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  11. <title>Lamar Lending &#8211; Trusted Mortgage Broker Since 2005</title>
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  13. <link>https://lamarlending.com/</link>
  14. <description>Specializing in finding you the best mortgage options right for you</description>
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  23. <title>Best Ways to Navigate Getting a Home Today</title>
  24. <link>https://lamarlending.com/ways-to-getting-a-home-today/</link>
  26. <dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator>
  27. <pubDate>Fri, 15 Jul 2022 01:46:12 +0000</pubDate>
  28. <category><![CDATA[Home Buying]]></category>
  29. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://lamarlending.com/?p=1138</guid>
  30.  
  31. <description><![CDATA[<p>2020 – You started thinking about buying a house. 2021 – Ok, let’s get some money together to be ready to buy a house. 2022 – Prices are high so you slowly start looking. Rate hike after rate hike, and now you can’t afford a...</p>
  32. <p>The post <a href="https://lamarlending.com/ways-to-getting-a-home-today/">Best Ways to Navigate Getting a Home Today</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lamarlending.com">Lamar Lending - Trusted Mortgage Broker Since 2005</a>.</p>
  33. ]]></description>
  34. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>2020 – You started thinking about buying a house.</p>
  35. <p>2021 – Ok, let’s get some money together to be ready to buy a house.</p>
  36. <p>2022 – Prices are high so you slowly start looking.</p>
  37. <p>Rate hike after rate hike, and now you can’t afford a home you want?</p>
  38. <p>The same home at the same price, but the monthly cost is higher because of the rate hikes?</p>
  39. <p>Historically speaking, interest rates are still relatively low compared to previous years. Instead of focusing on the interest rate, focus on the total monthly payment for your <a href="https://lamarlending.com/mortgage-faqs/">mortgage</a>. Mortgage payments consist of four to five things;</p>
  40. <ol>
  41. <li>Principal</li>
  42. <li>Interest</li>
  43. <li>Property Taxes</li>
  44. <li>Homeowners Insurance</li>
  45. <li>Mortgage Insurance(if applicable)</li>
  46. </ol>
  47. <p>Team up with your real estate agent to look at homes with low property tax rates and stay out of flood zones. This <a href="https://lamarlending.com/">can help lower your overall mortgage payment to be more affordable</a>. When the rates do go back down, you can <a href="https://lamarlending.com/refinance/">refinance to a lower rate</a>.</p>
  48. <p>What should you do now?</p>
  49. <p>The best way to navigate <a href="https://lamarlending.com/fha-loans/">getting a home</a> today is to follow this simple process:</p>
  50. <ol>
  51. <li>Work with a trusted loan officer.
  52. <ul>
  53. <li>It is very crucial to work with an educated loan officer that you trust. They will help you navigate your finances and ensure you are getting the best deal possible.</li>
  54. </ul>
  55. </li>
  56. </ol>
  57. <ol start="2">
  58. <li>Improve your credit as much as you can.</li>
  59. </ol>
  60. <ol start="3">
  61. <li style="list-style-type: none;">
  62. <ul>
  63. <li>There are a few quick tricks to ensuring your credit is in the best shape possible. Keep credit card utilization low, try to minimize the amount of inquiries on your credit report, and continue to make on time payments</li>
  64. </ul>
  65. </li>
  66. </ol>
  67. <ol start="3">
  68. <li>Save money.</li>
  69. </ol>
  70. <ol start="4">
  71. <li style="list-style-type: none;">
  72. <ul>
  73. <li>Save as much money as you can, even if you don&#8217;t need all of it for your down payment or closing costs, &#8220;reserves&#8221; can help strengthen your file as a whole</li>
  74. </ul>
  75. </li>
  76. </ol>
  77. <ol start="4">
  78. <li>Work with a trusted real estate agent.</li>
  79. </ol>
  80. <ol start="5">
  81. <li style="list-style-type: none;">
  82. <ul>
  83. <li>It is a misconception that you have to pay a real estate agent for their <a href="https://www.pinoyseoservices.com/">services</a>. While they do have to get paid, the seller pays the fees, not you. This being said, it is even more reason to work with a real estate agent to help you navigate negotiating contracts and having someone advocate for you.</li>
  84. </ul>
  85. </li>
  86. </ol>
  87. <p>The post <a href="https://lamarlending.com/ways-to-getting-a-home-today/">Best Ways to Navigate Getting a Home Today</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lamarlending.com">Lamar Lending - Trusted Mortgage Broker Since 2005</a>.</p>
  88. ]]></content:encoded>
  92. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">1138</post-id> </item>
  93. <item>
  94. <title>Buyers: Are You Ready for a Bidding War?</title>
  95. <link>https://lamarlending.com/buyers-are-you-ready-for-a-bidding-war/</link>
  97. <dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator>
  98. <pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2020 00:51:50 +0000</pubDate>
  99. <category><![CDATA[Home Buying]]></category>
  100. <category><![CDATA[Home Refinancing]]></category>
  101. <category><![CDATA[Home Sales]]></category>
  102. <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
  103. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://lamarlending.com/?p=487</guid>
  104.  
  105. <description><![CDATA[<p>With businesses reopening throughout the country and some experts indicating early signs of a much-anticipated economic&#160;recovery, more homebuyers are actively entering the housing market this summer. Today, housing is truly driving the U.S. economy forward. With so many buyers looking for homes to purchase and...</p>
  106. <p>The post <a href="https://lamarlending.com/buyers-are-you-ready-for-a-bidding-war/">Buyers: Are You Ready for a Bidding War?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lamarlending.com">Lamar Lending - Trusted Mortgage Broker Since 2005</a>.</p>
  107. ]]></description>
  108. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
  109. <figure class="wp-block-image is-resized"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" src="https://secureservercdn.net/198.71.233.87/074.bee.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/20200713-KCM-Share-549x300-1.jpg?time=1595637573" alt="" width="1110" height="607"/></figure>
  110.  
  111.  
  112.  
  113. <p>With businesses reopening throughout the country and some experts indicating early signs of a much-anticipated economic&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2020/06/17/is-the-economic-recovery-already-underway/?a=233075-5e781d8dabd1cbf55e0a7c710c58d20f">recovery</a>, more homebuyers are actively entering the housing market this summer. Today, housing is truly driving the U.S. economy forward. With so many buyers looking for homes to purchase and so few houses for sale right&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2020/06/22/homebuyers-are-in-the-mood-to-buy-today/?a=233075-5e781d8dabd1cbf55e0a7c710c58d20f">now</a>, there’s a disconnect between supply and demand. This imbalance is pushing home prices upward while driving more bidding wars and multiple-offer scenarios. Danielle Hale,&nbsp;<em>Chief Economist</em>&nbsp;at&nbsp;<em>realtor.com&nbsp;</em><a href="https://www.realtor.com/news/real-estate-news/economy-boost-housing-market-higher-home-prices/">explains</a>:</p>
  114.  
  115.  
  116.  
  117. <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p><em>“People are surprised that prices are rising, not falling, because in the last&nbsp;</em><a href="https://www.keepingcurrentmatters.com/2020/03/20/a-recession-does-not-equal-a-housing-crisis/"><em>recession</em></a><em>&nbsp;home prices fell, the difference this time is the severe shortage of homes for sale…We are seeing bigger price increases with [a limited] number of homes…That is likely to lead to more competition and potentially multiple offers and bidding wars.”</em></p></blockquote>
  118.  
  119.  
  120.  
  121. <p>According to the recent&nbsp;<em>Realtors Confidence Index</em>&nbsp;(RCI)&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nar.realtor/blogs/economists-outlook/nearly-3-offers-per-home-sold-in-may-2020">survey</a>&nbsp;conducted by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), this trend is growing:</p>
  122.  
  123.  
  124.  
  125. <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p><em>“On average, there were about three offers on a home that closed in May, up from just about two in April 2020 and in May 2019 (2.3 offers).”</em></p></blockquote>
  126.  
  127.  
  128.  
  129. <p><em>HousingWire</em>&nbsp;also&nbsp;<a href="https://www.housingwire.com/articles/42-of-people-who-bought-homes-during-the-pandemic-engaged-in-a-bidding-war/">indicates</a>:</p>
  130.  
  131.  
  132.  
  133. <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p><em>“42% of homeowners who made a purchase during the January to May time period ended up in a bidding war, demonstrating the strong&nbsp;demand for homes&nbsp;amid low inventory.”</em></p></blockquote>
  134.  
  135.  
  136.  
  137. <p>With more people returning to work we’ll continue to see the number of interested buyers increase. So, if you’re among the many people looking for a home to buy this summer, it’s important to ensure you have the right guidance from the start. This way, you make sure your offer stands out from the crowd when it really counts. Here are two tips to follow.</p>
  138.  
  139.  
  140.  
  141. <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>1. Hire a Trusted Local Expert</strong></h4>
  142.  
  143.  
  144.  
  145. <p>A trusted local real estate professional matters more than ever right now, as noted in a recent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/meeting-the-needs-of-buyers-and-sellers-during-and-after-the-pandemic">survey</a>&nbsp;shared by NAR. In fact, according to respondents, 54% of buyers and 62% of sellers indicated that&nbsp;<em>“Particularly during the pandemic, a real estate agent’s guidance is especially valued.”</em></p>
  146.  
  147.  
  148.  
  149. <p>We’re not in a normal market. We are in one of the greatest health crises our nation has ever seen. The pandemic has had a dramatic impact on the journey consumers must take to purchase a home. To successfully navigate the landscape today, you need a true&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2020/05/26/buying-or-selling-a-home-you-need-an-expert-kind-of-guide/?a=233075-5e781d8dabd1cbf55e0a7c710c58d20f">expert</a>&nbsp;on your side.</p>
  150.  
  151.  
  152.  
  153. <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>2. <a href="https://lamarlending.com/">Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage</a></strong></h4>
  154.  
  155.  
  156.  
  157. <p>When there are more buyers than sellers on the market, the process to find a home becomes much more challenging. One way to show you’re serious about <a href="https://lamarlending.com/ways-to-getting-a-home-today/">buying a home</a> is to work with a lender to get&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2020/02/03/three-reasons-why-pre-approval-is-the-first-step-in-the-2020-homebuying-journey/?a=233075-5e781d8dabd1cbf55e0a7c710c58d20f">pre-approved</a>&nbsp;for a mortgage before starting your search. With a pre-approval letter, sellers will see your true desire to buy this year, potentially helping your offer rise to the top.</p>
  158.  
  159.  
  160.  
  161. <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Bottom Line</strong></h3>
  162.  
  163.  
  164.  
  165. <p>If this is the year you’re ready to buy, let’s connect to get the process started so you can make sure your offer is a strong one when the competition heats up.</p>
  166.  
  167.  
  168.  
  169. <p>Content previously posted on Keeping Current Matters</p>
  170. <p>The post <a href="https://lamarlending.com/buyers-are-you-ready-for-a-bidding-war/">Buyers: Are You Ready for a Bidding War?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lamarlending.com">Lamar Lending - Trusted Mortgage Broker Since 2005</a>.</p>
  171. ]]></content:encoded>
  175. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">487</post-id> </item>
  176. <item>
  177. <title>What Are Experts Saying about Home Prices?</title>
  178. <link>https://lamarlending.com/what-are-experts-saying-about-home-prices/</link>
  180. <dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator>
  181. <pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2020 00:51:01 +0000</pubDate>
  182. <category><![CDATA[Home Buying]]></category>
  183. <category><![CDATA[Home Refinancing]]></category>
  184. <category><![CDATA[Home Sales]]></category>
  185. <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
  186. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://lamarlending.com/?p=485</guid>
  187.  
  188. <description><![CDATA[<p>Last week, a very well-respected real estate analytics firm surprised many with their home price projection for the next twelve months.&#160;CoreLogic, in their latest&#160;Home Price Index&#160;said: “The economic downturn that started in March 2020 is predicted to cause a 6.6% drop in the HPI by...</p>
  189. <p>The post <a href="https://lamarlending.com/what-are-experts-saying-about-home-prices/">What Are Experts Saying about Home Prices?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lamarlending.com">Lamar Lending - Trusted Mortgage Broker Since 2005</a>.</p>
  190. ]]></description>
  191. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
  192. <figure class="wp-block-image is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://secureservercdn.net/198.71.233.87/074.bee.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/20200714-KCM-Share-549x300-1.jpg?time=1595637573" alt="" width="1071" height="585"/></figure>
  193.  
  194.  
  195.  
  196. <p>Last week, a very well-respected real estate analytics firm surprised many with their home price projection for the next twelve months.&nbsp;<em>CoreLogic</em>, in their latest&nbsp;<a href="https://www.corelogic.com/blog/2020/7/strong-demand-fueled-home-prices-increases-may-but-prices-expected-fall-over-the-year.aspx">Home Price Index</a>&nbsp;said:</p>
  197.  
  198.  
  199.  
  200. <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p><em>“The economic downturn that started in March 2020 is predicted to cause a 6.6% drop in the HPI by May 2021, which would be the first decrease in annual home prices in over 9 years.”</em></p></blockquote>
  201.  
  202.  
  203.  
  204. <p>The forecast was surprising as it was strikingly different than any other projection by major analysts. Six of the other eight forecasts call for appreciation, and the two who project depreciation indicate it will be one percent or less.</p>
  205.  
  206.  
  207.  
  208. <p>Here is a graph showing all of the projections:<a href="https://secureservercdn.net/198.71.233.87/074.bee.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/20200714-MEM-Eng-1.jpg"></a></p>
  209.  
  210.  
  211.  
  212. <figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://secureservercdn.net/198.71.233.87/074.bee.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/20200714-MEM-Eng-1.jpg" alt="What Are Experts Saying about Home Prices? | Simplifying The Market"/></figure>
  213.  
  214.  
  215.  
  216. <p>There’s a simple formula to determine the future price of any item: calculate the supply of that item in ratio to the demand for that item. In housing right now, demand far exceeds supply. Last week <a href="https://lamarlending.com/">mortgage applications to buy a home</a> were <a href="https://www.mba.org/2020-press-releases/july/mortgage-applications-increase-in-latest-mba-weekly-survey">33% higher</a> than they were at the same time last year. The available inventory of homes for sale is <a href="https://news.move.com/2020-07-09-Realtor-com-R-Weekly-Recovery-Report-Record-Breaking-Traffic-Signals-Summer-Buying-Season-is-Here">31% lower</a> than it was last year. Normally, these numbers should call for homes to continue to appreciate.</p>
  217.  
  218.  
  219.  
  220. <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Bottom Line</strong></h3>
  221.  
  222.  
  223.  
  224. <p>Because of the uncertainty with the pandemic, any economic prediction is extremely difficult. However, looking at the limited supply of homes for sale and the tremendous demand for housing, it is difficult to disagree with the majority of analysts who are calling for price appreciation.</p>
  225.  
  226.  
  227.  
  228. <p>Content previously posted on Keeping Current Matters</p>
  229. <p>The post <a href="https://lamarlending.com/what-are-experts-saying-about-home-prices/">What Are Experts Saying about Home Prices?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lamarlending.com">Lamar Lending - Trusted Mortgage Broker Since 2005</a>.</p>
  230. ]]></content:encoded>
  234. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">485</post-id> </item>
  235. <item>
  236. <title>Mortgage Rates Hit Record Lows for Three Consecutive Weeks</title>
  237. <link>https://lamarlending.com/mortgage-rates-hit-record-lows-for-three-consecutive-weeks/</link>
  239. <dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator>
  240. <pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2020 00:48:20 +0000</pubDate>
  241. <category><![CDATA[Home Buying]]></category>
  242. <category><![CDATA[Home Refinancing]]></category>
  243. <category><![CDATA[Home Sales]]></category>
  244. <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
  245. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://lamarlending.com/?p=482</guid>
  246.  
  247. <description><![CDATA[<p>Over the past several weeks,&#160;Freddie Mac&#160;has reported the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate dropping to record lows, all the way down to&#160;3.03%. Last week’s reported rate reached the lowest point in the history of the survey, which dates back to 1971&#160;(See graph below): What does...</p>
  248. <p>The post <a href="https://lamarlending.com/mortgage-rates-hit-record-lows-for-three-consecutive-weeks/">Mortgage Rates Hit Record Lows for Three Consecutive Weeks</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lamarlending.com">Lamar Lending - Trusted Mortgage Broker Since 2005</a>.</p>
  249. ]]></description>
  250. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
  251. <figure class="wp-block-image is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://secureservercdn.net/198.71.233.87/074.bee.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/20200715-KCM-Share-549x300-1.jpg?time=1595637573" alt="" width="1082" height="591"/></figure>
  252.  
  253.  
  254.  
  255. <p>Over the past several weeks,&nbsp;<em>Freddie Mac</em>&nbsp;has reported the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate dropping to record lows, all the way down to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.freddiemac.com/pmms/pmms_archives.html">3.03%</a>. Last week’s reported rate reached the lowest point in the history of the survey, which dates back to 1971&nbsp;<em>(See graph below</em>):<a href="https://secureservercdn.net/198.71.233.87/074.bee.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/20200715-MEM-Eng-1.jpg"></a></p>
  256.  
  257.  
  258.  
  259. <figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://secureservercdn.net/198.71.233.87/074.bee.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/20200715-MEM-Eng-1.jpg" alt="Mortgage Rates Hit Record Lows for Three Consecutive Weeks | Simplifying The Market"/></figure>
  260.  
  261.  
  262.  
  263. <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What does this mean for buyers?</strong></h4>
  264.  
  265.  
  266.  
  267. <p>This is huge for homebuyers. Those currently taking advantage of the increasing&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2020/07/07/taking-advantage-of-homebuying-affordability-in-todays-market/?a=233075-5e781d8dabd1cbf55e0a7c710c58d20f">affordability</a>&nbsp;that comes with historically low interest rates are winning big. According to Sam Khater,&nbsp;<em>Chief Economist</em>&nbsp;at&nbsp;<em>Freddie Mac:</em></p>
  268.  
  269.  
  270.  
  271. <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p><em>“The summer is heating up as record low mortgage rates continue to spur homebuyer demand.”</em></p></blockquote>
  272.  
  273.  
  274.  
  275. <p>In addition,&nbsp;<em>move.com</em>&nbsp;<a href="https://news.move.com/2020-07-09-Realtor-com-R-Weekly-Recovery-Report-Record-Breaking-Traffic-Signals-Summer-Buying-Season-is-Here">notes</a>:</p>
  276.  
  277.  
  278.  
  279. <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p><em>“Summer home buying season is off to a roaring start. As buyers flooded into the market, realtor.com<strong><sup>®</sup></strong>&nbsp;monthly traffic hit an all-time high of 86 million unique users in&nbsp;June 2020, breaking May’s record of 85 million unique users. Realtor.com<strong><sup>®</sup></strong>&nbsp;daily traffic also hit its highest level ever of 7 million unique users on&nbsp;June 25, signaling that despite the global pandemic buyers are ready to make a purchase.”</em></p></blockquote>
  280.  
  281.  
  282.  
  283. <p>Clearly, buyers are capitalizing on today’s low rates. As shown in the chart below, the average monthly mortgage payment decreases significantly when rates are as low as they are today.</p>
  284.  
  285.  
  286.  
  287. <figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://secureservercdn.net/198.71.233.87/074.bee.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/20200715-MEM-Eng-2.jpg" alt="Mortgage Rates Hit Record Lows for Three Consecutive Weeks | Simplifying The Market"/></figure>
  288.  
  289.  
  290.  
  291. <p><a href="https://secureservercdn.net/198.71.233.87/074.bee.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/20200715-MEM-Eng-2.jpg"></a>A lower monthly payment means savings that can add up significantly over the life of a <a href="https://lamarlending.com/fha-loans/">home loan</a>. It also means that qualified buyers may be able to purchase more home for their money. Maybe that’s a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2020/07/02/is-the-health-crisis-driving-buyers-out-of-urban-areas/?a=233075-5e781d8dabd1cbf55e0a7c710c58d20f">bigger home</a>&nbsp;than what they’d be able to afford at a higher rate, an increasingly desirable option considering the amount of time families are now spending at home given today’s health crisis.</p>
  292.  
  293.  
  294.  
  295. <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Bottom Line</strong></h3>
  296.  
  297.  
  298.  
  299. <p>If you’re in a position to <a href="https://lamarlending.com/ways-to-getting-a-home-today/">buy a home this year</a>, let’s connect to initiate the process while <a href="https://lamarlending.com/">mortgage rates</a> are historically low.</p>
  300.  
  301.  
  302.  
  303. <p>Content previously posted on Keeping Current Matters</p>
  304. <p>The post <a href="https://lamarlending.com/mortgage-rates-hit-record-lows-for-three-consecutive-weeks/">Mortgage Rates Hit Record Lows for Three Consecutive Weeks</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lamarlending.com">Lamar Lending - Trusted Mortgage Broker Since 2005</a>.</p>
  305. ]]></content:encoded>
  309. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">482</post-id> </item>
  310. <item>
  311. <title>Does Your Home Have What Buyers Are Looking For?</title>
  312. <link>https://lamarlending.com/does-your-home-have-what-buyers-are-looking-for/</link>
  314. <dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator>
  315. <pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2020 00:46:43 +0000</pubDate>
  316. <category><![CDATA[Home Buying]]></category>
  317. <category><![CDATA[Home Refinancing]]></category>
  318. <category><![CDATA[Home Sales]]></category>
  319. <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
  320. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://lamarlending.com/?p=480</guid>
  321.  
  322. <description><![CDATA[<p>There’s great opportunity for today’s homeowners to sell their houses and make a move, yet due to the impact of the ongoing health crisis, some sellers are taking their time coming back to the market.&#160;According&#160;to Javier Vivas,&#160;Director of Economic Research&#160;at&#160;realtor.com: “Sellers continue returning to the...</p>
  323. <p>The post <a href="https://lamarlending.com/does-your-home-have-what-buyers-are-looking-for/">Does Your Home Have What Buyers Are Looking For?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lamarlending.com">Lamar Lending - Trusted Mortgage Broker Since 2005</a>.</p>
  324. ]]></description>
  325. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
  326. <figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://secureservercdn.net/198.71.233.87/074.bee.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/20200716-KCM-Share-549x300-1.jpg?time=1595637573" alt=""/></figure>
  327.  
  328.  
  329.  
  330. <p>There’s great opportunity for today’s homeowners to sell their houses and make a move, yet due to the impact of the ongoing health crisis, some sellers are taking their time coming back to the market.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.realtor.com/research/housing-market-recovery-index-trends-july-4-data/">According</a>&nbsp;to Javier Vivas,&nbsp;<em>Director of Economic Research</em>&nbsp;at&nbsp;<em>realtor.com</em>:</p>
  331.  
  332.  
  333.  
  334. <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p><em>“Sellers continue returning to the market at a cautious pace and further improvement could be constrained by lingering coronavirus concerns, economic uncertainty, and civil unrest.”</em></p></blockquote>
  335.  
  336.  
  337.  
  338. <p>For homeowners who need a little nudge of motivation to get back in the game, it’s good to know that buyers are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2020/07/08/best-time-to-sell-when-competition-is-at-an-all-time-low/?a=233075-5e781d8dabd1cbf55e0a7c710c58d20f">ready to purchase</a>&nbsp;this season. After spending several months at home and re-evaluating what they truly want and need in their space, buyers are ready and they’re in the market now. Lawrence Yun,&nbsp;<em>Chief Economist</em>&nbsp;at the&nbsp;<em>National Association of Realtors&nbsp;</em>(NAR)&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom/strong-majority-of-realtors-say-market-is-in-recovery-phase-of-pandemic-as-buyers-return">explains</a>:</p>
  339.  
  340.  
  341.  
  342. <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p><em>“A number of potential buyers noted stalled plans due to the pandemic and that has led to more urgency and a pent-up demand to buy…After being home for months on end – in a home they already wanted to leave – buyers are reminded how much their current home may lack certain desired features or amenities.”</em></p></blockquote>
  343.  
  344.  
  345.  
  346. <p>The latest <em>Market Recovery Survey</em> from NAR <a href="https://www.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/documents/2020-market-recovery-survey-07-09-2020.pdf">shares</a> some of the features and amenities buyers are looking for, especially since the health crisis has shifted many buyer priorities. The most common home features cited as increasingly important are home offices and space to accommodate family members new to the residence <em>(See graph below)</em>:</p>
  347.  
  348.  
  349.  
  350. <figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://secureservercdn.net/198.71.233.87/074.bee.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/20200716-MEM-ENG.jpg" alt="Does Your Home Have What Buyers Are Looking For? | Simplifying The Market"/></figure>
  351.  
  352.  
  353.  
  354. <p><a href="https://secureservercdn.net/198.71.233.87/074.bee.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/20200716-MEM-ENG.jpg"></a>The survey results also show that among buyers who indicate they would now like to live in a different area due to COVID-19, 47% have an interest in purchasing in the <a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2020/05/13/a-surprising-shift-to-the-burbs-may-be-on-the-rise/?a=233075-5e781d8dabd1cbf55e0a7c710c58d20f">suburbs</a>, 39% cite <a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2020/07/02/is-the-health-crisis-driving-buyers-out-of-urban-areas/?a=233075-5e781d8dabd1cbf55e0a7c710c58d20f">rural</a> areas, and 25% indicate a desire to be in small towns.</p>
  355.  
  356.  
  357.  
  358. <p>As we can see, <a href="https://lamarlending.com/ways-to-getting-a-home-today/">buyers are eager to find a new home</a>, but there’s a big challenge in the market: a lack of homes available to purchase. Danielle Hale,&nbsp;<em>Chief Economist</em>&nbsp;at&nbsp;<em>realtor.com</em>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.realtor.com/research/video-weekly-economic-and-housing-market-update-july-2-2020/">explains</a>:</p>
  359.  
  360.  
  361.  
  362. <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p><em>“The realtor.com June Housing Trends Report showed that buyers still outnumber sellers which is causing the gap in time on market to shrink, prices to grow at a faster pace than pre-COVID, and the number of homes available for sale to decrease by more than last month. These trends play out similarly in the most recent week’s data with the change in time on market being most notable. In the most recent week homes sat on the market just 7 days longer than last year whereas the rest of June saw homes sit 2 weeks or more longer than last year.”</em></p></blockquote>
  363.  
  364.  
  365.  
  366. <p>In essence, home sales are picking up speed and buyers are purchasing them at a faster rate than they’re coming to the market. Hale continues to say:</p>
  367.  
  368.  
  369.  
  370. <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p><em>“The housing market has plenty of buyers who would benefit from a few more sellers. If the virus can be contained and home prices continue to grow, this may help bring sellers back to the housing market.”</em></p></blockquote>
  371.  
  372.  
  373.  
  374. <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Bottom Line</strong></h3>
  375.  
  376.  
  377.  
  378. <p>If you’re considering selling and your current house has some of the features today’s buyers are looking for, let’s connect. You’ll likely be able to sell at the best price, in the least amount of time, and will be able to take advantage of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2020/07/15/mortgage-rates-hit-record-lows-for-three-consecutive-weeks/?a=233075-5e781d8dabd1cbf55e0a7c710c58d20f">low interest rates</a>&nbsp;available right now when buying your new home.</p>
  379.  
  380.  
  381.  
  382. <p>Content previously posted on Keeping Current Matters</p>
  383. <p>The post <a href="https://lamarlending.com/does-your-home-have-what-buyers-are-looking-for/">Does Your Home Have What Buyers Are Looking For?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lamarlending.com">Lamar Lending - Trusted Mortgage Broker Since 2005</a>.</p>
  384. ]]></content:encoded>
  388. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">480</post-id> </item>
  389. <item>
  390. <title>Thinking of Selling Your House? Now May be the Right Time</title>
  391. <link>https://lamarlending.com/thinking-of-selling-your-house-now-may-be-the-right-time/</link>
  393. <dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator>
  394. <pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2020 00:44:55 +0000</pubDate>
  395. <category><![CDATA[Home Buying]]></category>
  396. <category><![CDATA[Home Refinancing]]></category>
  397. <category><![CDATA[Home Sales]]></category>
  398. <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
  399. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://lamarlending.com/?p=478</guid>
  400.  
  401. <description><![CDATA[<p>Inventory is arguably the biggest challenge for buyers in today’s housing market. There are simply more buyers actively looking for homes to purchase than there are sellers selling them, so the scale is tipped in favor of the sellers. According to the latest&#160;Existing Home Sales...</p>
  402. <p>The post <a href="https://lamarlending.com/thinking-of-selling-your-house-now-may-be-the-right-time/">Thinking of Selling Your House? Now May be the Right Time</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lamarlending.com">Lamar Lending - Trusted Mortgage Broker Since 2005</a>.</p>
  403. ]]></description>
  404. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
  405. <figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://secureservercdn.net/198.71.233.87/074.bee.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/20200720-KCM-Share-549x300-1.jpg?time=1595637573" alt=""/></figure>
  406.  
  407.  
  408.  
  409. <p>Inventory is arguably the biggest challenge for buyers in today’s housing market. There are simply more buyers actively looking for homes to purchase than there are sellers selling them, so the scale is tipped in favor of the sellers.</p>
  410.  
  411.  
  412.  
  413. <p>According to the latest&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom/existing-home-sales-fall-9-7-in-may-while-nar-expects-strong-rebound-in-coming-months"><em>Existing Home Sales Report</em></a>&nbsp;from the&nbsp;<em>National Association of Realtors&nbsp;</em>(NAR), total housing inventory is down 18.8% from one year ago. Inventory is well below what was available last year, and the houses that do come to the market are selling very quickly.</p>
  414.  
  415.  
  416.  
  417. <p>Sam Khater,&nbsp;<em>Chief Economist</em>&nbsp;at&nbsp;<em>Freddie Mac</em>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.freddiemac.com/fmac-resources/research/pdf/Insight-State-Supply-Press-Release.pdf">notes</a>:</p>
  418.  
  419.  
  420.  
  421. <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p><em>“Simply put, new housing supply is not keeping up with rising demand. We estimate that the housing market is undersupplied by 3.3 million units, and the shortage is rising by about 300,000 units a year. More than half of all states have a housing shortage.”</em></p></blockquote>
  422.  
  423.  
  424.  
  425. <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Why is inventory so low?</strong></h4>
  426.  
  427.  
  428.  
  429. <p>There are many reasons why it’s hard to find a <a href="https://lamarlending.com/ways-to-getting-a-home-today/">home to buy today</a>, stemming from an undersupply of newly constructed homes to sellers pressing pause on their moving plans due to the current health pandemic. One of the key factors making it even more challenging, however, is the amount of time current homeowners are staying in their homes. There has truly been a fundamental shift in the market that started about 10 years ago: people are staying put longer, and it’s contributing to the shortage of houses for sale.</p>
  430.  
  431.  
  432.  
  433. <p>In the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/highlights-from-the-profile-of-home-buyers-and-sellers"><em>2019 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers</em></a>, NAR explained:</p>
  434.  
  435.  
  436.  
  437. <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p><em>“In 2019, the median tenure for sellers was 10 years…After 2008, the median tenure in the home began to increase by one year each year. By 2011, the median tenure reached nine years, where it remained for three consecutive years, and jumped up again in 2014 to 10 years.”</em></p></blockquote>
  438.  
  439.  
  440.  
  441. <p>As shown in the graph below, historical data indicates that staying in a home for 5-7 years used to be the norm, until the housing bubble burst. Since 2010, that length of time has trended upward, toward 9-10 years, largely due to homeowners aiming to recoup their <a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2020/06/18/want-to-make-a-move-homeowner-equity-is-growing-year-over-year/?a=233075-5e781d8dabd1cbf55e0a7c710c58d20f">equity</a>:<a href="https://secureservercdn.net/198.71.233.87/074.bee.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/20200720-MEM-ENG.jpg"></a>Thankfully, with the strength the market has gained over the last 10 years, today’s homeowners are in a much better equity position. Now is a fantastic time for homeowners who are ready to make a move to break the 10-year trend and sell their houses, especially while buyer demand is so high and inventory is so low. It’s a prime time to sell.</p>
  442.  
  443.  
  444.  
  445. <figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://secureservercdn.net/198.71.233.87/074.bee.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/20200720-MEM-ENG.jpg" alt="Thinking of Selling Your House? Now May be the Right Time | Simplifying The Market"/></figure>
  446.  
  447.  
  448.  
  449. <p>In addition, with today’s historically&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2020/07/17/mortgage-rates-fall-below-3-infographic/?a=233075-5e781d8dabd1cbf55e0a7c710c58d20f">low interest rates</a>, there’s an opportunity for sellers to maintain a low monthly payment while getting more house for their money. Think: move-up opportunity, more square footage, or finding the features they’re really looking for rather than doing costly renovations. With more&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2020/06/30/are-new-homes-going-to-be-available-to-buy-this-year/?a=233075-5e781d8dabd1cbf55e0a7c710c58d20f">new homes</a>&nbsp;poised to enter the market this year, homeowners ready to make a move may have a golden opportunity to do so right now.</p>
  450.  
  451.  
  452.  
  453. <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Bottom Line</strong></h3>
  454.  
  455.  
  456.  
  457. <p>There are simply not enough houses for sale today. If you’re ready to leverage your equity and sell your house, let’s connect today. It’s a great time to move while demand for homes to buy is extremely high.</p>
  458.  
  459.  
  460.  
  461. <p>Content previously posted on Keeping Current Matters</p>
  462. <p>The post <a href="https://lamarlending.com/thinking-of-selling-your-house-now-may-be-the-right-time/">Thinking of Selling Your House? Now May be the Right Time</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lamarlending.com">Lamar Lending - Trusted Mortgage Broker Since 2005</a>.</p>
  463. ]]></content:encoded>
  467. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">478</post-id> </item>
  468. <item>
  469. <title>A Remarkable Recovery for the Housing Market</title>
  470. <link>https://lamarlending.com/a-remarkable-recovery-for-the-housing-market/</link>
  472. <dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator>
  473. <pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2020 00:43:59 +0000</pubDate>
  474. <category><![CDATA[Home Buying]]></category>
  475. <category><![CDATA[Home Refinancing]]></category>
  476. <category><![CDATA[Home Sales]]></category>
  477. <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
  478. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://lamarlending.com/?p=476</guid>
  479.  
  480. <description><![CDATA[<p>For months now the vast majority of Americans have been asking the same question:&#160;When will the economy turn around?&#160;Many experts have been saying the housing market will lead the way to a recovery, and today we’re seeing signs of that coming to light. With&#160;record-low&#160;mortgage rates...</p>
  481. <p>The post <a href="https://lamarlending.com/a-remarkable-recovery-for-the-housing-market/">A Remarkable Recovery for the Housing Market</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lamarlending.com">Lamar Lending - Trusted Mortgage Broker Since 2005</a>.</p>
  482. ]]></description>
  483. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
  484. <figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://secureservercdn.net/198.71.233.87/074.bee.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/20200721-KCM-Share-549x300-1.jpg?time=1595637573" alt=""/></figure>
  485.  
  486.  
  487.  
  488. <p>For months now the vast majority of Americans have been asking the same question:&nbsp;<em>When will the economy turn around?</em>&nbsp;Many experts have been saying the housing market will lead the way to a recovery, and today we’re seeing signs of that coming to light. With&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2020/07/17/mortgage-rates-fall-below-3-infographic/?a=233075-5e781d8dabd1cbf55e0a7c710c58d20f">record-low</a>&nbsp;mortgage rates driving high demand from potential&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2020/07/13/buyers-are-you-ready-for-a-bidding-war/?a=233075-5e781d8dabd1cbf55e0a7c710c58d20f">buyers</a>, homes are being purchased at an accelerating pace, and it’s keeping the housing market and the economy moving.</p>
  489.  
  490.  
  491.  
  492. <p>Here’s a look at what a few of the experts have to say about today’s astonishing recovery. In more than one instance, it’s being noted as truly remarkable.</p>
  493.  
  494.  
  495.  
  496. <p><a href="https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/housing-market-rebounds/">Ali Wolf, Chief Economist, Meyers Research</a></p>
  497.  
  498.  
  499.  
  500. <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p><em>“The housing recovery has been nothing short of remarkable…The expectation was that housing would be crushed. It was—for about two months—and then it came roaring back.”</em></p></blockquote>
  501.  
  502.  
  503.  
  504. <p><a href="https://www.fanniemae.com/portal/research-insights/forecast/monthly/economic-developments/july-2020.html">Fannie Mae</a></p>
  505.  
  506.  
  507.  
  508. <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p><em>“Recent home purchase measures have continued to show remarkable strength, leading us to revise upward our home sales forecast, particularly over the third quarter. Similarly, we bumped up our expectations for home price growth and purchase mortgage originations.”</em></p></blockquote>
  509.  
  510.  
  511.  
  512. <p><a href="https://news.move.com/2020-07-09-Realtor-com-R-Weekly-Recovery-Report-Record-Breaking-Traffic-Signals-Summer-Buying-Season-is-Here">Javier Vivas, Director of Economic Research for realtor.com</a></p>
  513.  
  514.  
  515.  
  516. <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p><em>“All-time <a href="https://lamarlending.com/">low mortgage rates</a> and easing job losses have boosted buyer confidence back to pre-pandemic levels.”</em></p></blockquote>
  517.  
  518.  
  519.  
  520. <p><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/housing-market-v-shaped-rebound-us-could-start-economic-recovery-2020-6">James Knightley, Chief International Economist, ING</a></p>
  521.  
  522.  
  523.  
  524. <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p><em>“At face value this is remarkable given the scale of joblessness in the economy and the ongoing uncertainty relating to the path of Covid-19…The outlook for housing transactions, construction activity and employment in the sector is looking much better than what looked possible just a couple of months ago.”</em></p></blockquote>
  525.  
  526.  
  527.  
  528. <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Bottom Line</strong></h3>
  529.  
  530.  
  531.  
  532. <p>The strength of the housing market is a bright spark in the economy and leading the way to what is truly being called a remarkable recovery throughout this country. If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home, maybe this is your year to make a move after all.</p>
  533.  
  534.  
  535.  
  536. <p>Content previously posted on Keeping Current Matters</p>
  537. <p>The post <a href="https://lamarlending.com/a-remarkable-recovery-for-the-housing-market/">A Remarkable Recovery for the Housing Market</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lamarlending.com">Lamar Lending - Trusted Mortgage Broker Since 2005</a>.</p>
  538. ]]></content:encoded>
  542. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">476</post-id> </item>
  543. <item>
  544. <title>Two Reasons We Won’t See a Rush of Foreclosures This Fall</title>
  545. <link>https://lamarlending.com/two-reasons-we-wont-see-a-rush-of-foreclosures-this-fall/</link>
  547. <dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator>
  548. <pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2020 00:42:23 +0000</pubDate>
  549. <category><![CDATA[Home Buying]]></category>
  550. <category><![CDATA[Home Refinancing]]></category>
  551. <category><![CDATA[Home Sales]]></category>
  552. <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
  553. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://lamarlending.com/?p=474</guid>
  554.  
  555. <description><![CDATA[<p>The health crisis we face as a country has led businesses all over the nation to reduce or discontinue their services altogether. This pause in the economy has greatly impacted the workforce and as a result, many people have been laid off or furloughed. Naturally,...</p>
  556. <p>The post <a href="https://lamarlending.com/two-reasons-we-wont-see-a-rush-of-foreclosures-this-fall/">Two Reasons We Won’t See a Rush of Foreclosures This Fall</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lamarlending.com">Lamar Lending - Trusted Mortgage Broker Since 2005</a>.</p>
  557. ]]></description>
  558. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
  559. <figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://secureservercdn.net/198.71.233.87/074.bee.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/20200722-KCM-Share-549x300-1.jpg?time=1595637573" alt=""/></figure>
  560.  
  561.  
  562.  
  563. <p>The health crisis we face as a country has led businesses all over the nation to reduce or discontinue their <a href="https://www.pinoyseoservices.com/">services</a> altogether. This pause in the economy has greatly impacted the workforce and as a result, many people have been laid off or furloughed. Naturally, that would lead many to believe we might see a rush of foreclosures like we saw in 2008. The market today, however, is very different from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2020/04/15/think-this-is-a-housing-crisis-think-again/?a=233075-5e781d8dabd1cbf55e0a7c710c58d20f">2008</a>.</p>
  564.  
  565.  
  566.  
  567. <p>The concern of more foreclosures based on those that are out of work is one that we need to understand fully. There are two reasons we won’t see a rush of foreclosures this fall: forbearance extension options and strong homeowner equity.</p>
  568.  
  569.  
  570.  
  571. <p><strong>1. Forbearance Extension</strong></p>
  572.  
  573.  
  574.  
  575. <p>Forbearance, according to the&nbsp;<em>Consumer Financial Protection Bureau</em>&nbsp;(<a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-forbearance-en-289/">CFPB</a>), is&nbsp;<em>“<strong>when your mortgage servicer or lender allows you to temporarily pay your <a href="https://lamarlending.com/">mortgage at a lower payment</a> or pause paying your mortgage.”</strong></em>&nbsp;Thisis an option for those who need immediate relief. In today’s economy, the CFPB has given homeowners a way to extend their forbearance, which will greatly assist those families who need it at this critical time.</p>
  576.  
  577.  
  578.  
  579. <p>Under the CARES Act, the CFPB&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/coronavirus/mortgage-and-housing-assistance/mortgage-relief/">notes</a>:</p>
  580.  
  581.  
  582.  
  583. <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p><em>“If you experience financial hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic, you have a right to request and obtain a forbearance for up to 180 days. You also have the right to request and obtain an extension for up to another 180 days (for a total of up to 360 days).”</em><strong></strong></p></blockquote>
  584.  
  585.  
  586.  
  587. <p><strong>2. Strong Homeowner Equity</strong></p>
  588.  
  589.  
  590.  
  591. <p><a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2020/06/18/want-to-make-a-move-homeowner-equity-is-growing-year-over-year/?a=233075-5e781d8dabd1cbf55e0a7c710c58d20f">Equity</a>&nbsp;is also working in favor of today’s homeowners. This savings is another reason why we won’t see substantial foreclosures in the near future. Today’s homeowners who are in forbearance actually have more equity in their homes than what the market experienced in 2008.</p>
  592.  
  593.  
  594.  
  595. <p>The <a href="https://cdn.blackknightinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/BKI_MM_Apr2020_Report.pdf">Mortgage Monitor</a> report from <em>Black Knight</em> indicates that of all active forbearances which are past due on their mortgage payment, <strong><em>77% have at least 20% equity in their homes</em></strong> <em>(See graph below):</em><a href="https://secureservercdn.net/198.71.233.87/074.bee.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/20200722-MEM-ENG.jpg"></a><em>Black Knight</em> notes:</p>
  596.  
  597.  
  598.  
  599. <figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://secureservercdn.net/198.71.233.87/074.bee.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/20200722-MEM-ENG.jpg" alt=""/></figure>
  600.  
  601.  
  602.  
  603. <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p><em>“The high level of equity provides options for homeowners, policymakers, mortgage investors and servicers in helping to avoid downstream foreclosure activity and default-related losses.”</em></p></blockquote>
  604.  
  605.  
  606.  
  607. <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Bottom Line</strong></h3>
  608.  
  609.  
  610.  
  611. <p>Many think we may see a rush of foreclosures this fall, but the facts just don’t add up in this case. Today’s real estate market is very different from 2008 when we saw many homeowners walk away when they owed more than their homes were worth. This time, equity is stronger and plans are in place to help those affected weather the storm.</p>
  612.  
  613.  
  614.  
  615. <p>Content previously posted on Keeping Current Matters</p>
  616. <p>The post <a href="https://lamarlending.com/two-reasons-we-wont-see-a-rush-of-foreclosures-this-fall/">Two Reasons We Won’t See a Rush of Foreclosures This Fall</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lamarlending.com">Lamar Lending - Trusted Mortgage Broker Since 2005</a>.</p>
  617. ]]></content:encoded>
  621. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">474</post-id> </item>
  622. <item>
  623. <title>Home Sales Hit a Record-Setting Rebound</title>
  624. <link>https://lamarlending.com/home-sales-hit-a-record-setting-rebound/</link>
  626. <dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator>
  627. <pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2020 00:40:29 +0000</pubDate>
  628. <category><![CDATA[Home Buying]]></category>
  629. <category><![CDATA[Home Refinancing]]></category>
  630. <category><![CDATA[Home Sales]]></category>
  631. <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
  632. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://lamarlending.com/?p=472</guid>
  633.  
  634. <description><![CDATA[<p>With a worldwide health crisis that drove a pause in the economy this year, the housing market was greatly impacted. Many have been eagerly awaiting some bright signs of a recovery. Based on the latest Existing Home Sales&#160;Report&#160;from the&#160;National Association of Realtors&#160;(NAR), June hit a...</p>
  635. <p>The post <a href="https://lamarlending.com/home-sales-hit-a-record-setting-rebound/">Home Sales Hit a Record-Setting Rebound</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lamarlending.com">Lamar Lending - Trusted Mortgage Broker Since 2005</a>.</p>
  636. ]]></description>
  637. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
  638. <figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://secureservercdn.net/198.71.233.87/074.bee.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/20200723-KCM-Share-549x300-1.jpg?time=1595637573" alt=""/></figure>
  639.  
  640.  
  641.  
  642. <p>With a worldwide health crisis that drove a pause in the economy this year, the housing market was greatly impacted. Many have been eagerly awaiting some bright signs of a recovery. Based on the latest Existing Home Sales&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/housing-statistics/existing-home-sales">Report</a>&nbsp;from the&nbsp;<em>National Association of Realtors</em>&nbsp;(NAR), June hit a much-anticipated record-setting rebound to ignite that spark.</p>
  643.  
  644.  
  645.  
  646. <p>According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom/existing-home-sales-climb-record-20-7-in-june">NAR</a>,&nbsp;<strong>home sales jumped 20.7%</strong>&nbsp;from May to a seasonally-adjusted annual rate of 4.72 million in June:</p>
  647.  
  648.  
  649.  
  650. <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p><em>“Existing-home sales rebounded at a record pace in June, showing strong signs of a market turnaround after three straight months of sales declines caused by the ongoing pandemic…Each of the four major regions achieved month-over-month growth.”</em></p></blockquote>
  651.  
  652.  
  653.  
  654. <p><a href="https://secureservercdn.net/198.71.233.87/074.bee.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/20200723-MEM-Eng-1.jpg"></a>This significant rebound is a major boost for the housing market and the U.S. economy. According to Lawrence Yun,&nbsp;<em>Chief Economist</em>&nbsp;for NAR, the momentum has the potential to continue on, too:</p>
  655.  
  656.  
  657.  
  658. <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p><em>“The sales recovery is strong, as buyers were eager to purchase homes and properties that they had been eyeing during the shutdown…This revitalization looks to be sustainable for many months ahead as long as <a href="https://lamarlending.com/">mortgage rates</a> remain low and job gains continue.”</em></p></blockquote>
  659.  
  660.  
  661.  
  662. <p>With mortgage rates hitting an all-time low, dropping&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2020/07/17/mortgage-rates-fall-below-3-infographic/?a=233075-5e781d8dabd1cbf55e0a7c710c58d20f">below 3%</a>&nbsp;for the first time last week, potential homebuyers are poised to continue taking advantage of this historic opportunity to buy. This fierce competition among buyers is contributing to home price increases as well, as more buyers are finding themselves in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2020/07/13/buyers-are-you-ready-for-a-bidding-war/?a=233075-5e781d8dabd1cbf55e0a7c710c58d20f">bidding wars</a>&nbsp;in this environment. The report also notes:</p>
  663.  
  664.  
  665.  
  666. <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p><em>“The median existing-home price&nbsp;for all housing types in June was $295,300, up 3.5% from June 2019 ($285,400), as prices rose in every region. June’s national price increase marks 100 straight months of year-over-year gains.”</em></p></blockquote>
  667.  
  668.  
  669.  
  670. <p>The graph below shows home price increases by region, powered by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2020/07/15/mortgage-rates-hit-record-lows-for-three-consecutive-weeks/?a=233075-5e781d8dabd1cbf55e0a7c710c58d20f">low interest rates</a>, pent-up demand, and a decline in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2020/07/20/thinking-of-selling-your-house-now-may-be-the-right-time/?a=233075-5e781d8dabd1cbf55e0a7c710c58d20f">inventory</a>&nbsp;on the market:<a href="https://secureservercdn.net/198.71.233.87/074.bee.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/20200723-MEM-Eng-2.jpg"></a>Yun also indicates:</p>
  671.  
  672.  
  673.  
  674. <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p><em>“Home prices rose during the lockdown and could rise even further due to heavy buyer competition and a significant shortage of supply.”</em></p></blockquote>
  675.  
  676.  
  677.  
  678. <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Bottom Line</strong></h3>
  679.  
  680.  
  681.  
  682. <p>Buyers returning to the market is a great sign for the economy, as housing is still leading the way toward a recovery. If you’re ready to buy a home this year, let’s connect to make sure you have the best possible guide with you each step of the way.</p>
  683.  
  684.  
  685.  
  686. <p>Content previously posted on Keeping Current Matters</p>
  687. <p>The post <a href="https://lamarlending.com/home-sales-hit-a-record-setting-rebound/">Home Sales Hit a Record-Setting Rebound</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lamarlending.com">Lamar Lending - Trusted Mortgage Broker Since 2005</a>.</p>
  688. ]]></content:encoded>
  692. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">472</post-id> </item>
  693. <item>
  694. <title>A Real Estate Pro Is More Helpful Now than Ever [INFOGRAPHIC]</title>
  695. <link>https://lamarlending.com/a-real-estate-pro-is-more-helpful-now-than-ever-infographic/</link>
  697. <dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator>
  698. <pubDate>Tue, 28 Jul 2020 00:27:38 +0000</pubDate>
  699. <category><![CDATA[Home Buying]]></category>
  700. <category><![CDATA[Home Refinancing]]></category>
  701. <category><![CDATA[Home Sales]]></category>
  702. <category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
  703. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://lamarlending.com/?p=446</guid>
  704.  
  705. <description><![CDATA[<p>Some Highlights A recent study shared by&#160;NAR&#160;notes that both buyers and sellers think an agent is more helpful than ever during the current health crisis. Expertise and professionalism are highly valued and can save buyers and sellers time and effort along the way. If you’re...</p>
  706. <p>The post <a href="https://lamarlending.com/a-real-estate-pro-is-more-helpful-now-than-ever-infographic/">A Real Estate Pro Is More Helpful Now than Ever [INFOGRAPHIC]</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lamarlending.com">Lamar Lending - Trusted Mortgage Broker Since 2005</a>.</p>
  707. ]]></description>
  708. <content:encoded><![CDATA[
  709. <figure class="wp-block-image"><a href="https://secureservercdn.net/198.71.233.87/074.bee.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/20200717-MEM-1.jpg"><img decoding="async" src="https://secureservercdn.net/198.71.233.87/074.bee.myftpupload.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/20200717-MEM-1.jpg" alt="A Real Estate Pro Is More Helpful Now than Ever [INFOGRAPHIC] | Simplifying The Market"/></a></figure>
  710.  
  711.  
  712.  
  713. <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Some Highlights</strong></h3>
  714.  
  715.  
  716.  
  717. <ul class="wp-block-list"><li>A recent study shared by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/documents/2020-market-recovery-survey-07-09-2020.pdf">NAR</a>&nbsp;notes that both buyers and sellers think an agent is more helpful than ever during the current health crisis.</li><li>Expertise and professionalism are highly valued and can save buyers and sellers time and effort along the way.</li><li>If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home this year, let’s connect to be sure you have a trusted professional on your side.</li></ul>
  718.  
  719.  
  720.  
  721. <p>Content previously posted on Keeping Current Matters</p>
  722. <p>The post <a href="https://lamarlending.com/a-real-estate-pro-is-more-helpful-now-than-ever-infographic/">A Real Estate Pro Is More Helpful Now than Ever [INFOGRAPHIC]</a> appeared first on <a href="https://lamarlending.com">Lamar Lending - Trusted Mortgage Broker Since 2005</a>.</p>
  723. ]]></content:encoded>
  727. <post-id xmlns="com-wordpress:feed-additions:1">446</post-id> </item>
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