Thursday, September 29, 2016

Why We All Need a 'Phil Dunphy' on Our Side

When you make the decision to enter the housing market, as either a buyer or a seller, make sure you look for an agent who exemplifies these values and will help you through every step of the process. Call me now and I will help you decide. 949.295.5105

#AmericanDream #RealEstate #Homes #RegencyRealEstateBrokers #TeamTerryMatheus #TerryMatheus

Why We All Need a 'Phil Dunphy' on Our Side

Whether or not you’ve ever seen an episode of Modern Family, or know who Phil Dunphy’s character is, the concept of knowing that you have someone in your corner who is looking out for your best interests is something we all want.

When it comes to buying a home, whether you are a rookie homebuyer or have gone through the process many times, having a local real estate expert who is well versed in the neighborhood you are looking to move into, and the trends of the area, should be your goal.

For those who aren’t familiar, the character Phil Dunphy is a Realtor with a huge heart who always strives to do the best for his family and his clients.

In one recent episode, Phil even shared the oath that he created and holds himself to:

"On my honor, I promise to aid in man's quest for shelter, to recognize I'm not just in the business of houses -- I'm in the business of dreams in the shape of houses. To disclose all illegal additions, shoddy construction, murders, and ghosts. And to put my clients' needs before my own." ...more

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

US Housing Market Moving Further into ‘Buy Territory’

The majority of the country is strongly in buy territory. Buying a home makes sense socially and financially. Rents are predicted to increase substantially in the next year. Protect yourself from rising rents by locking in your housing cost with a mortgage payment now. Call me today and I will help you! 949.295.5105

#BuyTerritory #RentOrBuy #RealEstate #Homes #RegencyRealEstateBrokers #TeamTerryMatheus #TerryMatheus

US Housing Market Moving Further into ‘Buy Territory’

According to the latest Beracha, Hardin & Johnson Buy vs. Rent (BH&J) Index, the U.S. housing market has continued to move deeper into buy territory, supporting the belief that housing markets across the country remain a sound investment.

The BH&J Index is a quarterly report that attempts to answer the question:

In today’s housing market, is it better to rent or buy a home?

The index examines the entire US housing market and then isolates 23 major cities for comparison. The researchers “measure the relationship between purchasing property and building wealth through a buildup in equity versus renting a comparable property and investing in a portfolio of stocks and bonds.”

Ken Johnson, Ph.D., Real Estate Economist & Professor at Florida Atlantic University, and one of the index’s authors explains that:

“Housing prices, in general, continue to slow and when considered in light of the recent trends in the Buy vs. Rent Index signal that ownership remains an excellent investment for the majority of Americans.”

While 15 of the 23 metropolitan markets examined moved further into...more

Thursday, September 22, 2016

5 Stats That Prove the Real Estate Market Is Getting Stronger

There are many factors that go into the success of the housing market, and it is necessary to recognize and comprehend those factors to fully understand why we are not on the path to another housing bubble.

#HousingMarket #RealEstateMarket #Homes #RealEstate #RegencyRealEstateBrokers #TeamTerryMatheus #TerryMatheus

5 Stats That Prove the Real Estate Market Is Getting Stronger

Whenever there is talk about an improving housing market, some begin to show concern that we may be headed toward another housing bubble that will be followed by a crash similar to the one we saw last decade.

Here are five data points that show the housing market will continue to recover, and that a new housing crisis is not about to take shape.

1) Mortgage availability is increasing, but is nowhere near the levels we saw in 2004-2006.

A buyer’s chances of being approved for a mortgage have increased over the last three years; That’s good news for the market. This is not a precursor to another challenge, as many experts maintain that it is still too difficult for many buyers to attain house financing.

As Jonathan Smoke, the Chief Economist of realtor.com, recently explained:

“The havoc during the last cycle was the result…of speculation fueled by loose credit. That’s the exact opposite of what we have today.”

2) The Housing Affordability Index, which measures whether or not a...more

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Don’t Underestimate the Importance of Using an Agent When Selling Your Home

If you are thinking of selling your home, don’t underestimate the role a real estate professional can play in the process. Call me now to discuss how I can get your home sold! 949.295.5105

#HireAPro #Selling #RealEstate #Homes #RegencyRealEstateBrokers #TeamTerryMatheus #TerryMatheus

Don’t Underestimate the Importance of Using an Agent When Selling Your Home

When a homeowner decides to sell their house, they obviously want the best possible price with the least amount of hassles. However, for the vast majority of sellers, the most important result is to actually get the home sold.

In order to accomplish all three goals, a seller should realize...more

Thursday, September 15, 2016

The Cost of NOT Owning Your Home

Owning a home has always been, and will always be better from a financial standpoint than renting.

#OwningVsRenting #HomeOwnership #RealEstate #Homes #RegencyRealEstateBrokers #TeamTerryMatheus #TerryMatheus

The Cost of NOT Owning Your Home

Owning a home has great financial benefits. Because of this, more and more experts are growing concerned about the ramifications of a falling homeownership rate. Today, let’s look at the financial reasons why owning a home of your own has been a part of the American Dream for as long as America has existed.

The outcomes of a falling homeownership rate can be devastating. As explained byApartmentList.com:

“Our research indicates that not owning a home has a sizable financial cost, as renters miss out on low mortgage rates and are hit by higher rents.

This phenomenon may exacerbate inequality in our society, as those wealthy enough to invest in real estate benefit from lower interest rates, whereas minorities and younger Americans, hit by rising rents and student debt, risk being locked out of homeownership.”

What proof exists that owning is financially better than renting?

1. A study published by the Joint Center of Housing Studies at Harvard University shows...more

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Why Getting Pre-Approved Should Be Your First Step

Many potential home buyers overestimate the down payment and credit scores needed to qualify for a mortgage today.

If you are ready and willing to buy, you may be pleasantly surprised at your ability to do so as well. Call me now for lender referrals to get the process started today! 949.254.5105

#PreApproval #HomeBuying #RealEstate #Homes #RegencyRealEstateBrokers #TeamTerryMatheus #TerryMatheus

Why Getting Pre-Approved Should Be Your First Step

In many markets across the country, the amount of buyers searching for their dream homes greatly outnumbers the amount of homes for sale. This has led to a competitive marketplace where buyers often need to stand out. One way to show you are serious about buying your dream home is to get pre-qualified or pre-approved for a mortgage before starting your search.

Even if you are in a market that is not as competitive, knowing your budget will give you the confidence of knowing if your dream home is within your reach.

Freddie Mac lays out the advantages of pre-approval in the My Home section of their website:

“It’s highly recommended that you work with your lender to get pre-approved before you begin house hunting. Pre-approval will tell you how much home you can afford and can help you move faster, and with greater confidence, in competitive markets.”

One of the many advantages of working with a local real estate professional is that many have relationships with lenders who will be able to help you with this process. Once you have selected a lender, you will need to fill out their loan application and provide them with important information regarding “your credit, debt, work history, down payment and residential history.”

Freddie Mac describes the 4 Cs that help determine the amount you will be qualified to borrow:

Capacity: Your current and future ability to make your payments
Capital or... MORE

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

2 Myths About Mortgages That May Be Holding Back Buyers

Whether buying your first home or moving up to your dream home, knowing your options will definitely make the mortgage process easier. Your dream home may already be within your reach. Call me today to discuss your options. 949.295.5105

#MortgageMyths #Buying #RealEstate #Homes #RegencyRealEstateBrokers #TeamTerryMatheus #TerryMatheus

2 Myths About Mortgages That May Be Holding Back Buyers

Fannie Mae’s “What do consumers know about the Mortgage Qualification Criteria?” Study revealed that Americans are misinformed about what is required to qualify for a mortgage when purchasing a home.

Myth #1: “I Need a 20% Down Payment”

Fannie Mae’s survey revealed that consumers overestimate the down payment funds needed to qualify for a home loan. According to the report, 76% of Americans either don’t know (40%) or are misinformed (36%) about the minimum down payment required.

Many believe that they need at least 20% down to buy their dream home. New programs actually let buyers put down as little as...MORE

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Thursday, September 29, 2016