CENTURY 21: Celebrates Diversity and Inclusion

For 50 years, the CENTURY 21 network has thrived from the presence of different perspectives and continues to provide opportunities and a sense of belonging for every individual and company that affiliates with the brand. It is this long-standing culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion that is the CENTURY 21 competitive advantage.   At CENTURY 21 Real Estate Alliance Group, we are incredibly proud to celebrate inclusivity and diversity within...

Homebuyers Remorse: Cancelled Contracts

2023 began with an uptick in the sale of new homes but the driving force in the housing market continues to be buyers backing out of contracts. January sales were down 26% compared to a year ago. The national cancellation rate is now about 20%, with 1 in 5 contracts ending. In fact, KB Homes, one of the largest builders in the country reported 68% of its orders for new...

2023 Agent Forecast: Survive Then Thrive

2022 was a complete about face in the Real Estate Industry going from a Seller’s Market for the last decade to a Buyer’s market in just a few short months.  With transactions down 15% nationally this past year, what can Agents expect going into 2023? According to Brian Buffini’s Bold Predictions along with Lawrence Yun from National Association of Realtors, serious agents can expect to survive the first half of...

The Lessons We Can Learn from iBuyer

Buying a home is one of the largest single purchases most people will ever make. About 40 percent of Americans say that home-buying is the most stressful event in modern life and selling an existing home is a large component of that anxiety. That’s why large real estate companies began programs like iBuyer to use technology to radically simplify the selling process.   iBUYING STRATEGIES Touted as a more convenient,...

2/1 Buydown Program Can Make Initial Mortgage Payments Affordable

With mortgage rates hitting 7% or more, lenders and sellers are getting creative to keep buyers in the market. One answer is a 2/1 Buydown program allowing borrowers to reduce initial mortgage payments to affordable levels.  HOW DOES A 2/1RATE BUYDOWN WORK? Generally speaking, a buydown program is a type of financing offer to reduce your interest rates for the first two years of a mortgage. As a buyer, your...

Could a Cooled Down Market be Good News for Buyers

You can feel it in the air! Fall 2022 has arrived, bringing lower temperatures and a cooling down of the real estate market. After the blazing housing market during the pandemic, rising interest rates have cooled down the real estate frenzy. But that’s not necessarily bad news for buyers. As the housing market heated up, many would-be homeowners found themselves unable to purchase due to multiple cash offers pushing winning...

Buying a Starter Home is More Affordable than Renting in Nearly Half of the Biggest U.S. Metros

The U.S. median rental price grew 9.8% year-over-year to $1,607 - 15.5% higher than monthly starter home payments in 24 of the 50 largest U.S. metros SANTA CLARA, Calif., - As rents continue to hit new highs and mortgage rates remain low, buying a starter home now costs less per month than renting a similar-sized unit in 24 of the 50 largest U.S. metros, according to the Realtor.com® Monthly Rental Report released today....

Is Demand for Homes Finally Leveling?

CHICAGO - (July 20, 2021) -- ShowingTime, the residential real estate industry's leading showing management and market stats technology provider, found that showing activity slowed during June compared to prior months, but remained hyperactive during the first few days listings go on the market in cities across the country. According to the ShowingTime Showing Index®, 64 markets still averaged double-digit showings per listing during the month, led again by Seattle and Denver....

Nearly Three-Quarters of Pandemic Homebuyers Are Happy With Their Purchase, According to Realtor.com Survey

More than 70% who bought a home in the last year feel it was a good decision and nearly half wish they had moved sooner SANTA CLARA, Calif., May 26, 2021 -- Despite the frenzied nature of today's housing market, prompting conversations about buyer's remorse, more than two-thirds of pandemic homebuyers have found happiness in their new home, according to a new Realtor.com® survey released today. Those surveyed say their new home better...

Spring 2021 Housing Market: Will the Extremes Calm Down?

The 2021 spring housing market can be summed up to two extremes better suited for a primetime TV medical drama than an economic snapshot: the sellers market is on steroids, while the buyers markets are on life support. Why so extreme? Real estate laws of supply and demand dictate that rising demand reduces the number of homes for sale and increase prices. Higher prices then motivate sellers to sell, opening...