Mootry, Murphy & Burgin Realty Group
651 Delaware Ave Buffalo, NY 14202
Office #(716) 534-8495
Blog Layout
Renovate or Relocate? 3 Questions To Help You Decide
Jul 07, 2023
Does your current home no longer serve your needs?
If so, you may be torn between relocating to a new home or renovating your existing one. This can be a difficult choice, and there’s a lot to consider—including potential costs, long-term financial implications, and quality of life.
A major remodel can be a major commitment. From hiring contractors to selecting materials to managing a budget, it can take a tremendous amount of time and energy—not to mention the ordeal of living through construction or relocating to a temporary residence.
On the other hand, moving is notoriously taxing. In fact, in one survey, 40% of respondents viewed buying a new home as ”the most stressful event in modern life.”1
So which is the better option for you? Let’s take a closer look at some of the factors you should consider before you decide.
What Are Your Motivations for Making a Change?
It’s possible that some of the limitations of your current home can be addressed with a renovation, but others may require a move.
Renovate
Certain issues, like dated kitchens and bathrooms, are fairly easy to remedy with a remodel—and the results can be dramatic. In many cases, a relatively minor renovation can significantly increase your enjoyment of your home.
Other shortcomings can be more challenging to fix but are worth exploring so that you know your options. For example, if your home feels cramped or it lacks certain rooms, you might be able to make changes like installing an extra bathroom, adding a dedicated office, or finishing an attic or basement. You may even be able to build an accessory dwelling unit or extension to accommodate a multi-generational family.
In fact, many Americans have remodelled their homes to meet changing needs since the start of the pandemic. According to the National Association of the Remodelling Industry, 90% of their members reported increased demand for renovations starting in 2020, and 60% reported that the scale of remodelling projects has grown.2
However, the feasibility and cost of these larger changes will depend on factors ranging from zoning and permitting to your home’s current layout. Speaking with an architect or a contractor can help you make an informed decision. Let us refer you to one of our trusted partners to ensure you receive the best possible service.
Relocate
Of course, sometimes, even rebuilding your home from the ground up wouldn’t solve the problem. For example, moving may be the only solution if you’ve switched jobs and now face a lengthy commute or if you need to live closer to an aging family member.
Conversely, if the shift to remote work has opened up your location options, you may wish to seize the opportunity to relocate to a new locale. A 2022 study found that nearly five million Americans had already moved since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic due to increased flexibility from remote work, and nearly 19 million more were planning to move in the near future for the same reasons.3
Moving may also be the best option, even when you’re happy with your geographic location. A local move may make sense if you’re looking for a larger backyard or significantly more space. Similarly, some frustrations—like living on a busy street or a long way from a grocery store—can’t be addressed with a renovation. We are well-versed in this area and can help you determine whether another neighborhood might suit you and your family better.
Which Option Makes the Most Financial Sense?
Renovating and relocating both come with costs, and it’s wise to explore the financial implications of each choice before you move forward.
Renovate
The costs of a renovation can vary widely, so it’s vital to get several estimates from contractors upfront to understand what it might take to achieve your dream home.
Be sure to consider all of the potential expenditures, from materials and permits to updates to your electrical and plumbing systems. It’s also prudent to add 10-20% to your total budget to account for unexpected issues.4 If you plan to DIY all or part of your renovation, don’t forget to factor in the value of your time.
Renovations can also come with hidden expenses. These might include:
1. Additional home insurance
2. Short-term rental or hotel if you need to move out during the renovation
3. Storage unit for possessions that need to be out of the way
4. Dining out, laundry service, and other essentials if you can’t access appliances at home
Remodeling choices can also impact the long-term value of your home. Some projects may increase your home’s value enough to outweigh your investment, while others could actually hurt your home’s resale potential.
For example, although you may enjoy the additional living space, garage conversions aren’t typically popular with buyers.5 Refinishing hardwood floors, on the other hand, brings an average return of 147% at resale.2 The specific impact of a renovation will depend on a number of factors, including the quality of work, choice of materials, and buyer preferences in your area. We can help you assess how a planned project is likely to affect the value of your home.
Relocate
The cost of a new home, of course, will vary significantly depending on the features you’re seeking. However, you may find that it’s cheaper to move to a home that has everything you want than it is to make major changes to your existing one.
For example, adding a downstairs bedroom suite or opening up a closed floor plan could cost you more than it would to buy a home that already has those features. On the other hand, simpler changes and updates probably won’t outweigh the expense of a relocation.
If you’re considering a move, speak with a real estate agent early in the process. We can assess your current home’s value and estimate the price of a new home that meets your needs. This will help you set an appropriate budget and expectations.
It’s important to remember that the cost of buying a new home doesn't end with the purchase price. You’ll also need to account for additional expenditures, including closing and moving costs and the fees involved with selling your current home. And don’t forget to compare current mortgage rates to your existing one to understand how a different rate could impact your monthly payment.
However, keep in mind that the interest rate on a mortgage is typically lower than the rate on other loan types—so you could pay less interest on a new home purchase than you would on remodel.6 We’re happy to refer you to a lending professional who can help you explore your financing options.
Which Option Will Be the Least Disruptive to Your Life?
A final—but critical—consideration is the time and hassle involved with each option since both renovating and relocating involve a significant amount of each.
Renovate
Don’t underestimate the time and effort involved in a large-scale renovation, even if you choose to hire a general contractor. You will still need to consider and make a number of decisions. For example, even a fairly basic kitchen remodel can involve a seemingly-endless selection of cabinets, tile, countertops, paint colors, fixtures, hardware, and appliances.
And don’t assume that you will get out of packing and unpacking if you stay in your current home. Most renovations—from kitchens to bathrooms to flooring replacement—require you to remove your belongings during the construction process.
The time frame for a remodel is another consideration. High demand for contractors and ongoing material shortages can mean a long wait to get started. And once the project is in progress, you can expect that it will take a couple of weeks to several months to complete.7
Contemplate whether you will be able to live in your home while it’s being renovated and how that would impact your routine. For example, being without a functional kitchen for months can be frustrating, inconvenient, and expensive (since you’ll need to purchase prepared food). Remember that delays are inevitable with construction, and consider what additional challenges they could present.
Relocate
Of course, finding a new home and selling your current one also takes a significant amount of time and energy. According to the National Association of Realtors’ 2022 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, the average buyer searched for 10 weeks and toured a median of five homes.8
However, in many cases, the timeline can still be shorter than a major renovation. Once you find a home that works for you, it typically takes between 30 and 60 days to close if you’re taking on a mortgage—and the process is even faster if you’re paying with cash.9 Plus, you can look for your dream home without the inconvenience of living in a construction zone.
However, a move comes with its own stress and disruptions. If you’re selling your current home, you’ll need to prep it for the market and keep it ready and available for showings. Once you’ve found a place, the packing and moving process takes time and work, as does settling into a new home—especially if it’s in a different neighbourhood.
Fortunately, we are here to help make the moving process as easy as possible, if you choose to pursue that route. We can help you find a property that meets all your needs, sell your current one for top dollar, and refer you to some excellent moving companies that can help pack and transport your belongings.
WHATEVER YOU DECIDE, WE CAN HELP
The decision to renovate or relocate can be overwhelming—but this choice also presents a powerful opportunity to improve your quality of life.
There’s a lot to consider, from how renovations could impact your home’s resale value down the road to your neighbourhood's current market dynamics. We’re happy to help you think through your options. Get in touch for a free consultation!
The above references an opinion and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult the appropriate professionals for advice regarding your individual needs.
Sources:
HousingWire -
https://www.housingwire.com/articles/46384-americans-say-buying-a-home-is-most-stressful-event-in-modern-life/
National Association of the Remodeling Industry -
https://cdn.nar.realtor//sites/default/files/documents/2022-remodeling-impact-report-04-19-2022.pdf?_gl=1*3pfs0m*_gcl_au*NTU2MDQ0MzAyLjE2ODMyMzgzMTY
Business Insider -
https://www.businessinsider.com/5-million-people-moved-because-of-remote-work-since-2020-2022-3
Forbes -
https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/contractor/home-renovation-costs/
U.S. News & World Report -
https://realestate.usnews.com/real-estate/articles/10-home-renovations-that-can-decrease-the-value-of-your-home
Bankrate -
https://www.bankrate.com/mortgages/mortgage-vs-home-equity-loan/#differences
House Beautiful -
https://www.housebeautiful.com/home-remodeling/a25588459/home-renovation-timeline/
National Association of Realtors -
https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/highlights-from-the-profile-of-home-buyers-and-sellers
Forbes -
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/mortgages/how-long-does-it-take-to-close-on-a-house/
What Are Your Motivations for Making a Change?
It’s possible that some of the limitations of your current home can be addressed with a renovation, but others may require a move.
Renovate
Certain issues, like dated kitchens and bathrooms, are fairly easy to remedy with a remodel—and the results can be dramatic. In many cases, a relatively minor renovation can significantly increase your enjoyment of your home.
Other shortcomings can be more challenging to fix but are worth exploring so that you know your options. For example, if your home feels cramped or it lacks certain rooms, you might be able to make changes like installing an extra bathroom, adding a dedicated office, or finishing an attic or basement. You may even be able to build an accessory dwelling unit or extension to accommodate a multi-generational family.
In fact, many Americans have remodelled their homes to meet changing needs since the start of the pandemic. According to the National Association of the Remodelling Industry, 90% of their members reported increased demand for renovations starting in 2020, and 60% reported that the scale of remodelling projects has grown.2
However, the feasibility and cost of these larger changes will depend on factors ranging from zoning and permitting to your home’s current layout. Speaking with an architect or a contractor can help you make an informed decision. Let us refer you to one of our trusted partners to ensure you receive the best possible service.
Relocate
Of course, sometimes, even rebuilding your home from the ground up wouldn’t solve the problem. For example, moving may be the only solution if you’ve switched jobs and now face a lengthy commute or if you need to live closer to an aging family member.
Conversely, if the shift to remote work has opened up your location options, you may wish to seize the opportunity to relocate to a new locale. A 2022 study found that nearly five million Americans had already moved since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic due to increased flexibility from remote work, and nearly 19 million more were planning to move in the near future for the same reasons.3
Moving may also be the best option, even when you’re happy with your geographic location. A local move may make sense if you’re looking for a larger backyard or significantly more space. Similarly, some frustrations—like living on a busy street or a long way from a grocery store—can’t be addressed with a renovation. We are well-versed in this area and can help you determine whether another neighborhood might suit you and your family better.
Which Option Makes the Most Financial Sense?
Renovating and relocating both come with costs, and it’s wise to explore the financial implications of each choice before you move forward.
Renovate
The costs of a renovation can vary widely, so it’s vital to get several estimates from contractors upfront to understand what it might take to achieve your dream home.
Be sure to consider all of the potential expenditures, from materials and permits to updates to your electrical and plumbing systems. It’s also prudent to add 10-20% to your total budget to account for unexpected issues.4 If you plan to DIY all or part of your renovation, don’t forget to factor in the value of your time.
Renovations can also come with hidden expenses. These might include:
1. Additional home insurance
2. Short-term rental or hotel if you need to move out during the renovation
3. Storage unit for possessions that need to be out of the way
4. Dining out, laundry service, and other essentials if you can’t access appliances at home
Remodeling choices can also impact the long-term value of your home. Some projects may increase your home’s value enough to outweigh your investment, while others could actually hurt your home’s resale potential.
For example, although you may enjoy the additional living space, garage conversions aren’t typically popular with buyers.5 Refinishing hardwood floors, on the other hand, brings an average return of 147% at resale.2 The specific impact of a renovation will depend on a number of factors, including the quality of work, choice of materials, and buyer preferences in your area. We can help you assess how a planned project is likely to affect the value of your home.
Relocate
The cost of a new home, of course, will vary significantly depending on the features you’re seeking. However, you may find that it’s cheaper to move to a home that has everything you want than it is to make major changes to your existing one.
For example, adding a downstairs bedroom suite or opening up a closed floor plan could cost you more than it would to buy a home that already has those features. On the other hand, simpler changes and updates probably won’t outweigh the expense of a relocation.
If you’re considering a move, speak with a real estate agent early in the process. We can assess your current home’s value and estimate the price of a new home that meets your needs. This will help you set an appropriate budget and expectations.
It’s important to remember that the cost of buying a new home doesn't end with the purchase price. You’ll also need to account for additional expenditures, including closing and moving costs and the fees involved with selling your current home. And don’t forget to compare current mortgage rates to your existing one to understand how a different rate could impact your monthly payment.
However, keep in mind that the interest rate on a mortgage is typically lower than the rate on other loan types—so you could pay less interest on a new home purchase than you would on remodel.6 We’re happy to refer you to a lending professional who can help you explore your financing options.
Which Option Will Be the Least Disruptive to Your Life?
A final—but critical—consideration is the time and hassle involved with each option since both renovating and relocating involve a significant amount of each.
Renovate
Don’t underestimate the time and effort involved in a large-scale renovation, even if you choose to hire a general contractor. You will still need to consider and make a number of decisions. For example, even a fairly basic kitchen remodel can involve a seemingly-endless selection of cabinets, tile, countertops, paint colors, fixtures, hardware, and appliances.
And don’t assume that you will get out of packing and unpacking if you stay in your current home. Most renovations—from kitchens to bathrooms to flooring replacement—require you to remove your belongings during the construction process.
The time frame for a remodel is another consideration. High demand for contractors and ongoing material shortages can mean a long wait to get started. And once the project is in progress, you can expect that it will take a couple of weeks to several months to complete.7
Contemplate whether you will be able to live in your home while it’s being renovated and how that would impact your routine. For example, being without a functional kitchen for months can be frustrating, inconvenient, and expensive (since you’ll need to purchase prepared food). Remember that delays are inevitable with construction, and consider what additional challenges they could present.
Relocate
Of course, finding a new home and selling your current one also takes a significant amount of time and energy. According to the National Association of Realtors’ 2022 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, the average buyer searched for 10 weeks and toured a median of five homes.8
However, in many cases, the timeline can still be shorter than a major renovation. Once you find a home that works for you, it typically takes between 30 and 60 days to close if you’re taking on a mortgage—and the process is even faster if you’re paying with cash.9 Plus, you can look for your dream home without the inconvenience of living in a construction zone.
However, a move comes with its own stress and disruptions. If you’re selling your current home, you’ll need to prep it for the market and keep it ready and available for showings. Once you’ve found a place, the packing and moving process takes time and work, as does settling into a new home—especially if it’s in a different neighbourhood.
Fortunately, we are here to help make the moving process as easy as possible, if you choose to pursue that route. We can help you find a property that meets all your needs, sell your current one for top dollar, and refer you to some excellent moving companies that can help pack and transport your belongings.
WHATEVER YOU DECIDE, WE CAN HELP
The decision to renovate or relocate can be overwhelming—but this choice also presents a powerful opportunity to improve your quality of life.
There’s a lot to consider, from how renovations could impact your home’s resale value down the road to your neighbourhood's current market dynamics. We’re happy to help you think through your options. Get in touch for a free consultation!
The above references an opinion and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult the appropriate professionals for advice regarding your individual needs.
Sources:
HousingWire -
https://www.housingwire.com/articles/46384-americans-say-buying-a-home-is-most-stressful-event-in-modern-life/
National Association of the Remodeling Industry -
https://cdn.nar.realtor//sites/default/files/documents/2022-remodeling-impact-report-04-19-2022.pdf?_gl=1*3pfs0m*_gcl_au*NTU2MDQ0MzAyLjE2ODMyMzgzMTY
Business Insider -
https://www.businessinsider.com/5-million-people-moved-because-of-remote-work-since-2020-2022-3
Forbes -
https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/contractor/home-renovation-costs/
U.S. News & World Report -
https://realestate.usnews.com/real-estate/articles/10-home-renovations-that-can-decrease-the-value-of-your-home
Bankrate -
https://www.bankrate.com/mortgages/mortgage-vs-home-equity-loan/#differences
House Beautiful -
https://www.housebeautiful.com/home-remodeling/a25588459/home-renovation-timeline/
National Association of Realtors -
https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/highlights-from-the-profile-of-home-buyers-and-sellers
Forbes -
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/mortgages/how-long-does-it-take-to-close-on-a-house/
Recent Posts
A growing share of home buyers and sellers sat on the sidelines last year as the pace of home sales continued its downward trajectory.1 In fact, since the Federal Reserve began its series of interest rate hikes in 2022, the combination of higher borrowing costs and record-high home prices has fostered the steepest real estate market slowdown since the 2008 recession.2 Priced out of the market, a generation of would-be buyers has been forced to delay their plans for homeownership.3 At the same time, current owners—reluctant to give up their pandemic-era mortgage rates—are waiting to sell, which has resulted in a sharp drop in listings.4 But there may be some relief in sight: In December, the Fed signaled that it was done raising interest rates—and suggested that it could cut rates by 0.75% over the coming year. While mortgages don’t directly follow the federal funds rate, they typically move in tandem—so cheaper home loans may finally be on the horizon.5 Lower mortgage rates should bring some much-needed movement back into the real estate sector. But with a market this fluid, the home buyers and sellers with an edge will be those who proactively leverage a real estate agent’s on-the-ground expertise and stay flexible so that they can quickly adapt to changes. What does that mean for you? Read on to learn more about the current state of the U.S. housing market, the potential opportunities for buyers and sellers, and economists’ predictions for the year ahead. HOME PRICES WILL REMAIN RELATIVELY STABLE Not even 8% mortgage rates could bring home prices crashing down in 2023, as some prospective home buyers may have hoped. In fact, on average, U.S. property values ended the year higher—with declines in some areas of the country offset by appreciation in others.6 Prices typically fall when rising interest rates drive down demand. So what’s keeping home values high? Mike Simonsen at Altos Research points to a nationwide housing shortage: “Declining home prices probably require that supply-and-demand imbalance, and what we have is really a balance. There's a balance between low demand and low supply.”7 Analysts expect that equilibrium to continue to prop up home prices in 2024, although the specific forecasts vary. For example, economists at Realtor.com predict that the median home price will fall slightly, by 1.7%, while those at Fannie Mae project modest price growth of 2.8%.6,8 However, experts widely agree: Mortgage rates will be the largest driver of property values. If rates fall faster than expected, more buyers will enter the market—which could send home prices soaring higher. What does it mean for you? There’s no evidence that home prices are headed for a major decline. So if you’re ready and able to afford a home, this is a great time to test the waters. The best bargains are often found in a slower market, like the one we’re experiencing right now. Contact us to discuss your goals and budget. We can help you make an informed decision about the right time to buy. And if you’ve been waiting to sell your home, this could be your year. Price growth has slowed, so now is the time to maximize your equity gains while minimizing your competition. Contact us for recommendations and to find out what your home could sell for in today’s market. MORTGAGE RATES SHOULD FINALLY TREND DOWN The best news we've got incoming for 2024? The extra-high mortgage rates that have weighed heavily on the real estate market may finally be headed south. At its December meeting, the Fed signaled that the worst is likely behind us and that it expects to cut its overnight rate in 2024. Analysts predict that mortgage rates will fall in lockstep.5 “Given inflation continues to decelerate and the Federal Reserve Board’s current expectations that they will lower the federal funds target rate next year, we likely will see a gradual thawing of the housing market in the new year,” said Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist Sam Khater following the announcement.9 The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate has already declined from an October high of around 8%, and analysts at Fannie Mae, the Mortgage Bankers Association, and Realtor.com all forecast that rates will trend down this year, ending 2024 closer to 6%.7 However, it’s not all good news: It appears that the days of 3% mortgage rates are firmly behind us. “As long as the economy continues to motor along, the new normal of higher rates is here to stay,” explains Greg McBride, chief financial analyst for Bankrate.4 So, when it comes to a home loan, borrowers may need to adjust their expectations. What does it mean for you? If you're a prospective home buyer, declining mortgage rates could give you the opportunity to lock in a more affordable monthly payment. And if you purchase before the market reheats, you could secure an especially good deal. To find the lowest rate, it pays to compare lenders. Ask us to refer you to a mortgage broker who can help you shop around for the best option. Sellers also have reason to celebrate buyers' lower interest rates: As the barriers to entry to the housing market decline, they could enjoy more or better offers. Reach out to discuss how we can help you maximize your home’s sales potential. LOWER RATES WILL BRING SOME BUYERS AND SELLERS BACK TO THE MARKET Over the past couple of years, higher mortgage rates have cooled home buyer demand. They’ve also delayed the plans of many home sellers, who have been reluctant to trade in their current mortgages for loans that are several points higher. With so many market participants playing the waiting game, the real estate sector has slowed significantly. National Association of Realtors (NAR) Chief Economist Lawrence Yun estimates that the number of existing home sales fell by 18% last year following a 17% decline in 2022.10 However, as financing costs tick down, sales volume is expected to rise. “Lower mortgage rates would help spur home sales activity, which [is] expected to increase in 2024 compared to 2023,” explains Selma Hepp, chief economist at CoreLogic. “Declines in mortgage rates will drive more sellers to trade their existing home and help add much-needed inventory to the market, leading to more transactions.”4 There’s also evidence that the patience of holdout home buyers may be waning, despite higher borrowing costs. A recent survey by Bank of America found that the number who are willing to wait for prices or mortgage rates to decline before making a purchase fell from 85% to 62% in just six months.11 “When it comes down to it, if buying a home is your goal and within your budget, the best time to buy is when you're ready financially and you can find a home that fits your needs,” Matt Vernon, head of consumer lending at Bank of America, advised in a recent release. “Even in the current interest rate environment, there are clear benefits to purchasing a home and beginning to build equity.”11 What does it mean for you? If you’ve been waiting to buy a home, you might want to consider purchasing before the competition picks up. Pent-up demand could bring a flood of buyers back into the market as mortgage rates decline. Contact us if you’re ready to begin your home search. If you’re hoping to sell this year, you may also want to act fast. An increase in listings will make it harder for your home to stand out. We can help you chart the best course to maximize your profits, starting with a professional assessment of your home’s current market value. Reach out to schedule a free consultation. THE HOUSING SUPPLY SHORTAGE WILL PERSIST Will home buyers who are eager for options have more homes to choose from this year? Yun thinks so. He believes sellers will soon grow weary of waiting to list. “Pent-up sellers cannot wait any longer. People will begin to say, ‘life goes on,’” the NAR economist speculated at a November conference. “Listings will steadily show up, and new home sales will continue to do well.”10 But not everyone agrees. Economists at Realtor.com forecast that inventory could drop by as much as 14% this year. The decline in existing homes for sale has been compounded by a persistent shortage of new construction, with single-family housing starts falling 10.3% in 2023 and 11.2% in 2022.6 Even so, newly-built homes are playing an increased role in easing the supply crunch, accounting for around one-third of all homes for sale in 2023—which was twice the historical average.12 But new construction alone isn’t expected to fill the inventory gap. According to First American Financial Corporation’s Chief Economist Mark Fleming, the U.S. currently has a shortfall of around one million homes, and conditions won’t ease until individual owners re-enter the market. “Only when more homeowners decide to sell, and then buy again, will housing supply and the pace of sales return to anything resembling normal.”13 What does it mean for you? Inventory remains tight, but buyers can benefit from the search expertise of a real estate professional. We can tap our extensive network to access off-market and pre-market listings while helping you explore both new construction and existing homes in our area. While sellers will continue to benefit from the low-inventory environment, they should be prepared to compete against brand-new homes. We can help you prep your property for the market and highlight the features most likely to appeal to today’s buyers. WE'RE HERE TO GUIDE YOU While national real estate forecasts can give you a “big picture” outlook, real estate is local. And as local market experts, we know what's most likely to impact sales and drive home values in your neighborhood. As a trusted partner in your real estate journey, we'll keep our ears to the ground so that we can guide you through the market's twists and turns. If you’re considering buying or selling a home in 2024, contact us now to schedule a free consultation. Let’s work together and craft an action plan to meet your real estate goals. The above references an opinion and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult the appropriate professionals for advice regarding your individual needs. Sources: CNN - https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/19/homes/existing-home-sales-september/index.html Goldman Sachs - https://www.gspublishing.com/content/research/en/reports/2023/10/23/2d814362-a656-4cb3-8586-bea8591188e3.html ABC News - https://abcnews.go.com/US/millennials-priced-homeownership-feeling-pressure/story?id=105032436 Bankrate - https://www.bankrate.com/real-estate/housing-market-2024/ CBS News - https://www.cbsnews.com/news/interest-rates-are-paused-heres-why-thats-good-news-for-homebuyers/ Realtor.com - https://www.realtor.com/research/2024-national-housing-forecast NerdWallet - https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/mortgages/2024-homebuying-trends-property-line-november-2023 Fast Company - https://www.fastcompany.com/90991612/home-price-2024-outlook-fannie-mae Freddie Mac - https://freddiemac.gcs-web.com/news-releases/news-release-details/mortgage-rates-drop-below-seven-percent National Association of Realtors - https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom/nar-chief-economist-lawrence-yun-forecasts-existing-home-sales-will-rise-by-15-percent-next-year Bank of America - https://newsroom.bankofamerica.com/content/newsroom/press-releases/2023/12/bofa-report-shows-fewer-prospective-homebuyers-willing-to-wait-f.html Marketplace - https://www.marketplace.org/2023/11/27/mortgage-rates-new-home-sales/ First American - https://blog.firstam.com/economics/whats-the-outlook-for-the-housing-market-in-2024
Buying a new home is one of the most exciting experiences in life. And if you’re like most homebuyers, you’ll be planning your furniture placement and decor before the ink dries on your offer letter.
Most new homebuyers don't regret becoming homeowners. In fact, according to a survey by LendingTree, 80% of recent buyers who successfully overcame a challenging housing market say they're glad they found their current homes.1 But that doesn't mean newly-minted homeowners don't have any regrets about their buying choices.
Does your current home no longer serve your needs? If so, you may be torn between relocating to a new home or renovating your existing one. This can be a difficult choice, and there’s a lot to consider
Starting the home buying process can be intimidating, especially if you’re used to renting. How do you know where to begin? As a millennial, our generation has in many ways been stereotyped as not being able to save and afford their lifestyles. But that’s far from the truth! Financially savvy individuals and people who know the importance of investment exist in any generation, and I’m here to show you how you can make the most of your home investment. After all, according to the National Association of Realtors , home buyers age 37 and younger makeup 36% of all buyers! Which continues to be the largest generational group of buyers. This goes to show you that home buying for millennials is more attainable than you were lead to believe.
You have found the perfect house that you have been looking for. Your offer got accepted, the inspection went good. Now you are only a few days away from closing on that house. Not so fast. You forgot about one of the most important steps in the process, homeowners insurance ! Buying a house will probably be the most expense purchase you will ever make. Better make sure you have the right homeowners insurance to protect it. Looking into the cost of adding a homeowners insurance policy into your budget in the near future? Here are some helpful Homeowners Insurance do’s and don’ts to assist you with the process. DO shop around Your car insurance company may offer a discounted rate if you bundle a homeowner’s policy in with it. Many major companies like GEICO and Allstate offer comparable rates for packages. It’s also a good idea to check with your bank, as being an existing customer has its benefits. Online resources such as Progressive’s search comparison tool can assist you with getting a ballpark figure of what you’ll be paying, so don’t be afraid to research. Many local real estate brokers have their own insurance. For example, Howard Hanna offers insurance through Howard Hanna Insurance Services . Don’t just go for the name you heard of. Make sure the company not only has a good price, but a track record of providing good service. Also, ask your real estate agent for advice or recommendations. DON’T just sign a contract You’re investing in a home, so any protection you have on that property is important. Make sure you understand policy premiums, included coverages, optional coverages and your deductible. The last thing you need is to drop big money on a new home in a flood warning area, and then find out your insurance doesn’t cover water damage! Insurance polices can become very complex and complicated very quickly. Do not be afraid to ask questions! If there is something you don’t understand make sure they are able to help you get a better understanding. DO speak with an insurance representative Many large insurance companies have private representatives, and it’s also good to consider local businesses as well. You can meet with an individual in person to be 100% sure you’re getting the service you’re expecting. This can also be helpful if you’re new to insurance policies, as they can quickly explain your policy documents to you. They’ll also work with your mortgage representatives and realtors to help you in the home buying process, too. We know that filling out info on a website is way more convenient than talking. However, it is important to have that human interaction when it comes to shopping for the right insurance for you. DON’T wait until the last minute to set up a policy Insurance companies have processing times and steps that must be followed. If you are getting a bank mortgage, it is REQUIRED that you have a policy in place prior to closing. Waiting too long to get your insurance situation in order can delay your closing. Be proactive, a good agent will help keep you on track. Lastly, It’s important to make sure your coverage starts the day of your closing when you legally own your new home. Thanks for checking out this blog on Homeowners Insurance Do’s & Don’ts. If this blog was helpful and beneficial to you, be sure to share it with some friends. As always, please leave a comment and let me know what you think. Also, comment if you have any questions. Be sure to follow me on Instagram , and Facebook . If you have any questions, or are ready to begin your path to homeownership please click here . Please share, and thank you for reading .
Pre-qualification or pre-approval? You hear some people tell you that you have to go get yourself pre-qualified. While others are saying that you have to get pre-approved. In this blog, I am going to explain to you what these two terms mean. Along the way, you will begin to see how they differ as well. If you recall, the first blog post that I wrote was called, “I’m a First Time Home Buyer, Where Do I Start?” . One of the steps in that post involved getting your mortgage situation taken care of prior to seeing houses. (If you have not read that blog post , I recommend doing so first). Now we will dive into what that really means. Let’s get this show on the road! Say you call an agent such as myself , and you ask to see a beautiful house you saw onlin e. One of the first questions I am going to ask is, “Have you spoken to anybody yet about getting a mortgage.” This step is important because we need to know the budget that you have to work with.
Zyris McCormick
One Team. One Vision. One Goal. One YOU!
Our Location
651 Delaware Ave Buffalo,
NY 14202
Contact Me
716-308-4259
[email protected]
- Created By
-
