Will There Be MORE Homes to Buy This Year?

Photo: Highland Homes

If you’re looking for a home to purchase right now and having trouble finding one, you’re not alone. At a time like this when there are so few houses for sale, it’s normal to wonder if you’ll actually find one to buy. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), across the country, inventory of available homes for sale is at an all-time low – the lowest point recorded since NAR began tracking this metric in 1982. There are, however, more homes expected to hit the market later this year. Let’s break down the three key places they’ll likely come from as 2021 continues on.

1. Homeowners Who Didn’t Sell Last Year

In 2020, many sellers decided to pause their moving plans for a number of different reasons. From health concerns about the pandemic to financial uncertainty, plenty of homeowners decided not to move last year.

Now that vaccines are being distributed and there’s a light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel, it should bring some peace of mind to many potential sellers. As Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at realtor.comnotes:

“Fortunately for would-be homebuyers, we expect sellers to return to the market as we see improvement in the economy and progress against the coronavirus.”

Many of the homeowners who decided not to sell in 2020 will enter the market later this year as they begin to feel more comfortable showing their house in person, understanding their financial situation, and simply having more security in life.

2. More New Homes Will Be Built

Last year was a strong year for home builders, and according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), 2021 is expected to be even better:

“For 2021, NAHB expects ongoing growth for single-family construction. It will be the first year for which total single-family construction will exceed 1 million starts since the Great Recession.”

With more houses being built in many markets around the country, homeowners looking for new houses that meet their changing needs will be able to move into their dream homes. When they sell their current houses, this will create opportunities for those looking to find a home that’s already built to do so. It sets a simple chain reaction in motion for hopeful buyers.

3. Those Impacted Financially by the Economic Crisis

Many experts don’t anticipate a large wave of foreclosures coming to the market, given the forbearance options afforded to current homeowners throughout the pandemic. Some homeowners who have been impacted economically will, however, need to move this year. There are also homeowners who didn’t take advantage of the forbearance option or were already in a foreclosure situation before the pandemic began. In those cases, homeowners may decide to sell their houses instead of going into the foreclosure process, especially given the equity in homes today. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at NAR, explains:

“Given the huge price gains recently, I don’t think many homes will have to go to foreclosure…I think homes will just be sold, and there will be cash left over for the seller, even in a distressed situation. So that’s a bit of a silver lining in that we don’t expect a massive sale of distressed properties.”

As we can see, it looks like we’re going to have an increase in the number of homes for sale in 2021. With fears of the pandemic starting to ease, new homes being built, and more listings coming to the market prior to foreclosure, there’s hope if you’re planning to buy this year. And if you’re thinking of selling and making a move, doing so while demand for your house is high might create an outstanding move-up option for you.

Bottom Line

Housing demand is high and supply is low, so if you’re thinking of moving, it’s a great time to do so. There are likely many buyers who are looking for a home just like yours, and there are options coming for you to find a new house too. Contact New Avenue Realty Group today to see how you can benefit from the opportunities available in the Dallas-Fort Worth market.

SOURCE: KEEPING CURRENT MATTERS

Life at Sandbrock Ranch

As a country girl from North Louisiana, I love being in areas that remind me of home…..for now anyways. However, Aubrey, gives me North Louisiana vibes. You have nature at its best. Quiet scenery with city amenities nearby. I call it the best of both worlds.

So when I discover a community that gives that vibe, I have to explore it. If you didn’t know, Aubrey is horse capital. It is still fairly rural but growing quickly. However, you’ll see that new communities are still harvesting what Aubrey is known for. The area will grow to be another suburban town but very well keep its horse capital, rural flair (at least I hope it does).

The developers at Sandbrock Ranch are keeping that mission alive. In this community, the neighborhood will certainly have its ranch moments. In fact, the neighborhood has it’s own cows considered to be “milk cows” that are stripped white in the middle and black on the rest of its body. Horses roam within the neighborhood too.

There are fences up to protect the animals but it brings such joy to my country heart. The winning piece of the community, The Carriage House. Sandbrock Ranch is a development created by the owners of Highland Homes. This piece of land is actually family land that they’ve decided to develop on. The family is still keeping pretty much a part of the land, ranch-style with a suburban twist. ?

I know it seems funny but truly this is a one of a kind neighborhood that is amazing. I did a tour with the Lifestyle Directors and here is what you can expect “Living at Sandbrock Ranch.”

Welcome to Sandbrock Ranch.

This place is open for residents 7 days a week from 7am-10pm.

Kitchen area of the Carriage House.

Fire pit available 24/7.

Two lakes that connect to each other called Sadie and Gurthie!

Neighborhood Fitness center available from 4am-11pm.

Pocket park playground for the kids.

There are still even more things to come to this amenity center such as the rec space (sports fields), event amphitheater, and more. The neighborhood will also have a future Denton ISD elementary school in the community.

If this is a community you can see yourself living in, find your next home at move-updallas.com. Homes in the community start in the mid-200s. Builders in the neighborhood are David Weekley Homes, Highland Homes, and Perry Homes. Highland Homes has three products in the community (45 foot lot homes, 50 foot lot homes, and 60 foot lot homes).

Let New Avenue Realty Group help you find your home in Sandbrock Ranch. Connect with us through via phone or email at 972-813-9788 or [email protected].  We can start with your own private tour with a New Home Specialist concierge service with New Avenue Realty.

Complete the form below to start your visit with us.

Is Moving Up More Affordable in 2018?

If you are considering selling your current home, to either move up to a larger home or into a home in an area that better suits your current family needs, great news was just revealed.

Last week, Trulia posted a blog, Not Your Father’s Housing Market, which examined home affordability over the last 40+ years (1975-2016). Their research revealed that:

“Nationally, homes are just about the most affordable they’ve been in the last 40 years… the median household could afford a home 1.5 times more expensive than the median home price. In 1980, the median household could only afford about 3/4 of the median home price.

Despite relatively stagnant incomes, affordability has grown due to the sharp drop in mortgage rates over the last 30 years – from a high of over 16% in the 1980s to under 4% by 2016.

Of the nation’s 100 largest metros, only Miami became unaffordable between 1990 and 2016. Meanwhile, 22 metros have flipped from being unaffordable to becoming affordable in that same time frame.”

Here is a graph showing the Affordability Index compared to the 40-year average:

Moving up Is MORE Affordable Now Than Almost Any Other Time in 40 Years | Keeping Current Matters

 

The graph shows that housing affordability is better now than at any other time in the last forty years, except during the housing crash last decade.
(Remember that during the crash you could purchase distressed properties – foreclosures and short sales – at 20-50% discounts.)

In DFW, the median sales price for February 2018 was $248,250 which is an increase of 5.6% of appreciation whereas normal appreciation rates are between 2-4% per year.

There is no doubt that with home prices and mortgage rates on the rise, the affordability index will continue to fall. That is why if you are thinking of moving up, you probably shouldn’t wait.

Bottom Line
If you have held off on moving up to your family’s dream home because you were hoping to time the market, that time has come. Let New Avenue Realty at Keller Williams help you learn your options to your future. Contact us at 972-813-9788 or [email protected].

Searching for My Home: Where Do I Live? Part One

When new potential homebuyers or homeowners for the matter are searching for their home, it is sometimes a task to choose where to live in the metroplex. The metroplex (which would soon be just the megaplex in a few years) is so big with many areas to fit your lifestyle, budget, and career place.

One of the first questions that I ask during my buyer’s consultation is where do you want to live and why? Most people choose to live closer to their jobs. The way traffic is setup in the metroplex that may be a smart thing but not always the best case. Some people want to live closer to areas that are similar to their lifestyle. Examples could be a place that has nearby trails, parks, malls, restaurants, and etc. Some buyers have a desire to live in one area because they are currently renting in that area. What happens when your pre-approval doesn’t match what’s available in that market?

So the big question is what areas of the metroplex would you choose to live in? This blog is not to tell you why one area is the best but bring you to the forefront of what areas are in the metroplex. It will also scope out where the area lies. I usually have people say, “Andrea, I do not want to live here and here because of such and such.” My reply is every city has their good and bads. You are buying a home in a neighborhood. Let’s repeat that: You are buying a home in a neighborhood. If your home is in a great neighborhood, in your price range, and livable for your family, and meets your other requirements, would you not choose to live there?

So let’s take a look at some of the Dallas suburbs to the East and Northeast.

Mesquite
Mesquite is a city and an eastern suburb of Dallas, Texas. Most of the city is located in Dallas County with a smaller portion in the east overlapping into Kaufman County. 

 Homes in Mesquite
Mesquite Homes for Sale

Garland
Garland enjoys a rich history that has shaped it into the thriving metropolitan-area city that offers its residents and businesses a high quality of life, excellent educational and workforce development opportunities, and is enhanced by community leadership and partners. Garland is proud of its affordable and business-friendly climate. One area of Garland that I rave on for its beauty is the Firewheel area. It is home to the Firewheel Golf Course and the Firewheel Mall which is similar to any other “shops” in the metroplex. 

Garland Homes for Sale

Rockwall

Rockwall was founded in 1854 and is the County Seat of Rockwall County. Rockwall is approximately 22 miles east of downtown Dallas on Interstate 30 with a population of over 40,000. Did I mention that this town has an area for premier commercial, entertainment and recreation spot on the hillside of beautiful Lake Ray Hubbard?

Rockwall Homes for Sale

Rowlett
Rowlett is home to approximately 55,000 residents and is nestled on the shores of Lake Ray Hubbard in far east Dallas County and a portion of west Rockwall County. 

Rowlett has more than 30 miles of shoreline on the lake, making it one of the most beautiful places to live in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. 

Rowlett Homes for Sale

Sachse
The city of Sachse is located 20 miles northeast of Downtown Dallas with a population of approximately 20,000. 

Sachse Homes for Sale

Wylie
In the 21st Century, Wylie has become one of the fastest-growing communities in Collin County, DFW Metroplex and the state of Texas. With this growth, the city has made a transition from “bedroom” community to a “balanced” community combining quality residential living with a healthy business climate. It is located near Lake Lavon and Lake Ray Hubbard. 

Wylie Homes for Sale

Murphy
Murphy is a small, quality community with a history that goes back to the early 1900s. The city is located in southeastern Collin County, on the outer fringe of the Dallas / Fort Worth Metroplex. Situated midway between Plano and Wylie on FM 544, Murphy is 2 miles south of the famous South Fork Ranch. Additionally, it shares borders with the cities of Plano, Richardson, Wylie, Sachse, Garland, and Parker and is approximately 20 miles from downtown Dallas and about 30 miles from the Dallas / Fort Worth Airport.  Murphy is 6 miles east of Highway 75 in Plano and just under 5 miles north of the President George Bush Tollway in Richardson.

In late 2002 was about 6,500 and continued to grow to around 10,000 in 2006. With the recent announcement of the 2010 census numbers, Murphy shows to be at an approximate population of 17,000 with an estimated build out of approximately 20,000.

Murphy Homes for Sale

“Welcome to an Engaged Community.” Community. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Apr. 2015.

Sunnyvale
The Town of Sunnyvale is located about 15 miles east of downtown Dallas. A part of the thriving Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, this small, upscale community in eastern Dallas County retains a personality and flavor all its own.

Sunnyvale shares borders to the north and west with the larger suburbs of Mesquite and Garland, where shopping, fine dining and entertainment are only minutes away. At the same time, the town is also bordered by the peaceful waters of Lake Ray Hubbard and the sprawling, rural expanse of Kaufman County.

Sunnyvale is situated to truly benefit from the “best of both worlds.”

Sunnyvale Homes for Sale
“Welcome to an Engaged Community.” Town of Sunnyvale, TX. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Apr. 2015.

Forney is a rural town outside of Dallas that promotes another small town living that residents like to enjoy. Homes in this area could qualify for 100% financing with the USDA loan. 
Forney Homes for Sale
Parker’s population has increased to over 3,500 people. The town boasts about its spacious lots for home which is uncommon to its neighboring cities. This country feel of a town retains its beauty and atmosphere with close-by city conveniences such as malls and highly desired Plano and Allen schools. Parker is also home to the infamous Southfork Ranch which was made famous by the television series, Dallas. 
Richardson is one of the most conveniently located communities in the Metroplex, with access to points in all directions via both major roadways and the DART rail system. 

The north and southbound Central Expressway (US75), the main artery of the City of Dallas, transverses the City. Interstate 635, also called LBJ Freeway, is to its immediate south and the Bush Turnpike spans the northern border of the City, giving Richardson residents easy access to points east and west. Richardson hosts four DART light rail stations: at Spring Valley, Arapaho, Galatyn Park and Bush Turnpike. 

Though an inner ring suburb, Richardson continues to be a vibrant community, kept current by the Richardson City Council’s emphasis on economic development and neighborhood integrity. 
Richardson Homes for Sale
“Historical Setting of Richardson.” City of Richardson, TX : City History. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Apr. 2015.

Is Getting a Mortgage Getting Easier?

Is Getting a Mortgage Getting Easier? | Keeping Current Matters
There has been a lot of discussion about how difficult it is to get a home mortgage in this market. There is no doubt that the process is not as easy as it was eight to ten years ago and that’s probably good news. However, it does appear that availability to mortgage money is increasing with each passing day.
The Mortgage Bankers’ Association publishes the Mortgage Credit Availability Index(MCAI). According to their site the index is “a summary measure which indicates the availability of mortgage credit at a point in time”. As we can see from the graph below, mortgage availability has been increasing dramatically over the last six months.
Mortgage Availability | Keeping Current Matters
Accompanying the latest index was this comment from Mike Fratantoni, MBA’s Chief Economist:
“A number of factors contributed to a loosening of credit in March: Freddie Mac’s introduction of their 97 LTV program (Fannie Mae’s was implemented in December) [and the] additional loosening of parameters on jumbo loan programs… Although credit remains tight by historical standards, this increase in availability, coupled with low rates and job market strength, should lead to stronger home purchase activity this spring.”

Bottom Line

If you have remained on the sidelines regarding homeownership because you were concerned about your ability to qualify for a mortgage, it may be time to get into the game.
“Is Getting a Mortgage Getting Easier?” Keeping Current Matters. N.p., 09 Apr. 2015. Web. 09 Apr. 2015.

APRIL 2015: YOUR NEXT HOME WORKSHOP

Have you been thinking about your next move? In this big move, I am talking about at the end of an expiration date. The expiration dates can vary from end of the lease, high school graduation, end of the 2014-2015 school year, etc. If your nearest expiration date for a major move is happening this summer, then you need to join me at my workshop as myself and Crystal Parkinson from Guild Mortgage discuss “Your Next Home”. 

Are you ready to be crowned a homeowner or start the crowning series to a newer home? Register today with the Lewisville Library. Contact me at [email protected] if you have any questions.