Three Things Buyers Can Do in Today’s Housing Market

posted by: George Sykes, Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Friday September 23, 2022

Three Things Buyers Can Do in Today’s Housing Market

It’s clear the 2022 housing market has been defined by rising mortgage rates. With rates on the rise, it’s also become more costly to purchase a home. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR):

“Compared to one year ago, the monthly mortgage payment rose to $1,944 from $1,265, an increase of 53.7%.”

If you’re thinking of buying a home or have been trying to recently, that’s a big increase in a monthly mortgage payment – and it may be causing you to press pause on your plans. This jump is making homes less affordable, especially compared to the last two years when mortgage rates were at historic lows.

The good news is you can navigate today’s housing market and this rising rate environment with a few simple tips. Here are three things you may want to consider to help make your homeownership goals a reality.

Read on for the 3 things.

Follow the Housing Market without lots of clicks and picks

posted by: George Sykes, Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Monday February 15, 2021

New home listings are now posted in near real time to the main home page of local CityPage sites like collinsville.com, edwardsville.com, collinsville.com, ofallon365.com and 40+ more.

47 Percent of New Buyers Surprised by How Affordable Homes Are Today

posted by: George Sykes, Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Saturday February 13, 2021

Headlines matter. Right now, it’s hard to read about real estate without seeing a headline that suggests homes have become unaffordable for most Americans. In reality, there’s hard evidence that shows how owning a home is more affordable than renting in most parts of the country, as record-low interest rates are keeping monthly mortgage payments about 23% lower than the typical payment of 20 years ago. Despite the facts, misleading headlines persist, and they impact how hopeful homebuyers perceive the market.

In a recent survey by realtor.com, home shoppers indicated they were surprised by what they could actually afford when buying their first home. In fact, 47% discovered their budget was larger than they expected. George Ratiu, Senior Economist at realtor.com, explains:

What Happens When Homeowners Leave Their Forbearance Plans?

posted by: George Sykes, Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Friday January 29, 2021

According to the latest report from Black Knight, Inc., a well-respected provider of data and analytics for mortgage companies, 6.48 million households have entered a forbearance plan as a result of financial concerns brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s where these homeowners stand right now:

2,543,000 (39%) are current on their payments and have left the program
625,000 (9%) have paid off their mortgages
434,000 (7%) have negotiated a repayment plan and have left the program
2,254,000 (35%) have extended their original forbearance plan
512,000 (8%) are still in their original forbearance plan
116,000 (2%) have left the program and are still behind on payments

Smart Buyers and Smart Sellers: Class #3 "The Contract"

posted by: George Sykes, Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Friday January 1, 2021

George Sykes, Real Estate Broker with Worth Clark Realty details what every real estate buyer and seller should know about the "Contract To Purchase Real Estate". Buyers and Sellers owe it to themselves to watch this video before they sign their next real estate contract. Understand what you are signing. George Sykes is a licensed Real Estate Broker in Southern Illinois and represents clients in edwardsville, glen carbon, collinsville, granite city, maryville, troy, ofallon, swansea, shiloh and belleville.

Smart Buyers and Smart Sellers: Class #2

posted by: George Sykes, Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Friday December 18, 2020

Class #2: The Listing Agreement

In Smart Buyer and Smart Seller Class #2, George explains what exactly goes into a Listing agreement. This document details key elements of a real estate sale like Price, Commissions, Timing, what stays with the house and Disclosures. If you are selling a property in the Southern Illinois area (edwardsville, glen carbon, collinsville, granite city, maryville, troy, ofallon, swansea, shiloh, belleville) this course is a must see before you list.

Smart Buyers and Smart Sellers: Class #1

posted by: George Sykes, Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Monday December 14, 2020

Real Estate Master Class: Smart Buyers and Smart Sellers

Class #1: Must See Class for Anyone Buying and Selling a Home

Join George as he teaches homeowners, buyers and sellers what they should know before buying or selling a property. This Free Class explains the timeline for both the buyer and the seller and creates a foundation for the "Smart Buyer Smart Seller Real Estate Master Class" series.

Local Special

Don't List Your House, Sell It!

posted by: George Sykes, Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Tuesday December 8, 2020

Isn't that the goal: To Sell your house? I have several ways to help sell your home. Everyone has different reasons to sell. Maybe you are not in a hurry and need the most out of the home, but, maybe, time to close is the most important factor. You may even be in a bit of a hybrid situation where you want the most, have some time, but have a firm deadline you want to be out of your home. Let's use all the options. For more information, go to my website:

Homeownership Helps the Local Economy

posted by: George Sykes, Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Saturday November 28, 2020

Each real estate transaction makes an impact on the local economy, which is a major part of why the housing market is a driver in this year’s economic recovery. This winter is a great time to make a move, so DM me if you’re ready to support our community and find your dream home today.

Your House May Be High on the Buyer Wish List This Holiday Season

posted by: George Sykes, Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Thursday November 26, 2020

Around this time each year, many homeowners decide to wait until after the holidays to sell their houses. Similarly, others who already have their homes on the market remove their listings until the spring. Let’s unpack the top reasons why selling your house now, or keeping it on the market this season, is the best choice you can make. This year, buyers want to purchase homes for the holidays, and your house might be the perfect match.

Here are seven great reasons not to wait to sell your house this holiday season:

Why Working from Home May Spark Your Next Move

posted by: George Sykes, Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Monday November 16, 2020

If you’ve been working from home this year, chances are you’ve been at it a little longer than you initially expected. Businesses all over the country have figured out how to operate remotely to keep their employees healthy, safe, and productive. For many, it may be carrying into next year, and possibly beyond.

Do You Need to Know More about Forbearance and Mortgage Relief Options?

posted by: George Sykes, Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Monday October 19, 2020

Earlier this year when the nation pressed pause on the economy and unemployment rates jumped up significantly, many homeowners were immediately concerned about being able to pay their mortgages, and understandably so. To assist in this challenging time, two protection plans were put into place to help support those in need.

First, there was a pause placed on initiating foreclosures for government-backed loans. This plan started on March 18, 2020, and it extends at least through December 31, 2020. Second, homeowners were able to obtain forbearance for up to 180 days, followed by a potential extension for up to another 180 days. This way, there is a relief period in which homeowners have the opportunity to halt payments on their mortgages for up to one year.

The Cost of a Home Is Far More Important than the Price

posted by: George Sykes, Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Tuesday September 29, 2020

Housing inventory is at an all-time low. There are 39% fewer homes for sale today than at this time last year, and buyer demand continues to set records. Zillow recently reported: ...

Home Use is Changing

posted by: George Sykes, Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Wednesday September 9, 2020

We’ve seen a lot of change this year, and many of them have impacted the demands made on our homes.

How Will the Presidential Election Impact Real Estate in Places Like Dardenne Prairie?

posted by: George Sykes, Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Wednesday September 2, 2020

The year 2020 will be remembered as one of the most challenging times of our lives. A worldwide pandemic, a recession causing historic unemployment, and a level of social unrest perhaps never seen before have all changed the way we live. Only the real estate market seems to be unaffected, as a new forecast projects there may be more homes purchased this year than last year.

As we come to the end of this tumultuous year, we’re preparing for perhaps the most contentious presidential election of the century. Today, it’s important to look at the impact past presidential election years have had on the real estate market.

Why Foreclosures Won’t Crush the Housing Market Next Year

posted by: George Sykes, Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Friday August 14, 2020

With the strength of the current housing market growing every day and more Americans returning to work, a faster-than-expected recovery in the housing sector is already well underway. Regardless, many are still asking the question: will we see a wave of foreclosures as a result of the current crisis? Thankfully, research shows the number of foreclosures is expected to be much lower than what this country experienced during the last recession. Here’s why.

Will We See a Surge of Homebuyers Moving to the Suburbs?

posted by: George Sykes, Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Monday August 10, 2020

As remote work continues on for many businesses and Americans weigh the risks of being in densely populated areas, will more people start to move out of bigger cities? Spending extra time at home and dreaming of more indoor and outdoor space is certainly sparking some interest among homebuyers. Early data shows an initial trend in this direction of moving from urban to suburban communities, but the question is: will the trend continue?

Local Special

Help Find These Homes in the 618 Area

posted by: George Sykes, Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Wednesday July 29, 2020

I'm looking for a few specific homes to sell. I have buyer clients who are ready to purchase, and we can't find the perfect house in the MLS. Maybe you know of a matching property.

Remember Algebra? Things are balanced: Low rates and rising prices.

posted by: George Sykes, Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Wednesday July 29, 2020

Record-low interest rates are balancing out rising prices to keep buyers in the market this summer. DM me to learn more about why buying a home while interest rates are low is so powerful.

Local Special

How about something Positive? Housing Market Helping Economic Recovery

posted by: George Sykes, Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Thursday July 23, 2020

According to Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at NAR, “This has been a spectacular recovery for contract signings and goes to show the resiliency of American consumers and their evergreen desire for homeownership. This bounce back also speaks to how the housing sector could lead the way for a broader economic recovery.” DM me to learn why 2020 is shaping up to be a strong year to buy or sell a home.

Local Special

Bidding Wars ... Real Estate is a Contact Sport This Year

posted by: George Sykes, Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Tuesday July 21, 2020

With the number of homebuyers outweighing the number of houses being listed for sale this season, more and more people are facing bidding wars. Whether you’re buying a home or selling your house, DM me to talk about how we can simply and effectively navigate this process together.

A Remarkable Recovery for the Housing Market

posted by: George Sykes, Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Tuesday July 21, 2020

For months now the vast majority of Americans have been asking the same question: When will the economy turn around? Many experts have been saying the housing market will lead the way to a recovery, and today we’re seeing signs of that coming to light. With record-low mortgage rates driving high demand from potential buyers, homes are being purchased at an accelerating pace, and it’s keeping the housing market and the economy moving.

Here’s a look at what a few of the experts have to say about today’s astonishing recovery. In more than one instance, it’s being noted as truly remarkable.

Local Special

Buying or Selling? Let's talk numbers.

posted by: George Sykes, Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Tuesday July 7, 2020

Homeowner equity is continuing to rise year-over-year, meaning many families have more wealth to leverage than they may realize. DM me to learn how you can put your equity to use when selling your house and making your next move.

Are New Homes Going to Be Available to Buy This Year?

posted by: George Sykes, Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Wednesday July 1, 2020

In today’s economy, everyone seems to be searching for signs that a recovery is coming soon. Many experts agree that it may actually already be in motion or will be starting by the 3rd quarter of this year. With the housing market positioned to lead the way out of this recession, builder confidence might be a bright spark that gets the recovery fire started. The construction of new homes coming right around the corner is a huge part of that effort, and it may drive your opportunity to make a move this year.

According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB):

Everything You Need to Know About Buying a Home in Dardenne Prairie

posted by: George Sykes, Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Friday June 19, 2020

Three Reasons Homebuyers Are Ready to Purchase This Year in Cities like Dardenne Prairie

posted by: George Sykes, Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Wednesday June 17, 2020

A recent survey by Lending Tree tapped into behaviors of over 1,000 prospective buyers. The results indicated 53% of all homebuyers are more likely to buy a home in the next year, even amid the current health crisis. The survey further revealed why, naming several reasons buyers are more likely to move this year (see graph below):

Is a Recession Here? Yes. Does that Mean a Housing Crash? No.

posted by: George Sykes, Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Wednesday June 10, 2020

On Monday, the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) announced that the U.S. economy is officially in a recession. This did not come as a surprise to many, as the Bureau defines a recession this way:

“A recession is a significant decline in economic activity spread across the economy, normally visible in production, employment, and other indicators. A recession begins when the economy reaches a peak of economic activity and ends when the economy reaches its trough. Between trough and peak, the economy is in an expansion.”

Everyone realizes that the pandemic shut down the country earlier this year, causing a “significant decline in economic activity.”

Though not surprising, headlines announcing the country is in a recession will cause consumers to remember the devastating impact the last recession had on the housing market just over a decade ago.

The real estate market, however, is in a totally different position:

Housing Market Positioned to Bring Back the Economy

posted by: George Sykes, Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Thursday May 21, 2020

All eyes are on the American economy. As it goes, so does the world economy. With states beginning to reopen, the question becomes: which sectors of the economy will drive its recovery? There seems to be a growing consensus that the housing market is positioned to be that driving force, the tailwind that is necessary. Some may question that assertion as they look back on the last recession in 2008 when housing was the anchor to the economy – holding it back from sailing forward. But even then, the overall economy did not begin to recover until the real estate market started to regain its strength. This time, the housing market was in great shape when the virus hit. As Mark Fleming, Chief Economist of First American, recently explained: (Article Continues)

Why the Housing Market Is a Powerful Economic Driver

posted by: George Sykes, Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Thursday April 30, 2020

With businesses starting to slowly open back up again in some parts of the country, it’s important to understand how housing can have a major impact on the recovery of the U.S. economy. As we’ve mentioned before, buying a home is a driving financial force in this process. Today, many analysts believe one of the first things we’ll be able to safely bring back is the home building sector, creating more jobs and impacting local neighborhoods in a big way. According to Robert Dietz in The Eye on Housing:

The Pain of Unemployment: It Will Be Deep, But Not for Long

posted by: George Sykes, Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Tuesday April 21, 2020

There are two crises in this country right now: a health crisis that has forced everyone into their homes and a financial crisis caused by our inability to move around as we normally would. Over 20 million people in the U.S. became instantly unemployed when it was determined that the only way to defeat this horrific virus was to shut down businesses across the nation. One second a person was gainfully employed, a switch was turned, and then the room went dark on their livelihood.

The financial pain so many families are facing right now is deep.

How deep will the pain cut?

Major institutions are forecasting unemployment rates last seen during the Great Depression. Here are a few projections:

Today’s Homebuyers Want Lower Prices. Sellers Disagree.

posted by: George Sykes, Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Friday April 17, 2020

The uncertainty the world faces today due to the COVID-19 pandemic is causing so many things to change. The way we interact, the way we do business, even the way we buy and sell real estate is changing. This is a moment in time that’s even sparking some buyers to search for a better deal on a home. Sellers, however, aren’t offering a discount these days; they’re holding steady on price.

According to the most recent NAR Flash Survey (a survey of real estate agents from across the country), agents were asked the following two questions:

Think This Is a Housing Crisis? Think Again

posted by: George Sykes, Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Wednesday April 15, 2020

With all of the unanswered questions caused by COVID-19 and the economic slowdown we’re experiencing across the country today, many are asking if the housing market is in trouble. For those who remember 2008, it’s logical to ask that question.

Many of us experienced financial hardships, lost homes, and were out of work during the Great Recession – the recession that started with a housing and mortgage crisis. Today, we face a very different challenge: an external health crisis that has caused a pause in much of the economy and a major shutdown of many parts of the country.

Let’s look at five things we know about today’s housing market that were different in 2008:

What You Can Do to Get Your Dardenne Prairie House Ready to Sell [INFOGRAPHIC]

posted by: George Sykes, Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Monday April 13, 2020

Some Highlights:

How Technology Is Enabling the Real Estate Process in Dardenne Prairie

posted by: George Sykes, Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Wednesday April 8, 2020

Today’s everyday reality is different than it looked just a few weeks ago. We’re learning how to do a lot of things in new ways, from how we work remotely to how we engage with our friends and neighbors. Almost everything right now is shifting to a virtual format. One of the big changes we’re adapting to is the revisions to the common real estate transaction, which all vary by state and locality. Technology, however, is making it possible for many of us to continue on the quest for homeownership, an essential need for all.

Here’s a look at some of the elements of the process that are changing (at least in the near-term), due to stay-at-home orders and social distancing, and what you may need to know about each one if you’re thinking of buying or selling a home sooner rather than later:

5 Was to Help:

The Housing Market Is Positioned to Help the Economy Recover [INFOGRAPHIC]

posted by: George Sykes, Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Friday April 3, 2020

Some Highlights:

The Economic Impact of Buying a Home

posted by: George Sykes, Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Tuesday March 31, 2020

We’re in a changing real estate market, and life, in general, is changing too – from how we grocery shop and meal prep to the ways we can interact with our friends and neighbors. Even practices for engaging with agents, lenders, and all of the players involved in a real estate transaction are changing to a virtual format. What isn’t changing, however, is one key thing that can drive the local economy: buying a home.

We’re all being impacted in different ways by the effects of the coronavirus. If you’re in a position to buy a home today, know that you’re a major economic force in your neighborhood. And while we all wait patiently for the current pandemic to pass, there are a lot of things you can do in the meantime to keep your home search on track.

Every year the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shares a report that notes the full economic impact of home sales. This report summarizes:

Is Now a Good Time to Refinance My Dardenne Prairie Home?

posted by: George Sykes, Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Wednesday March 25, 2020

With interest rates hitting all-time lows over the past few weeks, many homeowners are opting to refinance. To decide if refinancing your home is the best option for you and your family, start by asking yourself these questions:

Why do you want to refinance?

There are many reasons to refinance, but here are three of the most common ones:

Why the Stock Market Correction Probably Won't Impact Dardenne Prairie Home Values

posted by: George Sykes, Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Tuesday March 24, 2020

With the housing crash of 2006-2008 still visible in the rear-view mirror, many are concerned the current correction in the stock market is a sign that home values are also about to tumble. What's taking place today, however, is nothing like what happened the last time. The S&P 500 did fall by over fifty percent from October 2007 to March 2009, and home values did depreciate in 2007, 2008, and 2009 – but that was because that economic slowdown was mainly caused by a collapsing real estate market and a meltdown in the mortgage market.

Confidence Is the Key to Success for Young Homebuyers

posted by: George Sykes, Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Wednesday March 11, 2020

Buying your first home can seem overwhelming. Thankfully, there’s a lot of great information out there to help you feel more confident as you learn about the process. For those in younger generations who aspire to buy, here are three things to consider sooner rather than later in your journey:

Equity Gain Growing in Nearly Every State including Missouri

posted by: George Sykes, Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Tuesday March 10, 2020

Rising home prices have been in the news a lot lately, and much of the focus is on whether they're accelerating too quickly and how sustainable the growth in prices really is. One of the often-overlooked benefits of rising prices, however, is the impact they have on a homeowner's equity position.

How Do You Think People Found Their New Home in 2019?

posted by: George Sykes, Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Monday February 3, 2020

There is certainly a constant in life and that is, "things change". Notice not only how many home searches started in the Internet, but look at the percentage of mobile views. Very important to make sure your website is mobile ready.

The Biggest Issue Facing Housing Next Year in Cities like Dardenne Prairie, Missouri

posted by: George Sykes, Broker, Worth Clark Realty on Wednesday December 18, 2019

This coming year the housing market will be defined by 3 things- inventory, interest rates, and appreciation. But the biggest issue the housing market will face in 2020 is an inventory shortage. There aren’t enough homes on the market for buyers, especially on the lower end of the market. This is a topic that has come up frequently within the past several months.