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Some Highlights

  • Affordability is based on three key factors: mortgage rates, home prices, and wages.
  • And today, it’s improving quickly as rates come down, prices level off, and wages climb.
  • If you put your search on pause because it was too expensive to buy, let’s talk about why now may be the perfect time to jump back in.

Originally posted at Simplifying The Market.

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Recent headlines have been buzzing about the median asking price of homes dropping compared to last year, and that’s sparked plenty of confusion. And as a buyer or seller, it’s easy to assume that means prices are coming down. But here’s the catch: those numbers don’t tell the full story.

Nationally, home values are actually rising, even if the median price is down a bit. Let’s break down what’s really happening so you can make sense of the market without getting caught up in the fear the headlines create.

Homes on the Market Right Now Are Smaller

The biggest reason for the dip in median price is the size of homes being sold. The median price reflects the middle point of all the homes for sale at any given time. And that’ll be affected by the mix…

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Seeing your house sit on the market without any bites is the ultimate frustration. And unfortunately, some sellers are in that tricky spot today.

According to data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the average time a house spends on the market has increased over the past few years (see graph below):

No Caption ReceivedA recent post from Realtor.com notes a similar trend:

“During the week ending Sept. 14, homes stayed on the market eight days longer compared to last year. With more choices available and mortgage rates expected to fall, buyers are taking their time, which means sellers will need to be patient and flexible.”

Some of that is because inventory has gone up, so buyers have more options. And higher mortgage rates have definitely slowed…

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Are you tired of missing out on your dream home? With the real estate market moving at lightning speed, it takes more than luck to succeed. In 2024, buying a house can feel like a race against time, with homes flying off the market in just 24 days and 30% of them selling for more than the asking price. To stand out and secure your dream home, you need strategies that go beyond the basics. Luckily, we have five powerful secrets that will transform you from a hopeful buyer into a savvy homeowner. Get ready to learn how to make an offer sellers can’t refuse!

Your Home-Buying Journey: A Thrilling Adventure

Buying a home is one of life’s most exciting challenges. Think of it as a thrilling adventure, where you are the hero navigating the twists…

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Picture this: You've finally found your perfect home. The kitchen is exactly what you’ve dreamed of, the backyard is perfect for your summer barbecues, and you can already see yourself lounging in your new living room. Everything seems to be falling into place, but suddenly, disaster strikes—a higher offer comes in, leaving you frustrated and heartbroken. Sound familiar?

Buying a home, especially for the first time, is often an emotional rollercoaster. From the excitement of finding that “just-right” property to the disappointment of losing out to another buyer, it can be a wild ride. But what if there was a way to smooth out the bumps and avoid the common mistakes that trip up most first-time homebuyers? What if you could turn the house-hunting…

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After months of sitting on the sidelines, many homebuyers who were priced out by high mortgage rates and affordability challenges finally have an opportunity to make their move. With rates trending down, today’s market is a sweet spot for buyers—and it’s one that may not last long.

So, if you’ve put your own move on the back burner, here’s why maybe you shouldn’t delay your plans any longer.

As you weigh your options and decide if you should buy now or wait, ask yourself this: What do you think everyone else is going to do?

The truth is, if mortgage rates continue to ease, as experts project, more buyers will jump back into the market. A survey from Bankrate shows over half of homeowners would be motivated to buy this year if rates drop below 6%…

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406 E High St, Sycamore, IL

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$ CLICK FOR CURRENT PRICE 3 BEDROOMS 2 BATHROOMS 0.16 acres Lot

Welcome to your charming new home at 406 E High St in the heart of Sycamore, IL! This lovely 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom ranch home beckons with its undeniable curb appeal, nestled on a landscaped corner lot in the well-established Parkmoor neighborhood. Spanning .16 acres, this property boasts a concrete driveway leading to a 2-car attached garage, ensuring ample space for your vehicles and storage needs. The inviting front porch sets the tone for the warm and welcoming interior that awaits. As you…

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That’s right—according to a recent study from Zillow, in 22 of the 50 largest metro areas, monthly mortgage payments are now lower than rent payments (see chart below):

No Caption ReceivedAs mortgage rates have eased off their recent peak, home prices have moderated, and inventory has ticked up, affordability has improved significantly. When you add all of that up, it’s getting less expensive to buy a home than to rent one in many parts of the country.

This is a big deal if you’ve been renting for a while now. But if you don’t see your city on this list, don’t sweat it. Things are moving fast, and your area might be joining these top metros soon.

You see, talking with a local real estate agent about what’s happening in your market before this happens in your ideal…

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639 Green Meadow Ln, Geneva, IL

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$ CLICK FOR CURRENT PRICE 3 BEDROOMS 3 BATHROOMS 0.2 acres Lot

Welcome to 639 Green Meadow Ln, an enchanting single-family residence nestled in the heart of Geneva's desirable Geneva East neighborhood. This elegant home boasts three bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a harmonious blend of comfort and convenience, making it the perfect haven for families seeking a tranquil lifestyle with easy access to local amenities. As you approach this stately property, you'll be greeted by a charming front porch set against a backdrop of professional landscaping,…

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Some Highlights

  • If you’re wondering if you should buy now or wait, here’s what you need to know.
  • If you wait for rates to drop more, you’ll have to deal with more competition and higher prices as additional buyers jump back in. But if you buy now, you’d get ahead of that and have the chance to start building equity.
  • Should you buy now or wait? Let’s talk through it together, so you can make your best decision. 

Originally posted at Simplifying The Market.

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