Is your local housing market one to watch in 2015? Trulia’s Chief Economist shares his picks for the hottest, must-watch markets for the new year.
See if your area made the list and find out what you can expect next year!
4 Trends in the Year Ahead
In a mortgage industry that has spent a lot of time looking back at the turbulence, tumult and tension of a few short years ago, it is refreshing to see industry professionals focusing on the future with a renewed sense of optimism and resolve.
With 2014 drawing to a close, it is time to look ahead to the next 12 months and examine the ongoing and emerging trends that will shape the industry in the year to come. From regulatory pressures to potential consolidation, and from new players to old principles, 2015 promises to be an eventful and intriguing year for mortgage professionals.
Season’s Greetings!
21 Hot Housing Trends for 2015
Everyone wants to be hip, and the latest trends in design can help distinguish one home from another. And it’s not all flash; many new home fads are geared to pare maintenance and energy use and deliver information faster. Here’s a look at what’s coming…
Livability.com Names the Best Places to Retire, 2014
Each day nearly 10,000 Baby Boomers are turning 65, and retirement is within reach. Nearly four in 10 Boomers plan to move when they retire. With this in mind, Livability.com has named the Best Places to Retire, 2014. These cities offer access to affordable and quality health care, practical cost of living, retiree-friendly businesses and services, as well as several amenities to help keep residents active.
Read more and view the annual list that ranks America’s top retirement cities…
Seattle a Top City for Young Entrepreneurs
Seattle is the country’s sixth best city for young entrepreneurs, according to a recent NerdWallet study.
Arlington, Virginia, topped the list, with researchers citing its high percentage of educated young people, the highest per capita income in the nation and access to businesses in the Washington, D.C., area as factors in its No. 1 ranking.
NerdWallet based its rankings on access to funds, networking and mentorship, local economy and affordability, using seven criteria: commercial and industrial loans, number of businesses per 100 people, percent of population ages 25-34, percent of population 25+ with a bachelor’s degree or higher, per capita income, Sept. 2014 unemployment rate, and cost of living index.
Seattle’s score of 58.99 was just under Denver at 59.97. Rounding out the top six list were Madison, Wisconsin (#2); Lincoln, Nebraska (#3) and Minneapolis (#4).
NerdWallet is a personal finance website that strives to “help consumers make smart financial decisions by putting knowledge in their wallets.” It uses data-driven tools to crunch numbers and gather information to assist decision-making around finance, investing, education, shopping and health.
Based in San Francisco, the bootstrapped startup has more than 100 employees and anticipates doubling its size in the coming year.
Source: NWREporter December 2014
REALTORS® Expect Modest Price Growth in Next 12 Months
With both inventory and demand up, REALTORS® in nearly every state are expecting modest price growth over the next 12 months, according to data gathered in October. But in 14 states, scattered across the country — from California to Massachusetts — REALTORS® are forecasting appreciation of greater than 3-4 percent.
5 Real Estate Predictions for 2015
Expect the home-purchase market to strengthen along with the economy in 2015, according to Freddie Mac’s U.S. Economic and Housing Market Outlook for November.
“The good news for 2015 is that the U.S. economy appears well-poised to sustain about a 3 percent growth rate in 2015 — only the second year in the past decade with growth at that pace or better,” says Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. “Governmental fiscal drag has turned into fiscal stimulus; lower energy costs support consumer spending and business investment; further easing of credit conditions for business and real estate lending support commerce and development; and consumers are more upbeat and businesses are more confident, all of which portend faster economic growth in 2015. And with that, the economy will produce more and better-paying jobs, providing the financial wherewithal to support household formations and housing activity.”
Freddie Mac economists have made the following projections in housing for the new year…
Rush to Buy Homes During the Holidays?
Home owners may be doubtful that the months of November and December will bring about a home sale. After all, aren’t potential buyers sidetracked with the holidays and likelier to postpone their house hunt due to bad weather and shorter days?
But sometimes the “off-peak” time to sell can actually be the perfect moment for sellers. Several studies show that, on average, homes listed in November and December are more likely to sell, sell more quickly, and more closely approach the asking price, according to an article at Forbes.com.
18928 33rd Ave S, SeaTac, WA 98188
Listed and Sold within 3 days over the holiday weekend!
The real estate market is still busy during the holidays! Who do you know that is considering buying or selling? Contact me today!
4 bedrooms; 1.75 bathrooms; 1,440 square feet
Well maintained and move-in ready, this home simply awaits a new owner! It’s conveniently located near Angle Lake, the airport and freeways, and ideal for someone that prefers minimal stairs. You will admire the fresh bright paint, as well as appreciate newer wood-wrapped windows & some hardwood floors. With so many rooms, there’s so many possibilities! The home features a clean roof, newer carpet, range & washer/dryer. You’ll also enjoy the large, level, fully-fenced lot with plenty of parking.
$220,000
Managing The Real Estate Details 