Buying or Selling your Home in 2022? Check Out these Smart New Year’s Resolutions

The pandemic and resulting home-value surge have made the real estate market far from predictable.

Sales in the U.S. rose substantially in 2021, and according to the Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA), the trend is expected to continue into 2022 but at a slower pace. So where does that leave homeowners looking to sell their houses? And what can prospective buyers expect in the year ahead?

As we approach 2022, here are some important market considerations along with savvy New Year’s resolutions for buying or selling your home in 2022.

What role will interest rates play?

Mortgage rates have been low for some time but recently they’ve been creeping up slowly. Even minor upturns can cause a decline in home sales and most experts agree that mortgage rates will likely increase soon. As such, sellers may want to list their homes now rather than holding off.

Consider the impact of low inventory.

Due to ongoing pandemic-related supply chain interruptions and a shortage of construction materials, fewer new houses were constructed this year. That means fewer new homes are available and is contributing to the boost in home values. This seller’s market is predicted to continue into at least the early part of 2022.

What about traditional seasonal selling impacts?

When the weather cools in fall, real estate sales typically cool off, too. That wasn’t apparent in 2021 thanks to low housing inventory and increased buyer competition. Most predictions indicate that the real estate market will continue to be strong throughout 2022, but not at the level we saw in 2021.

Markets are expected to normalize.

The heated pace of sales is beginning to show signs of moderation, which will eventually result in an increase in the number of homes available for purchase. With more homes on the market, prices can be expected to moderate, creating a greater balance between buyers and sellers.

Is your property appealing to millennials and remote workers?

The largest cohort of millennials is approaching prime age for first-time homeownership. The pandemic has also contributed to the recent boom in home buying, largely due the ability many employees now have to work from home. City dwellers and other renters are on the hunt for more spacious residences in areas with lower population density.

Learn what’s going on in your region.

No matter what the national housing outlook is, buyers and sellers still need to be aware of what’s happening in their communities. The real estate landscape is unique across the U.S., so the outlook in your vicinity could be vastly different than what’s being seen in other parts of the country.

For buyers and sellers alike, 2022 has the potential to be a banner real estate year. There are no hard and fast certainties, but the potential is there so why not make the most of it? Here are three things you can and should do now if you’re considering buying or selling your home in 2022:

1. Begin necessary preparations. If you’re buying, determine a realistic budget for your purchase, start saving as much as you can, and clean up your credit. If you’re selling, start decluttering your space and make any necessary home improvements.

2. Get educated. Learn all you can about the real estate process, including the financials, approval procedures, market forecasts, and such. Savvy buyers and sellers are always in the best position for a successful transaction.

3. Find a good realtor. Realtors can help both buyers and sellers by providing valuable guidance and advice, making for a smooth transaction and positive results.

2022 is the year to make your real estate dreams come true! The helpful professionals at Certified Title are here with valuable tools and information to help you get there. To learn more, please contact our experienced team today.

About Certified Title Corporation: Since 1994, attorney-owned Certified Title Corporation has been furnishing residential and commercial real estate stakeholders across the nation with robust title insurance, settlement, and escrow services. Renowned for industry-leading reliability and an exemplary level of service and quality, the Maryland-based company helps clients from all walks of life achieve their asset goals. To learn more, call (888)486-5511 or visit https://www.certifiedtitlecorp.com/.