Current Myths About the Housing Market

 

9 MYTHS ABOUT THE CURRENT HOUSING MARKET

 Myth 1 - High-to-low home price declines have been about 20%.  Nope.

The measurement of home price declines can be misleading.  It depends on which homes in which markets are being measured. There are some indexes that indicate home prices are down 20%.  Theses indexes are heavily weighed toward homes with sub-prime loans and other distressed home sales. These troubled homes have experienced a steeper decline than home prices in general. Both government data based on loans backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and data from the National Association of Realtors suggest much more modest price declines. If you're selling your home, the best thing to do is price your home right.

Myth 2 - The smaller number of new homes under construction indicates a dismal outlook for the housing market. Incorrect.

The inventory of homes on the market is very high, so the last thing we need now is more new homes being built. Home builders have cut back sharply on production, which will help lower inventories and stabilize prices. With many new homes completed but not sold, you can find great deals.

Myth 3 - When the housing market recovers, home price growth will be only 4 to 6% per year 

The price growth of up to 6% can easily turn into 20 to 30%.  Most buyers put less than 20% of their own money into a home purchase; this borrowing power can translate to a greater rate of return.  On average, home price appreciation has been about 1 to 2 percentage points higher than consumer price inflation, which translates to up to 6% per year. This growth rate cannot be compared to a rate of return like the stock market, being that most people do not buy a home for all cash.  Instead they make a cash down payment & borrow the rest. The leverage this borrowing creates can greatly impact returns. Get the fundamentals right when investing in real estate.

Myth 4 - Impending baby boomer retirements and moves to small homes will cause a glut of homes on the market. Not True.

The first wave baby boomers has reached 60 years of age and the bulk of that generation will soon go into retirement.  Contrary to the belief that these boomers will trade down, many are keeping their current homes or moving to properties of the same size or larger. In the future, if the boomers do decide to sell their larger homes, then the rapidly growing U.S. population should absorb the supply of existing homes on the market.

Myth 5 - The federal government takeover of secondary mortgage companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac is a bailout that will cost taxpayers bundles.

It's possible that taxpayers may have to cover some losses OR that the government takeover will result in no loss of taxpayer dollars. If taxpayer funds are used, the bailout would be preferable to the global economic problems that would have occurred if Fannie and Freddie had gone belly up. The "bailout plan" is meant for homeowners facing foreclosure.  If you would like to know more about the Hope for Homeowners Plan, contact me at your convenience, at (843)907-8787.

Myth 6 - The Federal Reserve controls mortgage rates. Wrong.

What the Fed sets is a short-term interest rate called the Federal Funds Rate. Mortgage rates are determined by global savings, credit spreads and inflationary pressures. Over the past two years, the Fed has raised the Fed Funds Rate to 5.5%, and then cut it deeply to around 2%. All the while, the 30-year mortgage rate has averaged in the 6 to 6.5% range. Today's rates aren't bad compared to the 10% we saw in the early '90s and 17% in the '80s.

Myth 7 - It's the wrong time to buy. Wrong.

All real estate is local. For those who are financially and mentally ready to buy, there has never been a better time to be a buyer. Very low interest rates and a surplus of inventory give buyers an edge. For someone with a long outlook, there is very little worry about home values since homes have historically provided a solid foundation for wealth accumulation.  Keep in mind that is also not the right time to buy for everyone.  Even when good buying opportunities are presented, someone who is not financially ready shouldn't be forced into joining the rank of homeowners.  The decision to become a homeowner requires sacrifices, and homeowners who lose their homes to foreclosure is not good for anyone.  Take a good look at your financial status to see if you're ready to buy or move up to a home of your choice.

Myth 8 - It's a terrible time to sell. Wrong.  

A seller can get an offer if the property is priced right.   In our local market, home sales are steadily increasing.   For those looking to trade-up, selling low on an existing home is offset by buying the new move-up home at a lower price. In turn, the price appreciation on the trade-up home will bring bigger bang for the buck. TIP: Homebuyers want bargains in this market. If you price your home much lower than your competition, you might end up with a bidding war.

Myth 9 - More homes are being sold by owners, and real estate agents are becoming obsolete. Nope.

The share of home sellers who choose to go it alone when selling their home has actually decreased to about 12% today. On average, only 4 in 10 say they would sell their next home without the assistance of a real estate professional.

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showing 1-20 of 13887

3529  Kates Bay Road Conway, SC 29526
$195,000 - Conway, SC
MLS#
BR1210817
Class:
Commercial/industrial
Status:
Active
Present Use:
Office/Warehouse
Est Lotsize:
N/A
Class-Type:
Mixed Use
Provided courtesy of John Draughn of Coldwell Banker Commercial Chi
2.25 acres site zoned CFA. Just out of town (Conway) on Kates Bay Road. Site comprised of over 7,300 sq. ft. of building - Great for service, auto ...

656  Little Tony Ave Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
$195,000 - Murrells Inlet, SC
MLS#
BR1003552
Class:
Commercial/industrial
Status:
Active
Present Use:
Other
Est Lotsize:
N/A
Class-Type:
Mixed Use
Provided courtesy of Eric Gray of Graycrest Realty Inc.
Over half an acre of commercial property in the heart of Murrells Inlet. A small home currently sits on the property, could easily be upgraded or m...

216 S Fraser Street Georgetown, SC 29440
$169,000 - Georgetown, SC
MLS#
BR1217539
Class:
Commercial/industrial
Status:
Active
Present Use:
Office/Warehouse
Est Lotsize:
N/A
Class-Type:
Commercial
Provided courtesy of Michael King of KingOne Properties
Totally renovated. Reception area, two offices, restroom and 20 climate controlled storage units.

814 S 3rd Avenue Surfside Beach, SC 29575
$169,500 - Surfside Beach, SC
MLS#
BR1307283
Class:
Commercial/industrial
Status:
Active
Present Use:
Retail/Wholesale
Est Lotsize:
N/A
Class-Type:
Commercial
Provided courtesy of Joe Woodle of Tradd Commercial, LLC
Excellent location on 3rd Avenue South, Surfside Beach. Great for Retail or Office applications. -Bank Owned -Office, Showroom, Warehouse

621  Church St Georgetown, SC 29440
$175,000 - Georgetown, SC
MLS#
BR1206880
Class:
Commercial/industrial
Status:
Pending Contingent on Financing
Present Use:
Other
Est Lotsize:
N/A
Class-Type:
Commercial
Provided courtesy of Johnny Weaver of Realestar, Inc.
Great corner location at Church and Screven. Building is not habitable and is sold as is. 94 feet on Church St and 150 on Screven St. Abundant off...

11790  HWY 90 Little River, SC 29566
$409,000 - Little River, SC
MLS#
BR1219216
Class:
Commercial/industrial
Status:
Active
Present Use:
Retail/Wholesale
Est Lotsize:
N/A
Class-Type:
Commercial
Provided courtesy of Tony Chestnut of Prudential Myrtle Beach RE

0  Hartsfiled Place #7 Oleander Business Park Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
$410,000 - Myrtle Beach, SC
MLS#
BR906949
Class:
Commercial/industrial
Status:
Active
Present Use:
Other
Est Lotsize:
N/A
Class-Type:
Land
Provided courtesy of Tony Cox of Myrtle Beach Farms Company Inc

151  Ole Woodward Avenue Conway, SC 29526
$1,458 - Conway, SC
MLS#
BR1215200
Class:
Commercial/industrial
Status:
Active
Present Use:
Warehouse
Est Lotsize:
N/A
Class-Type:
Industrial
Provided courtesy of Joe Woodle of Tradd Commercial, LLC

804  Inlet Square Drive Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
$1,458 - Murrells Inlet, SC
MLS#
BR923897
Class:
Commercial/industrial
Status:
Active
Present Use:
Restaurant
Est Lotsize:
N/A
Class-Type:
Commercial
Provided courtesy of Lewis Bowers of Coldwell Banker Commercial Chi
For lease on Inlet Square Drive in Murrells Inlet. Prime commercial space adjacent to Hwy 17 S & Inlet Square Mall. Unit is close to doctor's offic...

5190  Highway 17 Bypass Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
$1,462 - Murrells Inlet, SC
MLS#
BR208824
Class:
Commercial/industrial
Status:
Active
Present Use:
Retail/Wholesale
Est Lotsize:
N/A
Class-Type:
Commercial
Provided courtesy of Lewis Bowers of Coldwell Banker Commercial Chi
TWO MONTHS FREE RENT - CALL FOR DETAILS. For lease at Swamp Fox in Murrells Inlet. Prime commercial space with road frontage on Highway 17 Bypass...

2153  Hwy 544 Conway, SC 29526
$1,334 - Conway, SC
MLS#
BR1209103
Class:
Commercial/industrial
Status:
Active
Present Use:
Retail/Wholesale
Est Lotsize:
N/A
Class-Type:
Commercial
Provided courtesy of Lewis Bowers of Coldwell Banker Commercial Chi
TWO MONTHS FREE RENT - Call for details. For Lease in the Coastal Commons Plaza. Prime commercial space close to Conway Medical Center, Coastal Ca...

505  Robert M Grissom Parkway Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
$1,350 - Myrtle Beach, SC
MLS#
BR1211035
Class:
Commercial/industrial
Status:
Active
Present Use:
Office Building
Est Lotsize:
N/A
Class-Type:
Commercial
Provided courtesy of Scott McNew of Tradd Commercial, LLC
The subject property is 1,800 sq ft of professional office space. The building fronts Grissom Parkway and is easily accessible to Highway 501. Th...

3140  Hwy. 17 Business Garden City, SC 29576
$199,000 - Garden City, SC
MLS#
BR1217429
Class:
Commercial/industrial
Status:
Active
Present Use:
Restaurant
Est Lotsize:
N/A
Class-Type:
Retail
Provided courtesy of Gerrie Watson of Myrtle Beach Commercial R. E.
Year Round business...very busy & growing. 60 - 65% cash. Strong local following, strong take out, and strong & growing tourist trade. Business ...

315  Highway 17 North Surfside Beach, SC 29575
$199,000 - Surfside Beach, SC
MLS#
BR1308220
Class:
Commercial/industrial
Status:
Active
Present Use:
Retail/Wholesale
Est Lotsize:
N/A
Class-Type:
Commercial
Provided courtesy of Rusty Helm of Keystone Realty MB, LLC
GENERAL SITE INFORMATION: • Site Consists of Approximately .18 Acres or 7,840 SF • Traffic Count 32,000: Source SC.DOT 2012 • Horry County TMS #...

2130  HIGHWAY 905 Conway, SC 29526
$895,000 - Conway, SC
MLS#
BR813455
Class:
Commercial/industrial
Status:
Active
Present Use:
Retail/Wholesale
Est Lotsize:
N/A
Class-Type:
Commercial
Provided courtesy of Alice Ziriada of Grand Strand Real Estate, Inc.

402  Singleton Ridge Road Conway, SC 29526
$899,000 - Conway, SC
MLS#
BR1110778
Class:
Commercial/industrial
Status:
Active
Present Use:
Office Building
Est Lotsize:
N/A
Class-Type:
Office
Provided courtesy of Scott McNew of Tradd Commercial, LLC
402 Singleton Ridge offers 4,800 square feet of medical office space divided into 2 medical office suites. Each suite has multiple exam rooms, off...

3255 S Pamplico Hwy. Pamplico, SC 29583
$899,000 - Pamplico, SC
MLS#
BR1011166
Class:
Commercial/industrial
Status:
Active
Present Use:
GOLF COURSE
Est Lotsize:
N/A
Class-Type:
Mixed Use
Provided courtesy of Horonzy Group of Prudential Myrtle Beach RE
Charming 3BR/3BA home w/tree lined drive & expansive front porch. Home has undergone extensive renovations. Facilities including an equestrian pa...

New Wareho  SR 1306 New Warehouse Road Tabor City, NC 28463
$495,000 - Tabor City, NC
MLS#
BR1212259
Class:
Commercial/industrial
Status:
Active
Present Use:
Warehouse
Est Lotsize:
N/A
Class-Type:
Mixed Use
Provided courtesy of Joe & Kathy Garrell-Foxworth of Litus Properties/Residential

1306  Highway 90 Conway, SC 29526
$498,000 - Conway, SC
MLS#
BR1217572
Class:
Commercial/industrial
Status:
Active
Present Use:
Restaurant
Est Lotsize:
N/A
Class-Type:
Commercial
Provided courtesy of Bonnie Thompson of Coldwell Banker Commercial Chi
Formerly a pizza and sub restaurant. Just 1.5 miles from Highway 501. Could be used as retail, office or other use. 3,800 sq. ft. of space is resta...

1809  Husted Road Conway, SC 29526
$450,000 - Conway, SC
MLS#
BR1018114
Class:
Commercial/industrial
Status:
Active
Present Use:
Office/Warehouse
Est Lotsize:
N/A
Class-Type:
Commercial
Provided courtesy of Brown Bethune of Tradd Commercial, LLC
Brand new construction. Office building in desirous Light-Industrial development. Priced below replacement costs. Set up for multiple tenant, or...

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showing 1-20 of 13887