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Lake Mary, FL Real Estate News

By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
There’s no arguing it, affordability is still tight. And if you’re trying to buy a home, that may mean you need to look at smaller houses to find one that’s still in your budget. But there is a silver lining: builders are focused on building these smaller homes right now and they’re offering incentives. And that can help give you more options that fit the bill.Newly Built Homes Are Trending SmallerDuring the pandemic, homebuyers wanted (and could afford) larger homes – and builders delivered. They focused on homes that were bigger, so people had more space for things like working from home, having a home gym, bonus rooms for virtual school, and more.But with the affordability challenges buyers are facing today, builders are increasingly shifting their attention to bringing smaller singl...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
When mortgage rates spiked up over the last few years, some homeowners put their plans to move on pause. Maybe you did too because you didn’t want to sell and take on a higher mortgage rate for your next home. But is that still the right strategy for you?In today’s market, data shows more homeowners are getting used to where rates are and thinking it may be time to move. As Mark Zandi, Chief Economist at Moody’s Analytics, explains:“Listings are up a bit as life events and job changes are putting increasing pressure on locked-in homeowners to sell their homes. Homeowners may also be slowly coming to the realization that mortgage rates aren’t going back anywhere near the rate on their existing mortgage.”A recent study from Bank of America sheds light on some of the things homeowners say ...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Buying a home this spring? You’re probably navigating today’s affordability challenges and dealing with the limited number of homes for sale. But, what if there was a solution that could help with both?If you’re having a hard time finding a home you love, and mortgage rates are putting pressure on your budget, it may be time to look at newly built homes. Here’s why.New Home Construction Is an Inventory Bright SpotWhen looking for a home, you can choose between existing homes (those that are already built and previously owned) and newly constructed ones. While the number of existing homes for sale has increased this year, there are still fewer available than there were in more typical years in the housing market, like back in 2018 or 2019.So, if you’re looking to expand your pool of opti...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Are you thinking about making a move? If so, now may be the perfect time to start the process. That’s because experts say the best week to list your house is just around the corner.A recent Realtor.com study looked at housing market trends over the past several years (with the exception of 2020, since it was an unusual year), and found the best week to put your house on the market this year is April 14-20:“Every year, one week stands out from the rest as that perfect stretch of time when it’s great to be a home seller. This year, the week of April 14–20 is the best time to sell—that is, if sellers want to see lots of interest in their homes, sell quickly, and pocket some extra cash, according to Realtor.com® data.”Here’s why this matters for you. While the spring market is a great time ...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Some Highlights In real estate, a good first impression is key. If the outside of a house looks welcoming, more people will want to come in and see it. Your agent helps you by giving advice on what you may want to prioritize, finding easy fixes that make a big difference, knowing what buyers in your area like, and showing off your updates in your listing. Let’s connect so you have expert advice on what'll have the biggest impact in our area.   Contact us:PHP Houses142 W Lakeview AveUnit 1030Lake Mary, FL 32746Ph: (407) 641-1531Fax: (407) 205-1951email: info@phphouses.comLet’s Connect:FacebookLinkedinTwitterInstagramThe information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. The author does not guarantee or warrant the acc...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Recent headlines may leave you wondering what’s next for mortgage rates. Maybe you’d previously heard there were going to be cuts this year that would bring rates down. That refers to the Federal Reserve (the Fed) and what they do to their Fed Funds Rate. While cutting, or lowering, the Fed Funds Rate doesn’t directly determine mortgage rates, it does tend to impact them. But when the Fed met last week, a cut didn’t happen — at least, not yet.  There are a lot of factors the Fed considered in their recent decision and most of them are complex. But you don’t need to be bogged down by those finer details. What you really want is the answer to this question: does that mean mortgage rates aren’t going to fall? Here’s what you need to know.  Mortgage Rates Are Still Expected To Drop This Ye...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Thinking about selling your house and wondering if now’s a good time to do it? Here’s what you need to know. Even though the number of homes for sale has been growing this year, there still aren’t enough homes on the market for all the buyers who want to buy.So, what does that mean for you? To keep it simple, it means it’s still a seller’s market. Here’s how it works: A neutral market is when supply and demand is balanced. Basically, there are enough homes to meet buyer demand based on the current sales pace, and home prices hold fairly steady. A buyer’s market is when there are more homes for sale than there are buyers. When that happens, buyers have more negotiation power because sellers are willing to make compromises to close the deal. In a buyer’s market, sellers may have to do pri...
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By Joyce Marsh, Joyce Marsh Homes
(Joyce Marsh Real Estate LLC)
Ideas for creating an Eclectic Interior with Vintage Flair.Over the years, I have had the pleasure of decorating many homes with a unique blend of southern charm and an eclectic style.  As a luxury real estate professional and Interior Designer I have not only helped to decorate many beautiful homes, but also have worked with sellers to successfully list and sell their properties.An eclectic interior offers homeowners the opportunity to create a space that is timeless and can be filled with their own personal touches.By carefully selecting high quality furnishings, and investing in pieces with classic lines, additional pieces can be added in for an interesting mix.Furnishings that constructed with fine craftsmanship ensures longevity,  and a more timeless appeal.A beautiful neutral colo...
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By Joyce Marsh, Joyce Marsh Homes
(Joyce Marsh Real Estate LLC)
Aging in place, the concept of growing older in thefamiliar comfort of one's own home.One of the most notable advantages is the preservation of independence. Retaining autonomy in familiar surroundings fosters a sense of control and self-reliance.  These are crucial elements for the emotional well-being among seniors. Aging in place often translates to a higher quality of life. The emotional connection to one's home and community cannot be overstated. Seniors can maintain relationships with neighbors, friends, and local support systems.   Familiarity with medical services, clubs, and social activities. Seniors prioritize features that promote safety, accessibility, and comfort These all contribute to a robust social life that promotes mental and emotional health.Adapting a home to accom...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
If you're thinking about moving, it's important to know what's happening in the housing market. Here's an update on the supply of homes currently for sale. Whether you're buying or selling, the number of homes in your area is something you should pay attention to.In the housing market, there are regular patterns that happen every year, called seasonality. Spring is the peak homebuying season and also when the most homes are typically listed for sale (homes coming onto the market are known in the industry as new listings). In the second half of each year, the number of new listings typically decreases as the pace of sales slows down.The graph below uses data from Realtor.com to provide a visual of this seasonality. It shows how this year (the black line) is breaking from the norm (see gr...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Some Highlights If you're wondering what’s happening with home prices, know they’re still rising, just at a slower pace – and that’s perfectly normal for this time of year.   Based on typical seasonality in the market, prices go up most in the spring during the peak buying season, and then price growth slows down as the year goes on. Home prices aren’t falling. They’re just rising slower and going back to normal seasonal trends. That’s a good thing. If you're curious about prices in our area, let’s connect.  Contact us:PHP Houses142 W Lakeview AveUnit 1030Lake Mary, FL 32746Ph: (407) 641-1531Fax: (407) 205-1951email: info@phphouses.comLet’s Connect:FacebookLinkedinTwitterInstagramThe information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as i...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
In today's world of rising housing costs, many buyers are looking for ways to still be able to buy a home. Some of them have found a solution in multi-generational living.Multi-generational living is when two or more adult generations live together under one roof. This includes siblings, parents, or even grandparents. Here’s an in-depth look at why more buyers are choosing this option today, so you can see if it may be right for you too.Reasons To Buy a Multi-Generational HomeAccording to a recent study  by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the top two reasons people are opting for multi-generational homes today have to do with affordability (see graph below): Cost Savings: About 28% of first-time buyers and 11% of repeat buyers are deciding on a multi-generational home to sav...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Some Highlights When deciding between buying a home or renting, think about these three important factors. Buying a home means avoiding rising rents, owning a tangible and valuable asset, and growing your wealth over time. If you’re ready to enjoy the advantages of owning a home, let’s connect to discuss your options.  Contact us:PHP Houses142 W Lakeview AveUnit 1030Lake Mary, FL 32746Ph: (407) 641-1531Fax: (407) 205-1951email: info@phphouses.comLet’s Connect:FacebookLinkedinTwitterInstagramThe information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. The author does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice....
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Even though you may feel reluctant to sell your house because you don’t want to take on a mortgage rate that’s higher than the one you have now, there’s more to consider. While the financial side of things does matter, your personal needs may actually matter just as much. As an article from Bankrate says: “Deciding whether it’s the right time to sell your home is a very personal decision. There are numerous important questions to consider, both financial and lifestyle-based, before putting your home on the market.” So, ask yourself this: why did I want to move in the first place? Chances are your primary motivation wasn’t just financial in nature. Why you’re really thinking about selling likely has more to do with something changing in your life or a shift in what you need out of your ...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Over the last year, the housing market’s gone through significant change. While it’s still a sellers’ market, homes that are priced right are selling, and they get the most attention from buyers right now. If you’re thinking of selling your house this spring, it’s important to lean on your expert real estate advisor when it comes to setting a list price. As Realtor.com explains:“Move-in-ready homes with curb appeal and in desirable areas—and that are priced to sell—are especially likely to move quickly this spring.”In today’s market, how you price your house will not only make a big difference to your bottom line, but to how quickly your house will sell.Why Pricing Your House Right MattersYour asking price sends a message to potential buyers, especially today.If it’s priced too low, you...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
With the rapid shift that’s happened in the housing market this year, some people are raising concerns that we’re destined for a repeat of the crash we saw in 2008. But in truth, there are many key differences between what’s happening today and the bubble in the early 2000s.One of the reasons this isn’t like the last time is the number of foreclosures in the market is much lower now. Here’s a look at why there won’t be a wave of foreclosures flooding the market.Not as Many Homeowners Are in Trouble This TimeAfter the last housing crash, over nine million households lost their homes due to a foreclosure, short sale, or because they gave it back to the bank. This was, in large part, because of more relaxed lending standards where people could take out mortgages they ultimately couldn’t af...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
It turns out, millennials aren’t the renter generation after all. The 2022 Consumer Insights Report from Mynd says there’s a portion of millennial and Gen Z buyers who are pursuing homeownership as a way to build their wealth, but it may not be exactly the way previous generations have done it. The study explains how they’re breaking into the market: “. . . younger generations of Americans are not buying into that dream in the same way that older generations have. A growing number of Americans are choosing to make their first real estate purchase as an investment property.” Instead of buying a home and moving into it themselves, some young buyers are purchasing a home so they can use it as a rental. This tactic may be gaining popularity, at least in part, because of the affordability c...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
Today’s housing market is different than it was just a few months ago. And if you’re thinking about selling your house, that may leave you wondering what you need to do differently as a result. The answer is simple. Taking the time upfront to prep your house appropriately and create a solid plan can help bring in the greatest return on your investment.Here are a few simple tips to make sure you maximize the sale of your house this fall.1. Price It RightOne of the first things buyers will notice is the price of your house. That’s because the price sends a message to home shoppers. Pricing your house too high to begin with could put you at a disadvantage by discouraging buyers from making an offer. On the flip side, pricing your house too low may make buyers worry there’s some underlying ...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
If you’re thinking about selling your house, you may have heard about the housing market slowing down in recent months. While it’s still a sellers’ market, the peak frenzy the market saw over the past two years has cooled some. If you’re asking yourself if you’ve missed your chance to sell your house and make a move, the good news is you haven’t – motivated buyers are still out there. But you do need to price your house right for today’s market. Here’s why.As Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), says:“Homes priced right are selling very quickly, but homes priced too high are deterring prospective buyers.”It’s true buyer demand has slowed over the past few months as higher mortgage rates made it more expensive to buy a home. The result is fewer bid...
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By Walter DiLoreto, Real Estate Short Sale Specialist
(PHP Houses)
If you’re following along with the news today, you’ve heard about rising inflation. Today, inflation is at a 40-year high. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB):“Consumer prices accelerated again in May as shelter, energy and food prices continued to surge at the fastest pace in decades. This marked the third straight month for inflation above an 8% rate and was the largest year-over-year gain since December 1981.”With inflation rising, you’re likely feeling it impact your day-to-day life as prices go up for gas, groceries, and more. These climbing consumer costs can put a pinch on your wallet and make you re-evaluate any big purchases you have planned to ensure they’re still worthwhile.If you’ve been thinking about purchasing a home this year, you’re probably wo...
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