The real estate market is currently experiencing an unusual cycle. Typically, the market moves between a buyer's and seller's markets, but the situation now is different. Both the supply and demand have decreased. According to a Redfin study, new listings dropped by 21.8% year-over-year during the four weeks ending April 2, one of the most significant declines since the start of the pandemic.
One reason for the decrease in supply is that many homeowners have no desire to move as they have secured generational-low mortgage rates in recent years. While interest rates have fallen for four consecutive weeks, they are still twice as high as before 2021. Homebuyers who are not deterred by current mortgage rates quickly purchase new listings. Almost half of the homes that go under contract are sold within two weeks of listing. This is an increase from about 25% at the beginning of 2023.
Redfin Deputy Chief Economist Taylor Marr believes that elevated mortgage rates may discourage potential . ...

One of the most important steps in purchasing a home is the home inspection!
When you buy, the contract has a written number of days for you to have the home inspected before you decide whether you want to move forward. This home inspection period is crucial. During that time, if you determine you want to back out of the deal, you get your earnest money deposit back!
It's so important to see what a licensed inspector has to say of the house. At The Cole Team, we have a list of trusted inspectors you can use!
However, there are a few myths and misconceptions we hear regarding home inspections.
1. Pass/Fail
An inspector does not pass or fail a home on the inspection. The home inspector's job is to give you a closer look at any issues they might've found while inspecting the home. Once they send you the report on the defects found in the home, it's up to you to decide whether to move forward with the deal or to cancel.
2. Defects and Repairs
Don't assume a seller has to make repair! ...

Right now builder confidence has hit a high for 2019. According to National Association of Home Builders, the Wells Fargo Housing Market Index which measures builders attitudes, has reached a record 68 points this month.
The index has been holding in the mid 60 range since May of this year. Readings that are above 50 points are considered positive and show that builders are confident in moving forward with new construction. Low interest rates and a solid demand are continuing to fuel builders sentiments even thought there have been some ongoing supply challenges that have hindered the affordability of the housing being built. 
National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Chief Economist Robert Dietz says, "Solid should formations and attractive mortgage rates are contributing to a positive builder outlook. However, builders are expressing growing concerns regarding uncertainty stemming from the trade dispute with China."  NAHB's home building index does indicate that the s2 ...

  Each month Fannie Mae conducts a survey of approx. 1,000 Americans via telephone interview. Fannie Mae's National Housing Survey is the most detailed consumer survey conducted right now. 
The goal of this survey is to assess their individual attitudes toward: 

Owning or renting their home
Home rental price changes 
Homeownership distress
The current economy 
Household finances
Overall consumer confidence
  The homeowners and renters surveyed are asked more than 100 questions. Their answers are used to help track shifts in their attitudes toward homeownership. Their answers will help industry partners and market participants target the collective efforts to stabilize the housing market. 
  The answers that Fannie Mae collects from the survey are then used to help create the Home Purchase Sentiment Index (HPSI). The HPSI takes all of the information gathered and creates a single number to be used. The number then reflects the current c; ...