Radio Shows - Podcast | Page 16 of 43

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On today’s show, Debbie brings in Team Member and Loan Assistant Heidi Slagle-Points to talk shop and other interesting topics.

Debbie is excited to finally announce that her 1-800 number is now available, which also accepts texts.

They talk about Arizona heat vs. Southern California heat. The conversation leads to how now is the perfect time to get home improvements done. From putting in pools, replacing windows, air conditioning units breaking down, now is a great time to refinance and pull cash out for these repairs because interest rates are still good.

They talk credit card debt, lines of credit, blended rates/consolidation, equity loans vs. equity lines and the benefits of canceling mortgage insurance.

Debbie and Heidi drill down on FHA’s, modifications, conventional and USDA loans.

They educate their audience with details of deferment and forbearances and how it all works. She also tells her audience that disclosing forbearance/deferment history is imperative when talking with her team.

The Mortgage Mom Radio Team is there to help you every step of the way! Debbie also talks about the efficiency of her new phone App and how interactive it is for her audience. All you have to do is reach out!

We are LIVE on YouTube every Wednesday at 5 PM. Watch us record our show! Ask us your questions right in the feed, we’ll read those and answer them for you. Make sure to subscribe to our channel and turn on your notifications to know when we get started.

Mortgage Mom Radio equips you with all of the mortgage education that you could ask for right at your fingertips! Listen to our Podcast with hours of shows and topics, download our PHONE APP loaded with every mortgage tool that you could need, and last but not least, watch our weekly Homebuyer Workshop Series on YouTube! Mortgage Mom Radio

How do you schedule a phone appointment with mom? Call our office, 844-935-3634. Get your free consultation today! Do you want our phone app to have the tools you need at your fingertips? Click the link: PHONE APP

Debbie Marcoux is licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act, NMLS ID 237926, also licensed in AZ-0941504, FL-LO76508, GA-69178, IL-031.0058339, NV-57237, OR, TN-184373, TX, WA-MLO-237926 | Heidi Slagle-Points CA NMLS ID 1666881

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On today’s segment, Debbie brings in real-estate agent and childhood friend Heather Barkley-Kilpatrick to discuss various topics. Debbie also talks with her son (and high-ranking gamer) Mikey about the details of the online gaming world since she is officially sponsoring that part of the industry. Heather chimes in on the subject and points out how lucrative that business has become in recent years while Mikey relates the gaming industry to the world of sports and what the similarities and differences are. This further fuels Debbie’s ongoing determination to one day do a loan with one of these gamers.

Debbie expresses on how her show is tailored to bringing education to her listeners and how important that is. She reveals her various referral partners ranging from insurance agents, realtors and home inspectors. Heather drills down on the subject of referral partners with specifics when she talks about bidding, repairs, contractors, roof inspectors, plumbing inspectors and finding a handyman. Debbie takes the opportunity to express how personable and reachable her team is at all times in all home-buying relations. Debbie and Heather then discuss how the rates this week specifically are going up and down and how important it is to get prepared when doing a re-finance or purchasing a home, especially when locking in a rate. They even talk a little bit about Bitcoin and how things that are happening in the world currently do impact the interest rates.

Debbie then urges the importance of future home-buyers to be upfront and honest about their credit scores, especially when getting an accurate quote for their loan. She states that going through the credit report with her clients can enhance benefits to these future home-buyers in the long run due to her leveraging talents and years of experience. Debbie gives examples and scenarios of various options she can juggle through with her clients in order to get to a successful decision.

Debbie is consistently asking the audience to be interactive on her show, especially because of the potential of bringing up points that can be discussed more in detail.

Heather and Debbie reminisce on the 80’s, their childhood experience together and subjects of hairstyles, clothing styles and make-up.

Debbie clearly considers her team-members as “family” and the importance of working with them.

Both Debbie and Heather jump back on the subject of loans. They talk about paying points for a loan, conventional loans and other scenarios to help further educate the audience. Education for their audience is their goal. Education from Mortgage Mom Radio is free, so “book an appointment and get educated” says Debbie, even if the client may be going through a competitor lender. It doesn’t matter because they are here to help you. Debbie also gives more scenarios on how dropping mortgage insurance will save the client money. Heather also points out how she was able to combine a first and second loan for a client and save them a “ton of money,” including dropping their mortgage insurance. She also says that because of her client calling in with a goal, Heather was able to analyze the goal and give even better options than what the client first embarked on. Debbie discloses to her audience that they can now make appointments on weekends, which is a positive game-changer for her clients. Heather sympathizes with the potential clients that have random schedules, and drills down on Debbie’s point of being open during the weekends.

They get on the topic of loan modifications, deferments, forbearances and how Covid enabled these options. Debbie talks about how her team can strategically help with refinancing due to forbearances and deferments. Debbie and Heather bring up three important points: #1 – Hold on to your loan modification paperwork because that is “golden.” #2 – Make an appointment so they can see your situation and help you with it. #3 – Refinancing does NOT show up on your credit report, only on your title report. Debbie makes the point that interest rates are currently still good. She emphasizes the importance of people calling in and or commenting during the show to keep the interaction and education flowing. Debbie is excited about her phone App and Toll-Free number soon allowing text messages, which will create more interaction with her audience and potential clients.

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Wednesday, June 2nd, 2021 – Debbie opens up today’s show by bringing in seasoned loan officer Larry Ehrlich AKA the Mortgage Dad to explore various topics. They discuss what was first to crash during 2007, 2008 and 2009 with the correlation of investment properties and second homes. They also point out how current investment properties have quite a bit higher of an interest rate compared to primary residence properties due to lenders protecting themselves from future disasters.

Debbie is also determined to do future business with the online gamers out there, especially because she is now officially sponsoring a video game team.
Larry gives advice to other loan officers on how important it is to treat their clients like family, especially because of these future clients making the most important choice and investment for their livelihood. Debbie expresses that the goal of her show is to educate loan officers and future buyers. Debbie and Larry both state that walking clients from start to finish is very much an important process, especially when it comes to closing costs, appraisals and home owner’s insurance.
Larry talks about how canceling PMI insurance can save buyers a substantial amount of money. Debbie points out that she is licensed in California, Arizona, Washington, Nevada, Idaho, Oregon, Texas, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida. She also talks about how she can help with references for clients in other states she is not licensed in.
Debbie briefly talks about the importance of being an actual mortgage licensed bank in comparison to the larger conglomerate banks. She also expresses how working with a smaller team of her own is extremely beneficial, especially with clients having access to all of her team members personally.
Larry talks about how setting goals to buying a house is very important. He goes into details of how to save money by sacrificing the little things and how it all adds up. Debbie also drives home that same point with other examples.
Debbie talks details on MI’s (mortgage insurance), FHA and conventional loans and how they work, along with great programs like VA and USDA loans.

Mortgage Mom Radio airs weekly focusing on topics that will educate our listeners around mortgage lending. This week Debbie is joined by returning guest Escrow Officer Jennifer Davidson to continue the 2021 Homebuyers Workshop series by covering what escrow is and important tips to move your loan smoothly through the loan process.

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Mortgage Mom Radio airs weekly focusing on topics that will educate our listeners around mortgage lending. This week Debbie and Heidi discuss the new Experian Boost feature and explain everything you need to know if you are about to apply or are in the middle of applying for a mortgage.

In This Issue

“It is not in the stars to hold our destiny, but in ourselves.” – William Shakespeare

Sell in May and Go Away – When stocks go down, so do rates.
2021 Housing Market Predictions – After dealing with a year of uncertainty in 2020, the housing market looks to hit it big in 2021.
Turn an Old Dresser Into a Unique Sink – This simple DIY project can turn an antique into a stunning sink for your bathroom.
Q&A: Can You Qualify for a Mortgage Without Credit? – Is it possible to obtain a mortgage, even if you don’t have any credit to your name? Knowing what options you have can help you purchase a home.

Please feel free to forward this newsletter to friends, family or co-workers who may find it helpful.

What To Watch

Sell in May and Go Away – Explained

Each spring, the same phrase pops up for stock investors: “Sell in May and go away.” It’s important to track, as generally stocks go down, and so do rates.

That question is whether or not stock market investors will see “Sell in May and go away” this season. Yahoo Finance tells us that the full axiom was originally, “Sell in May and go away, and come on back on St. Leger’s Day.” It has its roots in the city of London. Financial professionals would go on holiday in May for approximately four months to escape the summer heat and return for the St. Leger derby in mid-September. Traders and bankers in the U.S. appropriated the aphorism over the years and condensed it to its current form.

The current form is based on the historical tendency for the stock market to produce its best gains between Halloween and May Day (the so-called “winter” months) and to produce well-below-average returns the other six months of the year (the “summer” months).

We did not see “Sell in May” last year, as the stock markets were on a big surge higher after the huge losses seen in March due to the shutdowns. But with stocks at record high levels and high market volatility, there is a possibility of a move lower in stock prices after earnings season winds down at the end of the month. Despite never-ending stimulus, which stocks love, they cannot go straight up, and corrections big and small are always healthy and expected.

If this were to occur, it could shift some investing dollars from stocks into bonds, which would help to further stabilize or cap the recent rise in mortgage rates that was seen from mid-January until the end of March.

If “Sell in May” does not take place this year, do not get too worried. The Federal Reserve continues to try and hold rates at historically low levels and will do so until we see full employment and ideal inflation. Can mortgage rates increase marginally if the economy continues to grow? Yes, that would be normal in an an expanding economy. If the economy is strong, and if the job market continues to rebound, modestly higher rates should not be a deterrent to homeownership.

Bottom line: Rates are still historically low, and now is still a great time to either refinance or consider purchasing a home.

Source: Mortgage Market Guide

Housing News

2021 Housing Market Predictions

The housing market is tricky to predict, especially since 2020 was a year full of unpredictability. Although no one can forecast what will happen with entire certainty, housing trends can give you an idea about what to expect when it comes to buying or selling a home.

It should come as no surprise that 2020 saw huge fluctuations in the housing market as the country was hit with massive amounts of unemployment and extensive shelter-in-place orders. However, the housing market saw an uptick in pending home sales and rebounded much faster than other sectors of the economy. In fact, 2020 was a record-breaking year for the market with 5.64 million homes sold, the most since the Great Depression.

For 2021, experts predict that the housing market will continue to thrive, thanks to several key features:

Record-low mortgage rates: Homebuyers are taking advantage of lower mortgage rates and purchasing homes.
Work-from-home trend continues: With more people working from home, the home’s value increases. Homeowners realize they either invest more money in it or decide to move and maximize their new work arrangement.
Short listing times: Before the start of 2021, existing homes were usually on the market for just 21 days. That’s two weeks shorter than a year ago. This is great news if you’re a seller.

While 2021 looks to be competitive for buyers, resulting in quick-selling homes and higher prices, sellers should feel pretty good about the housing market. Reach out to your real estate expert if you’re ready to make the jump in 2021.

Sources: Financialsamurai.com, Daveramsey.com, Noradarealestate.com

Home Improvement

Turn an Old Dresser Into a Unique Sink

Have you ever gotten the urge to turn an old piece of furniture into something fabulous but were scared about tackling the project? Don’t let your fears get in the way of creating a unique sink out of an old dresser. Not only will the outcome look stunning, but you can save the money you would spend on a brand-new piece.

Select a dresser that fits the space and make sure it’s sturdy. It’s best to use one that’s made out of solid wood to support the weight of the sink and faucet.
Purchase a drop-in sink and place it upside down in the center of the dresser’s top. Trace an outline of the sink and draw a line about 1 inch inside the line to mark the cut line.
Use a jigsaw drill and cut the sink hole out of the dresser.
Coat the dresser top with water-based polyurethane. You might need to apply four or five coats.
When the top is dry, apply a bead of clear caulking around the rim of the opening. Set the sink on top and press down lightly.
Use the jigsaw to cut a square out of the back of the dresser for plumbing.
Secure the dresser to the wall.
Attach the faucet and plumbing to the dresser. Make sure to remove the drawers so you can access the area better.
Cut out indents in the drawers so the plumbing fits.

There’s no better time to get started on a DIY project. Even if you don’t have an old dresser just lying around, a quick stop at an antique store can get you started on this unique project.

Sources: Anoregoncottage.com, HGTV.com, Thisoldhouse.com

Q&A

Can You Qualify for a Mortgage Without Credit?

QUESTION: How do you qualify for a mortgage with no credit?

ANSWER: It is possible to obtain a mortgage if you have little or no credit, but you might need to look a little harder to find the right mortgage. Also, you might need to provide additional documentation to prove that you have a history of paying bills on time.

It’s important to remember that there’s a difference between having poor credit and having no credit. With poor credit, you’ve had a few bumps and may have a low credit score as a result. Although you might be able to qualify for a mortgage with a low score, you could end up paying a higher interest rate compared to someone with a higher score.

On the other hand, if you have no credit, that means you don’t have a history of dealing with credit accounts. As a result, it’s difficult for creditors to determine your risk since there’s nothing for them to gauge about loaning you money.

There are many options to obtain a mortgage without credit. Some mortgages have more lienint guidelines such as Government backed mortgages (FHA, VA or USDA). Other options include conventional mortgages through Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae. Each lender and loan program has its own requirements, but you usually need to make 12 months of on-time payments to two or three continuing obligations, such as utilities, insurance, and housing.

Just because you don’t have any credit, it doesn’t mean you won’t qualify for a mortgage. If you’re still unsure which way to go when it comes to finding a mortgage, reach out to your loan officer who can guide you.

Sources: Daveramsey.com, Nerdwallet.com

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Mortgage Mom Radio airs weekly focusing on topics that will educate our listeners around mortgage lending. This week Debbie returns from her Mommy Makeover to peel back the curtain a little on the last couple weeks. She then continues on to inform everyone interested in a refinance that you have not missed your window, interest rates are still great for refinancing right now! Debbie and Heidi also go on to discuss loan options most people don’t consider and important things to know about filing taxes if you are near closing on a home.

A Look Into the Markets

“Can you take me High Enough?” by Damn Yankees

This past week we watched long-term rates, like mortgages, improve slightly despite a surprising comment from Treasury Secretary, Janey Yellen. Let’s break it all down and look at what’s on tap for next week.

“It may be that interest rates will have to rise somewhat to make sure that our economy doesn’t overheat” – Treasury Secretary, Janet Yellen

Janet Yellen was being interviewed on Zoom when she unleashed this seemingly innocent and likely honest comment. Well, it sent shockwaves across the stock market, pushing the NASDAQ down as much as 400 points on Tuesday alone.

Yellen was once the Fed Chair, and in that former role, it would be her duty to share comments on monetary policy. As Treasury Secretary, it is not her role to discuss rates. Especially, considering the active Fed Chair Jerome Powell saying over and over just days earlier at the Fed Meeting that “now is not the time” to raise rates.

There is big pressure on the Fed to help keep rates low. First and foremost are the upcoming “Plans” being debated in Washington D.C. The American Jobs Plan and American Family Plan are estimated to cost another $4 trillion, on top of the $1 trillion-plus still not spent from the American Rescue Plan. All this spending must be paid for by selling new bonds in the market. What we as a country can’t afford now is higher rates as the expense to service all this new debt will be an enormous burden.

Sell in May and Go Away

Stocks, especially the tech-laden NASDAQ, may have used Yellen’s comment as a reason to sell – but some of the downward pressure in stocks may be a seasonal phenomenon called “Sell in May and Go Away”. The idea is that stocks generally underperform during the summer months when many take vacations, thereby creating lower trading volume, larger price swings and more risk.

As you could imagine, the pain in stocks was a gain for bonds. The 10-year yield declined to 1.56%, down nicely from 1.75% from just a few weeks ago.

If the summer selloff in stocks continues, we may see further improvement in rates.

Opportunity knocks again

With the recent improvement in rates, many more people can still benefit from a refinance and it will certainly help drive the purchase market. However – any rate improvement could be short-lived – here’s three reasons why locking at today’s rates may make sense:

Treasury Secretary Janey Yellen’s comments for higher rates, was honest. Lumber and other commodity prices are soaring – higher rates would cool that off.
There is growing pressure on Fed Chair Powell to start “tapering” bond purchases. Again, in response to “frothy” assets like stocks and real estate.
We are going to see higher inflation numbers over the next few weeks – what we don’t know is how high the numbers will be or how bonds will react. Bonds do not like inflation – it’s like kryptonite to Superman…a killer.

Bottom line: Rates have improved of late, but the good times may be relatively short-lived. Those thinking about locking in today’s rates should do so.

Looking Ahead

Next week we will get a reading on consumer inflation by way of the Consumer Price Index (CPI). It is forecast to come in above 3% year over year – mainly due to year over year increases in oil and commodities. This will be the first time in 50 years since headline year over year consumer inflation will be higher than 30-year mortgage rates.

Longer-term, this would be unsustainable as inflation can’t run above mortgage rates. Either inflation must decline or rates must move higher to compensate for higher inflation or a little bit of both.

The Fed is forecasting inflation to moderate later this year, that is why they say they are “not even thinking about, thinking about” raising rates or tapering bond purchases. We shall see if this comes to pass.

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Mortgage Mom Radio airs weekly focusing on topics that will educate our listeners around mortgage lending. This week Debbie is joined by newcomer to the Mortgage Mom team, Heather Kilpatrick, to continue the Homebuyer Workshop series by explaining the role of the real estate agent and why it is very important to find the best one for you.

A Look Into the Markets

“Oh yeah” – “Oh Yeah” by Yello (“Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”)

In the absence of any meaningful economic report this past week, we watched bond prices rise while rates inched lower. Oh yeah!!!

Let us break down what is going on and look into next week as the boredom ends.

The Path of Least Resistance

Rates have been steadily improving over the past few weeks as consumer inflation fears have waned. With a nice trend in place and no news to knock bonds down, prices continued their path of least resistance: higher. How high? Mortgage-backed securities, which are where home loan rates are derived, closed at their highest level since March 2nd this past week, and the 10-year yield hovered near 1.55%, also the lowest in nearly two months.

FOMC Blackout Period

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), which meets eight times per year to discuss economic conditions and determine whether to hike or lower the Fed Fund Rates, can always move the market when they speak or during interviews.

However, the FOMC has established a blackout period where FOMC members are to limit their public speaking and interviews. The current period is April 17 through 29th. When Fed members are not talking or sharing their views, the markets can’t react to any perceived positive or negative statements. The quiet ends next week when the Fed delivers their Monetary Policy Statement on Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. ET. More on that below.

Bonds Regaining Some Shine

A couple of interesting trends happened this week which could bode well for rates in the near-to-intermediate term. First, stocks struggled a bit this past week, and when they dropped, rates also declined. This is a typical market reaction, but something we have not seen much of this year during the steady increase in rates. If stocks continue to stumble and we see a seasonal, “Sell in May and go away,” reaction, it could leave room for further rate improvement.

Second, the 20-year bond auction this past week was well received. This means the buying appetite for Treasury securities was very good despite the recent improvement in rates/yields. If this trend continues, it will help keep long-term rates relatively low.

Housing en Fuego

March existing-home sales showed the median price rose by an annual record-breaking pace of 17.2%. This scorching rise is due mainly to an anemic 2.1 months of available inventory for sale.

Homes sold in 18 days on average, another record low.

This is all good news for someone selling a home, but as we know, it is rough for folks purchasing one.

With rates ticking back down, vaccinations administered, and economies reopening, we should expect continued strength in housing and hopefully more inventory available for sale.

Bottom line: This is an amazing moment to take advantage of the current interest rates as the present improvement in rates could be short lived.

Looking Ahead

As mentioned, it’s Fed Week. The FOMC will deliver its Monetary Policy Statement as well as its outlook on the economy on Wednesday. There is zero chance of a rate hike. And there is likely no chance the Fed mentions “tapering” of any bond purchases; let’s hope so. For when the Fed stops buying bonds, rates will move higher in a hurry.

We will also get some high-impact reports like Gross Domestic Product and the Fed’s favored gauge of inflation, the Core Personal Consumption Index (PCE).

Moreover, there will be a ton of corporate earnings, which could impact both stocks and bonds/rates.

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Mortgage Mom Radio airs weekly focusing on topics that will educate our listeners around mortgage lending. This week we continue the Homebuyer Workshop series by covering the details of the Bank Statement loan program and more!

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In this Issue

“There is nothing I would not do for those who are really my friends. I have no notion of loving people by halves, it is not my nature.” – Jane Austen

As home prices continue to rise, those with their heart set on homeownership might seek non-traditional ways of climbing the property ladder. In this issue, we’ll cover these ideas as well as the following:

What to Watch – After weeks of lower bond prices and higher yields, the cure for higher rates may be higher rates, as the uptick in yield could be luring in buyers.
Rent-to-Own Properties on the Rise – The popularity of rent-to-own properties has increased recently, but it remains a risky option for many homebuyers looking to purchase their home.
Ways to Hang Plants Outdoors – You don’t need a green thumb to hang plants outside as long as you have a few household items.
Q&A: What Type of Market Is It? – How do you know if it’s a buyer’s or seller’s market? Knowing which one it is can help you determine if you should buy, sell, or hold on to your property.

What to Watch

Where Are Rates Headed?

After weeks of lower bond prices and higher yields, the cure for higher rates may be higher rates as the uptick in yield could be luring in buyers. Reports now read that Japan may become a net buyer of U.S. Treasury securities after being a net seller for quite some time. One of the continued tailwinds for relatively low rates here in the U.S. is the ridiculously low rates around the globe.

Also on the radar in the weeks and months ahead could be the continued rise in the U.S. stock markets. The possibility of the bullish sentiment for stocks may be fueled by new stimulus on the way as states continue to reopen fully and if rates stabilize. The U.S. economy could be on track for a breakout year. The Atlanta Fed is forecasting a whopping 8.3% gain in Q1 2021 Gross Domestic Product!

So what does this mean for mortgage rates? If we continue to see some stabilization in yields, we may see some modest improvement in rates. At the same time, we should expect a continued rise in rates as the economy improves. The Federal Reserve has said as much in the past few weeks.

Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist, said, “While purchase activity remains high, it has cooled off over the last few weeks and is currently on par with early March 2020, prior to the pandemic. However, the rise in mortgage rates over the next couple of months is likely to be more muted in comparison to the last few weeks, and we expect a strong spring sales season.”

Bottom line: Home borrowing costs remain historically low, and now is a good time to get off the fence and jump into home ownership.

Source: Mortgage Market Guide

Housing News

Rent-to-Own Properties on the Rise

The demand for these types of properties has increased recently. While opting for a rent-to-own property looks good on paper, since you don’t need to plunk down a huge down payment, it comes with its own risks. One major risk is that unlike the typical buying or rental process, the rent-to-own doesn’t have a standard contract as the terms are completely negotiable. This is known as the lease option, and both sides must agree to certain terms.

With a rent-to-own home, you agree to rent a home for a specific time with the understanding that you gain ownership of the home. The timeframe can last from several months to several years.

Another downside is that you will probably pay higher prices than if you were to rent. But if you think about it, a portion of your monthly payment is going toward the down payment on the home. You can use the accrued money to purchase the home at the end of your agreement. The money is typically non-refundable, so if you decide not to purchase the property, you lose that money.

If the thought of a rent-to-own property gives you pause, you have other options. You might qualify for a low-down-payment mortgage of only 3% to 5% or you might consider owner financing. Reach out to a loan officer for more assistance in securing your dream home.

Sources: Rocketmortgage.com, Daveramsey.com, Thebalance.com, Bankrate.com

Home Improvement

Ways to Hang Plants Outdoors

Your plants don’t need to be planted in the ground to flourish. Even if you don’t consider yourself handy, you can easily hang your plants outdoors as long as you have a few tools.

Hang glass bottles. Wrap some twine or string around the bottle, and hang it from a branch or tree limb. Place a few cut flowers inside.

Attach pots to a pallet. Prop a pallet against the side of your house, and attach small pots to it. You can grow flowers or herbs in these pots.

Install a ceiling hook. If your home has a porch with an overhang, consider adding a few ceiling hooks to hold hanging planters. Cascading ivy would look sharp in this type of hanger.

Mount an old tire. Repurpose an old tire and mount it on your siding so it resembles a wreath. Place your plants inside this hanging planter.

You likely have many of these items lying around your house. Even if you don’t, a quick stop at a home-improvement store can get you started with hanging some of your favorite plants outside.

Sources: Homedit.com, Familyhandyman.com

Q&A

What Type of Market Is It?

QUESTION: How do you tell if it’s a buyer’s or seller’s market?

ANSWER: Real estate markets fluctuate through cycles, and knowing what type of stage the market is at can help you decide if it’s a good time to buy, sell, or wait.

In a seller’s market, more buyers are available compared to the property for sale. When this happens, home prices tend to increase, and bidding wars often occur. Sellers also might receive their full asking price of the home or even more. A few signs that it’s a seller’s market include:

Fewer homes for sale.
Homes selling via word-of-mouth before they’re even listed.
Homes on the market for fewer days.

On the other hand, a buyer’s market occurs when there are more homes for sale than prospective buyers. When this happens, prices are more negotiable because buyers believe they can easily move on to the next deal if the current one falls through due to expanded inventory. A few signs that it’s a buyer’s market include:

Increased number of homes for sale.
Homes sell for below-asking prices, oftentimes with numerous price cuts.
Inventory levels rise, as do the days on the market.

It might seem easy to determine what type of housing market it is just by following those guidelines, but sometimes it’s not so easy. Depending on the neighborhood, one area could be a seller’s market, while on the other side of town, it could be a buyer’s market.

By monitoring trends in sales prices and determining the amount of available inventory, you can have a better understanding of the market. Homes that sell above the asking price indicate that it’s a seller’s market. The larger the inventory of homes for sale, the more likely it’s a buyer’s market. Take the number of homes for sale and divide it by the number of homes that have sold in the past month. If the number is above seven, it’s a buyer’s market. If it’s below five, it’s a seller’s market. Anything in the middle is considered neutral.

If you’re looking to buy or sell, it’s important to know what type of market you’re dealing with. For help figuring out which one affects you, reach out to your real estate contact to determine how you can take advantage of the current housing market.

Sources: Learn.roofstock.com, Rocketmortgage.com

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A Look Into the Markets

This past week we watched long-term interest rates improve nicely from the highest levels in over a year. The recent chatter about higher inflation has cooled down and allowed other themes to come in and influence stocks and interest rates, and it was mostly negative and bond-friendly. Let us break down what happened.

“Cause I’m the taxman, yeah, I’m the taxman” – “Taxman,” by The Beatles

Bonds and rates love bad news and slower economic conditions, so when the talk of “largest tax increase in decades” went across the wires this week, stocks and rates moved lower with the 10-year Note yield dropping to 1.59% from 1.75% just days earlier.

It’s far from clear what and who will be taxed, but what is clear is that corporate tax rates are going up, and that has a negative effect on stocks – hence the pullback. Taxes, whether you love them or hate them, hamper economic growth and weigh on consumer demand, which lowers inflation pressures: another positive for rates.

“Vaccination is a national priority” – French President Emmanuel Macron

Another big negative and uncertain event has been the sharp rise in COVID cases throughout Europe. The main cause of the spike appears to be a slow vaccination rollout.

Fresh lockdowns throughout the region could cause economic harm and elevate uncertainty, which again may cause stocks and rates to move lower.

The Buck Is Strong

Despite enormous spending by the U.S. government and much more on the way, the U.S. dollar has strengthened against other global currencies, touching the highest level since November 2020.

Why does this matter? Many commodities, like oil, are priced in U.S. dollars, so as the dollar gets stronger, it has put downward pressure on the price of a barrel of oil. This has an effect of lowering inflation pressures, because so many products are made of oil.

A strong dollar also makes our imports cheaper, which also lowers inflation pressures which bonds and rates love.

Bottom line: Rates have improved week-over-week and the trend may very well continue. However, like we experienced several weeks ago, any further rate improvement may be modest and short-lived. As economies reopen, we should expect rates to continue to increase further over time. So, if you or someone you know would like to talk about this incredible opportunity, please contact me.

Looking Ahead

There are many high-impact economic reports next week, including the ADP report and Friday’s Jobs Report. One of the Fed’s mandates is to promote maximum employment. As we get closer to that goal, that is when the Fed will lower its bond purchases and hike rates. We are nowhere near full employment at the moment.