Myths About the 2024 Housing Market [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights When it comes to the current Oklahoma housing market, there are some myths circling around right now. Some of the more common ones are that it’s better to wait for mortgage rates to fall or prices to crash. But there are others about the supply of homes for sale and down payments.  Lean on a real estate professional to help separate fact from fiction in today’s housing market.

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The Top 5 Reasons You Need a Real Estate Agent when Buying a Home

You may have heard headlines in the news lately about agents in the real estate industry and discussions about their commissions. And if you’re following along, it can be pretty confusing. But here’s the thing you really need to know – expert advice from a trusted real estate agent is priceless, now more than ever. And here’s why. A real estate agent does a lot more than you may realize. Your agent is the person who will guide you through every step when buying a home in Oklahoma and look out for your best interests along the way. They smooth out a complex process and take away the bulk of the stress of what’s likely your largest purchase ever. And that’s exactly what you want and deserve. This is at least a part of the reason why a recent survey from Bright MLS found an overwhelming majority of people agree an agent is a key part of the homebuying process (see visual below):     To give you a better idea of just a few of the top ways agents add value, check out this list. 1. Deliver Industry Experience The right agent – the professional – will coach you through everything from start to finish. With professional training and expertise, agents know the ins and outs of the buying process. And in today’s complex Oklahoma market, the way real estate transactions are executed is constantly changing, so having the best advice on your side is essential. 2. Provide Expert Local Knowledge In a world that’s powered by data, a great agent can clarify what it all means, separate fact from fiction, and help you understand how current Oklahoma market trends apply to your unique search. From how quickly homes are selling to the latest listings you don’t want to miss, they can explain what’s happening in your specific local market so you can make a confident decision. 3. Explain Pricing and Market Value Agents help you understand the latest pricing trends in your area. What’s a home valued at in Oklahoma market? What should you think about when you’re making an offer? Is this a house that might have issues you can’t see on the surface? No one wants to overpay, so having an expert who really gets true market value for individual neighborhoods is priceless. An offer that’s both fair and competitive in today’s housing market is essential, and a local expert knows how to help you hit the mark. 4. Review Contracts and Fine Print In a fast-moving and heavily regulated process, agents help you make sense of the necessary disclosures and documents, so you know what you’re signing. Having a professional that’s trained to explain the details could make or break your transaction, and is certainly something you don’t want to try to figure out on your own. 5. Bring Negotiation Expertise From offer to counteroffer and inspection to closing, there are a lot of stakeholders involved in a real estate transaction. Having someone on your side who knows you and the process makes a world of difference. An agent will advocate for you as they work with each party. It’s a big deal, and you need a partner at every turn to land the best possible outcome. Bottom Line Real estate agents are specialists, educators, and negotiators. They adjust to market changes and keep you informed. And keep in mind, every time you make a big decision in your life, especially a financial one, you need an expert on your side. Expert advice from a trusted professional is priceless. Connect with a local real estate agent today. 

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Boomers Moving Will Be More Like a Gentle Tide Than a Tsunami

Have you heard the term “Silver Tsunami” getting tossed around recently? If so, here’s what you really need to know. That phrase refers to the idea that a lot of baby boomers are going to move or downsize all at once. And the fear is that a sudden influx of homes for sale would have a big impact on housing. That’s because it would create a whole lot more competition for smaller homes and would throw off the balance of supply and demand, which ultimately would impact home prices. But here’s the thing. There are a couple of faults in that logic. Let’s break them down and put your mind at ease. Not All Baby Boomers Plan To Move For starters, plenty of baby boomers don’t plan on moving at all. A study from the AARP says more than half of adults aged 65 and older want to stay in their homes and not move as they age (see graph below):   While it’s true circumstances may change and some people who don’t plan to move (the red in the chart above) may realize they need to down the road, the vast majority are counting on aging in place. As for those who stay put, they’ll likely modify their homes as their needs change over time. And when updating their existing home won’t work, some will buy a second home and keep their original one as an investment to fuel generational wealth for their loved ones. As an article from Inman explains: “Many boomers have no desire to retire fully and take up less space . . . Many will modify their current home, and the wealthiest will opt to have multiple homes.” Even Those Who Do Move Won’t Do It All at Once While not all baby boomers are looking to sell their homes and move – the ones who do won’t all do it at the same time. Instead, it’ll happen slowly over many years. As Freddie Mac says: “We forecast the ‘tsunami’ will be more like a tide, bringing a gradual exit of 9.2 million Boomers by 2035 . . .” As Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American, says: “Demographics are never a tsunami. The baby boomer generation is almost two decades of births. That means they’re going to take about two decades to work their way through.” Bottom Line If you're stressed about a Silver Tsunami shaking the Oklahoma housing market overnight, don't be. Baby boomers will move slowly over a much longer period of time.

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