What Can Home Sellers Expect in 2020?
Louisiana Realtors • December 31, 2019
Selling your home is a big decision and the success of the outcome of this transaction is based on a number of variables. Market conditions, the economy, and more all influence the amount of time that a “For Sale” sign stays in your yard, as well as the figure on your check at the closing table. So as we enter not only a new year, but a new decade, what can you expect if 2020 is the year you decide to sell your home?
Mortgage Rates Will Decrease
While you may not consider falling mortgage rates as a variable that impacts the home selling process. But this is a condition that can work out in your favor. Buyers will be motivated by low interest rates, meaning they could make you an acceptable offer sooner rather than later. Working with a knowledgeable, professional REALTOR® can help you gauge your expectations in terms of both asking price and a selling timeline.
Home Prices Will Increase
Obviously the sale price of your home is a major, likely the most important, result of selling your home. The good news is that for the past several years home prices have been on the rise. While the increase has sagged year-over-year, it is an increase nonetheless. This means that you can capitalize on a higher asking price than you may have thought. However, this environment of higher prices can quickly exceed many buyer’s budgets. Leveraging the experience and expertise of a REALTOR® can help you find a balance between a lucrative and competitive asking price that won’t leave your house on the market for months.

From the Louisiana Department of Insurance: Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple announced today that the Louisiana Department of Insurance (LDI) continues its work to develop a regulation creating benchmark discounts for Fortified roofs in Louisiana. The LDI is working with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) to develop the benchmark discounts using Louisiana-specific data, hurricane modeling and actuarial considerations. “With over 11,000 Fortified roofs in Louisiana and two years-worth of insurer experience with rating for those roofs in our state, now is an appropriate time for the LDI to establish benchmark discounts for homeowners insurance companies operating in our market,” said Commissioner Temple. “These benchmarks are being thoughtfully developed to help consumers receive the discounts they deserve for fortifying their homes while making sure insurers know the benchmarks reflect how much Fortified roofs actually mitigate their exposure to risk across Louisiana.” Like in Alabama’s Fortified benchmark discount structure, the LDI regulation would require Louisiana insurance companies to either meet the minimum benchmark discount established by the LDI or provide actuarial justification for why the company’s discount does not meet the benchmark. Louisiana is the fastest growing state for Fortified roofs in America. To date, over 11,000 Fortified roofs have been installed in Louisiana, including over 4,100 through the Louisiana Fortify Homes Program.




