You can’t read an article about residential real estate without the author mentioning the affordability challenges that today’s buyers face. There’s no doubt homes are less affordable today than they were over the last two years, but that doesn’t mean homes are now unaffordable. There are three measures used to establish home affordability: home prices, mortgage rates, and wages. Let’s look closely at each of these components. 1. Home Prices The …

Many analysts projected home price appreciation would slow dramatically in the fall of 2021 and then continue to soften throughout 2022. So far, that hasn’t happened. The major price indices are all revealing ongoing double-digit price appreciation. Here’s a look at their reports on year-over-year price appreciation for December: Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA): 17.6%S&P Case-Shiller: 18.8%CoreLogic: 18.5% To show that they’re not seeing signs of softening, here’s a graph that gives the …

If you’re deciding whether to rent or buy, consider the many financial benefits that come with owning a home. As a renter, you build your landlord’s wealth and face rising costs. As a homeowner, you build your own net worth and can lock in your monthly payments for the length of your loan. If you’re weighing your options, remember that owning a home is a decision that has considerable financial perks. …

In an annual Gallup poll, Americans chose real estate as the best long-term investment. And it’s not the first time it’s topped the list, either. Real estate has been on a winning streak for the past eight years, consistently gaining traction as the best long-term investment (see graph below): If you’re thinking about purchasing a home this year, this poll should reassure you. Even when inflation is rising like it is …

Join us for a morning full of learning, fun and “MLS Madness”! Keynote presentation by Realtor.com Chief Economist Danielle Hale will provide a market update for Southern California. Additionally, learn all about your favorite MLS products through a fun online training circuit. Topics include: • Neighborhood Snapshot™• Advanced Search• Homesnap• VESTAPLUS™ Mobile• ShowingsPlus™• And More! Register here: MLS Virtual Madness 2022 https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_8dUxHmSrQ9iC9OCdgouHnQ …

If you were thinking about buying a home this year, but already pressed pause on your plans due to rising home prices and increasing mortgage rates, there’s something you should consider. According to the latest report from ATTOM Data, owning a home is more affordable than renting in the majority of the country. The 2022 Rental Affordability Report says: “. . . Owning a median-priced home is more affordable than the …