 The real estate market is expected to continue growing in 2021, and it’s largely driven by the lasting impact the pandemic is having on our lifestyles. As many of us spend extra time at home, we’re re-evaluating what “home” means and what we may need in one going forward. Here are 4 reasons people are reconsidering where they live and why they’re expecting to buy a home this year. 1. Record-Low Mortgage Interest Rates In 2020, the average interest rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage hit a record low multiple times, continuing to fall further below 3%. At most major banks, the average interest rate today is 2.70% or slightly lower. Many wonder how low these rates will go and how long they’ll last. This sense of urgency is driving many to buy this year. 2. Working from Home Remote work is a new normal for many businesses, and it’s lasting longer than most expected. Many in the workforce today are discovering they don’t need to live close to the office anymore and they can get more for their money by moving a little further outside of the city limits. The reality is, for some people, working remotely in their current home is challenging, especially when there may be other options available. We are getting an increase in calls from not only Auckland, but also our other biggest cities Wellington and Christchurch about making the move up north. 3. More Outdoor Space Another new priority for homeowners is having more usable outdoor space. Being at home is driving those in some areas to seek less densely populated neighbourhoods so they have more room to stretch their legs. In addition, those living in units and townhouses are often looking for extra square meters, both inside and out. 4. Avoiding Renovations It’s recently come to light that many homeowners would also rather buy a new home than go through the process of fixing up the one they have. Depending on what needs to be addressed, today’s high buyer demand may make it possible to skip some renovations before selling. Many of these homeowners have prioritized buying over renovating for convenience and potential cost savings. It’s clear that homeownership needs are changing. As a result, more Kiwis are expected to move this year than last year. If you’re trying to decide if now is the right time to sell your home to take advantage of these reasons, then contact me today to discuss your options. Cheers, Paul
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 It is easy to become overwhelmed when you enter the home buying market. Friends, family, colleagues, and even acquaintances will give you their opinions if you are a first time home buyer. While most of them are looking out for your best interest, they are not fully aware of what is happening in the housing market. It is important for you to be prepared and have your own questions ready. No matter what other opinions you are getting, you are the one buying the home and your comfort level will help make your final decision. Here are three important questions to ask before you purchase a home. 1. Why am I Buying a Home? Regardless of the finances, it is important to think about what made you want to buy a home in the first place. Usually the reasons don’t have to do with money. Instead, home buyers are focused on how the house will impact their family in the future. A study done by the Joint Center for House Studies at Harvard found there are four reasons people buy a home. Those reasons include schools for your children, a safe environment, more room for your family to grow, and control of your own space. These factors are the most common reasons people look to buy a new home. When you ask yourself why you are looking to purchase a home, do any of those factors come up? Spend time with your spouse or family members who are involved in this decision and determine why you want a home in the first place. Creating this list will help when searching for a home and can help your real estate agent find the best home for your needs. 2. What is the Trend with Home Values? Our current economy and housing market is strong. That means home values are increasing. If you are looking to purchase a home but want to stay within a budget, it may be in your best interest to move quickly. It is forecasted for these trends to continue in an upward motion, causing home values to continue to increase over the next 12 to 18 months. 3. What About Current Mortgage Rates? The ticket price is not the only thing you should be concerned with when purchasing a home. Mortgage rates are always changing and can have a huge impact on your monthly payments. Current trends show mortgage rates are at an historically low level. But, what happens in a year or two from now if they rise? This is something to consider if you are debating the right time to purchase a home, since the rates may be higher down the road. Bottom Line You and your family are the only ones who can determine the right time to purchase your home. It is important to decide exactly why you want a new home for your family and decide on a budget that will be comfortable moving forward. This budget may affect the amount of time you have to search for a home, since home prices in Whangarei are still increasing. Cheers, Paul |
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