Buyers • Buyers & Sellers • March 21, 2022

A Guide to Understanding Escrow

by Suzanne Ekeler

A close-up of a man and woman signing their escrow paperwork at a table.

The process of buying a home is made up of several stages. After preliminary stages like getting pre-approved, searching for homes, and finding a buyer’s agent, various contracts and buyer-seller agreements will enter the fold as the purchase of a home is finalized. Escrow is a pivotal point in the buying process that will ultimately lead to you, the buyer, receiving the keys to your new home. Here is your guide to understanding escrow and how it works.

A Guide to Understanding Escrow

What is escrow?

Escrow is a vehicle for temporarily holding the funds in a real estate transaction and making sure they distribute properly when the deal goes through. The funds and documents are held by a third party “in escrow” until the terms of the agreement have been filled. Escrow accounts protect the buyer’s “good faith deposit” (also known as “earnest money”) to ensure it goes to the seller as outlined in the real estate contract. These funds show that the buyer is serious about staying true to their offer and does, in fact, intend to pay the seller.

The seller accepting your offer is your cue to begin the escrow process. Your first step is to open an escrow account. Then, you’ll go about securing a mortgage and obtaining insurance for the home. When the deal goes through, the funds in will go towards your down payment and closing costs. Sometimes, the escrow funds are held in the account after the sale of the home has been finalized. This is known as an “escrow holdback.” This situation can often arise if a buyer discovers an issue with the home in their final walkthrough that wasn’t present during an earlier inspection. If the home is in a worse condition than what shows in the contract, then the good faith deposit will go back to the buyer, and they are released from the contract.

A man and woman signing their escrow paperwork at a table.

Image Source: Getty Images – Image Credit: shapecharge

How does escrow work?

Once all the I’s have been dotted and the t’s have been crossed, an escrow officer will issue a deed with you listed as the new property owner. Then, you’ll order a wire transfer for the funds to be allocated. Once closing is complete, the third party holding the escrow funds will distribute them per the terms of the agreement. This distribution of funds make up a part of the total closing costs for buyers, which include, among others, real estate agent commissions, title and insurance fees, and any HOA dues that may apply.

Escrow evolves after the purchase of a home. Once you’ve bought your new house, your lender will open a mortgage escrow account, through which you’ll pay for your property taxes and homeowners insurance. Held by your lender, the money in this account is added to your monthly mortgage payment.

To not get overwhelmed during the escrow process, it’s important to read your documents carefully and ask questions to make sure you understand them. When it comes time to close on the home, read through everything carefully to make sure you haven’t missed anything before the deal goes final.

Buy Before 5

by Suzanne Ekeler

30-year mortgage rates just exceeded 4% for the first time in three years according to Freddie Mac.

We have new advice for anyone considering a home purchase in the next couple of years.

Buy before 5. This means buy before rates go to 5%.

Even though rates have been ticking up over the last several weeks, we believe that in a few years we will look back on this time and realize what a tremendous opportunity it was to have a mortgage under 5%.

So, don’t be discouraged by recent uptick in rates. Instead, feel great that you were able to buy before rates hit 5%.

Blog • Friday Fun Facts • Sellers • March 17, 2022

3.2 Trillion

by Suzanne Ekeler

March 17, 2022

The new CoreLogic Homeowner Equity Insights report shows that homeowners in the U.S. have seen their equity increase by a total of $3.2 trillion over the last 12 months.

Their data shows that 63% of all homes have a mortgage.

On average, U.S. homeowners gained $55,000 while the average increase in Colorado was higher at $75,000.

The other piece of good news from the report is that properties with negative equity reached the lowest amount in several years.

Only 2.1% of all properties across the U.S. have a value lower than the mortgaged amount. Negative equity peaked at 26% of all mortgaged properties back in 2009.

Buyers • Buyers & Sellers • Sellers • March 16, 2022

What Is a Bridge Loan?

by Suzanne Ekeler

March 16, 2022

A real estate agent talks to her client at her computer.

With so much in flux during the period between selling a home and buying a new one, short-term financing can provide some calm among the storm. With the fate of two properties up in the air, those who are selling a home will often look to secure a bridge loan to bridge the gap between the sale of their existing home and the purchase of a new one. So, is a bridge loan right for you? The following information is meant to help you decide whether it is a fitting solution.

What is a bridge loan?

Bridge loans have shorter terms—generally up to one year—than mortgages and often come with higher interest rates. Bridge loans allow buyers to borrow a portion of the equity in real estate they already own (usually their current primary residence) to use as a down payment on the purchase of a new residence. Borrowers will commonly package the two loans together, in which they borrow the difference between the amount they owe on their current home and a percentage of the home’s value (often 75% or 80%). Just like a home equity loan, a home equity line of credit (HELOC), or a mortgage, bridge loans are secured by your current home as collateral.

Two colleagues analyze mortgage paperwork.

Image Source: Getty Images – Image Source: Natee Meepian

Bridge Loans: Pros

Once your home sells, you can use the proceeds to pay off the bridge loan, leaving you with only the mortgage for your new home.
Bridge loans can get you cash quickly to expedite the transition from one house to another.
With a bridge loan, you can expect a shorter application and loan-approval process than a typical mortgage.
A bridge loan offers you the opportunity to buy a new house before your current one sells. As a buyer, this allows you to make a contingency-free offer on a new house, meaning you can still make the purchase without having to sell your current home first. This can be a useful resource in a seller’s market, where sellers may view an offer without contingencies as favorable amongst the competition.

Bridge Loans: Cons

If your home doesn’t sell in the allotted term, you’ll be left with making payments on your current home’s mortgage, your new home’s mortgage, and the bridge loan.
Bridge loans usually come with higher interest rates than a typical mortgage and come with their own set of costs, including interest, as well as legal and administrative fees.
Having a low debt-to-income ratio, a solid credit score, and a considerable amount of equity in your current home are all required to secure a bridge loan, so qualifying may be out of reach for some homeowners.

Alternatives to Bridge Loans

Home equity loans, home equity lines of credit (HELOCs), and personal loans are all viable alternatives to bridge loans that can still create a pathway to purchasing your new home. Be sure to compare the costs associated with each line of financing before making your decision.

Home Living • Housing Trends • March 14, 2022

Farmhouse Interior Design

by Suzanne Ekeler

The living room of a farmhouse style home with an open sliding door to the outdoor patio.

Known for its signature chic comfort, the farmhouse style is a popular method of interior design for homeowners looking to blend elements of modern and traditional design. With a rustic charm at its heart that recalls images of the countryside and wide-open landscapes, the farmhouse style steadily picked up steam in the 2010s and continues to grow in the 2020s. The following information is a guide to understanding the characteristics that make up the farmhouse style and how you can translate them into your home.

What is farmhouse style?

The farmhouse style predominantly uses a white/grey/beige color palette which provides a foundation for complementing elements and brighter colors. Against this clean backdrop, rustic materials can really shine. Exposed wood beams of timber or reclaimed wood, shiplap, and wrought iron are materials typically used help to round out the aesthetic, creating that rural-with-a-touch-of-modern feeling that the farmhouse style is known for. These combinations create a sense of openness and simplicity in the spaces where they’re used. In the kitchen, the farmhouse style feels clean and inviting; in the living room, it beckons members of the household and guests alike to sit back and relax; and in the dining room, it creates the perfect setting for enjoying a meal together.

A farmhouse style kitchen with white surfaces, exposed beams, and wood accents.

Image Source: Shutterstock – Image Credit: Breadmaker

How to Decorate in a Farmhouse Style

When it comes to furniture, there are specific choices you can make that will help reinforce your personal farmhouse style. Functionality is a core principle of farmhouse design, exemplified by its use of reclaimed and found materials. When looking at furniture, tune your radar to pieces that are simple and functional rather than ornate and complex. Farmhouse’s warmth contrasts the colder feel of minimalism, so when thinking about texture, know that you’re not bound to selecting only the cleanest possible lines—feel free to experiment! With natural elements like stone and wood already providing a varied blend of textures, you can afford to be bold in your choice of throw pillows, blankets, carpeting, and furniture set pieces.

The farmhouse style will give you license to decorate with antiques and vintage materials. Items like armoires, wooden iceboxes, and vanities will find a fitting home among your complementary decorative items. With a prevalence of wood, choose grain patterns and wood tones that complement each other well without clashing. Clutter can get in the way of the coziness that the farmhouse style naturally evokes, so it’s important to keep your main living areas well maintained to truly let your home’s interior design flourish.

With the farmhouse style, it all comes back to comfort. If you’re looking to make the spaces in your home more comfortable, either fully adopting or borrowing from the farmhouse style may be just the ticket.

Blog • Buyers • Buyers & Sellers • March 9, 2022

Simple Tips to Make Your Move Easier

by Suzanne Ekeler

Your needs as a homeowner change over time, and you need the right home to fit those needs. Accordingly, it’s highly likely that at some point in your future you will experience another moving day. While moving can be challenging, there are resources to make it easier. If you are remaining in your current area, your Windermere agent can continue to be a valuable resource on communities, schools, utilities, transportation, recreational opportunities, and more.

If you are moving out of the area, your agent can help you with a referral to another reputable agent in your new community. Many agents also have relationships with real estate-related service companies in their area whom they can call upon for information regarding title, escrow, mortgages, temporary housing, and moving services. They can also help guide you in your search as you learn more about new communities and relocation services.

You’ve decided to move. Now what?

Once you have reached your decision, it’s time to gather information, start making decisions and get organized. Begin by creating a “move” file to keep track of your estimates, receipts, and other information. If you’re moving for a job, some expenses may be deductible, so you’ll want the paperwork when tax time comes.

If you are moving out of the area, start researching your new community and ask your agent for help in finding a referral agent in your new area. You’ll also want to determine whether you want to rent first or buy immediately. Your new agent should be able to help you with your decision. Once you know where you’re going, you’re also ready to get estimates from moving companies.

Closing one door, opening another

After you have chosen a moving date and either hired a moving company or reserved a rental truck, it’s time to wrap things up in your old neighborhood and start establishing relationships where your new home is located. This is particularly important if you are moving to a new town/city. You may want to ask your current doctors, dentists, etc. if they have any referrals on care providers in your new location. Be sure to check their recommendations on your insurance company’s online provider search list. Once you arrive, you may also want to ask new coworkers, friends or the school nurse for their recommendations.

Contact your children’s school and/or day care and arrange for their records to be sent to their new school district or day care. Call your insurance agent about coverage en route to your new home and also arrange for insurance in your new home. Remember to contact utility companies to disconnect, transfer or end service in your current home and turn on service in your new home.

You’ll want to file a change of address form with the U.S. Postal Service, either online or at your local office. If you don’t know your new address, have them hold your mail at the post office in your new locale. Don’t forget to cancel or transfer magazine and newspaper subscriptions as well.

If you belong to a health club or other association, contact them about ending or transferring your membership. Some clubs require written notice before cancellation. Finally, contact your bank or credit union to transfer or close accounts; if you have a safe-deposit box, don’t forget to clean it out before you leave.

Starting the countdown

With moving day in sight, it’s time to get organized. Here are a few items to check off your list before you start packing:

Tie up loose ends. Be sure to send out an email or change of address cards with your new contact information to family, friends, and associates. Return library books and any other borrowed items you may still have.
Triage your possessions. Determine what you are taking with you; what you are giving away to friends, family, or a favorite charity; and what is going to the dump or recycling center. If you have time, you can hold a garage sale or post items on craigslist.org or ebay.com.
Clean up. Drain all gas and oil from your mower, other machinery, gas grills, kerosene stoves and lamps, etc., before loading them onto a moving truck. Empty, defrost, and clean your refrigerator at least 24 hours before your move, and prepare other appliances for moving as well.
Have your car serviced. This is especially important if you are driving to your new home.

Packing strategies

If you are doing your own packing, start collecting boxes and/or buy them from your movers. It may take a few days to do your packing, so be sure to pack non-essential items first and label them carefully. If you have any valuables, it’s recommended that you take them with you as opposed to packing them. You risk the chance of losing those items if they’re packed away in boxes. It’s also smart to take along a box of essentials, including items such as toilet paper, paper towels, tape, soap, scissors, pens, paper, and your toiletries. That way you won’t have to track these items down once you’ve arrived in your new home.

Blog • Buyers • Buyers & Sellers • Colorado Real Estate • Friday Fun Facts • Housing Trends • March 7, 2022

Townhome Surge

by Suzanne Ekeler

Townhome construction has surged in the last 12 months. This is welcome news for first-time buyers who benefit from the lower prices that multi-family product tends to provide.

According to the National Association of Home Builders, townhome construction has jumped up 28% compared to the previous year.

Townhomes now represent 13% of all new residential construction starts.

Buyers • Buyers & Sellers • Colorado Real Estate • Sellers • February 28, 2022

Will Colorado Feel the Next Recession?

by Suzanne Ekeler

Will Colorado Feel the Next Recession?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of a recession, let’s start with the definition of a recession. A recession is two consecutive quarters of negative economic growth as measured by a country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). So, this means that if a country’s GDP is in the negatives for two consecutive quarters then they are in a recession.

When is the Next Recession?

It’s impossible to tell with 100% certainty when the next recession will be, but economists often predict when it will be. 226 economists were surveyed to find out when they think the next recession will be. 38% of economists believe that the next recession will take place in 2020 and 34% think it will happen in 2021. The rest of the economists say it won’t happen for at least 3 years. This survey wasn’t entirely conclusive, however; the key takeaway here is that another recession will definitely happen sometime in our lifetime.

History of GDP and Recessions

Our country has had a major increase in GDP since 1950. Looking at the large scale, the great recession only looks like a tiny blip on the overall scale. However, that tiny blip was accompanied by massive implications on the economy as a whole. Our country’s last recession was in 2007 and was the most intense recession in recent history. It lasted a little over 80 months. Most recessions are done within 24 months. A recession is over when the number of jobs that you were at before the recession started has been reached again.

Misconceptions of Recessions

A common misconception of the housing market is that when our economy is in a recession, the real estate market crashes. This is not true. The stock market crashes but the real estate market will never crash or correct. The real estate market just flows up and down. So, if you are waiting for the housing market to crash, you will be waiting forever.

Blog • Buyers • Buyers & Sellers • Economics 101 • Friday Fun Facts • February 26, 2022

War and Interest Rates

by Suzanne Ekeler

Our clients are curious to know what the conflict in the Ukraine will mean for mortgage rates.

The short answer is down in the near term and up in the long term.

Generally speaking, economic and political uncertainty drive people to invest in bonds rather than stocks, which puts downward pressure on interest rates.

So, in the near term, the conflict in the Ukraine will push rates down slightly. We have already seen this happen as 30-year rates have dipped in the last few days.

The conflict is likely to push oil prices up which means higher gasoline prices. This will cause upward pressure on inflation, which ultimately causes upward pressure on interest rates.

So, the longer the war lasts in Europe, the more likely it is to push interest rates even higher.

Buyers & Sellers • Colorado Real Estate • Sellers • February 20, 2022

Where is the Colorado Real Estate Market Headed?

by Suzanne Ekeler

Where is the Colorado Real Estate Market Headed?

The Colorado real estate market has had quite the year — leaving us all eager to see exactly where it’s headed.

The Big Picture
What’s happening right now in the national economy?

Naturally and as expected with the rollout of the vaccine, now over 50% of the adult population has received at least one dose (as of April 2021). Why is that important? “We are a nation of consumers, and what have we not been doing for the last year? Consuming!” notes Gardner.

Around 70% of our economy is built on consumption, or buying things to put it simply. “As we start getting the vaccine and begin to feel more comfortable going out, we’re going to start spending more money,” said Gardner. “Why? Well, for many people, even through the pandemic period, a lot of us were still working, but not spending.”

This will have both an impact on the economy and employment as well. Within the first three months of 2021, America has recovered over 1.6 million jobs, with the unemployment rate down 6% and trending in the right direction.

All in all, signs are pointing to robust growth as we spring back from the pandemic. Gardner predicts an overall growth rate of 6% — which is much higher than the average 2-3 times higher than those reported in recent years.

The Big Question: Is The Colorado Real Estate Market In a Bubble?
In short, no. Based on Colorado real estate market activity, Gardner predicts that while home prices will continue to increase, the rate of home price growth is expected to decline.

Learn more about recent Colorado real estate market activity in The Q1 2021 Gardner Report found on the Windermere Colorado site HERE.

Interest Rates: Historically Speaking, Remarkably Cheap
Where are interest rates headed in the next 12 months?

As we go through the year we will see interest rates continue to rise. However, from a historic perspective, they will remain remarkably competitive. Gardner predicts that for 2021 rates will average between 3.5-3.6%, and will grow steadily into 4% in 2022.

Inventory
Will we see any improvement in available inventory for the Colorado real estate market?

Gardner predicts we can expect to see an increase in listings due to the simple fact that many people put any plans to sell their properties on hold during the pandemic period. He also notes that increases in new construction and a motivation to sell based on the new post-pandemic lifestyle (such as WFH) will play a big part for the better.

This analysis is provided by Windermere Real Estate Chief Economist Matthew Gardner. We hope that this information may assist you with making better-informed real estate decisions. For further information about the Colorado real estate market, please don’t hesitate to contact Suzanne Ekeler with Windermere Real Estate.