Raphael's Roost

19/06/2024

Worried About Mortgage Rates? Control the Controllables

Chances are you’re hearing a lot about mortgage rates right now. You may even see some headlines talking about last week’s Federal Reserve (the Fed) meeting and what it means for rates. But the Fed doesn’t determine mortgage rates, even if the headlines make it sound like they do.

The truth is, mortgage rates are impacted by a lot of factors: geo-political uncertainty, inflation and the economy, and more. And trying to pin down when all those factors will line up enough for rates to come down is tricky.

That’s why it’s generally not worth it to try to time the market. There’s too much at play that you can’t control. The best thing you can do is control the controllables.

And when it comes to rates, here’s what you can influence to make your moving plans a reality.

Your Credit Score

Credit scores can play a big role in your...



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Chances are you’re hearing a lot about mortgage rates right now.

18/06/2024

For twelve years straight, real estate has been voted the best long-term investment in an annual Gallup poll.

So, if you’re debating between renting or buying, remember, that it's more than just a roof over your head. A home is an asset that usually grows in value over time – and that makes it a powerful investment.



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17/06/2024

Do Elections Impact the Housing Market?

The 2024 Presidential election is just months away. As someone who’s thinking about potentially buying or selling a home, you’re probably curious about what effect, if any, elections have on the housing market.

Home Sales

During the month of November, in years when the Presidential election takes place, there’s typically a slight slowdown in home sales. As Ali Wolf, Chief Economist at Zonda, explains: “Usually, home sales are unchanged compared to a non-election year with the exception being November. In an election year, November is slower than normal.”

Home Prices

What about home prices? Do they drop during election years? Not typically. As residential appraiser and housing analyst Ryan Lundquist puts it: “An election year doesn’t alter the price trend that is already happening in the market.”

Mortgage Rates

Mortgage rates are important...



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The 2024 Presidential election is just months away.

16/06/2024

Considering selling your house on your own?
Here’s why teaming up with an agent can make the process smoother.
An agent knows the local market and how to set a competitive price that draws in buyers.
An agent will handle all the legal documents and ensure accuracy, reducing risks and delays.
Remember, a pro by your side can save you time, stress, and potential pitfalls.



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15/06/2024

Savings Strategies Every First-Time Homebuyer Needs To Know

If homeownership is on your goal sheet for your future, you’re probably working on your savings. And a big priority is making sure you’ve got a plan in place for things like your closing costs, down payment, and more.

Here are a few strategies that can help speed up that process.

Budget and Track Your Expenses: To start, create a detailed budget that tracks the money you’ve got coming in and the money going out. This’ll give you a better look at your finances as a whole.

Cut Down on Unnecessary Spending: Now that you have your budget sheet done and you know how you’re spending your money, look for any line items that aren’t absolutely essential. If you cut down on those, you can re-allocate that cash toward buying a home. Even the little things can add up.

Automate Your Savings: Once you know how much you want to set...



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If homeownership is on your goal sheet for your future, you’re probably working on your savings.

14/06/2024

Why Real Estate Is Still the Best Long-Term Investment

For the 12th year in a row, real estate has been voted the best long-term investment. So, if you’re ready to buy a home and invest in your future, let’s connect.



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13/06/2024

This isn’t like 2008. Builders aren’t overbuilding, they’re just catching up.

This graph shows there’s a gap to make up after over a decade of not building enough homes.

Plus, builders are focusing on completing what’s already started versus breaking ground on a whole lot of new homes. This means they’re being mindful and that’s a good thing.

Have questions? Let’s chat.



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12/06/2024

Selling Smart: Why a Real Estate Agent Makes All the Difference

If you’re considering selling your house on your own as a “For Sale by Owner” (FSBO), you want to think about if it’s really worth the extra stress.

Getting the Price Right

Setting the right price for your house is important. And, if you’re selling your house on your own, two common issues can happen. You might ask for too much money (overpricing). Or you might not ask for enough (underpricing). Either can make it hard to sell your house.

To avoid these problems, team up with a real estate agent. Agents know how to figure out the perfect price because they have a deep understanding of the local housing market.

Understanding and Performing Paperwork

Selling a house involves a bunch of paperwork and legal documentation that has to be just right. There are a lot of rules and regulations to follow, and that makes it a bit...



Let us Sell or Find your Roost!

If you’re considering selling your house on your own as a “For Sale by Owner” (FSBO), you want to think about if it’s really worth the extra stress.

11/06/2024

Planning to buy your first home? It helps to start with a solid savings plan.

Set a budget, track your expenses, and focus on cutting down on any unnecessary spending. And, if you can automate your savings, that can go a long way to speeding up the process.

With the right strategies and planning, your dream home may be closer than you think.



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10/06/2024

Your Equity Could Make a Move Possible

Many homeowners looking to sell feel like they’re stuck between a rock and a hard place right now. Today’s mortgage rates are higher than the one they currently have on their home, and that’s making it harder to want to sell and make a move.

What Is Equity?

Think of equity as a simple math equation.
Your equity grows as you pay down your loan over time and as home prices climb. And thanks to the rapid home price appreciation we saw in recent years, you probably have a whole lot more of it than you realize.

The latest from the Census and ATTOM shows more than two out of three homeowners have either completely paid off their mortgages.
That means the majority of homeowners have a game-changing amount of equity right now.

How Your Equity Can Help Fuel Your Move
• Be an all-cash buyer
• Make a larger down payment

The First Step: Determine How Much...



Let us Sell or Find your Roost!

Many homeowners looking to sell feel like they’re stuck between a rock and a hard place right now.

09/06/2024

Thinking about buying a home? Consider the long-term wealth-building benefits.
Homeownership isn't just about having a place to live—it's a key to building wealth. As you pay off your mortgage, your equity grows, and any increase in your home's value adds to your net worth.
Just check out how home values have grown since 1991.



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08/06/2024

Dreaming of a high-end home? Now’s your moment.

The selection of luxury homes has grown compared to last year.

So, if you’re looking for things like a modern kitchen, the latest smart home tech, high-end features, and more, this is your chance to find the home that matches your style.

Looking for expert help? That's what I'm here for.



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07/06/2024

How Owning a Home Builds Your Wealth over Time

If you’re trying to decide if buying a home is worth it, consider the long-term benefits. Homeownership pays off in the long run as you gain equity. If you want to learn more, let’s connect.



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06/06/2024

Thinking of selling but feeling stuck with today’s mortgage rates?

Here’s something to consider: your home equity could be the solution.

So, how can equity help? Depending on how much you have you could:

- Buy your next home in cash.
- Make a larger down payment and finance less.

If you’re curious about finding out about your equity, let’s connect for a free equity assessment.



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05/06/2024

The Sweet Spot for Buying Luxury Homes

If you’ve been looking for a home at the high end of your market, but haven’t found the right one, you may have put your search on hold. But according to recent data, now may be the time to jump back in. Here’s why.

There Are More Luxury Homes To Choose From

What’s considered the top-end of the market, or a luxury home, will always vary by location. But generally speaking, they’re homes that are valued in the top 5% of any given market. According to a recent report from the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing, the selection of luxury homes is increasing.

There are considerably more single-family luxury homes available now than there were a year ago. In fact, there are even more than there were just a month ago. This means you should have a wider variety of top-of-the-line homes to choose from, each with unique features and styles.

Rising Luxury Home...



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If you’ve been looking for a home at the high-end of your market, but haven’t found the right one, you may have put your search on hold.

04/06/2024

What To Expect if You Buy or Sell a Home This June

June is a busy month in the housing market because a lot of people buy and sell this time of year. So, if you’ve got a move on your mind and you’re looking to make it happen this month, here’s a snapshot of what you need to know to make sure you’re ready.

If You’re Buying This June

A lot of homebuyers with children like to move after one school year ends and before the next one begins. That’s one reason why late spring into summer is a popular time for homes to change hands. And whether that’s a motivator for you or not, it’s important to realize more buyers are going to be looking right now – and that means you’ll want to be ready for a bit more competition. But there is a silver lining to a move this time of year. This is also when more sellers will list – so you should find you have more options.

During this busy season, it’s...



Let us Sell or Find your Roost!

June is a busy month in the housing market because a lot of people buy and sell this time of year.

03/06/2024

Top Reasons To Own a Home [INFOGRAPHIC]

Buying a home has powerful financial and non-financial benefits. It creates more stability, helps grow your net worth, and gives you an undeniable sense of pride. While today’s market can be challenging for buyers, use these reasons to remind you of why homeownership is so worthwhile. When you’re ready to enjoy all the amazing advantages that come with owning a home, let’s get in touch.



Let us Sell or Find your Roost!

Buying a home has powerful financial and non-financial benefits.

02/06/2024

The Biggest Mistakes Buyers Are Making Today

Buyers face challenges in any market – and today’s is no different. With higher mortgage rates and rising prices, plus the limited supply of homes for sale, there’s a lot to consider.

Putting Off Pre-approval

As part of the homebuying process, a lender will look at your finances to figure out what they’re willing to loan you for your mortgage. This gives you a good idea of what you can borrow so you can really wrap your head around the financial side of things before you start looking at homes. Make sure you get your pre-approval first.

Holding Out for Perfection

While you may have a long list of must-haves and nice-to-haves, you need to be realistic about your home search. Even though your ideal state is you find a home that checks every box, you may need to be willing to compromise – especially since inventory is still low.

Buying More...



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Buyers face challenges in any market – and today’s is no different.