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What is on the Horizon in Real Estate for the Second Half of the Year?

2021 Housing Market had a strong first half due to low-interest mortgage rates and increased home values.  So what is in stock for the second half of the year?

Mortgage Rates will slightly increase but will stay low 

The latest Quarterly Forecast from Freddie Mac states:

“We forecast that mortgage rates will continue to rise through the end of next year. We estimate the 30-year fixed mortgage rate will average 3.4% in the fourth quarter of 2021, rising to 3.8% in the fourth quarter of 2022.”

Rates remaining low will give purchase power for homebuyers.    

Freddie Mac states, "While higher mortgage rates will help slow the pace of home sales and moderate house price growth, we expect overall housing market activity will remain…

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Financial Fundamentals for Homebuyers [Infographic]

From saving for your down payment to getting pre-approved for a mortgage, you’ll want to make sure you keep your financial plan on track when buying a home. Here are a few key steps to take before you even start to look at properties.

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Housing Wealth: The Missing Piece of the Affordability Equation

Today, the real estate market is soaring.  The values of residential homes are rising, and that’s fantastic for homeowners. In 2020, there was a double-digit increase in home values – a trend also occurring in 2021.

However, due to skyrocketing prices, some are questioning the affordability in this current housing market. Experts in the field of Real Estate emphasize that homes today are less affordable now than they were last year. Black Knight, a leading provider of data and analytics across the homeownership life cycle, reported on the issue.

The historical averages of the national payment to income ratio, defined as “the share of the median income needed to make the monthly payments on the median-priced home.” The study reveals:

• The…

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Home Is Where the Heart Is [Infographic]

There’s no doubt about it: homeowners love their homes. Here are a few stats that show just how important our homes have become over the past year.

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Key Homebuying Terms to Know [Infographic]

The homebuying process can be filled with jargon potential buyers may be unfamiliar with. Here's a list of some of the most common terms you will come across.

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Should I Buy Now or Wait? [INFOGRAPHIC]

If you’re thinking that waiting a year or two to purchase a home might mean you’ll save some money, think again.  Mortgage interest rates are currently very low, but experts across the board are forecasting increases in both home prices and interest rates.

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Buyer Competition Is Good News for Sellers [Infographic]

With so many buyers looking for homes to purchase and so few houses available today, there’s a substantial increase in bidding wars, and homes are selling fast. According to the latest Realtors Confidence Index Survey from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), houses on average are receiving over four offers from buyers, and they’re selling in less than three weeks.

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Americans See Major Home Equity Gains [Infographic]

Today’s home price appreciation is driving equity higher throughout the country. If your needs are changing and you’re ready for a new home, your equity may be a great asset to power your next move.

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2021 Real Estate Myth Buster [Infographic]

There are many misconceptions about buying or selling a home today, making it difficult to navigate the current real estate landscape. Here’s a little clarity when it comes to 5 common myths about the 2021 housing market.

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How to Prepare Your House for a Winning Sale This Spring [Infographic]

Houses are in high demand, and they’re selling fast. It's a great time to sell if you’re ready to make a move, so follow these preparation tips to make your property ready for a top-dollar sale this spring.

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