Blog — Page 713 of 932 — First Rate Financial Group

30

Dec

Home Seller Tips

Selling Social: How to Leverage Your Social Network to Sell Your Home Faster

Selling Social: How to Leverage Your Social Network to Sell Your Home Faster There were days when the marketing of a home involved plunking a sign into the front yard, but with the power of the Internet, there are many mediums through which home sellers can find potential buyers. If you’re currently looking at ways to use the power of social media in order to get your ideal purchase price, here are some things you can do to best harness its capabilities.

Make A Facebook Page

According to the social market service provider, Postling, approximately 80% of real estate agents are now using Facebook in order to market and sell their properties. This means that Facebook is not only a great tool for agents, it can be an ideal means of marketing for you. By creating a Facebook page for your home that is professional looking and informative, you may be able to tap into a unique base of people without having to do a lot of legwork.

A Picture Says A Thousand Words

Open Houses can have a huge impact on finding the right buyer for your home, but a good picture can also be a great way of drawing in interested parties. Instead of creating a video or a website, you may want to try making a Pinterest account that highlights the rooms of your house and any special details that may work to entice homebuyers. It’s just important to make sure your pictures show your house in its best light so you can get people through the door.

Create A Twitter Account

It may seem a bit strange to create a Twitter account for your home, but it can actually be a fun and simple way to attract a broad mix of people and show what your home has to offer. Because a Tweet must engage people in 140 characters or less, it can be a great opportunity to articulate the benefits of your home in a concise, clear way. In addition, it’s an easy and affordable means of getting your home out there without having to invest money or time into marketing materials and a website.

From marketing material to a savvy real estate agent, there are a variety of ways to sell a home. However, with the power of social media, many home sellers have the opportunity to do the legwork without putting in a great deal of effort.

29

Dec

By support

Home Mortgage Tips

Did You Know? A Mortgage Professional Can Save You a Lot of Money. Here’s How

Did You Know? A Mortgage Professional Can Save You a Lot of Money. Here's How Many people forego a mortgage broker and decide to go through the application process on their own, but a mortgage professional can actually work to save you money when it comes to your biggest investment. Whether you’re new to the market and are looking for tips or are just a prospective buyer in need of advice, here are a few reasons you may want to consult a broker to make for an improved real estate investment.

Liaising With The Lender

If you go it alone without a lender, you may be able to find a good loan opportunity, but because a mortgage broker knows the ins and outs of the market, they may be able to assist you in acquiring a better deal. Since brokers have a business relationship and a history with many lenders, they will be able to get you in the door and perhaps broker a deal you would not have been able to find without them.

It’s A Free Service

Many people think that a broker adds even more expenditure to an already expensive investment, but mortgage brokers can you save you time and money in the long run. While this can be a financial boon on its own since you can tap into their knowledge and experience for free, it’s also worth realizing that the lender pays a broker and has a responsibility to them as well as you. It may be free, but it’s worth doing a little digging to find the professional that can best meet your needs.

Navigating The Application Process

For those who are new to the market, the paperwork and discussion around getting a mortgage can be a significant deterrent in putting money down. Since a mortgage broker is familiar with the process, they can help you compile the correct documentation and you can trust their knowledge of the process. While it’s important to do some of your own research about mortgage rates and lenders, a broker can help you save time and seal the deal.

Many people are hesitant to consult with a mortgage broker when it comes to their home purchase, but as a free service that can make the process a little clearer, it can be well worth the consultation. If you’re currently in the market for a home and are confused with all of the associated details, contact one of our mortgage professionals for more information.

28

Dec

By support

Housing Market

Case-Shiller: Home Price Growth Continues

Home increased in October according to Case-Shiller’s 20City Home Price Index. Home prices rose from September’s annualized reading of 5.40 percent to 5.60 percent. Factors contributing to rising home prices include stronger economic conditions and outlook along with short inventories of available homes coupled with high demand. On average, October home prices rose 5.10 percent on seasonally adjusted annual basis, which was unchanged from September’s reading.

West Continues to Lead Home Price Growth

Top home price growth rates were in Seattle, Washington at 10.70 percent, Portland, Oregon at 10.30 percent and Denver, Colorado with a seasonally-adjusted annual price increase of 8.30 percent. New York, New York had the lowest home price growth in October with a reading of 1.70 percent.

In a separate report, December consumer confidence exceeded expectations with an index reading of 113.70 as compared to an expected reading of 110.00 and November’s reading of 109.40. This was the highest reading for consumer confidence since 2001. Analysts said that the strong reading for consumer confidence was a sign that consumers will increase their spending in 2017, but what will happen with mortgage rates is a big question.

Rising Mortgage Rates May Slow Home Prices, High Demand for Homes

With the Federal Reserve’s decision to raise its target federal funds range in December comes a question of how rising mortgage rates will affect housing markets. Rising fed rates typically lead to increases in consumer lending rates including rates for home loans and refinancing. Combined effects of rising home prices and mortgage rates create challenges for first-time and moderate income home buyers. While higher mortgage rates have not impacted buyer demand so far, rising mortgage rates could sideline some buyers.

A recent compilation of the most expensive places to live in America illustrates the imbalance of home prices as compared to consumer incomes. Brooklyn, NY topped this list with a reading of 127.70 percent of average household income earned in Brooklyn to buy an average priced home in Brooklyn. Analysts reporting this data noted that many Brooklyn homeowners work in Manhattan and earn more than those who work in Brooklyn. Disparities in average home prices and home buyer incomes could “trickle down” to less expensive areas if mortgage rates and home prices continue to rise.

Meanwhile, builder confidence is strong and is expected to lead to higher levels of home construction in 2017.