Tag Archives: mortgage rates

Real Estate Forecast 2024: Opportunities for Home Buyers and Sellers

Real Estate Forecast 2024: Opportunities for Home Buyers and Sellers Pam Fraser. Picture of homes

What’s the real estate forecast for 2024? Will home prices continue to climb, or will they crash? What direction are mortgage rates moving, and will more homes come on the market?

Read on to learn more about the current state of the U.S. housing market, the potential opportunities for buyers and sellers, economists’ predictions for the year ahead, and what it all means for you.

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Real Estate Update: The San Diego Market vs. National Trends

Real Estate Update: The San Diego Market vs. National Trends Pam Fraser pictures of homes, for sale sign with house keys and blueprints

We’ve all been hearing about real estate markets slowing, mortgage rates rising and prices dropping. All of which is true in the San Diego real estate market. But the news you hear is national, and real estate is local. Here in San Diego, that’s not the whole picture. Read on for both the local and national real estate market update, and find out how they differ.

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Home Prices in 2023 and What That Means for You

Home Prices in 2023 and What That Means for You Pam Fraser background of homes

Last year, one factor drove home prices more than any other: rising mortgage rates.

In March 2022, the Federal Reserve began a series of interest rate hikes in an effort to pump the brakes on inflation. And while some market sectors have been slow to respond, the housing market has reacted accordingly.

Both demand and price appreciation have tapered, as the primary challenge for homebuyers has shifted from availability to affordability. And although this higher-mortgage rate environment has been a painful adjustment for many buyers and sellers, it should ultimately lead to a more stable and balanced real estate market.

So, what can we expect in 2023? Continue reading Home Prices in 2023 and What That Means for You

What Is a Mortgage Buydown?

What Is a Mortgage Buydown? Pam Fraser picture of a house, calculator, pencil and coins

Mortgage rates have more than doubled in a matter of months. This is making homes much less affordable for today’s buyers. It’s also softening the strong seller’s market we’ve experienced over the last few years. Because of this, it’s important for home sellers to use all of the tools at their disposal to make their homes as marketable as possible. It’s equally important for home buyers to make their home purchases as affordable as they can. One way you can do this is with an interest rate buydown. An interest rate buydown reduces the monthly mortgage payment for the home buying borrower.

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North County and San Diego Housing Markets August 2022

North County and San Diego Housing Markets August 2022 Pam Fraser chart of North San Diego County home prices and market statistics

North County and San Diego housing markets are continuing to slow, but at this point, we’re just moving toward a more balanced market. The median and average sales prices have been dropping since April, but are still showing strong year-over gains. Inventory has also not yet hit pre-pandemic levels, and homes are selling faster than they were in 2019.

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The State of Real Estate in 2022

The State of Real Estate in 2022 for sale sign and house

Where is real estate headed in 2022? Last year was definitely one for the real estate history books. The pandemic helped usher in a buying frenzy that caused home prices to soar nationwide by a record 19.9% between August 2020 and August 2021.

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5 Factors Telling Us Where the Housing Market Is Headed

5 Factors Telling Us Where the Housing Market Is Headed

The housing market is caught up in a basic supply and demand predicament. Homes in the U.S. are selling at lightning speed, but the availability of listings remains limited. Helped by historically low mortgage rates, buyers keep shopping for homes. This reduces the available inventory and pushes home prices up across the country.

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House Hunting? Don’t Forget these Lifestyle Considerations

Lifestyle Considerations to think about when house hunting. People in different stages of life

Imagine the first place you lived as a young adult. Now imagine trying to fit your life today into that space. Not pretty, right?

For most of us, our housing needs are cyclical. A newly independent adult can find freedom and flexibility in even a tiny apartment. That same space, to a growing family, would feel stifling. For empty nesters, a large home with several unused bedrooms can become impractical to heat and clean. It’s no surprise that life transitions often trigger a home purchase.

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Move-Up Home vs. Second Home: Which One Is Right for You?

Move-Up vs. Second Home: Which One Is Right for You?

The pandemic has changed the way many of us live, work, and attend school—and those changes have impacted our priorities when it comes to choosing a home. Some of us are considering a move-up or a second home.

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Lowest Mortgage Rates in History: What It Means for Homeowners and Buyers

Lowest Mortgage Rates in History: What It Means for Homeowners and Buyers

In July, the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage fell below 3% for the first time in history. And while many Americans have rushed to take advantage of this unprecedented opportunity, others question the hype. Are today’s low mortgage rates truly a bargain?

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