Price Plummet

For anyone waiting for home prices to drop before making a buying decision, there is good news.

The recent plummet in mortgage rates means that home prices, effectively, just took a big dip.

Rates have gone down by 1% in the last 45 days which means that a prospective home buyer’s payment is 10% less today than what it would have been at the end of October.

For example, the Principal and Interest payment for a $500,000 loan is $341 less today than what it was 45 days ago.

So, from a buyer’s perspective, prices have gone down by 10% in a very short time.

The post Price Plummet appeared first on Fort Collins Real Estate | Fort Collins Homes for Sale & Property Search.

Price Plummet

For anyone waiting for home prices to drop before making a buying decision, there is good news.

The recent plummet in mortgage rates means that home prices, effectively, just took a big dip.

Rates have gone down by 1% in the last 45 days which means that a prospective home buyer’s payment is 10% less today than what it would have been at the end of October.

For example, the Principal and Interest payment for a $500,000 loan is $341 less today than what it was 45 days ago.

So, from a buyer’s perspective, prices have gone down by 10% in a very short time.

The post Price Plummet appeared first on Fort Collins Real Estate | Fort Collins Homes for Sale & Property Search.

The Price is Right

This is an interesting and important time of year for current home sellers.

Thanksgiving is approximately 45 days away which is an important deadline for home buyers.

Many buyers who are considering a move this time of year would like to close on a home before Thanksgiving.

Current home sellers have a one to two week window to have their property under contract so a buyer can close by the Thanksgiving deadline.

Activity always slows in the winter and typically doesn’t show a noticeable increase until March.

So, proper pricing is paramount today so that sellers can take advantage of the seasonal window which is closing soon.

The post The Price is Right appeared first on Fort Collins Real Estate | Fort Collins Homes for Sale & Property Search.

The Price is Right

This is an interesting and important time of year for current home sellers.

Thanksgiving is approximately 45 days away which is an important deadline for home buyers.

Many buyers who are considering a move this time of year would like to close on a home before Thanksgiving.

Current home sellers have a one to two week window to have their property under contract so a buyer can close by the Thanksgiving deadline.

Activity always slows in the winter and typically doesn’t show a noticeable increase until March.

So, proper pricing is paramount today so that sellers can take advantage of the seasonal window which is closing soon.

The post The Price is Right appeared first on Fort Collins Real Estate | Fort Collins Homes for Sale & Property Search.

Expert Opinion

This week, take a listen to Matthew Gardner, Windermere’s Chief Economist as he discusses the current state of the housing market.​​​​​​​

 

He takes a deep dive into interest rates, price appreciation and where the market is headed.

 

You can watch his video HERE

 

The post Expert Opinion appeared first on Fort Collins Real Estate | Fort Collins Homes for Sale & Property Search.

New Construction: Why Work with a Buyer’s Agent?

If you’re a buyer, you may have considered purchasing a new construction home. After touring the model home and talking to the builder’s sales representatives, you begin to wonder if it’s necessary to work with a buyer’s agent. Although it’s possible to move forward with the purchase of a new construction home without a buyer’s agent, you may be missing out on the benefits of having a representative at your side. Take a look at how a buyer’s agent can provide value in the purchase of a new construction home. 

 

Buyer Agent vs. Builder’s Agent
Who Works for Who?
A sales representative is the builder’s representation in the sale of a new construction home. They can assist buyers by providing insight into the construction process, available upgrades, and answer questions related to what the builder is able to offer. That said, they represent the builder and will always advocate in favor of the builder. Think of it this way: in new construction, the builder is the seller and the sales representative is the listing agent. 

 

An Expert on Your Side
Knowledge is Power 
Working with a buyer’s agent gives you an advantage. Not only do they have experience with new-construction home purchases, but they are also familiar with major builders in the area and can speak to their quality of work. Moreover, buyer’s agents bring a working knowledge of the housing market to the table and can provide insight into current home prices. Tapping into a buyer agent’s knowledge and experience could save you time, money, and stress as you navigate the purchase of your new home!

 

An Agent is Your Advocate
Your Best Interest Comes First
A buyer’s agent will:
  • Negotiate on your behalf
  • Clarify what is included in the base price
  • Help you navigate the purchase amidst rising building costs
  • Help you obtain the best financing available
  • Provide guidance with regard to builder’s warranties and home inspections 

 

Agent Commission
What’s the Cost to Me?

Traditionally, sellers are responsible for paying real estate agent fees. In the case of new construction homes, the builder will likely cover all or most of the agent’s commission. You may be able to work with a  real estate professional at no cost to you. 

For additional inquiries, please contact our office or your Windermere real estate agent directly. 

The post New Construction: Why Work with a Buyer’s Agent? appeared first on Fort Collins Real Estate | Fort Collins Homes for Sale & Property Search.

New Construction: Why Work with a Buyer’s Agent?

If you’re a buyer, you may have considered purchasing a new construction home. After touring the model home and talking to the builder’s sales representatives, you begin to wonder if it’s necessary to work with a buyer’s agent. Although it’s possible to move forward with the purchase of a new construction home without a buyer’s agent, you may be missing out on the benefits of having a representative at your side. Take a look at how a buyer’s agent can provide value in the purchase of a new construction home. 

 

Buyer Agent vs. Builder’s Agent
Who Works for Who?
A sales representative is the builder’s representation in the sale of a new construction home. They can assist buyers by providing insight into the construction process, available upgrades, and answer questions related to what the builder is able to offer. That said, they represent the builder and will always advocate in favor of the builder. Think of it this way: in new construction, the builder is the seller and the sales representative is the listing agent. 

 

An Expert on Your Side
Knowledge is Power 
Working with a buyer’s agent gives you an advantage. Not only do they have experience with new-construction home purchases, but they are also familiar with major builders in the area and can speak to their quality of work. Moreover, buyer’s agents bring a working knowledge of the housing market to the table and can provide insight into current home prices. Tapping into a buyer agent’s knowledge and experience could save you time, money, and stress as you navigate the purchase of your new home!

 

An Agent is Your Advocate
Your Best Interest Comes First
A buyer’s agent will:
  • Negotiate on your behalf
  • Clarify what is included in the base price
  • Help you navigate the purchase amidst rising building costs
  • Help you obtain the best financing available
  • Provide guidance with regard to builder’s warranties and home inspections 

 

Agent Commission
What’s the Cost to Me?

Traditionally, sellers are responsible for paying real estate agent fees. In the case of new construction homes, the builder will likely cover all or most of the agent’s commission. You may be able to work with a  real estate professional at no cost to you. 

For additional inquiries, please contact our office or your Windermere real estate agent directly. 

The post New Construction: Why Work with a Buyer’s Agent? appeared first on Fort Collins Real Estate | Fort Collins Homes for Sale & Property Search.

Money at a Discount

This week, for the first time in 32 months, mortgage rates hit 4%.

While this increase may feel painful for buyers currently looking at property, it is important to put today’s rates in perspective.

We believe we will look back a few years from now and see that a 4% rate was like buying money at a discount.

Interest rates hovered between 4.5% and 3.75% for the 8-year span of June, 2011 to June 2018

Between January, 2000 and December, 2010 rates were as high as 8.25% and as low as 5.0%.

When looking at the history of interest rates and researching economists’ forecasts, we believe it is reasonable for rates to hit 5% within the next 24 months. 

When interest rates increase 1%, a buyer’s monthly payment increases 10%.

So, if rates do go to 5%, it is like an additional 10% price increase for a buyer.

Given all of this information, we believe the biggest risk to a buyer in today’s market is to wait.

Mortgage rates are likely on their way up and there is an opportunity to buy money at a discount today.

The post Money at a Discount appeared first on Fort Collins Real Estate | Fort Collins Homes for Sale & Property Search.

Money at a Discount

This week, for the first time in 32 months, mortgage rates hit 4%.

While this increase may feel painful for buyers currently looking at property, it is important to put today’s rates in perspective.

We believe we will look back a few years from now and see that a 4% rate was like buying money at a discount.

Interest rates hovered between 4.5% and 3.75% for the 8-year span of June, 2011 to June 2018

Between January, 2000 and December, 2010 rates were as high as 8.25% and as low as 5.0%.

When looking at the history of interest rates and researching economists’ forecasts, we believe it is reasonable for rates to hit 5% within the next 24 months. 

When interest rates increase 1%, a buyer’s monthly payment increases 10%.

So, if rates do go to 5%, it is like an additional 10% price increase for a buyer.

Given all of this information, we believe the biggest risk to a buyer in today’s market is to wait.

Mortgage rates are likely on their way up and there is an opportunity to buy money at a discount today.

The post Money at a Discount appeared first on Fort Collins Real Estate | Fort Collins Homes for Sale & Property Search.

7 Signs You’re Ready to Buy a Home

Making the leap from renter to homeowner doesn’t happen overnight; it requires steady planning to put yourself in a good position to buy your first home. Prospective first-time home buyers can often feel like they’re waiting for a sign to indicate they’re ready to start making offers, when really, it’s a combination of factors. Here are seven signs that you’re ready to buy a home.

7 Signs You’re Ready to Buy a Home

1. You Know Which Homes You Can Afford

To know whether you’re ready to buy, you need to identify your price range. If you’re unhappy with your pre-approval, or need more money for your desired location, there are ways you can increase your buying power. Once you know which homes you can afford, you can work with your agent to find the right home and prepare an offer.

2. You Understand Your Local Market Conditions

The dynamics of the market in which you’re buying will play a role in determining whether you’re ready to buy. The local market conditions will dictate what kinds of offers you can expect to compete against, what tactics other buyers may employ, and whether the buyer or seller will have the leverage during negotiations. Therefore, it’s important to understand the difference between a buyer’s market and a seller’s market so you and your agent can strategize accordingly.

3. You’re Comfortable with the Responsibilities of Being a Homeowner

Having a mortgage instead of paying rent isn’t the only difference between owning a home and renting. You’ll be responsible for maintaining the property, making repairs, and completing remodeling projects. That doesn’t always mean you can’t predict a future need. The best way to prepare for unexpected projects on any home is to get a home inspection before you buy so that you know every inch of the property and can start to save for larger expenses that might come down the road.

4. You Have Funds Available for Home Buying Costs

The costs of buying a home are more than just your down payment and monthly mortgage. Before you move into your new home, you’ll have to pay closing costs, moving expenses, and appraisal and inspection fees, to name a few. Property taxes can sometimes be part of the mortgage and depending on the time of year may need to be paid before you move in. Once you’re settled, homeowners insurance will enter the fold. If you can afford these costs, it’s a sign that you are ready to buy.

5. You’re Making Progress on Your Debt

Having zero debt is not a realistic expectation for every first-time home buyer. But, if you have a plan in place for paying off your outstanding debt and can show evidence of the progress you’re making, it will strengthen your buying credibility. Lenders will factor this into their assessment of your financial health during the pre-approval process.

6. You Have a Strategy for the Down Payment

It is true that lenders view a twenty percent down payment as favorable and won’t require you to purchase private mortgage insurance (PMI), but it’s not game over if you can’t make a lump sum payment of that size. With a lower-than-twenty percent down payment, you may incur higher interest and fees over the life of the loan, which could put a greater strain on your finances long-term than waiting until you can pay more principal down. Whichever route you choose, make sure you have a solid plan in place to repay your loan.

7. Your Life Aligns with Buying a Home

Buying a home means you’ll be putting down roots, so it’s important that you and your household are ready to establish yourselves in one area before you buy. There’s financial logic behind this line of thinking, as well; in general, the longer you stay in one home, the more equity you’ll build. Career and income stability also play a role in determining whether you’re ready to buy. Landing a job with long-term prospects may be just the thing you need to green-light your decision to buy your first home.

 

To learn more about buying your first home, connect with an experienced Windermere Real Estate agent today by clicking on the button below.

 

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