Brexit and the US Mortgage Market Mortgage rates have fallen to new lows as global investors turned to the 10-year Treasury note as a more stable investment. Affordability, in turn, has increased, with lower mortgage rates making it easier for move-up and first-timers to get into a new home. Similarly, international buyers, who might have … Continue reading Brexit Vote Drives Down Mortgage Rate
loan rates
Work • Live • Play: Urbanizing Suburbia in Montgomery County’s New Downtowns
The Board of Directors and Hill Slowinski, Co-Chair of the Real Estate Committee of The Greater Bethesda-Chevy Chase Chamber of Commerce, cordially invite you to its 2014 Real Estate Presentation Urbanizing Suburbia in Montgomery County's New Downtowns Work • Live • Play Friday, June 6, at The Round House Theater, Bethesda, MD from 7:30 AM … Continue reading Work • Live • Play: Urbanizing Suburbia in Montgomery County’s New Downtowns
Don’t Wait! Move Up to the Home You Always Wanted
Don't Wait! Move Up to the Home You Always Wanted Now that the housing market has stabilized, more and more homeowners are considering moving up to the home they have always dreamed of. Prices are still below those of a few years ago and interest rates are still below 5%. However, sellers should realize that … Continue reading Don’t Wait! Move Up to the Home You Always Wanted
Buying – Selling – Renting? Review Your Preparations NOW
Buying - Selling - Renting? Review Your Preparations NOW I encourage you if you are considering buying, selling or renting in the next six months or so to call me now (301-452-1409) as the predictions are the real estate market will be more robust in the first half of 2014. If you are selling, my Homeseller's Handbook provides … Continue reading Buying – Selling – Renting? Review Your Preparations NOW
Current Trends — Different from Last Year
Current Trends -- Different from Last Year Where we are now: Prices are Leveling Off Inventory is Increasing Interest Rates have Decreased Slightly Activity is Returning to Seasonal Cycles List prices for homes in 2/3 of the largest metropolitan areas are cooling. In fact, they are falling, not just rising more slowly, in 11 of … Continue reading Current Trends — Different from Last Year
Luxury Housing Market Beginning to Surge
Luxury Housing Market Beginning to Surge Sales of homes over $1 million in the country increased 44.1% over the same period last year, says the Wall Street Journal. One reason is financing in the jumbo mortgage market is becoming more readily available, good news in our DC market, where even modest homes can exceed $1 million. Sales of … Continue reading Luxury Housing Market Beginning to Surge
Save 35%, 40%, Even 50% or More – Where to Buy Instead of Rent!
Save 35%, 40%, Even 50% or More - Where to Buy Instead of Rent! Updated reports indicate while rents continue to increase at a significant rate, the cost of homeownership is remarkably more affordable. The infographic below shows where buyers can realize significant savings over time. Nationally it is 44% cheaper to buy versus rent. In fact, homeownership is … Continue reading Save 35%, 40%, Even 50% or More – Where to Buy Instead of Rent!
Don’t Spin Your Wheels!
Don't Spin Your Wheels! A financing colleague recently described many sellers and buyers as "spinning their wheels". They don't seem to know why their expectations are not being met. They are confused and frustrated, especially as they see others succeeding where they have not. He is correct in describing those who do not understand what to do … Continue reading Don’t Spin Your Wheels!
QRM: Buyers and Sellers Benefit More by Acting Now Rather than Later
QRM: Buyers and Sellers Benefit More by Acting Now Rather than Later Our best advice to our clients (BOTH Buyers and Sellers) is to act now ahead of the implementation of the Qualified Residential Mortgage rules being issued later this year. Further explanation of these rules follows, but you must be aware of the potential impact this: Buyers will … Continue reading QRM: Buyers and Sellers Benefit More by Acting Now Rather than Later
Weighing COST over PRICE is Significant
Weighing COST over PRICE is Significant We have often advised buyers to look at the COST of purchasing a house more than the PRICE of the home. Price is only part of the cost equation. The other piece, assuming you are not an all cash buyer, is the mortgage rate. The mortgage rate to finance … Continue reading Weighing COST over PRICE is Significant
More Reasons to Sell Found in Understanding the Current Market
More Reasons to Sell Found in Understanding the Current Market These infographics illustrate the current US housing market trends: Long-Term Return on Investment continues to outpace the stock market: Mortgage Rates continue to reach historic lows, now at or below 3.75% The July 2012 S&P Case-Shiller chart below shows the 10- and 20-city indices. … Continue reading More Reasons to Sell Found in Understanding the Current Market
Deadline for ‘Jumbo’ Mortgage Rate Change October 1
$625,000 To Be Maximum Loan Amount in Much of DC Area More buyers in high-cost areas may be motivated to purchase a home before an Oct. 1 deadline when the government plans to scale back the size of “jumbo” mortgages it guarantees in much of our real estate markets. By Oct. 1, the maximum … Continue reading Deadline for ‘Jumbo’ Mortgage Rate Change October 1
Whether To Buy or To Sell During the Holidays – Yes!
"Happy Valentine’s Day!" Clients are asking, “Should I put my house on the market now, or should I wait?” and “Should I buy now, or should I wait?” What about Thanksgiving, the Holiday season, or New Year’s? What about buyer interest and showings and open houses? Why not wait? It’s November. Prices have stabilized. Inventories … Continue reading Whether To Buy or To Sell During the Holidays – Yes!
FREE Home Buyer & Seller Seminar Series
SELLERS: Why Your House WILL Sell When Others Don't; BUYERS: How to Prepare For, Find, and GET the Home You Want Navigating today's dramatically changing real estate market can be challenging. Add to that the complexities of buying or selling a home and you have the makings for a whole lot of confusion. These free seminars will … Continue reading FREE Home Buyer & Seller Seminar Series
HVCC, HERA Disclosure Timeframes Slow Closing Process, Ensure Accuracy
To Discourage Rush Closings, Reduce Last Minute Rescues, and Cut Down Closing Table Changes Both buyers and sellers need to be aware of the changes brought about by the HVCC (see article below) and the Housing and Economic Recovery Act (HERA), which goes into effect July 30, 2009. HERA is intended to better inform the consumer, … Continue reading HVCC, HERA Disclosure Timeframes Slow Closing Process, Ensure Accuracy
Your luxury Real Estate Specialist 