Summer is here! The temperature isn't the only thing heating up right now, so too is the housing market in many areas of the country! Here are four great reasons to consider buying a home today instead of waiting.

1. Prices Will Continue to Rise

CoreLogic’s latest Home Price Index reports that home prices have appreciated by 5.9% over the last 12 months. The same report predicts that prices will continue to increase at a rate of 5.3% over the next year. The Home Price Expectation Survey polls a distinguished panel of over 100 economists, investment strategists, and housing market analysts. Their most recent report projects home values to appreciate by more than 3.2% a year for the next 5 years.

The bottom in home prices has come and gone. Home…

Every quarter, Pulsenomics interviews over 100 economists and market experts in an attempt to create a forecast for the upcoming real estate market. Since there is a lot of buzz about a softening market, this quarter's predictions may shock you:

Home values will appreciate by 4.0% over the course of 2016, 3.4% in 2017 and 3.0% in the next two years, and finally 2.8% in 2020 (as shown below). That means the average annual appreciation will be 3.2% over the next 5 years.

The prediction for cumulative appreciation slowed slightly from 25.0% to 24.7% by 2020. The experts making up the most bearish quartile of the survey are still projecting a cumulative appreciation of 9.9%.

What does this all mean? For one, the nervousness being sensed around…

The initial costs of owning a home can be overwhelming. Some costs appear to be simple (i.e. new lawn furniture) while other costs may seem more complex and less approachable. Choosing the right homeowner's insurance definitely falls under the "intimidating" category, and for some people, the process can be a flat out nuisance. Thankfully, Reviews.com makes it easy to find not only a very cost effective coverage plan, but also something that is the right fit for your area. Of course you need insurance to prepare for the "what ifs", but what company has the best reputation in your area? How blanketed do you want your policy to be? What really is the difference between Allstate and State Farm?

Reviews.com is your one-stop-shop for trustworthy homeowners…

Sellers - the time to sell is now. If you haven't been convinced by our most recent blog posts, let's let the numbers do the talking. 

Foot Traffic is another great indicator of future sales. Here's what CAR estimates for last month's activity: 

According to another study by CAR, more homeowners have >20% equity in their homes, leaving them in a much better position to test the market. 

If you or someone you know is thinking about selling in this market, reach out to me. 

Alex Narodny

alex@marinrealestate.net 

Graphics directly sourced from "Keeping Current Matters" Blog: http://www.keepingcurrentmatters.com/2016/03/22/3-charts-that-scream-list-your-home-today/

According to the latest Beracha, Hardin & Johnson Buy vs. Rent (BH&J) Indexhomeownership is a better way to produce greater wealth, on average, than renting. The BH&J Index is a quarterly report that attempts to answer the question: Is it better to rent or buy in this market?

The index examines the entire US housing market and then isolates 23 major markets for comparison. The researchers use a "horse race comparison between an individual that is buying a home and an individual that rents a similar quality home and reinvests all monies otherwise invested in homeownership.”

Ken Johnson Ph.D., Real Estate Economist & Professor at Florida Atlantic University, and one of the index’s authors states:

“The nation as a whole is in buy territory.…

Everybody is an expert when it comes to home shopping. If you are debating purchasing a home right now, you are probably getting a lot of advice. Though your friends and family will have your best interest at heart, they may not be fully aware of your needs and what is currently happening in the real estate market.

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? 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.

A study by the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University reveals that the four major reasons people buy a home have…

To sell your house as a For Sale By Owner will always be a tempting avenue to pursue, especially in high priced Marin. However, sometimes the initial perceived benefit of saving on commissions can cloud the crucial role a listing agent plays. Here are 5 reasons why you should re-think a For Sale By Owner:

1. Negotiation

There’s a lot of people you need to negotiate with in a real estate transaction, and listing agents are experienced with negotiating with all these people. Managing and communicating with these people are the most important part of keeping a deal together: Buyer, Buyer’s agent, Buyer’s attorney (If applicable), Inspection companies, Appraiser, Mortgage Broker

2. Exposure

Listing Distribution through a brokerage like Sotheby’s…

The town of Ross has plenty to offer for every type of buyer. Our listing on 6 Berry Lane is located in the heart of Ross providing not only convenience but an amazing neighborhood. Surrounded by top school districts, local shops, and hiking trails our listing has all the necessities plus more. Right off of Sir Francis Drake Blvd, one of the main roads through Marin, 6 Berry Lane is tucked away in its own private lot with plenty of room to expand and create something of your own! This contemporary cottage has three bedrooms and three bathrooms with two decks and beautify designed windows that captivate tons of natural light. High ceilings and stunning tile work add some detail to this home as well as a butlers pantry and several skylights!

 The…

Marin County is well know for its verdant landscapes, rolling hills and vast open space. Our listings on 55 Fair in San Rafael and 9 Quail Drive in San Anselmo combine all three features with beautifully designed homes to create two incredible living spaces.

55 Fair is uniquely located in the hills of San Rafael  with close access to the highway and local shopping centers.  This 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath house is custom designed with an office space, children's play area, and large open kitchen that creates room for entertaining. Large windows and a large BBQ deck off of the kitchen show off the hills and views of San Rafael. This home is conveniently located but exceptionally quiet. It's custom features also include grand windows, high ceilings,…

Nestled in the hills of San Rafael, 101 Chula Vista shows off the verdant landscapes of North Marin. Welcomed by tall ceilings and beautiful natural light  there is nothing you can’t love about this beautifully designed house. Fresh air flows through  the grand entries of every room, escaping through large french doors opening onto a sweeping deck. All rooms have a view of the rolling hills and native ambiance of Marin County.

The kitchen is part of a open-plan design that includes a dining and office area. The kitchen combines elegance and functionality.The social space encourages casual interaction, including a formal dining area around the corner with spectacular views. The floor plan lays out four bedrooms each with their own bathroom and…