Three Ways Low Inventory Is a Win for Charlotte Area Sellers

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We believe every family should feel confident when buying and selling their Charlotte Area Home home.

Three Ways Low Inventory Is a Win for Sellers | MyKCM

The number of houses for sale today is significantly lower than the high buyer activity in the current housing market. According to Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for the National Association of Realtors (NAR):

“There is no shortage of hopeful, potential buyers, but inventory is historically low.”

When the demand for homes is higher than what’s available for sale, it’s a great time for homeowners to sell their house. Here are three ways low inventory can help you win if you’re ready to make a move this fall.

1. Higher Prices

With so many more buyers in the market than homes available for sale, homebuyers are frequently entering into bidding wars for the houses they want to purchase. This buyer competition drives home prices up. As a seller, this can definitely work to your advantage, potentially netting you more for your house when you close the deal.

2. Greater Return on Your Investment

Rising prices mean homes are also gaining value, which drives an increase in the equity you have in your home. In the latest Homeowner Equity Insights Report, CoreLogic explains:

“In the second quarter of 2020, the average homeowner gained approximately $9,800 in equity.”

This year-over-year growth in equity gives you the ability to put that money toward a down payment on your next home or to keep it as extra savings.

3. Better Terms

When we’re in a sellers’ market like we are today, you’re in the driver’s seat if you sell your house. You have the power to sell on your terms, and buyers are more likely to work with you if it means they can finally move into their dream home.

So, is low housing inventory a big deal?

Yes, especially if you want to sell your house at the perfect time. Today’s market gives sellers immense negotiating power. However, it won’t last forever, especially as more sellers return to the housing market next year. If you’re considering selling your house, the best time to do so is now.

Bottom Line

If you’re interested in taking advantage of the current sellers’ market, let’s connect today to determine your best move in our local market.

Importance of Pricing Your Home

By admin
Carolina Living Real Estate

If you’re dreaming of getting top dollar when selling your house, pricing it right is key. More potential buyers will see your listing this way, and be more likely to initiate multiple offers, bidding wars, and the competition you need to get the best price in the sale. Let’s connect to make sure your house is priced to sell immediately.

Believe the Real Estate Facts

I know everyone wants to price their home high but actually in this market, stats show that pricing at or below market will bring multiple buyers which results in a higher price. We have had this happen recently with 2 properties.

One was listed for $255K and resulted in a sale of $290K. We had 5 offers on this one!

The 2nd on was priced at $150K and brought a price of $155K even though it need a lot of work. We had 7 offers on this one.

The Top Reasons People Are Moving This Year

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Headed To The Charlotte Area? We Can Help!

The Top Reasons People Are Moving This Year | MyKCM

Today, Americans are moving for a variety of different reasons. The current health crisis has truly re-shaped our lifestyles and our needs. Spending extra time where we currently live is enabling many families to re-evaluate what homeownership means and what they find most important in a home.

According to Zillow:

“In 2020, homes went from the place people returned to after work, school, hitting the gym or vacationing, to the place where families do all of the above. For those who now spend the majority of their hours at home, there’s a growing wish list of what they’d change about their homes, if possible.” 

With a new perspective on homeownership, here are some of the top reasons people are reconsidering where they live and making moves this year.

1. Working from Home

Remote work is becoming the new norm in 2020, and it’s continuing on longer than most initially expected. Many in the workforce today are discovering they don’t need to live close to the office anymore, and they can get more for their money if they move a little further outside the city limits. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for the National Association of Realtors (NAR) notes:

“With the sizable shift in remote work, current homeowners are looking for larger homes and this will lead to a secondary level of demand even into 2021.”

If you’ve tried to convert your guest room or your dining room into a home office with minimal success, it may be time to find a larger home. The reality is, your current house may not be optimally designed for this kind of space, making remote work and continued productivity very challenging.

2. Virtual Schooling

With school about to restart this fall, many districts are beginning the new academic year online. Education Week is tracking the reopening plans of schools across the country, and as of August 21, 21 of the 25 largest school districts are choosing remote learning as their back-to-school instructional model, affecting over 4.5 million students.

With a need for a dedicated learning space, it may be time to find a larger home to provide your children with the same kind of quiet room to focus on their schoolwork, just like you likely need for your office work.

3. A Home Gym

Staying healthy and active is a top priority for many Americans. With various levels of concern around the safety of returning to health clubs across the country, dreams of space for a home gym are growing stronger. The Home Builders Association of Greater New Orleans explains:

“For many in quarantine, a significant decrease in activity is more than a vanity issue – it’s a mental health issue.”

Having room to maintain a healthy lifestyle at home – mentally and physically – may prompt you to consider a new place to live that includes space for at-home workouts.

4. Outdoor Space

Especially for those living in an apartment or a small townhouse, this is a new priority for many as well. Zillow also notes the benefits of being able to use yard space throughout the year:

“People want more space in their next home, and one way to get it is by turning part of the backyard into a functional room, ‘an outdoor space for play as well as entertaining or cooking.’”

You may, however, not have the extra square footage today to have these designated areas – indoor or out.

Moving May Be Your Best Option

If you’re clamoring for extra space to accommodate your family’s changing needs, making a move may be your best bet, especially while you can take advantage of today’s low mortgage rates. Low rates are making homes more affordable than they have been in years. According to Black Knight:

“Buying power for those shopping for a home is up 10% year over year, with home buyers able to afford nearly $32,000 more home than they could have 1 year ago while keeping their monthly payment the same.”

It’s a great time to get more home for your money, just when you need the extra space.

Bottom Line

People are moving for a variety of different reasons today, and many families’ needs have changed throughout the year. If you’ve been trying to decide if now is the time to buy a new home, let’s connect to discuss your needs.

Two Reasons We Won’t See a Rush of Charlotte Foreclosures This Fall

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More Info From Carolina Living Real Estate

Two Reasons We Won’t See a Rush of Foreclosures This Fall | MyKCM

The health crisis we face as a country has led businesses all over the nation to reduce or discontinue their services altogether. This pause in the economy has greatly impacted the workforce and as a result, many people have been laid off or furloughed. Naturally, that would lead many to believe we might see a rush of foreclosures like we saw in 2008. The market today, however, is very different from 2008.

The concern of more foreclosures based on those that are out of work is one that we need to understand fully. There are two reasons we won’t see a rush of foreclosures this fall: forbearance extension options and strong homeowner equity.

1. Forbearance Extension

Forbearance, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), is “when your mortgage servicer or lender allows you to temporarily pay your mortgage at a lower payment or pause paying your mortgage.” Thisis an option for those who need immediate relief. In today’s economy, the CFPB has given homeowners a way to extend their forbearance, which will greatly assist those families who need it at this critical time.

Under the CARES Act, the CFPB notes:

“If you experience financial hardship due to the coronavirus pandemic, you have a right to request and obtain a forbearance for up to 180 days. You also have the right to request and obtain an extension for up to another 180 days (for a total of up to 360 days).”

2. Strong Homeowner Equity

Equity is also working in favor of today’s homeowners. This savings is another reason why we won’t see substantial foreclosures in the near future. Today’s homeowners who are in forbearance actually have more equity in their homes than what the market experienced in 2008.

Two Reasons We Won’t See a Rush of Foreclosures This Fall | MyKCM

The Mortgage Monitor report from Black Knight indicates that of all active forbearances which are past due on their mortgage payment, 77% have at least 20% equity in their homes (See graph below):Black Knight notes:

“The high level of equity provides options for homeowners, policymakers, mortgage investors and servicers in helping to avoid downstream foreclosure activity and default-related losses.”

Bottom Line

Many think we may see a rush of foreclosures this fall, but the facts just don’t add up in this case. Today’s real estate market is very different from 2008 when we saw many homeowners walk away when they owed more than their homes were worth. This time, equity is stronger and plans are in place to help those affected weather the storm.

What Are Experts Saying about Home Prices?

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More From Your Charlotte and Lake Norman Preferred Agents!

What Are Experts Saying about Home Prices? | MyKCM

Last week, a very well-respected real estate analytics firm surprised many with their home price projection for the next twelve months. CoreLogic, in their latest Home Price Index said:

“The economic downturn that started in March 2020 is predicted to cause a 6.6% drop in the HPI by May 2021, which would be the first decrease in annual home prices in over 9 years.”

The forecast was surprising as it was strikingly different than any other projection by major analysts. Six of the other eight forecasts call for appreciation, and the two who project depreciation indicate it will be one percent or less.

What Are Experts Saying about Home Prices? | MyKCM

Here is a graph showing all of the projections:There’s a simple formula to determine the future price of any item: calculate the supply of that item in ratio to the demand for that item. In housing right now, demand far exceeds supply. Last week mortgage applications to buy a home were 33% higher than they were at the same time last year. The available inventory of homes for sale is 31% lower than it was last year. Normally, these numbers should call for homes to continue to appreciate.

Bottom Line

Because of the uncertainty with the pandemic, any economic prediction is extremely difficult. However, looking at the limited supply of homes for sale and the tremendous demand for housing, it is difficult to disagree with the majority of analysts who are calling for price appreciation.

How Will You Cover the Cost of Home Repairs?

By admin
Carolina Living real Estate

If you don’t have thousands saved to replace your roof, there’s a good chance you should start paying attention to potential home repairs and how much they cost. According to the Simple Dollar, something as seemingly simple as pulling off old shingles and replacing them with new can easily exceed that amount. And that’s only one project. Keep reading for insight on how to get yourself in a financial position to handle common home repairs. And keep in mind that it’s not a question of if these issues will arise, but when.

When to plan home repairs

You can’t always plan ahead for these things, but you can incorporate some important work into planned projects. If you have a home renovation scheduled, for example, you have an opportunity to make your home safer and bring it up to current code requirements. While it will add to your overall renovation costs, having things like the plumbing and electrical updated while the walls are already open will save you in the long-run. As an added benefit, upgrades like better insulation and more efficient plumbing will lower your energy consumption, saving you even more.

If a remodel is in the works, you could find that significant repairs will outgrow affordability. In this case, buying a new home could be a better choice. Not only would you get to enjoy your new home, but you may have less maintenance to worry about.

How Much Money Do I Need?

The amount of money you should put aside each year for home upkeep, including for emergency repairs, is different depending on the age of your home, where you live, and how much work you can do yourself. Most homeowners can expect to spend just under $3,000 each year on home improvements. About half of that will go toward replacement items or to fix ones that are broken. Keep in mind that some years you may spend much less, while others you will feel as though you’re writing a check every week. Most home repair and renovation experts recommend that homeowners sock away about 1 percent of their home’s value each year to prepare for future problems.

When Saving Isn’t an Option

Sometimes, things pop up out of the blue. Even if you have been putting aside money, major projects, such as having to have the electrical system replaced or digging up your mainline plumbing, can cost $10,000 or more. Robinson’s Plumbing Service explains that plumbers can charge upward of $450 per linear foot to excavate sewer pipes. And if you think your home insurance is going to cover a sewage backup, you are probably wrong.

In these cases, it may be necessary to look to your home’s equity to help you cover these repairs. If you have enough home equity, you may qualify for a refinance loan such as a PennyMac refi that will provide cash for remodeling jobs even if your credit score isn’t flawless. This will give you the injection of cash you need and plenty of time to pay it off.

The Hidden Costs

During an emergency like the sewer backup mentioned above, you likely aren’t thinking clearly. You may be in a panic and willing to hire the first contractor that shows up with a wrench in hand. Unfortunately, doing so may wind up costing you more than you’re willing to finance. Keep in mind that, even as water is filling up your lawn (or worse), that is your responsibility to get a firm quote in writing from any contractor who would like to do the work. Failure to do so may result in even more costs down the road. Keep in mind, too, that most reputable contractors won’t ask for payment before doing the work. As inconvenient as it may be, if your contractor insists on a check before the work begins, keep looking.

DIY Repairs to Avoid

As a homeowner, you likely want to save where you can. And that’s great, especially if you know your way around the toolbox. Simple repairs aside, it’s a good idea to let professionals handle major systems, such as your HVAC or plumbing. These areas, along with the electrical system, require years of expertise and updated knowledge of local building codes to repair correctly. There’s no problem with replacing broken stair treads or a busted deck board, but anything that your family relies on for their health and safety should be left to the pros.


Home repairs are an inevitable part of homeownership. It is no secret that things wear out and need eventual replacement. To weather these occurrences, regularly put money aside for home repairs. The sooner you begin putting money aside, the sooner you can tackle a problem and keep a bad situation from getting worse. And if all else fails, it may be better to move on. You may find now is the perfect time to build the home of your dreams.

Image via Pixabay

New Index Reveals Impact of COVID-19 on Real Estate

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More From Your Charlotte Area Realtors

New Index Reveals Impact of COVID-19 on Real Estate | MyKCM

Earlier this month, realtor.com announced the release of their initial Housing Recovery Index, a weekly guide showing how the pandemic has impacted the residential real estate market. The index leverages a weighted average of four key components of the housing industry, tracking each of the following:

  1. Housing Demand – Growth in online search activity
  2. Home Price – Growth in asking prices
  3. Housing Supply – Growth of new listings
  4. Pace of Sales – Difference in time-on-market

The index then compares the current status “to the last week of January 2020 market trend, as a baseline for pre-COVID market growth. The overall index is set to 100 in this baseline period. The higher a market’s index value, the higher its recovery and vice versa.”

New Index Reveals Impact of COVID-19 on Real Estate | MyKCM

The graph below charts the index by showing how the real estate market started out strong in early 2020, and then dropped dramatically at the beginning of March when the pandemic paused the economy. It also shows the strength of the recovery since the beginning of May.It’s clear to see that the housing market is showing promising signs of recovery from the deep economic cuts we experienced earlier this spring. As noted by Dean Mon, Chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB):

“As the nation reopens, housing is well-positioned to lead the economy forward.”

The data today indicates the housing market is already on the way up.

Bottom Line

Staying connected to the housing market’s performance over the coming months will be essential, as we continue to evaluate exactly how the housing market is doing in this uncharted time ahead.

Charlotte: Are You Ready for the Summer Housing Market?

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Are You Ready for the Summer Housing Market? | MyKCM

As the health crisis started making its way throughout our country earlier this spring, sellers have been cautious about putting their homes on the market. This hesitation stemmed primarily from fear of the spread of the coronavirus, and understandably so. This abundant caution has greatly impacted the number of homes for sale and slowed the pace of a typically busy spring real estate season. Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American notes:

“As more homeowners are reluctant to list their homes for sale amid the pandemic, the supply of homes available to potential home buyers continues to dwindle.”

With many states beginning a phased approach to reopening, virtual best practices and health and safety guidelines for the industry are in place to increase the comfort level of buyers and sellers. What we see today, though, is that sellers are still making a very calculated return to the market. In their latest Weekly Housing Trends Report, realtor.com indicates:

“New listings: On the slow path to recovery. Nationwide the size of declines held mostly steady this week, dropping 23 percent over last year, a slight increase over last week but still an improvement over the 30 percent declines in the first half of May.”

Although we’re starting to inch our way toward more homes for sale throughout the country, the number of homes on the market is still well below the demand from buyers. In the same report, Javier Vivas, Director of Economic Research for realtor.com shares:

“Sellers have yet to come back in full force, limiting the availability of homes for sale. Total active listings are declining from a year ago at a faster rate than observed in previous weeks, and this trend could worsen as buyers regain confidence and come back to the market before sellers.”

Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR) seems to agree:

“In the coming months, buying activity will rise as states reopen and more consumers feel comfortable about homebuying in the midst of the social distancing measures.”

What we can see today is that homebuyers are more confident than the sellers, and they’re ready to make up for lost time from the traditional spring market. Summer is gearing up to be the 2020 buying season, so including your house in the mix may be your best opportunity to sell yet. Interest in your house may be higher than you think with so few sellers on the market today. As Vivas says:

“More properties will have to enter the market in June to bring the number of options for buyers back to normal levels for this time of the year, nationwide and in all large markets.”

Bottom Line

If you’re ready to sell your house this summer, let’s connect today. Buyers are interested and they may be looking for a house just like yours.

Senior Housing for Low-Income Residents

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For seniors who have modest incomes, paying for housing- whether a home they own, a rental, or a room in a facility that provides additional senior care assistance- can feel nearly impossible. According to the National Council on Aging, in 2019 over 25 million Americans 60 and older were living on $31,225 or less per year, a status recognized as “economically insecure.” For those who rent, have housing debt, or need some form of assisted living, such an income is often inadequate for their housing needs. 

Read the rest of the article at Senior Homes – Senior Living Near You:

Questions to Ask When Considering Selling You Home

By admin

These questions will help you decide whether you’re ready for a home that’s larger or in a more desirable location. If you answer yes to most of the questions, you may be ready to move.

Have you built substantial equity in your current home?
Check your annual mortgage statement or call your lender to find out how much you’ve paid down. Usually you don’t build up much equity in the first few years of your mortgage, as monthly payments are mostly interest. But if you’ve owned your home for five or more years, you may have significant, unrealized gains.

Has your income or financial situation changed?
If you’re making more money, you may be able to afford higher mortgage payments and cover the costs of moving. If your income has decreased, you may want to consider downsizing.

Have you outgrown your neighborhood?
The neighborhood you pick for your first home might not be the same one in which you want to settle down for good. You may have realized that you’d like to be closer to your job or live in a better school district.

Are there reasons why you can’t remodel or add on?
Sometimes you can create a bigger home by adding a new room or building up. But if your property isn’t large enough, your municipality doesn’t allow it, or you’re simply not interested in remodeling, then moving to a bigger home may be your best option.

Are you comfortable moving in the current housing market?
If your market is hot, your home may sell quickly and for top dollar, but the home you buy will also be more expensive. If your market is slow, finding a buyer may take longer, but you’ll have more selection and better pricing as you seek your new home. Ask your real estate professional what they see happening locally.

Are interest rates attractive?
Low rates help you buy “more” home, and also make it easier to find a buyer for your current place.

Is the effort and cost of maintaining your current home becoming difficult to manage?

Roby Robertson, A REALTOR ® can help you decide whether a smaller house, condo, or rental would be appropriate.