View These 2022 Housing Market Predictions from the Realtor.com Crystal Ball

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As 2021 winds down, it’s an ideal time to define some major goals for 2022. If you’ve decided to buy a home or sell a home during the New Year, you’d like to know about upcoming housing market trends. Or, maybe you’re considering the purchase of a Murphy, NC investment property. As you move forward, you’d appreciate some details on the real estate investment market.

Fortunately, the Realtor.com housing market analysts have done their homework. After examining United States economic trends and market indicators, these market experts recently presented their 2022 Housing Market Predictions. Buyers, sellers, and investors will likely have some opportunities along with some challenges.

 

Home Inventories, Prices, and Sales

Three separate variables are integral to every home purchase or sale. The term “home inventory” refers to the properties available for sale in a specific market. Home prices fluctuate up and down according to standard supply and demand principles.

A market’s home sales are determined by the relationship of the first two variables along with other economic indicators. View this summary of the Realtor.com United States housing market predictions for 2022.

Growth in Property Inventories

In 2021, low property inventories meant frenzied buyer competition for available homes. Houses often sold within hours, and homes in several price points quickly received multiple offers. To add another level of complexity, investors snapped up many properties, leaving even fewer houses for individual buyers.

In fall 2021, an increasing number of homeowners signaled their intention to list their home within the next 12 months. As a result, the inventory of homes is expected to increase 0.3% on average in 2022.

Realtor.com also expects an increase in new construction, which translates into additional properties for sale. However, builders must first play catch-up, finishing their not-yet-completed homes before breaking ground for new ones. Therefore, you’ll need plenty of patience if you’re building a house in 2022.

Less-drastic Rise in Home Prices

Since 2012, home prices have seen single-digit annual increases (on average). In 2020, however, the COVID-19 pandemic led to an unexpected buying frenzy. At the same time, the nationwide housing market was already short 5.2 million single-family homes.

While home builders focused on adding more properties to the market, existing home prices were driven higher because of reduced inventories. From August 2020 to August 2021, the market saw a double-digit rise in home prices.

For 2022, Realtor.com expects a 2.9% rise in median home sale prices. While builders continue aggressive production, homebuyers must adapt to higher purchase prices and mortgage rates. Even with those factors, though, prices are still projected to rise at a relatively reasonable pace.

Continued Increase in Home Sales

Strong housing demand is expected to continue in 2022. Realtor.com expects 6.6% higher home sales numbers during the New Year. This translates to a 16-year high across the country and in many metropolitan markets.

Over 45 million millennials will be buying their first house during 2022. Other demographic groups will also be searching for the perfect residential or investment property. With an estimated 3.3% national income growth by late 2022, buyers will have more discretionary income to spend on a home.

2022 Outlook for Buyers, Sellers, and Investors

Real estate markets of every size have one universal truth: Buyers, sellers, and investors each have differing perspectives and goals. Each group interprets a specific market through a different lens, and they make their decisions accordingly. View the Realtor.com 2022 predictions for these three key market subgroups.

Homebuyers Must Quickly Make their Moves

With housing inventories projected to rise in 2022, homebuyers will have more potential “dream homes” from which to choose. However, the market will be flooded with buyers – especially first-time millennial homebuyers and other entry-level purchasers. With lots of competition for available homes, buyers must make fast decisions and be prepared to go “above and beyond” to win the bidding wars.

With home prices and interest rates expected to rise, finding budget-friendly properties will take skill and patience. However, increasing remote work opportunities may expand geographic search parameters to more affordable areas.

View Two Useful Home-buying Tips

To maximize their chances, homebuyers should set their home-buying budgets before making property-viewing appointments. Buyers should also run several simulations to determine how rising mortgage rates could affect their house payments.

Buyers should also refine their lists of “must have” and “nice to have” home attributes. By being more flexible in their choices, they’ll encounter a larger pool of potential candidates.

Home Sellers Will Enjoy Several Advantages

With higher expected home values and prices, sellers should be in a favorable position in 2022. Although there will be more homes on the market, realistically priced properties in nice condition have a good chance of selling quickly. In addition, sellers who purchased their homes awhile ago will likely receive a respectable amount of cash at closing.

Some sellers are chafing at the bit to list their homes for sale. However, they haven’t done so because they’re afraid they can’t find another home to purchase. Sellers who liquidate their current home, and who come up empty on another one, have few options other than renting until their luck changes.

Sellers ready to unload second homes, or who want to sell their vacation getaways, probably don’t need to buy another property right away. Therefore, they’re likely in the best position in this current market. However, sellers in vacation home markets may not see the same buying frenzy that occurred in 2021.

Investors Will Likely See Favorable Returns

Investors who hold rental properties will continue to receive good returns on those homes, says Realtor.com. Existing owners are well positioned to benefit from rising home prices. Rising rental costs may entice rental investors to keep buying homes, as the extra income may outweigh higher mortgage rates.

For perspective, note that in early 2021 many investors purchased homes at a higher rate than they sold them later in the year. If these investors choose to rent the properties, they should receive good yields because of continued demand and increasing rental prices.

Predictions May be Subject to Change

Note that the Realtor.com housing market predictions may (or may not) actually come to pass. The projections could be affected by economic conditions and other variables throughout the year.

To learn about predicted trends in your regional market, speak with your local realtor early in the New Year. The Poltrock Team utilizes sophisticated analytical data, along with its realtors’ local expertise, to provide you with second-to-none market analysis designed for your needs.

 

The Poltrock Team – REMAX Mountain Properties – Murphy NC   

 Call us Toll Free at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496

 Murphy’s #1 Real Estate Team      ilovemurphy.com

5 Tips for Getting Your Offer Accepted in a Seller’s Market

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You’ve been house hunting for months, and you’ve finally found your dream home. You love the layout, the amenities, and the neighborhood. The house is also listed at a reasonable price. You really can’t find any downsides to this property, and you can really visualize yourself living there. So, you’ve decided to make an offer on the home.

However, you have plenty of company. In many cities and towns, it’s definitely a seller’s market. This means the marketplace is overflowing with buyers, and there isn’t enough home inventory to accommodate them all. Each newly listed home quickly receives multiple offers, some of which are above the asking price.

To further complicate the issue, real estate investors are jumping into many fast-growing regional markets. Sometimes, the investors are buying the homes sight-unseen with the intention of flipping or renting them. By snapping up available houses at way-above-asking price, the investors leave even fewer homes for individual buyers to purchase.

Fortunately, there are several ways to make your offer stand out and increase your chances of getting the home. These five useful tips apply to any geographic market and any price point. Continue reading “5 Tips for Getting Your Offer Accepted in a Seller’s Market” →

Why the Holidays Are a Perfect Time for Buying (or Selling) a Home in Murphy, NC

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The Thanksgiving to Christmas holiday season is filled with festive gift giving, socializing with family and friends, and overindulging in your favorite foods and libations. But here’s the best-kept secret: the holiday season is also a great time to buy (or sell) a house in Murphy, North Carolina. Either way, we’ve got four compelling reasons to jump into the real estate market over the coming weeks.

Why the Holidays Are a Good Time to Buy

Reduced Buyer Competition
Let’s say you’re in the market for a new home. You’ve got your “Must Have” list of features, and you’d like to view properties that might fit the bill. If you find the ideal mountain home, you’re ready to make an offer. However, you’re slightly concerned about another buyer swooping in and grabbing the house while you’re trying to negotiate a good deal.

Here’s some good news: The odds of that outcome will be much lower during the holiday season. Simply put, there aren’t as many buyers looking at homes, so your chances of making a successful offer are considerably better. Continue reading “Why the Holidays Are a Perfect Time for Buying (or Selling) a Home in Murphy, NC” →

5 Tips for Researching an Investment Property in Murphy, NC

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Pinpointing the right investment property in Murphy, North Carolina is like looking for the proverbial needle in a haystack. Whether you’re searching for a mountain cabin, rental home, or commercial building, you likely have several MLS properties that interest you. So, narrow the field by doing some due diligence on your top-tier candidates. Next, partner with a leading realtor who will gladly provide you with additional details and professional guidance. Then, you’ll be in a better position to make an informed purchase decision.

 

Get Acquainted with the Area
Naturally, you want to learn as much as possible about your potential investment property’s location. So, get in your car (or truck) and take a leisurely drive around the county. Look for adequate access routes to surrounding communities, and notice the number and type of shopping venues. Make a mental note of parks, recreational activities, and medical facilities. In other words, take the perspective of a potential home buyer or business owner.

 

Next, let’s assume you’ve browsed the MLS listings, and you’ve found several houses for sale or commercial properties in downtown Murphy, North Carolina. Can you easily access that part of town? Cruise through the business district; and notice the number and types of shops, restaurants, and other establishments. Adequate parking is especially important, as residents and visitors want easy access to local businesses.

Now, park your vehicle, and stroll around town like you’re buying a home there. Visit with several shop and restaurant owners. Learn about the business climate, and get a sense of business owners’ and residents’ relationships with local governments. Walk to the town hall or city manager’s office, and learn about upcoming business and residential development plans. Ask your real estate agent for any “inside track” information. Simply put, you want to know that you’re investing in a vibrant community that’s continuing to grow. Finally, for an up-close perspective of the town and/or county, call or visit friends or family who own a mountain home or work in that locale.

Obtain Local Demographic Data
Put on your detective hat, and do some in-depth due diligence on the town’s demographic makeup. Your goal: to determine how this town stacks up against other towns in the county or surrounding region. Begin with the local Chamber of Commerce website. This valuable resource will likely contain useful data on the general economy, population makeup, median income, business ownership breakdown, and much more.

Next, browse the town’s official website for additional nuggets of information. Besides assorted local government details, you might find listings of upcoming events and points of interest. Again, you’re looking for a lively, growing town with much to offer current (and potential) residents and visitors.

Pinpoint Each Property’s Potential
Now, let’s open the zoning can of worms. For example, let’s say you’re interested in a property that currently carries residential zoning, but you think it would make a terrific business location. Before you proceed down that path, learn about current property usage limitations. Next, talk to town managers about the feasibility of a zoning change. Also, ask your realtor about other clients’ recent experiences with zoning issues.

If you decide to pursue that option, realize that you’ll incur some attorney’s fees. You could also face logistical delays that further complicate your plans. So, if your commercial project carries a tight timeline, decide if it’s still workable given those limiting factors.

Visit the Registry of Deeds
Let’s say you’ve found a home or commercial building that piques your interest. To obtain valuable mortgage information on the property, visit the town’s Registry of Deeds. With a little digging, you can get the property’s current mortgage and last selling price figures. Most importantly, learn about any outstanding liens that could affect your potential purchase. Although sifting through these public records will take some time, this information will provide an insight into the seller’s perspective during previous contract negotiations.

Comb through the Permit Records
If you’ve gotten to this stage, you’re seriously interested in a property, and you want your ducks in a row before possibly making an offer. More specifically, you want complete permit data on the property’s previous construction, addition, and/or remodeling projects. If you can’t find these details online, view the written records at the town government offices.

For example, maybe the seller put up a new roof, but never pulled a permit because he wanted to avoid construction delays. That speaks volumes about his mindset, and potentially provides you with an advantage during contract negotiations. Share these (and other) relevant details with your realtor, so you’ll be in the best position to make an offer that aligns with your business goals.

The Poltrock Team – REMAX Mountain Properties – Murphy NC – www.ILoveMurphy.com – Call us Toll Free at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496 – Murphy’s #1 Real Estate Team

Should I Buy a Distressed Property in Murphy, NC?

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Deciding whether to buy a distressed Murphy, NC property is a bit like jumping into the stock market. You choose a potential candidate, weigh the possible benefits and drawbacks of your actions, and decide whether to make your move or stay on the sidelines.

Unlike the stock market, however, finalizing a property purchase only marks the beginning of your grand adventure. Before you sign on the dotted line, and commit your dollars and sweat equity to an often-complex project, step back and take an objective look at the challenging path ahead. Simply put, evaluate the pros and cons before jumping into the fray. Read on for several tips that may help you make an informed buying decision.

HALLMARKS OF A DISTRESSED PROPERTY
Although each case is different, a distressed property typically features a dramatically reduced price, often the result of an existing or potential foreclosure. Not surprisingly, Murphy, NC foreclosure houses are generally sold in “as-is” condition. In other words, the current owners (or the bank) will not make any repairs before the foreclosure sale’s completion.

ENJOY A WELL-KNOWN BENEFIT
Purchasing a distressed property generally comes with one major benefit: the property’s below-market-value price. Objectively speaking, the owners want to shake themselves free of their financial burden – fast. To accomplish that goal, they’re willing to sell now and accept less cash for the property. Equally importantly, they won’t have to spend money to make repairs and/or upgrades that would bring them a higher sale price later.

CONSIDER THE POTENTIAL DOWNSIDES
When you buy a distressed property, you’ll generally save some valuable cash, making it a tempting resale candidate after you return it to better condition. However, you’re likely to encounter one (or all) of these four obstacles during your house purchase and rehab process.

Competition from Cash Buyers
Many distressed Murphy, NC properties attract well-heeled cash buyers ready to pounce on a desirable target. If you decide to submit your own cash offer, line up your resources beforehand so you can meet these savvy investors on a level playing field. If you’re not flush with funds, and must finance the house purchase, obtain an ironclad loan prequalification from a cooperative lender. To position yourself more favorably against the cash buyers, consider increasing the size of your down payment.

Potential Financing Obstacles
Many distressed Murphy, NC houses are in less-than-optimal condition, increasing the chances that they won’t meet a lender’s loan requirements. Before you decide to buy the house, order an objective property appraisal. After the lender reviews it, they’ll determine the property’s value, decide whether the house is in habitable condition, and take action on your loan application.

More Complicated Transaction
Buying a distressed property often requires lots of patience, as you’ll often encounter multiple rounds of paperwork compared to more conventional real estate purchases. So, temper your expectations accordingly, and you might be pleasantly surprised with the outcome.

Higher Repair/Upgrade Expenses
In many cases, the distressed Murphy, NC property has damaged walls or broken windows, and one or more appliances may be missing. The property’s electrical and/or plumbing systems might also require complex repairs. Regardless of the issues, the buyer (you) are likely responsible for hiring contractors to fix the problem(s) and bring the house up to local code requirements.

DISTRESSED PROPERTY PURCHASE GUIDELINES
If you have some solid home renovation experience under your belt, or have cultivated a network of first-class contractors, you’re in a good position to make a distressed property buying decision. On the other hand, if you’re new to this dynamic submarket, get some valuable professional assistance before investing your dollars in the project.

For starters, choose a Murphy, NC realtor who has proven experience with distressed property purchases. They’ll objectively evaluate a potential candidate’s condition, and provide details on the work (and dollars) required to make the property habitable again. With that knowledge in hand, you (and your realtor) can decide whether that’s an investment you’re ready to make.

The Poltrock Team – REMAX Mountain Properties – Murphy NC – www.ILoveMurphy.com – Call us Toll Free at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496 – Murphy’s #1 Real Estate Team

5 Reasons Why Murphy, NC Is the Best Place to Buy a Carolina Mountain Cabin

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Deciding where to buy your North Carolina mountain cabin is like combing through a box of chocolates. You examine every delectable-looking piece, savoring its visual appearance and fragrance before selecting the most appealing option. As you enjoy your reward, you know you made the perfect choice.

Likewise, you’ll consider several different factors when choosing your mountain cabins location. Of course, you want a beautiful and peaceful setting, but within easy driving distance of grocery stores and other shops. When you travel to town, you’d like a friendly atmosphere that makes you feel welcome. If you enjoy outdoor activities, you want varied options for yourself and your kids (or grandkids). And finally, you’re looking for an affordably priced property, leaving you plenty of discretionary income to enjoy the finer things in life.

MURPHY, NC DELIVERS A TOP-NOTCH MOUNTAIN CABIN EXPERIENCE
Believe it or not, Murphy, North Carolina checks all the boxes when it comes to choosing your cabins location. Yes, we’re a bit biased, as we thoroughly enjoy living in this beautiful part of the world. And, we’re happy to share the five factors that make Murphy (and surrounding Cherokee County) so special: Continue reading “5 Reasons Why Murphy, NC Is the Best Place to Buy a Carolina Mountain Cabin” →

Online Open House for 81 Trinity Drive in Murphy, NC

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Online Video Open House

81 Trinity Drive, Murphy NC

Secluded Relaxation is yours in this cozy 2 bed, 2 bath home on a paved double drive! Hillside location, full length decks with French door access to living room and kitchen/dining room. Welcoming living room has stone gas fireplace perfect for chilly evenings. Cook up all your favorites in the expansive kitchen with double-sided fridge, twin sinks, electric cooktop, and breakfast bar. Feast indoors in the dining area, or carry to the deck for alfresco meals with ease. Master bedroom with large window for outside viewing. Full laundry room on main floor. Unfinished basement has roughed-in plumbing for third bath and room for more living space. Oodles of possibilities: make them happen here!

For more information please call us 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496

Beautiful Mountain View Chalet in Tarheel North

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Poltrock Team Listing of the day! Video open house for 200 Wandering Falls in Beautiful Tarheel North, listed for only $259,800. Watch to see – It’s Stunning! Know someone interested? Call us to see and buy today at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496.

Only a couple of miles to shops and restaurants in Downtown Murphy, yet offers so much privacy. Expansive wrap around porches and deck to enjoy the peaceful outdoors, there is even a small creek on the propety. Soaring ceilings with the warmth of tongue and groove wood, stacked stone fireplace and a wall of windows makes this home so inviting, you’ll never want to leave. A loft and large private master bedroom with a balcony overlooking the mountain view on the upper level. Plenty of room for family and friends with a finished basement including rec room and separte sleep space for the grandkids.

THE FINEST HOME IN MURPHY NC!

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Talk about the most stunning home in Murphy! This 4 bedroom, 3 bath home is one of the nicest homes you’ll find! It features tons of upgrades and stunning features both inside and out. Not only that, you’re situated in the best spot in downtown Murphy.

Outside it shines like no other. The home and double garage feature low maintenance hardieboard siding that is pristinely painted. It’s craftsman styled elegance features a timber frame flair. Combined with elegant stonework, you’re sure to fall in love before you even step in the front door. 

And if the outside isn’t enough, then inside the home is certain to win your heart. Immediately inside, there are several key features that jump out at you. The Lennox wood burning fireplace features stacked stone that stretches all the way to the vaulted tongue and groove ceiling. The Brazilian Andorra Mahogany hardwood floors are both exquisite and unique.  And the kitchen, oh the kitchen… The kitchen is extraordinary. It boasts granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, Solid cabinetry, and is perfect for the gourmet cook or microwave warrior. 

As you step into the fully finished basement, the entertainment room is the first thing you see – and it certainly doesn’t let you down!! Another stone fireplace with a Lennox wood burning case is quite impressive towering over the slate tile floors. Coupled with a wet bar, dry Finland cedar sauna, another porch, and so much more, you won’t believe just how stunning it is till you see it in person!

And the loft and master suite are great! The master bedroom is quite large and has its own walk-in closet and bathroom! The bathroom boasts both a tile shower and a whirlpool bathtub! It’s a stunning arrangement that you surely will enjoy waking up to every day.

Click here to see our Video Walk Through of this home

The Poltrock Team – REMAX of Murphy NC – www.iLoveMurphy.com – JohnPoltrock@gmail.com –

Call us Toll Free at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496 – Murphy’s #1 Real Estate Team