Should I Move with Today’s Mortgage Rates?

Should I Move with Today’s Mortgage Rates?

When mortgage rates spiked up over the last few years, some would-be condo and home buyers put their plans to move on pause. Maybe you did too because you didn’t want to move and take on a higher mortgage rate for your next place. But is that still the right strategy for you?

In today’s market, data shows more homeowners are getting used to where rates are and thinking it may be time to move. As Mark Zandi, Chief Economist at Moody’s Analytics, explains:

“Listings are up a bit as life events and job changes are putting increasing pressure on locked-in homeowners to sell their homes. Homeowners may also be slowly coming to the realization that mortgage rates aren’t going back anywhere near the rate on their existing mortgage.”

A recent study from Bank of America sheds light on some of the things homeowners say would make them sell, even with rates where they are right now (see visual below):

What Would Motivate You To Move?

Now that you know why other people would move, take a minute to think about what would make a move worth it for you. Is it time to take a chance and go for your dream job, even though it’s not local? Are you looking for a neighborhood with more to offer and a close-knit sense of community? Maybe you need more space, you’re looking for your next great adventure, or you want a condo or house that opens up rental opportunities to pad your income.

And here’s something else to consider. Mortgage rates are still expected to go down over the course of the year. Once that happens, there will be a big rush of buyers jumping back into the market. While you could delay your plans until rates drop, you’ll only have more competition with those buyers if you do.

So, does that mean it’s worth moving now, even with rates where they are? The answer is: that it depends.

You’ll want to consider today’s mortgage rates, where they’re expected to go from here, and what would prompt you to want to make a change as you decide on your next steps. An expert can help with that.

Bottom Line

Other homeowners are getting used to rates and deciding to move. Let’s chat about what matters most and if it’s time for you to jump back into the market too. Contact us today at 734-761-3060 or info@condohotline.com and let’s discuss your options! Check out some different Ann Arbor condo communities here!

Ann Arbor Condo Spring 2024 Market Update

Ann Arbor Condo Spring 2024

The Ann Arbor condo market is buzzing with activity as we advance into the Spring of 2024. The city, always evolving and dynamic, showcases its versatility in the real estate market. With a diverse range of available properties, from the most accessible to the pinnacle of luxury, there is movement across all segments.

Active listings sit at a substantial 80 condos. The market’s temperature can be further inferred from the 52 of these condos are already under contract, hinting at the high demand for living spaces in this vibrant city.

For those on the lookout for affordable options, Ann Arbor extends an inviting hand. Of the 25 condos listed under the $300,000 mark, a striking 80% are under contract—a clear message about the competitive nature of this price segment. The fact that the lowest-priced condo at $178,000 is also under contract is a testament to the allure of more reasonably priced homes, encouraging quick action from buyers.

The luxury market stands strong at the opposite end of the spectrum. A condo boasts the highest price tag at a whopping $1,950,000, setting a benchmark for the opulence available within Ann Arbor’s condo offerings.

New Construction Condos

New construction continues to play a significant role in Ann Arbor’s real estate narrative with 44 condos listed for sale. This marks an encouraging sign of growth, ensuring the market remains vibrant and caters to modern tastes and standards. Most remarkably, an overwhelming majority of these new properties—27 out of 44—are already under contract, a nod to their desirability and the city’s relentless appeal.

Sold Condos

So far this year, 111 condos have already sailed past the sold status. These units ranged from a more affordable $130,000 to a grand $1,400,000, indicative of the diverse buyers in the Ann Arbor market. For those eyeing the statistics, the average sale price sits at $411,611, with the average price per square foot rounding out at $301. These numbers aren’t just digits; they’re a benchmark of the value that Ann Arbor condos hold and a metric for prospective investors or homeowners to consider.

In summary, the Spring 2024 Ann Arbor condo market is lively and diverse. With a strong start to 2024, and the trend showing a weighted distribution towards seller advantage, now might be the perfect time to consider stepping into or moving up within this dynamic market. Whether you’re searching for affordability or opulence, Ann Arbor’s condos are opening their doors to meet you halfway. Contact us today for a curated list of units as soon as they hit the market at 734-761-3060 or info@condohotline.com.

Foreclosures and Bankruptcies Won’t Crash the Housing Market

Foreclosures and Bankruptcies Won’t Crash the Housing Market

If you’ve been following the news recently, you might have seen articles about an increase in foreclosures and bankruptcies. That could make you feel uneasy, especially if you’re thinking about buying or selling a condo or house.

But the truth is, even though the numbers are going up, the data shows the housing market isn’t headed for a crisis.

Foreclosure Activity Rising, but Less Than Headlines Suggest

In recent years, the number of foreclosures has been very low. That’s because, in 2020 and 2021, the forbearance program and other relief options were put in place. Many homeowners were able to stay in their condos or homes during that tough time.

When the moratorium ended, there was an expected rise in foreclosures. But just because they’re up, that doesn’t mean the housing market is in trouble.

To help you see how much things have changed since the housing crash in 2008, check out the graph below using research from ATTOM, a property data provider. It looks at properties with a foreclosure filing going back to 2005 to show that there have been fewer foreclosures since the crash.

As you can see, foreclosure filings are inching back up to pre-pandemic numbers, but they’re still way lower than when the housing market crashed in 2008. Today, the tremendous amount of equity American homeowners have in their homes can help people sell and avoid foreclosure.

The Increase in Bankruptcies Isn’t Dramatic Either

As you can see below, the financial trouble many industries and small businesses felt during the pandemic didn’t cause a dramatic increase in bankruptcies. Still, the number of bankruptcies has gone up slightly since last year, nearly returning to 2021 levels. But that isn’t cause for alarm.

The numbers for 2021 and 2022 were lower than more typical years. That’s in part because the government provided trillions of dollars in aid to individuals and businesses during the pandemic. So, let’s instead focus on the bar for this year and compare it to the bar on the far left (2019). It shows the number of bankruptcies today is still nowhere near where it was before the pandemic when the housing market was considered booming. Both of these two factors are reasons why the housing market isn’t in danger of crashing.

Bottom Line

Right now, it’s crucial to understand the data. Foreclosures and bankruptcies are rising, but these leading indicators aren’t signaling trouble that would cause another crash. To learn more about this and get the data for your particular area, contact us today at 734-761-3060 or info@condohotline.com.

Are Higher Mortgage Rates Here To Stay?

Higher Mortgage Rates Are Affecting Purchase Power

Mortgage rates have been back on the rise recently and that’s getting a lot of attention from the press. If you’ve been following the headlines, you may have even seen rates recently reached their highest level in over two decades (see graph below):

That can feel like a little bit of a gut punch if you’re thinking about making a move. If you’re wondering whether or not you should delay your plans, here’s what you really need to know.

How Higher Mortgage Rates Impact You 

There’s no denying rates are higher right now than they were in recent years. And, when rates are up, that affects overall home affordability. It works like this. The higher the rate, the more expensive it is to borrow money when you buy a home. That’s because, as rates trend up, your monthly mortgage payment for your future home loan also increases.

Urban Institute explains how this is impacting buyers and sellers right now:

“When mortgage rates go up, monthly housing payments on new purchases also increase. For potential buyers, increased monthly payments can reduce the share of available affordable homes . . . Additionally, higher interest rates mean fewer homes on the market, as existing homeowners have an incentive to hold on to their home to keep their low interest rate.”

Basically, some people are deciding to put their plans on hold because of where mortgage rates are right now. But what you want to know is: is that a good strategy?

Where Will Mortgage Rates Go From Here?

If you’re eager for rates to drop, you’re not alone. A lot of people are waiting for that to happen. But here’s the thing. No one knows when it will. Even the experts can’t say with certainty what’s going to happen next.

Forecasts project rates will fall in the months ahead, but what the latest data says is that rates have been climbing lately. This disconnect shows just how tricky mortgage rates are to project.

The best advice for your move is this: don’t try to control what you can’t control. This includes trying to time the market or guess what the future holds for mortgage rates. As CBS News states:

“If you’re in the market for a new home, experts typically recommend focusing your search on the right home purchase — not the interest rate environment.”

Instead, work on building a team of skilled professionals, including a trusted lender and real estate agent, who can explain what’s happening in the market and what it means for you. If you need to move because you’re changing jobs, want to be closer to family, or are in the middle of another big life change, the right team can help you achieve your goal, even now.

Bottom Line

The best advice for your move is: don’t try to control what you can’t control – especially mortgage rates. Even the experts can’t say for certain where they’ll go from here. Instead, focus on building a team of trusted professionals who can keep you informed. When you’re ready to get the process started, let’s connect today at 734-761-3060 or info@condohotline.com.

Ann Arbor Condo Market Update – Fall 2023

Ann Arbor Condo Market Update for Fall 2023

The Fall 2023 condo real estate market is here and with it the hopes of a renewed increase in buyer activity. But first, let’s take a look at the statistics from the first half of the year.

Year-to-Date Condo Stats

Comparing statistics from the first half of 2022 to 2023 we’ve seen:

• New listings decreased by 16.8% going from 917 to 763 condos listed for sale YTD.
• Pending sales, the number of units that have gone under contract with a buyer, decreased 5.8% from 728 last year to 686 this year.
• 740 condos closed last year with 634 this year making a 14.3% decrease.
• Average sale price increased by 2.7% bringing it to $353,761.

April was the top listing month with 135 condos listed for sale and was also the busiest month for buyer activity with 146 pended units. June had the most closings with 114, which makes sense since it typically takes 30-45 days to close from the time of a bottom-lined offer. Due to the shrinking number of condos being listed for sale, the average sale price is continuing to increase because of a lack of availability. Prices will likely begin to stabilize once more inventory becomes available and that may not happen until mortgage interest rates cool off.

Downtown Ann Arbor Condos

In the downtown Ann Arbor area, there are currently 25 active listings, plus 10 pending with a buyer. So far this year, 71 condos have sold with an average sale price of $567,586. Compared to this time last year, there were 106 sales with an average sale price of $525,528. The number of closed sales decreased by 33% YTD and the average sale price increased by 8% following the trend of all Ann Arbor condos.

Fall 2023

The Ann Arbor condo market is beginning the fall season with 130 units listed for sale with 57 of those under contract. That leaves 69 condos available for a buyer to purchase. 38 of these are new construction with 14 under contract. Let’s take a look by price point:

With mortgage interest rates still climbing, affordability comes into play as you can see by the slower movement in the higher price points. Buyers need to remain vigilant in their search and be aware when new listings come to the market. Sellers, in higher price points especially, need a Realtor who knows their market niche and the inuendos of their community so they price accordingly. For more information on buying and selling in the Ann Arbor Condo market, contact the Real Estate specialists with The Bouma Group at 734-761-3060 or info@condohotline.com today!

Data was gathered from the Ann Arbor Area Board of Realtors

The Benefits of Downsizing for Homeowners

The Benefits of Downsizing for Homeowners

There may come a time in your life when a variety of circumstances make it necessary to downsize your living space. Here are a few of the benefits of downsizing from your current condo or home.

Some Highlights

• Downsizing is a popular choice for homeowners when they retire or when their needs change, but with inflation still high, it’s also a way to reduce costs.
• Downsizing could help cut down on your expenses and your equity can fuel your move.
• A condo is a great option if the upkeep of your current home, yard, etc. is just too much.

  If you’re thinking about moving to a condo or smaller home, let’s connect today at 734-761-3060 or info@condohotline.com to go over your housing goals and look at your options on our local market.

 

Keys to Success for First-Time Homebuyers

Keys to Success for First-Time Homebuyers

Buying your first home is an exciting decision and a major milestone that has the power to change your life for the better. As a first-time homebuyer, it’s a vision you can bring to life, but, as the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shares, you’ll have to overcome some factors that have made it more challenging in recent years:

“Since 2011, the share of first-time home buyers has been under the historical norm of 40% as buyers face tight inventory, rising home prices, rising rents and high student debt loads.”

That said, if you’re looking to purchase your first home, here are two things you can consider to help make your dreams a reality.

1. Save Money with First-Time Homebuyer Programs

As a first-time homeowner, the initial costs and fees can seem overwhelming and insurmountable. From securing a loan to putting together a down payment and covering closing costs, the expenses can feel like a significant obstacle to overcome.

Fortunately, there are a lot of public and private first-time homebuyer programs that can help you get a loan with little-to-no money upfront. CNET explains:

“A first-time homebuyer program can help make homeownership more affordable and accessible by offering lower mortgage rates, down payment assistance and tax incentives.”

As Bankrate says, many of these programs are offered by state and local governments:

“Many states and local governments have programs that offer down payment or closing cost assistance – either low-interest-rate loans, deferred loans or even forgivable loans (aka grants) – to people looking to buy their first house . . .”

To take advantage of these programs, contact the housing authority in your state and browse sites like Down Payment Resource.

2. The Supply of Homes for Sale Is Low, So Explore Every Possibility

In today’s real estate market, it’s a challenge for buyers to find the right home due to limited supply. However, there are ways to expand your options and increase your chances of finding a home that fits your needs. One option is to consider townhomes or condominiums, which are often more affordable than single-family homes. While they may be smaller, they still offer the opportunity to own a home and build equity. Additionally, they typically require less maintenance, which can be a major advantage. To ensure a successful home-buying experience, especially if you’re a first-time buyer, it’s wise to seek the guidance of a trusted real estate agent. They can provide valuable insights about the home buying process, help you locate suitable options in your area, and assist you in making competitive offers.

Bottom Line

If you are a first-time homebuyer, navigating today’s seller’s market can be difficult. However, there are solutions available to help you achieve your goals, such as utilizing first-time homebuyer programs and exploring all of your housing options. If you need guidance, feel free to reach out to us at The Bouma Group, Realtors at 734-761-3060 or info@condohotline.com. We’re here to provide expert assistance and support throughout the process.

Buyer Activity Is Up Despite Higher Mortgage Rates

Showing Traffic Equals Buyer Activity

If you’re a homeowner thinking about making a move, you may wonder if it’s still a good time to sell your condo or house. Here’s the good news. Even with higher mortgage rates, buyer activity is actually picking up speed.

Data from the latest ShowingTime Showing Index, which is a measure of buyers actively touring homes, helps paint the picture of how much buyer demand has increased in recent months (see graph below):

As the graph shows, the first two months of 2023 saw a noticeable increase in buyer traffic. That’s likely because the limited number of homes for sale kept shoppers looking for homes even during colder months.

To help tell the story of why the latest report is significant, let’s compare foot traffic this February with each February for the last six years (see graph below). It shows this was one of the best Februarys for buyer activity we’ve seen in recent memory.

In the last six years, we saw the most February buyer traffic in 2021 and 2022 (shown in green above), but those years were highly unusual for the housing market. So, if we compare February 2023 with the more normal, pre-pandemic years, data shows this year still marks a clear rise in buyer activity.

The uptick in buyer traffic is even more noteworthy considering the increase in mortgage rates this February. The Freddie Mac 30-year fixed mortgage rate rose from 6.09% during the week of February 2^nd to 6.50% in the week of February 23^rd. But even with higher rates, more buyers were looking for a home.

Jeff Tucker, Senior Economist at Zillow, says the increased buyer activity could continue:

“More buyers will keep coming out of the woodwork. We always see a seasonal uptick in home shoppers in March and April . . .”

If you’re looking to sell your condo or home, seeing buyers still active in the market this year should be encouraging. It’s a sign buyers are out there and could be looking for a place just like yours. Working with a real estate professional to list your condo or house now will help you get your home in front of eager buyers today.

Bottom Line

Rising foot traffic is a bright spot for this year’s housing market and indicates that buyers are looking to purchase this year, even with higher mortgage rates. If you’re ready to sell condo your house, let’s connect. Contact us at The Bouma Group, Realtors today at 734-761-3060 or info@condohotline.com.

Have You Considered Adding Condos to Your Home Search?

Reasons To Consider Condos in Your Home Search

Are you having trouble finding a home that fits your needs and your budget? If so, you should know there’s an option worth considering – condominiums, also known as condos. According to Bankrate:

“A condo can be a more affordable entry point to homeownership than a single-family home. And as a homeowner, you’ll build equity over time and have access to tax benefits that a renter wouldn’t.”

That’s why expanding your search to include additional housing types, like condominiums, could help you accomplish your homeownership goals this spring, especially if you can be flexible about the space you need. Condos are typically smaller than a single-family home, but that’s part of what can make them more budget-friendly (see graph below):

In addition to providing more options in your home search and possibly your price point, there are several other benefits to condo living. They tend to require less upkeep and lower maintenance – and that can give you more time to spend doing the things you enjoy. Plus, since many condos are in or near city centers, they offer the added benefit of being in close proximity to work and leisure.

Condo Price vs. Home Price in the Ann Arbor Area

In the Ann Arbor Area, we are seeing the median sales price a bit lower than nationally. For sales in 2023 Year to Date, condos have a Median Sales Price of $269,500 vs. $350,000 for Single Family Homes.

Remember, your first home doesn’t have to be your forever home. The important thing is to get your foot in the door as a homeowner so you can start building wealth in the form of home equity. In time, the equity you develop can fuel a future purchase if your needs change.

Ultimately, owning and living in a condo can be a lifestyle choice. And if that appeals to you, they could provide the added options you need in today’s market.

Bottom Line

It could make a lot of sense to add condos to your home search. Let’s connect today at 734-761-3060 or info@condohotline.com if you’re ready to check out the options in the Ann Arbor area!

Mortgage Rates Are Dropping. What Does That Mean for You?