According to the Mortgage Bankers Association's Weekly Applications Survey, average mortgage rates fell last week across all loan categories, including 30-year fixed-rate loans with both conforming and jumbo balances, loans backed by the Federal Housing Administration, and 15-year fixed-rate loans. The decline brought rates to their lowest level since October 2016. Joel Kan, MBA's associate vice president of economic and industry forecasting, said rates fell further due to concern about the coronavirus. “The 10-year Treasury yield fell around 20 basis points over the course of last week, driven mainly by growing concerns over a likely slowdown in Chinese economic growth from the spread of the coronavirus,” Kan said. “This drove mortgage rates lower, with the 30-year fixed-rate decreasing for the fifth time in six weeks … Refinance activity jumped as a result, with an increase in the number of applications and a spike in the average loan amount.” Purchase activity, on the other hand, fell week-over-week, though it remains 11 percent higher than last year.

Though the purchase activity has fallen some in a lot a lot areas, Eastern, NC is still seeing a lot of activity. This area has a very good inventory of new homes and this has kept the 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/?notif_t=page_admin.  The MBA's weekly survey has been conducted since 1990 and covers 75 percent of all retail residential mortgage applications. (source)

From the time they're born, children rely on their parents for support. Whether it's help figuring out their math homework or how to ride a bike, children need their parents' guidance to find their way in the world. And, according to a new survey of millennials, that parental help extends to the home buying process as well. In fact, survey results show that 37 percent of potential millennial home buyers said they regularly ask their parents for advice about buying a home and nearly half said their parents are helping them financially by contributing to their down payment fund, helping with closing costs, monthly mortgage payments, or co-signing their loan. The survey – which focused on millennials planning to buy their first home this year – asked for their perceptions of the buying process, their home buying plans, and how their feelings about homeownership were shaped by their past. For example, 47 percent of respondents said growing up during the financial crisis and housing crash has made them nervous to buy a house. Despite their misgivings, though, 68 percent said it's a good time to buy, and just over half said they're actively looking for a home to buy.  

For buyers in Eastern, NC, the home buying process is made easier in part from parental guidance and realtor advice and having a good inventory of homes to choose from. To see some of the new homes that are available in this area go to: https://www.firstcarolina.com/listings/ or join social media at: https://www.facebook.com/fcrhavelock/. (source)

Buying a home can be equal parts exciting and stressful. The thrill of starting fresh in a new house in a new neighborhood is undeniable. But the buying process, financing, and moving can cause anxiety, especially for buyers that haven't been through it before. So what are the factors that cause prospective home buyers the most stress? Well, according to one recent survey, today's buyers have some pretty specific concerns. The first is financing. Buying a home is major financial transaction and the process of securing a loan can seem complex and daunting. After all, borrowing that much money isn't something to be taken lightly. So it's natural that buyers might have some concerns when committing to a long-term loan. The other major stress point for prospective buyers is selling their existing home. Getting a house ready to sell, showing it, and timing the sale to coincide with an upcoming move can be overwhelming. That's no surprise. There are a lot of unknowns and not knowing how everything will play out naturally can cause some stress. That's why it's so important to hire experienced real-estate professionals to help you through the process. A knowledgable guide can alleviate stress and ensure a smooth and successful home buying experience.  

The agents at First Carolina Realtors in Havelock, NC, seem to be the ones that many buyers in Eastern, NC turn to. This team o;f agents has proven themselves many times over in just how important an agent can be in the home buying process. 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)

Choosing a home to buy means considering everything from whether the roof is in good condition to whether the neighborhood fits your needs and lifestyle. And, since you're unlikely to find a home that checks every box on your wishlist, you have to prioritize. Are good schools worth sacrificing the big backyard you've always wanted? Can you stand a longer commute in order to live closer to family and friends? In short, you've got to make choices about what's most important to you. One factor that seems to be a priority for today's buyers is walkability. In fact, according to one recent analysis, home buyers are willing to pay nearly 25 percent more for a home that is within walking distance to amenities like shopping, entertainment, and recreation. That works out to nearly $80,000 more than a similar home in a more car-dependent neighborhood. But, while home buyers are clearly interested in living in neighborhoods close to the things they need, the premium they're willing to pay has fallen over the past few years. In fact, since 2016, the premium buyers pay for homes in walkable neighborhoods has declined 2.3 percent. Buyers in Eastern, NC, are wanting many of the same things that other buyers are wanting, but may be able to find it easier in this area. This area has built many new homes in different sizes, styles and price ranges, helping to offer something to most people. This area is also located to many things, like the beach and lakes, walking trails, shopping, schools and dining. With so many things available it has made for a very popular place to live. To see some of the available go to: https://www.firstcarolina.com/listings/ or join social media at: https://www.facebook.com/fcrhavelock/. (source)

The National Association of Realtors' Pending Home Sales Index measures the number of contracts to buy homes that are signed each month. Because signed contracts proceed closings by several weeks, the index is an important housing-market indicator, as it can be a good predictor of future home sales. In December, contract signings fell from the month before but remain nearly 5 percent higher than they were one year earlier. Lawrence Yun, NAR's chief economist, says low mortgage rates and a strong job market are helping drive interest in homeownership, though challenges remain. “Due to the shortage of affordable homes, home sales growth will only rise by around 3 percent,” Yun predicts. “Still, national median home price growth is in no danger of falling due to inventory shortages and will rise by 4 percent. The new home construction market also looks brighter, with housing starts and new home sales set to rise 6 percent and 10 percent respectively.” In other words, conditions are favorable for home buyers but a lot depends on whether or not new residential construction can keep up with the high level of demand.

For buyers in Eastern, NC, home inventory is good with new homes being built in all different sizes and price ranges. This area has a strong job market also, so this makes it possible for many people to be able to afford to get in the housing market. To see some of the inventory available go to: https://www.firstcarolina.com/listings/ or join social media at: https://www.facebook.com/fcrhavelock/.

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According to the Mortgage Bankers Association's Weekly Applications Survey, demand for loans to buy homes has started the year off strong and is now 17 percent higher than at the same time last year. The improvement comes after purchase activity increased 5 percent last week from the week before. Joel Kan, MBA's associate vice president of economic and industry forecasting, says low rates and a healthy job market are the main factors driving demand. “Mortgage applications continued their strong start to the year, as borrowers acted on the drop in mortgage rates last week,” Kan said. “Rates were driven lower by investors' increased concern about the economic impact from China's coronavirus outbreak, in addition to existing concerns over trade and other geopolitical risks ... Thanks to low rates and the healthy job market, purchase activity continues to run stronger than in 2019.” Survey results show average mortgage rates fell for 30-year fixed-rate loans with both conforming and jumbo balances, as well as 15-year fixed-rate loans. Rates for loans backed by the Federal Housing Administration, on the other hand, were up from one week earlier.

Buyers in Eastern, NC are acting upon the lower rates and the strong market and economy in this area. There are many new homes being built in this area in different sizes and price ranges, offering something for just about anyone that wants to get into the market at this time. 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/.

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

During the 36 years between 1968 and 2004, home prices increased every year. The average annual increase during that period was 6.4 percent. These days, home values are climbing but not as quickly. In fact, according to the most recent data from the S&P Case-Shiller Home Price Indices, prices are up just 3.5 percent year-over-year. That's a relatively modest gain compared to the historical average. It's also welcome news for potential home buyers concerned about affordability levels – since it means price increases have slowed from where they were just a few years ago. Still, Craig J. Lazzara, managing director and global head of index investment strategy at S&P Dow Jones Indices, says prices have risen significantly since bottoming out in 2012. “The U.S. housing market was stable in November,” Lazzara said. “With the month's 3.5 percent increase in the national composite index, home prices are currently 59 percent above the trough reached in February 2012, and 15 percent above their pre-financial crisis peak.” Of course, how quickly prices are rising depends on where you look. For example, Phoenix, Charlotte, and Tampa saw faster gains than other cites. In those metros, home values were up between five and six percent.  

Buyers in Eastern, NC are seeing many new homes being built in all sizes and price ranges but not seeing the big jump in prices that a lot of places are seeing. This area has a good inventory of homes and that has helped to keep prices lower. To see what is available go to: https://www.firstcarolina.com/listings/ or join social media at: https://www.facebook.com/fcrhavelock/. (source)

New numbers from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development show sales of newly built single-family homes rose 10.3 percent in 2019 over year-before levels. The improvement is good news for the housing market, as it points to rising buyer demand. But, though sales were up last year, the majority of those sales were concentrated in higher price ranges. For example, in December, just 10 percent of new home sales were homes priced below $200,000. That's an indication that there's still a need for more affordable new-home inventory. Currently, there's a lack of entry level homes available for sale, which has made it more difficult for first-time buyers to enter the market. However, as more homes are built in affordable price ranges, it'll help balance inventory levels, lower competition among buyers, and stabilize home prices. As it is, the median sales price of new homes sold in December was $331,400. The average sales price was $384,500.

On area that has built many new homes in the entry level size and price range is in Eastern, NC. Buyers here can usually find a home with most or all of the features they are wanting in a price they can afford. To see what is available in this area go to: https://www.firstcarolina.com/listings/ or join social media at: https://www.facebook.com/fcrhavelock/. (source)

It's no secret that home prices have been climbing in recent years. And though increases have slowed from what they were a few years ago, prices are still heading higher. That can cause affordability challenges for prospective buyers, especially those who are buying for the first time. But, for current homeowners, higher home prices are welcome news. That's because, when home values rise, so does home equity. So just how much have recent sellers profited from the sale of their home? Well, according to ATTOM Data Solutions, home sellers nationwide realized a home price gain of $65,500 on the typical sale, which is a 13-year high and up from $58,100 the year before. Todd Teta, chief product officer at ATTOM, says 2019 was a great year to be a home seller. “The nation's housing boom kept roaring along in 2019 as prices hit a new record, returning ever-higher profits to home sellers and posing ever-greater challenges for buyers seeking bargains,” Teta said. “In short, it was a great year to be a seller.” Profits and return on investment have improved now for eight consecutive years, though last year's improvement was the smallest since 2011.  

Buyers and sellers in Eastern, NC are finding that with the good inventory of homes in this area, the challenge of finding a home is not a great as in other areas. Sellers are definitely seeing benefits too, with buyers being out and prices being good. Everyone seems to benefiting with this 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/?notif_t=page_admin.  (source)

Deciding which home to buy is a big decision. The home you choose will likely be the one you live in for the next several years. So naturally, when you find one that fits your needs and lifestyle, you should take your time and weigh out all the pros and cons before making an offer. Right? Well, not exactly. These days, good homes sell quickly. In fact, according to the latest data from the National Association of Realtors, the typical home was on the market for just 41 days in December and 43 percent of homes sold in less than a month. That means, you have to act fast when you find a house you like, or you'll risk the home being purchased by another buyer before you've even made an offer. This is why it's important to be prepared, pre-approved, and aware of what your must haves and dealbreakers are. You're less likely to make a decision you'll regret if you've got everything in order and have thoroughly thought out what you want, what you don't want, and how much you'd like to spend.  

For buyers in Eastern, NC, the buying process is made easier by getting an agent to help with all the important do’s and don’ts. Many buyers turn to the agents at First Carolina Realtors, who are very experienced in all areas of the home buying process. This area has a good inventory of homes, in many different price ranges making it possible to get into the market more easily with all the proper steps being taken. To see some of the inventory available in this area go to: https://www.firstcarolina.com/listings/ or join social media at: https://www.facebook.com/fcrhavelock/. (source)