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

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

Murphy NC is Safe from Damages of Hurricane Florence

I spoke with a great customer of ours and I heard rumor many folks from out of state are not coming to the mountains of Murphy NC because of the damage caused by Hurricane Florence. While it is true many of our eastern towns and cities of North Carolina have been severely damaged, our mountain city is safe and sound. Not only that, Murphy is the perfect safe haven when retreating from natural disasters around the United States.

Hurricane Florence was rough on the Carolinas, and you can see from the map, we are over 500 miles inland. Other than rain, we received no flooding or damaging winds. Murphy was the perfect place for those forced to evacuate! In fact, many of our clients did just that. We had folks escape from Myrtle Beach, SC and many more.

In the event you’re holding back coming to Murphy, you should come! The great news is we’re safe and sound and October is one of the best months to be here: changing leaves and fall festivals are just the beginning. 

Our home in the Appalachian Mountains is quite sheltered from natural disasters. The mountains break up tornadoes, hurricanes are rain by the time the reach us, flooding is rarely an issue especially for those on elevations above the river. Because of this insurance is quite low! We’re working on a transaction now on a creek and the annual flood insurance is $260 for the entire year. An average home owner’s policy can be as low as $400 for the year to $1,300 depending on “add-in” coverages. The normal range I see is $600-900 annually.

Love the mountains and want to have your get-a-way? Our Team is here to help you! Feel free to Contact Us and let us know what we can do to help plus use our Free Online Real Estate Search. Plus, we’re only a call away at 1-866-687-7496.

Sell your House While Inventory is at Historic Lows!

If you are considering selling your house, now is the best time we have seen in years to do so! The real estate inventory is at historic lows, meaning you have the greatest opportunity and odds of selling because buyers have the fewest houses to choose from since 2007+/-. It also has the added benefit you are able to get more money than in the past. It’s a great time!

Areas that are getting great results selling houses:

  • Murphy NC
  • Hayesville NC
  • Brasstown NC
  • Marble NC
  • and many more of our surrounding, smaller communities.

Should I Wait Till Spring??

We’re getting this question a lot and, the short answer is NO! Many home owners wait to sell her house in springtime. What will happen is the inventory levels will rise as much as 20 to 30%. That will give home buyers far more choices and less opportunity and urgency for you to sell. If you’re considering selling, I see no benefit to waiting. I would encourage you to act now to get the greatest impact and likelihood of selling. Can we help you? Please fill out the form below or call us at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496. We’re here to guide you on your specific situation and property. We’re here for you!

We'd love to help you get your property sold. Please complete the following form to the best of your knowledge and comfort, and we'll get with you quickly and get the job done. Remember: The more information you provide, the better we can serve you.

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

The Wildlife of Murphy NC

When you come to Murphy NC, it’s common to wonder, “what kind of wildlife will I see?” It’s a great question and our area offers some wonderful wildlife.

Elk in the Smoky MountainsThe Famous: Yes, we have elk that are famous. Introduced in 2001, the National Park Service brought 25 elk to their new home in the Great Smoky Mountains. Later in 2002, another 27 were introduced. Today, there are an estimated 150-200 animals that are great to watch – and impressive to say the least. They’re herd animals always on the move and are never more than a short trip away and are commonly just North of Cherokee.

The Common: Our most common large animals you’ll see in your yard if your blessed enough to own a home in Murphy NC are deer and turkey. Many folks feed their deer and turkey in their back yard. Bucks, does, hens, and toms are great to watch and truly give you peace when you watch them.

The Small: We have the usual suspects like squirrel, raccoons, possums (who are made famous at Clay Logan’s Brasstown NC Possum Drop) , chipmunks, ground hog,  and a few others.

Are there bear in Murphy NC? Yes! There are. I’ve been here for 10 years and only seen two for a very brief moment. Jessica, my wife, is born and raised right here in Murphy and she doesn’t recall even seeing one! The fact is, you have little to concern yourself with. You’ll virtually never see them unless you go looking for them. Black bears are largely shy and do not want to be concerned with people. You’re more likely to see them as cabin decorations than to see them in real life.

What else could I see in Murphy NC? You can even find coyotes, bobcat, fox, swine, ground hog, skunk, and wolf (if you’re lucky! They’re endangered). All these are a rare treat to see.

Think you’ll enjoy the wildlife? We do! Want to own a home in the mountains of Murphy NC? We can help! Search our listings or contact us and let us know what we can do to help. Feel free to call – we’re here for you.

John Poltrock – Call The Poltrock Team – REMAX of Murphy NC – www.MyMurphy.comJohnPoltrock@gmail.com – Call us Toll Free at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496 – Murphy’s #1 Real Estate Team

Everyone was waving at me in your truck!

One of the best and most overlooked assets to Murphy, North Carolina is the people who live here. After having lived here for almost 10 years, they become the “norm.” It is easy to get used to them as the status quo and to forget how truly wonderful and unique every person is.

My parents came up for a week just recently and there were several occasions where my dad drove my personal truck. One day, he told me, “I’ve been waved at by more people on the way over here than I think I know in my hometown!” That statement alone made me realize just how much of a blessing it is to know all the people I do and to have as many friends and family as I’ve come to know right here in Murphy, NC.

One thing I can assure you about Murphy is that you get both the small town feel and the wonderful people. If you decide to move here or come here for a little R&R, you will find you will meet all of these wonderful people who are your neighbors, your folks from church, the clerk at the grocery store or at Wal-Mart, and just about anyone else you bump in to downtown will instantly be friendly and potentially become a friend.

So go ahead, search for that dream home, rent a vacation home, or just come and camp so you may enjoy the great atmosphere I have come to know, love, and even get so used to that it seems like the entire world is this way. Although the entire world is far from being like Murphy, here you know you have a great safe haven where you can always expect folks to wave at you as you drive down the road.

The Poltrock Team – REMAX of Murphy NC – www.MyMurphy.comJohnPoltrock@gmail.com – Call us Toll Free at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496 – Murphy’s #1 Real Estate Team

Former Floridians Don’t Miss FL Despite the Snow in Murphy NC

Love it or hate it, we’ve had some beautiful snow recently in Murphy NC. Pat and Larry Shumway shared one of their photos with us and we wanted to share it with you!  😀

Dont Miss FL in the Snow

And for the fun picture, they each got a Poltrock Team T-shirt. Looking good! 🙂

Shumways with Poltrock Team Shirt

The Poltrock Team – REMAX of Murphy NC – www.MyMurphy.comJohnPoltrock@gmail.com – Call us Toll Free at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496 – Murphy’s #1 Real Estate Team

 

Great Weather in Murphy NC

We recently returned from vacation in Panama City Beach. Our children absolutely LOVE the beach! We then trekked the 12 hours to visit family in Fayetteville, NC. It was a long drive, and was wonderful to see them!

Thermometer PicOne thing no human could miss was the incredibly HOT and HUMID weather in both Panama City Beach and Fayetteville! At the beach, you’d break a sweat walking ten feet in the 90 degree weather with 80%+ humidity! In Fayetteville, we went to dinner one night and the thermometer read 100 degrees! No exaggeration!

When we arrived back to Murphy NC on Monday, we pulled in to 78 degree, very comfortable weather. The humidity was non-existent and the mountains, gorgeous. It’s great to be back home. Just to rub it in a little bit, I’ve included a picture of the thermometer at my house when I got up just a couple weeks ago!  😆

I truly understand why folks want to buy real estate here – there’s no better place in the world!  🙂

See the weather and climate averages for Murphy NC

The Poltrock Team – REMAX of Murphy NC – www.MyMurphy.comJohnPoltrock@gmail.com – Call us Toll Free at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496 – Murphy’s #1 Real Estate Team

Three Great Tax Reasons to Retire and Live in North Carolina

“Our new Constitution is now established, and has an appearance that promises permanency; but in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.”

-Benjamin Franklin

Old Ben certain had it right, and it’s refreshing to know North Carolina’s new tax reform will help those who live and retire to North Carolina. There are three great benefits in the new tax code scheduled to take place in 2014. They are:

  1. Social Security income is exempt from state income tax.
  2. Income tax rates reduced to a flat rate of 5.8% in 2014 and 5.75% in 2015. The old code called for a rate as high as 7.75%
  3. Estate Tax is now abolished and is even retroactive to January 1, 2013. Not shabby at all!

It’s wonderful to live in the Smoky Mountains – it’s such a gorgeous area of the United States! Now, not only do you have beauty to look forward to, you have some great tax incentives too.

Thanks Forbes for information on the updated tax code.

The Poltrock Team – REMAX of Murphy NC – www.MyMurphy.comJohnPoltrock@gmail.com – Call us Toll Free at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496 – Murphy’s #1 Real Estate Team

The Mountains of Murphy NC Never Become Normal

We just arrived home yesterday from a very short vacation trip to Pensacola FL. Jessica has some family down there, so we snuck away to go visit them and take some R&R time 🙂

While we were visiting, one of Jessica’s family members made the comment that they rarely go to the beach – maybe a few times a year. It amazes me they’ve lived their for decades, yet they rarely go to the most coveted land mark in their area.

I’ve heard this same comment from our clients in the past who say they live a short drive to the beach yet never go. It’s almost as if it grows old and normal. I must admit I’m glad that living in the mountains of Murphy NC never grows old.

The mountains and the gorgeous scenery they create becomes part of you. You simply don’t grow tired of them! Their beauty is something you constantly can enjoy – your mountain view, your creek, your lake, the mountains as you drive home – you name it. It’s inspiring and I’m proud to know we live where you never grow weary of your greatest surroundings.

John Poltrock – The Poltrock Team at REMAX of Murphy NC – www.MyMurphy.com – JohnPoltrock@gmail.com – Call us toll free at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496

Fortune Magazine Proclaims its Time to Buy Real Estate Again

That’s right – Fortune Magazine’s April edition spreads the word that it’s time to buy real estate again – especially in Murphy NC (well, maybe he didn’t say Murphy specifically, but I bet he was thinking it! 😆 ) . Not only that, it was the cover story – not just some random article you can hardly find. Here’s an excerpt written by Fortune’s Senior Editor-at-Large, Shawn Tully:

So let’s state it simply and forcibly: Housing is back. Two basic factors are laying the foundation for dramatic recovery in residential real estate. The first is the historic drop in new construction. The second is a steep decline in prices, on the order of 30% nationwide since 2006, and as much as 55% in the hardest-hit markets. The story of this downturn has been an astonishing flight from the traditional American approach of buying new houses to an embrace of renting. But the new affordability will gradually lure Americans back to buying homes. And the return of the homeowner will start raising prices in many markets this year.

What’s his advice for folks on the fence and thinking of buying real estate?

Beat the Crowd.

The Poltrock Team – Murphy’s #1 Real Estate – RE/MAX Mountain Properties – www.MyMurphy.com – JohnPoltrock@gmail.com – Call us Toll Free Today at 1-866-Murphy-NC or 1-866-687-7496