Open House Schedule this Weekend September 29 to 30!

This week highlights 4 properties including a new listing!
http://nexthomecityrealty.com/open-houses/

📣 3798 Newport Way Drive, Waterford Twp 48329 on Sunday with Steve K

12 PM to 2 PM

Come see this beautiful open floor plan Snug Harbour Ranch featuring 85' on All Sports LOON LAKE. Enjoy privacy and security in this private gated community. This is a perfect home for entertaining with its huge kitchen and Great Room spaces. Relax in your Master Bedroom with beautiful lake views. Your ensuite features ceramic tile, a large soaking tub and glass walk-in shower. Enjoy awesome summer activities in your FINISHED 2000+ sqft walk out basement. This space will amaze you with it's versatility and charm. Your glass block custom built bar will be enjoyed by everyone. The oversize lower level bedroom and full bath is perfect for your summer activities. Your garage is listed as a 3 car. You'll find that and much more making this space perfect for a car enthusiast.

OPEN HOUSE

📣 39153 University Dr. Sterling Heights, 48310 on Sunday with Steve F.

1 PM to 3 PM

Move right in! Beautiful updated ranch in sought after area. Gorgeous dark Hardwood floors throughout most of home. Open to the family room, the Kitchen boasts neutral ceramic tile, light oak cabinets and a generous eating area. Nearby wet bar offers easy entertaining. Grand family room with gorgeous stone gas fireplace, hardwood floors, cathedral ceiling and double doors leading out to the brick paver patio. Don't miss the spacious bedrooms and updated baths with granite countertops. Lower level has a recreation room complete with gas fireplace and another wet bar for entertaining. Tons of storage too! Private, fenced back yard with hot tub and beautiful landscaping. All this and a convenient location close to shops, restaurants and entertainment. BATVAI

OPEN HOUSE

📣 4021 COMMERCE Road, Orchard Lake 48324  with Chris

Saturday at 2 PM to 5 PM

Sunday at 12 PM to 3 PM

Seller will entertain offers between $2,000,000 - $2,350,000. The pictures are good but you need to see this house to experience it. Overlooking the most sought after lake in Michigan, is this Aspen inspired gem. Breathtaking views of the lake from every room, the entire back of the house is glass. Spectacular unconventional design, two grand staircases with wood/iron detailing, and an elevator that goes to all 3 levels. Soaring 2 story Great Room with detailed moldings, floor to ceiling windows. Barrel roof and wood trim detailing in family room and spacious library with gorgeous Brazilian hardwood floors and 3 walls of bay windows. Amazing kitchen with Cherry LaFata cabinets, enormous granite island with second sink, SS top-of-the-line appliances including Thermador 8 burner oven/stove. Grand master suite with his/hers closets, huge bath with euro shower, separate jetted tub, his/hers vanities with space left over for a couch! Two other En-suites with walk-in closets. BATVAI

OPEN HOUSE

📣 12915 Scott Road, Springfield Twp  on Saturday  with  Gayle

12 PM to 2 PM

Pride of Ownership shows. 4 bedroom 2 1/2 bath home on a beautiful 2.63 acres. First floor owners suite with updated master bath. Open, airy first floor with kitchen and eating area. Beautiful views from inside and out. Large deck off great room. Two car attached garage. Full unfinished basement with 8' ceilings ready for your personal touch. Home has three outbuildings. BATVAI

Home Prices: The Difference 5 Years Makes

CoreLogic recently released their Home Price Index Report. One of the key indicators used in the report to determine the health of the housing market was home price appreciation. CoreLogic focused on appreciation from July 2013 to July 2018 to show how prices over the last five years have fared.

The graph below was created to show the 5-year change in price from July 2013 to July 2018 by price range.

As you can see in the graph, the highest price appreciation occurred in the lowest price range with 48% growth, while the highest priced homes appreciated by 25%. This has been greatly fueled by the lack of inventory of homes available at the lower price ranges and high demand from first-time buyers looking to enter the market.

Where were prices expected to go?

Every quarter, Pulsenomics surveys a nationwide panel of over 100 economists, real estate experts, and investment and market strategists and asks them to project how residential home prices will appreciate over the next five years for their Home Price Expectation Survey (HPES).

According to the Q3 2014 survey results, national homes prices were projected to increase cumulatively by 19.5% by December 2018. The bulls of the group predicted home prices to rise by 27.8%, while the more cautious bears predicted an appreciation of 11.2%.

Where are prices headed in the next 5 years?

Data from the most recent HPES shows that home prices are expected to increase by 20.0% over the next 5 years. The bulls of the group predict home prices to rise by 31.2%, while the more cautious bears predict an appreciation of 9.3%.

Bottom Line

Every day, thousands of homeowners regain positive equity in their homes. Some homeowners are now experiencing values even greater than those before the Great Recession. If you’re wondering if you have enough equity to sell your house and move on to your dream home, let’s get together to discuss conditions in our neighborhood!

Is the Real Estate Market Finally Getting Back to Normal?

The housing market has been anything but normal for the last eleven years. In a normal real estate market, home prices appreciate 3.7% annually. Below, however, are the price swings since 2007 according to the latest Home Price Expectation Survey:

After the bubble burst in June 2007, values depreciated 6.1% annually until February 2012. From March 2012 to today, the market has been recovering with values appreciating 6.2% annually.

These wild swings in values were caused by abnormal ratios between the available supply of inventory and buyer demand in the market. In a normal market, there would be a 6-month supply of housing inventory.

When the market hit its peak in 2007, homeowners and builders were trying to take advantage of a market that was fueled by an “irrational exuberance.”

Inventory levels grew to 7+ months. With that many homes available for sale, there weren’t enough buyers to satisfy the number of homeowners/builders trying to sell, so prices began to fall.

Then, foreclosures came to market. We eventually hit 11 months inventory which caused prices to crash until early 2012. By that time, inventory levels had fallen to 6.2 months and the market began its recovery.

Over the last five years, inventory levels have remained well below the 6-month supply needed for prices to continue to level off. As a result, home prices have increased over that time at percentages well above the appreciation levels seen in a more normal market. 

That was the past. What about the future?

We currently have about 4.5-months inventory. This means prices should continue to appreciate at above-normal levels which most experts believe will happen for the next year. However, two things have just occurred that are pointing to the fact that we may be returning to a more normal market.

1. Listing Supply is Increasing

Both existing and new construction inventory is on the rise. The latest Existing Home Sales Report from the National Association of Realtors revealed that inventory has increased over the last two months after thirty-seven consecutive months of declining inventory. At the same time, building permits are also increasing which means more new construction is about to come to market. 

2. Buyer Demand is Softening

Ivy Zelman, who is widely respected as an industry expert, reported in her latest ‘Z’ Report:

 “While we continue to expect a resumption of growth in resale transactions on the back of easing inventory in 2019 and 2020, our real-time view into the market through our Real Estate Broker Survey does suggest that buyers have grown more discerning of late and a level of “pause” has taken hold in many large housing markets.

Indicative of this, our broker contacts rated buyer demand at 69 on a 0- 100 scale, still above average but down from 74 last year and representing the largest year-over-year decline in the two-year history of our survey.”

With supply increasing and demand waning, we may soon be back to a more normal real estate market. We will no longer be in a buyers’ market (like 2007-February 2012) or a sellers’ market (like March 2012- Today).

Prices won’t appreciate at the levels we’ve seen recently, nor will they depreciate. It will be a balanced market where prices remain steady, where buyers will be better able to afford a home, and where sellers will more easily be able to move-up or move-down to a home that better suits their current lifestyles.

Bottom Line

Returning to a normal market is a good thing. However, after the zaniness of the last eleven years, it might feel strange. If you are going 85 miles per hour on a road with a 60 MPH speed limit and you see a police car ahead, you’re going to slow down quickly. But, after going 85 MPH, 60 MPH will feel like you’re crawling. It is the normal speed limit, yet, it will feel strange.

That’s what is about to happen in real estate. The housing market is not falling apart. We are just returning to a more normal market which, in the long run, will be much healthier for you whether you are a buyer or a seller.

25% of Homes with a Mortgage are Now Equity Rich!

Rising home prices have been in the news a lot lately and much of the focus has been on whether home prices are accelerating too quickly, as well as how sustainable the growth in prices really is. One of the often-overlooked benefits of rising prices, however, is the impact that they have on a homeowner’s equity position.

Home equity is defined as the difference between the home’s fair market value and the outstanding balance of all liens (loans) on the property. While homeowners pay down their mortgages, the amount of equity they have in their homes climbs each time the value of their homes go up!

According to the latest Equity Report from ATTOM Data Solutions, “13.9 million U.S. properties in Q2 2018 were equity rich — where the combined estimated balance of loans secured by the property was 50 percent or less of the property’s estimated market value — representing 24.9% of all U.S. properties with a mortgage.”

This means that nearly a quarter of Americans who have a mortgage would be able to sell their homes and have a significant down payment toward their next home. Many who sell could also use their new-found equity to pay off high-interest credit cards or help children with tuition costs.

The map below shows the percentage of properties with a mortgage in each state that were equity rich in Q2 2018.

Bottom Line

If you are a homeowner looking to take advantage of your home equity by moving up to your dream home, let’s get together to discuss your options!

Open House Schedules this weekend of September 22 and 23

OPEN HOUSE
 7605 Devins Ridge, Independence Twp 48348 on Sunday with Gayle
12 pm to 3 PM
218061113

Bridge Valley Family Resort. All on 1.5 acre lot. Estate boasts 5 bedrooms, 2 owner suites with private baths, jetted jacuzzi and showers. Two story great room with surround sound, gorgeous built ins, fieldstone gas fireplace and large windows for beautiful views of nature. Open concept kitchen perfect for entertaining. Home has granite and tile baths throughout. Customized laundry and mudd room with granite sink, cabinet and cubbies. Lower level is a finished waikout with large family room surround sound, stone gas fireplace built-in cabinetry. Full bath, ample storrage. Exterior has an in ground heated 36x18 pool with diving board. Breathless landscaping and ample yard to play. . Much, much more.

OPEN HOUSE
 3798 Newport Way Drive, Waterford Twp 48329 on Sunday with Steve K
REDUCED PRICE ANNOUNCED
12 PM to 2 PM
218023288

Come see this beautiful open floor plan Snug Harbour Ranch featuring 85' on All Sports LOON LAKE. Enjoy privacy and security in this private gated community. This is a perfect home for entertaining with its huge kitchen and Great Room spaces. Relax in your Master Bedroom with beautiful lake views. Your ensuite features ceramic tile, a large soaking tub and glass walk-in shower. Enjoy awesome summer activities in your FINISHED 2000+ sqft walk out basement. This space will amaze you with it's versatility and charm. Your glass block custom built bar will be enjoyed by everyone. The oversize lower level bedroom and full bath is perfect for your summer activities. Your garage is listed as a 3 car. You'll find that and much more making this space perfect for a car enthusiast.

OPEN HOUSE
 102 E Hickory Grove, Bloomfield on Saturday with Chris
12 PM to 2 PM

Totally renovated in the last few years. Gorgeous new kitchen with white wood cabinets with soft close doors, quartz countertops and patterned aluminum backsplash. New laminate floor that looks like ceramic tile! Refinished, original wood floors on first floor, new carpet upstairs and in lower level, new Theratru doors and Oxbow windows. Freshly painted in soft, neutral palate. Updated baths. Upstairs bath is a European "wet room" which makes it 100% waterproof! Barrier free shower and euro modern fixtures. Three spacious bedrooms. Lower level is partially finished with small bar area and large rec. room. One car shared garage. Private rear patio. Furnace has had major overhaul, only the body is old. Amazing location!! Close to downtown Birmingham and easy access to I-75 too. Award winning Bloomfield Hills schools.

OPEN HOUSE
 4021 COMMERCE Road, Orchard Lake 48324 on Saturday and Sunday with Chris
3 PM to 5 PM

218010679

Seller will entertain offers between $2,000,000 - $2,350,000. The pictures are good but you need to see this house to experience it. Overlooking the most sought after lake in Michigan, is this Aspen inspired gem. Breathtaking views of the lake from every room, the entire back of the house is glass. Spectacular unconventional design, two grand staircases with wood/iron detailing, and an elevator that goes to all 3 levels. Soaring 2 story Great Room with detailed moldings, floor to ceiling windows. Barrel roof and wood trim detailing in family room and spacious library with gorgeous Brazilian hardwood floors and 3 walls of bay windows. Amazing kitchen with Cherry LaFata cabinets, enormous granite island with second sink, SS top-of-the-line appliances including Thermador 8 burner oven/stove. Grand master suite with his/hers closets, huge bath with euro shower, separate jetted tub, his/hers vanities with space left over for a couch! Two other En-suites with walk-in closets

OPEN HOUSE
 175 Wimbleton, Birmingham on Sunday with Chris
12 PM to 2 PM

218011832

This 3 bedroom 2.5 bath spacious ranch overlooks the scenic Rouge River. You're within easy walking distance to all of Birmingham's amenities, Poppleton Park, the Farmer's Market (every Sunday), and even a large grocery store. Great Poppleton Park neighborhood, easy commute to downtown Detroit, less than 30 minutes. Wood floors through out and open concept spacious kitchen, living and dining area with 2 fireplaces. The home is very well insulated, low utility costs, perfect condo alternative with maintenance free landscaping including sprinkler system. 2 car attached garage. All season back porch and decks so you can sip your morning coffee or have dinner with family and friends while surrounded by nature. Handicap accessible. Updated kitchen and baths in 2003.

OPEN HOUSE
 8950 Morning Mist Dr, Independence Twp on Sunday with Paul
1:00 PM TO 3:00 PM

218049993

Gorgeous, spacious, open floor plan, this stately home is an entertainers dream! The open first floor boasts cathedral ceilings in the Living room and Great room, formal dining room, cozy den and a spacious back hallway complete with a lav, and large laundry/mudroom. Upstairs has 3 spacious bedrooms and a master bedroom ensuite complete with huge walk-in closet and jetted tub. Finished lower level is right out of a 1950's diner! Snack bar complete with a vintage chrome soda fountain dispenser, with commercial water carbonator and chiller. Huge TV/Movie home theatre area and a full bathroom, yet still tons of storage space too! Professionally landscaped yard with low voltage lighting, fountain and stone steps leading from the deck down to the lower level walk-out basement. Private, relaxing, quiet, treed backyard overlooks small pond at the end of the property. This home has been meticulously maintained. Natural gas generator. BATVAI

Is Buying a Home Really More Stressful Than Planning a Wedding? [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights:

• According to a new survey from Open Listings, 62% of Americans ages 25-54 believe that buying a home is more stressful than planning a wedding.
• Many young couples are saving for a wedding and a home at the same time.
• The average US wedding now costs 66% of a median home down payment, according to The Knot.

NAR Reports Show It’s A Great Time to Sell!

We all realize that the best time to sell anything is when the demand for that item is high and the supply of that item is limited. The last two major reports issued by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) revealed information that suggests that right now continues to be a great time to sell your house.

Let’s look at the data covered in the latest Pending Home Sales Report and Existing Home Sales Report.

THE PENDING HOME SALES REPORT

The report announced that pending home sales (homes going into contract) are down 2.3% from last year and have continued to fall on an annual basis for seven straight months.

Lawrence Yun, NAR’s Chief Economist, had this to say:

“The reason sales are falling off last year’s pace is that multiple years of inadequate supply in markets with strong job growth have finally driven up home prices to a point where an increasing number of prospective buyers are unable to afford it.”

Takeaway: Demand for housing is strong and will continue to grow in 2019. Without an influx of new listings for sale, pending home sales will continue to decline. Listing now means you will be able to take advantage of the demand currently in the market.

THE EXISTING HOME SALES REPORT

The most important data point revealed in the report was not sales-based, but was instead the inventory of homes for sale (supply). The report explained:

• Total housing inventory decreased 0.7% to 5.34 million homes available for sale in July
• This represents a 4.3-month supply at the current sales pace
• Sales are now 1.5% below a year ago

There were two more interesting comments made by Yun in the report:

“Led by a notable decrease in closings in the Northeast, existing home sales trailed off again last month, sliding to their slowest pace since February 2016 at 5.21 million.”

In real estate, there is a guideline that often applies: When there is less than a 6-month supply of inventory available, we are in a seller’s market and we will see appreciation; between 6-7 months is a neutral market, where prices will increase at the rate of inflation; and more than a 7-month supply means we are in a buyer’s market and should expect depreciation in home values. As Yun notes, we are (and will remain) in a seller’s market and prices will continue to increase unless more listings come to the market.

“Listings continue to go under contract in under a month, which highlights the feedback from Realtors® that buyers are swiftly snatching up moderately-priced properties. Existing supply is still not at a healthy level, and new home construction is not keeping up to meet demand.”

Takeaway: Inventory of homes for sale is still well below the 6-month supply needed for a normal market. Prices will continue to rise if a sizable supply does not enter the market.

Bottom Line

If you are going to sell, now may be the time to take advantage of the ready, willing, and able buyers that are still out looking for your house.

The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. Keeping Current Matters, Inc. does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. Keeping Current Matters, Inc. will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on the information or opinions contained herein.

Open House Schedules this weekend of September 8 and 9

OPEN HOUSE
📣 7605 Devins Ridge, Independence Twp 48348 on Sunday with Gayle
12 pm to 3 PM


218061113

Bridge Valley Family Resort. All on 1.5 acre lot. Estate boasts 5 bedrooms, 2 owner suites with private baths, jetted jacuzzi and showers. Two story great room with surround sound, gorgeous built ins, fieldstone gas fireplace and large windows for beautiful views of nature. Open concept kitchen perfect for entertaining. Home has granite and tile baths throughout. Customized laundry and mudd room with granite sink, cabinet and cubbies. Lower level is a finished waikout with large family room surround sound, stone gas fireplace built-in cabinetry. Full bath, ample storrage. Exterior has an in ground heated 36x18 pool with diving board. Breathless landscaping and ample yard to play. . Much, much more.



OPEN HOUSE
📣 3007 N. Vermont RO on Saturday with Leslie
3 PM to 5 PM


218075412

Immaculate Royal Oak brick bungalow in popular Red Run Heights neighborhood just blocks away from Red Run Golf Club and Red Run Park. This move-in ready 3 bedrooms home has 2 full baths, all beautifully updated in 2015. Kitchen offers granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances and ceramic floors. Beautiful hardwood floors on main level with a spacious family room that includes a gas fireplace and tons of natural light. Spacious Master bedroom has beautiful master bath and lots of closet space. Large finished basement for additional living space. Fully landscaped fenced in back yard with mature trees and large deck, perfect for outdoor entertaining. Welcome to your new home! Licensed agent must be present at all showings.



OPEN HOUSE
📣 3798 Newport Way Drive, Waterford Twp 48329 on Sunday with Steve K
12 PM to 2 PM
 

218023288

Come see this beautiful open floor plan Snug Harbour Ranch featuring 85' on All Sports LOON LAKE. Enjoy privacy and security in this private gated community. This is a perfect home for entertaining with its huge kitchen and Great Room spaces. Relax in your Master Bedroom with beautiful lake views. Your ensuite features ceramic tile, a large soaking tub and glass walk-in shower. Enjoy awesome summer activities in your FINISHED 2000+ sqft walk out basement. This space will amaze you with it's versatility and charm. Your glass block custom built bar will be enjoyed by everyone. The oversize lower level bedroom and full bath is perfect for your summer activities. Your garage is listed as a 3 car. You'll find that and much more making this space perfect for a car enthusiast.


OPEN HOUSE
📣 102 E Hickory Grove, Bloomfield on Saturday with Chris

218047895

Totally renovated in the last few years. Gorgeous new kitchen with white wood cabinets with soft close doors, quartz countertops and patterned aluminum backsplash. New laminate floor that looks like ceramic tile! Refinished, original wood floors on first floor, new carpet upstairs and in lower level, new Theratru doors and Oxbow windows. Freshly painted in soft, neutral palate. Updated baths. Upstairs bath is a European "wet room" which makes it 100% waterproof! Barrier free shower and euro modern fixtures. Three spacious bedrooms. Lower level is partially finished with small bar area and large rec. room. One car shared garage. Private rear patio. Furnace has had major overhaul, only the body is old. Amazing location!! Close to downtown Birmingham and easy access to I-75 too. Award winning Bloomfield Hills schools.




OPEN HOUSE
📣 4021 COMMERCE Road, Orchard Lake 48324 on Saturday and Sunday with Chris


218010679

Seller will entertain offers between $2,000,000 - $2,350,000. The pictures are good but you need to see this house to experience it. Overlooking the most sought after lake in Michigan, is this Aspen inspired gem. Breathtaking views of the lake from every room, the entire back of the house is glass. Spectacular unconventional design, two grand staircases with wood/iron detailing, and an elevator that goes to all 3 levels. Soaring 2 story Great Room with detailed moldings, floor to ceiling windows. Barrel roof and wood trim detailing in family room and spacious library with gorgeous Brazilian hardwood floors and 3 walls of bay windows. Amazing kitchen with Cherry LaFata cabinets, enormous granite island with second sink, SS top-of-the-line appliances including Thermador 8 burner oven/stove. Grand master suite with his/hers closets, huge bath with euro shower, separate jetted tub, his/hers vanities with space left over for a couch! Two other En-suites with walk-in closets


OPEN HOUSE
📣 175 Wimbleton, Birmingham on Sunday with Chris

12 PM to 2:PM


218011832

This 3 bedroom 2.5 bath spacious ranch overlooks the scenic Rouge River. You're within easy walking distance to all of Birmingham's amenities, Poppleton Park, the Farmer's Market (every Sunday), and even a large grocery store. Great Poppleton Park neighborhood, easy commute to downtown Detroit, less than 30 minutes. Wood floors through out and open concept spacious kitchen, living and dining area with 2 fireplaces. The home is very well insulated, low utility costs, perfect condo alternative with maintenance free landscaping including sprinkler system. 2 car attached garage. All season back porch and decks so you can sip your morning coffee or have dinner with family and friends while surrounded by nature. Handicap accessible. Updated kitchen and baths in 2003.

For more details and pictures,  here.