Don’t “Fall” Down: Surviving Autumn’s New Real Estate Rules
Whether you're buying or selling, these familiar tips may help you navigate the unfamiliar territory that characterizes real estate this season.
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Well, that didn’t last long. The buoyant housing market of this past spring has already sputtered out, and mounting evidence suggests that autumn won’t go easy on either buyers or sellers. Real estate activity fluctuates in keeping with a slew of factors; in the best times, those factors strike a delicate balance.
Right now, things are a bit off kilter: Mortgage rates are high, and the number of homes for sale is low. New data from the agency Redfin show that in the spring, 50 percent of survey respondents thought it was a good time to buy. Months later, at the beginning of fall, only 25 percent retained a positive outlook.
The only certainty is uncertainty, as the market changes gears again and again over time. Those looking to buy or sell a home this season are wise to ignore countrywide trends. Focus not on what you have no hope of changing, but on those elements that are within your power to control.
Tips for Sellers
Rattled by higher mortgage rates and unexpected fees, buyers are likely to be attracted to any guarantees you can give them. Set a firm move-out date, commit to paying a percentage of closing costs, or promise a sweetener—say, $1,000 towards new appliances. Meanwhile, assure buyers that your house is a solid investment: For instance, create a chart illustrating the stability of home values in your neighborhood over the past several years.
Related: Selling This Fall? Court Millennials and Empty-Nesters
Tips for Buyers
Gain as much clarity as possible as to what closing costs you can expect. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau provides a comprehensive list that should enable you to generate an accurate estimate. Plus, heed the following best practices and money-saving strategies:
- Clamp down on spending to insulate yourself from undesirable swings in your credit rating.
- See if you can combine your auto and home insurance to get a lower rate.
- Negotiate a lower rate for a midweek move.
Anticipating costs and, when possible, minimizing them affords home buyers a rare bit of breathing room in this unpredictable housing climate.
