Spring Market Tips for Homebuyers and Sellers
LOUISIANA REALTORS • March 23, 2018
Spring has arrived. And, after a colder, snowier, and icier than normal winter across Louisiana, the temperature isn’t the only thing that’s heating up. The real estate market is ramping up for home buyers and sellers alike. Here are a few things to help navigate the spring market whether you are buying or selling your home.
Use a REALTOR®
No matter if you are housing hunting or putting your home on the market, the experience and expertise of a REALTOR® is invaluable. From helping you find your next home to getting yours sold quickly and for the best price, their skills and resources will be put to work for you.
Pay attention to mortgage rates
Whether you are planning to buy or sell, a mortgage
may be in your future. After years’ of historically low rates, they are on the rise. Rates have increased in 9 of the 10 weeks so far through 2018. Currently, a 30-year fixed rate mortgage is 4.58% (according to Bankrate.com).
Inventory is expected to be up
The number of homes for sale in Louisiana is expected to increase throughout the year. As supply catches up to demand, it’s important to take the necessary steps that will set your house apart from the rest. Landscaping, repairs, paint, etc. all make a huge difference when it comes to curb appeal, especially as buyers have more options.
Know the market conditions
Currently, in Louisiana, the median listing price is $200,000. Of course there a lot of factors that go into these values beyond just the home. Schools, infrastructure, location, amenities, convenience, etc. Your REALTOR®
will be able to help your determine both a fair asking price if you’re selling, and a fair offer if you’re buying, based on all of these conditions.
CONTACT US
Association emphasizes lower monthly expenses, more housing options and practical relief for Louisiana families.
Want Your Teen to Own a Home Someday? Start Talking Money Now Teens may not be thinking about mortgage rates or down payments just yet, but the money habits they’re building now can follow them for years. And 88% of teens surveyed by Fannie Mae and Junior Achievement said they want to own a home someday. This week’s Consumer Guide: Talk to Your Teens About Money and Homeownership makes those conversations a little easier, covering everything from credit scores and budgeting to debt, renting versus owning and saving for that eventual down payment. So yes, you may have to interrupt the doomscrolling. But helping teens get smarter about money today could put them in a much better position to get the keys to a home of their own down the road. Download all of NAR’s Consumer Guides in English or Spanish at facts.realtor. For ease of reference, below is a list of the most recent guides: NEW: Teen Financial Literacy Fraud Red Flags Helping Family Members Become Homeowners Prepare Your Home for Hurricane Season Condominium Insurance Thank you for your continued engagement with the “Consumer Guide” series and for sharing the resources with prospective clients to ensure they have the information they need to find success in their home buying or selling journey. Remember that these guides are for informational purposes only and are not meant to enact or change any existing NAR policy. The next Consumer Guide, scheduled for publication on Oct. 21, will cover winter cold and storm preparedness.
Homeownership Is on Louisiana's November Ballot
