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Mortgage Rates Friday, March 31: Holding Steady

Mortgage rates for 30- and 15-year fixed home loans, as well as 5/1 ARMs, all held firm today, according to a NerdWallet survey of current mortgage rates published by national lenders Friday morning.

The stock and bond markets have had little to feed on lately, with tame economic reports and continued uncertainties in Washington. Mortgage rates are standing pat while lenders search for reasons to reprice.


MORTGAGE RATES TODAY, FRIDAY, MARCH 31:

(Change from 3/30)
30-year fixed: 4.31% APR (NC)
15-year fixed: 3.71% APR (NC)
5/1 ARM: 3.85% APR (NC)

Get personalized mortgage rates

» MORE: How much home can you afford?

Homeowners looking to lower their mortgage rate can shop for refinance lenders here.

NerdWallet daily mortgage rates are an average of the published annual percentage rate with the lowest points for each loan term offered by a sampling of major national lenders. APR quotes reflect an interest rate plus points, fees and other expenses, providing the most accurate view of the costs a borrower might pay.

More from NerdWallet
Calculate your refinance savings
The pros and cons of home equity lines of credit
Best lenders for FHA loans

Hal Bundrick is a staff writer at NerdWallet, a personal finance website. Email: [email protected]. Twitter: @halmbundrick.

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The article Mortgage Rates Friday, March 31: Holding Steady originally appeared on NerdWallet.

Realty Solutions Group was built around a simple but elusive concept: provide brokers and clients with the highest level of service in the industry through cutting-edge sales, marketing programs and a culture that values innovation, relationships and a strong local focus.

In less than 5 years, Realty Solutions Group is among the top independent brokerage firms in S/E Wisconsin.

As a locally-owned, independent company, Realty Solutions Group is deeply committed to supporting the communities and clients we serve. We are constantly evolving, but remain focused on that one simple idea behind our founding.

We are a full service brokerage with discounted commissions. We offer no long term listing contracts, a Performance Guarantee, Smart Seller Program and a Communication Guarantee. Contact us today and let us provide you with the very best real estate experience.

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Are You Buying a House or a Lottery Ticket?

The same week legendary investor Warren Buffett put his California vacation house on the market, a friend told me her widowed mother had sold the family home in Cleveland.

Buffett bought his Laguna Beach place in 1971 for $150,000 and is asking $11 million. My friend’s parents bought their home for $24,500 in 1965 and just sold it for $104,000. Put another way: If Buffett gets his asking price, his house will have appreciated at an annual rate of 9.79%. The Cleveland house eked out a 2.82% annual return.

Neither buyer could have predicted what their homes would be worth now. One could score a healthy return, while the other didn’t even keep up with inflation. (If she had, her home would have been worth about $190,000.)

If you want an investment, buy stocks

Homes are a big part of most Americans’ net worth. But whether a home purchase pays off huge, or pays off at all, is largely a function of geography. It’s a kind of wealth inequality that doesn’t get much attention but can have big consequences for your finances.

It means some people hit the real estate lottery, blessed with gobs of equity they can tap for spending or bailing themselves out in retirement even if they haven’t saved enough. Others can do everything right — buying homes they can afford and diligently paying down their mortgages — but have far less to show for their efforts.

The solution isn’t necessarily to buy into hot markets, since predicting which markets will outperform in the long run is pretty much impossible, says David Blitzer, managing director at S&P Dow Jones Indices, which publishes the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Home Price Indices.

A better course is to invest in stocks, which historically deliver better returns than other investments and which help you build wealth regardless of where you live.

Think of a home as savings, not a retirement fund

People often believe homes are a better investment than they actually are. On average, home prices nationally have barely kept up with inflation since 1900, Blitzer says. Most of the nation’s housing wealth is concentrated in just a few states, notably California, New York, Florida and Texas, according to an analysis by the Urban Institute.

Homes can offer tax breaks for mortgage interest, property taxes and capital gains, since the first $250,000 of home sale profit per owner typically is exempt from taxes. But homes also come with considerable costs that can’t be deducted, including insurance, maintenance, repairs and upgrades (though improvements can reduce the possible tax bill if you sell at a big profit).

Stocks, by contrast, never need a new roof and outpace inflation over time by a fat margin. Theoretically, my friend’s mother would be more than half a million dollars richer today if she and her husband had invested their $5,000 down payment in the Standard & Poor’s 500 stocks instead.

Or consider what Buffett could have earned. A $150,000 investment in the S&P 500 in 1971 could have turned into almost $14.5 million — even more than the asking price on his six-bedroom, ocean-view house.

(Of course, a $150,000 investment in Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc. would have done even better. That purchase would be worth over $800 million today. But no one could know in 1971 how wildly the company would grow in coming decades.)

Without a crystal ball, people need to hedge their bets. Buying a home and paying down a mortgage can be a kind of forced savings that results in at least some equity, regardless of market conditions. But most people should be wary of advice that encourages them to “stretch” to buy a house or view their home as an investment. (See “How much house can I afford?”)

“Buy your house for what you need for your family,” says certified financial planner Tim Obendorf of Chicago. “Don’t count on your home appreciating 5% a year and being your retirement savings.”

Liz Weston is a certified financial planner and columnist at NerdWallet, a personal finance website, and author of “Your Credit Score.” Email: [email protected] Twitter: @lizweston.

This article was written by NerdWallet and was originally published by The Associated Press.

The article Are You Buying a House or a Lottery Ticket? originally appeared on NerdWallet.

Realty Solutions Group was built around a simple but elusive concept: provide brokers and clients with the highest level of service in the industry through cutting-edge sales, marketing programs and a culture that values innovation, relationships and a strong local focus.

In less than 5 years, Realty Solutions Group is among the top independent brokerage firms in S/E Wisconsin.

As a locally-owned, independent company, Realty Solutions Group is deeply committed to supporting the communities and clients we serve. We are constantly evolving, but remain focused on that one simple idea behind our founding.

We are a full service brokerage with discounted commissions. We offer no long term listing contracts, a Performance Guarantee, Smart Seller Program and a Communication Guarantee. Contact us today and let us provide you with the very best real estate experience.

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Mortgage Rates Wednesday, March 29: Bouncing Higher

Mortgage rates for 30- and 15-year fixed loans, as well as 5/1 ARMs, all bounced a bit higher today, according to a NerdWallet survey of current mortgage rates published by national lenders Wednesday morning.

Meanwhile, home loan applications barely budged last week, falling just 0.8% from the week before, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. However, as the home buying season begins, the real estate market seems to be off to a good start.

“As an early gauge of spring buying activity, purchase applications for the last four weeks were all higher than the corresponding week a year ago, up an average of 4.8% on a year-over-year basis,” Lynn Fisher, vice president of research and economics with the MBA, told CNBC.


MORTGAGE RATES TODAY, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29:

(Change from 3/28)
30-year fixed: 4.33% APR (+0.06)
15-year fixed: 3.70% APR (+0.03)
5/1 ARM: 3.86% APR (+0.03)

Get personalized mortgage rates

 

» MORE: How much home can you afford?

Homeowners looking to lower their mortgage rate can shop for refinance lenders here.

NerdWallet daily mortgage rates are an average of the published annual percentage rate with the lowest points for each loan term offered by a sampling of major national lenders. APR quotes reflect an interest rate plus points, fees and other expenses, providing the most accurate view of the costs a borrower might pay.

More from NerdWallet
Compare mortgage rates
Get a mortgage preapproval
Find a mortgage broker

Hal Bundrick is a staff writer at NerdWallet, a personal finance website. Email: [email protected]. Twitter: @halmbundrick.

Mortgage Rate Newsletter

Get daily mortgage rate updates delivered straight to your inbox!

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The article Mortgage Rates Wednesday, March 29: Bouncing Higher originally appeared on NerdWallet.

Realty Solutions Group was built around a simple but elusive concept: provide brokers and clients with the highest level of service in the industry through cutting-edge sales, marketing programs and a culture that values innovation, relationships and a strong local focus.

In less than 5 years, Realty Solutions Group is among the top independent brokerage firms in S/E Wisconsin.

As a locally-owned, independent company, Realty Solutions Group is deeply committed to supporting the communities and clients we serve. We are constantly evolving, but remain focused on that one simple idea behind our founding.

We are a full service brokerage with discounted commissions. We offer no long term listing contracts, a Performance Guarantee, Smart Seller Program and a Communication Guarantee. Contact us today and let us provide you with the very best real estate experience.

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Deductions Aren’t the Only Way to Save on Real Estate Taxes

By Bill Brown

Learn more about Bill on NerdWallet’s Ask an Advisor

The mortgage interest deduction and the state and local property tax deduction are probably the best-known tax incentives for homeownership and real estate investment.

That’s no surprise. Roughly 9 out of 10 home buyers borrow money to buy a home, meaning they likely pay some form of mortgage interest. And property taxes are a near-universal expense for homeowners. Both deductions are crucial to making homeownership possible for the average buyer.

But there are other real estate-related tax incentives that might not be as familiar.

Capital gains exclusion

All homeowners hope their property will appreciate. The flip side is that anyone selling an asset that has gone up in value may get hit with a tax bill for the profit, also known as the capital gain. Thankfully, homeowners have some help in their corner.

An individual selling his or her principal home can qualify for an exclusion of up to $250,000 in capital gains, and married people who file jointly may qualify for an exclusion of up to $500,000. There’s no need to report gains up to these limits on a tax return.

To take the exclusion, sellers must pass the IRS’ ownership and use test, but it’s fairly straightforward. Essentially, they must own the property and have used it as a primary residence for a total of two out of the five years preceding the sale. Even if owners currently rent the property and depreciate it — as we’ll discuss shortly — they might still meet the use and ownership test and qualify for the exclusion. And even if sellers haven’t lived in the home during the past five years, they might qualify for a partial exclusion.

That’s a big help, as well as a recognition of the fact that millions of Americans depend on their home to build wealth throughout their lives.

1031 like-kind exchanges

The “1031 like-kind exchange” sounds like it’s ripped right from an accountancy textbook, but it’s actually fairly easy to understand. Let’s say a person owns a single-family, detached rental home as part of an investment portfolio. If the home appreciates, the owner will likely owe capital gains taxes in the event of a sale — unless he or she uses the proceeds to buy a condominium in a market with higher rents.

Because the single-family home and the condo are both investment properties, tax law treats them as “like kind.” And because this transaction is a “like-kind exchange,” the owner won’t pay capital gains tax until he or she sells the new property.

This gives investors an incentive to put any realized gains back into the economy rather than pocketing them. And it’s a big deal: Major real estate investors and mom-and-pop investors alike can benefit.

Depreciation on rental property

Homeowners who rent a portion or all of their property might be able to “depreciate” that asset, which means deducting some of the cost of the property each year on their tax return. That could result in a significant income tax deduction.

If you do earn money on the sale of your home after depreciation is taken into account, you’ll generally owe tax on the depreciated portion at the 25% “depreciation recapture” rate. Any other gains will be taxed as capital gains.

Changes may be coming

For more than a century, the United States has recognized the benefits of homeownership and real estate investment. It strengthens communities and helps individuals grow nest eggs for themselves. However, Congress is considering tax reform proposals that could have sweeping implications for real estate incentives. That’s something to keep an eye on.

Everyone’s tax situation is unique. Before you count on any of these incentives, you may want to talk with a tax professional. But if you’re ready to take the plunge into homeownership or real estate investment, tax benefits — some obvious and others perhaps less so — are out there.

Bill Brown is the incoming president of the National Association of Realtors.

The article Deductions Aren’t the Only Way to Save on Real Estate Taxes originally appeared on NerdWallet.

Realty Solutions Group was built around a simple but elusive concept: provide brokers and clients with the highest level of service in the industry through cutting-edge sales, marketing programs and a culture that values innovation, relationships and a strong local focus.

In less than 5 years, Realty Solutions Group is among the top independent brokerage firms in S/E Wisconsin.

As a locally-owned, independent company, Realty Solutions Group is deeply committed to supporting the communities and clients we serve. We are constantly evolving, but remain focused on that one simple idea behind our founding.

We are a full service brokerage with discounted commissions. We offer no long term listing contracts, a Performance Guarantee, Smart Seller Program and a Communication Guarantee. Contact us today and let us provide you with the very best real estate experience.

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Mortgage Rates Tuesday, March 28: Steady Decline

Mortgage rates today for 30- and 15-year fixed loans dropped by 2 basis points, while 5/1 ARMs fell by 1 basis point, according to a NerdWallet survey of mortgage rates published by national lenders Tuesday morning.

The 30-year fixed, 15-year fixed and the 5/1 ARM are continuing a downward slide after hitting peak levels in mid-March, NerdWallet’s analysis shows. The 30-year fixed rate hasn’t been this low since Feb. 27.


MORTGAGE RATES TODAY, TueSDAY, MARCH 28:

(Change from 3/27)
30-year fixed: 4.27% APR (-0.02)
15-year fixed: 3.67% APR (-0.02)
5/1 ARM: 3.83% APR (-0.01)

Get personalized mortgage rates

 

» MORE: How much home can you afford?

Homeowners looking to lower their mortgage rate can shop for refinance lenders here.

NerdWallet daily mortgage rates are an average of the published annual percentage rate with the lowest points for each loan term offered by a sampling of major national lenders. APR quotes reflect an interest rate plus points, fees and other expenses, providing the most accurate view of the costs a borrower might pay.

Deborah Kearns is a staff writer at NerdWallet, a personal finance website. Email: [email protected]. Twitter: @debbie_kearns.

Mortgage Rate Newsletter

Get daily mortgage rate updates delivered straight to your inbox!

  • Should be Empty:

The article Mortgage Rates Tuesday, March 28: Steady Decline originally appeared on NerdWallet.

Realty Solutions Group was built around a simple but elusive concept: provide brokers and clients with the highest level of service in the industry through cutting-edge sales, marketing programs and a culture that values innovation, relationships and a strong local focus.

In less than 5 years, Realty Solutions Group is among the top independent brokerage firms in S/E Wisconsin.

As a locally-owned, independent company, Realty Solutions Group is deeply committed to supporting the communities and clients we serve. We are constantly evolving, but remain focused on that one simple idea behind our founding.

We are a full service brokerage with discounted commissions. We offer no long term listing contracts, a Performance Guarantee, Smart Seller Program and a Communication Guarantee. Contact us today and let us provide you with the very best real estate experience.

Powered by WPeMatico

Mortgage Rates Monday, March 27: Drop; Buyers Face Tight Inventory

Mortgage rates today for 30-year fixed loans and 5/1 ARMs dropped, while rates for 15-year fixed loans rose, according to a NerdWallet survey of mortgage rates published by national lenders Monday morning.



House_pricetag

Mortgage Rates Today,
Monday, March 27

(Change from 3/24)


30-year fixed: 4.29% APR (-0.05)
15-year fixed: 3.69% APR (+0.01)
5-1 ARM: 3.84% APR (-0.02)

See your personalized rate offers

Trulia: Buyers face lowest inventory since 2012

Fewer options for starter and trade-up homes are creating a dilemma for hopeful home buyers, who are also encountering rising home prices, according to the Trulia Inventory and Price Watch.

The quarterly report evaluates the supply of starter, trade-up and premium homes for sale across the U.S. and in the country’s largest metro areas.

» MORE: How much home can you afford?

Overall, there were 5.1% fewer homes on the market year-over-year in the first quarter of 2017, Trulia reported. The metro areas that have experienced the strongest home price growth since 2012 were also the housing markets with the lowest levels of inventory, Trulia said.

Inventory of starter homes — which are typically more affordable and desirable among first-time home buyers — and trade-up homes dipped 8.7% and 7.9%, respectively, year-over-year. Meanwhile, the number of premium homes slipped just 1.7%.

For would-be home buyers, especially millennial first-time buyers, saving for a down payment amid rising home prices and low inventory presents the biggest obstacle to homeownership.

“In markets plagued with tight inventory and decreasing affordability, millennials, who make up most of these first-time buyers, may find homeownership increasingly out of reach,” Ralph McLaughlin, Trulia’s chief economist, said in a news release. “However, there continues to be an uptick in new construction, which should help increase supply in some inventory-constrained markets.”

Homeowners looking to lower their mortgage rate can shop for refinance lenders here.

NerdWallet daily mortgage rates are an average of the published annual percentage rate with the lowest points for each loan term offered by a sampling of major national lenders. APR quotes reflect an interest rate plus points, fees and other expenses, providing the most accurate view of the costs a borrower might pay.

Deborah Kearns is a staff writer at NerdWallet, a personal finance website. Email: [email protected]. Twitter: @debbie_kearns.

Mortgage Rate Newsletter

Get daily mortgage rate updates delivered straight to your inbox!

  • Should be Empty:

The article Mortgage Rates Monday, March 27: Drop; Buyers Face Tight Inventory originally appeared on NerdWallet.

Realty Solutions Group was built around a simple but elusive concept: provide brokers and clients with the highest level of service in the industry through cutting-edge sales, marketing programs and a culture that values innovation, relationships and a strong local focus.

In less than 5 years, Realty Solutions Group is among the top independent brokerage firms in S/E Wisconsin.

As a locally-owned, independent company, Realty Solutions Group is deeply committed to supporting the communities and clients we serve. We are constantly evolving, but remain focused on that one simple idea behind our founding.

We are a full service brokerage with discounted commissions. We offer no long term listing contracts, a Performance Guarantee, Smart Seller Program and a Communication Guarantee. Contact us today and let us provide you with the very best real estate experience.

Powered by WPeMatico

Mortgage Rates Friday, March 24: Holding March Lows; Expanding Access for Borrowers Without Credit Scores

Mortgage rates today for 30- and 15-year fixed loans ticked higher, while 5/1 ARMs slipped a notch, according to a NerdWallet survey of current mortgage rates published by national lenders Friday morning.

Interest rates are holding near their lows for the month, according to the NerdWallet Mortgage Rate Index.


MORTGAGE RATES TODAY, friday, MARCH 24:

(Change from 3/23)
30-year fixed: 4.34% APR (+0.01)
15-year fixed: 3.68% APR (+0.01)
5/1 ARM: 3.86% APR (-0.01)

Get personalized mortgage rates

Expanding opportunities for borrowers without credit scores

Another major player in the home lending process is expanding capabilities to serve borrowers without credit scores. Freddie Mac, a government-sponsored company that provides mortgage funding to lenders, is automating the underwriting process for loan applicants with only alternative forms of credit — such as rental payments and other housing-related expenses.

The new procedure replaces a manual underwriting system that slows the loan review process and often blocks such borrowers from even gaining lender consideration.

Fannie Mae, another quasi-government driver of the home loan industry, implemented a similar program in 2016.

» MORE: How much home can you afford?

“We’re committed to supporting responsible lending and improving access to credit for all borrowers, including first-time home buyers, low- and moderate-income buyers and underserved populations,” David Lowman, executive vice president of Single-Family Business at Freddie Mac, said in a news release. “It’s important that we keep pace with the evolving needs of the U.S. market and help support sustainable homeownership.”

Homeowners looking to lower their mortgage rate can shop for refinance lenders here.

NerdWallet daily mortgage rates are an average of the published annual percentage rate with the lowest points for each loan term offered by a sampling of major national lenders. APR quotes reflect an interest rate plus points, fees and other expenses, providing the most accurate view of the costs a borrower might pay.

Hal Bundrick is a staff writer at NerdWallet, a personal finance website. Email: [email protected]. Twitter: @halmbundrick.

Mortgage Rate Newsletter

Get daily mortgage rate updates delivered straight to your inbox!

  • Should be Empty:

The article Mortgage Rates Friday, March 24: Holding March Lows; Expanding Access for Borrowers Without Credit Scores originally appeared on NerdWallet.

Realty Solutions Group was built around a simple but elusive concept: provide brokers and clients with the highest level of service in the industry through cutting-edge sales, marketing programs and a culture that values innovation, relationships and a strong local focus.

In less than 5 years, Realty Solutions Group is among the top independent brokerage firms in S/E Wisconsin.

As a locally-owned, independent company, Realty Solutions Group is deeply committed to supporting the communities and clients we serve. We are constantly evolving, but remain focused on that one simple idea behind our founding.

We are a full service brokerage with discounted commissions. We offer no long term listing contracts, a Performance Guarantee, Smart Seller Program and a Communication Guarantee. Contact us today and let us provide you with the very best real estate experience.

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Real Estate Market is Springing Ahead

Real Estate Market is Springing Ahead | Realty Solutions Group

In line with our clocks this time of the year, the real estate market is springing ahead.  Traditionally, sellers believe in waiting until Spring to list their homes.  Spring is just what we need right now to get the market back on track since there has been a lack of inventory for buyers.

Buyers also believe in waiting until Spring to start house hunting.  The cold winter months and holidays delay house hunting initiative.

House Hunting Enthusiasm Stays Strong 

Unlike previous years, buyers have been motivated to search for their dream home even in the coldest winter months, springing ahead the real estate market.  This could be due to the historically low mortgage rates we have been seeing.

Listing now could be a tremendous benefit, giving your home more exposure before the flood of competition arrives in the next couple of months.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reported that the top 10 dates sellers listed their homes in 2016 all fell in April, May or June.

Bottom Line

If you are planning on selling your home in 2017, let’s get together to evaluate the opportunities in our market.

Realty Solutions Group was built around a simple but elusive concept: provide brokers and clients with the highest level of service in the industry through cutting-edge sales, marketing programs and a culture that values innovation, relationships and a strong local focus.

In less than 5 years, Realty Solutions Group is among the top independent brokerage firms in S/E Wisconsin.

As a locally-owned, independent company, Realty Solutions Group is deeply committed to supporting the communities and clients we serve. We are constantly evolving, but remain focused on that one simple idea behind our founding.

We are a full service brokerage with discounted commissions. We offer no long term listing contracts, a Performance Guarantee, Smart Seller Program and a Communication Guarantee. Contact us today and let us provide you with the very best real estate experience.

Mortgage Rates Thursday, March 23: Slight Drop; Existing-Home Sales Slow

Mortgage rates today for 30- and 15-year fixed loans and 5/1 ARMs all fell by one basis point, according to a NerdWallet survey of current mortgage rates published by national lenders on Thursday morning.


MORTGAGE RATES TODAY, THURSDAY, MARCH 23:

(Change from 3/22)
30-year fixed: 4.33% APR (-0.01)
15-year fixed: 3.67% APR (-0.01)
5/1 ARM: 3.87% APR (-0.01)

Get personalized mortgage rates

 

NAR: Existing-home sales falter in February

Existing-home sales slowed in February, tapping the brakes on the brisk pace of sales seen at the beginning of the year, according to the National Association of Realtors.

While existing-home sales dipped 3.7%, to a rate of 5.48 million in February from 5.69 million in January, the pace of sales is still 5.4% higher than February 2016, NAR reported.

» MORE: How much home can you afford?

Tight inventory and fewer affordable home choices helped drive down sales, Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said in a news release.

“Newly listed properties are being snatched up quickly so far this year and leaving behind minimal choices for buyers trying to reach the market,” Yun said. “A growing share of homeowners in NAR’s first-quarter HOME survey said now is a good time to sell, but until an increase in listings actually occurs, home prices will continue to move hastily.”

In fact, the median price for existing homes rose in February to $228,400, an increase of 7.7% from $212,100 in February 2016. It’s the fastest price increase since January 2016 (8.1%), NAR reported.

Homeowners looking to lower their mortgage rate can shop for refinance lenders here.

NerdWallet daily mortgage rates are an average of the published annual percentage rate with the lowest points for each loan term offered by a sampling of major national lenders. APR quotes reflect an interest rate plus points, fees and other expenses, providing the most accurate view of the costs a borrower might pay.

Deborah Kearns is a staff writer at NerdWallet, a personal finance website. Email: [email protected]. Twitter: @debbie_kearns.

Mortgage Rate Newsletter

Get daily mortgage rate updates delivered straight to your inbox!

  • Should be Empty:

The article Mortgage Rates Thursday, March 23: Slight Drop; Existing-Home Sales Slow originally appeared on NerdWallet.

Realty Solutions Group was built around a simple but elusive concept: provide brokers and clients with the highest level of service in the industry through cutting-edge sales, marketing programs and a culture that values innovation, relationships and a strong local focus.

In less than 5 years, Realty Solutions Group is among the top independent brokerage firms in S/E Wisconsin.

As a locally-owned, independent company, Realty Solutions Group is deeply committed to supporting the communities and clients we serve. We are constantly evolving, but remain focused on that one simple idea behind our founding.

We are a full service brokerage with discounted commissions. We offer no long term listing contracts, a Performance Guarantee, Smart Seller Program and a Communication Guarantee. Contact us today and let us provide you with the very best real estate experience.

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Downsizing In A Seller’s Market!

Downsizing In A Seller's Market | Realty Solutions Group

Downsizing in a seller’s market, is it for you?    Edelman Berland conducted a study that showed 33% of homeowners thinking of selling their homes soon plan on downsizing to a smaller house.  There are a lot of reasons why this could make sense to do now while the majority of the United States is experiencing a seller’s market.

Financial guru Dave Ramsey highlighted ,in one of his blogs, that there are many reasons why downsizing in a seller’s market to a smaller house could serve your needs better. Ramsey goes on to give three financial advantages in doing this:

  1. There is less space in a smaller house which means less time, stress and money spent on expenditures.
  2. You could have more of a savings to use for your retirement if you have a lower monthly mortgage payment.
  3. Using the revenue from the sale of your current home to pay cash for a smaller one saves you a monthly mortgage payment.  If paying cash isn’t an option then aiming for a 15 year fixed rate with a 10-20% down payment can help to pay off the mortgage faster while saving money in the process.

Realtor.com suggests, in a downsizing in a seller’s market article, asking yourself important questions in deciding if downsizing in a seller’s market is right for you and your family.  They give two main questions along with more helpful information.

Q: After I downsize, what kind of lifestyle do I want?

A: “For some folks, it’s a matter of living a simpler life focused on family. Some might want to cross off travel destinations on their bucket lists. Some might want a low-maintenance community with high-end upgrades and social events. Decide what you want to achieve from your move first, and you’ll be able to better narrow down your housing options.”

Comments:  Some homeowners are splitting profits from their current sales of homes to put down payments on smaller homes or vacation and/or retirement homes where they plan to live.

Since interest rates and home prices are predicted to rise, locking in a mortgage rate today makes sense financially.

Q: Is there enough equity in my current home to make a profit?

A: “For most homeowners, the answer is yes. This is if they’ve held on to their properties long enough to have positive equity that will be sizable enough to put a large down payment on their next home.”

Comments:   In a recent Fannie Mae study, only 37% of Americans think they have a significant amount of equity(>20%) in their home.  Corelogic’s latest Equity Report reveals 78.9% have more than 20% equity.  That equity could help build the life you have always wanted.

Bottom Line

If you are debating downsizing your home and want to evaluate the options you currently have, let’s meet up to help guide you through the process.

Realty Solutions Group was built around a simple but elusive concept: provide brokers and clients with the highest level of service in the industry through cutting-edge sales, marketing programs and a culture that values innovation, relationships and a strong local focus.

In less than 5 years, Realty Solutions Group is among the top independent brokerage firms in S/E Wisconsin.

As a locally-owned, independent company, Realty Solutions Group is deeply committed to supporting the communities and clients we serve. We are constantly evolving, but remain focused on that one simple idea behind our founding.

We are a full service brokerage with discounted commissions. We offer no long term listing contracts, a Performance Guarantee, Smart Seller Program and a Communication Guarantee. Contact us today and let us provide you with the very best real estate experience.

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