Friday, July 31, 2026 / by Dick Keenan
If you've been watching the housing market — or just checking your morning inbox — today brought a lot to talk about. From national inflation data that continues to challenge the Fed, to rising mortgage rates, to an energizing local update straight out of Grover Beach City Hall, here is what buyers, sellers, and homeowners on the Central Coast need to know heading into August.
The National Picture: Inflation Still Calling the Shots
This morning, the Bureau of Economic Analysis released its June Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) report — the Fed's preferred inflation gauge — and while the headline number was softer than expected, the details are harder to ignore. June core PCE rose just 0.1% month-over-month, a tame reading. But year-over-year, core PCE came in at +3.3%, still well above the Federal Reserve's 2% target.
The implication for buyers and sellers is direct: so long as inflation remains elevated, the Fed is unlikely t ...
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real estate, keenan carter group, home buyer, selling a home, realtor
Monday, August 19, 2024 / by Dick Keenan
If you’re considering buying or selling a home, mortgage rates are likely at the forefront of your thoughts. These rates play a crucial role in determining how much you’ll pay each month on your mortgage, so it’s important to factor them into your plans. Here’s what you need to know about the current mortgage rate landscape and how it affects your buying power.
What’s the Current Trend with Mortgage Rates?
Recently, mortgage rates have been on a downward trend, which is promising news for those looking to buy a home. However, it’s essential to remember that mortgage rates can be unpredictable. They are influenced by a variety of factors, including the state of the economy, the job market, inflation, and the Federal Reserve’s policies.
As Odeta Kushi, Deputy Chief Economist at First American, points out, “The ongoing deceleration in inflation, coupled with the Federal Reserve’s recent indication of potential rate cuts [in 20. ...
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real estate, keenan carter group, keller williams, central coast, home buyer, san luis obispo county, home purchase, home ownership, california, buying, first time home buyer, real estate market, housing market update, mortgage rates, budget, for home buyers, move up buyers, affordability, home loan, home pricing, refinance
Wednesday, August 7, 2024 / by Dick Keenan
Mortgage rates have been a major topic in the housing market due to their significant impact on affordability. If you're looking to buy a home, you've likely been waiting for rates to drop. Good news: the past few weeks have shown a promising decline in rates.
Mortgage Rates Trend Down in Recent Weeks
There's exciting news about mortgage rates. Following recent reports on the economy, inflation, unemployment rates, and comments from the Federal Reserve, mortgage rates have started to decrease. According to Freddie Mac, rates are now at their lowest level since February. Here's a visual representation of this downward trend:
You might be tempted to wait and see if rates will drop even further. However, it's important to keep things in perspective. The record-low rates from the pandemic are a thing of the past. If you're hoping for a 3% mortgage rate again, experts agree that’s unlikely. As Greg McBride, Chief Financial Analyst at Bankrate, explains:
"The hopes for lo. ...
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real estate, keenan carter group, keller williams, central coast, realtor, home purchase, real estate agent, first time home buyer, housing affordability, low interest rates, mortgage rates, stop renting, interest rates
Wednesday, August 7, 2024 / by Dick Keenan
Homebuyers are beginning to reclaim some negotiating power in the current market. While it’s not quite a buyer’s market, this shift means buyers might have more room to make requests. Sellers should be prepared for this possibility and know their boundaries when it comes to negotiations.
Whether you're buying or selling, understanding potential negotiation points is crucial. Here’s a quick overview of what might come up during your transaction so you can be prepared.
What Can Be Negotiated?
Almost everything in a home purchase is open for negotiation. Here are some key areas, according to Kiplinger and LendingTree:
Sale Price
The most obvious point of negotiation is the sale price. With affordability being a concern, buyers don’t want to overpay. Sellers need to be realistic about their asking prices and may need to adjust if they’re not seeing offers.
Home Repairs
After an inspection, buyers can request that sellers make necessary r. ...
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real estate, keenan carter group, keller williams, central coast, home buyer, home purchase, buying, for home buyers
Wednesday, August 7, 2024 / by Dick Keenan
When you're ready to move, deciding what to do with your current home can be a big decision. Should you sell it and use the proceeds for your next step, or keep it as a rental to build long-term wealth? This decision isn't always straightforward. Whether you're interested in rental income or concerned about the responsibilities of being a landlord, there’s a lot to consider.
Here are some key questions to help you determine the best option for your situation.
Is Your House Suitable for Renting?
Even if you're interested in becoming a landlord, your current house might not be ideal for renting. Consider the following factors:
Location: If you're moving far away, maintaining the property can be challenging.
Neighborhood: Some neighborhoods aren’t conducive to rental properties.
Condition: If the house needs significant repairs, renting it out might not be feasible without substantial investment.
If any of these points apply, selling might be y. ...
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real estate, keller williams, keenan carter group, central coast, selling a home, moving, selling, move up buyers, for sellers, rent vs buy
