David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com This year challenged us to reprioritize everything - from the way we use our time to where we work, how we socialize and gather together, and our needs at home. For many, this also meant making decisions about how to best support and engage with our extended families, near and far. In some cases, we weren’t able to see our relatives and loved ones who were living in senior facilities. In others, maybe older children moved back home. Jessica Lautz,  Vice President of Demographics and Behavioral Insights  for the  National Association of Realtors  (NAR),  says : “ A lot of families have an aging senior relative who was living independently or in senior care and wanted to move them into their home. ” These changes led more homebuyers to invest in multi-generational homes to accommodate more long-term plans. A multi-generational home, according to the  2020 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers  from NAR, is a home th...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com Even in today’s  sellers’ market , setting the right price for your house is one of the most valuable things you can do. According to the  U.S. Economic Outlook  by the  National Association of Realtors  (NAR), existing home prices nationwide are forecasted to  increase by 4.5% in 2021 . This means experts anticipate home values will continue climbing next year. Danielle Hale,  Chief Economist  for  realtor.com,   notes : “We expect price gains to ease somewhat in 2021 and end  5.7% above 2020 levels , decelerating steadily through the spring and summer, and then gradually reaccelerating toward the end of the year.” How to Price Your House When it comes to setting the right price for your house, the goal is to increase visibility and drive more buyers your way. Instead of trying to win the negotiation with one buyer, you should price your house so that  demand is maximized  and mor...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com The year 2020 was going to be one of the hottest years on record for the U.S. economy. That all came to an abrupt halt in March due to the Coronavirus Pandemic. With a national emergency and stay-at-home orders across the country, the U.S. was thrown into a recession. Yet, this was not like any other recession. Recessions are typically caused by one sector of the economy dramatically turning negative, which pulls down the entire country to negative territory. This time it was a forced shutdown of the economy to save lives from a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic. Every economic chart was impacted, from consumption to unemployment to equities, nothing was spared. The Federal Reserve did everything in their power to mitigate the damage to the economy, and Washington D.C. provided major relief packages to aid the unemployed and small business owners. The GDP had its worst quarter over quarter reading in the history of the U.S. during the second quarter,...

  David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com We talk a lot about why it makes financial sense to buy a home, but more often than not, we’re drawn to the emotional reasons for homeownership. No matter the living space, the feeling of a home means different things to different people. Whether it’s a certain scent or a favorite chair, the feel-good connections to our own homes are typically more important to us than the financial ones. Here are some of the reasons why. 1. Owning your home is an accomplishment worth celebrating You’ve likely worked very hard to achieve this dream, and whether it’s your first home or your fifth, congratulations are in order for this milestone. You’ve earned it. 2. There’s no place like home Owning your own home offers not only safety and security but also a comfortable place where you can simply relax and kick-back after a long day. Sometimes, that’s just what we need to feel recharged and truly content. 3. You can find more space to meet your ...

  David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com Over the past year, mortgage rates have  fallen  more than a full percentage point, hitting a new historic low 15 times. This is a great driver for homeownership, as today’s low rates provide consumers with some significant benefits. Here’s a look at three of them. 1. Move-up or Downsize:  One option is to consider moving into a new home, putting the  equity  you’ve likely gained in your current house toward a down payment on a new one that better meets your needs – something that’s truly a perfect fit, especially if your lifestyle has changed this year. 2. Become a First-Time Homebuyer:  There are many financial and non-financial benefits to owning a home, and the most important thing is to first decide when the time is right for you. You have to determine that on your own, but know that now is a great time to buy if you’re considering it. Just take a look at the cost of  renting vs. buying . 3. Re...

  David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com Once you’ve found the right home and applied for a mortgage, there are some key things to keep in mind before you close. You're undoubtedly excited about the opportunity to decorate your new place, but before you make any large purchases, move your money around, or make any major life changes, consult your lender – someone who is qualified to tell you how your financial decisions may impact your home loan. Below is a list of things you shouldn’t do after applying for a mortgage. They’re all important to know – or simply just good reminders – for the process. 1. Don’t Deposit Cash into Your Bank Accounts Before Speaking with Your Bank or Lender.  Lenders need to source your money, and cash is not easily traceable. Before you deposit any amount of cash into your accounts, discuss the proper way to document your transactions with your loan officer. 2. Don’t Make Any Large Purchases Like a New Car or Furniture for Your New Home.  Ne...

  David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com Some Highlights Experts project an optimistic year for the 2021 housing market. With mortgage rates forecasted to remain low, high buyer demand is expected to fuel more home sales and continue to increase home prices. Let’s connect today to determine how to make your best move in the new year. www.DeemTeam.com

  David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com By  Bill Gassett The home appraisal process can be a stressful time, whether you're buying or selling a property. It's the job of the appraiser to find the fair market value of the home. If their findings don't match the buyer's offer, there can be delays in the transaction. But if you know what appraisers look for, you might be able to prevent your house sale from running into problems. The appraisal will be one of the bigger hurdles to clear in your sale so it will be important to have an understanding of how they work. Pricing your home accurately from the start will lead to the best results. In order for your home appraisal to get the results needed for the sale to close, it's important to know what appraisers look for: Appraisers Look at External Factors Around Your Home The appraiser that visits your home will have been certified to operate in the state. They'll probably be using the Uniform Residential Appr...

  David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com In a year that was financially devastating for many Americans, some good news for most homeowners is the dramatic gain in home equity over the last twelve months. Last week,  CoreLogic  released its  2020 3rd Quarter Homeowner Equity Insights  report, which reveals four major findings: U.S. homeowners with mortgages have seen their equity increase by a total of $1 trillion since the third quarter of 2019. The average homeowner gained approximately $17,000 in equity over the past year. This is a 10.8% increase in equity over last year. The average household with a mortgage now has $194,000 in home equity. This has given many homeowners the ability to redesign their homes to meet their changing needs. Frank Martell,  President and CEO  of  CoreLogic , explains in the report: “The housing market has remained a strong pillar in an otherwise tumultuous economic year. A sharp rise in demand, spurred by record-...

  David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com This year will be remembered for many reasons, and optimism is one thing that’s been in short supply since the spring. We’re experiencing a global pandemic, social unrest, an economic downturn, and natural disasters, just to name a few. The challenges brought on by the health crisis have also forced many homeowners to reevaluate their space and what they need in a home going into 2021. So, experts are forecasting that next year is one in which we can be optimistic about real estate for three key reasons. 1. The Economy Is Expected to Continue Improving Tim Duy from the  University of Oregon  puts it this  way : “There is nothing fundamentally ‘broken’ in the economy that needs to heal…there was no obvious financial bubble driving excessive activity in any one economic sector when the pandemic hit…With Covid-19 cases surging again, it is understandably hard to look optimistically to the other side of this winter…Don’t let th...

  David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com When people are searching for a home to buy, they think about more than the purchase price. They consider the overall cost of ownership, including utility bills. Rising energy costs have affected homeowners across the country and people naturally want to find ways to keep those bills under control. Many people are also conscious of the impact that their lifestyle has on the environment and want to reduce their energy usage. Potential buyers may choose a house that has undergone upgrades to make it more energy efficient over another house that is less efficient. If you’re thinking about selling your home in the next few years, making some improvements now can save you money while you live in the house and may help you attract a buyer in the future. Figure Out Where to Make Changes Contact your local utility company to schedule a home energy audit. A representative will inspect your windows, insulation, appliances and other features to iden...

David Deem 714-997-3486 Dave@DeemTeam.com Home improvements don’t necessarily take a lot of time or money—and you don’t have to be an experienced DYI-er to manage a simple face lift. A few easy fixes can make the difference between tired and a bright new look: Change out the kitchen hardware.  Add personality to kitchen cabinets and drawers with new pulls, available in a huge array of styles and materials. A couple of hours spent with a screwdriver can offer an attractive payoff.  Swap out the light fixtures.  Replace those dated glass globes with more contemporary styles. Hang a new chandelier over the dining room table. As long as the wiring is already in place, changing the fixtures is a fast project that brings major improvement to any room. Bring the outside in.  Especially in winter, bringing plants into a room adds a feeling of freshness and vitality. Choose from a variety of indoor plants that don’t require a lot of care—or if you have a truly black thumb, go...