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Should Baby Boomers Buy or Rent After Selling Their Houses?

September 13, 2023 By Tami Savage

Should Baby Boomers Buy or Rent After Selling Their Houses?

Are you a baby boomer who’s lived in your current house for a long time and you’re ready for a change? If you’re thinking about selling your house, you have a lot to consider. Will you move to a different state or stay nearby? Is it time to downsize or do you want more space to accommodate your loved ones? But maybe the biggest consideration boils down to this – will you buy your next home or choose to rent instead?

That decision ultimately depends on your current situation and your future plans. Here are two important factors to help you decide what’s right for you.

Expect Rents to Keep Going Up

The graph below uses data from the Census to show how rents have been climbing steadily since 1988:

Median Asking Rent Since 1988

Rents have been going up consistently over the long run. If you choose to rent, there’s a risk your rental payment will go up each time you renew your lease. Having a higher rental expense may not be something you want to deal with every year.

When you buy a home with a fixed-rate mortgage, it helps stabilize your monthly housing payment. This allows you to lock in your monthly payment for the duration of your home loan. That keeps your payments steady and predictable for the long haul. Freddie Mac sums it up like this:

“. . . homeowners with fixed-rate loans will see little to no change to their monthly housing cost over the life of their loan. You can be confident in knowing that your mortgage payments won’t change much in the long term, even when life’s other costs do.”

Owning Your Home Comes with Unique Benefits

According to AARP, buying your next home is a better long-term strategy than renting:

“Though each option has pros and cons, buying provides more pros, with a broader range of benefits.”

To help you choose what you’ll do after you sell, here are just a few of the benefits of homeownership that article covers:

  • Owning your home can help you save money for the future. Your home, and the equity you build as a homeowner, can provide generational wealth that could be passed on to loved ones, giving them a better life.
  • You might not have to pay a monthly mortgage payment at all. If you have enough equity to buy your next home outright, you wouldn’t have a monthly mortgage payment. While you might still need to cover property taxes or maintenance fees, not having to worry about a monthly mortgage payment could be a big relief.
  • Aging in place can be simpler. If your needs change, owning your home gives you the freedom to make renovations and updates that can make everyday life easier.

Bottom Line

If you're a baby boomer who’s wondering whether you should buy or rent your next home, let’s connect. With rents going up and homeownership providing so many benefits, it may make sense to consider buying your next home.

Tagged With: Baby Boomers, Buying Myths, Demographics, For Buyers, Rent vs Buy

Owning Your Home Helps You Build Wealth

July 20, 2023 By Tami Savage

Owning Your Home Helps You Build Wealth

You may have heard some people say it’s better to rent than buy a home right now. But, even today, there are lots of good reasons to become a homeowner. One of them is that owning a home is typically viewed as a good long-term investment that helps your net worth grow over time.

Homeownership Builds Wealth Regardless of Income Level

You may be surprised to learn homeowners across various income levels have a much higher net worth than renters who make the same amount. Data from First American helps illustrate this point (see graph below):

Homeowners Build Wealth Across Incomes

What makes wealth so much higher for homeowners? A recent article from Realtor.com says:

“Homeownership has long been tied to building wealth—and for good reason. Instead of throwing rent money out the window each month, owning a home allows you to build home equity. And over time, equity can turn your mortgage debt into a sizeable asset.”

Basically, the wealth you accumulate when you own a home has a lot to do with equity. As a homeowner, equity is built up as you pay down your loan and as home prices appreciate over time. Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American, explains how this same benefit isn’t true for renters in a recent podcast:

“Renters as non-homeowners gain no wealth benefit as home prices rise. That wealth actually accrues to the landlord.”

Before you decide to sign another rental agreement, now is a good time to think about whether it would be better for you to buy a home instead. The best way to figure out what makes sense for you is to have a conversation with a real estate expert you trust. That professional can talk you through the benefits that come with owning to determine if that’s the right next step for you. 

Bottom Line

If you're not sure whether to keep renting or to buy a home, know that owning a home, no matter how much money you make, can help build your wealth. Let's connect now to get started on the path to homeownership.

Tagged With: Buying Myths, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Rent vs Buy

Why Homeownership Wins in the Long Run

June 27, 2023 By Tami Savage

Why Homeownership Wins in the Long Run

Today’s higher mortgage rates, inflationary pressures, and concerns about a potential recession have some people questioning: should I still buy a home this year? While it’s true this year has unique challenges for homebuyers, it’s important to think about the long-term benefits of homeownership when making your decision.

Consider this: if you know people who bought a home 5, 10, or even 30 years ago, you’re probably going to have a hard time finding someone who regrets their decision. Why is that? The reason is tied to how home values grow with time and how, by extension, that grows your own wealth. That may be why, in a recent Fannie Mae survey, 70% of respondents say they believe buying a home is a safe investment.

Here’s a look at how just the home price appreciation piece can really add up over the years.

Home Price Growth over Time

The map below uses data from the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to show just how noteworthy price gains have been over the last five years. And, since home prices vary by area, the map is broken out regionally to help convey larger market trends.

Percent Change in Home Prices (Over 5 Years, Q1 2023)

If you look at the percent change in home prices, you can see home prices grew on average by just over 56% nationwide over a five-year period.

Some regions are slightly above or below that average, but overall, home prices gained solid ground in a short time. And if you expand that time frame even more, the benefit of homeownership and the drastic gains homeowners made over the years become even clearer (see map below):

Percent Change in Home Prices (Since Q1 1991, Q1 2023)

The second map shows, nationwide, home prices appreciated by an average of over 290% over a roughly 30-year span.

 This nationwide average tells you the typical homeowner who bought a house 30 years ago saw their home almost triple in value over that time. That’s a key factor in why so many homeowners who bought their homes years ago are still happy with their decision.

And while you may have heard talk in late 2022 that home prices would crash, it didn’t happen. Even though home prices have moderated from the record peak we saw during the ‘unicorn’ years, prices are already rebounding in many areas today. That means, in most markets, your home should grow in value over the next year.

The alternative to buying a home is renting, and rental prices have been climbing for decades. So why rent and deal with annual lease hikes for no long-term financial benefit? Instead, consider buying a home.

Bottom Line

If you’re questioning if it still makes sense to buy a home today, remember the incredible long-term benefits of homeownership. If you’re ready to start the conversation, let’s connect today.

Tagged With: First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Pricing, Rent vs Buy

Homeownership Helps Protect You from Inflation [INFOGRAPHIC]

June 23, 2023 By Tami Savage

Homeownership Helps Protect You from Inflation [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights

  • Wondering if it makes sense to buy a home today even when inflation is high? When other costs go up due to inflation, buying a home helps you keep your monthly housing expense steady.
  • Rents typically increase with inflation. Maybe that’s why, according to a recent survey, 65.1% of landlords say they plan to raise the rent of at least one of their properties within the next 12 months.
  • Especially when inflation is up, having a stable housing payment can be helpful. Let’s connect so you can learn more and start your journey to owning a home today.

Tagged With: First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Rent vs Buy

Owning a Home Helps Protect Against Inflation

May 24, 2023 By Tami Savage

Owning a Home Helps Protect Against Inflation

You’re probably feeling the impact of high inflation every day as prices have gone up on groceries, gas, and more. If you’re a renter, you’re likely experiencing it a lot as your rent continues to rise. Between all of those elevated costs and uncertainty about a potential recession, you may be wondering if it still makes sense to buy a home today. The short answer is – it does. Here’s why. 

Homeownership actually shields you from the rising costs inflation brings.

Freddie Mac explains how: 

“Not only will buying today help you begin to build equity, a fixed-rate mortgage can stabilize your monthly housing costs for the long-term even while other life expenses continue to rise – as has been the case the past few years.”

Unlike rents, which tend to rise with time, a fixed-rate mortgage payment is predictable over the life of the mortgage (typically 15 to 30 years). And, when the cost of most everything else is rising, keeping your housing payment stable is especially important.

The alternative to homeownership is renting – and rents tend to move alongside inflation. That means as inflation goes up, your monthly rent payments tend to go up, too (see graph below):

Rents Increase with Inflation Most Years

A fixed-rate mortgage allows you to protect yourself from future rent hikes. With inflation still high, when your rental agreement comes up for renewal, your property manager may decide to increase your payments to offset the impact of inflation. Maybe that’s why, according to a recent survey, 73% of property managers plan to raise rents over the next two years.

 Having your largest monthly expense remain stable in a time of economic uncertainty is a major perk of homeownership. If you continue to rent, you don’t have that same benefit and aren’t as protected from rising costs.

Bottom Line

A stable housing payment is especially important in times of high inflation. Let’s connect so you can learn more and start your journey to homeownership today.

Tagged With: First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Rent vs Buy

Why Buying a Home Makes More Sense Than Renting Today

May 1, 2023 By Tami Savage

Why Buying a Home Makes More Sense Than Renting Today

Wondering if you should continue renting or if you should buy a home this year? If so, consider this. Rental affordability is still a challenge and has been for years. That’s because, historically, rents trend up over time. Data from the Census shows rents have been climbing pretty steadily since 1988. 

And, data from the latest rental report from Realtor.com shows rents continue to grow today, even though it’s at a slower pace than we saw at the height of the pandemic:

“In March 2023, the U.S. rental market experienced single-digit growth for the eighth month in a row . . . The median asking rent was $1,732, up by $15 from last month and down by $32 from the peak but is still $354 (25.7%) higher than the same time in 2019 (pre-pandemic).”

With rents much higher now than they were in more normal, pre-pandemic years, owning your home may be a better option, especially if the long-term trend of rents increasing each year continues. In contrast, homeowners with a fixed-rate mortgage can lock in a monthly mortgage payment for the duration of their loan (typically 15-30 years). 

Owning a Home Could Be More Affordable if You Need More Space

The graph below uses national data on the median rental payment from Realtor.com and median mortgage payment from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) to compare the two options. As the graph shows, depending on how much space you need, it’s typically more affordable to own than to rent if you need two or more bedrooms:

The Cost Difference Between Renting and Buying Based on the Number of Bedrooms

So, if you’re looking to live somewhere where you have two or more bedrooms to accommodate your household, give you more breathing room to spread out your belongings, or dedicate the extra space to practice your hobbies, it might make sense to consider homeownership.

Homeownership Allows You To Start Building Equity

In addition to shielding you from rising rents and being more affordable when you need more space, owning your home also allows you to start building your own equity, which in turn grows your net worth. 

And, as home values typically rise over time and you pay off your mortgage, you build equity. That equity can set you up for success later on because you can use it to help fuel a move to an even bigger space down the line. That’s why, according to Zonda, the top reason millennial homeowners bought their home over the past year was to build their own equity instead of someone else’s.

Bottom Line

If you’re trying to decide whether to buy a home or continue renting, let’s connect to explore your options. With rents rising, it may make more sense to pursue your dream of homeownership.  

Tagged With: Buying Myths, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Rent vs Buy

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Baby Boomers Buying Myths Community Demographics Distressed Properties Downloadable Down Payments First Time Home Buyers Forbearances For Buyers Foreclosures For Sale By Owners For Sellers FSBOs Garden Generation X Generation Z Gen X Gen Z Holidays Home Household Management Housing Market Updates Infographics Interest Rates Interview Investors Lifestyle Luxury Market Millennials Move-Up Buyers moving New Construction Pricing relocation Remodel Rent vs Buy Report Reviews Selling Myths Senior Market Short Sales Tax Refund Veterans Video

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Baby Boomers Buying Myths Community Demographics Distressed Properties Downloadable Down Payments First Time Home Buyers Forbearances For Buyers Foreclosures For Sale By Owners For Sellers FSBOs Garden Generation X Generation Z Gen X Gen Z Holidays Home Household Management Housing Market Updates Infographics Interest Rates Interview Investors Lifestyle Luxury Market Millennials Move-Up Buyers moving New Construction Pricing relocation Remodel Rent vs Buy Report Reviews Selling Myths Senior Market Short Sales Tax Refund Veterans Video

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💼 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 = 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐎𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬! 🏡 𝐋𝐞𝐭'𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐨𝐭𝐬!

Remote work isn't just about Zoom calls in PJs. It's an opportunity to change your entire home search game!

💡 𝐅𝐥𝐞𝐱𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 = 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐎𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬
Think bigger yards, extra rooms, and maybe even a lower cost of living! 🎉

Curious? Call, text, or email me, and let's talk! 📲

👉 Blog Link for all the ins and outs: https://tamisavage.com/remote-work-is-changing-how-some-buyers-search-for-their-dream-homes/

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🏡 Wondering if Now’s the Right Time to Sell? 🏡 Wondering if Now’s the Right Time to Sell? Your Home Equity Might Just Be Your Ace! 🏡

Equity = Your Home's Value - What You Owe. 🤑 And here's the kicker—nearly 70% of homeowners are sitting pretty with significant equity. So if you've been holding off selling due to mortgage rates, this could be your game-changer!

📲 Got questions about your home equity? Don’t hesitate to call, text, or email me anytime!

👉 Want the full scoop? Check out my latest article on how your home equity can offset affordability challenges: https://tamisavage.com/your-home-equity-can-offset-affordability-challenges/
Regardless of rising mortgage rates, the desire fo Regardless of rising mortgage rates, the desire for dream homes remains strong! 🏡 Buyers are actively searching, eager to find their perfect match. ⁠
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If you've been waiting in the wings, it might just be your time to shine.  No need to hit pause for fear of silent echoes. The marketplace is humming and ready for your listing!⁠
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Ready to spotlight your home? Let’s get you connected with eager buyers!⁠
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https://tamisavage.com/plenty-of-buyers-are-still-active-today-infographic/
Puzzling over why finding the right house seems so Puzzling over why finding the right house seems so challenging lately?⁠
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1️⃣ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫'𝐬 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐥𝐨𝐠: We've seen fewer homes built in recent years. And while builders are stepping up the pace, bridging the home gap is taking time. 🏗️⁠
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2️⃣ 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐧𝐞𝐭: Many homeowners are glued to their spots, not wanting to let go of their attractive mortgage rates. 💎⁠
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3️⃣ 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐇𝐲𝐩𝐞: Sometimes, the media's spin can create unnecessary housing apprehensions. Always good to double-check and get the real story!⁠
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So, whether you're aiming to buy, sell, or both, understanding today's housing scene is crucial. 🗝️⁠
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Eager to dive deeper? Contact me for a personalized look at the housing inventory in our area, and let's navigate the maze together! ⁠
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For a more detailed breakdown: https://tamisavage.com/why-is-housing-inventory-so-low/
Has your trusty home started feeling a tad too... Has your trusty home started feeling a tad too... familiar? If you're toying with the idea of a change, you're in good company!⁠
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𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞'𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧-𝐝𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐫 𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: To buy or to rent next?⁠
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🔍 Consider the following:⁠
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1️⃣ Rent Rise Alert! Historically, rents have been climbing. Yearly hikes? That could put a dent in your retirement fund! Freddie Mac puts it beautifully: With fixed-rate loans, you're locking in a predictable monthly expense, even when life throws those sneaky financial curveballs.⁠
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2️⃣ Home Sweet Owned Home! AARP highlights a key truth: Owning a home often outweighs renting. Think stability, investment growth, and truly owning your space.⁠
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Baby boomers, if you're on the fence, reach out! 💬 Let's discuss what makes sense for your golden years and unlock the best path for your next home adventure. 🏡⁠
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https://tamisavage.com/should-baby-boomers-buy-or-rent-after-selling-their-houses/
Have you ever wondered how tomorrow's home prices Have you ever wondered how tomorrow's home prices might shape your investment today?⁠
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Amidst a sea of mixed news, here's a ray of sunshine: home prices are rising, better than many expected. And guess what? They're forecasted to keep shining bright!⁠
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A recent survey by Pulsenomics got the scoop from over 100 experts – economists, strategists, and analysts. The consensus? Nationwide home prices are likely to continue their upward trajectory in the coming years, returning to a more steady growth.⁠
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So, what's the golden nugget for you? 🌟 Once you invest in a home, as its value appreciates, so does your wealth! Think of it as planting a tree that grows money leaves over time. 🌳💰⁠
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Considering taking the homebuying leap? Here's the nudge you might need: Today's investment can pave the way for a bright financial future, with your home's value (and your net worth) blossoming. Ready to explore? 💌 Contact me, and let's embark on your homebuying journey! 🚀 ⁠
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https://tamisavage.com/what-experts-project-for-home-prices-over-the-next-5-years/
Retiring is like unlocking a new level in the game Retiring is like unlocking a new level in the game of life. 🗝️ As you step into this adventurous chapter, you might wonder, "Is my current home in sync with the life I envision now?"⁠
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🕰️ Quick flashback: Between 1985-2009, most folks stayed in their homes for about six years. But here's an interesting twist: Post-2010, according to our pals at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), this shot up to over nine years!⁠
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If you've been cozying up in your home for a while now, not only have you created cherished memories, but you might also be sitting on a treasure trove of equity. Yup, every mortgage payment and every market surge could mean more value for your home.⁠
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Are you curious about tapping into that equity for your dream retirement home? Let's chat! Contact me, and let’s dive deep into what your home has achieved for you over the years. ⁠
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Here's to new beginnings and perfect homes! 🏡⁠
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https://tamisavage.com/planning-to-retire-your-equity-can-help-you-make-a-move/
🏡 Remember those forecasts last year about home 🏡 Remember those forecasts last year about home prices possibly taking a dip in 2023? Turns out, with the ebb and flow of our market and tight inventory, things stayed steady. It's always fascinating to see how predictions pan out in real-time. Whether you're thinking of buying or selling, let's chat to ensure you're informed about local home values. Knowledge is power! 💬⁠
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https://tamisavage.com/home-price-forecasts-revised-for-2023-infographic/
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The Summer Guides for Buying and Selling a Home are Here.

To get the latest digital copy, go to https://tamisavage.com/the-spring-guides-for-buying-and-selling-a-home-are-here/
The Spring Guides for Buying and Selling a Home Are Here
How you price your house will make a big difference to not only your bottom line, but to how quickly it could sell. Let’s connect to figure out the ideal price for your house.
Price Your House Right When You Sell
Getting pre-approved is an important first step toward buying a home. Let’s connect so you have the right tools to buy a home in today’s market.

Data Source:
 • https://www.forbes.com/advisor/mortgages/what-it-takes-to-be-preapproved-for-a-mortgage-and-why-it-matters/
The Importance of Pre-Approval
There are many reasons why it’s easy to fall in love with homeownership. If you’re ready to find the home of your dreams, let’s connect.
Why It's Easy To Fall in Love with Homeownership
You can have the home you want without waiting for the perfect home to come onto the market.

SOURCE for Data in Video: 
 • https://themreport.com/news/data/08-29-2022/homebuyers-compromise
Create Your Perfect Home by Perfecting It After You Purchase
Before buying a home, it’s a good idea to know why homeownership is important to you. Let’s connect to discuss your why and prioritize your next steps.

SOURCE for Data in Video: 
 • https://himaxwell.com/resources/ebooks-white-papers/1h-2022-millennial-genz-borrower-sentiment-report/#downloadnow
Top Reasons Why You May Want To Buy a Home
There’s a lot going on in the housing market right now. 

You can get the latest digital copy from my website post: https://tamisavage.com/the-winter-guides-for-buying-or-selling-a-home-are-here/
The Winter Guides for Buying or Selling a Home Are Here
There’s good reason to make your move right now if you’re ready to sell. Let’s connect to talk about the benefits of selling your house this season.
5 Reasons To Sell Your House This Winter
Rents have risen dramatically for over three decades. Let’s connect so you can have expert advice on your side to help you reach your homeownership goals.

Data Source: 
 • http://www.census.gov/housing/hvs/files/currenthvspress.pdf
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DISCLAIMER: The information contained, and the opinions expressed, on this site are NOT intended to be construed as legal or financial advice. Tami Savage does NOT guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as legal or financial advice. You should ALWAYS conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any legal or financial decisions. Tami Savage will NOT be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on the information or opinions contained herein.