Talking Real Estate with Hope Leitner February E-Newsletter

Whether you own a home or looking to buy or sell one, here are the latest Good To Know articles for when you’re ready to take the next step in finding your Forever Home. I am here to support you whatever your real estate needs might be.  

When you are ready to make the decision to buy or sell, give me a call. 

 It’s Spring Cleaning Time. Have you considered cleaning up the portfolio a little by simplifying your assets? Now might be a good time to let go of some investment properties. Turn that equity into something fresh and new. Give me a call!  

 As always, I am here for you, your family, and friends. 

 Hope Leitner, CalDRE #01874321 

Your Trusted Real Estate Agent Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, California Properties 

 Christie D. Horn and Associates 

3790 Via de la Valle, Suite 201, Del Mar, CA 92014 

 Cell: (858) 382-3763 

Website: HopeLeitner.com 

HOMEBUYERS, HOMEOWNERS, HOME SELLERS, TRENDS 

 Outlook for Housing 2022 

     Housing was one of the strongest sectors of the economy for 2021, but rising interest rates and inflation are causing many to wonder if sales will continue as strong in 2022. Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of REALTORS, believes the number of home sales will decline in 2022 but will still outpace pre-pandemic levels, based on continuing demand from homebuyers. 

More inventory is becoming available from home builders and from homeowners who will no longer receive loan forbearance and may decide to sell their homes instead.  Goldman Sachs economists predict that home prices will climb another 16%, reports Houwzer.com. Yet, Corelogic has lowered its forecast from 2.2% to 1.9%, according to Fortune.com. 

Fannie Mae is predicting that mortgage rates will rise to an average of 3.4% next year, while the Mortgage Bankers Association believes rates will rise to 4%. Fortune.com points out that the Federal Reserve predicted 1.8% inflation for 2021, but the real number is closer to 6.2% set in October – the highest rate since 1990. 

In real numbers, if a buyer puts 20% down on a $500,000 home, they will have a monthly payment of $1,682 at 2.98%. At 4%, the monthly payment would be $1,910. So, should you buy a home or wait it out? 

If economists can’t agree on their outlooks, you probably shouldn’t try to time the market either. Housing is a terrific hedge against inflation, so instead, ask yourself what you can afford and go from there.  

LUXURY, SMART TECHNOLOGIES, HOMEOWNERS, HOMEBUYERS, LIFESTYLE 

Three Home Trends That Will Stay Around 

     The way Americans use their homes has changed since the advent of the pandemic. Once many activities were significantly curtailed or eliminated, from going to the office or school, travel, gatherings, dining out, to theaters and other entertainment, homeowners spent more time at home. 

Here are some home design trends for 2022 that may stick around after the pandemic is over. Smart furniture – According to Puffy.com, the smart furniture industry is on track to reach $244 million by 2024. 

Televisions can double as artwork when turned off, couches, beds and chairs offer charging ports, but most exciting are coffee tables that come with refrigerator drawers, so you never have to leave the game to grab a cold one. 

 Muted but colorful décor – Color palettes for 2022, such as those suggested by Benjamin Moore,  are calling for colors on the paler side, far from the deep jewel, spice and ocean shades of recent years. Three colors with less chroma and more tint are emerging as popular - blues because they’re calming, greens for versatility and bringing the outdoors inside, and yellows for cheerfulness and optimism, according to Homesandgardens.com. 

 Vintage accents – In the chaotic environment of climate change, rising inflation, supply chain interruptions, and sky-high lumber prices, it’s natural to be nostalgic for simpler times. That sentiment is spurring designers and homeowners to seek out vintage furnishings and accessories. Housebeautiful.com explains that vintage pieces add individuality and personality to interior design with craftsmanship and materials that can’t be affordably duplicated today. 

©2022 BHH Affiliates, LLC. Real Estate Brokerage Services are offered through the network member franchisees of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Most franchisees are independently owned and operated. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Information not verified or guaranteed. If your property is currently listed with a Broker, this is not intended as a solicitation. Equal Housing Opportunity.