The Economic Impact of Buying a Home in Arizona and Across the U.S.

4/27/2020

The Economic Impact of Buying a Home in Arizona and the U.S.

The economic impact of buying a home in Arizona | Troy Erickson Realtor

We’re in a changing real estate market, and life, in general, is changing too – from how we grocery shop and meal prep to the ways we can interact with our friends and neighbors. Even practices for engaging with agents, lenders, and all of the players involved in a real estate transaction are changing to a virtual format. What isn’t changing, however, is one key thing that can drive the local economy: buying a home.

We’re all being impacted in different ways by the effects of the coronavirus. If you’re in a position to buy a home today, know that you’re a major economic force in your neighborhood. And while we all wait patiently for the current pandemic to pass, there are a lot of things you can do in the meantime to keep your home search on track.

Every year the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shares a report that notes the full economic impact of home sales. This report summarizes:

Here’s the breakdown of how the average home sale boosts the economy:

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“The total economic impact of real estate related industries on the state economy, as well as the expenditures that result from a single home sale, including aspects like home construction costs, real estate brokerage, mortgage lending and title insurance.”

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Average economic impact of one home sale | Troy Erickson Realtor

When you buy a home, you’re making an impact. You’re fulfilling your need for shelter and a place to live, and you’re also generating jobs and income for the appraiser, the loan officer, the title company, the real estate agent, and many more contributors to the process. For every person or business that you work with throughout the transaction, there’s also likely a team behind the scenes making it all happen, so the effort multiplies substantially. As noted above in the circle on the right, the impact is almost double when you purchase new construction, given the extra labor it requires to build the home.

The report also breaks down the average economic impact by state:

How buying a home impacts the economy by state | Troy Erickson Realtor

As a buyer, you have an essential need for a home – and you can make an essential impact with homeownership, too. That need for shelter, comfort, and a safe place to live will always be alive and well. And whenever you’re able to act on that need, whether now or later, you’ll truly be creating gains for you, your family, local business professionals, and the overall economy.

Bottom Line

Whenever you purchase a home, you’re an economic driver. Even if you’re not ready or able to make a move now, there are things you can do to keep your own process moving forward so you’re set when the time is right for you. Reach out to a local real estate professional to keep your home search – and your local contributions – on track.

If you need to buy or sell your home during this Coronavirus crisis, we can help you. We have adjusted the way we work with home buyers and sellers, and have the processes and resources in place to help. Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions about what it takes to get your Phoenix Metro or East Valley home sold during these trying times. Just give me a call/text at 602-295-6807 and I will be glad to help.

"Real Estate is not just a job for me, it's about making a difference in the lives of others"

Troy Erickson Realtor
Call/Text: (602)295-6807
TroyEricksonRealtor@gmail.com
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Troy Erickson has been blogging about Arizona real estate since 2006. He is a residential real estate agent who specializes in helping home buyers, sellers, and investors in Chandler and the East Valley. He has been recognized for his local market expertise, and frequently volunteers within his community.

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Local Chandler and East Valley Real Estate Professional Brings Home National Honor for Fourth Straight Year

4/21/2020

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Once again, I am extremely honored to receive this 'Certificate of Excellence in Real Estate' award from Broker Agent Advisor. It is great being recognized for my local real estate industry knowledge, dedication to my profession, and service to my clients and community. I am so excited to be selected in the Top 10% of Real Estate professionals nationwide for the fourth straight year, and want to thank everyone who has made this possible.

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Local Real Estate Professional Brings Home National Honor

Broker★Agent™ Advisor Honors Achievement

Scottsdale, Arizona – Now in its 25th year, Broker★Agent™ Advisor celebrates the success and accomplishment of the industry’s finest real estate professionals through it’s exclusive ‘Certificate of Excellence’ Program.

Through proprietary criteria, formulas, and other valuable considerations, Troy Erickson of Chandler, Arizona has been distinguished by Broker★Agent™ Advisor as one of the best in real estate based on achievement, potential, leadership, ethics, community value, experience, capability, and trust.

“Troy exemplifies the type of professional we designed this award for,” says Chad Golladay, Executive Publisher of Broker★Agent™ Advisor. “A true credit to their company, profession, and community both inside and outside of their real estate practice; one with whom the honor is truly ours in being able to share this award.”

There is no cost or fee required for this award, and all applicant’s credentials are verified, which makes this honor one of the most genuine in the industry towards identifying those truly worthy of special recognition and distinction.

More About Broker★Agent™ Advisor
Established in 1994 Broker★Agent™ is a real estate trade publication which provides information, tools, and resources to assist the modern real estate professional in achieving greater success through their real practice.

SOURCE: Broker★Agent™ Advisor

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Think This Is a Housing Crisis? Think Again.

4/16/2020

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Think This Is a Housing Crisis? Think Again.

With all of the unanswered questions caused by COVID-19 and the economic slowdown we’re experiencing across the country today, many are asking if the housing market is in trouble. For those who remember 2008, it’s logical to ask that question.

Many of us experienced financial hardships, lost homes, and were out of work during the Great Recession – the recession that started with a housing and mortgage crisis. Today, we face a very different challenge: an external health crisis that has caused a pause in much of the economy and a major shutdown of many parts of the country.

Let’s look at five things we know about today’s housing market that were different in 2008.

1. Appreciation

When we look at appreciation in the visual below, there’s a big difference between the 6 years prior to the housing crash and the most recent 6-year period of time. Leading up to the crash, we had much higher appreciation in this country than we see today. In fact, the highest level of appreciation most recently is below the lowest level we saw leading up to the crash. Prices have been rising lately, but not at the rate they were climbing back when we had runaway appreciation.

2. Mortgage Credit

The Mortgage Credit Availability Index is a monthly measure by the Mortgage Bankers Association that gauges the level of difficulty to secure a loan. The higher the index, the easier it is to get a loan; the lower the index, the harder. Today we’re nowhere near the levels seen before the housing crash when it was very easy to get approved for a mortgage. After the crash, however, lending standards tightened and have remained that way leading up to today.

3. Number of Homes for Sale

One of the causes of the housing crash in 2008 was an oversupply of homes for sale. Today, as shown in the next image, we see a much different picture. We don’t have enough homes on the market for the number of people who want to buy them. Across the country, we have less than 6 months of inventory, an undersupply of homes available for interested buyers.

4. Use of Home Equity

The chart below shows the difference in how people are accessing the equity in their homes today as compared to 2008. In 2008, consumers were harvesting equity from their homes (through cash-out refinances) and using it to finance their lifestyles. Today, consumers are treating the equity in their homes much more cautiously.

5. Home Equity Today

Today, 53.8% of homes across the country have at least 50% equity. In 2008, homeowners walked away when they owed more than what their homes were worth. With the equity homeowners have now, they’re much less likely to walk away from their homes.

Bottom Line

The COVID-19 crisis is causing different challenges across the country than the ones we faced in 2008. Back then, we had a housing crisis; today, we face a health crisis. What we know now is that housing is in a much stronger position today than it was in 2008. It is no longer the center of the economic slowdown. Rather, it could be just what helps pull us out of the downturn.

If you need to buy or sell your home during this Coronavirus crisis, we can help you. We have adjusted the way we work with home buyers and sellers, and have the processes and resources in place to help. Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions about what it takes to get your Phoenix Metro or East Valley home sold during these trying times. Just give me a call/text at 602-295-6807 and I will be glad to help.

"Real Estate is not just a job for me, it's about making a difference in the lives of others"

Troy Erickson Realtor
Call/Text: (602)295-6807
TroyEricksonRealtor@gmail.com
Facebook.com/TroyEricksonRealtor

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What If I Need to Sell My Home Now? What Can I Do?

4/14/2020

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What If I Need to Sell My Home Now? What Can I Do?

Every day that passes, people have a need to buy and sell homes. That doesn’t stop during the current pandemic. If you’ve had a major life change recently, whether with your job or your family situation, you may be in a position where you need to sell your home – and fast. While you probably feel like timing with the current pandemic isn’t on your side, making a move is still possible. Rest assured, with technology at your side and fewer sellers on the market in most areas, you can list your house and make it happen safely and effectively, especially when following the current COVID-19 guidelines set forth by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

You may have a new baby, a new employment situation, a parent who moved in with you, you just built a home that’s finally ready to move into, or some other major part of your life that has changed in recent weeks. Buyers have those needs too, so rest assured that someone is likely looking for a home just like yours.

According to the NAR Flash Survey: Economic Pulse taken April 5 – 6, real estate agents indicate, not surprisingly, that there’s a noticeable decline in current homebuyer interest. That said, 10% of agents said in the same survey that they saw no change or even an increase in buyer activity. So, while buyer interest is low compared to normal spring markets, there are still buyers in the market. Don’t forget, you only need one buyer – the right one for your home.

Here’s the other thing – people are spending a lot of time on the Internet right now, given the stay-at-home orders implemented across the country. Buyers are actively looking at homes for sale online. Some of them are reaching out to real estate professionals for virtual tours and getting ready to make offers too. Homes are being sold in many markets.

There Is Less Competition Right Now

The same survey indicates that 56% of NAR members said sellers are removing their homes from the market right now. This can definitely work in your favor. If other sellers are removing their listings, your home has a better chance of rising to the top of a buyer’s search list and being seen. Keep in mind, listings will pick up again soon, as 57% of the respondents note that sellers are only planning to delay the process by a couple of months. If you need to sell right now, don’t wait for the competition to get back into the market again.

This year, delayed listings from the typically busy spring season will push into the summer months, so more competition will be coming to the market as the pandemic passes. Getting ahead of that wave now might be your biggest opportunity.

Your Trusted Real Estate Advisor Can Help

Real estate agents are working hard every single day under untraditional circumstances, utilizing technology to help both buyers and sellers who need to continue with their plans. We’re using virtual tours to show homes currently on the market, staying connected with the buyers and sellers through video chats, and leveraging resources to complete transactions electronically. We’re making sure the families we support remain safe and can keep their real estate needs on track, especially as life is changing so rapidly.

Bottom Line

If you need to sell your home now, during this Coronavirus pandemic, we can still help you. We have adjusted the way we work with home sellers, and have the processes and resources in place to get your home sold. Feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions about what it takes to get your Phoenix Metro or East Valley home sold during these trying times. Just give me a call/text at 602-295-6807 and I will be glad to help.

"Real Estate is not just a job for me, it's about making a difference in the lives of others"

Troy Erickson Realtor
Call/Text: (602)295-6807
TroyEricksonRealtor@gmail.com
Facebook.com/TroyEricksonRealtor

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How Technology Is Enabling the Real Estate Process

4/9/2020

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How Technology Is Enabling the Real Estate Process

Today’s everyday reality is pretty different than it looked just a few weeks ago. We’re learning how to do a lot of things in new ways, from how we work remotely to how we engage with our friends and neighbors. Almost everything right now is shifting to a virtual format. One of the big changes we’re adapting to is the revisions to the common real estate transaction, which all vary by state and locality. Technology, however, is making it possible for many of us to continue on the quest for homeownership, an essential need for all.

Here’s a look at some of the elements of the process that are changing (at least in the near-term), due to stay-at-home orders and social distancing, and what you may need to know about each one if you’re thinking of buying or selling a home sooner rather than later.

1. Virtual Consultations – Instead of heading into an office, you can meet with real estate and lending professionals through video chat. Whether it’s your first initial needs analysis as a buyer or your listing appointment as a seller, you can still get the process started remotely and create a plan together. Your trusted advisor is still on your side.

2. Home Searches & Virtual Showings – According to theNational Association of Realtors (NAR), the Internet is one of the three most popular information sources buyers use when searching for homes. Your real estate agent can send you listing information and help you request a virtual showing when you’re ready to start looking. This means you can virtually walk through the homes on your wish list while keeping your family safe. As a seller, you can still have virtual open houses and virtual tours too, so as not to miss those buyers looking to find a home right now.

3. Document Signing – Although this is another area that varies by state, today more portions of the transaction are being done digitally. In many areas, your agent or loan officer can set up an account where you can upload all of the required documents and sign electronically right from your computer.

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"Our brokerage has been using DocuSign for e-signatures for several years now. It has helped speed up and simplify document signings, and now will become very important to our clients during the COVID19 pandemic and beyond."
- Troy Erickson Realtor

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4. Sending Money – Whether you need to pay for an appraisal or submit closing costs, there are options available. Depending on the transaction and local regulations, you may be able to pay by credit card, and most banks will also allow you to wire funds from your account. Sometimes you can send a check by mail, and in some states, a mobile escrow agent will pick up a check from your home.

5. Closing Process – Again, depending on your area, a mobile notary may be able to bring the required documents to your home before the closing. If your state requires an attorney to be present, check with your legal counsel to see what options are available. Also, depending on the title company, some are allowing drive-thru closings, which is similar to doing a transaction at a bank window.

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"In Arizona, notaries and signers can now take care of business via remote technology"
- Arizona Governor Doug Ducey

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Although these virtual processes are starting to become more widely accepted, it does not mean that this is the way things are going to get done from now on. Under the current circumstances, however, technology is making it possible to continue much of the real estate transaction today.

Bottom Line

If you need to move today, technology can help make it happen; there are options available. To learn about the specific regulations in your area, contact a local real estate professional to discuss your situation, so you don’t have to put your real estate plans on hold.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding buying or selling a home in Chandler or the East Valley of Arizona during these uncertain times.

"Real Estate is not just a job for me, it's about making a difference in the lives of others"

Troy Erickson Realtor
Call/Text: (602)295-6807
TroyEricksonRealtor@gmail.com
Facebook.com/TroyEricksonRealtor

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The Economic Impact of Buying a Home in Arizona and Across the U.S.

The Economic Impact of Buying a Home in Arizona and the U.S.

Local Chandler and East Valley Real Estate Professional Brings Home National Honor for Fourth Straight Year

Think This Is a Housing Crisis? Think Again.

Think This Is a Housing Crisis? Think Again.

What If I Need to Sell My Home Now? What Can I Do?

What If I Need to Sell My Home Now? What Can I Do?

How Technology Is Enabling the Real Estate Process

How Technology Is Enabling the Real Estate Process

Chandler and East Valley Blog: Troy Erickson Realtor

Troy Erickson

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Archives

Contact Me:

The Economic Impact of Buying a Home in Arizona and Across the U.S.

The Economic Impact of Buying a Home in Arizona and the U.S.

Local Chandler and East Valley Real Estate Professional Brings Home National Honor for Fourth Straight Year

Think This Is a Housing Crisis? Think Again.

​Think This Is a Housing Crisis? Think Again.

What If I Need to Sell My Home Now? What Can I Do?

What If I Need to Sell My Home Now? What Can I Do?

How Technology Is Enabling the Real Estate Process

How Technology Is Enabling the Real Estate Process

Chandler and East Valley Blog: Troy Erickson Realtor

Troy Erickson

Categories

Archives

Contact Me:

Think This Is a Housing Crisis? Think Again.