Do You Have a Retirement Account?

Maybe you don't, because you're doing your best to keep up with monthly expenses.  But consider it anyway.  It doesn't have to be a large amount, some credit cards connected with investment or banking firms have a program to put accrued points into an IRA.  Or just try a savings account, or a money market account.  Why?  Because it's a way to build wealth as early as possible in your life.

The gap between homeowners and renters is ever widening, "The median net worth of a homeowner is about $400,000. A renter’s is just about $10,000", according to the Aspen Institute, just one of many financial sources concerning data on wealth. Home equity is one of the ways to build wealth, people with more income also have investments.  Many younger people have benefited from family money funneled into down payment, or parents who take money out of their home equity and lend or give to their child. This becomes more and more important as the market price of a home gets higher.  Some people don't have family money, but don't think that you can't ever buy-- first of all, you have to realize that most people don't start at the top, they start where they can reach their goal of homeownership, which can lead them to their next goal of another home.  

Homeownership creates stability, and creates a stronger community for everyone. I have worked with buyers who were not able to buy until well into their 40s. There's not an age limit for getting a mortgage (although that may be true in other countries), and there are various loan programs and down payment program available.

Find a REALTOR who can provide a buyer orientation, explain the process of mortgage and introduce you to a financial person, and explain the financial responsibilities of homeownership, whether it's a house or a condominium.  

For more information to investigate on your own, go to https://www.hud.gov/counseling for information on buying, obtaining a reverse mortgage, or avoiding foreclosure.  For more information on owning, buying, selling, renting, plus more, go to https://myhome.freddiemac.com and in particular, learn about credit management at https://myhome.freddiemac.com/resources/creditsmart.

Often times, a client does not want to tell their REALTOR indepth information about their financial circumstances (although certain things a REALTOR must know about about, such as down payment amount), but a client does go through much more financial disclosure with their lender.  So by going to the links above, a buyer (also a seller who will become a buyer after closing escrow), will be more prepared for discussion, and planning for their future.  

As a professional REALTOR for the last 30 years, I am acquainted with clients' stories, and what they have sometimes been through before buying. Please feel free to contact me with questions, I have access to a lot of information that can help you.

 

Julia Huntsman, REALTOR, Broker | http://www.abodes.realestate | 562-896-2609 | California Lic. #01188996

What Are Reasons to Buy, No Matter Whether Interest Rates are Unpredictable?

View towards San Pedro

 One of my most popular posts was on the cost of waiting to buy, posted several years ago. 

And it's still an important reason to make a move -- 

Renting vs. Buying. Waiting for better interest rates can result in long term higher costs. Renting has zero equity growth and offers no tax benefits of homeownership.

It's important to watch the shifts in the local market, and stay ahead of the changes, not behind them where you're playing catch-up.

There's been talk of when the interest rates will drop -- but look at the local market--in spite of interest rates dropping and then rising again, the local single family market and condo market has still risen when comparing October 2023 to October 2024.  The demand is still strong, and that's helping the overall upward surge in prices. Here's a scenario from my post back in 2009, you can substitute in current asking prices and slightly higher interest rate, but the point is still the same:

Let's make an assumption that the prices may still decline 5% more before they start appreciating again. If while a buyer was waiting for the price on a $250,000 to go down 5% to $237,500, and the interest rate goes up one percent from 5.25% to 6.25%, which is entirely possible, the buyer's monthly payments will increase almost $79 per month.

If you're a first time buyer (meaning you haven't owned property in the last years), look into the buyer programs offered through various banks.

If you're holding back because you think interest rates will drop again, or again, just think about how you could be gaining equity, and saving on  tax deductions.  Not every home that's come on the market is selling, and reasons vary, but think again about your goals towards homeownership.

 

Julia Huntsman, REALTOR, Broker | http://www.abodes.realestate | 562-896-2609 | California Lic. #01188996

Affordability in the California Housing Market

With the improvement in the California housing market since the "bottom of the market" in 2009, affordability has changed.

California's housing affordability index is at 29 percent, meaning 29 percent of California's homebuyers can afford the median-priced home of $487,420, which is a statewide figure.  The required income is just over $98,000.  To compare, 38 percent of the California population makes an annual income of $78,000 or more.  While not all single buyers may fit this profile, couples able to use both incomes to qualify are more likely to suceed, especially in the lower-priced condo market in certain cities.

In spite of this affordability declining over time, it appears to have stabilized in the 30% range.  Has it affected sales volume? Apparently not, because sales volume has increased 5.7% since the same time last year.

Downtown Long Beach

Will gradually increasing interest rates affect California's housing market?  Hopefully not, if the economy and labor markets continue to stabilize or grow.

What is the Long Beach median single family home price doing?  Here are the latest citywide figures:




 Long Beach condo price for the citywide median price of under $350,000
is posted below:

Buyer Affordability--Loans vs. Price Decrease

The good news is that more buyers don't need as much annual income in order to qualify, but what about loan qualification?

First of all, price drops are out there, especially with condos. If a condo is for you, this is the time to start examining your options. Right now, a qualified buyer could find a one-bedroom condominium in Belmont Heights for as low as $190,000 with dues at $252/month, and downtown prices start even lower at $75,000 for a studio with dues at $126/month. If you prefer a single family home, try a lovely 2 bedroom/1 bath home in Lakewood's Carson Park area (no REO or short pay) for $349,000.

The really good news is that the qualifying income needed is also much lower than a year ago: $62,870 annual income will now buy a home selling at $329,000, so even less income will be needed for that one-bedroom condo. See the August 19 affordability report from California Association of Realtors for the second quarter of 2008.

But next, suppose you don't have a lot of cash saved up for down payment. Let's face it, mortgage lending is returning to more traditional parameters, with the departure of lenders both large and small, the Bank of America takeover of Countrywide being one example. But 3% down is still possible for an FHA loan, which will also allow a family member (only) to assist on the down payment. Otherwise, the vast majority of conventional loans are leaning towards 10% down payment. On the other hand, there are still-valid down payment assistance programs through local cities such and Long Beach, Los Angeles, Bellflower, Buena Park, Irvine, La Mirada, Westminster, plus other sources such as ACORN, NHF Access, CalSTRS, CalHFA, and various neighborhood housing services and credit unions in Los Angeles and Orange Counties--keep in mind these programs are often driven by income levels and geographic location. However, programs allowing down payment contribution from the seller, such as the HART, are no longer allowed after the end of September.

If you would like to find out how you might be able to qualify for a loan, and one of these programs, call or e-mail me.