This article is about how owning a home will protect you against inflation.  I, of course, agree with that.  But, owning a home has more benefits than the inflation factor.  As I see it, these are the major financial benefits.  Let' assume a home that is worth $600,000 today.

#1  Assuming an annual 3.0% increase in home value, this home's value will increase $18,000 , the first year.  After 5 years, it will be worth $695,000.  After 10 years, it will be worth over $800,000.  Not a bad return.

#2  Assuming one is in the 25% tax bracket, there will be a substantial reduction in income taxes.  For an adjusted gross income of $100,000, the reduction in federal income taxes will be about $8700 per year.  That's assuming an interest deduction of about $30,000 and a tax deduction of about $5000.

So, the financial benefit in year one would be $26,700.  After year 5, $138,500 ( $95,000 + $43,5000).  And, after year 10, $287,000 ( $200,000 + $87,000).

Of course, these are estimates, assuming a stable market over the next 5 to 10 years.  There will probably be some ups and downs.  But, I do believe that assuming a 3% annual increase in home value is more than realistic.  It could easily be far more.

Owning a Home Helps Protect Against Inflation

You’re probably feeling the impact of high inflation every day as prices have gone up on groceries, gas, and more. If you’re a renter, you’re likely experiencing it a lot as your rent continues to rise. Between all of those elevated costs and uncertainty about a potential recession, you may be wondering if it still makes sense to buy a home today. The short answer is – it does. Here’s why. 

Homeownership actually shields you from the rising costs inflation brings.

Freddie Mac explains how: 

“Not only will buying today help you begin to build equity, a fixed-rate mortgage can stabilize your monthly housing costs for the long-term even while other life expenses continue to rise – as has been the case the past few years.”

Unlike rents, which tend to rise with time, a fixed-rate mortgage payment is predictable over the life of the mortgage (typically 15 to 30 years). And, when the cost of most everything else is rising, keeping your housing payment stable is especially important.

The alternative to homeownership is renting – and rents tend to move alongside inflation. That means as inflation goes up, your monthly rent payments tend to go up, too (see graph below):

A fixed-rate mortgage allows you to protect yourself from future rent hikes. With inflation still high, when your rental agreement comes up for renewal, your property manager may decide to increase your payments to offset the impact of inflation. Maybe that’s why, according to a recent survey, 73% of property managers plan to raise rents over the next two years.

 Having your largest monthly expense remain stable in a time of economic uncertainty is a major perk of homeownership. If you continue to rent, you don’t have that same benefit and aren’t as protected from rising costs.

Bottom Line

A stable housing payment is especially important in times of high inflation. Let’s connect so you can learn more and start your journey to homeownership today.

This article is pointing out that now is a good time to sell.  I absolutely agree.  But, I think it will be a good time to sell for a long time.  Right now, we have a severe inventory shortage.  In my opinion, the shortage is due to our mortgage rates of around 7%.  I don't really know the number, but I do know that anyone with the intelligence and financial where with all to refinance during the low rate period, did.  So, there is this huge percentage of the home buyer prospects that are sitting on 2.5% to 4.0 % mortgages that are literally trapped in their current homes.  They could move.  But, why would they.  Trade a 3.% mortgage for a 7.0% mortgage.  Not going to happen, unless there is an extremely compelling reason to make the move.

So, prices are going to remain high, just due to low inventory.  Now, what would happen if rates dropped to 5.%?  All these "rate locked" sellers would now consider buying.  Still a higher rate, but perhaps doable.  Now the buyer demand soars and prices continue to rise.  A steeper rate drop to say 3.5% or 4.0%, and buyer demand would be incredible.  Not only are the "rate locked" sellers back in buyer market, but all of the other buyers are now able to afford a home.

So, I just do not see any time in the future where it will be a "buyer's market".  Conclusion.  If you're a seller, sell when you're ready.  If you're a buyer, buy now, because it's not going to get ant better in the future.

The Benefits of Selling Now, According to Experts

If you’re trying to decide if now’s the time to sell your house, here’s what you should know. The limited number of homes available right now gives you a big advantage. That’s because there are more buyers out there than there are homes for sale. And, with so few homes on the market, buyers will have fewer options, so you set yourself up to get the most eyes possible on your house.

Here’s what industry experts are saying about why selling now has its benefits:

Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR):

“Inventory levels are still at historic lows. Consequently, multiple offers are returning on a good number of properties.”

Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at CoreLogic:

“We have not seen the traditional uptick in new listings from existing homeowners, so undersupply of housing will continue to heighten market competition and put pressure on prices in most regions. Some markets are already heating up considerably, but price premiums that we saw last spring and summer are unlikely.”

Clare Trapasso, Executive News Editor at Realtor.com:

“Well-priced, move-in ready homes with curb appeal in desirable areas are still receiving multiple offers and selling for over the asking price in many parts of the country . . .”

Jeff Tucker, Senior Economist at Zillow:

“. . . sellers who price and market their home competitively shouldn’t have a problem finding a buyer.”

Bottom Line

If you’re thinking about selling your house, let’s connect so you have the expert insights you need to make the best possible move today. 

I found this article from 2013.  It could have been written today.  It's always been wise to buy a home.  And, it still is.

Harvard: 5 Financial Reasons to Buy a Home

Eric Belsky is Managing Director of the Joint Center of Housing Studies at Harvard University. He also currently serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Housing Research and Housing Policy Debate. This year he released a new paper on homeownership - The Dream Lives On: the Future of Homeownership in America. In his paper, Belsky reveals five financial reasons people should consider buying a home. Here are the five reasons, each followed by an excerpt from the study: 1.) Housing is typically the one leveraged investment available. “Few households are interested in borrowing money to buy stocks and bonds and few lenders are willing to lend them the money. As a result, homeownership allows households to amplify any appreciation on the value of their homes by a leverage factor. Even a hefty 20 percent down payment results in a leverage factor of five so that every percentage point rise in the value of the home is a 5 percent return on their equity. With many buyers putting 10 percent or less down, their leverage factor is 10 or more.” 2.) You're paying for housing whether you own or rent. “Homeowners pay debt service to pay down their own principal while households that rent pay down the principal of a landlord.” 3.) Owning is usually a form of “forced savings”. “Since many people have trouble saving and have to make a housing payment one way or the other, owning a home can overcome people’s tendency to defer savings to another day.” 4.) There are substantial tax benefits to owning. “Homeowners are able to deduct mortgage interest and property taxes from income...On top of all this, capital gains up to $250,000 are excluded from income for single filers and up to $500,000 for married couples if they sell their homes for a gain.” 5.) Owning is a hedge against inflation. “Housing costs and rents have tended over most time periods to go up at or higher than the rate of inflation, making owning an attractive proposition.”

Bottom Line

We realize that homeownership makes sense for many Americans for many social and family reasons. It also makes sense financially.

This article talks about the benefits of owning a vacation home.  Honestly, that's not a market that we've spent any time in.  But, it certainly does have merit.  I can't think of a better place to have a vacation home, than Colorado.

Why Buying a Vacation Home Beats Renting One This Summer

For many of us, visiting the same vacation spot every year is a summer tradition that’s fun, relaxing, and restful. If that sounds like you, now’s the time to think about your plans and determine if buying a vacation home this year makes more sense than renting one again. According to Forbes: 

“. . . if the idea of vacationing at the same place every year makes you feel instantaneously relaxed, buying a vacation home might be a wise move.”  

To help you decide if making a move like this is right for you, let’s explore why you may want to consider purchasing a vacation home today. 

Benefits of Owning Your Vacation Home

You don’t have to worry about finding a place to stay. It can be a challenge to find a rental where you want, when you want. Some summer vacation destinations are more popular than others, meaning your favorite place may be booked up in advance. Bankrate explains why owning your vacation home means you don’t have to worry about that sort of inconvenience: 

“. . . a second home can offer a place to have quality time with your family and ensures that you always have a vacation destination.”  

It’s an investment. Home values typically appreciate over the long haul. That holds true for your vacation home as well, especially if it’s in an area with growing market demand. This can help grow your net worth with time.  

Vacation homes may provide tax benefits. If you own a vacation home, you may be eligible for tax deductions based on where it is. However, before buying, you’ll want to consult with a tax professional to discuss first as taxes can vary by location.

It could potentially turn into a retirement location. If you love the location of your vacation home, you could potentially sell your primary residence and retire there in the future.

How a Pro Can Help You Find Your Perfect Match

As you’re preparing for summer vacation, remember, you could potentially visit your second home instead of another rental unit or hotel. If that sounds appealing to you, a

local real estate agent is your best resource. They have the knowledge and resources to help you understand the area and what vacation homes are available in your budget. Plus, these agents can explain the perks of how owning a second home can benefit you. 

Bottom Line

If any of these reasons for owning a vacation home resonate with you, let’s connect. You still have time to enjoy spending the summer in your vacation home.

This article needs no comment from me.  I agree whole heartedly with it's entirety.

Why Buyers Need an Expert Agent by Their Side

The process of buying a home can feel a bit intimidating, even under normal circumstances. But today's market is still anything but normal. There continues to be a very limited number of homes for sale, and that’s creating bidding wars and driving home prices back up as buyers compete over the available homes.

Navigating all of this can be daunting if you’re trying to do it alone. That’s why having a skilled expert to guide you through the homebuying process is essential, especially today. Bankrate shares this perspective: 

"Advice and guidance from a professional real estate agent can be invaluable, particularly amid a hot or unpredictable housing market."

Here are just a few of the ways a real estate expert makes a big difference: 

• Experience – Real estate professionals know the ins and outs of what’s happening today, how it impacts buyers, and how to navigate any hurdles that may pop up.
• Education – Knowledge is power when it comes to buying a home. Your advisor will simply and effectively explain market conditions and translate what they mean for you so you can feel confident in your decision. 
• Negotiations – Your real estate advisor advocates for your best interests. Having an expert on your side provides assistance with the purchase agreement. An agent can also help you negotiate potential seller concessions if the inspection reveals issues with the home.  
• Contracts – Real estate advisors guide you through the disclosures and contracts necessary in today’s heavily regulated environment. 
• Pricing – Making an offer and negotiating with a seller can be one of the most difficult and stressful parts of the homebuying process. A skilled agent will help you understand what similar homes are selling for so you have the full picture of what you may want to offer.

All of these reasons combined may be why 86% of recent buyers used an agent according to the latest Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR). NAR also has this to say about why an agent is so essential today: 

“A great real estate agent will guide you through the home search with an unbiased eye, helping you meet your buying objectives while staying within your budget. Agents are also a great source when you have questions about local amenities, utilities, zoning rules, contractors, and more.” 

What’s the Key To Choosing the Right Expert?

It starts with trust. You’ll want to know you can trust the advice they’re giving you, so you need to make sure you’re connected with a true professional. No one can provide perfect advice because it’s impossible to know exactly what’s going to happen at every turn – especially in today’s market. But a true professional can give you the best possible advice based on the information and situation at hand. 

They’ll help advocate for you throughout the process and coach you on the essential knowledge you need to make confident decisions. That’s exactly what you want and deserve. 

Bottom Line

It’s critical to have an expert on your side who is skilled in navigating today’s housing market. If you’re planning to buy a home this year, let’s connect so you have a real estate advisor on your side to give you the best advice and guide you along the way.

Parker Colorado is our hometown. We moved here from Austin, Texas in 1987. We arrived with three small children, all of whom went through the school system, from kindergarten through high school. Thirty six years later, we can't imagine living anywhere else. We love Parker and we know you will, too.  For the last nineteen years we have enjoyed having our own real estate business, the Parker Colorado Home Center.  It's been a fun ride and we look forward to years ahead.  We put together some info about the town of Parker. Click on the link below to read.

https://www.parkercoloradohomecenter.com/parker-colorado-general-information/

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Ride with us as we drive through some of Parker's most popular subdivisions. Watch and listen, as we describe what we are driving past just as if you were actually in the car with us.  A NOTE of caution.  These videos have been produced over a period of years.  Price points mentioned do not reflect current prices. 

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I don't have much to say about this article.  It's really a graph showing how much a payment changes with a different interest rate.  So, I'll just let you check it out.  Hopefully, you'll get some benefit from it.

The Impact of Changing Mortgage Rates [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights

• If you’re looking to buy a home, you should know even a small change in mortgage rates has an impact on your purchasing power.
• These charts show how rates generally affect your monthly payment.
• The best way to navigate changing mortgage rates and make an informed buying decision is to rely on the expertise of a local real estate professional and mortgage lender.

Strong Job Market Is Fueling Buyer Activity

This article does a good job of pointing out that in spite of high mortgage rates and the fear of a recession, homebuyers are still out there in droves.  As I've pointed out in previous messages, the demand here in Parker, Colorado exceeds the supply of available homes.  Some of that is due to very low inventory.  But, it is also a result of a high employment rate here in Colorado.  We're still seeing multiple offers on all of the good listings.  And, in many cases, above asking price offers.  I think that a lot of the homebuyers who have backed off are starting to realize that, as the saying goes, "it is what it is" and waiting for a better time to buy, is probably a big mistake.  And, in reality, there are a lot of people out there that simply need a place to live.  They don't have the luxury of waiting.

Powerful Job Market Fuels Homebuyer Demand

The spring housing market has been surprisingly active this year. Even with affordability challenges and a limited number of homes for sale, buyer demand is strong, and getting stronger.

One way we know there are interested buyers right now is because showing traffic is up. Data from the latest ShowingTime Showing Index, which is a measure of buyers actively touring homes, makes it clear more people are out looking at homes than there were prior to the pandemic (see graph below):

And though there’s less traffic than the buyer frenzy of the past couple of years, we’re not far off that pace. There are a lot of interested buyers checking out available homes right now.

But why are buyers so active at a time when mortgage rates are higher than they were just last year?

The Job Market Is Growing at a Stronger-Than-Expected Pace

With inflation still high, the Federal Reserve (the Fed) repeatedly hiking the Federal Funds Rate, and a lot of chatter in the media about a recession, it might surprise you just how strong today’s job market is. What might be even more surprising is the fact that it appears to be getting stronger (see graph below):

Each month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports how many new jobs were added to the U.S. job market. The graph above shows 88,000 more jobs were created in April than in March. In fact, the April numbers beat expert projections. That’s a solid indicator the job market is growing.

Unemployment Is at a Near All-Time Low

Ever since the Fed began fighting inflation, many people expected the low unemployment rate we’ve seen over the past couple of years to rise – but that hasn’t happened.

In fact, what has happened is the unemployment rate has dropped to 3.4% – a 50-year low (see graph below):

With so many people steadily employed and financially stable right now, they’re still able to seriously consider buying a home.

What This Means for You

If you’re thinking about selling your house this year, a market with active buyers is music to your ears. That’s because there’ll be increased interest in your home when you put it on the market, especially at a time when the number of homes for sale is so low.

To get started, your best resource is an experienced real estate agent. They can help you price your house appropriately, navigate the offers you’ll receive, negotiate effectively, and minimize your stress and hassle.

Bottom Line

There are plenty of buyers out there right now trying to find a home that fits their needs. That’s because the job market is strong, and many people have the stable income needed to seriously consider homeownership. To put your house on the market and get in on the action, let’s connect.

This article that I just reviewed is pointing out the possibility that the general public is going to see news that implies that home prices are declining.  That is because the NAR (National Association of Realtors) uses median prices as their benchmark.  Using the median sales price tends to skew the price down.  In reality, prices are at a minimum, stable.  But, in markets like here in Parker, Colorado, prices are slightly on the rise.  And, there are no indicators to expect them to not go higher.  As I continue to recommend, it's time to buy.  And, it's time to sell.

What You Need To Know About Home Price News

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) will release its latest Existing Home Sales Report tomorrow. The information it contains on home prices may cause some confusion and could even generate some troubling headlines. This all stems from the fact that NAR will report the median sales price, while other home price indices report repeat sales prices. The vast majority of the repeat sales indices show prices are starting to appreciate again. But the median price reported on Thursday may tell a different story. 

Here’s why using the median home price as a gauge of what’s happening with home values isn’t ideal right now. According to the Center for Real Estate Studies at Wichita State University:

“The median sale price measures the ‘middle’ price of homes that sold, meaning that half of the homes sold for a higher price and half sold for less. While this is a good measure of the typical sale price, it is not very useful for measuring home price appreciation because it is affected by the ‘composition’ of homes that have sold.

For example, if more lower-priced homes have sold recently, the median sale price would decline (because the “middle” home is now a lower-priced home), even if the value of each individual home is rising.”

People buy homes based on their monthly mortgage payment, not the price of the house. When mortgage rates go up, they have to buy a less expensive home to keep the monthly expense affordable. More ‘less-expensive’ houses are selling right now, and that’s causing the median price to decline. But that doesn’t mean any single house lost value. 

Even NAR, an organization that reports on median prices, acknowledges there are limitations to what this type of data can show you. NAR explains:

“Changes in the composition of sales can distort median price data.”

For clarification, here’s a simple explanation of median value:

• You have three coins in your pocket. Line them up in ascending value (lowest to highest).
• If you have one nickel and two dimes, the median value of the coins (the middle one) in your pocket is ten cents.
• If you have two nickels and one dime, the median value of the coins in your pocket is now five cents.
• In both cases, a nickel is still worth five cents and a dime is still worth ten cents. The value of each coin didn’t change.

The same thing applies to today’s real estate market.

Bottom Line

Actual home values are going up in most markets. The median value reported tomorrow might tell a different story. For a more in-depth understanding of home price movements, let’s connect.