Should You Renovate or Move?

Posted on by Andrea T. Fowler
Highland Home Model Home in Sherman, TX

The last 18 months changed what many buyers are looking for in a home. Recently, the American Institute of Architects released their AIA Home Design Trends Survey results for Q3 2021. The survey reveals the following:

  • 70% of respondents want more outdoor living space
  • 69% of respondents want a home office (48% wanted multiple offices)
  • 46% of respondents want a multi-function room/flexible space
  • 42% of respondents want an au pair/in-law suite
  • 39% of respondents want an exercise room/yoga space

If you’re a homeowner who wants to add any of the above, you have two options: renovate your current house or buy a home that already has the spaces you desire. The decision you make could be determined by factors like:

  1. A possible desire to relocate
  2. The difference in the cost of a renovation versus a purchase
  3. Finding an existing home or designing a new home that has exactly what you want (versus trying to restructure the layout of your current house)

In either case, you’ll need access to capital: the funds for the renovation or the down payment your next home would require. The great news is that the money you need probably already exists in your current home in the form of equity.

Home Equity Is Skyrocketing

The Big Question: Should You Renovate or Move? | Keeping Current Matters

The record-setting increases in home prices over the last two years dramatically improved homeowners’ equity. The graph below uses data from CoreLogic to show the average home equity gain in the first quarter of the last nine years:Odeta Kushi, Deputy Chief Economist at First American, quantifies the amount of equity homeowners gained recently:

“Remember U.S. households own nearly $35 trillion in owner-occupied real estate, just over $11 trillion in debt, and the remaining ~$24 trillion in equity. In inflation adjusted terms, homeowners in Q2 had an average of $280,000 in equity- a historic high.”

As a homeowner, the money you need to purchase the perfect home or renovate your current house may be right at your fingertips. However, waiting to make your decision may increase the cost of tapping that equity.

If you decide to renovate, you’ll need to refinance (or take out an equity loan) to access the equity. If you decide to move instead and use your equity as a down payment, you’ll still need to mortgage the remaining difference between the down payment and the cost of your next home.

Mortgage rates are forecast to increase over the next year. Waiting to leverage your equity will probably mean you’ll pay more to do so. According to the latest data from the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), almost 57% of current mortgage holders have a mortgage rate of 4% or below. If you’re one of those homeowners, you can keep your mortgage rate under 4% by doing it now. If you’re one of the 43% of homeowners with a mortgage rate over 4%, you may be able to do a cash-out refinance or buy a more expensive home without significantly increasing your monthly payment.

First Step: Determine the Amount of Equity in Your Home

If you’re ready to either redesign your current house or find an existing or newly constructed home that has everything you want, the first thing you need to do is determine how much equity you have in your current home. To do that, you’ll need two things:

  1. The current mortgage balance on your home
  2. The current value of your home

You can probably find the mortgage balance on your monthly mortgage statement. To find the current market value of your house, you can pay several hundreds of dollars for an appraisal, or you can contact a local real estate professional who will be able to present to you, at no charge, a professional equity assessment report.

Bottom Line

If the past 18 months have refocused your thoughts on what you want from your house, now may be the time to either renovate or make a move to the perfect home.

Prices are UP & STUCK….for now!

Posted on by Andrea T. Fowler

Are the Prices TOO DAMN HIGH OR NAH?

In the beginning of 2020, the Dallas-Fort Worth marker was headed to a neutral market. Buyers were able to find homes and sellers were able to sell. No problem, right?

Then COVID hit in March 2020 and shut the country down. This left real estate to be in the unknown territory. If we are being truthful, the absolute best time to have bought a house would have been March-June 2020. I won’t say people were giving away their houses but the unknown was so unknown, you could have gotten things that you cannot think to ask of now.

As far as homes are now, today’s market is reflective of supply and demand. Due to a lot of sellers not listing within the last year, builders not being able to keep up with the demand, and buyers looking to get out of rentals, we were hit with a high demand and a shortage of homes.

If you go back to your college Economics class OR high school Civics class, when demand is high and supply is low, the prices go UP! That is what has happened to the real estate market. Still confused? Let’s use the Jordan brand of shoes for example. They only release so many each round. Soooo many people want them, once they sell out, they sell out. However, resellers know they are the most wanted shoe. They KNOW they can resell and get a higher price because the availability is limited. Welp, that’s the housing market and supply and demand.

Are the prices higher, yes? However, it is relative to the market that you see. Is it favorable? Maybe not to some but the market reacts to what it has.

Prior to 2020, the $250K and below market was vanishing from the DFW market. Now, to find homes in that range, you will have to move out in rural areas of the metroplex. The only places that have a little bit of $250K and below left is the Forney-Heartland-Crandall market and the Princeton area market. In 2021, most homes are starting the $350s. In my honest opinion, today’s $300K is yesterday’s $250K with a low interest rate. You can get a higher priced home but that doesn’t mean the higher priced home will be a larger home.

For potential homebuyers, make a list of what you feel is important to have in the first home, determine howlong you plan to live there, and what amenities do you need in and around the neighborhood. Remember, it is the first home. In order to get bells and whistles, you’ll have to pay for it. If that is not an option, reconfigure what you can spend and realistically do for the first home. Build and grow your equity to make the next home your dream home.

Your first home is typically the first step to getting to the dream home.

If you need to discuss more, book a virtual appointment with us at calendly.com/newaverealty.

Let’s Talk About Affordability

Posted on by Andrea T. Fowler

 

Rising home prices have many concerned that the average family will no longer be able to afford the most precious piece of the American Dream – their own home.

However, it is not just the price of a home that determines its affordability. The monthly cost of a home is determined by the price and the interest rate on the mortgage used to purchase it.

Today, mortgage interest rates stand at about 4.5%. The average annual mortgage interest rate from 1985 to 2000 was almost double that number, at 8.92%. When comparing affordability of homeownership over the decades, we must also realize that incomes have increased.

This is why most indexes use the percentage of median income required to make monthly mortgage payments on a typical home as the point of comparison.

Zillow recently released a report comparing home affordability over the decades using this formula. The report revealed that, though homes are less affordable this year than last year, they are more affordable today (17.1%) than they were between 1985-2000 (21%). Additionally, homes are more affordable now than at the peak of the housing bubble in 2006 (25.4%). Here is a chart of these findings:

Homes More Affordable Today than 1985-2000 | Keeping Current Matters

What will happen when mortgage interest rates rise?

Most experts think that the mortgage interest rate will increase to about 5% by year’s end. How will that impact affordability? Zillow also covered this in their report:

Homes More Affordable Today than 1985-2000 | Keeping Current Matters

Rates would need to approach 6% before homes became less affordable than they had been historically.

Bottom Line

Though homes are less affordable today than they were last year, they are still a great purchase while interest rates are below the 6% mark.

To List or Not List During the Holidays

Posted on by Andrea T. Fowler

 

Every year at this time, many homeowners decide to wait until after the holidays to put their homes on the market for the first time, while others who already have their homes on the market decide to take them off until after the holidays.

Here are seven great reasons not to wait:

  1. Relocation buyers are out there. Many companies are still hiring throughout the holidays and need their employees in their new positions as soon as possible.
  2. Purchasers who are looking for homes during the holidays are serious buyers and are ready to buy now.
  3. You can restrict the showings on your home to the times you want it shown. You will remain in control.
  4. Homes show better when decorated for the holidays.
  5. There is less competition for you as a seller right now. Let’s take a look at listing inventory as compared to the same time last year:

7 Reasons to List Your Home This Holiday Season | Keeping Current Matters

  1. The desire to own a home doesn’t stop when the holidays come. Buyers who were unable to find their dream home during the busy spring and summer months are still searching!
  2. The supply of listings increases substantially after the holidays. Also, in many parts of the country, new construction will continue to surge reaching new heights in 2018, which will lessen the demand for your house.

Bottom Line

Waiting until after the holidays to sell your home probably doesn’t make sense.

Rent is Increasing! Why You Should Look Into Homeownership.

Posted on by Andrea T. Fowler

Recently, WFAA released an newcast stating that the rent rates in DFW are increasing month-to-month.  All across DFW, you will see development happening. The developments are for new businesses, new apartments, and/or new homes. There isn’t too many places where you don’t see that in DFW. Currently, Dallas is the land of opportunity.

The newly published April 2017 Dallas Rent Report shows prices across the city remain above the national media. On average, one-bedroom apartments were leasing for $1,260. Two-bedroom units were renting at $1,760.

There are thousands of people relocating here monthly (so yes, people are coming here and they need a place to live). As a Realtor, I have people coming from everywhere. It isn’t a specific place that people aren’t migrating from. They come from the East and West Coasts, other Southern states, and the Midwest.

My biggest motto from a financial standpoint is that if you are paying $1000+, you should consider purchasing a home. Why? The benefits of being a homeowner outweighs being a renter. Let’s take this example.

Let’s say your monthly rent is $1200/month. For a whole year, you’ve paid $14,400 in rent. However, if you had a home that was $1200/month for your mortgage, you could have tax benefits from property taxes, mortgage insurance, mortgage interest. The $14,400 you spent with a mortgage with a tax benefit of $3,600 means that you technically have paid $10,800 for a whole year. That’s basically $900/month. What’s even better? You are build equity while buying and equity = wealth. With an apartment, you are making the developer/builder wealthy.

Homeownership is an investment. Yes, you can invest in stocks and bonds but homeownership provides you a tangible asset. Homeowners in DFW have seen an increase in their asset of 8.5%. That’s extra money that you have made and all you did was live in a home. Can you say the same about your apartment? I live with the financial sense of wanting to make money while I sleep. That is EXACTLY what a home does. Check out the graph below on the status of DFW homes from 2014 to now.

The market has went from homes having a median sales price of $162,000 to $255,000 in June 2017. That’s a $93,000 increase in 3 years. Listen to me, that’s $93,000 increase in THREE years. Imagine what you could do with $93,000 if you had a home to sell. That’s 20% down for a move-up home and some left over to decorate and pay Navient (Sallie Mae’s wicked sister) a nice chunk of change.

Bottom Line: You could look into purchasing a home instead of renewing your lease. Homeownership can be a condo, townhome, or a house. The first two really depends on a person’s lifestyle and what they prefer. All three can be considered a home that you’ve purchased. I think condos/townhomes are great for turning into easy rental properties whether short term (Heard of Airbnb or Homeaway?) or in the long-term. You have to weigh your options and what works best for you. The easiest way to get to the McMansion is to purchase your first home and build yourself and your wealth from there.

For more detailed information for your personal situation, contact me at 972-813-9788 or [email protected].

 

 

There’s No Place Like Home

Posted on by Andrea Fowler
There’s No Place Like Home | Keeping Current Matters
Last week, I reported on the financial reasons purchasing a home in today’s market makes sense. The Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University performs a study every year surveying participants for the reasons that American’s feel are most important in regards to homeownership.
The top 4 reasons to own a home cited by respondents were not financial.

1. It means having a good place to raise children & provide them with a good education

From the best neighborhoods to the best school districts, even those without children at the time of purchasing their home, may have this in the back of their mind as a major reason for choosing the location of the home that they purchase.

2. You have a physical structure where you & your family feel safe

It is no surprise that having a place to call home with all that means in comfort and security is the #2 reason.

3. It allows you to have more space for your family

Whether your family is expanding, or an older family member is moving in, having a home that fits your needs is a close third on the list.

4. It gives you control over what you do with your living space, like renovations and updates

Looking to actually try one of those complicated wall treatments that you saw on Pinterest? Want to finally adopt that puppy or kitten you’ve seen online 100 times? Who’s to say that you can’t in your own home?
The 5th reason on the list, is the #1 financial reason to buy a home as seen by respondents:

5. Owning a home is a good way to build up wealth that can be passed along to my family

Either way you are paying a mortgage. Why not lock in your housing expense now with an investment that will build equity that you can borrow against in the future?

Bottom Line

Whether you are a first time homebuyer or a move-up buyer who wants to start a new chapter in their life, now is a great time to reflect on the intangible factors that make a house a home.
“There’s No Place Like Home.” Keeping Current Matters. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Apr. 2015.

Rents at an All-Time High in North Texas?

Posted on by Andrea Fowler

If you have lived in an apartment in the Dallas/Fort Worth region, you know that paying for a peace of security and safety does not come cheap no matter where in the metroplex you decide to live. Last year, 2014, rents reached an all time high in North Texas. According to Jenny Doren and Sandra Baker of WFAA and the Star- Telegram:

“Rents rose 4.9 percent in 2014 and now the average monthly rent for an apartment in Dallas-Fort Worth is $919, said MPF Research in Dallas.

“Annual increases above 4 percent are rare in this market,” said Greg Willett, an MPF Research vice president. “Because we’re such a construction hot spot, the flow of new product moving through initial lease-up normally holds rent growth below the national norm.”

Locally, however, renters were leasing up units almost as fast as they came on the market, Willett said. Renters leased 15,226 units during 2014, when 15,575 units were completed, making North Texas the strongest market nationwide.”

 
I always advise those who are paying more than $1,000 in rent to consider purchasing their own home. The benefits in purchasing outweighs the benefits of owning. There are no apartment rules to follow, no additional fees, and no paper thin walls to hear your neighbors conversation.

I would to talk to you if you are considering purchasing a home in 2015. Let’s get you on a Royal Plan today to see where your new avenue awaits you at. Contact me via phone or email at 972.813.9788 or [email protected].

Find your new avenue here: New Avenue Realty

Doren, Jenny, and Sandra Baker. “N. Texas Apartment Rents Reach an All-time High in 2014.” WFAA. N.p., 6 Jan. 2015. Web. 26 Jan. 2015.

Millenials Set to Take Over Real Estate in 2015?

Posted on by Andrea Fowler







Just a few months ago, I wrote a blog post titled “Millenials and Real Estate” It is being predicted that millenials will be one of the biggest first time home buyers in 2015. According to Realtor.com, the best purchase markets for millenials are the following: 

The best purchase markets for aspiring Millennial homebuyers are (listed alphabetically):
  • Austin, Texas
  • Dallas
  • Denver
  • Des Moines, Iowa
  • Grand Rapids, Michigan
  • Minneapolis
  • New Orleans
  • Ogden, Utah
  • Salt Lake City
  • Seattle
Dallas Skyline at Dusk – Pixabay

Yes I made the Dallas one a little larger on purpose. Dallas has been one of the major metropolitian cities with growth. The opportunities in the area are like no other. Of course you know that Dallas is named one of the best cities to shop and eat. So I may be bias on this one but seriously, there is a new place to eat and shop EVERYWHERE. Imagine all of these places being within 5 – 10 minutes of where you purchase your home! I am a millenial myself and when searching for a place to stay, I always look for access to highways and the local amenities. Shopping (whether retail or groceries) is always a local amenity that I need nearby. It doesn’t hurt if there are other amenities such as an emergency care center, great schools,  local hospital, and restaurants too. 

I am a development nerd and realize that once new economic development opportunities come to a city, that city will be booming soon. That’s the place to be for resale. Has anyone looked into living in The Colony? Not only is 2015 the season of millenials and home ownership but Vocativ just listed six cities in the region as the best cities for people under 35. Check other articles from Realtor.com about millenials. Maybe 2015 is the year to think about giving up the rent payment and look at a mortgage payment. Could millenials take over 2015 in home purchases? 








OCTOBER 2014 NEWSLETTER — HOUSING TRENDS

Posted on by Andrea Fowler

Welcome to the most current Housing Trends eNewsletter. This eNewsletter is specially designed for you, with national and local housing information that you may find useful whether you’re in the market for a home, thinking about selling your home, or just interested in homeowner issues in general. 

Please click on this link to view the Housing Trends October 2014 Newsletter http://afowler.housingtrendsenewsletter.com 

The Housing Trends eNewsletter contains the latest information from the National Association of REALTORS®, the U.S. Census Bureau, Realtor.org reports and other sources. 

Housing Trends eNewsletter is filled with local and national real estate sales and price activity provided by MLSs and the National Association of Realtors, U.S. Census Bureau key market indicators, consumer videos, blogs, real estate glossary, mortgage rates and calculators, consumer articles, and REALTOR.com local community reports. 

If you are interested in determining the value of your home, click the “Home Evaluator” link for a free evaluation report: 

http://afowler.housingtrendsenewsletter.com/dispContent.cfm?loadid=2&loadtype=0 

Sound decisions can only be made with accurate and reliable information, and I am happy to be a trusted resource for you. Thank you for the opportunity to provide you with this monthly eNewsletter, and I look forward to answering any questions you may have and to the opportunity to be your REALTOR® in the future. 

Sincerely yours, 

Andrea Fowler


To keep up with the local market, become a Market Insider at New Avenue Realty.