3 Reasons to Use a Stovall Team in a Complex Digital World

If you’re searching for a home online, you’re not alone; lots of people are doing it. The question is, are you using all of your available resources, and are you using them wisely? Here’s why the Internet is a great place to start the home-buying process, and the truth on why it should never be your only go-to resource when it comes to making such an important decision.

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the three most popular information sources home buyers use in the home search are:

  • Online website (93%)
  • Real estate agent (86%)
  • Mobile/tablet website or app (73%)

Clearly, you’re not alone if you’re starting your search online; 93% of home buyers are right there with you. The even better news: 86% of buyers are also getting their information from a real estate agent at the same time.

Here are 3 top reasons why using Micah Stovall and Stovall Team in addition to a digital search is key:

1. There’s More to Real Estate Than Finding a Home Online. It’s a lonely and complicated trek around the web if you don’t have a real estate professional to also help you through the 230 possible steps you’ll face as you navigate through a real estate transaction. That’s a pretty staggering number! Determining your price, submitting an offer, and successful negotiation are just a few of these key steps in the sequence. You’ll definitely want someone who has been there before to help you through it.

2. You Need a Skilled Negotiator. In today’s market, hiring a talented negotiator could save you thousands, maybe even tens of thousands of dollars. From the original offer to the appraisal and the inspection, many of the intricate steps can get complicated and confusing. You need someone who can keep the deal together until it closes.

3. It Is Crucial to Make a Competitive and Compelling Offer. There is so much information out there in the news and on the Internet about home sales, prices, and mortgage rates. How do you know what’s specifically going on in your area? How do you know what to offer on your dream home without paying too much or offending the seller with a lowball offer?

Dave Ramsey, the financial guru, advises:

“When getting help with money, whether it’s insurance, real estate or investments, you should always look for someone with the heart of a teacher, not the heart of a salesman.”

Hiring a real estate professional who has his or her finger on the pulse of the market will make your buying experience an informed and educated one. You need someone who is going to tell you the truth, not just what they think you want to hear.  If you’re ready to start your search online, you’ll need an educated and informed real estate professional like Micah Stovall. You’ll want someone at your side who can answer your questions and guide you through a process that can be complex and confusing.  As your Realtors, we are living the market daily. I see  between 5-50 homes every single week-approximately 1,100 homes per year.  I can help you maximize your investment, even if you are not planning to sell anytime soon.  Locally, inventory is low, meaning there is less than the 6-month housing supply needed for a normal market. This drives buyer demand, creating a perfect time to sell. If you’re considering selling your house, we should sit down and chat and help you confidently determine what will be the best choice for you and your family. Call me today at 714.343.9294.  

Posted in Buyers | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments closed

Homeownership is the Top Contributor to Your Net Worth

Many people plan to build their net worth by buying CDs or stocks, or just having a savings account. Recently, however, Economist Jonathan Eggleston and Survey Statistician Donald Hays, both of the U.S. Census Bureau, shared the biggest determinants of wealth,

“The biggest determinants of household wealth [are] owning a home and having a retirement account.” (Shown in the graph below):

Homeownership is the Top Contributor to Your Net Worth | Keeping Current MattersThis does not come as a surprise, as we often mention that homeownership can help you to increase your family’s wealth. This study reinforces that idea,

 “Net worth is an important indicator of economic well-being and provides insights into a household’s economic health.”

Having equity in your home can help your family move in that direction, building toward substantial financial growth. According to the report noted above, people are not only creating net worth in the homes they live in, but many are also earning equity in rental property investments too. (See below):Homeownership is the Top Contributor to Your Net Worth | Keeping Current MattersJohn Paulson said it well,

If you don’t own a home, buy one. If you own one home, buy another one, and if you own two homes buy a third and lend your relatives the money to buy a home.”

Bottom Line

There are financial and non-financial benefits to owning a home. If you would like to increase your net worth, meet with Stovall Team to help you understand all the benefits of becoming a homeowner. Call 714.343.9294 or visit stovallteam.com

Posted in Buyers, Real Estate News | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments closed

MID-YEAR HOUSING MARKET UPDATE: THREE THINGS TO KNOW TODAY

As a homeowner, it’s always tempting to dream about the next big project you’re going to tackle. The possibilities are endless. Should I renovate? Should I refinance? Should I stay? Should I move? The list goes on and on. In today’s housing market, it’s actually a great time to shift your thoughts toward selling your house and moving up into the home of your dreams. We have a finger on the pulse of the market and will make your buying or selling experience an educated one. You need someone who is going to tell you the truth, not just what they think you want to hear. You  deserve open lines of communication.  Today’s real estate market is highly competitive.  Having a  professional who’s been there before to guide you through the process is an important step that will give you a huge advantage! Call us today at 714.343.9294.

Shifting trends and industry-leading research are pointing toward some valuable projections about the status of the housing market for the rest of the year. If you’re thinking of buying or selling, or if you just want to know what experts are saying is on the horizon, here are the top three things to put on your radar as we head into the coming months:

Home prices are appreciating at a more normal rate: Home prices have been appreciating for about ten years now. Experts at the Home Price Expectation Survey, Mortgage Bankers Association, Freddie Mac, and Fannie Mae are forecasting continued growth throughout the next year, although it should be leveling-off to normal appreciation (3.6%), as we move into 2020.

Interest rates are low: Over the past 30 years, the average mortgage rate in the United States has been 8.27%, and rates even peaked as high as 18% in the 1980s. Today, at 3.81%, the rate is considerably lower than the historical 30-year average. Although experts predict it may climb into the low 4% range in the near future, that’s still remarkably lower than our running average,  suggesting a great time to get more for your money over the life of your loan.

An impending recession does not mean there will be a housing crash: Although expert research studies such as those found in the Duke Survey of American CFOs and the National Association of Business Economics, are pointing toward a recession beginning within the next 18 months, a potential recession isn’t expected to be driven by the housing industry. That means we likely won’t experience a devastating housing crash like the country felt in 2008.  With prices appreciating and low interest rates available, it’s a perfect time to buy or sell a home. Reach out to the Stovall Team today to see how you can take the next step in the exciting journey of homeownership.

 Sources:  Micah Stovall, Stovall Team; National Association of Realtors

Posted in Buyers, Sellers | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments closed

Inventory in the Current Market

The current housing landscape presents greater home values, low  interest rates, and high buyer demand. All of these factors point to the strong market forecasted to continue throughout the rest of the year.  There is,  however, one thing that may cause the industry to tap the brakes: an overall lack of housing inventory. Buyer demand naturally   increases during the summer months, but in our local market the current supply is not keeping up.

If you’re  thinking of selling, now may be the time. Demand for your house will be strong during a period when there is very little competition, ideally leading to a quick sale and a great return on your investment. If you are  considering listing your home for sale please remember that who you work with matters! Our primary goal is to deliver the highest level of service available to each and every one of our clients. We strive to make each of our listings the best they can be. Is now the time for you to make your move?  Call Micah Stovall at Stovall Team today at 714.343.9294 to discuss your options.                                                                                                                                         

Posted in Real Estate News | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments closed

Top Hikes In Orange County with Waterfalls

What comes to mind when you think of Orange County? Most probably picture sprawling beaches dotted with volleyball players, people tanning on the sand, and tons of fantastic restaurants and shopping. While our coastal paradise has all of those things, it may surprise you that there are plenty of hikes in Orange County with waterfalls. These incredible adventures are great ways to get out and explore the lesser-traveled areas of the famed county. So, lace up your hiking boots and grab your backpack, because it’s time to hit the trails!

Hikes In Orange County With Waterfalls

The best time to enjoy one of these hikes in Orange County with waterfalls is in the spring when Southern California sees most of its rain. Be sure to check the weather forecasts during your trip to plan hikes after rainy days for the best results.

Ortega Falls

Head for Ortega Falls if you want to escape the crowds near Newport Beach. This is a very easy hike to a waterfall on the edge of Orange County. It’s less than a half-mile from the parking area, making it a great trip for everyone in your group. The drive from Newport Beach is almost an hour, but the stunning waterfall and surrounding boulders are well worth it.

Black Star Canyon

Black Star Canyon offers one of the best hikes in Orange Country with waterfalls. This 7.5-mile roundtrip trek is a hidden gem in Southern California. You can access the Black Star Canyon Trailhead from Santiago Canyon Road, which is about a 40 to 45-minute drive from Newport Beach. From there, you will see plenty of beautiful scenery. The waterfall at the end is incredible, especially if it rains in the days prior to your hike!

Falls Canyon

If you really want to get off the grid during your trip, Falls Canyon is the spot for you. Trabuco Canyon Trail is less than a mile long, but it packs in plenty of incredible nature. The tall cascading falls at the end of the trail make this one of the top hikes in Orange County with waterfalls.

Tip: The road to the small parking area is full of potholes and has very few signs, so it can be tricky to find. Also, wildfires may cause infrequent closures.

Dana Point Seasonal Waterfall

The Dana Point Seasonal Waterfall may not offer the serene, natural setting that others on this list do, but it makes up for that in wow factor. Located across the street from the Dana Point Harbor, this little-known spot features a strong flow of water down a towering cliffside following a hard rain. Even if the waterfall isn’t flowing during your trip, the paths at the top of the cliff offer sensational views.

Chiquito Falls

You’ll find the trailhead to Chiquito Falls down the road from Ortega Falls. This nine-mile out-and-back trail is very popular and features a moderate difficulty level. The views and rock climbing around the falls are fantastic, especially if it recently rained.

Tenaja Falls

Tenaja Falls offers some of the best views from any waterfall in Orange County. The roundtrip hike is only one and a half miles and is great for all hiking abilities. It’s an excellent day trip options for those wanting to experience the natural side of Southern California.

Posted in Real Estate News | Tagged | Comments closed

3 Powerful Reasons To Buy A Home Now

Buying and selling a house is a big endeavor. Whether you are a first-time buyer or looking to move up to the home of your dreams, now is a great time to purchase a home. Let’s evaluate your needs and see if your situation calls for buying or selling now or in the  future. Call or text 714.343.9294 or email me at [email protected] and visit stovallteam.com.  We are here to invest in your family’s future with you.  At Stovall Team we are  focused on helping you understand the process while helping you find your dream home Here are three major reasons to buy in our current market.

  1. Affordability Many people focus solely on price when talking about home affordability. Since home prices have appreciated throughout the past year, they assume homes are less affordable. However, affordability is determined by three components: Price, Wages, and Mortgage Interest Rate. Prices are up, but so are wages – and interest rates have recently dropped dramatically (see #2 below). As a result, the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) latest Affordability Index report revealed that homes are MORE affordable throughout the country today than they were a year ago.
  2. Mortgage Interest Rates. Mortgage rates have dropped almost a full point after heading toward 5% last fall and early winter. Currently, they are below 4%. Additionally, Fannie Mae recently predicted the average rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage will be 3.7% in the second half of 2019. That compares to a 4.4% average rate in the first quarter and 4% in the second quarter. With mortgage rates remaining near historic lows, Fannie Mae and others have increased their forecasts for housing appreciation for the rest of the year. If home price gains are about to re-accelerate, buying now rather than later makes financial sense.
  3. Increase Family Wealth Homeownership has always been recognized as a sensational way to build long-term family wealth. A new report by ATTOM Data Solutions reveals: “U.S. homeowners who sold in the second quarter of 2019 realized an average home price gain since purchase of $67,500, up from an average gain of $57,706 in Q1 2019 and up from an average gain of $60,100 in Q2 2018. The average home  seller gain of $67,500 in Q2 2019 represented an average 33.9 percent return as a percentage of original purchase price.”

The longer you delay purchasing a home, the longer you are waiting to put the power of home equity to work for you.  With affordability increasing, mortgage rates decreasing, and home values about to re-accelerate, it may be time to talk with Stovall Team to determine if buying now makes sense for your family.

Sources: Micah Stovall, Stovall Team, National Association of Realtors, ATTOM Data Solutions, Fannie Mae

 

Posted in Real Estate News | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments closed
  • Stovall Team | Seven Gables Real Estate | 19671 Beach Blvd. Suite 100 Huntington Beach, CA 92648

    (714) 343-9294

    Google | FaceBook