Hope Leitner, Realtor®, CRS

  "Opportunities don’t happen. You create them—especially in real estate.” I truly believe that the right time and place can make all the difference. Whether you're thinking about buying or selling. I believe every step in the process, from exploring your options to finding the perfect home, is a chance to create something amazing. ✨ R eal estate isn’t just about buying and selling properties; it’s about creating new beginnings and making dreams a reality. Let’s talk and see what’s possible. 🏡✨ Follow and DM me today! Hope Leitner Berkshire Hathaway Home Services 📞 858-382-3763 📧 hope@cdhorn.com

  When you put your house on the market, you want to sell it quickly and for the best price possible; that's generally the goal. But too many sellers are shooting too high right now. They don’t realize the market has shifted as inventory has grown. The side effect? Price cuts are on the rise, but they really don’t have to be. Here’s why. According to  data  from  Realtor.com , in February, price cuts were the highest they’ve been in any other February since 2019 ( see graph below ): If you consider that 2019 was the last true normal year for the housing market – that's a big deal. We’re getting back to what’s typical for the market. This isn’t the same frenzied seller’s market we saw a few years ago. You may not get the same price your neighbor did at the height of the pandemic. And that means you may need to reset your expectations. Because here’s the reality. If you shoot too high and have to lower your price after the fact, you could actually end up walking away w...

  “Success in real estate starts with a vision, followed by action.” 🚀 Ready to take the first step toward homeownership? Let’s make your vision a reality! Message me today. 🏠🔑

  If you’ve been waiting for mortgage rates to drop, here’s what experts predict: They’re expected to settle around 6.5% by the end of the year—not the huge drop many were hoping for. But don’t let that hold you back! There are options like: ✔ Buydowns to lower your rate upfront ✔ Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) for flexibility ✔ Assumable loans that can lock in a lower rate Want to explore what works best for you?  Let’s chat! DM me and I’ll connect you with a great lender. Hope Leitner, CRS, CalDRE #01874321 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

  If you’ve been hesitant to   list your house   because you’re worried no one’s buying, here’s your sign it may be time to talk with an agent. After months of high rates keeping buyers on the sidelines, things are starting to shift. Rates are already coming down due to a number of economic factors. And yesterday the  Federal Reserve  cut the Federal Funds Rate for the first time since they began raising that rate in  March 2022 . And while they don’t control mortgage rates, this sets the stage for mortgage rates to fall even further than they already have – especially since more cuts from the Fed are expected into next year. And lower  mortgage rates  are bringing more buyers back into the market. Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist at  Bright MLS , says: “A drop in the cost of borrowing will help fuel more homebuyer demand . . . Falling rates will also bring more sellers into the market.” The best part? You can  take advantage  of th...

  Every  seller  wants to get their house sold  quickly , for as much money as they can, with as few  headaches  as possible. And chances are, you’re no different. But did you know one of the biggest things that could jeopardize your success is the  asking price  for your home? Pricing your house correctly is one of the most crucial steps in the selling process. So, how do you know if you’re missing the mark? Here are four signs your high asking price might be turning potential buyers away—and why leaning on your  real estate agent  is the best way to course correct. 1. You’re Not Getting Many Showings or Offers One of the most obvious signs your house may be overpriced is a lack of showings. If it's been on the market for several weeks and only a few buyers have come to see it—or worse, you haven’t gotten any  offers —it could be a clear indication the price isn’t matching up with what buyers expect. Because buyers who have been lo...

  You won’t find anyone who’s going to argue that  mortgage rates  have had a big impact on  housing affordability  over the past couple of years. But there is hope on the horizon. Rates have actually started to come down. And, recently they hit the  lowest point  we’ve seen in 2024,  according  to  Freddie Mac  ( see graph below ): And if you’re thinking about  buying a home , that may leave you wondering: how much lower are they going to go? Here’s some information that can help you know what to expect. Expert Projections for Mortgage Rates Experts say the overall downward trend should continue as long as inflation and the  economy  keeps cooling. But as new reports come out on those key indicators, there’s going to be  some volatility  here and there. What you need to remember is it’s not wise to let those blips distract you from the larger trend. Rates are still down roughly a  full percentage point...

  Now that it’s September, all eyes are on the  Federal Reserve  (the Fed). The overwhelming expectation is that they’ll cut the Federal Funds Rate at their upcoming meeting, driven primarily by recent signs that  inflation is cooling , and the job market is  slowing down . Mark Zandi, Chief Economist at  Moody’s Analytics ,  said : “They’re ready to cut, just as long as we don’t get an inflation surprise between now and September, which we won’t.” But what does this mean for the housing market, and more importantly, for you as a potential homebuyer or  seller ? Why a Federal Funds Rate Cut Matters The Federal Funds Rate is one of the key factors that influences  mortgage rates  – things like the economy, geopolitical uncertainty, and more also have an impact. When the Fed cuts the Federal Funds Rate, it signals what’s happening in the broader economy, and mortgage rates tend to respond. While a single rate cut might not lead to a dramat...

Can you believe Labor Day is just around the corner? Kids are already back in School! This summer just zoomed by! But, it's not too late to squeeze some sunshine, heat and time outdoors from the steadily shortening days.  I don't know about you, but I feel the sunlight starts to take on that hazy golden glow this time of year - I LOVE the hot pink sunsets over the Pacific these days!   Below are so many great events and activities to help maximize the end of summer. Enjoy!    September - Ponder this -   “Happily we bask in this warm September sun, which illuminates all creatures.” — Henry David Thoreau   I am here for you, your family, and your friends. Whether you own a home or you are looking to buy or sell one, I'm here to help.   If you know anyone who might be interested in receiving this event calendar every month, please have them sign up at this  link.   Your Forever Agent,    Hope Leitner, CRS, CalDRE #01874321