Hope Leitner, Realtor®, CRS

  Could a 55+ Community Be Right for You? If you’re thinking about  downsizing , you may be hearing about 55+ communities and wondering if they’d be a good fit for you. Here’s some information that could help you make your decision. What Is a 55+ Community? It’s important to note that these communities aren’t just for people who need extra support – they can be pretty vibrant, too. Many people who are  downsizing  opt for this type of home because they’re looking to be surrounded by people in a similar season of life.  U.S. News   explains : “The terms ‘55-plus community,’ ‘active adult community,’ ‘lifestyle communities’ and ‘planned communities’ refer to a setting that caters to the needs and preferences of adults over the age of 55.  These communities are designed for seniors who are able to care for themselves but may be looking to downsize to a community with others their same age and with similar interests .” Why It’s Worth Considering This Type of Home If that sounds like someth

  Are you on the fence about whether to  sell your house  now or hold off? It’s a common  dilemma , but here’s a key point to consider: your lifestyle might be the biggest factor in your decision. While financial aspects are important, sometimes the personal motivations for moving are reason enough to make the leap sooner rather than later. An  annual report  from the  National Association of Realtors  (NAR) offers insight into why homeowners like you chose to sell. All of the top reasons are related to life changes. As the graph below highlights: As the visual shows, the biggest motivators were the desire to be closer to friends or family, outgrowing their current house, or experiencing a significant life change like getting married or having a baby. The need to  downsize  or  relocate  for work also made the list. If you, like the  homeowners  in this report, find yourself needing features, space, or amenities your current home just can’t provide, it may be time to consider talking t

  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 dramatic drop in mortgage rates, it could contribute to

There are a number of   reasons   you may be thinking about   selling   your house. And as you weigh your options, you may find you’re unsure how you’re going to deal with one thing about today’s   housing market   – and that’s   affordability . If that’s your biggest concern, understanding how much equity you have in your house could help make your   decision   that much easier. Here are two key factors that have a big impact on your equity. How Long You’ve Been in Your Home First up is homeowner tenure. That’s how long homeowners live in a house, on average, before  selling  or choosing to move. From 1985 to 2009, the average length of time homeowners stayed put was roughly six years.  But  according  to the  National Association of Realtors  (NAR), that number has been climbing. Now, the average tenure is 10 years ( see graph below ): Here’s why that’s such a big deal. You gain  equity  as you pay down your home loan and as home prices climb. And when you combine all of your mortgag

Over 3,000 homes on the market - and we're still seeing the average cost of a home hovering around $1.2 million! It feels a little crazy - but there are willing and able buyers out there! Prices will decline slightly due to a seasonal drop in demand - but, over the next few years I believe home values will continue to hold steady.  Below you'll find the housing report for the current month along with data from the preceding months. San Diego County continues to have with an inventory shortage, even with lots of new construction. The average cost of a home has risen, but that doesn't mean there aren't still some affordable properties out there.  Whether you're contemplating a purchase or sale, I invite you to reach out. Let's discuss your options within the dynamics of our distinctive housing market, ensuring your decisions align with the current trends and realities.   Hope Opens Doors