I’m about halfway through my month of decluttering. Have you been following along? I’ve been trying hard to post a daily video or photo of the progress. Although I’m not planning on listing my home for a couple of months, this has been a great challenge to get the process started. I always tell my clients that one of the best things you can do when getting ready to sell your home is to declutter! It helps the stager when they come, it makes photos look better & it is so much easier for a buyer to picture themselves living in the home if they aren’t as distracted by all the “stuff”. So here I am, practicing what I preach! I hope you can follow along on my Instagram for the next couple of weeks.
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Let’s take a look at 2021!
The overall market in 2021 was a bit nuts! I have posted lots of graphs & charts below for you to see. These include all of Whatcom County. You will notice our active listings are extremely low, about 43.4% lower than 2020, but our overall closed sales by month actually increased by about 5% since last year. Yes, we are living in a seller’s market, but interest rates have remained low all year which is very beneficial for buyers too.
All Stats here are taken from the NWMLS. They include residential and condos in Whatcom County.
We will see what 2022 has in store for us! Currently we are experiencing LOW inventory. The last couple of weeks we have had less than 200 total listings for Whatcom County. I know buyers are are out there & wanting to BUY! It has been predicted that interest rates will go up this year so they are wanting to take advantage while rates are low. So, if you’ve been on the fence about selling, now is the time to take the next step. I would love to chat about your real estate goals & get some of the prep work started!
If you have any questions about the stats above or what is happening in your neighborhood- please reach out!
Will Mortgage Rates Rise in 2022?
I’ve been told by a few local lenders & my financial advisor that interest rates WILL rise next year! We have been lucky with historically low rates for a couple of years now and plans for 2022 will still keep interest relatively low compared to 10+ years ago BUT they will increase which can make a huge impact for a buyer’s overall budget in buying a home. Here is a great article from Keeping Matter Current about rising rates.
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Mortgage rates are one of several factors that impact how much you can afford if you’re buying a home. When rates are low, they help you get more house for your money. Within the last year, mortgage rates have hit the lowest point ever recorded, and they’ve hovered in the historic-low territory. But even over the past few weeks, rates have started to rise. This past week, the average 30-year fixed rate was 3.14%.
What does this mean if you’re thinking about making a move? Waiting until next year will cost you more in the long run. Here’s a look at what several experts project for mortgage rates going into 2022.
Freddie Mac:
“The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) is expected to be 3.0 percent in 2021 and 3.5 percent in 2022.”
Doug Duncan, Senior VP & Chief Economist, Fannie Mae:
“Right now, we forecast mortgage rates to average 3.3 percent in 2022, which, though slightly higher than 2020 and 2021, by historical standards remains extremely low and supportive of mortgage demand and affordability.”
First American:
“Consensus forecasts predict that mortgage rates will hit 3.2 percent by the end of the year, and 3.7 percent by the end of 2022.”
If rates rise even a half-point percentage over the next year, it will impact what you pay each month over the life of your loan – and that can really add up. So, the reality is, as prices and mortgage rates rise, it will cost more to purchase a home.
As you can see from the quotes above, industry experts project rates will rise in the months ahead. Here’s a table that compares other expert views and gives an average of those projections:Whether you’re thinking about buying your first home, moving up to your dream home, or downsizing because your needs have changed, purchasing before mortgage rates rise even higher will help you take advantage of today’s homebuying affordability. That could be just the game-changer you need to achieve your homeownership goals.
Bottom Line
If you’re thinking of buying or selling over the next year, it may be wise to make your move sooner rather than later – before mortgage rates climb higher.”
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5488 Blue Sky Way, Ferndale
Introducing 5488 Blue Sky Way, Ferndale, Wa 98248
$599,900
Beautiful craftsman rambler with breath taking unobstructed Mt. Baker views on quiet cul-de-sac! Great floor plan in this one level home has great room feel with vaulted living room, kitchen, & dining open. Enjoy spectacular views of Baker from the living room, dining, kitchen, & master bedroom. Kitchen has custom cream cabinets w/stainless steel apps & granite counters. Hardwood floors throughout living/dining. Vaulted master suite has walk in closet & large ensuite bathroom w/separate tub & shower. Spare rooms separate from master & office/den just off entry. Well maintained landscaping, covered back patio & backing to open fields, this home is truly one of a kind! All minutes from amenities while feeling like you are out in the country.
Introducing DG Homes!