Blog - Leagan Realty

4 Mistakes That Plague First-Time Home Sellers and How to Avoid Making Them

November 4, 2022 by Lisa Eagan

4 Mistakes That Plague First-Time Home Sellers and How to Avoid Making Them Are you thinking about selling your home? If this is your first time going through the selling process, you may be wondering just how well things are going to go. Selling a home is usually a smooth process – there are thousands sold each day – but issues can arise if you’re not careful. Let’s explore four mistakes that are commonly made by first-time home sellers and how you can avoid them.

Trying To Sell Without Experienced Representation

The first and most significant mistake that some first-time sellers make is to try to go it alone. Selling a house is a major financial and legal transaction and one where experience is crucial in getting things right. Invest in an agent who has a track record of quick, efficient sales and you’re going to have an advantage.

Choosing Emotion Over Reason

Next, you’ll want to avoid letting your emotions control how you react or respond during the selling process. Many homeowners become emotionally attached to their homes, which is fine while you’re living there but can be a problem when you’re selling. It’s important to let logic and reason guide the sale. Don’t let yourself get caught up emotionally or you may make a critical mistake.

Pricing Outside Of A Realistic Range

Asking too much – or too little! – for their home is another common mistake made by first-time home sellers. It’s critical to understand that the local real estate market has a lot of influence on the correct asking price for your home. Current listings and recent sales of similar homes in the area tend to set a price range in the minds of buyers so these will need to be observed. Your real estate agent will be a big help in choosing the right sale price.

Selling At The Wrong Time

The final mistake we’ll cover today is listing your home for sale in the wrong environment. The local real estate market is in a constant state of change due to a variety of factors. The seasons, other local home listings, interest rates, new home construction, local municipal zoning changes and all sorts of other factors can influence your sale. Unless you are under a time constraint, it’s best to let your agent advise you when it’s a good time to list your home.

Selling your first home can be a daunting experience, but with the right frame of mind and professional representation, it will go smoothly. To learn more about the home selling process or to list your home for sale, contact us today. We are happy to assist you.

What Is a “Short Sale” And How Does It Work?

November 2, 2022 by Lisa Eagan

Real Estate 101: What Is a Are you on the hunt for great deals on a local home? If so, you have probably heard about “short sale” homes, although it can take a bit of searching to find one. Let’s take a closer look at real estate short sales to learn how they work and when you might want to take advantage.

What Is A Real Estate Short Sale?

A real estate short sale takes place when a homeowner sells their home for less than they owe on it. This tends to take place in volatile real estate markets where a substantial price increase took place with a rapid price decrease following after.

Whatever the case, the homeowner is now facing a home with less value than their mortgage. They may approach their lender about a short sale, or the lender may force it on them. A short sale can take place even if a homeowner is still making their monthly mortgage payments on time, although that is somewhat rare.

Stick With The Pros When Buying A Short Sale

Without question, if you are considering buying a short sale home you will want to work with an experienced real estate agent. Short sales take place due to a variety of circumstances, few of which are positive. You will want a real estate professional who knows the ins-and-outs of the short sale process and will protect your interests. They can also help you understand what happens with the outstanding debt on the property.

Mistakes To Avoid When Buying A Short Sale Home

Unfortunately, there is no shortage of stories about short sale buyers who made a poor decision when trying to score a great deal. First, ensure that all of the necessary research is done on the home, its title and any liens against it. A home inspection is also critical as there may be structural or other issues which led to the decline in value. Finally, be sure to leave enough time for the closing process as it can take longer than with a traditional home purchase.

As you can see, short sales have their pros and cons. If you are the one selling the home, you have likely been forced into a short sale due to your circumstances. If you are the one buying the home, you may be able to swing a great deal on it. Again, due to the circumstances. Regardless, understanding how short sales work is a good idea. To learn more about local real estate short sales, give us a call today and we’ll be happy to help.

Considering a New Home Next Year? Start Now and Get a Jump on Improving Your Credit Score

November 1, 2022 by Lisa Eagan

Considering a New Home Next Year? Start Now and Get a Jump on Improving Your Credit Score With the new year right around the corner, that leaves you with precious little time to get your finances in order. Let’s explore a few tips that will help you get a jump on improving your credit score before the end of the year.

Grab A Fresh Copy

The first step is to order a fresh copy of your credit report from one of the major agencies. The Fair Credit Reporting Act allows you to access a free copy of your credit report once every 12 months. So, if you have not ordered a copy recently, it is time to do so. You can access this free service through AnnualCreditReport.com, which is a website recommended by the Federal Trade Commission.

Clean Up Anything Outstanding

Now that you have a copy of your credit report, it’s time to go through it, line-by-line. You should recognize every current and outstanding account in the report. Any balances owing should be in order and reflect how much you owe. It’s critical that you flag any mistakes or old debts that you have already paid in full. If you come across anything that shouldn’t be on your credit report, call the reporting agency to let them know. If necessary, they will assist you with challenging the issue.

Pay Down Those High-Interest Debts

The final tip is to prioritize your outstanding debts so that you can pay them off more efficiently. The essential debt payments are your mandatory minimums, which you need to pay to avoid being sent to a collection agency. From there, try to pay off your debts with the highest interest rates first. Getting these paid off faster means that over time, you’re spending less on interest payments. Moreover, you can use that extra cash to pay your debts down further.

The above are just a few of the action steps that you can take today to start improving your credit score. When you’re ready to discuss a mortgage for your new home, give our team a call. We will be happy to advise you on the mortgage offer that suits your needs, budget, and credit.

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – October 31, 2022

October 31, 2022 by Lisa Eagan

What's Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week - October 31, 2022

Last week’s economic news included readings on home prices from S&P Case-Shiller home price indices along with sales of new homes and federal government data on inflation. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also released.

S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Indices: Home Price Growth Slows in August

U.S home prices fell by 9.8 percent year-over-year in August according to S&P Case-Shiller’s National Home Price Index. National home prices fell by -5.3 percent in July. The 20-City Home Price Index rose 13.1 percent year-over-year but reflected readings from markets that were stronger in 2021. Miami. Florida, Tampa, Florida, and Charlotte, North Carolina held the top three spots for home price gains.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency, which oversees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, reported that home prices for homes owned or financed by the two government-sponsored mortgage organizations fell by -7.6 percent in August as compared to July’s reading of -7.3 percent.

The Commerce Department reported that new home sales fell by -10.9 percent to a seasonally-adjusted annual pace of 603,000 sales from August’s revised reading of 677,000 sales. High home prices and rising mortgage rates sidelined prospective buyers concerned about affordability and mortgage qualification requirements. Homebuilders have repeatedly cited rising materials costs and rising mortgage rates as reasons for scaling back new home construction. The good news is that September’s reading surpassed analysts’ expected reading of 593,000 new home sales. Sales of previously owned homes fell to 4.71 million sales on a seasonally-adjusted annual basis as compared to the expected reading of 4.70 million sales and 4.78 million sales of previously-owned homes in August.

Mortgage Rates Top 7 Percent as New Jobless Claims Fall

Freddie Mac reported higher average mortgage rates last week as the rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages rose 14 basis points to 7.08 percent. Rates for 15-year fixed-rate mortgages averaged 6.36 percent and were 13 basis points higher. Rates for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages averaged 5.96 percent and rose 25 basis points. Discount points averaged 0.80 percent for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages and 1.40 percent for 15-year fixed-rate mortgages. Discount points for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages averaged 0.30 percent.

New jobless claims fell to 214,000 initial claims filed as compared to the previous week’s reading of 226,000 first-time claims filed and the expected reading of 230,000 first-time claims filed.

What’s Ahead

This week’s scheduled economic news includes readings on construction spending, sales of previously-owned homes, and a statement from the Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee. Fed Chair Jerome Powell is also scheduled to give a post-meeting press conference.

S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Indices: U.S. Home Price Growth Slows in August

October 28, 2022 by Lisa Eagan

S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Indices: U.S. Home Price Growth Slows in August U.S home price growth slowed for the second consecutive month in August according to S&P Case-Shiller’s national home price index. National home price growth fell by -9.8 percent year-over-year as compared to July’s year-over-year reading of -5.3 percent. Home price growth slowed by -1.1 percent month-to-month from July to August.

Rising Mortgage Rates and Recession Worries Dampen Homebuyer Interest

The Mortgage Bankers Association forecasted a recession in 2023 and expects mortgage rates to fall to approximately 5.40 percent by the end of 2023. Mike Fratantini, senior vice president and chief economist at the MBA, said: “The upside of [a potential recession] for the industry is that it’s likely going to bring rates down a little bit.” Current rates for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages are near seven percent; the MBA expects 30-year fixed mortgage rates to fall to approximately 5.40 percent by the end of 2023.

Rising mortgage rates coupled with high home prices created affordability concerns and challenged would-be buyers in meeting mortgage approval requirements. Less demand for homes caused home price growth to slow nationwide.

S&P Case-Shiller 20-City Home Price Index: August Home Price Growth Slows in All Cities

Home price growth peaked in April with a national home price growth rate of 21.2 percent year-over-year, but slowed to a pace of 16.0 percent in July and 13.1 percent in August. The top three cities in the 20-City Index were Miami, Florida with 28.6 percent home price growth. Home prices rose by 28.0 percent in Tampa, Florida, and were 21.3 percent higher in Charlotte, North Carolina.

In related news, the Federal Housing Finance Agency released its House Price Index for August. Home prices for homes owned or financed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac fell by -0.7 percent in August. This was the first time since March 2011 that the FHFA HPI decreased for two consecutive months.

Inventories of newly-built homes were higher than normal at a 9.2 months supply. Real estate pros typically consider a six- months supply of homes for sale reflective of a balanced housing market. Rising materials costs caused home builders to raise home prices; the median home price of a new home in August was $470,600 and 13.90 percent higher year-over-year, but some builders are reducing prices and offering buyer incentives on new homes as sales falter.

Downsizing? Here’s What You Can Expect When You Move From a House to a Condo

October 27, 2022 by Lisa Eagan

Downsizing? Here's What You Can Expect When You Move From a House to a Condo Whether the kids have moved out or you just aren’t using the extra bedrooms, having a house that feels ‘too big’ is rarely fun. In today’s post, we will share a few changes you can expect when you downsize from a large house to a smaller apartment or condo.

Why Downsize At All?

As you might imagine, having too much space is the primary reason that couples and families downsize. Larger homes cost more to maintain and can feel empty if it’s just one or two people living there. In many cases, old items and clutter tend to build up as there is so much storage space. Downsizing to a smaller home helps to maintain a lifestyle that is more efficient but no less luxurious.

Ask Yourself: Are You Ready?

Another consideration that you will need to make: are you ready to move? If you are retired from work, then you likely have enough time on your hands to manage a move. Conversely, if you and your spouse are both working full-time and live near your workplace, you may want to source a smaller home nearby.

Don’t forget that if you own the house you are living in now, this might mean having to list and sell it while buying your new home. This is a common situation and isn’t a significant problem, but it will require a bit of scheduling and financial planning.

The Hardest Part: Choosing What To Keep

Ask any couple or family that has downsized their home about the toughest part, and many will share that it was choosing what stays and what goes. When space is at a premium, everything from shoes to appliances needs to be considered.

Spend some time going through each room in your house, taking an inventory of what you have. Are there any family heirlooms or other emotional items that you can’t part ways with? After that, is there anything that will be usable in your new home? Everything else should be considered fair game. Sell it, donate it or toss it out.

Moving to a smaller home can seem challenging at first, but it is a lifestyle choice that can pay significant dividends. When you are ready to make a move, contact our professional real estate team. After discussing your wants and needs, we will be happy to recommend some perfect local listings.

What Are the True Costs of Selling a Home? Let’s Take a Look

October 26, 2022 by Lisa Eagan

What Are the True Costs of Selling a Home? Let's Take a Look Are you thinking about selling your house? Before you decide to list your home up for sale, it is helpful to get a clear picture of how much it’s going to cost. Whether you are sprucing things up with a fresh coat of paint, replacing the roof membrane or just covering your taxes, there will be a few bills to pay. Let’s take a quick look at some of the true costs that you’ll incur when selling your home.

Is Your Home Ready To Sell?

The first question you will need to answer is whether or not your home is ready to sell. Unless your house is relatively new, it will likely need repairs and maintenance. Depending on the age and condition of your home, you may also decide to invest in a full home inspection. Having a professional inspector look things over is a good investment – especially if they find problem areas that require immediate attention.

Invest In A Good Real Estate Agent (And Their Commission)

To get the best price for your home, you will need to be represented by a great real estate agent. Of course, they are not going to work for free. Once the home sells, the agent is compensated with a percentage of the sale price, which is known as a commission. In some cases, the home seller also pays the commission for the buyer’s real estate agent as well.

Factor In Costs During The Sales Process

The selling process will also have its costs. From lawyers’ fees to excise taxes, there is no shortage of small costs that can start to add up. You may decide to invest a bit in your open houses in order to make them more welcoming. Or you might need to close out your mortgage. Whatever the case, be sure to leave some space in your budget for these costs.

Moving Out Will Cost You Too

Finally, don’t forget to factor in the cost of moving to your new home. Many families fail to budget for moving expenses, which can be significant if you are moving out of a large home with a lot of furniture.

As you can see, selling a home is a major financial transaction and one that should be led by an experienced professional. When you are ready to begin the process of selling your home, give us a call. Your trusted real estate professional can advise you of local market conditions and ensure that you receive top dollar when you sell.

Closing Costs And A Cash Sale: Who Pays?

October 25, 2022 by Lisa Eagan

Closing Costs And A Cash Sale: Who Pays? There are some people who are able to pay cash for a home. Typically, these are individuals who are selling an existing property that has gone up in value. Now, all of a sudden, they have a lot of extra money they can spend on a house. If you can pay cash for a home, you have a lot of extra negotiating power. When it is time to complete the sale, who pays?

What Is Included In Closing Costs?

Before deciding who pays closing expenses, it is important to take a look at what is included. Because you do not have to worry about going through a lender, you can avoid many of the fees associated with the process of buying a home. Examples include origination fees, processing fees, credit checks, and mortgage points.

On the other hand, there are several other expenses you might have to cover. For example, you will have to put down some earnest money, and you might have to pay for a property inspection and appraisal. You should also pay for title insurance and a title search. There are some states that require you to work with an attorney, and you may have to pay attorney’s fees as well. Finally, you might also be responsible for notary expenses and certain escrow fees. Keep in mind that these expenses can vary from state to state.

Who Pays For These Costs?

Because there are still several expenses you need to pay, you will need to work with the seller to decide who was responsible for them. In a lot of situations, these costs are the responsibility of the buyer.

At the same time, it is a matter up for debate. If you believe you have a lot of negotiating power, you might be able to convince the seller to pay for these expenses. For example, if the house has been on the market for a long time and the seller does not have any other offers, you might convince the seller to cover your closing expenses. You may want to work with a real estate agent who can help you figure out if you can convince the seller to cover these expenses.

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – October 24, 2022

October 24, 2022 by Lisa Eagan

What's Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week - October 24, 2022 Last week’s economic reporting included readings from the National Association of Home Builders on national and regional U.S. housing markets. The National Association of Realtors® reported on sales of previously-owned homes, and the Commerce Department released readings on building permits issued and housing starts. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also released.

NAHB: Home Builder Confidence in Housing Market Falls for 10^th Consecutive Month

The National Association of Home Builders reported that home builder confidence in the U.S housing market fell for the 8^th consecutive month in October; the organization described the situation as “unsustainable.” The NAHB Housing Market Index, which is based on index readings from 1 to 100, fell to an index reading of 38 in October as compared to the expected reading of 44 and September’s reading of 46. NAHB index readings below 50 indicate that most builders are less confident about housing market conditions than are positive about the U.S single-family housing market.

NAHB’s regional U.S housing market readings were mixed with the Northeast region reporting a one-point increase in homebuilder confidence in housing market conditions from an index reading of 47 to 48. Home builder confidence in the Midwest fell to a reading of 38 in October from September’s index reading of 42. Homebuilder confidence in housing markets in the South fell by 11 points to an index reading of 41 in October. Homebuilder confidence in housing market conditions lagged in the West from September’s reading of 34 to October’s index reading of 25. Rising mortgage rates and high home prices combined to quash homebuilder enthusiasm.

Existing Home Sales Fall in September

The National Association of Realtors® reported slower sales of previously-owned homes in September as compared to August. 4.71 million sales were reported in September on a seasonally-adjusted annual basis. Previously-owned homes sold at a seasonally-adjusted annual pace of 4.78 million sales in August.

The Commerce Department reported that 1.56 million building permits were issued on a seasonally-adjusted annual basis in September Analysts expected a reading of 1.54 million permits issued, which was unchanged from August’s reading. In related news, 1.44 million housing starts were reported on a seasonally-adjusted annual basis in September. Analysts expected a seasonally-adjusted annual pace of 1.47 million housing starts based on August’s seasonally-adjusted annual reading of 1.57 million housing starts.

Mortgage Rates Rise, Jobless Claims

Freddie Mac reported higher average mortgage rates last week, but they rose at a slower pace than in recent weeks. Rates for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages averaged 6.94 percent and were two basis points higher than in the previous week. Rates for 15-year fixed-rate mortgages averaged 6.23 percent and were 14 basis points higher. The average rate for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages fell by 10 basis points to 5.71 percent. Discount points averaged 0.90 percent for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages and 1.10 percent for 15-year fixed-rate mortgages. Discount points for 5/1 adjustable rate mortgages averaged 0.40 percent.

Initial jobless claims fell last week with 214,000 new claims filed as compared to 226,000 first-time claims filed in the previous week. Analysts expected 230,000 new jobless claims to be filed. 1.39 million ongoing jobless claims were filed last week as compared to 1.36 million continuing claims filed in the previous week.

What’s Ahead

This week’s scheduled economic reporting includes readings on U.S home prices, new and pending home sales, and inflation. The University of Michigan will issue its monthly reading on consumer sentiment and weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims will also be released.

A Non-QM Mortgage: What Does This Mean?

October 21, 2022 by Lisa Eagan

A Non-QM Mortgage: What Does This Mean? If you are interested in purchasing a house, you need to review all of the offers available. The vast majority of loan officers are going to talk about something called qualifying mortgages, which is usually shortened to QM. You may be asking, what is a non-qualifying mortgage? This is usually shortened to Non-QM, and it simply means that the loan does not conform with the rules and regulations put in place by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, usually shortened to CFPB. What are the differences between a QM and Non-QM mortgage, and which one is right for your needs?

A Qualified Mortgage Generally Provides More Protection

In general, a qualified mortgage (QM) typically provides you with a greater degree of protection. The loan has to conform to certain standards. This means that the loan cannot last longer than 30 years, there cannot be any prepayment penalties, it cannot be a balloon loan, and it should not have any negative amortization features. At the same time, qualifying for a QM mortgage can be more difficult, as lenders have to follow all of the rules and regulations set forth by the government. This includes verifying bank statements, income, W2s, and numerous other examples of documentation.

A Non-QM Mortgage May Provide More Flexibility

You may want to take a look at Non-QM mortgages because they might offer more flexibility. These are very useful for gig workers that do not qualify for QM loans. Another reason is, you might want to lengthen the loan term to 40 years. Or, you might be interested in a loan that only requires you to pay interest, particularly if you are a real estate investor. This is also an option available to foreign nationals who would like to buy property in the United States. On the other hand, you should talk to a professional who can review the risks of a Non-QM mortgage as well.

Find The Best Loan Option For Your Needs

Ultimately, it is critical to review the benefits and drawbacks of each option before you make a decision. The right loan for one person might not necessarily be the right loan for you. If you talk to an expert, you can review all of the options available and put yourself in the best position possible to qualify for a home loan.