Community June 12, 2024

Father’s Day Celebration Ideas

This Sunday is Father’s Day, a time to honor our dads as well as other men who have been positive fatherly figures in our lives. It’s also a great time to show appreciation for young dads who are working hard and caring for their families.

Here are some creative ways to celebrate the dads we admire:

  1. Take him on a scenic drive or ferry ride. Stop for lunch or bring a picnic and enjoy the views.
  2. Assist him with tasks or projects. Turn on his favorite music and work together to accomplish some of those items on his “To Do” list.
  3. Get him some funny gifts, such as socks with your picture on them, a personalized t-shirt, a book of Dad jokes.
  4. Treat him to a special activity: a baseball game, a museum related to his interests, golf – putt putt or TopGolf or a round at a golf course, a movie, or do an Escape Room together.
  5. Make him a coupon booklet with a special activity or item on each page that he can “cash in” with you throughout the year.

Let’s lift up the dads in our lives and let them know how much we appreciate them! 

Real Estate Tips May 22, 2024

What’s Next for Home Prices and Mortgage Rates?

If you’re thinking of making a move this year, there are two housing market factors that are probably on your mind: home prices and mortgage rates. You’re wondering what’s going to happen next. And if it’s worth it to move now, or better to wait it out.

The only thing you can really do is make the best decision you can based on the latest information available. So, here’s what experts are saying about both prices and rates.

1. What’s Next for Home Prices?

One reliable place you can turn to for information on home price forecasts is the Home Price Expectations Survey from Fannie Mae – a survey of over one hundred economists, real estate experts, and investment and market strategists.

According to the most recent release, experts are projecting home prices will continue to rise at least through 2028 (see the graph below):

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While the percent of appreciation varies year-to-year, this survey says we’ll see prices rise (not fall) for at least the next 5 years, and at a much more normal pace.

What does that mean for your move? If you buy now, your home will likely grow in value and you should gain equity in the years ahead. But, based on these forecasts, if you wait and prices continue to climb, the price of a home will only be higher later on.

2. When Will Mortgage Rates Come Down?

This is the million-dollar question in the industry. And there’s no easy way to answer it. That’s because there are a number of factors that are contributing to the volatile mortgage rate environment we’re in. Odeta Kushi, Deputy Chief Economist at First American, explains:

“Every month brings a new set of inflation and labor data that can influence the direction of mortgage rates. Ongoing inflation deceleration, a slowing economy and even geopolitical uncertainty can contribute to lower mortgage rates. On the other hand, data that signals upside risk to inflation may result in higher rates.”

What happens next will depend on where each of those factors goes from here. Experts are optimistic rates should still come down later this year, but acknowledge changing economic indicators will continue to have an impact. As a CNET article says:

“Though mortgage rates could still go down later in the year, housing market predictions change regularly in response to economic data, geopolitical events and more.”

So, if you’re ready, willing, and able to afford a home right now, partner with a trusted real estate advisor to weigh your options and decide what’s right for you.

Bottom Line

Let’s connect to make sure you have the latest information available on home prices and mortgage rate expectations. Together we’ll go over what the experts are saying so you can make an informed decision on your move.

Community May 15, 2024

Join us! Vision House Benefit Luncheon

You won’t want to miss the Vision House Benefit Luncheon! Enjoy an hour of laughter and inspiration with guest speaker Bob Goff, author of the New York Times best selling books Love Does, Everybody Always, Dream Big, and Undistracted. You will also learn about Vision House and how you can help end family homelessness one family at a time.

Date: Tuesday, May 21, 2024

Time: Doors open 11:30 / Program 12 – 1pm

Location: Meydenbauer Center, Bellevue, WA

Cost: FREE! Donations will be appreciated.

Register: at visionhouse.org

New Exhibit: Navigating Homelessness – see firsthand what a family experiencing homelessness must navigate to find housing. Come early and check it out!

Can’t Attend? Please consider making a donation to Vision House to help homeless families rebuild their lives.

Camerer Real Estate is honored to be the presenting sponsor of the luncheon.

Community May 9, 2024

Creative Mother’s Day Ideas

Mother’s Day is this Sunday! What a perfect time to honor all of the mothers we know, whether it be our own mom, our mother-in-law, a daughter-in-law or neighbor who is a dedicated mother, or any other motherly figure we admire.

Here are some creative ideas to celebrate the moms in our lives:

  1. Make it a “whatever mom wants” day! Let her plan the day’s activities, knowing that she will get to enjoy her favorite things with you.
  2. If she loves flowers and gardening, treat her to a trip to a nursery where you buy her the flowers and plants she picks out. Then help her plant them!
  3. Buy her a digital photo frame and upload pictures to it. Give other family members access to the frame so they can upload photos to it on an ongoing basis.
  4. If she likes games, show her how to play online games such as Wordle, Quintessential, Spelling Bee, etc. Then each day you can both play and share your results with each other, which is a fun way to stay in touch!
  5. If you’re honoring a young mother with small children, offer to give her an afternoon at a spa while you watch the kids. She will be so grateful!

Let’s show appreciation to the moms in our lives who have blessed us and others in so many ways.

Real Estate Tips April 27, 2024

Spring Buyer and Seller Guides

Thinking of buying or selling a home? Our new spring buyer and seller guides are now available! You can download your free guide or contact us and we’ll send you a printed copy.

These guides will give you the best information on home prices, mortgage rates, inventory and how to position yourself to make educated real estate decisions.

As always, we’re here to help!

CommunityReal Estate Tips April 6, 2024

Top 5 Reasons To Hire an Agent When Buying a Home

 

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  • Hiring an agent when buying a home helps you understand the buying process and the local market.
  • They’ll also go over contracts and fine print with you, so you understand what you’re agreeing to. Plus, they’re good at negotiating, making sure you get the best deal.
  • Expert advice from a trusted real estate professional is priceless.
  • Let’s connect today! We’re here to help you get the best house at the best price.
Real Estate Tips March 18, 2024

The Latest Trends in Housing

 

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Real Estate Tips March 1, 2024

The First Step: Getting Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

 

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Real Estate Tips February 20, 2024

Renton Real Estate Tours with Austin

     We’ve started a fun new weekly event to help learn more about the local real estate market. We call them Renton Real Estate Tours.
     Once a week we meet at a local coffee shop. We treat you to your favorite brew, we have a quick chat about real estate and the we take you along to homes we are previewing that day or the ones that have piqued your interest! It’s fun, it’s easy, and there’s no obligation. Seriously no strings attached. Whether you’re in the market for a new home or just love real estate like us, all are welcome! Just contact us and we’ll let you know where we are meeting that week! We look forward to seeing you there!
Real Estate Tips February 17, 2024

Bridging the Gaps on the Road to Homeownership

Homeownership is a major part of the American Dream. But, the path to achieving this dream can be quite difficult. While progress has been made to improve fair housing access, households of color still face unique challenges on the road to owning a home. Working with the right real estate experts can make all the difference for diverse buyers.

It’s clear that achieving homeownership is more challenging for certain groups because there’s still a measurable gap between the overall average U.S. homeownership rate and that of non-white groups. Today, Black households continue to have the lowest homeownership rate nationally (see graph below):

Homeownership is an important part of building household wealth that can be passed down to future generations. According to a report by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), almost half of Black homebuyers in 2023 were first-time buyers. That means many didn’t have home equity they could use toward their home purchase.

That financial hurdle alone makes buying a home more challenging, especially at a time when affordability is a major concern for first-time buyers. Jessica Lautz, Deputy Chief Economist at NAR says:

“It’s an incredibly difficult market for all home buyers right now, especially first-time home buyers and especially first-time home buyers of color.”

Because of these challenges, there are several down payment assistance programs specifically aimed at helping minority buyers fulfill their homeownership dreams:

  • The 3By30 program offers valuable resources for Black buyers, making it easier for them to secure a down payment and buy a home.
  • For Native Americans, Down Payment Resource highlights 42 U.S. homebuyer assistance programs across 14 states that make homeownership more attainable by providing support with down payments and other costs.
  • Fannie Mae provides down payment assistance to eligible first-time homebuyers living in Latino communities.

Even if you don’t qualify for these programs, there are many other federal, state, and local options available to look into. And a real estate professional can help you find the ones that best meet your needs.

For minority homebuyers, the challenges that remain can be a point of pain and frustration. That’s why it’s so important for members of diverse groups to have the right team of experts on their sides throughout the homebuying process. These professionals aren’t only experienced advisors who understand the market and give the best advice, they’re also compassionate educators who will advocate for your best interests every step of the way.

Bottom Line

Let’s connect to make sure you have the information and support you need as you walk the path to homeownership.