Joe Peters – Blog | Residential Real Estate Market
You will find the best curated articles on this Residential Real Estate Market blog to make informed decisions. No matter where you are in the home buying or home selling process, timely information determines success.
You can find detailed monthly insights in the Market Update Reports section for Hunterdon County, New Jersey and Somerset County, New Jersey.

What Experts Are Saying about the 2021 Job Market
Earlier this month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released their most recent Jobs Report.
The report revealed that the economy lost 140,000 jobs in December.
Read what the impact could be on our real estate market...

Owning a Home Is Still More Affordable Than Renting One
If spending more time at home over the past year is making you really think hard about buying a home instead of renting one, you’re not alone.
You may be wondering, however, if the dollars and cents add up in your favor as home prices continue to rise.
According to the experts, in many cases, it’s still more affordable to buy a home than rent one. Read why.

Should I Wait for Lower Mortgage Interest Rates?
Historically low mortgage rates are a big motivator for homebuyers right now. In 2020 alone, rates hit new record-lows 16 times, and the trend continued into the early part of this year.
Many hopeful homebuyers are now wondering if they should put their plans on hold and wait for the lowest rates imaginable. However, the reality is, acting sooner rather than later may be the actual win if you’re ready to buy a home.
While today’s low mortgage rates provide great opportunities for homebuyers, we may not see them stick around forever. If you’re ready to buy a home, let’s connect so you can take advantage of what today’s market has to offer.

How to Make the Dream of Homeownership a Reality This Year
For many Americans, one of this year's goals is owning a home: a piece of land, a roof over our heads, and a place where we can grow and flourish.
If you’re dreaming of buying a home this year, start by connecting with a local real estate professional to understand what goes into the process.
With a trusted advisor at your side, you can then begin to answer the questions below to set yourself up for homebuying success.

Things to Avoid after Applying for a Mortgage [INFOGRAPHIC]
There are a few key things to make sure you avoid after applying for a mortgage to help make sure you still qualify for your loan at the closing table.
Along the way, be sure to discuss any changes in income, assets, or credit with your lender, so you don’t unintentionally jeopardize your application.
The best plan is to fully disclose your intentions with your lender before you do anything financial in nature.

Why Right Now May Be the Time to Sell Your House
The housing market made an incredible recovery in 2020 and is now positioned for an even stronger year in 2021.
Record-low mortgage interest rates are a driving factor in this continued momentum, with average rates hovering at historic all-time lows.
The real estate market is entering the year like a lion.
There’s no indication it will lose that roar, assuming inventory continues to come to market.

Will Forbearance Plans Lead to a Tsunami of Foreclosures?
Today, almost three million households are actively in a forbearance plan.
Though 29.4% of those in forbearance have continued to stay current on their payments, many have not.
The pandemic has led to both personal and economic hardships for many American households.
The overall residential real estate market, however, has weathered the storm and will continue to do so in 2021.

4 Reasons People Are Buying Homes in 2021
It’s clear that homeownership needs are changing.
As a result, Americans are expected to move in record numbers this year.
If you’re trying to decide if now is the right time to buy a home, let’s connect today to discuss your options.

What Does 2021 Have in Store for Home Values?
According to the latest CoreLogic Home Price Insights Report, nationwide home values increased by 8.2% over the last twelve months.
Low mortgage rates have driven buyer demand over the last twelve months. According to Freddie Mac, rates stood at 3.72% at the beginning of 2020.
Today, we’re starting 2021 with rates one full percentage point lower than that.
There’s still a very limited number of homes for sale for the great number of purchasers looking to buy them.
As a result, the concept of “supply and demand” mandates that home values in the country will continue to appreciate.