Hope Leitner, Realtor®, CRS

  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...

  November 2021 This newsletter is focused on financing. Whether you're trying to buy or if you are looking to save money, there are things to consider when it comes to real estate financing. Read more below.  If you have questions, or if you need me to refer you to an excellent loan officer, you can always give me a call. Click here to find out how to select a loan officer and key items to consider.  Learn more click here.  I am here to support my clients, whatever their real estate needs might be.  When you’re ready to make your move to buy or sell, give me a call. As always, I am here for you, and I welcome any communication from you. HOMEBUYERS, FINANCE Compare Interest Rates and APRs When you apply for a mortgage, you may not pay the advertised rate. The best rates are for those homebuyers with the best credit scores. However, lenders are competitive, so you’d be wise to apply to several lenders at once. You’ll receive a loan estimate that you can compa...

Ask yourself these three questions to ensure you are ready. For those homeowners who may be interested in refinancing, you may or may not be ready to jump in. Lenders have developed stricter criteria in the wake of the recession. Here are some of the questions you'll need to ask to be an attractive candidate for a refinancing opportunity. 1. Are you a 20 percent stakeholder? The lenders would ideally like to see that you've got skin in the game — meaning, they want you to own at least 20 percent of the equity in the house.  How do you know whether or not you have that level of equity? Find out the answer  here .