Wednesday, September 20, 2023 / by Laura Miller Edwards Realty Group
One question that’s top of mind if you’re thinking about making a move today is: Why is it so hard to find a house to buy? And while it may be tempting to wait it out until you have more options, that’s probably not the best strategy. Here’s why.
There aren’t enough homes available for sale, but that shortage isn’t just a today problem. It’s been a challenge for years. Let’s take a look at some of the long-term and short-term factors that have contributed to this limited supply.
Underbuilding Is a Long-Standing Problem
One of the big reasons inventory is low is because builders haven’t been building enough homes in recent years. The graph below shows new construction for single-family homes over the past five decades, including the long-term average for housing units completed:
For 14 straight years, builders didn’t construct enough homes to meet the historical . ...
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for buyers, for sellers, housing market updates, mortgage rates, new construction
Wednesday, September 13, 2023 / by Laura Miller Edwards Realty Group
Toward the end of last year, there were a number of headlines saying home prices were going to fall substantially in 2023. That led to a lot of fear and questions about whether there was going to be a repeat of the housing crash that happened back in 2008. But the headlines got it wrong.
While there was a slight home price correction after the sky-high price appreciation during the ‘unicorn’ years, nationally, home prices didn’t come crashing down. If anything, prices were a lot more resilient than many people expected.
Let's take a look at some of the expert forecasts from late last year stacked against their most recent forecasts to show that even the experts recognize they were overly pessimistic.
Expert Home Price Forecasts: Then and Now
This visual shows the 2023 home price forecasts from seven organizations. It provides the original 2023 forecasts (released in late 2022) for what wo. ...
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housing market updates, pricing
Friday, September 8, 2023 / by Laura Miller Edwards Realty Group
Have you ever wondered how inflation impacts the housing market? Believe it or not, they’re connected. Whenever there are changes to one, both are affected. Here’s a high-level overview of the connection between the two.
The Relationship Between Housing Inflation and Overall Inflation
Shelter inflation is the measure of price growth specific to housing. It comes from a survey of renters and homeowners that’s done by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The survey asks renters how much they’re paying in rent, and homeowners how much they’d rent their homes for, if they weren’t living in them.
Much like overall inflation measures the cost of everyday items, shelter inflation measures the cost of housing. And for four consecutive months, based on that survey, shelter inflation has been coming down (see graph below):
Why does this matter? Well, shelter inflation makes up about one-third of overall infla. ...
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for buyers, for sellers, housing market updates, real estate market, mortgage rates
Wednesday, August 30, 2023 / by Laura Miller Edwards Realty Group
Caring for a senior with memory loss due to Alzheimer's or dementia is a journey that demands patience, empathy and adaptability. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:
“About seven in 10 adults over 65 will require long-term care at some point in their lives.”
As a caregiver, the challenges of providing the best possible care for your loved one can feel daunting. If you find yourself contemplating selling your family member's home to meet their needs better, rest assured that this transition can bring about positive changes for both of you.
Making The Decision to Move
Memory loss in seniors can be emotionally overwhelming, leaving both the family member and the caregiver facing many challenges. Choosing to sell your loved one's home is undoubtedly one of the biggest decisions you'll make. Some factors include:
Emotional Attachment: The family home is more than just a physical space; it's a repository of memories, laughter, and shared momen. ...
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for sellers, multi-generational living, senior living
Tuesday, August 22, 2023 / by Laura Miller Edwards Realty Group
Buying a new construction home can be an exciting experience. From being the very first owner, to customizing your home’s features, there are a lot of benefits. But navigating the complexities of buying a home that’s under construction can also be a bit overwhelming. This is where a skilled real estate agent can make all the difference.
An article from The Mortgage Reports sums it up like this:
“Your Realtor or real estate agent will be key to helping you navigate this process. . . . they can guide you through construction and help anticipate and solve for any possible snags along the way.”
Here’s how your agent is an invaluable resource in your search to find and buy your new home.
Agents Know the Local Area and Market
Your agent is well-versed in the emerging communities and upcoming developments that could influence your decision. For example, you'll want to be aware if there were any plans to construct a highway through . ...
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for buyers, first time home buyers, home buying, buying myths
