Back to School
The kids are headed back to the classroom and it got me thinking that a lot of adults could use some schooling as well. So much has changed in mortgage and real estate in the last few years and recent numbers from Black Knight Financial Services show evidence of housing market recovery:
- Home prices are up 5.3% year-over-year
- Prices as of June rose for the 50th consecutive month
Interest rates are still low, but a lot of young people grew up during a time of great real estate distress and haven’t experienced the strong markets that propelled the worth and wealth building of their parents. They also haven’t experienced the evolution of interest rates and how high they’ve been to know anything other than the “historic lows” we’ve had for years. They won’t last…it’s time to get schooled up on the current market and what’s involved in buying a home to make an educated decision as to whether homeownership is possible and the right decision for the long run. The GCS Title team and I work with many outstanding, experienced real estate and mortgage professionals who can “teach” you what’s involved in the process and “instruct” you on your options. We’re happy to introduce you! ~Charlie
- Published in On the House
Forever Home?
On the House
Charlie Lawson – GCS Title
Bank of America released its inaugural Homebuyer Insights Report and there was a stat that really jumped out at me: 35% of the people 18 or older surveyed who want to buy a home in the future say they plan to retire wherever they buy. Some of our parents – and probably a lot of our grandparents – lived in one home for most of their adult lives, but the last few decades have seen people buying, selling and moving every 3-7 years. Here are some of the other responses to the survey questions along with some important talking points that we as real estate professionals need to be sure consumers hear and understand:
32% of Millennials said they will wait to pay down debt before buying a home
We need to stress that paying off debt isn’t the only aspect of qualifying for a mortgage and how important it is to make an overall plan for debt, credit and payment-preparedness. “Waiting to pay down debt” doesn’t mean you’re qualified – there are more pieces to the puzzle.
66% of Millennials said they would likely need assistance from their parents to buy their first home
It’s important to include rules and parameters for gift money as well as highlight and publicize the various down payment assistance programs available in our state, cities and counties.
75% of first-time homebuyers said they would skip bypass a starter home in favor of something more desirable
Going from renter to homeowner is a big step for anyone, so making a larger leap from the starting block will require more strategic planning. Again, talking to a lender far in advance of when a consumer *thinks* they’ll be ready to buy is the best way to learn about and maximize opportunity.
My team and I are here to help our Realtor and Loan Officer partners communicate the current conditions and issues in our market as well as help spread the word about the incredible benefits of homeownership. Let’s talk!
~Charlie
- Published in On the House
On the House: Millennial Madness
Millennials…we hear this group mentioned so often, I’m starting to feel like Jan from the Brady Bunch – “Marcia, Marcia, Marcia!” But I can’t deny how important they are to the housing market and economy, so I’ll get over myself to share some important news: Using FHA loans (and other low down payment programs) to buy homes is up 23-percent from the first quarter of this year according to RealtyTrac and the interpretation is that more first time home buyers are getting into the market. That’s great because we need them! Millennials have been lukewarm about homeownership for the last few years, so the real estate community really needs to reach out and share the news that FHA made some changes that make payments more affordable. There’s also other low down payment programs – even down payment assistance – so we all need to make sure that we promote all the great options to help people buy homes – Millennials or not. If you’re thinking of buying or selling, I can put you in touch with great real estate and mortgage professionals who specialize in your area and situation. Message me!
Charlie
Charlie Lawson
Owner & President
GCS Title
612-207-2300
clawson@gcstitle.com
Facebook: GCS Title – Global Closing & Title Services
- Published in Real Estate & Mortgage Industry