Real Estate Information
Mt. Hood Real Estate Blog
Liz Warren
Blog
Displaying blog entries 391-400 of 1878
Homebuyers for Mt. Hood: Hang In There
Homebuyers For Mt. Hood: Hang in There
Some Highlights
- Today’s sellers’ market provides unique challenges—and benefits—for buyers.
- Current low interest rates won’t last forever, and home prices are forecast to rise.
- If you’re a homebuyer, hang in there. Homeownership improves your quality of life, and the long-term benefits outweigh the short-term challenges.
Mt. Hood Chalet in Rhododendron
Here is the perfect Mt. Hood getaway located in the Timberline Rim subdivision above the Sandy River. Tons of wood throughout the home with high vaulted ceiling in the living room and tons of sun filled windows with natural light. Toe warming fireplace is ready to go after a day on the slopes. Two spacious bedrooms on the main level and a huge loft upstairs. $385000!
Vacation Home Demand is Strong on Mt. Hood
Demand for Vacation Homes Is Still Strong
On Mt. Hood
The pandemic created a tremendous interest in vacation homes across the country. Throughout the last year, many people purchased second homes as a safe getaway from the challenges of the health crisis. With many professionals working from home and many students taking classes remotely, it made sense to see a migration away from cities and into counties with more vacation destinations.
The 2021 Vacation Home Counties Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows that this increase in vacation home sales continues in 2021. The report examines sales in counties where “vacant seasonal, occasional, or recreational use housing account for at least 20% of the housing stock” and compares that data to the overall residential market.
Their findings show:
- Vacation home sales rose by 16.4% to 310,600 in 2020, outpacing the 5.6% growth in total existing-home sales.
- Vacation home sales are up 57.2% year-over-year during January-April 2021 compared to the 20% year-over-year change in total existing-home sales.
- Home prices rose more in vacation home counties – the median existing price rose by 14.2% in vacation home counties, compared to 10.1% in non-vacation home counties.
This coincides with data released by Zelman & Associates on the increase in sales of second homes throughout the country last year.
As the data above shows, there is still high demand for second getaway homes in 2021 even as the pandemic winds down. While we may see a rise in second-home sellers as life returns to normal, ongoing low supply and high demand will continue to provide those sellers with a good return on their investment.
Bottom Line
If you’re one of the many people who purchased a vacation home during the pandemic, you’re likely wondering what this means for you. If you’re considering selling that home as life returns to normal, you have options. There are still plenty of buyers in the market. If, on the other hand, you want to keep your second home, enjoy it! Current market conditions show that it’s a good ongoing investment.
Financial Benefits of Home Ownership
Owning a Home Has Distinct Financial Benefits Over Renting
Some Highlights
- When you rent, you build your landlord’s wealth, your monthly payment depends on ever-rising rents, and you don’t benefit from home price appreciation.
- On the other hand, when you own your home, you build your own wealth, your monthly payment is locked in, and you benefit directly from home price appreciation.
- If you’re feeling the challenges of a competitive market, remember that homeownership is a long-term game. Persevering today will lead to financial rewards in the future.
Housing Wealth
Housing Wealth: The Missing Piece of the Affordability Equation
The real estate market is soaring today. Residential home values are rising, and that’s a big win for homeowners. In 2020, there was a double-digit increase in home values – a trend that’s expected to head toward similar levels this year.
However, skyrocketing prices are causing some to start questioning affordability in the current housing market. Many are quick to emphasize the fact that homes today are less affordable than they were last year. Black Knight, a leading provider of data and analytics across the homeownership life cycle, just reported on the issue.
The findings show the historical averages of the national payment to income ratio, which they define as “the share of the median income needed to make the monthly payments on the median-priced home.” Their study reveals:
- The average over the last 25 years was 23.6%
- The average over the last 5 years was 20.1%
- The average today stands at 20.5%
Right now, housing payments are slightly less affordable than the five-year average – but only by less than ½ a percentage point. However, they’re significantly more affordable than the 25-year average. Put another way, a buyer will likely make a slightly greater financial sacrifice to afford a home right now than if they purchased a home within the last five years. On the other hand, it also means the potential financial sacrifice is not nearly as great as it was over the last 25 years.
Does making a sacrifice to buy a home today make financial sense in the long term?
Last week, the Federal Reserve announced that, in the first three months of the year, household net worth increased by $968 billion based solely on the values of the real estate they owned. Another report from CoreLogic reveals the average annual gain in homeowner equity was $33,400 per borrower.
Homeownership continues to be the cornerstone to building personal wealth. For most Americans, their home is the largest asset they own. On top of that, the difference between the net worth of homeowners and renters is significant at every income level. Here’s a table detailing that point using data from a study done by First American:Owning a home is an essential steppingstone to grow a household’s net worth. Despite the slightly greater sacrifice in the percentage of monthly income you’ll spend on housing today, for most homebuyers, the payoff of starting to build equity now will be worth it.
Bottom Line
Since prices have risen dramatically over the past 18 months, it’s slightly less affordable to buy a home today than it was a year ago. However, when you consider the equity gain and weigh the long-term benefits of building your net worth, you may question if you can afford not to buy now.
Super Sunny Mt. Hood National Forest Cabin
Here is a charming sunny cabin that just hit the market. Super sunny location in Rhododendron in the Mt. Hood National Forest. This well maintained A-frame has a metal roof, a large deck, comfortable living room area with high vaults, lots of windows and a toe warming wood stove. There's one bedroom on the main level and the loft upstairs has two sleeping area. Plowed road in the winter makes it great for skiers too. $229,950!
Moving Up This Summer
Have Your Day in the Sun by Moving Up This Summer
Some Highlights
- Longer days and sunny weather mean summer is upon us, and what better conditions than right now to upgrade to the home of your dreams?
- If your needs have changed, it’s a great time to upgrade – there’s likely high demand for your current house, and today’s low mortgage rates can help you afford your dream home.
- If you’re ready to upgrade to a home that matches your changing needs, let’s connect today.
Displaying blog entries 391-400 of 1878
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