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Weekly Expert Update {Market Report} – February 14, 2022

American Family Funding - Home Loans | Mortgage | Refinancing
Weekly Expert Update {Market Report} – February 14, 2022
Weekly Expert Update {Market Report} – February 14, 2022
February 14, 2022 abryant

Quick takeaways:

  • Three ways to ensure a positive experience for first-time homebuyers.
  • Google is making privacy changes to its Chrome browser.
  • Create virtual tours that help turn prospects into buyers.
  • Second-home rate locks rose in late 2021.
  • Achieving financial freedom starts with small steps.

Read on for our coverage.

Three Tips to Create a Positive Experience for First-Time Homebuyers

Buying a property can be overwhelming, particularly for first-time buyers — and they’re looking to you for guidance as they navigate the process. Fortunately, you can help homebuyers have a positive experience by using these three strategies:

  • Set clear expectationsFirst-time homebuyers are looking for an agent who is honest about what they can get for their budget. This will include what “must-have” items they may need to sacrifice, and which communities and neighborhoods offer affordable properties.
  • Serve as a resourceYour first-time buyers most likely have questions about everything from loans and mortgages to the best school districts and inspections. Sharing your knowledge and contacts can ensure their homebuying journey is a smooth one.
  • Sidestep potential issues.An agent’s most important role is to help clients avoid possible issues, both now and in the long run. Assist first-time homebuyers by identifying red flags as they do their due diligence, and they’ll remember you positively when it’s time to buy their next home.1
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Google Implementing Updates to Improve Browser Privacy

Google has announced its plan to phase out support for third-party cookies for the Chrome browser. Through its “Privacy Sandbox” initiative, the company intends to introduce other methods for advertisers and marketers to track ad reach and effectiveness.

They are also developing other tools for fighting online spam and fraud. All the updates are expected to be in place later this year.

Agents and real estate firms that promote themselves via online ads will need to make sure they are using privacy-compliant platforms to avoid disruption to their marketing schedules. Your ad provider should be able to share more about their plans to adapt to the new Chrome requirements.2
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Four Tips for Creating Virtual Tours that Stand Out

Virtual tours are a great way to draw in potential buyers. There are several ways to host them, from guided 3D tours to a pre-recorded video walkthrough. Some agents even live-stream property showings, answering buyers’ questions via Facebook, Zoom or another streaming platform:

  • Show the whole roomGive viewers a 360-degree shot of each room, so they have a good idea of the space and flow.
  • Highlight important detailsFocus on valuable features of the home, such as high-quality materials, room dimensions, ceiling height, and other selling points.
  • Choose your shots carefullyYou don’t have to show everything on a virtual tour. Skip disorganized areas or features that may be a turn-off for buyers.
  • Provide your contact infoEnd each video with a call to action to schedule an in-person tour or get more information about the home, followed by your contact details.3

Second Home Rate Locks on the Rise

After falling slightly in the second and third quarters of 2021, the share of second home rate locks bounced back up to 5% in the fourth quarter. The rate locks came ahead of new upfront fees established by the Federal Housing Finance Authority, impacting high-balance and second home mortgages. The biggest increases occurred in southeast states; the area between Orlando and Tampa, Florida saw the largest jump, with a 65% year-over-year rise in second home rate locks.4

Seeking Financial Freedom? Start With These Four Steps

Financial stability and potential wealth are high on the list of reasons for choosing a career in real estate. But achieving financial freedom requires discipline and knowing how to use your money wisely. Follow these four steps to get started:

  • Pay off debtTackle your debt before investing to avoid paying more than necessary in interest and related fees.
  • DiversifySpread your money into different “buckets.” These may include cash, retirement accounts, stocks/bonds, real estate, or small businesses.
  • Learn from othersStudy others who have achieved personal financial freedom and find ways to adapt their methods for your own lifestyle.
  • Set annual financial goalsYou probably already have an idea of how much you want to make this year, but consider setting other goals, such as creating an emergency fund, setting aside a certain amount for retirement, or giving a percentage to charity.5

Next weeks potential market moving reports are:

  • Monday, February 14th – No Report
  • Tuesday, February 15th – Producer Price Index
  • Wednesday, February 16th – NAHB Home Builders’ Index, FOMC Minutes
  • Thursday, February 17th – Initial Jobless Claims, Building Permits, Housing Starts
  • Friday, February 18th – Existing Home Sales
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Santa Clarita mortgages lender American Family Funding can help you fulfill your dream of home ownership. A highly rated Santa Clarita mortgages lender, American Family Funding maintains a focus on community involvement and a commitment to giving back whenever possible. A friendly mortgage advisor will make the first time homebuyer experience an easy and stress-free experience — even with bad credit or a low down payment. The Santa Clarita home loan officers at American Family Funding also specialize in VA loans, reverse mortgages, refinancing and the STAR Loan Program.

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Weekly Expert Update {Market Report} – February 14, 2022
Weekly Expert Update {Market Report} – February 14, 2022

Quick takeaways: Three ways to ensure a positive experience for first-time homebuyers. Google is making privacy changes to its Chrome…

February 14, 2022
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