Real Estate Information Archive

Blog

Displaying blog entries 1-3 of 3

Reduce Moving Costs With These 4 Tips

by Mehner Weiser Real Estate, LLC.

 

Moving can be expensive, whether you’re headed a few miles away or across the country.

There are the costs to rent a truck, purchase packing supplies and possibly hire professional movers — all of which may be more expensive now because of inflation.

Fortunately, there are ways to reduce your costs if you plan ahead. Do you want to save money on your next move? Just follow these tips:

  • Declutter and donate before packing up. There’s no sense in paying to move items you no longer want or use. Before you start packing or getting moving quotes, declutter your home. You can donate or sell anything you don’t actively use if it’s still in good shape. You might be surprised how much time and money it can save you later.

  • Get creative with packing materials. Buying boxes, tape and other packing supplies can quickly increase your costs. Instead of purchasing these items, try to source them from neighbors, work or your local stores. You can also use towels, sheets and other linens (which need to be packed anyway) as DIY padding for fragile items.

  • Shop around for professionals. Don’t go with the first truck rental or moving company you find. Get quotes from several providers and read reviews to ensure you’re getting good service with a trustworthy company — and at a reasonable cost.

  • Pick your moving dates carefully. The cost of movers rises when they’re in high demand, so plan your move for a less popular time of the year, month and week. Typically, movers cost less in the fall and winter, in the middle of the month, and on weekdays (not including Fridays).

Are you hoping to find a new place to move to soon? Reach out today.

Cause to Pause

by Mehner Weiser Real Estate, LLC.

Cause to Pause

Image

Rising mortgage rates are causing some would-be buyers to pause their decisions until they determine whether rates are going to come back down.  While it may be possible, the probability is that prices are going to continue to increase.

On December 23, 2021, the 30-year fixed-rate, according to Freddie Mac, was 3.05% and is at 6.29% as of September 22, 2022, a 3.24% increase. On a $360,000 mortgage, the principal and interest payment went from $1,528 to $2,226.  The $698 difference represents a 46% increase in the payment.

It seems understandable to pause and see if rates will come down again, especially since they went up so fast, but it probably isn't going to happen anytime soon based on the Fed's position on controlling inflation.

The fact that inventories are growing slightly, and market times are increasing doesn't negate that supply cannot keep up with demand and homes are continuing to appreciate, albeit, not as much as they did in 2021.

If a person waited a year to see if the rates come down but, in the meantime, the prices increased 10% and the rates stayed the same, the home in the example above, would have a $226 larger P&I payment.

As an alternative strategy, the buyer could purchase the home on a 5/1 adjustable-rate mortgage with a 4.64% rate for five-years.  Instead of $2,226 for the P&I payment for the fixed rate at 6.29%, the payment on the ARM would be $1,926, a $300 savings.

They would have purchased the home at today's prices, avoiding appreciated prices and would have five years to refinance at a lower fixed rate should they come down.  Assuming the rate adjusted upward the maximum amount at each period, it would take over seven years to exhaust the savings on the lower payments for the first five years.

It is unfortunate that some buyers missed a window of opportunity to purchase last fall when mortgage rates were near an all-time low.  That window has closed, and it may not open again.  People who can still afford to buy, even though rates are significantly higher, are taking a risk waiting for rates to come down.  Even if they are correct, the prices will be higher, offsetting any possible savings.  

If they are wrong, both prices and rates will be higher, and they may be priced out of the market.

In the 1980s, when mortgage rates topped 18%, the best real estate agents in the country presented alternative financing choices to buyers.  If your agent hasn't had conversations with you about alternatives to fixed rate financing, there could be options available that you need to consider.

Depending on your price range and individual situation, investigate local and state financial assistance programs, ARM Comparison2/1 Buydown, and Cost of Waiting to Buy and download our Buyers Guide.

Feeling Stressed This Fall?

by Mehner Weiser Real Estate, LLC.

 

Is it me, or does life get a little more stressful in the fall? Whether it's schedules, finances, or the coming holiday season, things are just less relaxed than in other seasons. However, you can help keep things calm and less stressful with a few tweaks to your home decor. Here are five decorating tips for a stress-free home.

 

Let Natural Light Shine

Natural light will instantly make you feel more relaxed and comfortable. Let the light shine in and take in a bit of nature to have a calm home. Use skylights and windows to keep things bright.

 

Add a Touch of Nature

Did you know that looking at nature can lower your blood pressure? Add a few live plants to your home to reduce added stress. Don’t like plants? Photographs, prints, or nature paintings will bring a calming touch to your busy home.

 

The Right Chairs Make a Difference

Finding the right furniture goes a long way for comfort, but it also helps keep stress minimal. When looking for chairs, look for something big enough so that you can change position while sitting, move around the room easily, and have a taller back. Add a side table and a plant behind for a stress-free corner.

 

Paint Light Colors

Ultimate comfort and relaxation start with the colors on the wall. Dusty blue, sage green or other light colors help create a stress-free environment.

 

Declutter

There's nothing more stressful in a home than clutter. So take time to declutter and organize your home. Place items you use the most easily accessible and store items away that you don't use awesome. Less clutter will help your flow and keep your home stress free.


I hope these tips help you keep your home as relaxing as possible. If you need help reorganizing, I can connect you with a professional to help you organize your home. If you have questions about the current state of real estate or want to make a move this fall, I'm here to help. Reply to this email or give me a call.

Displaying blog entries 1-3 of 3

Syndication

Categories

Archives

Contact Information

Photo of Mehner Weiser Real Estate Group Real Estate
Mehner Weiser Real Estate Group
RE/MAX Dynamic Properties
3350 Midtown Place
Anchorage AK 99503
Bethany (907) 223-1632
Bonnie (907) 223-0005