According to data from the California Association of Realtors, the Bay Area’s year-over-year house price appreciation rate went green for the first time in more than a year in August. This followed a dip of nearly 20% caused by a post-pandemic market correction.
You don’t have to take our word for it. Just take a look at the numbers. Homes that go through a price reduction spend nearly two months longer on the market and sell for around 10% less than homes without price reductions. That’s a significant difference, and another reminder to price your home to sell, not to shock.
When you put your home up for sale, choosing the right asking price could be the difference between getting what you want and leaving big-time dollars on the table — especially in today’s tight market. So how do you find the right number?
Setting an asking price is all about striking a balance — between the price you want and what the market will bear, high interest rates and low inventory, first impressions and protracted negotiations. In this treacherous territory, it’s good to have an agent to guide you to the promised land. We’ll help you make sense out of the tea leaves and find the asking price that fits your property.
I love a good numbers game, and finding your asking price is all about crunching the data. The first step is to analyze comparable sales in your neighborhood. How do the homes compare to yours by the numbers? How closely did asking prices mirror impartial estimates? How long did the properties spend on the market? Once you know the landscape, it’s easier to find your way.
Although average mortgage interest rates have seen a slight decline over the past few weeks, they’re still twice as high as just one year ago. Meanwhile, median housing prices in the Bay Area are on the rise despite a 14% drop year over year. With this level of volatility, a fixed-rate mortgage makes more sense every day. But again, personal circumstances may do the deciding for you.
For first-time homebuyers, the choice of mortgage rates requires careful consideration. Don’t go with an ARM just for lower monthly payments. You may get more than you bargained for.
Choosing an ARM may seem like a good idea when rates are low, but it’s always a gamble. A quick shift in the economy could send rates sky high, and you’re stuck riding the wave. If your ultimate goal is lower monthly payments, it might make more sense to choose a fixed-rate mortgage or look for a home with a lower price.
Regardless of which rate you choose, you should also ask yourself how long you plan to live in the new home. If this is a “starter” home, you might be able to get away with an ARM, especially if rates are low and the economy is fairly stable. If you’re in for the long haul, a fixed rate is absolutely the safer bet for your finances.
