With the number of available homes for sale lower than normal in many markets, there's been an understandable focus on how many new homes are being built. After all, the quickest way to fix a supply issue is to add more supply. That's why new numbers from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development are encouraging. Because, though they show a month-over-month decline in the number of new homes that began construction in January, year-over-year estimates are up 21.4 percent. Additionally, the number of building permits surged to a near 13-year high. And, since building permits are a good indicator of future housing starts, that's a good sign that the construction boom will continue over the coming months and into the spring sales season. So what does this mean for home buyers? Well, as more new homes are built, markets will see a better balance between the number of interested buyers and the number of available homes. This will help slow price increases and give home buyers more options when they head out to find a home to buy – whether they're looking to buy a new house or an existing one.

This is exactly what is being seen in Eastern, NC. This is an area with a strong job market and there has been many new homes built and there continues to be many homes being built, so the inventory is very good in this area. This has made it possible to keep prices down and for buyers to have a choice in the home they are looking for and get more home for their money. To see the homes available in this area go to: https://www.firstcarolina.com/listings/ or join social media at: https://www.facebook.com/fcrhavelock/. (source)

According to the Mortgage Bankers Association's Weekly Applications Survey, average mortgage rates were up last week from the week before, with increases seen for 30-year fixed-rate loans with both conforming and jumbo balances, loans backed by the Federal Housing Administration, and 15-year fixed-rate mortgages. The rate increase caused a drop in mortgage applications, which fell 6.4 percent from the previous week. Joel Kan, MBA's associate vice president of economic and industry forecasting, says the number of prospective buyers looking for loans to buy homes is still higher than last year but may be slowed by inventory issues. “Purchase applications fell 3 percent last week, as there continues to be some pullback after a strong January,” Kan said. “Activity was still 10 percent higher than a year ago, but too few options – especially at the lower portion of the market – are slowing some would-be buyers.” Refinance activity also fell, though it remains 165 percent higher than at the same time last year.

For buyers in Eastern, NC, home inventory is still very good, especially in the entry level size homes. With such a good inventory, prices are staying down and buyers are finding more home for their money. To see some of the inventory in this area go to: https://www.firstcarolina.com/listings/ or join social media at: https://www.facebook.com/fcrhavelock/?notif_t=page_admin.

The MBA's weekly survey has been conducted weekly since 1990 and covers 75 percent of all U.S. retail residential mortgage applications.  (source)

The National Association of Home Builders conducts a monthly survey to measure how confident builders are in the market for newly built, single-family homes. After all, if builders – whose livelihood depends on selling new homes – are optimistic about the market, chances are good that conditions are favorable for buyers too. According to the most recent results, builder sentiment over the past three months has been higher than at any time since December 2017. In fact, February's results scored a 74 on a scale where any number above 50 indicates more builders feel conditions are good than poor. Dean Mon, NAHB's chairman, says there are a number of positive factors that are keeping builders optimistic, but there are some lingering challenges as well. “Steady job growth, rising wages, and low interest rates are fueling demand but builders are still grappling with increasing construction and development costs,” Mon said. Those increasing costs make it challenging for builders to build affordable new homes, which are important right now since there are fewer entry-level homes available for sale in many markets. Still, a high level of optimism from home builders is a good sign for the 2020 housing market.  

Builders in the areas of Eastern, NC, are finding that building entry level homes is more affordable in this area and these homes are selling quickly. Builders are able to keep of good inventory of homes built though so that has kept prices down and buyers out. To see some of the homes available in this area go to: https://www.firstcarolina.com/listings/ or join social media at: https://www.facebook.com/fcrhavelock/. (source)

Like any big decision, buying a home requires a lot of thought and consideration. You have to figure out what you want, what you need, and what you can do without. But, if you're buying a home as a couple, you also need to compromise with your significant other. Because, chances are, the two of you will have some different ideas when it comes to the type of home to buy, the features you have to have, the neighborhood you'd like to live in, and the amount you'd like to spend. In fact, a recent survey found 77 percent of couples who bought a home together in the past decade argued during the home buying process. But what were the most common squabbles? Well, 54 percent said they argued over what style or size of home they should buy, while 47 percent of respondents said they argued over what their dealbreakers were. Fewer participants named the neighborhood as a point of contention, while others said they argued about the budget, whether to buy a fixer-upper, or mortgage options. Whatever the case, it's clear that most couples will face some disagreements while going through the buying process. The good news is it'll get better. Survey results show fewer baby-boomer couples reported arguing than younger couples did.  

Buyers in Eastern, NC report that it is easier to find a home that a couple can agree on, mainly because there is such a good inventory of homes to choose from. This area has continued to build many new homes in different sizes and price ranges making it possible to find a home with more of the “must haves” in it. To see some of the homes being offered in this area go to: https://www.firstcarolina.com/listings/. (source)

Fantasizing is a big part of shopping for a home – whether you're dreaming of a big kitchen, a beautiful backyard, or tons of storage space. Every home shopper has, if not a dream house, at the very least, some features they're dreaming about having in their next home. And, according to one recent survey, there's one feature that most of us share. That's a quick commute to work or school. In fact, about 62 percent of home shoppers said their commute was extremely important when deciding where to buy. If you've ever sat in stand-still traffic after a long day at work, you know why. Spending time sitting in traffic when you'd prefer to be at home relaxing or enjoying time with your family can be frustrating. So it's no surprise that buyers, renters, sellers, and owners all agree they want to spend no more than 30 minutes commuting to work. Some even said they'd go no further than 15 minutes. On the other end, just 12 percent said they'd consider driving 45 minutes to an hour and an equal amount said they wouldn't mind driving an hour or more.  

Fortunately for buyers in Eastern, NC, there is a good inventory of homes and so finding the home that suits your needs is usually very obtainable. This area has many new homes in so many different price ranges and locations that it has made it a popular area to buy a home and it has kept the competition down. To see some of the homes available in this area go to: https://www.firstcarolina.com/listings/.  (source)

According to the Mortgage Bankers Association's Weekly Applications Survey, demand for mortgage applications was up last week. But though most of the improvement was refinance activity, purchase demand is still higher than last year at the same time. In fact, demand for loans to buy homes is now 16 percent higher than one year ago. Joel Kan, MBA's associate vice president of economic and industry forecasting, said it was the best January since 2009. “Last month was the strongest January for purchase applications since 2009, which is perhaps a sign that mild weather brought out prospective buyers earlier than normal,” Kan said. It could also be mortgage rates. The survey found average rates up from the week before but still near lows last seen in 2016. That, combined with slower price increases and a mild winter, has buyer interest growing weeks ahead of the typical spring sales boom.

Another area that is not having to wait for the spring sales boom is in Eastern, NC. This area has many new homes in different price ranges, making it possible for most buyers to find the home they have been looking for. To see some of the homes available in this area go to: https://www.firstcarolina.com/listings/

The MBA's survey has been conducted weekly since 1990 and covers 75 percent of all retail residential mortgage applications. (source)

In markets where there are fewer homes for sale, prospective home buyers might have to look around a while before they find a home that fits their lifestyle and checks off the right boxes on their wishlist. This can be frustrating. But, if you know what to expect and have a plan to deal with it, it doesn't have to be. So what do buyers who have been looking a while do when they can't find a home that works? Well, according to one recent survey from the National Association of Home Builders, the majority of buyers say they practice patience. In fact, 51 percent of respondents said they'd just continue looking for the right home in the same location. If you've run out of patience, however, you can also try looking in a different neighborhood. Expanding your search area will give you more options and you may stumble upon a neighborhood you hadn't consider that ends up being a perfect fit. Other survey participants said they'd be willing to look at smaller or older homes, though only 19 percent said so. Still, rethinking your list of must haves and dealbreakers can help you see your current options in a different light. Finally, 16 percent said they'd up their budget and look at more expensive homes, which is a fine strategy if you can afford it.

Inventory has been an issue for a long time now in a lot of areas. One area though that has been able to keep enough houses built is in Eastern, NC. This area has many new homes in different sizes and price ranges, making it a much less competitive market to find a home in. To see some of the homes available go to: https://www.firstcarolina.com/listings/.  (source)

For the past few years, inventory has been the main issue affecting housing market conditions. Many markets had fewer homes for sale than normal and that meant higher prices and more competition among interested home buyers. Then, last year, there was improvement. Inventory started to climb again, price increases began to slow, and sales rose. Combined with declining mortgage rates, conditions were better balanced than they'd been in a while. So how does for-sale inventory look so far this year? Well, according to newly released numbers from the National Association of Realtors' consumer website, the number of homes for sale has started to decline again. In fact, year-over-year, there were 164,000 fewer homes for sale across the country in January. That could mean a more competitive spring for home buyers. Of course, the conditions you'll find if you're shopping for a house will largely depend on where you're shopping. For example, while homes for sale sold faster in cities like Oklahoma City, Hartford, and Raleigh, they were selling more slowly in Las Vegas, Boston, and Detroit.

The conditions in Eastern, NC are favorable for buyers right now and it shows with all the demand to find and buy a home. Buyers in this area are seeing many new homes being built in different sizes and price ranges and this is offering something for so many people that are ready to get into the housing market. To see some of the homes available in this area go to https://www.firstcarolina.com/listings/ or join social media at: https://www.facebook.com/fcrhavelock/. (source)

Each month, Fannie Mae's Home Purchase Sentiment Index measures Americans' feelings about the housing market, the economy, and their personal finances. Survey participants weigh in on their expectations for mortgage rates, home prices, their job security, income, and whether or not they think it's a good or bad time to buy or sell a home. In January, sentiment rose for the third consecutive month, moving the index closer to an all-time survey high. Put simply, Americans are feeling optimistic and a lot of it is due to an expectation that mortgage rates will stay low for the foreseeable future. Doug Duncan, Fannie Mae's senior vice president and chief economist, says the outlook is good. “Low rates continue to be a key driver of consumer optimism about both current home buying and home-selling conditions,” Duncan said. “Favorable views on job security and personal financial expectations reflect the strength of the labor market, which we believe will continue to bolster housing demand.” Survey results show 59 percent of respondents say it's a good time to buy a home and 66 percent say it's a good time to sell.

The low rates, strong job market, good income and lower home prices has kept the housing market in Eastern, NC very busy. This area has many new homes in different price ranges and this has kept buyers out and purchasing homes. To see some of the homes available in this area go to: https://www.firstcarolina.com/listings/ or join social media at: https://www.facebook.com/fcrhavelock/. (source)

In a competitive market – where there are more home buyers than there are homes for sale – buyers often have to offer to pay more for a house than the seller is asking. By raising their offer, buyers better the odds that theirs will be the one chosen and they'll get the house, rather than losing it to another buyer. In recent years, this type of bidding war has been common. And that competition between buyers was a primary factor pushing prices upward. However, according to a new analysis, last year was different. In fact, the number of homes that sold for an amount above the seller's asking price fell to a three year low in 2019. Just 19.9 percent of homes sold above list price last year, which was lower than any year since 2016. Part of that was due to a housing market slowdown that returned things to a more normal pace. Inventory improved, the market was better balanced, and home price growth became more in line with historic norms. But, going into this year's spring selling season, rising buyer demand and fewer homes for sale means interested buyers should be prepared for competition, as bidding wars may heat up once again.

Buyers looking in the Eastern, NC area may not have as much competition as in some places because there is such a good inventory of new homes in this area. Many new homes have been built in different sizes and price ranges making it easier to find a home and secure the home. To see some of the homes available in this area go to: https://www.firstcarolina.com/listings/ or join social media at: https://www.facebook.com/fcrhavelock/. (source)