What an Economic Slowdown Could Mean for the Housing Market

Written by Emerald Coast Mortgage Syndicated User on May 1, 2025. Posted in Economy, Emerald Coast Mortgage, For Buyers, Home Prices, Mortgage Emerald Coast, Mortgage Rates.

Talk about the economy is all over the news, and the odds of a recession are rising this year. That’s leaving a lot of people wondering what it means for the value of their home – and their buying power.Let’s take a look at some historical data to show what’s happened in the housing market during each recession, going all the way back to the 1980s. The facts may surprise you.A Recession Doesn’t Mean Home Prices Will FallMany people think that if a recession hits, home prices will fall like they did in 2008. But that was an exception, not the rule. It was the only time the market saw such a...

A Tale of Two Housing Markets

Written by Emerald Coast Mortgage Syndicated User on May 1, 2025. Posted in Emerald Coast Mortgage, For Buyers, For Sellers, Inventory, Mortgage Emerald Coast.

For a long time, the housing market was all sunshine for sellers. Homes were flying off the shelves, and buyers had to compete like crazy. But lately, things are starting to shift. Some areas are still super competitive for buyers, while others are seeing more homes sit on the market, giving buyers a bit more breathing room.In other words, it’s a tale of two markets, and knowing which one you’re in makes a huge difference when you move.What Is a Buyer’s Market vs. a Seller’s Market?In a buyer’s market, there are a lot of homes for sale, and not as many people buying. With fewer buyers...

Paused Your Moving Plans? Here’s Why It’s Time To Hit Play Again

Written by Emerald Coast Mortgage Syndicated User on May 1, 2025. Posted in Emerald Coast Mortgage, For Buyers, Inventory, Mortgage Emerald Coast.

It’s not really a surprise that 70% of buyers paused their home search last year. Maybe you were one of them. And if so, no judgment. Conditions just weren’t great.Inventory was too low, prices were too high, and mortgage rates were bouncing all over. That made it really hard to find a home you loved – and could afford. And why sell if you’re not sure where you’re going to go? But here’s the thing: the market’s shifting. And it might be time to hit play again.The Inventory Sweet SpotMore homeowners are jumping back into their search to make a move this year. Builders are finishing more...

Here’s What a Recession Could Mean for the Housing Market

Written by Emerald Coast Mortgage Syndicated User on April 1, 2025. Posted in Emerald Coast Mortgage, For Buyers, For Sellers, Home Prices, Mortgage Emerald Coast.

Recession talk is all over the news, and the odds of a recession are rising this year. And that leaves people wondering what would happen to the housing market if we do go into a recession.Let’s take a look at some historical data to show what’s happened in housing for each recession going all the way back to the 1980s.A Recession Doesn’t Mean Home Prices Will FallMany people think that if a recession hits, home prices will fall like they did in 2008. But that was an exception, not the rule. It was the only time we saw such a steep drop in prices. And it hasn’t happened since.In fact,...

Paused Your Moving Plans? Here’s Why It Might Be Time To Hit Play Again

Written by Emerald Coast Mortgage Syndicated User on April 1, 2025. Posted in Emerald Coast Mortgage, For Buyers, Inventory, Mortgage Emerald Coast.

Last year, 70% of buyers abandoned their home search – and maybe you were one of them. It makes sense. Inventory was low, prices were high, and mortgage rates were up and down like a rollercoaster. All of that made it really hard to find a home you loved – and could afford.But guess what? The market is shifting.So, if you paused your moving plans in 2024, it might be time to hit play again. Here’s why.More Inventory Opens Up More OptionsEven if you could make the numbers work, the lack of available homes in recent years probably made it hard to come by something that fit your needs. But...

Buyers Have More Negotiation Power – Here’s How To Use It

Written by Emerald Coast Mortgage Syndicated User on April 1, 2025. Posted in Agent Value, Buying Tips, Emerald Coast Mortgage, For Buyers, Mortgage Emerald Coast.

You may have heard there are more homes for sale right now. And while that’ll vary depending on the market, it means that overall, things are starting to lean in a more balanced direction. As that happens, some sellers are a bit more open to compromise. Here’s what that means for you.You may be regaining some negotiating power. That can translate into savings, perks, or even better terms on your purchase – if you know what levers to pull during negotiation.Why an Agent Is an Essential Part of the Negotiation ProcessThe complicated part is knowing what is and isn’t on the table. That’s where...

Is It Better To Rent or Buy a Home Today?

Written by Emerald Coast Mortgage Syndicated User on March 1, 2025. Posted in Emerald Coast Mortgage, For Buyers, Infographics, Mortgage Emerald Coast, Rent vs. Buy.

Some HighlightsA study shows that 70% of prospective buyers fear the long-term consequences of renting. And here’s why.?Rent usually rises over time and that can make it harder to save up to buy a home. But when you buy, you can stabilize your housing expenses and grow your net worth as home values rise. While renting may be the less expensive option in some markets, it can’t match the long-term benefits of homeownership. What’s your #1 reason for wanting to buy?

Is an Accessory Dwelling Unit Right for You? Here’s What To Know

Written by Emerald Coast Mortgage Syndicated User on March 1, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, Emerald Coast Mortgage, For Buyers, Mortgage Emerald Coast.

Are you having a hard time finding the right home in your budget? Or maybe you already own a home but could use some extra income or a designated space for aging loved ones. Either way, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) could be the smart solution you’ve been looking for in today’s market.What Is an ADU?According to Fannie Mae, an ADU is a small, separate living space that’s on the same lot as a single-family home. It must include its own areas for living, sleeping, cooking, and bathrooms independent of the main house. And they can take shape in a few different ways. Fannie Mae adds, an ADU...

Two Resources That Can Help You Buy a Home Right Now

Written by Emerald Coast Mortgage Syndicated User on February 1, 2025. Posted in Affordability, Buying Tips, Emerald Coast Mortgage, First-Time Buyers, For Buyers, Mortgage Emerald Coast.

A recent report from Realtor.com says 20% of Americans don’t think homeownership is achievable. Maybe you feel the same way. With inflation driving up day-to-day expenses, saving enough to buy your first home is more of a challenge. But here’s the thing. With the right resources and help, you can still make it happen.There are options that can help make buying a home possible today — even if your savings are limited or your credit isn’t perfect. Let’s explore just two of the solutions that could help get you into your first home no matter the market.1. FHA LoansIf your down payment savings...

New Year, New Home: How To Make It Happen in 2025

Written by Emerald Coast Mortgage Syndicated User on January 1, 2025. Posted in Buying Tips, Emerald Coast Mortgage, For Buyers, Mortgage Emerald Coast.

This is the time when a lot of people take a moment to reflect and set their goals for this year. And as you picture what you want your 2025 to look like, one thing that may pop into your mind is the vision of you in a new home. But how do you get there? And where do you start?Here’s some advice that can help you get the ball rolling. Focus on Your WhyTo lay the foundation, you need to focus on your why. While the dollars and cents are important, so is the driving force behind your desire to move. Maybe you need more space for a growing family, want to sell so you can downsize, or are...

Category: For Buyers