Susan Massagli-Benson Real Estate

Happy Day to you all! Experts Say Home Prices Will Continue to Appreciate It’s clear that consumers are concerned about how quickly home values are rising. Many people fear the speed of appreciation may lead to a crash in prices later this year. Google reports that the search for When is the housing market going to crash? has spiked 2450% over the past month.... To alleviate some of these concerns, let’s look at what financial analysts are saying about the current residential real estate market. Within the last thirty days, four of the major financial services giants came to the same conclusion: the housing market is strong, and price appreciation will continue. Here are their statements on the issue: Goldman Sachs’ Research Note on Housing: Strong demand for housing looks sustainable. As a result, the model projects double-digit price gains both this year and next. Joe Seydl, Senior Markets Economist, J.P.Morgan: Housing prices...

Happy Day to you all! The Power of Mortgage Pre-Approval [INFOGRAPHIC] Mortgage pre-approval means a lender has reviewed your finances and, based on factors like your income, debt, and credit history, determined how much you’re qualified to borrow. Being pre-approved for a loan can give you clarity while planning your homebuying budget, confidence in your ability to secure a loan, and a competitive edge in a bidding war. In today’s market, connecting with a lender to get pre-approved may be the game-changer that helps you secure your dream home. DM me to learn more about this essential step in the homebuying process.

Happy Day to you all! Are Interest Rates Expected to Rise Over the Next Year? So far this year, mortgage rates continue to hover around 3%, encouraging many hopeful homebuyers to enter the housing market. However, there’s a good chance rates will increase later this year and going into 2022, ultimately making it more expensive to borrow money for a home loan. Here’s a look at what several experts have to say.... Danielle Hale, Chief Economist, realtor.com: Our long-term view for mortgage rates in 2021 is higher. As the economic outlook strengthens, thanks to progress against coronavirus and vaccines plus a dose of stimulus from the government, this pushes up expectations for economic growth . . . . Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist, National Association of Realtors (NAR): In 2021, I think rates will be similar or modestly higher . . . mortgage rates will continue to be historically favorable. Freddie Mac: We forecast that mortgage rates will...

Happy Day to you all! 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 cost... See more

Happy Day to you all! 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 is...

Happy Day to you all! Here's to a Wonderful 2021!

Happy Day to you all! 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 historically 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 2020’s... See more

Happy Day to you all! 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... See more

Happy Day to you all! 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 back home. Jessica Lautz, Vice President of Demographics and Behavioral Insights for the National Association of Realtors (NAR), says: A lot of families have an...