The higher rates, combined with high home prices, are creating a housing market of “haves and have-nots,” says NAR’s deputy chief economist. Home buyers are being forced to adjust to what is becoming a new norm: Mortgage rates above 7%. At this week’s average of 7.19% for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, as reported Thursday by Freddie Mac, the typical monthly mortgage payment on a median-priced home of $413,500 would translate to $2,243, says Jessica Lautz, deputy chief economist at the National Association of REALTORS®. “The elevated rates impact where a buyer can purchase and how much home they can afford today,” Lautz says. Indeed, the average loan size on a purchase application last week soared to $416,800—the highest level in six weeks, the Mortgage Bankers Association reports. The higher rates and home prices are creating a housing market of “haves and have-nots,” Lautz says. “The typical first-time, single or minority buyer has no ready cash to purchase a home,” she adds. Meanwhile, current homeowners can leverage the record-high equity in their homes when purchasing again. They’re part of a group of buyers fueling the all-cash market, where higher mortgage rates are having no impact. In August, all-cash transactions comprised 27% of the housing market, NAR’s data shows. Freddie Mac reports the following national averages with mortgage rates for the week ending Sept. 21: 30-year fixed-rate mortgages: averaged 7.19%, rising slightly from last week’s 7.18% average. A year ago, 30-year rates averaged 6.29%. 15-year fixed-rate mortgages: averaged 6.54%, increasing from last week’s 6.51% average. Last year at this time, 15-year rates averaged 5.44%. ----- Source: nar.realtor

An important factor shaping today’s market is the number of homes for sale. And, if you’re considering whether or not to list your house, that’s one of the biggest advantages you have right now. When housing inventory is this low, your house will stand out, especially if it’s priced right. But there are some early signs that more listings are coming. According to the latest data, new listings (homeowners who just put their house up for sale) are trending up. Here’s a look at why this is noteworthy and what it may mean for you. More Homes Are Coming onto the Market than Usual It’s well known that the busiest time in the housing market each year is the spring buying season. That’s why there’s a predictable increase in the volume of newly listed homes throughout the first half of the year. Sellers are anticipating this and ramping up for the months when buyers are most active. But, as the school year kicks off and as the holidays approach, the market cools. It’s what’s expected. But here’s what’s surprising. Based on the latest data from Realtor.com, there’s an increase in the number of sellers listing their houses later this year than usual. A peak this late in the year isn’t typical. You can see both the normal seasonal trend and the unusual August in the graph below: As Realtor.com explains: “While inventory continues to be in short supply, August witnessed an unusual uptick in newly listed homes compared to July, hopefully signaling a return in seller activity heading toward the fall season . . .” While this is only one month of data, it’s unusual enough to note. It’s still too early to say for sure if this trend will continue, but it’s something you’ll want to stay ahead of if it does. What This Means for You If you’ve been putting off selling your house, now may be the sweet spot to make your move. That’s because, if this trend continues, you’ll have more competition the longer you wait. And if your neighbor puts their house up for sale too, it means you may have to share buyers’ attention with that other homeowner. If you sell now, you can beat your neighbors to the punch. But, even with more homes coming onto the market, the market is still well below normal supply levels. And, that inventory deficit isn’t going to be reversed overnight. The graph below helps put this into context, so you can see the opportunity you still have now: Bottom Line Even though inventory is still low, you don’t want to wait for more competition to pop up in your neighborhood. You still have an incredible opportunity if you sell your house today. Connect with a real estate agent to explore the benefits of selling now before more homes come to the market. ----- Source: keepingcurrentmatters.com

< Back 818 La Montagne Pl, South San Francisco 818 La Montagne Pl, South San Francisco Sold $1,380,000 Property Description Wonderful 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home sold off-market in South San Francisco. Access to nearby parks and hiking trails. Contact Agent Benson Group (650) 245-4530 bensongroup@compass.com Request More Info Property Details Property Type Single Family Home Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2.5 Size 2,510 sqft Side Represented Seller Year Built 2007 Property Location 818 La Montagne Pl, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA

< Back 1344 Sanchez Ave, Burlingame 1344 Sanchez Ave, Burlingame Sold $1,180,000 Property Description Charming Mediterranean home ready for any young family or empty nestor. 3 bedroom - 2 bath, level lot. Formal LR and DR. Remodeled chef's kitchen, updated baths, new Pella windows throughout. Relaxing yard with deck. Walk to Broadway Ave shops, restaurants, transportation, shopping and more. This will not last long. Contact Agent Benson Group (650) 245-4530 bensongroup@compass.com Request More Info Property Details Property Type Single Family Home Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 Size 2,052 sqft Side Represented Seller Year Built 1937 Property Location 1344 Sanchez Ave, Burlingame, CA 94010, USA

Social bensongroup INSTAGRAM TESTIMONIALS We think we're pretty great, but see what our clients have to say! TESTIMONIALS What Clients Say "Laurie and Andrew are extremely professional and you could always be sure that every step of any transaction would be conducted thoroughly, expertly and in a very timely manner." Jess and Romy | Burlingame Sellers