The Ransom-McKenzie Team

What About the Rest of 2020?

Posted on Jun 29, 2020 by

What Are Experts Saying About the Rest of 2020?

One of the biggest questions on everyone’s minds these days is: What’s going to happen to the housing market in the second half of the year? Based on recent data on the economy, unemployment, real estate, and more, many economists are revising their forecasts for the remainder of 2020 – and the outlook is extremely encouraging. Here’s a look at what some experts have to say about key areas that will power the industry and the economy forward this year.

Mortgage Purchase Originations: Joel Kan, Associate Vice President of Economic and Industry Forecasting, Mortgage Bankers Association

“The recovery in housing is happening faster than expected. We anticipated a drop off in Q3. But, we don’t think that’s the case anymore. We revised our Q3 numbers higher. Before, we predicted a 2 percent decline in purchase originations in 2020, now we think there will be 2 percent growth this year.”

Home Sales: Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist, National Association of Realtors

“Sales completed in May reflect contract signings in March and April – during the strictest times of the pandemic lock down and hence the cyclical low point…Home sales will surely rise in the upcoming months with the economy reopening, and could even surpass one-year-ago figures in the second half of the year.”

Inventory: George Ratiu, Senior Economist, realtor.com

“We can project that the next few months will see a slow-yet-steady improvement in new inventory…we projected a stepped improvement for the May through August months, followed by a return to historical trend for the September through December time frame.”

Mortgage Rates: Freddie Mac

“Going forward, we forecast the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage to remain low, falling to a yearly average of 3.4% in 2020 and 3.2% in 2021.”

New Construction: Doug Duncan, Chief Economist, Fannie Mae

“The weaker-than-expected single-family starts number may be a matter of timing, as single-family permits jumped by a stronger 11.9 percent. In addition, the number of authorized single-family units not yet started rose 5.4 percent to the second-highest level since 2008. This suggests that a significant acceleration in new construction will likely occur.”

Bottom Line

The experts are optimistic about the second half of the year. If you paused your 2020 real estate plans this spring, reach out to The Ransom-McKenzie Team today to determine how you can re-engage in the process.. We have details regarding our local Inland Empire market that will help you determine the best course of action.

Summer 2020: This Year’s Real Estate Season

Posted on May 27, 2020 by

With stay-at-home orders starting to gradually lift throughout parts of the country, data indicates homebuyers are jumping back into the market. After many families put their plans on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic, what we once called the busy spring real estate season is shifting into the summer. In 2020, summer is the new spring for real estate.

Mark your calendar for a hot summer real estate season!

Joel Kan, Economist at The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) notes:

“Applications for home purchases continue to recover from April’s sizable drop and have now increased for five consecutive weeks…Government purchase applications, which include FHA, VA, and USDA loans, are now 5 percent higher than a year ago, which is an encouraging turnaround after the weakness seen over the past two months.”

Additionally, according to Google Trends, which scores search terms online, searches for real estate increased from 68 points the week of March 15th to 92 points last week. As we can see, more potential home buyers are looking for homes virtually. Our website is a great place to start looking for your new home.

What’s the Opportunity for Buyers?

Another reason buyers are coming back to the market, even with forced unemployment and stay-at-home orders, is historically low mortgage rates. Sam Khater, Chief Economist at Freddie Mac indicates:

“For the fourth consecutive week, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has been below 3.30 percent, giving potential buyers a good reason to continue shopping even amid the pandemic…As states reopen, we’re seeing purchase demand improve remarkably fast, now essentially flat relative to a year ago.”

With mortgage rates at such low levels and states gradually beginning to reopen, there’s more incentive than ever to buy a home this summer.

What’s the Opportunity for Sellers?

Finding a home to buy, however, is still a challenge, as this spring sellers removed many listings from the market. Though more people are now putting their houses up for sale this month as compared to last month, current inventory is still well below last year’s level.

According to last week’s Weekly Economic and Housing Market Update from realtor.com:

“Weekly Housing Inventory showed continued tightening. New Listings declined 28% compared with a year ago, as sellers grappled with uncertainty and hesitated bringing homes to market. Total Listings dropped 20% YoY, a faster rate than in prior weeks, leaving very few homes available for sale. As Time on Market was 15 days slower YoY, asking prices moved up 1.5% YoY.”

If you’re thinking of selling your house this summer, now may be your best opportunity. With so few homes on the market for buyers to purchase, this season may be the time for your house to stand out from the crowd. Trusted real estate professionals can help you list safely and effectively keeping your family’s needs top of mind. Buyers are looking, and your house may be at the top of their list. Contact The Ransom-McKenzie Team today to find out about the resources we have to sell your home in this new environment.

Bottom Line

If you’re thinking of selling, many buyers may be eager to find a home just like yours. Reach out to The Ransom-McKenzie Team today to make sure you can get your house in on the action this summer.

Confused about the Economic Recovery?

Posted on May 7, 2020 by

Math ImageHere’s why. As we continue to work through the health crisis that plagues this country, more and more conversations are turning to economic recovery. While we look for signs that we’ve reached a plateau in cases of COVID-19, the concern and fear of what will happen as businesses open up again is on all of our minds. This causes confusion about what an economic recovery will look like. With this in mind, it’s important to understand how economists are using three types of sciences to formulate their forecasts and to work toward clearer answers.

  1. Business Science – How has the economy rebounded from similar slowdowns in the past?
  2. Health Science – When will COVID-19 be under control? Will there be another flareup of the virus this fall?
  3. People Science – After businesses are fully operational, how long will it take American consumers to return to normal consumption patterns? (Ex: going to the movies, attending a sporting event, or flying).

Sam Khater, Chief Economist at Freddie Mac, says:

“Although the uncertainty of the crisis means forecasts of economic activity are more unclear than usual, we expect that most of the economic damage from the virus will be contained to the first half of the year. Going forward, we should see a recovery starting in the second half of 2020.”

This past week, the Bureau of Economic Analysis released the advanced estimate for Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the first quarter of 2020. That estimate came in at -4.8%. It was a clear indicator showing how the U.S. economy slowed as businesses shut down and consumers retreated to their homes in fear of the health crisis and of contracting COVID-19.

Confused About the Economic Recovery? Here’s Why. | Keeping Current Matters

Experts agree that the second quarter of 2020 will be an even greater slowdown, a sign more businesses are feeling the effects of this health crisis. The same experts, however, project businesses will rebound, and a recovery will start to happen in the second half of this year.

What Does This All Mean?

As time goes on, we’ll have more clarity around what the true economic recovery will look like, and we’ll have more information on the sciences that will affect it. As the nation’s economy comes back to life and businesses embrace new waves of innovation to serve their customers, the American spirit of grit, growth, and prosperity will be alive and well. Give The Ransom-McKenzie Team a call if you have questions about our local real estate market as we work through this time.

Don’t Forget the Census

Posted on Apr 8, 2020 by

You should have already received your 2020 United States Census notification paperwork in the mail. They were sent out in mid-January and all households have been asked to report in so that we have an accurate count for your community.

Our Congressman, Mark Takano, who represents the 41st District which includes the City of Riverside, recently met with Italia Garcia from the Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice to discuss the importance of an accurate Census count. Here is the video, in case you missed it. Garcia brings up some important issues, that are directly affected by our Census numbers.

Takano Interview

The Census results will help the government determine how much funding our community will receive to improve services and infrastructure. This includes everything from schools and hospitals to roads and transportation. In Southern California, and the Inland Empire especially, population numbers are increasing annually. Since the last Census 10 years ago, our region has experienced a lot of change. Because of this, we need to do everything we can to make sure we are all counted.

Our level of participation in the 2020 Census is vital to assuring that we have fair representation for the next 10 years for our community. Participating is easy, you can fill out the forms online. If you have questions or issues filling out your census, call 844-330-2020 for more details or to complete the Census survey via phone.

 

Shop, Eat, Enjoy Local

Posted on Mar 24, 2020 by

The Riverside Chamber of Commerce has created a local shopping group on Facebook to feature businesses that are open for business during this time of sheltering in place.

As we all struggle with the reality of business not as usual, this is a good resource to help local businesses that are finding creative ways to still offer their product to consumers. Be sure to check this page when you’re shopping so we can keep our local businesses up and running.

Think Local FB Page

Another great resource is from the City of Riverside. They have created a map that shows businesses that are remaining open during this time. The map is interactive and includes businesses that qualify in Governor Newsom’s essential business list.  The map includes businesses throughout the city. Check it out!

Open for Business Map

The Ransom-McKenzie Team truly believes that we are best served by supporting our local community. Be sure to check these resources first so we can keep Riverside’s economy going in these trying times.

 

Shelter in Place, COVID-19 Update

Posted on Mar 22, 2020 by

The health and safety of our team members and the clients we serve are our top priority.

 

While it is difficult to predict the impact coronavirus (COVID-19) will have, we are committed to keeping you, our clients and friends, informed about ways to reduce your risk and protect others. Check out Charlotte’s video message for more details about what we’re doing to help our clients during these uncertain times.

We’ll be keeping in touch through this Riverside Blog as well as through our Facebook and YouTube accounts. We look forward to staying connected, even though we are social distancing.

Keep in touch!

Housing Inventory Vanishing

Posted on Jan 16, 2020 by

How will the housing shortage impact you?

The real estate market is expected to do very well this year as mortgage rates remain at historic lows. One challenge to the housing industry is the lack of homes available for sale. Last week, move.com released a report showing that 2020 is beginning with the lowest available housing inventory in two years. The report explains:

“Last month saw the largest year-over-year decline of housing inventory in almost three years with a dramatic 12 percent decline, pushing the number of homes for sale in the U.S. to the lowest level since January 2018.”

Housing Inventory Vanishing: What Is the Impact on You? | Keeping Current Matters

The report also revealed that the decline in inventory stretches across all price points, as shown in the above graph. George Ratiu, Senior Economist at realtor.com, explains how this drop in available homes for sale comes at a time when more buyers are expected to enter the market:

“The market is struggling with a large housing undersupply just as 4.8 million millennials are reaching 30-years of age in 2020, a prime age for many to purchase their first home. The significant inventory drop…is a harbinger of the continuing imbalance expected to plague this year’s markets, as the number of homes for sale are poised to reach historically low levels.”

The question is: What does this mean to you?

If You’re a Buyer…

Be patient during your home search. It may take time to find a home you love. Once you do, however, be ready to move forward quickly. Get pre-approved for a mortgage, be ready to make a competitive offer from the start, and understand that a shortage in inventory could lead to the resurgence of bidding wars. Calculate just how far you’re willing to go to secure a home, if you truly love it.

If You’re a Seller…

Realize that, in some ways, you’re in the driver’s seat. When there is a shortage of an item at the same time there is a strong demand for that item, the seller of that item is in a good position to negotiate. Whether it is price, moving date, possible repairs, or anything else, you’ll be able to demand more from a potential purchaser at a time like this – especially if you have multiple interested buyers. Don’t be unreasonable, but understand you probably have the upper hand.

Bottom Line

The housing market will remain strong throughout 2020. Understand what that means to you, whether you’re buying, selling, or doing both. The Ransom-McKenzie Team is here to help you understand the local Riverside Market. Give us a call today!

The “New” Spring is Here! Are You Ready?

Posted on Jan 8, 2020 by

Here comes Spring…Are you ready?

Which month do you think most people who are considering buying a home actually start their search? If you’re like most of us, you probably think the surge happens in the spring, likely in April. Not anymore. According to new research, January 2019 was only 1% behind February for the most monthly views per listing on realtor.com.

So, what does that mean? The busiest season in real estate has just begun! Isn’t that exciting? We’re ready, are you?

The same research indicates,

“Historically, April launched the kickoff of the home shopping season as buyers would come out of their winter hibernation looking for their new home. However, the spring shopping season now starts in January for many of the nation’s largest markets.”

We realize that we don’t get snow in Riverside, but the reality is, even in Sunny California we have fewer homes on the market in the winter, and that supply naturally increases as we head to the spring market, waiting for more competition to list in your neighborhood this year might put you behind the curve. We know from experience that NOW is the time to jump into the market.

George Ratiu, Senior Economist at realtor.com says,

“As shoppers modify their strategies for navigating a housing market that has become more competitive due to rising prices and low inventory, the search for a home is beginning earlier and earlier.”

There is a lot of speculation in the market about why the search for a home is shifting to an earlier start. The one thing we do know is if you’re thinking about buying or selling a home this year, the earlier you get started, the better.

Reminder: When should you sell something? When there is less of that item for sale and the greatest number of buyers are in the market. That’s exactly what is happening in real estate right now.

Contact Us Today

The new spring market for real estate is underway. We have an inventory shortage in Riverside right now and there are buyers out there looking for homes. If you’re considering buying or selling, reach out to The Ransom-McKenzie Team today and get started. We’re here to help you through the process.

Biggest Issue Facing Housing Next Year

Posted on Dec 18, 2019 by

This coming year the housing market will be defined by 3 things- inventory, interest rates, and appreciation.  But the biggest issue the housing market will face in 2020 is an inventory shortage.  There aren’t enough homes on the market for buyers, especially on the lower end of the market. This is a topic that has come up frequently within the past several months.

Close up of a house. Focus on its characteristics. 3D Rendering

Based on what is forecasted, we know that interest rates are projected to remain low and that appreciation is expected to continue as we move into 2020.  Additionally, the upcoming election will provoke many unique perspectives on the health of the US housing market. The challenge will be understanding what is actually happening and how you can best position yourself if you are thinking of buying or selling your home.

Here are several perspectives to consider on the inventory issue facing housing next year:

According to realtor.com:

“Despite increases in new construction, next year will once again fail to bring a solution to the inventory shortage that has plagued the housing market since 2015. Inventory could reach a historic low as a steady flow of demand, especially for entry level homes, and declining seller sentiment combine to keep a lid on sales transactions.”

Diana Olick at CNBC:

“Inventory has been falling annually for five straight months, after it recovered slightly toward the end of last year, due to a spike in mortgage rates. Rates began falling again by spring of this year. Homebuilders have been increasing production slowly, but it’s not enough to meet the increasingly strong demand.”

George Ratiu, Senior Economist with realtor.com

“As millennials — the largest cohort of buyers in U.S. history — embrace homeownership and take advantage of this year’s unexpectedly low mortgage rates, demand is outstripping supply, causing inventory to vanish. The housing shortage is felt acutely at the entry-level of the market, where most millennials are looking to break into the market for their first home.”

Bottom Line

The most important thing you can do is understand what is happening in your local market by connecting with a real estate professional.  You may not be able to avoid some of the issues brought on by low inventory, but you can be educated and prepared. Give the Ransom-McKenzie Team a call today!

It’s National ‘Roof Over Your Head’ Day!

Posted on Dec 3, 2019 by

It’s ‘National Roof Over Your Head’ Day!
Did you know that each year in the United States, we celebrate “National Roof Over Your Head Day” on December 3rd? We celebrate “roofs over heads” every day, but our friends at Keeping Current Matters reminded us that today is the official day to celebrate. 

As noted on the National Calendar, this day was “created as a day to be thankful for what you have, starting with the roof over your head. There are many things that we have that we take for granted and do not stop to appreciate how fortunate we are for having them.”

From bungalows to cottages, and farmhouses to treehouses, today we show our appreciation and gratitude for the places we call home. Owning the roof that shelters us is something many renters still aspire to, knowing there are so many financial and non-financial benefits to homeownership.

According to the 2019 State of the Nation’s Housing from the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University,

“Cost-burdened renters now outnumber cost-burdened homeowners by more than 3.0 million. In addition, renters make up 10.8 million of the 18.2 million severely burdened households that pay more than half their incomes for housing.”

Homeownership drives many benefits, including providing families with a place to feel secure. It also helps promote confidence that they are investing proactively in themselves and their communities. That is why there are 77.7 million owner-occupied housing units in the United States.

Many, however, fear it is too expensive to own a home. In reality, though it’s actually more expensive to rent. Here’s the breakdown as a percentage of income necessary for both – affording median rent and owning a home:

It’s ‘National Roof Over Your Head’ Day! | Keeping Current Matters

Today as we pause to appreciate the places we call home, and all of the other reasons we have to be truly thankful, think about this: For those who don’t own yet and would like to, it’s a wonderful time to start identifying the steps needed to achieve homeownership. Contact The Ransom-McKenzie Team today to begin creating your plan.

Profile Image The Ransom-McKenzie Team

Ransom-McKenzie Team

Artists in Disguise as Realtors

ransom.mckenzie@gmail.com

951-237-2044

Charlotte McKenzie, Bob McKenzie & Connie Ransom are Realtors in Riverside, CA. We sell Riverside, we live in Riverside, and we Love Riverside. We've been selling artistic living in Riverside for over 20 years.

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