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
Wednesday, August 28, 2024 / by Dick Keenan
As we look ahead to 2025, it’s essential to understand what experts are predicting for the housing market. Whether you’re considering buying or selling a home next year, having a clear understanding of the projected trends can help you make well-informed decisions about your real estate plans.
Here’s a closer look at the latest forecasts for mortgage rates, home sales, and home prices in 2025.
Mortgage Rates Expected To Gradually Decline
Mortgage rates are a key factor in the housing market, influencing affordability for buyers and overall market activity. According to forecasts from Fannie Mae, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), the National Association of Realtors (NAR), and Wells Fargo, mortgage rates are anticipated to decrease slightly throughout 2025.
This expected decline in mortgage rates is largely attributed to the easing of inflation and a modest increase in unemployment rates—indicators of a strong but slowing economy. Many experts b. ...
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real estate, keller williams, central coast, selling a home, home purchase, home ownership, housing affordability, housing market update, real estate market update, market update
Wednesday, August 28, 2024 / by Dick Keenan
You’ve probably heard the saying: "Don’t believe everything you hear." This advice rings especially true when it comes to today’s housing market. With so much misinformation floating around, it’s more important than ever to rely on accurate, research-based information, especially if you’re thinking about buying or selling a home.
By partnering with a knowledgeable real estate agent, you can cut through the noise and get the facts. Here are some of the most common housing market myths—and the reality behind them.
1. “I’ll Get a Better Deal Once Prices Crash”
There’s a popular belief that home prices are on the verge of crashing, and if you wait, you’ll score a great deal. However, the data tells a different story. While home prices can vary by location, there’s no indication that a crash is on the horizon.
Back in 2008, a significant oversupply of homes led to a dramatic drop in prices. Today, however, w. ...
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real estate, home buyer, home purchase, selling a home, realtor, home ownership, first time home buyer, low rates
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
Friday, June 21, 2024 / by Dick Keenan
Thinking about selling your home on your own as a "For Sale by Owner" (FSBO)? It might seem like a good idea at first, but handling the sale yourself can quickly become a stressful and complex task. Without the expertise of a professional, you're more prone to making mistakes that could cost you time and money.
According to a report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the two main challenges FSBO sellers face are setting the right price and managing the paperwork.
Here are some ways a real estate agent can simplify these tasks for you.
Pricing Your Home Correctly
Setting the correct price for your home is crucial. When selling on your own, you risk either overpricing or underpricing your property. Overpricing can scare away potential buyers, while underpricing might mean losing out on significant money. NerdWallet highlights the importance of first impressions when pricing your home:
“When selling a home, first impressions matter. Your house&rs ...
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real estate, selling a home, house for sale, real estate agent, time to sell your home, realty, for sale by owner, fsbo, do not for sale by owner, dont sell your house without an agent
