Mortgage Pulse: Matt’s Daily Digest on Market Dynamics January 18, 2024

Navigating the home finance world can be tricky, but I've got your back! Here's a quick snapshot of what's happening: - The 10-year Treasury yield touched 5% - a level not seen in 16 years! - Global events, especially from Japan and Europe, are influencing our rates. - More homes are up for sale, offering more choices for buyers. - Mortgage rates might rise, so if you're considering a move, now's the time. Dive into the full report for all the details and stay informed! Get this Market update from a friend? Click the link on the right to subscribe!

Mortgage Pulse: Matt’s Daily Digest on Market Dynamics January 17, 2024

Navigating the home finance world can be tricky, but I've got your back! Here's a quick snapshot of what's happening: - The 10-year Treasury yield touched 5% - a level not seen in 16 years! - Global events, especially from Japan and Europe, are influencing our rates. - More homes are up for sale, offering more choices for buyers. - Mortgage rates might rise, so if you're considering a move, now's the time. Dive into the full report for all the details and stay informed! Get this Market update from a friend? Click the link on the right to subscribe!

Mortgage Pulse: Matt’s Daily Digest on Market Dynamics January 16, 2024

Navigating the home finance world can be tricky, but I've got your back! Here's a quick snapshot of what's happening: - The 10-year Treasury yield touched 5% - a level not seen in 16 years! - Global events, especially from Japan and Europe, are influencing our rates. - More homes are up for sale, offering more choices for buyers. - Mortgage rates might rise, so if you're considering a move, now's the time. Dive into the full report for all the details and stay informed! Get this Market update from a friend? Click the link on the right to subscribe!

Mortgage Pulse: Matt’s Daily Digest on Market Dynamics January 10, 2024

Navigating the home finance world can be tricky, but I've got your back! Here's a quick snapshot of what's happening: - The 10-year Treasury yield touched 5% - a level not seen in 16 years! - Global events, especially from Japan and Europe, are influencing our rates. - More homes are up for sale, offering more choices for buyers. - Mortgage rates might rise, so if you're considering a move, now's the time. Dive into the full report for all the details and stay informed! Get this Market update from a friend? Click the link on the right to subscribe!

Mortgage Pulse: Matt’s Daily Digest on Market Dynamics January 9, 2024

Navigating the home finance world can be tricky, but I've got your back! Here's a quick snapshot of what's happening: - The 10-year Treasury yield touched 5% - a level not seen in 16 years! - Global events, especially from Japan and Europe, are influencing our rates. - More homes are up for sale, offering more choices for buyers. - Mortgage rates might rise, so if you're considering a move, now's the time. Dive into the full report for all the details and stay informed! Get this Market update from a friend? Click the link on the right to subscribe!

Mortgage Pulse: Matt’s Daily Digest on Market Dynamics November 28, 2023

Navigating the home finance world can be tricky, but I've got your back! Here's a quick snapshot of what's happening: - The 10-year Treasury yield touched 5% - a level not seen in 16 years! - Global events, especially from Japan and Europe, are influencing our rates. - More homes are up for sale, offering more choices for buyers. - Mortgage rates might rise, so if you're considering a move, now's the time. Dive into the full report for all the details and stay informed! Get this Market update from a friend? Click the link on the right to subscribe!

Mortgage Pulse: Matt’s Daily Digest on Market Dynamics November 22, 2023

Navigating the home finance world can be tricky, but I've got your back! Here's a quick snapshot of what's happening: - The 10-year Treasury yield touched 5% - a level not seen in 16 years! - Global events, especially from Japan and Europe, are influencing our rates. - More homes are up for sale, offering more choices for buyers. - Mortgage rates might rise, so if you're considering a move, now's the time. Dive into the full report for all the details and stay informed! Get this Market update from a friend? Click the link on the right to subscribe!

Mortgage Pulse: Matt’s Daily Digest on Market Dynamics November 21, 2023

Navigating the home finance world can be tricky, but I've got your back! Here's a quick snapshot of what's happening: - The 10-year Treasury yield touched 5% - a level not seen in 16 years! - Global events, especially from Japan and Europe, are influencing our rates. - More homes are up for sale, offering more choices for buyers. - Mortgage rates might rise, so if you're considering a move, now's the time. Dive into the full report for all the details and stay informed! Get this Market update from a friend? Click the link on the right to subscribe!

Mortgage Pulse: Matt’s Daily Digest on Market Dynamics November 20, 2023

Navigating the home finance world can be tricky, but I've got your back! Here's a quick snapshot of what's happening: - The 10-year Treasury yield touched 5% - a level not seen in 16 years! - Global events, especially from Japan and Europe, are influencing our rates. - More homes are up for sale, offering more choices for buyers. - Mortgage rates might rise, so if you're considering a move, now's the time. Dive into the full report for all the details and stay informed! Get this Market update from a friend? Click the link on the right to subscribe!

Mortgage Pulse: Matt’s Daily Digest on Market Dynamics November 14, 2023

Navigating the home finance world can be tricky, but I've got your back! Here's a quick snapshot of what's happening: - The 10-year Treasury yield touched 5% - a level not seen in 16 years! - Global events, especially from Japan and Europe, are influencing our rates. - More homes are up for sale, offering more choices for buyers. - Mortgage rates might rise, so if you're considering a move, now's the time. Dive into the full report for all the details and stay informed! Get this Market update from a friend? Click the link on the right to subscribe!

Mortgage Pulse: Matt’s Daily Digest on Market Dynamics November 13, 2023

Navigating the home finance world can be tricky, but I've got your back! Here's a quick snapshot of what's happening: - The 10-year Treasury yield touched 5% - a level not seen in 16 years! - Global events, especially from Japan and Europe, are influencing our rates. - More homes are up for sale, offering more choices for buyers. - Mortgage rates might rise, so if you're considering a move, now's the time. Dive into the full report for all the details and stay informed! Get this Market update from a friend? Click the link on the right to subscribe!

Listing Agent | Modern Home Seller Guide

Dear Seller, Navigating the intricate world of real estate and home financing can be daunting as the landscape undergoes transformative changes, particularly with affordability, values, and increasing lowball offers. That is why your agent has partnered up with us, because I've assembled this playbook to illuminate solutions to our market's most pressing challenges. By having us on your team, we can use some of these solutions, as well as others, to help make the home more affordable to the buyers, while netting you, the seller, more money. Consider this an educational tool and a resource you can refer back to. It's designed to answer some of the pivotal questions you may have about the nuances of selling and purchasing real estate. ⚡️ AFFORDABILITY SOLUTIONS ⚡️ Home affordability is a cornerstone in our industry. My team and I are equipped to devise financing solutions that cater to a diverse range of potential homebuyers. By securing favorable rates or introducing unique loan products, our goal remains steadfast: making the dream of homeownership feasible for more individuals. Example ➡️ Affordability Solutions ....................................................................... ⚡️ APPRAISAL GAP SOLUTION ⚡️ We have a remedy when a property's appraised value doesn't measure up to the anticipated list/sale price. Our appraisal gap strategy is tailored to bridge this disparity, ensuring that your listing agent, can secure the most competitive offer for the property. I've incorporated a video detailing our approach to this challenge for a more comprehensive understanding. Example ➡️ Appraisal Gap Details ....................................................................... ⚡️ NEGOTIATING LOWBALL OFFERS ⚡️ Encountering a lowball offer doesn't have to be a setback. We have a tried-and-true strategy to counter such offers, striking a balance that meets the buyer's proposal without compromising your financial considerations. This approach ensures that both parties reach an equitable and satisfactory agreement. Example ➡️ Negotiating Lowball Offers ....................................................................... I aim to be a collaborative partner in your real estate journey. Our challenges in this dynamic market are achievable with the right tools and strategies. I hope this playbook serves as a testament to my commitment to excellence and unwavering support for you. Let's work together to turn challenges into opportunities and achieve unparalleled success in our ventures. Warm regards, Listing Agent & Matt Robertshaw

Mortgage Pulse: Matt’s Daily Digest on Market Dynamics November 8, 2023

Navigating the home finance world can be tricky, but I've got your back! Here's a quick snapshot of what's happening: - The 10-year Treasury yield touched 5% - a level not seen in 16 years! - Global events, especially from Japan and Europe, are influencing our rates. - More homes are up for sale, offering more choices for buyers. - Mortgage rates might rise, so if you're considering a move, now's the time. Dive into the full report for all the details and stay informed! Get this Market update from a friend? Click the link on the right to subscribe!

Mortgage Pulse: Matt’s Daily Digest on Market Dynamics November 7, 2023

Navigating the home finance world can be tricky, but I've got your back! Here's a quick snapshot of what's happening: - The 10-year Treasury yield touched 5% - a level not seen in 16 years! - Global events, especially from Japan and Europe, are influencing our rates. - More homes are up for sale, offering more choices for buyers. - Mortgage rates might rise, so if you're considering a move, now's the time. Dive into the full report for all the details and stay informed! Get this Market update from a friend? Click the link on the right to subscribe!

Mortgage Pulse: Matt’s Daily Digest on Market Dynamics November 6, 2023

Navigating the home finance world can be tricky, but I've got your back! Here's a quick snapshot of what's happening: - The 10-year Treasury yield touched 5% - a level not seen in 16 years! - Global events, especially from Japan and Europe, are influencing our rates. - More homes are up for sale, offering more choices for buyers. - Mortgage rates might rise, so if you're considering a move, now's the time. Dive into the full report for all the details and stay informed! Get this Market update from a friend? Click the link on the right to subscribe!

Mortgage Pulse: Matt’s Daily Digest on Market Dynamics November 3, 2023

Navigating the home finance world can be tricky, but I've got your back! Here's a quick snapshot of what's happening: - The 10-year Treasury yield touched 5% - a level not seen in 16 years! - Global events, especially from Japan and Europe, are influencing our rates. - More homes are up for sale, offering more choices for buyers. - Mortgage rates might rise, so if you're considering a move, now's the time. Dive into the full report for all the details and stay informed! Get this Market update from a friend? Click the link on the right to subscribe!

The Appraisal Gap: Bridging Value Shortfalls

Hello, In the ever-evolving world of real estate, we're dedicated to ensuring our clients have the upper hand, especially when faced with the challenge of low property valuations. This video delves into our unique approach when such situations arise. Our primary aim? To safeguard transactions from potential disruptions. We recognize the financial strain and emotional stress that can emerge when there's a discrepancy between the agreed contract price and the appraised value. Our solution seeks to shield our clients from the possibility of transaction cancellations and the burden of shouldering unexpected, additional costs to bridge this value gap. But our commitment doesn't end there. Leveraging state-of-the-art technology and a well-crafted strategy, we've transformed this solution into a powerful tool during the offer submission phase. By dispatching tailored presentations directly to sellers or their representing agents, we showcase our client's genuine intent and emphasize our dedication to ensuring a smooth transaction. This direct engagement often makes all the difference in getting our client's offers noticed and accepted. To illustrate this, let me walk you through a concrete example of how we've employed the Appraisal Gap Strategy to clinch more deals and fulfill our client's homeownership dreams.

Mortgage Pulse: Matt’s Daily Digest on Market Dynamics November 2, 2023

Navigating the home finance world can be tricky, but I've got your back! Here's a quick snapshot of what's happening: - The 10-year Treasury yield touched 5% - a level not seen in 16 years! - Global events, especially from Japan and Europe, are influencing our rates. - More homes are up for sale, offering more choices for buyers. - Mortgage rates might rise, so if you're considering a move, now's the time. Dive into the full report for all the details and stay informed! Get this Market update from a friend? Click the link on the right to subscribe!

Mortgage Pulse: Matt’s Daily Digest on Market Dynamics November 1, 2023

Navigating the home finance world can be tricky, but I've got your back! Here's a quick snapshot of what's happening: - The 10-year Treasury yield touched 5% - a level not seen in 16 years! - Global events, especially from Japan and Europe, are influencing our rates. - More homes are up for sale, offering more choices for buyers. - Mortgage rates might rise, so if you're considering a move, now's the time. Dive into the full report for all the details and stay informed! Get this Market update from a friend? Click the link on the right to subscribe!

Mortgage Pulse: Matt’s Daily Digest on Market Dynamics October 30, 2023

Navigating the home finance world can be tricky, but I've got your back! Here's a quick snapshot of what's happening: - The 10-year Treasury yield touched 5% - a level not seen in 16 years! - Global events, especially from Japan and Europe, are influencing our rates. - More homes are up for sale, offering more choices for buyers. - Mortgage rates might rise, so if you're considering a move, now's the time. Dive into the full report for all the details and stay informed! Get this Market update from a friend? Click the link on the right to subscribe!

Mortgage Pulse: Matt’s Daily Digest on Market Dynamics October 30, 2023

Navigating the home finance world can be tricky, but I've got your back! Here's a quick snapshot of what's happening: - The 10-year Treasury yield touched 5% - a level not seen in 16 years! - Global events, especially from Japan and Europe, are influencing our rates. - More homes are up for sale, offering more choices for buyers. - Mortgage rates might rise, so if you're considering a move, now's the time. Dive into the full report for all the details and stay informed! Get this Market update from a friend? Click the link on the right to subscribe!

Explaining Today’s Low Housing Supply

If you are looking to buy a home, you may be wondering why the supply of homes for sale is limitedtoday. Here are a few factors at play. - Lack of Building over time - For 14 years, builders didnt construct enough homes. That's caused a long-standing shortage of new homes. - The Mortgage Rate Lock-in Effect - Some homeowners dont want to move and get a higher mortgage rate on their next home. Thsi means fewer existing homes are coming onto the market. - People are staying in their houses longer - Since 2010, people are living in their houses longer. This leads to few houses for sale since people dont move as often. Looking to create affordability? I have answers that can help you get in your home now and not wait until rates come back down. Check out this link for some ways I can help! https://mattrobertshaw.lender.marketing/presentation/104174 While the supply of homes for sale is low, real estate agents know exactly where to look and what to do to make your dream a reality. Connect with me and I am happy to put you in touch with a list of amazing agents I do business with!

Mortgage Pulse: Matt’s Daily Digest on Market Dynamics October 27, 2023

Navigating the home finance world can be tricky, but I've got your back! Here's a quick snapshot of what's happening: - The 10-year Treasury yield touched 5% - a level not seen in 16 years! - Global events, especially from Japan and Europe, are influencing our rates. - More homes are up for sale, offering more choices for buyers. - Mortgage rates might rise, so if you're considering a move, now's the time. Dive into the full report for all the details and stay informed! Get this Market update from a friend? Click the link on the right to subscribe!

Mortgage Pulse: Matt’s Daily Digest on Market Dynamics October 24, 2023

Navigating the home finance world can be tricky, but I've got your back! Here's a quick snapshot of what's happening: - The 10-year Treasury yield touched 5% - a level not seen in 16 years! - Global events, especially from Japan and Europe, are influencing our rates. - More homes are up for sale, offering more choices for buyers. - Mortgage rates might rise, so if you're considering a move, now's the time. Dive into the full report for all the details and stay informed! Get this Market update from a friend? Click the link on the right to subscribe!

Matt’s Daily Digest on Market Dynamics October 24, 2023

Navigating the home finance world can be tricky, but I've got your back! Here's a quick snapshot of what's happening: - The 10-year Treasury yield touched 5% - a level not seen in 16 years! - Global events, especially from Japan and Europe, are influencing our rates. - More homes are up for sale, offering more choices for buyers. - Mortgage rates might rise, so if you're considering a move, now's the time. Dive into the full report for all the details and stay informed! Get this Market update from a friend? Click the link on the right to subscribe!

Unlocking Homeownership with MBS: The New 5% Down Payment from Fannie Mae

Hello, future homeowners and savvy investors! I'm excited to share the fantastic news that could transform your thoughts on homeownership and real estate investing. Starting after November 18, 2023, Fannie Mae is introducing a groundbreaking change: they will now accept a mere 5% down payment for 2-, 3-, and 4-unit homes you plan to live in! ⚡️Why is this a Big Deal? ⚡️ Acquiring a multifamily home required a substantial 15-25% down payment for years. However, with Fannie Mae's new guidelines, purchasing such properties just became more accessible than ever before. Consider this: previously, buying a $500,000 triplex meant putting down $125,000. Now? Just $25,000! That's a significant $100,000 difference! ⚡️Why Consider a Multifamily Home? ⚡️ Buying a multifamily property isn't just about having multiple units. It's a strategic move. You can live in one unit and rent out the others, generating rental income. This can offset your mortgage payments and even provide a passive income stream. Plus, it's an excellent opportunity for budding landlords to gain experience. ⚡️What About First-Time Buyers? ⚡️ Good news! Even if you're a first-time buyer, in most scenarios, you can use projected rental income from your property to help qualify for the loan, as long as you're currently paying rent somewhere. This can significantly aid in affording the mortgage rates in today's market. ⚡️Why is Fannie Mae Making this Move? ⚡️ Fannie Mae recognizes many challenges in today's housing market, especially with rising rents and mortgage rates. Adjusting their guidelines aims to support credit access and promote affordable rental housing. This change means you could transition from renting a room to owning a multifamily property, all while fostering affordable rental opportunities in your community. ⚡️ How Much Can I Borrow? ⚡️ While the change is limited to standard conforming loan amounts (excluding high-balance loans in pricier areas), plenty of leeway remains. Here's a breakdown for 2023: 2-unit: $929,850 3-unit: $1,123,900 4-unit: $1,396,800 ⚡️When Can You Jump In? ⚡️ If this opportunity resonates with you, start immediately gathering your income, assets, and employment documents. While you can begin your application process now, some updates are still pending in Fannie Mae's systems. This includes details about asset reserve levels and rates from private mortgage insurance companies for these new loans. But don't let that deter you—be proactive and get a head start! ⚡️In Conclusion ⚡️ This is a transformative moment for prospective homeowners and budding landlords. With just a 5% down payment, you could be on your way to owning a multifamily property and reaping the benefits of homeownership and real estate investment. Reach out to us, and let's explore how this change can pave the way for your future in real estate!

Mortgage Pulse: Matt’s Daily Digest on Market Dynamics October 24, 2023

Navigating the home finance world can be tricky, but I've got your back! Here's a quick snapshot of what's happening: - The 10-year Treasury yield touched 5% - a level not seen in 16 years! - Global events, especially from Japan and Europe, are influencing our rates. - More homes are up for sale, offering more choices for buyers. - Mortgage rates might rise, so if you're considering a move, now's the time. Dive into the full report for all the details and stay informed! Get this Market update from a friend? Click the link on the right to subscribe!

Mortgage Pulse: Matt’s Daily Digest on Market Dynamics October 23, 2023

Navigating the home finance world can be tricky, but I've got your back! Here's a quick snapshot of what's happening: - The 10-year Treasury yield touched 5% - a level not seen in 16 years! - Global events, especially from Japan and Europe, are influencing our rates. - More homes are up for sale, offering more choices for buyers. - Mortgage rates might rise, so if you're considering a move, now's the time. Dive into the full report for all the details and stay informed! Get this Market update from a friend? Click the link on the right to subscribe!

Mortgage Pulse: Matt’s Daily Digest on Market Dynamics October 23, 2023

Navigating the home finance world can be tricky, but I've got your back! Here's a quick snapshot of what's happening: - The 10-year Treasury yield touched 5% - a level not seen in 16 years! - Global events, especially from Japan and Europe, are influencing our rates. - More homes are up for sale, offering more choices for buyers. - Mortgage rates might rise, so if you're considering a move, now's the time. Dive into the full report for all the details and stay informed! Get this Market update from a friend? Click the link on the right to subscribe!

Buyers Agent Playbook: Offers, Gaps, Commissions, and Affordability Solutions

Buyer's AgentsThe world of real estate and home financing is ever-evolving, often presenting complexities that can be overwhelming. With the recent shift towards commission disclosure transparency, we recognize the importance of keeping you well-informed and equipped. This transition aims to enlighten homebuyers on the intricacies of commission structures, ensuring openness and knowledge at every step. Our team has galvanized its collective expertise to aid you through these shifts. We are delighted to introduce FOUR strategic approaches, meticulously crafted to optimize your home buying journey, making it as straightforward, transparent, and advantageous as possible.⚡️ DIGITAL OFFER ⚡️ The future of home buying is digital. Beyond mere convenience, this transformation promises a custom-tailored, transparent experience. Shed the traditional constraints of prolonged wait times and cumbersome paperwork. Our innovative digital offers allow you to access instantaneous approval letters, bespoke video messages, and precise financial breakdowns. And, with authentic property visuals incorporated, every detail you require is readily accessible. Example ➡️ Digital Offer Presentationhttps://mattrobertshaw.lender.marketing/presentation/104192.......................................................................⚡️ APPRAISAL GAP ⚡️ Discrepancies between appraisals and sale prices can be a cause for concern. Fear not; our appraisal gap strategy is meticulously designed to maintain consistent rates and payments, eliminating unforeseen financial hitches. We're resolute in keeping your home-buying trajectory predictable and stress-free. Example ➡️ Appraisal Gap Details.......................................................................⚡️ COMMISSION GAP ⚡️ We've got you covered in instances where specific commissions might be overlooked. Our Commission Gap approach ensures transactional fluidity. We're adept at structuring your financing to encompass all costs, providing a hiccup-free journey. Example ➡️ Commission Gap Strategy.......................................................................⚡️ AFFORDABILITY SOLUTIONS ⚡️ Affordability remains at the heart of homeownership. Our commitment is to devise financing strategies that expand your horizons. Whether obtaining an attractive rate or leveraging a specialized loan product, our focus remains steadfast: to render home buying accessible and affordable. Example ➡️ Affordability Solutions.......................................................................As the real estate panorama evolves, it's crucial to have seasoned experts by your side. In partnership, we pledge to deliver unmatched guidance and value, ensuring your home-buying journey is seamless, transparent, and fulfilling.Warm regards,Matt Robertshaw

Listing Agent Playbook: Financial Solutions To Today’s Biggest Challenges

Dear Listing Agent, Navigating the intricate real estate and home financing world can be daunting as the landscape undergoes transformative changes, particularly with affordability, values, commission conversations, and increasing lowball offers. I've assembled this playbook to illuminate solutions to our market's most pressing challenges. Consider this an educational tool and a resource you can share with your sellers. It's designed to answer some of the pivotal questions they may have about the nuances of selling and purchasing real estate under your expert guidance. ⚡️ AFFORDABILITY SOLUTIONS ⚡️ Home affordability is a cornerstone in our industry. My team and I are equipped to devise financing solutions that cater to a diverse range of potential homebuyers. By securing favorable rates or introducing unique loan products, our goal remains steadfast: making the dream of homeownership feasible for more individuals. Example video on the sidebar: ➡️ ....................................................................... ⚡️ APPRAISAL GAP SOLUTION ⚡️ We have a remedy when a property's appraised value doesn't measure up to the anticipated list price. Our appraisal gap strategy is tailored to bridge this disparity, ensuring that you, as the listing agent, can secure the most competitive offer for the property. I've incorporated a video detailing our approach to this challenge for a more comprehensive understanding. Example video on the sidebar: ➡️ ....................................................................... ⚡️ COMMISSION GAP ⚡️ There are times when specific commissions might fall short. Fear not, as our Commission Gap initiative ensures a seamless transactional experience. We meticulously structure the financing to cover all associated costs, eliminating the possibility of any unforeseen financial hitches. Example video on the sidebar: ➡️ ....................................................................... ⚡️ NEGOTIATING LOWBALL OFFERS ⚡️ Encountering a lowball offer doesn't have to be a setback. We have a tried-and-true strategy to counter such offers, striking a balance that meets the buyer's proposal without compromising your financial considerations. This approach ensures that both parties reach an equitable and satisfactory agreement. Example video on the sidebar: ➡️ I aim to be a collaborative partner in your real estate journey. Our challenges in this dynamic market are surmountable with the right tools and strategies. I hope this playbook serves as a testament to my commitment to excellence and unwavering support for you and your clients. Let's work together to turn challenges into opportunities and achieve unparalleled success in our ventures. Warm regards, Matt Robertshaw

Market Update – April 13, 2023

Each week I like to get a quick market update out on rates and what is happening in the market. For more current or up-to-date information - follow me on my socials or feel free to click the on the calendar link to set up a time to chat one-on-one! https://linktr.ee/mattrobertshaw

Market Update – April 6, 2023

Each week I like to get a quick market update out on rates and what is happening in the market. For more current or up-to-date information - follow me on my socials or feel free to click the on the calendar link to set up a time to chat one-on-one! https://linktr.ee/mattrobertshaw

Market Update – March 30, 2023

Each week I like to get a quick market update out on rates and what is happening in the market. For more current or up-to-date information - follow me on my socials or feel free to click the on the calendar link to set up a time to chat one-on-one! https://linktr.ee/mattrobertshaw

Should I wait to buy?

One of the most common conversations I am having these days is whether to buy now or wait for rates to come down. Watch this short video to see how waiting even 6 months to buy a home will come at a cost. The longer you wait, the more wealth you are giving up for your future. Great illustration of affordability deteriorating as rates rise. But a little food for thought...lets engineer this in our brains for a moment. If we look at it in reverse, we can show that as rates drop, more and more people will enter back into the market looking for homes. If we think back to 2020 and 2021, we know the difficulty people had in the bidding wars. Now is the time to buy....dont wait! I have ways to improve affordability for you now so you dont have to pay the higher prices on the home later on! As always, feel free to reach out with any questions or schedule a time to meet in the link above.

Market Update – March 23, 2023

Each week I like to get a quick market update out on rates and what is happening in the market. For more current or up-to-date information - follow me on my socials or feel free to click the on the calendar link to set up a time to chat one-on-one! https://linktr.ee/mattrobertshaw

2023 New Conforming Loan Limits – How does this impact you?

FHFA Announces Conforming Loan Limit Values for 2023 The baseline Conforming Loan Limit Will Increase to $726,200 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 11/29/2022 ​​​​​​Washington, D.C. – The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) today announced the conforming loan limit values (CLLs) for mortgages to be acquired by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the Enterprises) in 2023. In most of the United States, the 2023 CLL value for one-unit properties will be $726,200, an increase of $79,000 from $647,200 in 2022.​ National Baseline The Housing and Economic Recovery Act (HERA) requires that the baseline CLL for the Enterprises be adjusted each year to reflect the average U.S. home price change. Earlier today, FHFA published its third quarter 2022 FHFA House Price Index® (FHFA HPI®) report, which includes statistics for the average U.S. home value increase over the last four quarters. According to the nominal, seasonally adjusted, expanded-data FHFA HPI, house prices increased 12.21 percent, on average, between the third quarters of 2021 and 2022. Therefore, the baseline CLL in 2023 will increase by the same percentage.​ High-Cost Areas For areas where 115 percent of the local median home value exceeds the baseline conforming loan limit, the applicable loan limit will be higher than the baseline loan limit. HERA establishes the high-cost area limit in those areas as a multiple of the area median home value while setting the ceiling at 150 percent of the baseline limit. Median home values generally increased in high-cost areas in 2022, which increased their CLL. The new ceiling loan limit for one-unit properties will be $1,089,300, 150 percent of $726,200. Special statutory provisions establish different loan limits for Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In these areas, the baseline loan limit will be $1,089,300 for one-unit properties. Why And How Much They Increase Each Year The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (HERA) requires that the baseline conforming loan limit (CLL) value be adjusted each year to reflect the changes in the national average home price. HERA specifies that the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) “establish and maintain” an index for tracking average home prices for this purpose. In May 2015, FHFA published a Notice and Request for Input announcing its plans to use the nominal, seasonally adjusted, expanded-data FHFA House Price Index (HPI) for this purpose.1 Having received generally favorable feedback to the announcement, in October 2015, FHFA published a Final Notice declaring that it would follow the original plan.

Price Break? Temporary Buydown? Permanent Buydown? What works best for YOU?

What is the best option for you? Are you finally seeing that now is the time to buy a home but you are not sure what to do next? First, we always want to get approved with the lender first and talk strategy. In that strategy session, you will want to discuss the amazing options you have in this market right now! Attached you will find a copy of the a sample PDF we can do for YOU that will show you the benefits over time of each of the options mentioned above. I am happy to put one of these together for you so you can truly see how your money can work best for you. More importantly, we can work with your agent so that we can posture your offer the best way possible and take advantage of the negotiation possibilities that are afforded to you in this higher interest rate market.

Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Purchase Today!

Hello, Are you a buyer that has gone to the sideline to wait to purchase a new home or has been delayed from entering the real estate market? If so, I'm sure your reasons could be valid, but I wanted to ensure you have all the information on whether this is a wise choice. The main issue, I assume, would be " affordability " from the significant rise in rates that has lowered your buying power or knocked you out of qualification. You might think this is a negative, but I wanted to highlight this exact issue and show you that it is an excellent thing for you as a potential home buyer. In the video above, I've laid out the domino effect of the increase in the rates market, which allows you opportunities that have not been present in the last few years for home buyers. The lack of affordability and inventory is an exciting and challenging dynamic in this market, making it completely different. What I mean by that is that usually, these two forces don't line out together in this magnitude. For example, when affordability issues last crept into the market, the housing supply spikes with the pullback of buyers, which we experienced recently in 2018/19. The main issue that has caused a much-needed pause in our housing market has been the spike in rates, which caused our affordability issues. So we should focus on the opportunities that present you as a home buyer now vs. just ten months ago. ........................................... Ten Months Ago vs. Today Ten Months Ago: Buyers competed against 10+ offers per property. Buyers had to release all loan, inspection, and appraisal contingencies. Buyers had to convert their loans into " cash offers " to compete. Buyers had to overbid on their offers to compete. Buyers had to settle on whatever home came on the market. Buyers are being delayed in converting their " cash overs " into loans in this high-rate environment. Today: Few Buyers, which means less competition. Buyers can write offers with and maintain their contingencies. Buyers with minimum down payments can purchase again. Buyers can get fair value or even undervalued properties with their offers. Buyers have more choices of homes than buying whatever comes to market. With help from lenders like myself, we can structure much better terms, like buying down the rate.

Re-Entering The Housing Market – The Game Plan

As we continue down the path of higher home prices, inflation, and the FED stepping in, we need to think about how we can create more affordability for people wanting to buy a home. Between the higher price points on homes we have seen in the last two years combined with the higher interest rate environment we are experiencing now, you may have some buyers that are very reluctant to keep looking for homes or maybe even call it quits. Well....we have a solution. First things first, we have to look at budgeting and make sure we have our financing in order. As the FED steps in and raises Fed Funds rates, they are affecting change on your short term debt. Short term debt are things like credit cards, car loans, home equity lines of credit, and anything short term adjustable. From the beginning of the year to now, the FED has increased the rate by 225 basis points, To put that in a number we can all understand, if you have $10K in credit card debt, you are now paying $225 more per month in payments. When they started this process in March, and they raised by 25 basis points, you likely didnt even feel it. Well now it is getting to the point of "uneasy" on most people's wallets. All of this is happening and we still need a place to live. If you look to the right, I have put together some ideas on making sure you can retain the affordability you had before all of this happened. If we look back to late last year and you were approved for a loan that you thought you could afford, we have ways to get back to those numbers or at least really close to those numbers. Connect with me after watching the videos to the right and let me know if I can help you in the process.

Modernizing Your Open House Marketing!

Hello, Modernizing your open house will be critical to running and pushing excellent content to potential consumers and buyers as the market shifts, and inventory builds. Each Property has its own story, from needing some " TLC " or help increasing the affordability to potential buyers in today's expensive housing market. I have combined a sample of technology I use in Lender Launchpad and mixed it with content & strategies from my financing background. That enables me to help get valuable information to more buyers or agents who might be passing or thinking about stopping by your open house. ..................................................................... 4-Step Process For Your Next Open House. Step 1: Input property into Listings @mattrobertshaw.com (Lender Launchpad site) Step 2: Add specific content to help educate potential buyers. ( like Total Cost Analysis videos, Virtual Tours, Agent Video with property details, Loan Program PDFs to download, Matterport Videos, etc. ) Step 3: Publish the listing, which generates its unique property site, which can be used for active listing, coming soon, FSBO, etc. ( example site - https://mattrobertshaw.lenderlaunchpad.com/listing/1914-camille-park-drive-missouri-city-tx-77459) Step 4: A Open House Flyer is automatically generated to support your next open house. ( the QR code points to your unique property site and pushes content to the potential buyers or agent's phone when scanned )

HUGE INVENTORY RISE!! Are we headed for tons of foreclosures??

Existing home inventory is up 22% from its lowest level in February. Many in the media are claiming that this rise in inventory will lead to a housing crash. But a deeper look shows that this build in inventory is a normal occurrence that happens every spring and summer. Families want their children to enter a new class at the beginning of the school year to more easily form friendships. This means they would have to close on the purchase of their new home before September. Naturally, they would have to list their existing home for sale during the spring and summer months to accomplish this, which explains why the inventory build occurs this time each year. Additionally, the amount of existing homes for sale currently is less than half of what was available pre-Covid. So, the increase we have seen is actually from a historic low. And of those homes counted in inventory, more than half are under contract. This means true available inventory is even less than the headline. The increase in inventory from such low levels isn’t all bad, as it makes purchasing a home a little easier. And while demand has cooled, it is highly unlikely that the housing fears in the media will materialize. To see what the appreciation forecast is in your local market, contact me!

Re-entering The Housing Market – The Game Plan

Price Drop VS Rate Drop

Hello, These higher interest rates will impact buyers' qualifications if you have not noticed. The higher rates are also beginning the "price drops " trend, which sellers use to help attract affordable housing for buyers. But, most sellers don't know or can show the actual numbers on how that impacts buyers. This inability to show the numbers and knowledge of how dropping the rates has a more significant impact on a buyer's payment than lowering a sales price could ever have. Price vs. Rate - Did you know a PRICE DROP of $50k has the same benefits as a $14k SBD to a buyer's payment? So, if that is the case, then we can leave 36k on the seller's net sheet vs. taking $50k off of it to address affordability issues with buyers. Seller Buy Down - I wanted to show you how an SBD works and how both the Buyer & Seller can benefit when the SBD + is structured within a purchase transaction. (video above) Marketing Your Property - Now that you understand how powerful a tool it is to reduce rate vs. price with the Seller Buy Down, then let's market your property with a custom SBD Video from me so that we can spread and help affordability to all buyers. Demo SBD Listing - Here is a listing that I can create with visuals and financing to help buyers obtain affordable housing payments. https://mattrobertshaw.lenderlaunchpad.com/listing/1914-camille-park-drive-missouri-city-tx-77459

How To Counter Low Ball Offers More Effectively!

Hello, As a seller or listing agent in today's market, you must prepare for low offers. I think you first need to understand why a buyer would submit a lower offer. The main reason is affordability, which is at all-time lows due to a rate spike. So, don't take it personally when a lower offer comes your way; understand why and use this strategy to help this potential buyer afford your home without giving away the farm. The key is payment, and a buyer's goal is to achieve the lowest payment to obtain the loan the lender has qualified for them. These videos I've put together show the Seller Buy Down strategy I use to help the agents and sellers I work with achieving the payment the buyer needs, but at two-thirds, the cost of a lower ball is on a seller's net.

Price Drop vs Rate Drop (Seller Buy Down)

Hello, These higher interest rates will impact buyers' qualifications if you have not noticed. The higher rates are also beginning the "price drops " trend, which sellers use to help attract affordable housing for buyers. But, most sellers don't know or can show the actual numbers on how that impacts buyers. This inability to show the numbers and knowledge of how dropping the rates has a more significant impact on a buyer's payment than lowering a sales price could ever have. Price vs. Rate - Did you know, and I can show you through this side-by-side comparison, how a PRICE DROP of 18k compared to a 18k RATE DROP (Seller Buydown) impacts a potential buyer's payment? The rate drop triple the savings to that buyer payment, and if you took that new lower payment, that's like dropping the price by 64k! Seller Buy Down - I wanted to show you how a SBD works and how the Buyer & Seller can benefit when the SBD + is structured within a purchase transaction. ( videos below )

Are we headed for a housing crash?

The media has been throwing around the idea that we’re headed for a housing crash. But is this really the case? To answer this question, we need to look at the number one law of economics: supply and demand. Demand is measured by Household Formations, meaning someone is occupying a new property without relinquishing or selling one, like a kid who’s moving out of his parents’ house for the first time. Right now, in the US there are 1.4 million households being formed per year. Then we have supply, which comes in the form of new construction. Here we look at Housing Completions, or homes ready to move into, which currently equals 1.2 million, after counting for those being replaced. This means that demand for homes remains greater than available completed inventory or supply, which bodes well for home prices being supported. What does appreciation look like in your area? Just put your zip code in the comments and I’ll send over a report with YOUR local data.

Your appraisal came in low….Now what???

Hello, This video shows how we deal with values if they come in low. Our goal is to protect escrows from canceling and our buyers from bringing in additional and excessive fees to bridge the gap between the contract price and appraised value. We also use this technology & strategy to help get our client's offers accepted. We send custom presentations directly to the sellers/listing agents during the offer submission process. Here is an example of how we use the Appraisal Gap Strategy to win more offers.

Recessions and Real Estate over the last 60 years!

I have spoken with several people over the last few weeks that have mentioned the 2008 Housing bubble and it lead me to do this quick video. Also attached is a graph of the recessions since 1960. You will notice that only the recession of 2009 was lead by inflated housing prices. We had an over supply of homes, far less demand than we had today, and lending practices that were extremely liberal. The surplus of money from investors that needed a place to put it led to option arm mortgages and stated income and asset loans. We had an average credit score for loans during that time in the low 600's. Flash forward to today and our lending practices are much more conservative, there is demand that is unquenchable, and more than ever we have mass amounts of equity built into homes that homeowners can tap into. With interest rates rising, it is still a good time to buy. If you compare this to renting, your interest rates with renting homes is 100%. Consider this when you are comparing to current rates that will only pad the pockets of your landlords. I hope you will reach out if you have questions.

Should I wait or buy now? – This video analyzes the past, present, and future of the home buying market.

As professionals in the real estate market, we ask this question several times each week. So we thought we would put some critical data together, share our opinion on the housing market, and answer that question. Question: "Should we wait to purchase or buy now?" Here are the data points we will need to discuss to determine our best course of action. ............... Appreciation - shows the increase of the value of a property from a monthly, quarterly, and a year over year adjustment. Forecasts - opinions from national real estate experts if properties keep increasing, slow, or plateau out. Supply & Demand - shows the data related to how many buyers to sellers are present in the housing market.

Should I do a 15 year mortgage?

When thinking about the differences between a 30 year mortgage and a 15 year mortgage, are you looking at all the differences? Are you diversified? Are you thinking about all the parts of your retirement? Well this total cost analysis will show you the difference between the two and what you might be giving up by forcing yourself to pay your home off faster. Remember, the home appreciates in value at the same rate regardless of your monthly outgo. So, if you can use other people's money to make your money go farther, it is likely a better bet to take that extra money and invest in your other retirement assets. Disclaimer: I am not a financial analyst but these parameters for this example are pretty accurate for the day this was put out and the spreads are fairly consistent with the fluctuation in rates.