The Cost of Renting vs. Buying a Home

Some Highlights

• The percentage of income needed to afford a median-priced home today is declining, while that for renting is on the rise.

• This is making buying a home an increasingly attractive option for many people, especially with low mortgage rates driving purchasing power.

• If you’d like expert guidance on exploring your homebuying options while affordability is high, give me a call or email me! I'm happy to personally walk through options for you. Then you can decide what is best for you!

How Technology Is Enabling the Real Estate Process

by Keeping Current Matters

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Today’s everyday reality is pretty different than it looked just a few weeks ago. We’re learning how to do a lot of things in new ways, from how we work remotely to how we engage with our friends and neighbors. Almost everything right now is shifting to a virtual format. One of the big changes we’re adapting to is the revisions to the common real estate transaction, which all vary by state and locality. Technology, however, is making it possible for many of us to continue on the quest for homeownership, an essential need for all.

Here’s a look at some of the elements of the process that are changing (at least in the near-term), due to stay-at-home orders and social distancing, and what you may need to know about each one if you’re thinking of buying or selling a home sooner rather than later.

1. Virtual Consultations – Instead of heading into an office, you can meet with real estate and lending professionals through video chat. Whether it’s your first initial needs analysis as a buyer or your listing appointment as a seller, you can still get the process started remotely and create a plan together. Your trusted advisor is still on your side.

2. Home Searches & Virtual Showings – According to theNational Association of Realtors (NAR), the Internet is one of the three most popular information sources buyers use when searching for homes. Your real estate agent can send you listing information and help you request a virtual showing when you’re ready to start looking. This means you can virtually walk through the homes on your wish list while keeping your family safe. As a seller, you can still have virtual open houses and virtual tours too, so as not to miss those buyers looking to find a home right now.

3. Document Signing – Although this is another area that varies by state, today more portions of the transaction are being done digitally. In many areas, your agent or loan officer can set up an account where you can upload all of the required documents and sign electronically right from your computer.

4. Sending Money – Whether you need to pay for an appraisal or submit closing costs, there are options available. Depending on the transaction and local regulations, you may be able to pay by credit card, and most banks will also allow you to wire funds from your account. Sometimes you can send a check by mail, and in some states, a mobile escrow agent will pick up a check from your home.

5. Closing Process – Again, depending on your area, a mobile notary may be able to bring the required documents to your home before the closing. If your state requires an attorney to be present, check with your legal counsel to see what options are available. Also, depending on the title company, some are allowing drive-thru closings, which is similar to doing a transaction at a bank window.

Although these virtual processes are starting to become more widely accepted, it does not mean that this is the way things are going to get done from now on. Under the current circumstances, however, technology is making it possible to continue much of the real estate transaction today.

Bottom Line

If you need to move today, technology can help make it happen; there are options available.

EMAIL ME at LisaYoung@elevationsrealestate.com to connect. We can discuss your situation and work through the details..... so you don’t have to put your real estate plans on hold.

Economic GOOD NEWS!

Here's a great update I heard from my friend Todd Kooi at Bank of Colorado. Amidst all the negative info we get from media, here's the real scoop on the American economy! Check this out! ---Lisa Y

Todd Kooi NMLS #: 554489 Senior Mortgage Loan Officer Bank of Colorado Phone: (720) 480-0280 todd.kooi@bankofcolorado.com www.bankofcolorado.com/tkooi 1888 W Eisenhower Blvd Loveland, CO 80537

This past week was filled with so much good news. The biggest of which was the signing of Phase One of the U.S. and China trade pact.

This trade deal is a very positive development for the U.S., China, and the world, and paves the way for future business investment and other trade deals around the globe. This also removed what was a big uncertainty for many months.

The economic data was already amazing with the following reports coming in better than expectations:

• Small Business

• Retail Sales

• Philly Fed Index

• Initial Jobless Claims

And speaking of better than expectations, we also watched the start of corporate earnings season and most of the big banks handily beat expectations.

All of this good news has pushed Stocks to all-time highs, but at the same time Mortgage Bonds and home loan rates remained right at the best levels in three years... remarkable.

Bottom line: the U.S. economy remains quite strong with zero chance of a recession anytime soon, yet at the same time home loan rates have not moved higher, giving many an incredible opportunity to purchase or refinance a home.

If you or someone you know has questions about home loans, give Todd Kooi a call.