Friday, May 22, 2020

Experts Predict Economic Recovery Should Begin in the Second Half of the Year

Experts Predict Economic Recovery Should Begin in the Second Half of the Year
One of the biggest questions we all seem to be asking these days is: When are we going to start to see an economic recovery? As the country begins to slowly reopen, moving forward in strategic phases, business activity will help bring our nation back to life. Many economists indicate a recovery should begin to happen in the second half of this year. Here’s a look at what some of the experts have to say.
“I think there’s a good chance that there’ll be positive growth in the third quarter. And I think it’s a reasonable expectation that there’ll be growth in the second half of the year…
So, in the long run, I would say the U.S. economy will recover. We’ll get back to the place we were in February; we’ll get to an even better place than that. I’m highly confident of that. And it won’t take that long to get there.”
“The economy is expected to begin recovering during the second half of 2020 as concerns about the pandemic diminish and as state and local governments ease stay-at-home orders, bans on public gatherings, and other measures. The labor market is projected to materially improve after the third quarter; hiring will rebound and job losses will drop significantly as the degree of social distancing diminishes.”
“I think we need to prepare for a more gradual recovery while we hope for that quicker rebound.”
We’re certainly not out of the woods yet, but clearly many experts anticipate we’ll see a recovery starting this year. It may be a bumpy ride for the next few months, but most agree that a turnaround will begin sooner rather than later.
During the planned shutdown, as the economic slowdown pressed pause on the nation, many potential buyers and sellers put their real estate plans on hold. That time coincided with the traditionally busy spring real estate season. As we look ahead at this economic recovery and we begin to emerge back into our communities over the coming weeks and months, perhaps it’s time to think about putting your real estate plans back into play.

Bottom Line

The experts note a turnaround is on the horizon, starting as early as later this year. If you paused your 2020 real estate plans, reach out to a local real estate professional today to determine how you can re-engage in the process as the country reopens and the economy begins a much-anticipated rebound.
Source: Keeping Current Matters | The KCM Crew 05222020

Monday, May 18, 2020

#1 Financial Benefit of Homeownership: Family Wealth

#1 Financial Benefit of Homeownership: Family Wealth
While growing up, we were taught by our parents and grandparents that owning a home is a financially savvy move. They explained how a mortgage is like a “forced savings plan.” When you pay rent, that money is lost forever. When you make a mortgage payment, much of that money accumulates as equity in the home. So, what exactly is equity?
The equity in your home is the amount of money you can sell it for minus what you still owe on the mortgage. Every month you make a mortgage payment, and every month a portion of what you pay reduces the amount you owe. That reduction of your mortgage every month increases your equity.
A recent study by CoreLogic explained that homeowners gained substantial equity over the last twelve months, and are essentially sitting on large sums of cash in their homes. In the study, Frank Nothaft, Chief Economist for CoreLogic explained:
“The CoreLogic Home Price Index recorded a quickening of home price gains during the fourth quarter of 2019, helping to boost home equity wealth. The average family with a mortgage had a $7,300 gain in home equity during the past year, and a total of $177,000 in home equity wealth.”
For most families, their home is their largest financial asset. This increase in equity drives the net worth, or family wealth, of the homeowner. Renters are not earning that benefit. Instead, they’re building the net worth of their landlord.

Bottom Line

Home price growth will moderate during the pandemic. But once a cure is available, most experts agree that home values will again begin to appreciate at levels similar to what we’ve seen over the last several years. In the long run, our family elders will be proven correct: owning a home is a savvy financial move.
Source: Keeping Current Matters | The KCM Crew 05182020

Friday, May 15, 2020

11257 WEXFORD DR Unincorporated, TN 38028

Property Site: http://tour.remax-tennessee.com/home/6LQNJ5/11257-WEXFORD-DR-Unincorporated-TN-10076609
Beautiful Home on 4.75 Acre Lot~Living Room & Dining Room w/Lots of Light~Stunning Office w/Red Pine Built-Ins~Eat-In Kitchen w/Island, Tons of Cabinets & SS Appls~Great Room w/Built-Ins & Fireplace~Amazing Master Bedroom w/Sitting Area & Fireplace + Updated Master Bath w/Jacuzzi Tub, Separate Shower & Fantastic Walk-In Closet~Split Bedroom Floor Plan w/Jack & Jill Bath~1244 Sq Ft Suite Above Garage w/Full Kitchen, Full BA & Tons of Closets~Heated/Cooled Sunroom & Shop~In-Ground Pool~AND MORE!
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 4
Square feet: 5,000
Price: $780,000

For more information about this property, please contact Jennifer Carstensen at 901-685-6000 or jennifer@livelovememphis.com. You can also text 6217534 to 67299 (Message and Data Rates May Apply, see terms and privacy policy).


See more listings at: jcarstensen.remax-tennessee.com


MLS ID: 10076609

https://www.facebook.com/jensellsmemphis https://twitter.com/livelovememphis https://www.youtube.com/c/jennifercarstensenmemphisrealestate

2642 BAY POINTE CIR Memphis, TN 38128

Property Site: http://tour.remax-tennessee.com/home/6S93PN/2642-BAY-POINTE-CIR-Memphis-TN-10076577
Great 3BR/3BA Home in Quiet Neighborhood ~ Over 1700 Sq Ft ~ Large Great Room w/ Fireplace & Vaulted Ceilings ~ Spacious Kitchen w/ Lots of Cabinet Space + Pantry ~ Master Bedroom Down w/ En-Suite Bath + Walk-In Closet & Direct Access to Patio ~ 2nd Bedrooms + Full Bath + Laundry Closet Also Down ~ 3rd Bedroom + Full Bath + Bonus Area/Loft Area Upstairs ~ Fenced-In Backyard w/ Covered Patio ~ AND MORE!!
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 3
Square feet: 1,600
Price: $110,000

For more information about this property, please contact Jennifer Carstensen at 901-685-6000 or jennifer@livelovememphis.com. You can also text 6217530 to 67299 (Message and Data Rates May Apply, see terms and privacy policy).


See more listings at: jcarstensen.remax-tennessee.com


MLS ID: 10076577

https://www.facebook.com/jensellsmemphis https://twitter.com/livelovememphis https://www.youtube.com/c/jennifercarstensenmemphisrealestate

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Why Home Equity Is a Bright Spark in the Housing Market

Why Home Equity Is a Bright Spark in the Housing Market
Given how we have seen more unemployment claims than ever before over the past several weeks, fear is spreading widely. Some good news, however, shows that more than 4 million initial unemployment filers have likely already found a new job, especially as industries such as health care, food and grocery stores, retail, delivery, and more increase their employment opportunities. Breaking down what unemployment means for homeownership, and understanding the significant equity Americans hold today, are important parts of seeing the picture clearly when sorting through this uncertainty.
One of the biggest questions right now is whether this historic unemployment rate will initiate a new surge of foreclosures in the market. It’s a very real fear. Despite the staggering number of claims, there are actually many reasons why we won’t see a significant number of foreclosures like we did during the housing crash twelve years ago. The amount of equity homeowners have today is a leading differentiator in the current market.
Today, according to John Burns Consulting, 58.7% of homes in the U.S. have at least 60% equity. That number is drastically different than it was in 2008 when the housing bubble burst. The last recession was painful, and when prices dipped, many found themselves owing more on their mortgage than what their homes were worth. Homeowners simply walked away at that point. Now, 42.1% of all homes in this country are mortgage-free, meaning they’re owned free and clear. Those homes are not at risk for foreclosure (see graph below):
Why Home Equity is a Bright Spark in the Housing Market | Keeping Current Matters
In addition, CoreLogic notes the average equity mortgaged homes have today is $177,000. That’s a significant amount that homeowners won’t be stepping away from, even in today’s economy (see chart below):
Why Home Equity is a Bright Spark in the Housing Market | Keeping Current Matters
In essence, the amount of equity homeowners have today positions them to be in a much better place than they were in 2008.
 

Bottom Line 

The fear and uncertainty we feel right now are very real, and this is not going to be easy. We can, however, see strength in our current market through homeowner equity that has not been there in the past. That may be a bright spark to help us make it through.
Source: Keeping Current Matters | The KCM Crew 05062020

243 N MCNEIL ST Memphis, TN 38112

Property Site: http://tour.remax-tennessee.com/home/TCFW5F/243-N-MCNEIL-ST-Memphis-TN-10075940
Stunning, Renovated 4BR/2.5BA Home in Evergreen~Gorgeous Living Room + Formal Dining Room + Great Room w/Hardwood Floors~Beautiful Chefs Kitchen w/Cabinets Galore + SS Appliances + 5 Burner Gas Stove + New Granite Counters~All BRs Up~Huge Master Bedroom Suite w/Sitting Area, Full BA, 2 Walk-In Closets, Bonus Room & Office~3 Addtl BRs + Full Bath Up~Fenced-In Yard Space for Pets or Kids~2 Car Garage Attached + Detached Workshop~Wonderful Covered Patio & Porch~Roof is 3 Years Old~AND MORE!!
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 3
Square feet: 3,400
Price: $395,000

For more information about this property, please contact Jennifer Carstensen at 901-685-6000 or jennifer@livelovememphis.com. You can also text 6186003 to 67299 (Message and Data Rates May Apply, see terms and privacy policy).


See more listings at: jcarstensen.remax-tennessee.com


MLS ID: 10075940

https://www.facebook.com/jensellsmemphis https://twitter.com/livelovememphis https://www.youtube.com/c/jennifercarstensenmemphisrealestate

Saturday, May 2, 2020

2038 WELLONS AVE Memphis, TN 38127

Property Site: http://tour.remax-tennessee.com/home/K7SL6M/2038-WELLONS-AVE-Memphis-TN-10075786
Large 4BR/3BA Brick Home on Almost Half Acre Lot~Formal Living Room & Dining Room + Large Great Room~Spacious Eat-In Kitchen w/Plenty of Cabinet Space~Master Bedroom Down w/En-Suite Full Bath~2 Addtl Bedrooms + Full Bath + Laundry Room Also Down~Bedroom + Office + Bonus Room + Full Bath Up~Great Sunroom Overlooking Backyard~Large Fenced-In Yard w/ Storage Shed~New Roof~AND MORE!
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 4
Square feet: 2,800
Price: $97,500

For more information about this property, please contact Jennifer Carstensen at 901-685-6000 or jennifer@livelovememphis.com. You can also text 6181550 to 67299 (Message and Data Rates May Apply, see terms and privacy policy).


See more listings at: jcarstensen.remax-tennessee.com


MLS ID: 10075786

https://www.facebook.com/jensellsmemphis https://twitter.com/livelovememphis https://www.youtube.com/c/jennifercarstensenmemphisrealestate