Ferroll Robins, Realtor

Buyer Competition Is Good News for Sellers [INFOGRAPHIC] With so many buyers looking for homes to purchase and so few houses available today, there’s a substantial increase in bidding wars, and homes are selling fast. According to the latest Realtors Confidence Index Survey from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), on average, houses are receiving over four offers from buyers and they’re selling in less than three weeks. If you’re ready to make a move, let’s connect today so you can sell your house while the market is in your favor. [email protected]

Don't Get Fooled into Selling Your House on Your Own Don't get fooled into selling your house without the help of an agent. Let's connect to ensure the process is smooth and successful. [email protected]

Is Homeownership Still Considered Part of the American Dream? Since the birth of our nation, homeownership has always been considered a major piece of the American Dream. As Frederick Peters reports in Forbes: The idea of a place of one’s own drives the American story. We became a nation out of a desire to slip the bonds of Europe, which was still in many respects a collection of feudal societies. Old rich families, or the church, owned all the land and, with few exceptions,... everyone else was a tenant. The magic of America lay not only in its sense of opportunity, but also in the belief that life could in every way be shaped by the... [email protected]

What It Means To Be in a Sellers’ Market If you’ve given even a casual thought to selling your house in the near future, this is the time to really think seriously about making a move. Here’s why this season is the ultimate sellers’ market and the optimal time to make sure your house is available for buyers who are looking for homes to purchase. The latest Existing Home Sales Report from The National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows the inventory of houses for sale is stil...l astonishingly low, sitting at just a 2-month supply at the current sales pace. Historically, a 6-month supply is necessary for a ‘normal... [email protected]

How a Change in Mortgage Rate Impacts Your Homebuying Budget Mortgage rates are on the rise this year, but they’re still incredibly low compared to the historic average. However, anytime there’s a change in the mortgage rate, it affects what you can afford to borrow when you’re buying a home. As Sam Khater, Chief Economist at Freddie Mac, shares: Since January, mortgage rates have increased half a percentage point from historic lows and home prices have risen, leaving potent...ial homebuyers with less purchasing power. (See graph below): When buying a home, it’s important to determine a monthly budget so you can plan for and... [email protected]

Should I Wait for Lower Mortgage Interest Rates? Historically low mortgage rates are a big motivator for homebuyers right now. In 2020 alone, rates hit new record-lows 16 times, and the trend continued into the early part of this year. Many hopeful homebuyers are now wondering if they should put their plans on hold and wait for the lowest rates imaginable. However, the reality is, acting sooner rather than later may be the actual win if you’re ready to buy a home. According t...o Greg McBride, Chief Financial Analyst for Bankrate: As vaccines become more widely available and a return to normal starts to come into view, we’ll see... [email protected]

How to Make the Dream of Homeownership a Reality This Year In 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. inspired a powerful movement with his famous I Have a Dream speech. Through his passion and determination, he sparked interest, ambition, and courage in his audience. Today, reflecting on his message encourages many of us to think about our own dreams, goals, beliefs, and aspirations. For many Americans, one of those common goals is owning a home: a piece of land, a roof over our hea...ds, and a place where we can grow and flourish. If you’re dreaming of buying a home this year, start by connecting with a local real estate professional to... [email protected]

Three Reasons to Buy a Home in 2021 2021 will be a great year to buy a home. Let's connect to make sure you're ready for success in today's housing market. [email protected]

Why Right Now May Be the Time to Sell Your House The housing market made an incredible recovery in 2020 and is now positioned for an even stronger year in 2021. Record-low mortgage interest rates are a driving factor in this continued momentum, with average rates hovering at historic all-time lows. According to the latest Realtors Confidence Index Survey from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), buyer demand across the country is incredibly strong. That’s not the case,... however, on the supply side. Seller traffic is simply not keeping up. Here’s a breakdown by state:As the maps show, buyer traffic is high, but seller... [email protected]

Things to Avoid after Applying for a Mortgage [INFOGRAPHIC] Some Highlights There are a few key things to make sure you avoid after applying for a mortgage to help make sure you still qualify for your loan at the closing table.... Along the way, be sure to discuss any changes in income, assets, or credit with your lender, so you don’t unintentionally jeopardize your application. The best plan is to fully disclose your intentions with your lender before you do anything financial in nature. [email protected]

The Importance of Home Equity in Building Wealth Homeownership has always been the first rung on the ladder leading to household wealth. As Freddie Mac recently posted: Homeownership has cemented its role as part of the American Dream, providing families with a place that is their own and an avenue for building wealth over time. This ‘wealth’ is built, in large part, through the creation of equityBuilding equity through your monthly principal payments and appreciation is a ...critical part of homeownership that can help you create financial stability. Home equity is the difference between the current market value of your... [email protected]

Why Pre-Approval Is Key in 2021 Today's housing market is highly competitive for homebuyers, so it's critical to gain every advantage in the process that you can. Let's connect to make sure pre-approval is one of the first steps you take toward homeownership this year. [email protected]

Why Not to Wait Until Spring to Make a Move The housing market recovery coming into the new year has been nothing short of remarkable. Many experts agree the turnaround from the nation’s economic pause is playing out extremely well for real estate, and the current market conditions are truly making this winter an ideal time to make a move. Here’s a dive into some of the biggest wins for homebuyers this season. 1. Mortgage Rates Are Historically Low In 2020, mortgage rates hit... all-time lows 16 times. Continued low rates have set buyers up for significant long-term gains. In fact, realtor.com notes: Given this means homes could... [email protected]

3 Must-Do’s When Selling Your House This Year It’s exciting to put a house on the market and to think about making new memories in new spaces. However, despite the anticipation of what’s to come, we can still have deep sentimental attachments to the home we’re leaving behind. Growing emotions can help or hinder a sale depending on how we manage them. When it comes to the bottom line, homeowners need to know what it takes to avoid costly mistakes when it’s time to move. Being ...mindful and prepared for the process can help you stay on the right track when selling your house this year. 1. Price Your Home Right When inventory... [email protected]

Why Selling Your House on Your Own in 2021 Is a Mistake There are many benefits to working with a real estate professional when selling your house. During challenging times, like what we face today, it becomes even more important to have an expert you trust to help guide you through the process. If you’re considering selling on your own, known in the industry as a For Sale By Owner (FSBO), it’s critical to consider the following items. 1. Your Safety Is a Priority Your safety... should always come first, and that’s more crucial than ever given the current health situation in our country. When you FSBO, it is incredibly difficult to... [email protected]

Here's to a Wonderful 2021! [email protected]

Four Expert Views on the 2021 Housing Market The housing market was a shining star in 2020, fueling the economic turnaround throughout the country. As we look forward to 2021, can we expect real estate to continue showing such promise? Here’s what four experts have to say about the year ahead. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist, National Association of Realtors (NAR) In 2021, I think rates will be similar or modestly higher, maybe 3%...So, mortgage rates will continue to be histo...rically favorable. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist, realtor.com We expect sales to grow 7 percent and prices to rise another 5.7 percent on top of... [email protected]

Expert Forecast on the 2021 Housing Market Experts forecast a year of continued strength in the housing market. Let's connect to explore how 2021 could be the year to achieve your real estate goals. [email protected]

More Generations Are Living Under One Roof This Year This year challenged us to reprioritize everything - from the way we use our time to where we work, how we socialize and gather together, and our needs at home. For many, this also meant making decisions about how to best support and engage with our extended families, near and far. In some cases, we weren’t able to see our relatives and loved ones who were living in senior facilities. In others, maybe older children moved b...ack home. Jessica Lautz, Vice President of Demographics and Behavioral Insights for the National Association of Realtors (NAR), says: A lot of families have... [email protected]

Why It’s Important to Price Your House Right Today Even in today’s sellers’ market, setting the right price for your house is one of the most valuable things you can do. According to the U.S. Economic Outlook by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), existing home prices nationwide are forecasted to increase by 4.5% in 2021. This means experts anticipate home values will continue climbing next year. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist for realtor.com, notes: We expect price ...gains to ease somewhat in 2021 and end 5.7% above 2020 levels, decelerating steadily through the spring and summer, and then gradually reaccelerating... [email protected]

Did You Outgrow Your Home in 2020? It may seem hard to imagine that the home you’re in today whether it’s your starter home or just one you’ve fallen in love with along the way might not be your forever home. Many needs have changed in 2020, and it’s okay to admit if your house no longer fits your lifestyle. If you’re now working remotely, facilitating virtual school, trying to exercise at home, or simply just spending more time in your own four walls, you may be bursting... at the seams in your current house. According to the latest Home Price Insights from CoreLogic, prices have appreciated 7.3% year-over-year... [email protected]

Thank You for All Your Support [email protected]

Turning a House into a Happy Home We talk a lot about why it makes financial sense to buy a home, but more often than not, we’re drawn to the emotional reasons for homeownership. No matter the living space, the feeling of a home means different things to different people. Whether it’s a certain scent or a favorite chair, the feel-good connections to our own homes are typically more important to us than the financial ones. Here are some of the reasons why.... 1. Owning your home is an accomplishment worth celebrating You’ve likely worked very hard to achieve this dream, and whether it’s your first home or your fifth... [email protected]

Why Selling Your House on Your Own Is a Mistake In today's market, selling your house without an agent's help can be a big mistake. Let's connect to talk about the ways a professional brings greater success to the process. [email protected]

The Difference a Year Makes for Homeownership Over the past year, mortgage rates have fallen more than a full percentage point, hitting a new historic low 15 times. This is a great driver for homeownership, as today’s low rates provide consumers with some significant benefits. Here’s a look at three of them. 1. Move-up or Downsize: One option is to consider moving into a new home, putting the equity you’ve likely gained in your current house toward a down payment on a new one... that better meets your needs something that’s truly a perfect fit, especially if your lifestyle has changed this year. 2. Become a First-Time... [email protected]

The Do’s and Don’ts after Applying for a Mortgage Once you’ve found the right home and applied for a mortgage, there are some key things to keep in mind before you close. You're undoubtedly excited about the opportunity to decorate your new place, but before you make any large purchases, move your money around, or make any major life changes, consult your lender someone who is qualified to tell you how your financial decisions may impact your home loan. Below is a list of t...hings you shouldn’t do after applying for a mortgage. They’re all important to know or simply just good reminders for the process. 1... [email protected]

Homeowner Equity Increases an Astonishing $1 Trillion In a year that was financially devastating for many Americans, some good news for most homeowners is the dramatic gain in home equity over the last twelve months. Last week, CoreLogic released its 2020 3rd Quarter Homeowner Equity Insights report, which reveals four major findings: U.S. homeowners with mortgages have seen their equity increase by a total of $1 trillion since the third quarter of 2019.... The average homeowner gained approximately $17,000 in equity over the past year. This is a 10.8% increase in equity over last year. The average household with a mortgage... [email protected]

2021 Housing Forecast [INFOGRAPHIC] Some Highlights Experts project an optimistic year for the 2021 housing market.... With mortgage rates forecasted to remain low, high buyer demand is expected to fuel more home sales and continue to increase home prices. Let’s connect today to determine how to make your best move in the new year. [email protected]

5 Steps to Take if You Need Forbearance Relief Forbearance programs are helping homeowners manage their monthly mortgage payments right now. Let's connect and follow-up with your lender to make sure you have the information you need to make a confident decision. [email protected]

3 Reasons to Be Optimistic about Real Estate in 2021 This year will be remembered for many reasons, and optimism is one thing that’s been in short supply since the spring. We’re experiencing a global pandemic, social unrest, an economic downturn, and natural disasters, just to name a few. The challenges brought on by the health crisis have also forced many homeowners to reevaluate their space and what they need in a home going into 2021. So, experts are forecasting that next ...year is one in which we can be optimistic about real estate for three key reasons. 1. The Economy Is Expected to Continue Improving Tim Duy from the... [email protected]

The Holidays Aren’t Stopping Homebuyers This Year Black Friday and Cyber Monday are behind us, yet finding the perfect holiday gifts for friends and family is certainly still top of mind for many right now. This year, there’s another type of buyer that’s very active this holiday season the homebuyer. Each month, ShowingTime releases their Showing Index which tracks the average number of appointments received on active U.S. house listings. The most recent index notes:... The Showing Index reported a 60.9 percent jump in nationwide showing traffic year over year in October, the sixth consecutive month to see an... [email protected]

5 Steps to Follow When Applying for Forbearance If you’re currently feeling the stress of affording your mortgage payment, or if you know someone who is, there’s still time to get help. For homeowners experiencing financial hardship this year, the CARES Act provides mortgage payment deferral options, creating much-needed relief in these challenging times. It’s important, however, to understand how forbearance works. It’s not automatic. You need to take action now and apply fo...r the program before these options expire. A study by the Urban Institute determined: Approximately 400,000 homeowners who became delinquent after... [email protected]

Why It Makes Sense to Sell Your House This Holiday Season If you’re one of the many homeowners thinking about taking your house off the market for the holidays, hang on. You definitely don’t want to miss the great selling opportunity you have right now. Here’s why this month is the optimal time to make sure your house is available for holiday buyers. The latest Existing Home Sales Report from The National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows the inventory of houses for sale ha...s dropped to an astonishing all-time low. It now sits at a 2.5-month supply at the current sales pace. Historically, a 6-month supply is necessary... [email protected]

Winning as a Buyer in a Sellers’ Market [INFOGRAPHIC] Some Highlights Buying a home in today’s sellers’ market doesn’t have to feel like an uphill battle.... Here are four ways to make sure you’re positioned for success when making a home purchase, even when the scale tips toward sellers. Let's connect to make sure you're armed for victory in the housing market this season. [email protected]

Thinking of Buying or Selling a Home This Winter? Experts forecast a hot real estate market this winter. Let's connect to make sure you have the most current information with the new digital buyer and seller guides. [email protected]

Are Home Prices Headed Toward Bubble Territory? Talk of a housing bubble is beginning to crop up as home prices have appreciated at a rapid pace this year. This is understandable since the appreciation of residential real estate is well above historic annual averages. According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), annual appreciation since 1991 has averaged 3.8%. Here are the latest 2020 appreciation numbers from three reliable sources: FHFA: 7.8%... CoreLogic: 7.3% Case-Shiller: 7% It’s easy to jump to the conclusion that house appreciation is out of control in today’s market. However, we need to put these... [email protected]

An Honest Look at Unemployment Numbers Last Friday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released the November Jobs Report. It revealed that, though headed in the right direction, the nation’s job recovery has slowed. The consensus reaction is best exemplified by a quote from Glassdoor Senior Economist, Daniel Zhao: We saw positive job gains, but I think the sentiment is largely negative because we know that we’re heading into a dark winter. There’s no doubt that millions of hous...eholds have been - and continue to be -devastated by the economic downturn caused by the pandemic. We should, however, put the current situation into... [email protected]

How Remote Work Can Power Your Vacation Home Sale This year, the opportunity to work remotely has increased the demand for vacation homes. Gay Cororaton, Senior Economist and Director of Housing and Commercial Research at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), notes: Working from home is a positive factor in demand for vacation... [email protected]

A New Way to Shop for Homes in a Virtual World In a year when we’re learning to do so much remotely, homebuying is no exception. From going to work to attending school, grocery shopping, and even seeing our doctors online, digital practices have changed the way we live. This year, rather than delaying their home purchases, buyers...... [email protected]

The Path to Homeownership [INFOGRAPHIC] Some Highlights If you’re thinking of buying a home and not sure where to start, you’re not alone. Here’s a map with 10 simple steps to follow in the homebuying process.... Let’s connect today to discuss the specific steps along the way in our local area... [email protected]

5 Reasons to Sell Your House This Holiday Season This holiday season may be the perfect time to sell your house. Let's connect to discuss how today's buyer demand is presenting the greatest opportunities for sellers... [email protected]

With Home Values Surging, Is it Still Affordable to Buy Right Now? Housing inventory is at an all-time low. Realtor.com just reported that there are 39% fewer homes for sale today than there were last year. At the same time, buyer demand remains strong. In a recent newsletter, research analyst Ivy Zelman explained: Although the headwind of severe supply... [email protected]

Knowledge Is Power on the Path to Homeownership Homeownership is on the goal list for many young adults, but sometimes it’s hard to know exactly how to get there. From understanding the homebuying process to pre-approval and down payment assistance options, uncertainty along the way can ultimately hold some buyers back. Today, there are...... [email protected]

5 Tips for Homebuyers Who Want to Make a Competitive Offer Today’s real estate market has high buyer interest and low housing inventory. With so many buyers competing for a limited number of homes, it’s more important than ever to know the ins and outs of making a confident and competitive offer. Here are five keys to success for this important... [email protected]

Your House May Be High on the Buyer Wish List This Holiday Season Around this time each year, many homeowners decide to wait until after the holidays to sell their houses. Similarly, others who already have their homes on the market remove their listings until the spring. Let’s unpack the top reasons why selling your house now, or keeping it on the market... [email protected]

Key Terms to Know in the Homebuying Process [INFOGRAPHIC] Some Highlights Buying a home can be intimidating if you’re not familiar with the terms used throughout the process. To point you in the right direction, here’s a list of some of the most common language you’ll hear along the way.... The best way to ensure your homebuying process... [email protected]

Thank You for Your Support  ... [email protected]

Thank You for Making Me Your Trusted Advisor Thank you for your business, referrals, and your partnership for life. Let’s connect to continue down the path toward your homeownership goals... [email protected]

Is Buying a Home Today a Good Financial Move? There’s no doubt 2020 has been a challenging year. A global pandemic coupled with an economic recession has caused heartache for many. However, it has also prompted more Americans to reconsider the meaning of home. This quest for a place better equipped to fulfill our needs, along with... [email protected]

Don’t Let Buyer Competition Keep You from Purchasing a Home This year’s record-low mortgage rates sparked high demand among homebuyers. Current homeowners, however, haven’t put their houses on the market so quickly. This makes finding a home to buy today challenging for many potential buyers. With an obstacle like this, those searching for their... [email protected]

Will Mortgage Rates Remain Low Next Year? In 2020, buyers got a big boost in the housing market as mortgage rates dropped throughout the year. According to Freddie Mac, rates hit all-time lows 12 times this year, dipping below 3% for the first time ever while making buying a home more and more attractive as the year progressed (See... [email protected]

It Pays to Sell with a Real Estate Agent [INFOGRAPHIC] Some Highlights Today, it’s more important than ever to have an expert you trust to guide you as you sell your house. From your safety throughout the process to the complexity of negotiating the deal, you need a professional on your side.... Before you decide to take on the challenge... [email protected]

The Winter Housing Market Forecast Won't Be Chilly According to experts, the housing market is not forecasted to cool off this winter. Let's connect to make sure you're ready to enter the real estate market during the hottest time to buy or sell a home... [email protected]

Chances of Another Foreclosure Crisis? About Zero Percent. There seems to be some concern that the 2020 economic downturn will lead to another foreclosure crisis like the one we experienced after the housing crash a little over a decade ago. However, there’s one major difference this time: a robust forbearance program. During the housing crash of...... [email protected]

Homes for Sale Are Rapidly Disappearing Through all the challenges of 2020, the real estate market has done very well, and purchasers are continuing to take advantage of historically low mortgage rates. Realtor Magazine just explained: While winter may be typically a slow season in real estate, economists predict it isn’t... [email protected]

Why Working from Home May Spark Your Next Move If you’ve been working from home this year, chances are you’ve been at it a little longer than you initially expected. Businesses all over the country have figured out how to operate remotely to keep their employees healthy, safe, and productive. For many, it may be carrying into next year... [email protected]

I’m showing property in Long Beach today. This is a beautiful property close to the Beach! Long Beach is a great place to buy property.

Winter Will Bring a Flurry of Activity to the Housing Market In the second half of this year, the housing market surged with activity. Today, real estate experts are looking ahead to the winter season and the forecast is anything but chilly. As Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for the National Association of Realtors (NAR), notes: It will be one of the... [email protected]

A nice day trip to Yucaipa! the Snowline Apple juice and apple ciders donuts is worth the drive.

Tips to Sell Your House Safely Right Now [INFOGRAPHIC] Some Highlights Your agent now has over 6 months of experience selling houses during the pandemic and can make the process easier and safer for you today. COVID-19 protocols and technology usage recommendations from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) are making it possible to...... [email protected]

The Economic Impact of Buying a Home When you buy a home, you're making an impact on our local economy. Let's connect today to explore your homebuying options together... [email protected]

VA Home Loans: Helping Heroes Find a Home Today, on Veterans Day, we honor those who have served our country and thank them for their continued dedication to our nation. In the United States, there are many valuable benefits available to Veterans, including VA home loans. For over 75 years, VA home loans have provided millions of... [email protected]

Homeownership Is a Key to Building Wealth For years, real estate has been considered the best investment you can make. A major reason for this is due to the net worth a household gains through homeownership. In fact, according to the 2019 Survey of Consumer Finance Data from the Federal Reserve, for the average homeowner: a... [email protected]

Is it Safe to Sell My House Right Now? In today’s real estate market, the buzz is all about how it’s a great time to sell your house. Buyer demand is high, and there simply aren’t enough homes available to buy to meet that growing need. This means now is the time to make a move so you can close the deal on your ideal... [email protected]

Happy Sunday! Enjoying showing homes on this beautiful day. This 55+ community is absolutely amazing. If you’re interested in a 55+ community this could be the one.

Making a Home for the Brave Possible [INFOGRAPHIC] Some Highlights VA Home Loans provide unique opportunities for Veterans, active-duty personnel, and their families in recognition of their service to our Nation. For eligible individuals, options associated with VA Loans can help make the dream of homeownership a reality.... If you or... [email protected]

Experts Project Home Price Appreciation Into Next Year Experts agree the 2021 forecast is calling for continued home price appreciation. Let's connect to get your house ready to sell while home values are still rising in your favor... [email protected]

Why the 2021 Forecast Doesn’t Call for a Foreclosure Crisis As the current forbearance mortgage relief options come to an end, many are wondering if we’ll face a foreclosure crisis next year. This is understandable, especially for those who remember the housing crisis that began in 2008. The reality is, plans have been put in place through forbearance... [email protected]

Real Estate Is a Driving Force in the Economy As the economy recovers from this year’s health crisis, the housing market is playing a leading role in the turnaround. It’s safe to say that what we call home is taking on a new meaning, causing many of us to consider buying or selling sooner rather than later. Housing, therefore... [email protected]

Rent vs. Buy: How to Decide What’s Best for You According to the U.S. Census Bureau, median rent continues to rise. With today’s low mortgage rates, there’s great opportunity for current renters to make a move into homeownership that stretches each dollar a little bit further. While the best timeline to buy a home is different for...... [email protected]

4 Reasons Why the Election Won’t Dampen the Housing Market Tomorrow, Americans will decide our President for the next four years. That decision will have a major impact on many aspects of life in this country, but the residential real estate market will not be one of them. Analysts will try to measure the impact feasible changes in regulations might...... [email protected]

Three Ways Low Inventory Is a Win for Sellers The number of houses for sale today is significantly lower than the high buyer activity in the current housing market. According to Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for the National Association of Realtors (NAR): "There is no shortage of hopeful, potential buyers, but inventory is historically... [email protected]

Should I Renovate My House Before I Sell It? [INFOGRAPHIC] Some Highlights In today’s hyper-competitive market, buyers are often willing to overlook cosmetic or minor repair needs if it means snagging a home in their price range. With so few houses available for sale today, you may be able to skip the bigger renovations before you sell and...... [email protected]

Don't Fear the Real Estate Market Fear should never be a factor when navigating the housing market. Whether you're buying or selling a home this fall, let's connect to make sure you're empowered to take the safest path... [email protected]