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Should You Sell Now? The Lifestyle Factors That Could Tip the Scale

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Are you on the fence about whether to sell your house now or hold off?

It’s a common dilemma, but here’s a key point to consider: your lifestyle might be the biggest factor in your decision. While financial aspects are important, sometimes the personal motivations for moving are reason enough to make the leap sooner rather than later.

An annual report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) offers insight into why homeowners like you chose to sell. All of the top reasons are related to life changes. As the graph below highlights:

 
 

As the visual shows, the biggest motivators were the desire to be closer to friends or family, outgrowing their current house, or experiencing a significant life change like getting married or having a baby. The need to downsize or relocate for work also made the list.

If you, like the homeowners in this report, find yourself needing features, space, or amenities your current home just can’t provide, it may be time to consider talking to a real estate agent about selling your house. Your needs matter. That agent will walk you through your options and what you can expect from today’s market, so you can make a confident decision based on what matters most to you and your loved ones.

Your agent will also be able to help you understand how much equity you have and how it can make moving to meet your changing needs that much easier. As Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, explains:

“A consideration today’s homeowners should review is what their home equity picture looks like. With the typical home listing price up 40% from just five years ago, many home sellers are sitting on a healthy equity cushion. This means they are likely to walk away from a home sale with proceeds that they can use to offset the amount of borrowing needed for their next home purchase.”

Bottom Line

Your lifestyle needs may be enough to motivate you to make a change. If you want help weighing the pros and cons of selling your house, connect with a local real estate professional today.

Read more at KeepingCurrentMatters.com

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If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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How the Federal Reserve’s Next Move Could Impact the Housing Market

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Now that it’s September, all eyes are on the Federal Reserve (the Fed).

The overwhelming expectation is that they’ll cut the Federal Funds Rate at their upcoming meeting, driven primarily by recent signs that inflation is cooling, and the job market is slowing down. Mark Zandi, Chief Economist at Moody’s Analytics, said:

“They’re ready to cut, just as long as we don’t get an inflation surprise between now and September, which we won’t.”

But what does this mean for the housing market, and more importantly, for you as a potential homebuyer or seller?

Why a Federal Funds Rate Cut Matters

The Federal Funds Rate is one of the key factors that influences mortgage rates – things like the economy, geopolitical uncertainty, and more also have an impact.

When the Fed cuts the Federal Funds Rate, it signals what’s happening in the broader economy, and mortgage rates tend to respond. While a single rate cut might not lead to a dramatic drop in mortgage rates, it could contribute to the gradual decline that’s already happening.

As Mike Fratantoni, Chief Economist at the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), points out:

“Once the Fed kicks off a rate-cutting cycle, we do expect that mortgage rates will move somewhat lower.”

And any upcoming Federal Funds Rate cut likely won’t be a one-time event. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), says:

“Generally, the rate-cutting cycle is not one-and-done. Six to eight rounds of rate cuts all through 2025 look likely.”

The Projected Impact on Mortgage Rates

Here’s what experts in the industry project for mortgage rates through 2025. One contributing factor to this ongoing gradual decline is the anticipated cuts from the Fed. The graph below shows the latest forecasts from Fannie Mae, MBA, NAR, and Wells Fargo (see graph below):

 
 

So, with recent improvements in inflation and signs of a cooling job market, a Federal Funds Rate cut is likely to lead to a moderate decline in mortgage rates (shown in the dotted lines). Here are two big reasons why that’s good news for both buyers and sellers:

1. It Helps Alleviate the Lock-In Effect

For current homeowners, lower mortgage rates could help ease the lock-in effect. That’s where people feel stuck within their current home because today’s rates are higher than what they locked in when they bought their current house.

If the fear of losing your low-rate mortgage and facing higher costs has kept you out of the market, a slight reduction in rates could make selling a bit more attractive again. However, this isn’t expected to bring a flood of sellers to the market, as many homeowners may still be cautious about giving up their existing mortgage rate.

2. It Should Boost Buyer Activity

For potential homebuyers, any drop in mortgage rates will provide a more inviting housing market. Lower mortgage rates can reduce the overall cost of homeownership, making it more feasible for you if you’ve been waiting to make a move.

What Should You Do?

While a Federal Funds Rate cut is not expected to lead to drastically lower mortgage rates, it will likely contribute to the gradual decrease that’s already happening.

And while the anticipated rate cut represents a positive shift for the future of the housing market, it’s important to consider your options right now. Jacob Channel, Senior Economist at LendingTree, sums it up well:

“Timing the market is basically impossible. If you’re always waiting for perfect market conditions, you’re going to be waiting forever. Buy now only if it’s a good idea for you.”

Bottom Line

The expected Federal Funds Rate cut, driven by improving inflation and slower job growth, is likely to have a positive, albeit gradual, impact on mortgage rates. That could help unlock opportunities for you. When you’re ready, connect with a local real estate agent so you’re prepared to take action.

Read more at KeepingCurrentMatters.com

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If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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Greater Denver Area Real Estate Market Report from August 2024

 
 

Market-wide, new listings fell slightly month-over-month by 0.76 percent, while active listings at month's end climbed slightly to 10,724 homes, which is a 56.37 percent increase year-over-year, according to the Denver Metro Association of Realtors’ Market Trends Committee.

Pending sales increased 3.74 percent month-over-month and 7.7 percent year-over-year. Closed sales fell 7.55 percent month-over-month, which I believe will go back up next month as closed sales are a lagging indicator due to a traditional 30-day closing. These quick stats indicate that a reduction in mortgage rates is moving buyers back into the market. Saying that, the median days in MLS continued to climb 31.25 percent to 21 days, a 90.91 percent increase year-over-year.

The attached market experienced some of the largest swings in data. This has become my most watched segment of the market due to higher HOA dues, along with increased taxes and insurance premiums. Some associations have adjusted their deductible to help offset costs, but those changes have in turn made lending more difficult. As a result, this segment has become more challenging to put transactions together. Active listings at month's end stayed almost unchanged, with a 0.40 percent increase month-over-month to 3,227 homes, a 70.92 percent increase year-over-year. Median days in MLS also rose year-over-year at a sharp rate of 136.36 percent to sit at 26 days. More telling is the drop in median close price month-over-month to $396,350, down from $415,000 last month and $418,000 from this time last year.

Meanwhile, the detached market experienced a 50.85 percent increase in active listings at month's end with 7,497 homes. New listings fell slightly by 0.99 percent while pending sales increased to 2,836. The median close price stayed stable at $650,500. down 0.69 percent from last month and up a mere 0.08 percent from last year. Median days in MLS climbed to 19 days.

Generally, there does not seem to be a large sense of urgency for buyers or sellers. Buyers continue to watch the homes that have come up in their searches and may even be tempted to take a look. However, they aren't placing offers on homes unless it perfectly aligns with their wish list. The DMAR Market Trends Committee has noted that transactions falling out of contract are on the rise. This may be due to cold feet from buyers, the rise in contingent offers, lending issues or bullish sellers unwilling to negotiate inspection items.

Realtors® have always been able to think outside the box and find new ways to advocate for our clients, achieving a win - win for both sides. This market is no different and offers a chance for us to learn new ways to work together.

Learn more about the market from the Denver Metro Association of Realtors.

Thank you to our partners at the Denver Metro Association of Realtors for compiling this information.

If there is a home that you would like more information about, if you are considering selling a property, or if you have questions about the housing market in your neighborhood, please reach out. We’re here to help.

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Just Listed: Corner Unit with Iconic Views and Resort-Style Amenities!

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Welcome home to the exclusive Encore building, located in the heart of Downtown Castle Rock! Resort-style, low-maintenance living is yours here!

First-class amenities with resident-only building access, full fitness center, oversized roof-top hot tub, bbq grills and cozy fire pits, clubhouse, golf/sports simulator + lounge, deluxe pet wash, dog park, electric vehicle charging stations, and a conveniently located, exclusively owned, covered parking spot right outside your door! Inside, the luxurious modern urban feel will make downsizing feel like upgrading! This livable open floor plan feels spacious and bright with its tall ceilings and doors, luxury vinyl plank flooring, quartz countertops, and near-new appliances. This premium unit is a RARE find in this building, as it's one of the few corner units with double the windows and has THE BEST ICONIC VIEWS of "The Rock!" Your covered balcony overlooks the town's beloved Festival Park and the local's favorite coffee shop, COFF33! You'll have the best seat in the house for the Annual Starlighting Festival where the whole town gathers, the holiday star is lit atop "The Rock," fireworks fill the sky, and the hooves of the Clydesdale horses can be heard from the carriage rides below! Join in on the action below for Yoga in the Park, First Friday music festivals, Jazz in the Park, and Sunday farmer's markets. Or delight in the historic downtown charm with an abundance of vibrant restaurants, boutique shopping, day spas, and ice cream parlors, and barber shops. Looking for adventure? Castle Rock is an active community with Phillip S. Miller park just 5 minutes away - a 300-acre paradise with Challenge Hill incline, miles of trails, rec center, amphitheater, fitness park, playground, zip line, and more! Numerous top-rated golf courses are located within minutes. Zip up I-25 to visit the Castle Rock Outlets, Park Meadows Mall, or see a show in Denver just 30 minutes away! Live the good life at Encore!

Listed by Janell Arant for West + Main Homes. Please contact Janell for current pricing + availability.

 
 
 

Have questions?
West + Main Homes
(405) 652-6635
hello@westandmain.com

Presented by:
Janell Arant
720-469-5332
janell@westandmainhomes.com


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Just Listed: Move-In Ready Townhome with No HOA and Prime Location Perks!

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Check out this incredible opportunity to make this move-in ready NO HOA townhome yours just in time for the holidays!

A lender-paid 2/1 buydown is also available (check with listing agent for details), meaning you could start out your mortgage with a rate in the 3’s or 4’s!

The main level gets great natural light and has a functional floor plan with a spacious kitchen, living room + dining space. The kitchen, with white shaker cabinets + stainless steel appliances, has room for an eat-in table or additional cabinetry. The living space flows out the big sliding glass doors into a private backyard with new fencing. All three bedrooms are located on the upper level, and the basement has room to expand with a flex space, an office that could be easily converted into a fourth bedroom, and a large laundry room that offers great storage space. The rare built-in cedar sauna, complete with a shower, is an incredible feature…but could be easily converted into a third bathroom if desired.

Head out your front door and get to Webster Lake Park, Farmers High Line Canal Trails or the Northglenn Rec Center within just minutes, and enjoy amazing walkability that you can’t typically in the suburbs! There are a variety of shopping + dining options less than a mile away to include Target, Safeway, Sprouts, First Watch, Chipotle, Chick-fil-A, Dutch Brothers Coffee + Starbucks. Hop on I-25 in just a few minutes for a quick commute, or get to even more North metro amenities like the Denver Premium Outlets, Orchard Town Center + Top Golf in less than 10 minutes!

Listed by Kate Kazell for West + Main Homes. Please contact Kate for current pricing + availability.

 
 
 

Have questions?
West + Main Homes
(405) 652-6635
hello@westandmain.com

Presented by:
Kate Kazell
720-613-8478
katekazell@westandmainhomes.com


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