The HousingCoach℠ - Matt McGrath

Why Today’s Foreclosure Numbers Won’t Trigger a Crash

by The HousingCoach℠ - Matt McGrath | Oct 24, 2024

With everything feeling more expensive these days, it’s natural to worry about how rising costs might impact the housing market. Many people are concerned that high prices and tighter budgets could cause more homeowners to fall behind on their mortgage payments, leading to a wave of foreclosures.

But before you start worrying about a housing market crash, here’s a look at what’s really happening. And the good news is: the latest foreclosure data shows there’s no wave on the horizon.

How Today’s Market Is Different from 2008

Let’s ease those fears by looking at the bigger picture. The graph below uses research from ATTOM, a property data provider, to show that the number of homeowners starting the foreclosure process is nowhere near what we saw coming out of 2008. Back then, there was a big spike in how many foreclosures were happening. Today, the number is much lower – it’s even dropped some in the latest report. There’s a big difference between what’s happening now, and what happened when the housing market crashed (see graph below):

Just in case you’re wondering why the number of foreclosure filings has ticked up slightly since 2020 and 2021, here’s what you need to know. During those years, there was a moratorium (shown in white) designed to help millions of homeowners avoid foreclosure in challenging times. That’s why the numbers for just a few years ago were so incredibly low. If you look further back, it’s clear overall foreclosure filings are down significantly.

And if you’re wondering: how are there fewer foreclosures today, even when the cost of living has gotten so pricey? Here’s your answer. One of the main reasons is that homeowners today have a lot more equity built up in their homes than they did back in 2008. As an article from Bankrate explains:

“In the years after the housing crash, millions of foreclosures flooded the housing market, depressing prices. That’s not the case now. Most homeowners have a comfortable equity cushion in their homes.”

This equity acts like a safety net and is allowing many homeowners to avoid going into foreclosure if they’re facing financial hardships. Even if someone is struggling to make their monthly payments, they may be able to sell their home and avoid foreclosure altogether. This is a far cry from the conditions during the crash when homeowners owed more on their mortgages than their homes were worth.

What’s Ahead for the Housing Market

It’s true that today’s higher cost of living across the board is a challenge for many people right now. But this doesn’t mean we’re heading for a surge in foreclosures.

The equity cushion that people have is helping to keep foreclosure filings low. Today’s homeowners have more options to avoid going into foreclosure.

Bottom Line

Yes, everyday costs for gas and food have gotten more expensive—but that doesn’t mean the housing market is on the brink of another foreclosure crisis. Data shows the market is far from a foreclosure wave. Homeowners today are in a much stronger financial position than they were during the 2008 crash, thanks to significant equity.

How Long Will It Take To Sell Your House?

by The HousingCoach℠ - Matt McGrath | Oct 23, 2024

As you’re getting ready to sell your house, one of the first questions you’re probably asking is, “how long is this going to take?” And that makes sense—you want to know what to expect.

While every market is different, understanding what’s happening nationally can give you a good baseline. But for an even more detailed look at real estate conditions in your area, connect with a local real estate agent. They know your local market best and can explain what’s happening near you and how it compares to national trends.

Here’s a look at some of the things a great agent will walk you through during that conversation.

More Homes Are on the Market, and That’s Affecting How Long They Take To Sell

According to Realtor.com, the number of homes for sale has been going up this year. That means there are more options for buyers, which is great news for anyone looking to buy a home. But as a seller, it also means homes are staying on the market a bit longer now that buyers have more options to choose from (see graph below):

One of the big reasons homes sold so fast in recent years is because there were so few of them for sale. And now that there are more houses on the market, it makes sense that they aren’t selling at quite the same pace. Right now, according to Realtor.com, it takes 55 days from the time a house is listed for it to be officially sold and closed on.

But keep this in mind. While homes might not be selling as quickly as they did last year at this time, they’re still selling faster than they did in more normal years in the housing market, before the pandemic.

If you look back at 2017-2019 in the graph above, you’ll see that it was typical for a house to take 60 days or more to sell. So, today’s process is still faster than the norm.

That’s because, even with more homes for sale, there are still more buyers than homes for sale. So, homes that show well and are priced right are selling fast. As NerdWallet explains:

“Overall, though, demand still outpaces supply. This is hardly a mellow market: Good homes sell quickly . . .”

Your Agent Can Help Your Home Stand Out

If you’re looking for ways to make your move happen as quickly as possible, partnering with a great local agent is the key. Your real estate agent will help you with everything from setting the right price to staging your home so it looks its best. They’ll even create a marketing plan that grabs buyers’ attention and will give you key insights about what’s happening in your specific area, so you can plan accordingly and make the process go as smoothly as possible.

So, while homes might be on the market a little longer than before, they’re still selling faster than the norm. If you have the right agent and the right strategy in place, your house may even sell faster than you’d expect.

Bottom Line

If you’re planning to sell your house, knowing how long it might take is a big part of planning your next steps. By working with a local expert, you’ll be able to price, market, and sell your home with confidence.

Planning To Sell Your House in 2025? Start Prepping Now

by The HousingCoach℠ - Matt McGrath | Oct 22, 2024

If your goal is to sell your house in 2025, now’s the time to start prepping. Even though it might seem like there’s plenty of time between now and the new year, you should get a head start on any updates or repairs you want to make now. As Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at Realtor.com, says:

“ . . . now is the time to start thinking about what you need for your next home and then taking those steps to prepare to list . . . We have survey data that says 47 percent of sellers are taking longer than a month to get their home ready to sell, so getting them to start that process early can mean more flexibility.”

By starting your prep work early, you’ll give yourself plenty of time to get your house market-ready by the end of the year. But be sure to partner with a great agent before you get started, so you have expert insight into what repairs are worth it based on your local market.

Why Starting Early Is Key

To get the best price and sell quickly, it’s important that your home looks its best. And that means it’s up to you to make the necessary repairs, declutter, and even consider updates that could add value as part of getting your house ready to list.

By starting now, you can tackle things one task at a time. Whether it’s fixing that leaky faucet, refreshing your landscaping, or painting a room, getting an early start gives you the flexibility to do the job right and with as little stress as possible. Because, if you wait to knock items off your list later on, they could quickly stack up and get overwhelming. As Realtor.com explains:

“There are some important repairs to make before selling a house, so don’t be in too much of a hurry to get your home listed … if you move too fast, buyers see right through the fact that you skipped important home renovations. And this . . . might end up costing you time and money.”

What Should You Focus On?

Feeling motivated to start chipping away at that to-do list, but not sure where to start? Here’s a look at the most common improvements other sellers are making today (see graph below):

The Importance of Working with a Local Agent

And while that data gives you a starting point, it shouldn’t be seen as a comprehensive list. What buyers want in your area may be different, and only a local agent will have this in-depth understanding.

For example, if homes in your area are selling quickly with updated kitchens, your agent might suggest focusing on minor kitchen improvements rather than spending money on other areas that won’t offer as much return. They’ll also help you figure out if tackling larger projects, such as replacing your roof or upgrading your HVAC system, is worth it based on other recently sold homes. As Point says:

“Not all renovations are created equal, and focusing on upgrades that offer the highest potential for increasing your home’s value is key.”

And remember, it’s not just big-ticket items that can have an impact. Your agent will also speak to some of the smaller details – like cleaning up your yard, adding fresh mulch, or painting your front door – to make a real difference in how buyers feel about your home. This type of expert eye is crucial to help your house sell fast and for top dollar.

Bottom Line

Thinking of selling your house next year? Don’t wait until the last minute to get it ready. By getting a head start now, you can ensure everything is in place by the time the new year rolls around.

Need advice on what to tackle first? Connect with a local agent.

What To Expect from Mortgage Rates and Home Prices in 2025

by The HousingCoach℠ - Matt McGrath | Oct 21, 2024

Curious about where the housing market is headed in 2025? The good news is that experts are offering some promising forecasts, especially when it comes to two key factors that directly affect your decisions: mortgage rates and home prices.

Whether you’re thinking of buying or selling, here’s a look at what the experts are saying and how it might impact your move.

Mortgage Rates Are Forecast To Come Down

One of the biggest factors likely affecting your plans is mortgage rates, and the forecast looks positive. After rising dramatically in recent years, experts project rates will ease slightly throughout the course of 2025 (see graph below):

While that decline won’t be a straight line down, the overall trend should continue over the next year. Expect a few bumps along the way, because the trajectory of rates will depend on new economic data and inflation numbers as they’re released. But don’t get too hung up on those blips and reactions from the market as they happen. Focus on the bigger picture.

Lower mortgage rates mean improving affordability. As rates come down, your monthly mortgage payment decreases, giving you more flexibility in what you can afford if you buy a home.

This shift will likely bring more buyers and sellers back into the market, though. As Charlie Dougherty, Director and Senior Economist at Wells Fargo, explains:

“Lower financing costs will likely boost demand by pulling affordability-crunched buyers off of the sidelines.”

As that happens, both inventory and competition among buyers will ramp back up. The takeaway? You can get ahead of that competition now. Lean on your agent to make sure you understand how the shifts in rates are impacting demand in your area.

Home Price Projections Show Modest Growth

While mortgage rates are expected to come down slightly, home prices are forecast to rise—but at a much more moderate pace than the market has seen in recent years.

Experts are saying home prices will grow by an average of about 2.5% nationally in 2025 (see graph below):

This is far more manageable than the rapid price increases of previous years, which saw double-digit percentage growth in some markets.

What’s behind this ongoing increase in prices? Again, it has to do with demand. As more buyers return to the market, demand will rise – but so will supply as sellers feel less rate-locked.

More buyers in markets with inventory that’s still below the norm will put upward pressure on prices. But with more homes likely to be listed, supply will help keep price growth in check. This means that while prices will rise, they’ll do so at a healthier, more sustainable pace.

Of course, these national trends may not reflect exactly what’s happening in your local market. Some areas might see faster price growth, while others could see slower gains. As Lance Lambert, Co-Founder of ResiClub, says:

“Even if the average national home price forecast for 2025 is correct, it’s possible that some regional housing markets could see mild home price declines, while some markets could still see elevated appreciation. That has been, after all, the case this year.”

Even the few markets that may see flat or slightly lower prices in 2025 have had so much appreciation in recent years – it may not have a big impact. That’s why it’s important to work with a local real estate expert who can give you a clear picture of what’s happening where you’re looking to buy or sell.

Bottom Line

With mortgage rates expected to ease and home prices projected to rise at a more moderate pace, 2025 is shaping up to be a more promising year for both buyers and sellers.

If you have any questions about how these trends might impact your plans, connect with a local agent. That way you’ve got someone to help you navigate the market and make the most of the opportunities ahead.

Why Buying Now Is Worth It

by The HousingCoach℠ - Matt McGrath | Oct 18, 2024

Some Highlights

You may be torn between buying a home now or waiting. But don’t forget to factor in the equity you’ll gain as prices rise.
Experts forecast prices will climb over the next 5 years – and based on those forecasts, you could gain about $90k in equity in that time.
So, you could wait, but you’ll miss out on a lot of equity if you do. If you’re ready and able to buy, let’s connect so you can start growing your wealth now.

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