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Does This Make Sense?
Just Thinking –

Is there a right time or wrong time of year to buy real estate?
Many prospective buyers ponder this question as they navigate the ever-changing real estate market. Many prospective sellers try to decide when to list their property to get the most bang for their buck.

While there might not be a one-size-fits-all answer, in California, the Bay Area, in particular, timing is less important than other areas because weather is not a factor. Traditionally spring and summer often see a surge in listings, offering a broader selection, but also stiffer competition and potentially higher prices. On the other hand, buying in the winter months may mean fewer options but potentially better deals.

As a buyer seeking an edge, it is essential to be financially prepared to act when the right deal appears, some items to look for when attempting to separate yourself from the competition are, extended days on the market, back on the market, overpriced listings, and cosmetic issues. These are opportunities that can get you into a home without having to get into a bidding war.

As a seller looking to sell for the best price possible, do not over price you listing. Properties that are priced correctly still generate lots of interest and often multiple offers.

Ultimately, the 'right' time to buy real estate depends on individual circumstances, market conditions, school schedules and personal goals. It's worth considering these factors carefully and giving me a call to further discuss.

Does this make sense?

Chuck
This Weeks Top Story
Downtown Martinez & Co. - Santa House

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Things to Consider When Buying a Home

The process of buying a home can be overwhelming at times, but you don't need to go through it alone. You may be wondering if now is a good time to buy a home ... or if interest rates are projected to rise or fall. I put together a free eGuide for you that will answer many of your questions and likely bring up a few things you haven't even thought about yet. Just click the button below to read it now!

Read Your Guide Now
What Presidential Candidates are Saying About the U.S. Housing Market
As the next election year approaches and candidates for the position of U.S. president start debating the issues, it’s fair to ask what each one is saying right now about the housing market—and what they propose to make homeownership attainable for more Americans. 

So, we appreciate that some of the candidates on both sides have weighed in on housing affordability and some have already taken action to improve it.

We’re reviewing the words and/or actions of each candidate here and will update this as we learn more about where each one stands.
 
PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN

The incumbent, President Joe Biden, and his administration have taken some actions aimed to improve housing affordability and/or accessibility—first for renters with the “Renters’ Bill of Rights,” along with new actions to protect renters: 
  • The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) issued a request for information exposing practices that unfairly prevent applicants and tenants from accessing or staying in housing. 
  • The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) is encouraging the financing of multifamily loans to increase affordability in the multifamily rental market. 

See the White House Fact Sheet for more information. 

On behalf of homebuyers, the Biden-Harris Administration also announced reduced mortgage insurance premiums for homebuyers. 
Vice President Harris and Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Fudge announced on February 22 that HUD, through the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) would reduce its annual mortgage insurance premium by 0.30%, from 0.85% to 0.55%, for an estimated 850,000 borrowers in 2023. 
The goal of this cost-lowering measure was to make homeownership more affordable for more low- and middle-income homebuyers. 

Greg Schwartz, CEO of Tomo Mortgage, had this to say about the PMI reduction:
Bringing down the hard fees and costs to buying homes will allow millions of Americans to build wealth and prosperity through home ownership. This is the American Dream in action. Combining this action by the administration with Tomo not charging lender fees, we’ll get more folks in homes. - Greg Schwartz - CEO of Tomo Mortgage

ROBERT F KENNEDY, JR.

In early October, Robert F Kennedy, Jr. shared his own plan to fix housing affordability. 

The main problem critics see with it. While plenty of home buyers (and sellers) would welcome a drop in mortgage rates, quite a few commenters argued that as long as inventory remains as low as it currently is, if demand suddenly skyrocketed, prices would climb right along with it. 
Even now, with rates around 7%, inventory can’t keep up with demand, which is why a crash in home prices is unlikely.
RFK Jr. hasn’t publicly responded to criticism of the proposal, but here’s hoping he’s paying attention and listening to people with a better understanding of the housing market. 
And to any of these candidates who aren’t watching the daily Hot Sheet to stay informed, now would be a good time to start. 

NIKKI HALEY

Ambassador Nikki Haley’s campaign premiered a clip on YouTube from the fourth GOP debate on December 6. CNN posted the highlights of the debate as Haley responded to questions, along with New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. 
Finish - The Full Story

Posted by:
Sarah Lentz
December 14, 2023 
Housing Market

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Previous Newsletters
December 8th
The Best Day of The Year to Buy a Home is Just Around the Corner
https://conta.cc/3GxgiuP
December 1st
8 Predictions From Ryan Serhant on the 2024 Housing Market
https://conta.cc/3uLyhuT
November 24th
Existing Home Sales Have Sunk to Their Lowest Point Since 2010 
https://conta.cc/3Rdz7t9
November 17th
Housing Market Turbulence: Affordability and Demand Drop 
https://conta.cc/3SGNhUZ
November 10th
It Costs 52% More to Buy a Home Today Than It Does to Rent
https://conta.cc/49IEeZV
November 3rd
Mortgage Rates Surge Lower After Fed Announcement
https://conta.cc/3QEIP7M
October 27th
Home Prices Forecasts for 2024 are Divided
https://conta.cc/49b4v2v
October 20th
Barbara Corcoran Receives Backlash for Saying Now...
https://conta.cc/46Ciugc
October 13th
Buyers Turning to Family for House Solutions
https://conta.cc/3ZV4Bam
October 6th
RFK Jr’s Plan to Fix the US Housing Affordability Crisis:
https://conta.cc/3tr6Y8u
September 29th
Housing Affordability Hits its Lowest Point Since 2007
https://conta.cc/3ZDwWBU
September 23rd
Jerome Powell on Housing Supply and Lock in Effect
https://conta.cc/48tgyaY
September 15th
Unexpected Boost for Homebuyers
https://conta.cc/3LonvR1
September 8th
From Floods to Fires: How Climate Risks Impact Home Buying
https://conta.cc/3Za9UlH
September 4th
Residential Home Loans Increase by 21% in Q2
https://conta.cc/45NGNXS
August 18th
5 Home Buying Misconceptions Americans Believe
https://conta.cc/47Ex0Vo
August 11th
Stuck in Renting Purgatory: Over 80% Believe It’s a Bad Time to Buy
https://conta.cc/3YxQJ5m
August 4th
How the Inventory Shortage is Making Future Homes Taller...
https://conta.cc/44UVbx6
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