still in your favor. http://dlvr.it/Rt7JCX

3 Ways Home Equity Can Have a Major Impact on Your Life

FYI: There have been a lot of headlines reporting on how homeowner equity (the difference between the current market value of your home and the amount you owe on your mortgage) has dramatically increased over the past few years. CoreLogic indicated that equity increased for the average homeowner by $17,000 in the last year alone. ATTOM […] http://dlvr.it/Rt5Cqp

Will Low Mortgage Rates Continue through 2021?

ICYMI: With mortgage interest rates hitting record lows so many times recently, some are wondering if we’ll see low rates continue throughout 2021, or if they’ll start to rise. Recently, Freddie Mac released their quarterly forecast, noting: “The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage hit a record low over a dozen times in 2020 and the low interest […] http://dlvr.it/Rt4BzR

Home Mortgage Rates by Decade [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights * Mortgage interest rates have dropped considerably over the past year, and compared to what we’ve seen in recent decades, it’s a great time to buy a home. * Locking in a low rate today could save you thousands of dollars over the lifetime of your home loan, but these low rates may not last forever. * If you’re in a position to buy a home, let’s connect to determine your best move in today’s housing market while interest rates are still in your favor. http://dlvr.it/Rt2Z5D

Millennials: Is It Time to Buy a Bigger Home?

FYI: In today’s housing market, all eyes are on millennials. Not only are millennials the largest generation, but they’re also currently between 25 and 40 years old. These are often considered prime homebuying years when many people begin to form their own households and invest in real estate. If you’re like many millennials who are spending […] http://dlvr.it/Rt1NwG

3 Ways Home Equity Can Have a Major Impact on Your Life

ICYMI: There have been a lot of headlines reporting on how homeowner equity (the difference between the current market value of your home and the amount you owe on your mortgage) has dramatically increased over the past few years. CoreLogic indicated that equity increased for the average homeowner by $17,000 in the last year alone. ATTOM […] http://dlvr.it/Rt0Jjw

Will Low Mortgage Rates Continue through 2021?

With mortgage interest rates hitting record lows so many times recently, some are wondering if we’ll see low rates continue throughout 2021, or if they’ll start to rise. Recently, Freddie Mac released their quarterly forecast, noting: “The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage hit a record low over a dozen times in 2020 and the low interest […] http://dlvr.it/Rsyd8s

3 Ways You’ll Win When You Buy a Home This Year

FYI: There are so many great reasons to purchase a home, and over the past year, we’ve realized more of them than we ever thought possible. If you’re a first-time homebuyer, having a home of your own can give you a greater sense of security and accomplishment in a time that’s largely uncertain. If you’re a […] http://dlvr.it/RsxQ1X

Millennials: Is It Time to Buy a Bigger Home?

ICYMI: In today’s housing market, all eyes are on millennials. Not only are millennials the largest generation, but they’re also currently between 25 and 40 years old. These are often considered prime homebuying years when many people begin to form their own households and invest in real estate. If you’re like many millennials who are spending […] http://dlvr.it/RswHTy

3 Ways Home Equity Can Have a Major Impact on Your Life

There have been a lot of headlines reporting on how homeowner equity (the difference between the current market value of your home and the amount you owe on your mortgage) has dramatically increased over the past few years. CoreLogic indicated that equity increased for the average homeowner by $17,000 in the last year alone. ATTOM […] http://dlvr.it/RstcSb

3 Ways You’ll Win When You Buy a Home This Year

ICYMI: There are so many great reasons to purchase a home, and over the past year, we’ve realized more of them than we ever thought possible. If you’re a first-time homebuyer, having a home of your own can give you a greater sense of security and accomplishment in a time that’s largely uncertain. If you’re a […] http://dlvr.it/RsrLHB

Is It Time to Cancel the Mortgage Insurance?

Mortgage insurance benefits the lender if a borrower with less than a 20% down payment defaults on their loan.   Most conventional mortgages greater than 80% and all FHA loans require the borrower to have this coverage. Private mortgage insurance on conventional loans can range from 0.5% to 2.25% based on the loan-to-value and the credit worthiness of the borrower.   A $350,000 mortgage would have a monthly mortgage insurance premium of $146 a month at the low-end of the scale and over $600 on the high-end. You may request that your mortgage servicer cancel the PMI when the principal balance reaches 80% of the original value at the time the loan was made.   You should have received a PMI disclosure form when you signed the mortgage documents stating the date.   If you have made additional principal contributions, it will accelerate the date. Other criteria considered to cancel the PMI on your loan is: The request must be in writing. You must be current on your payme

Millennials: Is It Time to Buy a Bigger Home?

In today’s housing market, all eyes are on millennials. Not only are millennials the largest generation, but they’re also currently between 25 and 40 years old. These are often considered prime homebuying years when many people begin to form their own households and invest in real estate. If you’re like many millennials who are spending […] http://dlvr.it/RspgMF

3 Ways You’ll Win When You Buy a Home This Year

There are so many great reasons to purchase a home, and over the past year, we’ve realized more of them than we ever thought possible. If you’re a first-time homebuyer, having a home of your own can give you a greater sense of security and accomplishment in a time that’s largely uncertain. If you’re a […] http://dlvr.it/Rskvdd

Why It’s Easy to Fall in Love with Homeownership [INFOGRAPHIC]

FYI: Some Highlights * Homeownership provides comfort, stability, and security, and it makes you feel more connected to your community. * Your home is something to be proud of and is uniquely yours, so you can customize it to your heart’s desire. * If you’re ready to fall in love with a home of your own, let’s connect to get you started on the path to homeownership. http://dlvr.it/Rsjm1v

47% of New Buyers Surprised by How Affordable Homes Are Today

FYI: Headlines matter. Right now, it’s hard to read about real estate without seeing a headline that suggests homes have become unaffordable for most Americans. In reality, there’s hard evidence that shows how owning a home is more affordable than renting in most parts of the country, as record-low interest rates are keeping monthly mortgage payments […] http://dlvr.it/RsfzhH

Why It’s Easy to Fall in Love with Homeownership [INFOGRAPHIC]

ICYMI: Some Highlights * Homeownership provides comfort, stability, and security, and it makes you feel more connected to your community. * Your home is something to be proud of and is uniquely yours, so you can customize it to your heart’s desire. * If you’re ready to fall in love with a home of your own, let’s connect to get you started on the path to homeownership. http://dlvr.it/Rsf77F

How to Decide on the Ideal Home Size for You

How to Decide on the Ideal Home Size for You : By Anica Oaks Making the choice to purchase a new home is a major decision for anyone. Once you’ve settled on the idea that you do want to buy a home, there are many more options you’ll have to face; one of the most important is the ideal size of a home to best fit …

The Luxury Market Is Attracting Buyers in 2021

FYI: As more people continue to identify their changing needs this year, some are turning to the upscale housing sector for more space or finer features. In their most recent Luxury Market Report, the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing (ILHM) shares: “In a snapshot of 2020, despite the devasting effects of the coronavirus pandemic, the luxury […] http://dlvr.it/Rsc4S3

47% of New Buyers Surprised by How Affordable Homes Are Today

ICYMI: Headlines matter. Right now, it’s hard to read about real estate without seeing a headline that suggests homes have become unaffordable for most Americans. In reality, there’s hard evidence that shows how owning a home is more affordable than renting in most parts of the country, as record-low interest rates are keeping monthly mortgage payments […] http://dlvr.it/Rsb0pn

Why It’s Easy to Fall in Love with Homeownership [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights * Homeownership provides comfort, stability, and security, and it makes you feel more connected to your community. * Your home is something to be proud of and is uniquely yours, so you can customize it to your heart’s desire. * If you’re ready to fall in love with a home of your own, let’s connect to get you started on the path to homeownership. http://dlvr.it/RsYQfP

3 Reasons We’re Definitely Not in a Housing Bubble

FYI: Home values appreciated by about ten percent in 2020, and they’re forecast to appreciate by about five percent this year. This has some voicing concern that we may be in another housing bubble like the one we experienced a little over a decade ago. Here are three reasons why this market is totally different. 1. […] http://dlvr.it/RsXH0Y

The Luxury Market Is Attracting Buyers in 2021

ICYMI: As more people continue to identify their changing needs this year, some are turning to the upscale housing sector for more space or finer features. In their most recent Luxury Market Report, the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing (ILHM) shares: “In a snapshot of 2020, despite the devasting effects of the coronavirus pandemic, the luxury […] http://dlvr.it/RsW88l

47% of New Buyers Surprised by How Affordable Homes Are Today

Headlines matter. Right now, it’s hard to read about real estate without seeing a headline that suggests homes have become unaffordable for most Americans. In reality, there’s hard evidence that shows how owning a home is more affordable than renting in most parts of the country, as record-low interest rates are keeping monthly mortgage payments […] http://dlvr.it/RsTVqM

6 Foundational Benefits of Homeownership Today

FYI: Over the past year, our homes have become an integral part of our lives more than ever. They’re much more than the houses we live in. They’re our workplaces, virtual schools, and safe havens that provide shelter, stability, and protection through the evolving health crisis. Today, 65.8% of Americans are fortunate enough to call their […] http://dlvr.it/RsSJc8

3 Reasons We’re Definitely Not in a Housing Bubble

ICYMI: Home values appreciated by about ten percent in 2020, and they’re forecast to appreciate by about five percent this year. This has some voicing concern that we may be in another housing bubble like the one we experienced a little over a decade ago. Here are three reasons why this market is totally different. 1. […] http://dlvr.it/RsRCTH

The Luxury Market Is Attracting Buyers in 2021

As more people continue to identify their changing needs this year, some are turning to the upscale housing sector for more space or finer features. In their most recent Luxury Market Report, the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing (ILHM) shares: “In a snapshot of 2020, despite the devasting effects of the coronavirus pandemic, the luxury […] http://dlvr.it/RsPbCQ

6 Foundational Benefits of Homeownership Today

ICYMI: Over the past year, our homes have become an integral part of our lives more than ever. They’re much more than the houses we live in. They’re our workplaces, virtual schools, and safe havens that provide shelter, stability, and protection through the evolving health crisis. Today, 65.8% of Americans are fortunate enough to call their […] http://dlvr.it/RsMGH9

Make Your Best Offer FIRST

This strategy is not about trying to negotiate the best price; it is about beating out the competition and buying the home.   It may be difficult to understand until you have lost a few homes to better offers but when the reality of the situation is that there are not that many homes on the market, the competition heats up and different tactics are necessary.   Sales in December were annualized at 6.76 million, a 22.2% increase year over year according to the National Association of REALTOR®.   The median sales price is $309,800 which is up 12.9% from the previous year.   Inventory for December fell to 1.9 months' supply from 3.0 months' supply in December of 2019.   Six months inventory is considered a balanced market. Things that work in a buyer's market will not work in a seller's market.   The shortage of available homes for sale has led to not only shorter market times but multiple offers that have sales prices above the listing price.   Buyers, especially in e

3 Reasons We’re Definitely Not in a Housing Bubble

Home values appreciated by about ten percent in 2020, and they’re forecast to appreciate by about five percent this year. This has some voicing concern that we may be in another housing bubble like the one we experienced a little over a decade ago. Here are three reasons why this market is totally different. 1. […] http://dlvr.it/RsKbq8

6 Foundational Benefits of Homeownership Today

Over the past year, our homes have become an integral part of our lives more than ever. They’re much more than the houses we live in. They’re our workplaces, virtual schools, and safe havens that provide shelter, stability, and protection through the evolving health crisis. Today, 65.8% of Americans are fortunate enough to call their […] http://dlvr.it/RsFgwL

Thinking about Building a New Home? Your Agent Is Critical. [INFOGRAPHIC]

FYI: Some Highlights * A real estate professional is an expert who can advocate on your behalf throughout the process when building a home. * Agents help you understand key steps, like choosing upgrades and managing negotiations, while staying within your budget from start to finish. * If building is the right option for you, let’s connect so you have a trusted real estate professional who can help you successfully navigate the path to your dream home. http://dlvr.it/RsDTWd

Why Owning a Home Is a Powerful Financial Decision

FYI: In today’s housing market, there are clear financial benefits to owning a home: increasing equity, the chance to build your net worth, and appreciating home values, just to name a few. If you’re a renter, it’s never too early to think about how homeownership can propel you toward a stronger future. Here’s a dive into […] http://dlvr.it/Rs9g67