Author Archives: Joel Zieve

Posted on by July 20, 2016

Rents Skyrocket at Highest Rate in almost a Decade

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) was released by the Labor Department last week. An analysis byMarket Watch revealed the cost of rent was 3.8% higher than a year ago for the second straight month in June. That’s the strongest yearly price gain since 2007.

This coincides with a report released earlier this month in which AxioMetrics announced that rents are continuing to increase in 2016. The report revealed:

  • There was a 3.7% increase in effective rents in the second quarter of 2016 as compared to the same period last year.
  • That the effective rent growth this quarter compared to last quarter was 2.3%.
  • Annual effective rent growth was positive in 49 of the top 50 markets, based on number of units. Only Houston was negative, at -1.4%, as the fallout from energy-industry job losses and excess construction continues.

Here is a graph to illustrate the rate of increase over the last several years:

Rent Set to Exceed $535 Billion Paid Last Year | Simplifying The Market

Bottom Line

With rents continuing to rise and mortgage interest rates still at historic lows, let’s meet up today to determine if you could turn your monthly rental cost into a home of your own.

Posted on by July 19, 2016

A Homeowner’s Net Worth is 45x Greater Than a Renter’s!

Every three years, the Federal Reserve conducts a Survey of Consumer Finances in which they collect data across all economic and social groups. The latest survey, which includes data from 2010-2013, reports that a homeowner’s net worth is 36 times greater than that of a renter ($194,500 vs. $5,400).

In a Forbes article, the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) Chief Economist Lawrence Yun predicts that in 2016 the net worth gap will widen even further to 45 times greater.

The graph below demonstrates the results of the last two Federal Reserve studies and Yun’s prediction:

A Homeowner’s Net Worth is 45x Greater Than a Renter’s! | Simplifying The Market

 

Put Your Housing Cost to Work for You

Simply put, homeownership is a form of ‘forced savings.’ Every time you pay your mortgage, you are contributing to your net worth. Every time you pay your rent, you are contributing to your landlord’s net worth.

The latest National Housing Pulse Survey from NAR reveals that 85% of consumers believe that purchasing a home is a good financial decision. Yun comments:

“Though there will always be discussion about whether to buy or rent, or whether the stock market offers a bigger return than real estate, the reality is that homeowners steadily build wealth. The simplest math shouldn’t be overlooked.”

Bottom Line

If you are interested in finding out if you could put your housing cost to work for you by purchasing a home, let’s get together to discuss your next steps.

Posted on by July 18, 2016

3 Questions Every Buyer Should Ask Themselves

Answering the following 3 questions will help you determine if now is actually a good time for you to buy in today’s market.

1. Why am I buying a home in the first place?

This truly is the most important question to answer. Forget the finances for a minute. Why did you even begin to consider purchasing a home? For most, the reason has nothing to do with money.

For example, a recent survey by Braun showed that over 75% of parents say “their child’s education is an important part of the search for a new home.”

This survey supports a study by the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University which revealed that the four major reasons why people buy a home have nothing to do with money. They are:

  • A good place to raise children and for them to get a good education
  • A place where you and your family feel safe
  • More space for you and your family
  • Control of that space

What does owning a home mean to you? What non-financial benefits will you and your family gain from owning a home? The answer to that question should be the biggest reason you decide to purchase or not. 

2. Where are home values headed?

According to the latest Home Price Index from CoreLogic, home values are projected to increase by 5.3% over the next 12 months. 

What does that mean to you?

Simply put, if you are planning on buying a home that costs $250,000 today, that same home will cost you an additional $13,250 if you wait till next year. Your down payment will need to be higher as well to account for the higher home price.

3. Where are mortgage interest rates headed?

A buyer must be concerned about more than just prices. The ‘long term cost’ of a home can be dramatically impacted by even a small increase in mortgage rates. 

The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), the National Association of Realtors, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have all projected that mortgage interest rates will increase over the next twelve months as you can see in the chart below:

3 Questions Every Buyer Should Ask Themselves | Simplifying The Market

Bottom Line

Only you and your family will know for certain if now is the right time to purchase a home. Answering these questions will help you make that decision.

Posted on by June 16, 2016

Ogden Valley Utah Home For Sale on Acreage With Large Outbuilding Amazing Ogden Valley Home Inside and Out! Welcome home to your 3 Bedroom, 3 Bath Ogden Valley Utah (Eden) home for sale on over 1 1/4 acres. What sets … Continue reading →

Posted on by August 8, 2016

Ogden Valley’s Best Neighborhood (Eden Utah) – Patio Springs

Looking for the best and most desirable neighborhood in the Ogden Valley Utah? You’ve found it – Patio Springs!

At the base of Powder Mountain (skiing/boarding), minutes from Pineview Reservoir, steps to Wolf Creek (golf) and 20 minutes to Snowbasin (skiing, boarding, hiking, mountain biking, dining, free summer concerts, etc), you’ll find all that the Ogden Valley has within easy reach.

Close to shopping and restaurants and great schools too.

For more information about this neighborhood and for a list of homes for sale in Patio Springs Utah, visitL PatioSprings.com

For a list of homes for sale in the Ogden Valley, visit: OgdenValleyUtah.NorthernUtahHomeTeam.com

For more information about the Ogden Valley, visit: liveogdenvalleyutah.com