Better late now than never later. It’s the question that’s buzzing around real estate offices, mortgage companies, backyard barbecues, water coolers and passing conversations with neighbors. The short answer is — we think so. Yes, it is still a good time to buy. The long answer is more complicated. Consider these four trends to help …
Category: Real Estate Market
Cost of Building Materials, Homebuilders, and the Housing Market – July 2021
The housing market has been as hot as the day is long. Are we finally beginning to see a cooldown? Although the housing market is still expected to favor sellers, we may be at a tipping point. Prices have risen so dramatically that buyers appear to be backing off, and home sales seem to have …
Mortgage Interest Rates Begin Their Ascent. But Is It Enough?
Are rising mortgage interest rates enough to cool a heating market? Will housing inventory make a rebound? Your Spring 2021 update.
Tips For Home Buyers In A Low Inventory Market
Housing inventory is one of the factors that can dramatically affect the temperature of the real estate market. Less inventory means more potentially more competition and higher prices. Whether you’re a buyer or currently in the seller market, this can determine your strategy. Like most investments or assets, housing inventory can fluctuate anytime. This is …
Buy Now To Buy More: What Interest Rates Mean For You
An interest rate determines how much money must be paid in a mortgage payment. The higher the rate, the higher the interest payment. Do you agree that buying now really does mean buying more?
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Define COVID-19 Forbearance Repayment Options
We previously talked about Forbearance as an option for anyone negatively impacted because of COVID-19. Forbearance is one of the most common options for those who cannot make their mortgage payments on time. Typically, once a loan is out of the agreed timeframe of forbearance, the borrower is expected to pay a “balloon payment,” or …
What is mortgage forbearance, and what does it mean for you?
In a mortgage forbearance agreement, the lender agrees not to foreclose on a mortgage, and the borrower agrees to a plan that will result in a temporary adjustment to provide relief, and to pay the balance to be current with the original payment plan.
Market Update for March 25th
Founding Partner Stewart Hunter delivers a quick market update, including the $2 Trillion bailout package, shelter in place, and Benchmark's own market and operation status.
How to be a Real Estate Pro In Times of Uncertainty: Understanding Market Issues
Your knowledge, leadership, and ability to adapt quickly are all being tested. Master these tips to surge to the top of your client's minds when they go to recommend an expert. Here is Part 1 of our Client First video series: Understanding Market Issues.
New appraisal and origination requirement changes announced due to COVID-19
Special measures have been taken to help account for challenges facing the real estate market due to COVID-19. Here are the temporary flexibilities in place to facility the continuation of transactions for buyers.