Elevated mortgage rates, out-of-reach home prices and record-low housing stock are the perennial weeds that experts say hopeful home buyers can expect to contend with this spring—and beyond.
“The housing market is likely to continue to face the dual affordability constraints of high home prices and elevated interest rates in 2024,” said Doug Duncan, senior vice president and chief economist at Fannie Mae, in an emailed statement. “Hotter-than-expected inflation data and strong payroll numbers are likely to apply more upward pressure to mortgage rates this year than we’d previously forecast.”
Despite ongoing affordability hurdles, Fannie Mae forecasts an increase in home sales transactions compared to last year. Experts also anticipate a slower rise in home prices this year compared to recent years, but price fluctuations will continue to vary regionally and depend strongly on local market supply.
Read more... forbes.com
Thinking of buying a home right now? You’re certainly not alone, as we’re sure you’ve noticed. With the busiest season for house hunting well underway, sellers are throwing open their doors—and buyers (aka your competition) are showing up in droves.
So how do you win when so many others are also vying for your dream home? Well, first you have to make sure not to screw up the job.
We’re not pointing fingers here. It’s normal to make some missteps along the way, whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned pro. After all, the housing market has been brutal recently, with high mortgage rates and high home prices grinding down buyers.
Read more... realtor.com
SAVE THE DATE! JUNE 15TH, 11AM - 2PM
The Regina Vannicola Real Estate Group & Melanie Sommers Team is excited to announce our 2nd Annual Big Gay Bake Sale in support of Pride Month.
If you are interested in participating in the event or donating to the Los Angeles LGBT Center please contact [email protected] for more information. We look forward to seeing you on June 15th!
Source: themls.com
Food Obsession of the Month
Keto Samoa Bars
Let's be honest, Samoas are the best Girl Scout cookies. The glorious combination of toasted coconut, caramel, chocolate, and shortbread is a true dream.
Source: delish.com
FOR THE CRUST:
- Cooking spray
- 2 c. almond flour
- 1/4 c. Swerve confectioners'
- 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 c. (1 stick) melted butter
FOR FILLING:
- 1/4 c. (½ stick) butter
- 2/3 c. Swerve confectioners'
- 1/2 c. heavy cream
- 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 1/2 c. toasted unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 c. keto-friendly chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp. coconut butter
Local Happenings
Cinco De Mayo Pub Crawl
May 4th
May 17th, 2024, 8:00 PM
Lifestyle Tips & Tricks
These questions can ensure that you're making the right choice for yourself and your family.
Question One: Why are you selling – and why now?
The first question you need to ask yourself is why you're considering selling your home and why now is the right time to do so. For many, this decision stems from a variety of factors, ranging from dissatisfaction with their current location to financial considerations.
Question Two: Can you afford to sell and buy again?
Once you've clarified your motivations for selling, the next question to ask yourself is whether you can afford to sell your current home and purchase a new one. This involves considering not only the potential profit from selling but also the costs associated with buying a new property.
Eighty percent of U.S. households are engaging in spring cleaning this year, according to the American Cleaning Institute...
The pandemic single-handedly impacted how we live in our homes both indoors and outdoors. While outdoor spaces were hardly an afterthought at the time—in recent years, homeowners have been more focused on how to elevate...
