Searching for the perfect home can be daunting, but now there's a solution! Active Today in Annapolis is an innovative MLS map and listing service that puts real-time updates on all available homes in and around Annapolis right at your fingertips. With Active Today in Annapolis, you'll have access to the most up-to-date and accurate information on homes that are currently on the market. Unlike other real estate websites that may show you outdated or incomplete information, Active Today in Annapolis updates its listings in real-time directly from the MLS. This means that you'll be able to see which homes are currently available, which ones have recently sold, and which ones are pending, all with the click of a button. One of the key features is the interactive map. This map shows all of the active listings in the Annapolis area, so you can easily see what's available and where. You can also zoom in and out to see more or less detail, and filter your search by price range, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and other criteria. Explore Annapolis Real Estate in Real Time with Active Today in Annapolis   In addition to the map, Active Today in Annapolis also offers a detailed listing view. Each listing includes photos, a description of the property, and information on the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage, and other important details. You can also save your favorite listings and receive email alerts when new homes that match your criteria are added to the market. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned real estate investor, or simply curious about the Annapolis housing market, Active Today in Annapolis is the ultimate tool for exploring real estate in real-time. With its comprehensive MLS data, user-friendly interface, and powerful search tools, this is the game-changing service that will help you find your dream home faster than ever before. So why wait? Visit Active Today in Annapolis today and start exploring Annapolis real estate in real-time! Brought to you by the Stahley Homes Team of TTR Sotheby’s International Realty.  

Navigating the Annapolis real estate market can be a complex task, particularly when comparing metrics from different years. The past couple of years, often referred to as the 'unicorn' years, were unique due to the pandemic and its significant impact on the Annapolis housing market. The term 'unicorn' here signifies something greatly desired but difficult or impossible to find. During these years, the demand for homes in Annapolis, especially those with home offices and large backyards, surged. We saw waves of first-time and second-home buyers entering the Annapolis real estate market. Mortgage rates hit historic lows, foreclosures were almost eliminated due to forbearance plans, and home values in Annapolis appreciated at unprecedented levels. However, as we move forward, the Annapolis housing market is returning to normalcy, and the 'unicorns' have galloped off. Here are three key aspects to consider: Buyer Demand Despite what the headlines might suggest, there are still plenty of home buyers in Annapolis. While the demand has decreased compared to the 'unicorn' years, it remains strong when compared to the more normal years of 2017-2019. According to the real estate website ShowingTime, a leading real estate showing management and market stats technology provider, buyer activity in the Annapolis real estate market is still robust. Home Prices The past couple of years witnessed a historic appreciation in home prices in the Annapolis housing market. However, we are now seeing a return to more normal home value increases. Freddie Mac, a public government-sponsored enterprise, reported historic appreciation numbers for 2020 and 2021. There were a few months of minimal depreciation in the second half of 2022, but Fannie Mae reports another government-sponsored enterprise, the Annapolis real estate market has returned to more normal appreciation in the first quarter of this year. Foreclosures With the end of the moratorium on foreclosures, we are seeing an increase in foreclosure filings in Annapolis. While this might seem alarming, it's important to remember that these are increases over historically low foreclosure rates. ATTOM, a leading property data provider, suggests that we are essentially returning to the normal filings from 2017-2019. Maintaining Perspective While there might be unsettling headlines about the Annapolis housing market this year, it's crucial to keep things in perspective. Most of these headlines result from comparisons to the extraordinary 'unicorn' years. As potential home buyers or sellers in Annapolis, it's important to consult with a real estate professional to help you navigate the market effectively. Remember, every market shift presents new opportunities. Whether you're looking to buy or sell in the Annapolis real estate market, understanding these changes can help you make informed decisions and take advantage of the current market conditions.

In this episode of On The Market Podcast, we're diving deep into the world of property investment with the expertise of Chris Grizzell of NFM Lending, a seasoned mortgage and real estate professional.   With the ever-changing market dynamics and economic fluctuations, many homeowners face a critical problem: should they become landlords, or capitalize on the market and sell? We'll explore this question, gain valuable insights into the complexities of the real estate market in 2024, and uncover crucial considerations for both aspiring and seasoned investors.   Join us as we navigate the landscape of 2024's real estate market and the knowledge needed to make informed and profitable decisions.   00:00 Introduction 01:52 Rent or Sell? A Homeowner’s Dilemma Post Low-Interest Rate Era 03:04 Real Estate Investments: Understanding Multiple Mortgage Eligibility 04:48 Enhancing Your Chances of Qualifying for Multiple Mortgages 06:17 Tax Implications of Rental Income 10:30 The Right Choice: Refinancing or Maintaining Your Existing Mortgage 14:58 A Consultative Approach to Optimal Timing and Decision-Making 16:28 The Debt Impact with High and Low-Interest Rate Mortgages 20:40 Non-Contingent: Advice for Selling and Buying a New Home 22:36 Utilizing Bridge Loans with a Guaranteed Buy Program 25:40 Consumers Face Mounting Credit Card Debt with High-Interest Rates 27:08 Discussing the Different Mortgage Offers when Presenting Financing  

Navigating through the ebbs and flows of real estate market cycles is a testament to the acumen of smart real estate investors. Their ability to decode these cycles determines the success of their investments, especially in an environment where local dynamics heavily influence market behavior.   The Localized Nature of Real Estate Markets Real estate markets, while influenced by national and global events, primarily operate on a local level. This concept was vividly demonstrated during the Great Recession of 2007 when certain local markets managed to appreciate despite the broader economic downturn. The primary driver of these local market dynamics is employment; a strong job market attracts people, bolstering the rental market and, subsequently, housing prices. Eight Stages of Real Estate Market Cycles Experts commonly break down real estate market cycles into eight distinct stages, each with its characteristics and investment implications. These stages, spanning approximately 12 to 14 years, oscillate between periods of growth, stability, and decline. The Turn: Characterized by slowing appreciation as housing costs outpace local incomes, signaling a market peak and impending shift. Softening Market: Marked by stagnant appreciation, increased distressed sales, and the beginning of price corrections. Rising Inventory: Features growing housing supply and the beginning of price declines, with distressed properties becoming more prevalent. Free Fall: Sees significant price drops, distressed sales rise, and a shift to a buyer’s market. Recovery: Occurs as prices stabilize, affordability improves, and new jobs and industries attract population growth, setting the stage for investment opportunities. The Honeymoon: Rents and values start rising steadily, with a consistent flow of undervalued properties from previous recessions. The Rise: Characterized by rapid price increases and high demand, leading to a robust seller’s market. The Spike: Represents the height of speculative investing, with prices soaring unsustainably. Investing Through the Cycles Smart investors monitor these stages closely, identifying the optimal times to buy or sell properties. Key indicators such as housing inventory, values, rental rates, and preforeclosure activities provide insights into the current market phase. For instance, during the 'Turn' and 'Softening Market' stages, cautious investment is advised as the market peaks and begins to decline. Conversely, the 'Recovery' and 'Honeymoon' phases present prime opportunities for acquiring assets in a strengthening market. Strategic Movements in a Cyclical Landscape Understanding market cycles enables investors to strategize effectively. During downturns, the focus shifts to markets with better growth prospects or those entering a recovery phase. Conversely, during market peaks, savvy investors might consider selling to capitalize on high property values before the inevitable downturn. The Big Picture Real estate market cycles offer a roadmap for investors to navigate the complex landscape of property investment. By understanding and anticipating these cycles, investors can make informed decisions, minimize risks, and capitalize on opportunities, ensuring sustained success in the real estate market. Deciphering real estate market cycles is an art that smart investors have mastered, allowing them to stay ahead in the game. With a deep understanding of these cycles, investors can make strategic decisions that align with market trends, leading to sustained growth and profitability in their real estate ventures.

The ongoing debt ceiling crisis, with negotiations continuing and a default deadline looming in early June, could impact various sectors of the U.S. economy, most notably, the Maryland real estate market. In particular, the real estate market in Maryland, Virginia, and the Washington D.C. area, with its unique characteristics and trends, could be significantly affected. The Impact on the Maryland Real Estate Market When a nation faces a significant economic event, such as a debt ceiling crisis, the impact on the housing market can be very similar to that of a natural disaster - think Hurricanes in Florida. Like a hurricane impacting the state of Florida, a debt ceiling crisis can result in a steep decline in home selling and buying activity. However, just like after a storm, the markets often recover once the situation stabilizes. The debt ceiling crisis could hit hardest in areas with a high concentration of federal employees, contractors, vendors, and military personnel, as well as regions with a high percentage of retirees reliant on social security payments. Places such as Washington D.C., and Virginia Beach could be severely affected. Economic uncertainty could make potential home buyers and sellers pull back, slowing down the overall Maryland housing market. At the same time, the crisis could also lead to volatility in mortgage interest rates. The fear of U.S. default could push rates up, making mortgages and other U.S. investments riskier. Conversely, the potential for an economic slowdown could lead to a drop in rates as the Federal Reserve may lower short-term interest rates to stimulate economic growth. This could be an opportunity for Maryland Home Sellers For home buyers in Maryland, this situation could present both challenges and opportunities. On the one hand, mortgage rates might become more favorable if they drop due to economic slowdown fears. On the other hand, the decrease in housing inventory due to sellers backing off could result in heightened competition for available properties. While falling mortgage rates could lead to multiple offers from eager buyers, rising rates could make it harder for them to afford the mortgage. The overall uncertainty could also lead many potential home sellers to back off the market, reducing the number of available properties and potentially giving those still on the market a slight advantage. The potential impact of the debt ceiling crisis on the Maryland real estate market is multifaceted and complex. The ultimate outcomes will depend on the resolution of the crisis and the subsequent economic recovery. Let's hope that both sides can come to some sort of resolution before we pass that "line in the sand".

Thinking of Listing Your Home in Annapolis? Now is the time to make your move.  This current housing market is pushing Expectations to new heights. If you're thinking of taking advantage of this Spring Market, we can help you make the most of this unique opportunity. The time is now. Despite numerous speculations that the housing market would cool down due to higher interest rates in 2023, tight inventory has created a much different reality.  Two recent reports released by Realtor.com and ATTOM shed some light on sellers’ perceptions of the market during this peak homebuying season. Our Agents use this data to create their strategies for both homebuyers and sellers in this market.  The data on seller expectations Sellers want the best of both worlds, and the COVID-19 pandemic has left a mark on the housing market. In the Maryland Real Estate Market, bidding wars and cash offers above asking prices are still possible due to a shortage of inventory.  All these seller-focused data points come to a head when considering market research released in May from ATTOM. According to the report, May, June, and April are the best months to sell your home.  The report highlights that these months, “may offer seller premiums of 10% or more above market value – with the top 16 best days to sell in the month of May alone.” Realtor.com also weighed in on the ideal home-selling seasonality, including a score system that ranked active listings, new listings, days on market, and views per property on Realtor.com’s website. As we navigate the busy homebuying season, our agents are equipped with essential data to provide outstanding service for their listings. While some cities may experience a fast-moving market due to limited housing options, it's comforting to know that the volatile COVID-19 housing situation has finally settled down. As for those looking for a home, we are finding just as many frustrated homebuyers as we saw in 2020-2022. When the right home is priced well in a good area, buyers may find themselves with a surprising amount of competition at the offer table, according to the report’s Market Data. The Best Real Estate Agent in Annapolis is part of our Team Our real estate agents are not just partnered with the Sotheby's International Realty brand; but have received numerous awards for their expertise and service. The firm is recognized for offering unmatched, high-quality services in the Annapolis real estate market. We were among the top REAL Trends Real Estate Professionals of 2022. With a demonstrated commitment to unparalleled service and a deep understanding of the Annapolis real estate market, we have successfully closed over $300 Million in transactions across Annapolis and Maryland. Unmatched Services in Downtown Annapolis, Maryland Based in Downtown Annapolis, Maryland, Stahley Thompson Homes is committed to providing an exceptional level of real estate services. Our team of experienced, dedicated agents specializes in both the sale and purchase of luxury properties. We bring a uniquely refined, yet comprehensive approach to real estate, leveraging our extensive knowledge of the local market and the international reach of the Sotheby's network. Excellence and Passion for Distinctive Properties What sets Stahley Thompson Homes apart is our commitment to excellence and our passion for distinctive properties. We believe in the power of local expertise, global reach, and creating relationships built on trust and integrity. Our mission is to connect the area’s most discerning individuals with extraordinary living experiences. Your Destination for the Finest Properties in Annapolis Real Estate Whether you are looking for a waterfront home on the Chesapeake Bay, a historic house in downtown Annapolis, or a single-family home, Stahley Thompson Homes of TTR Sotheby's International Realty is the ultimate destination for finding the finest properties and for getting the highest level of services in the real estate industry. We invite you to explore the exceptional with us. Frequently Asked Questions about the Annapolis Real Estate Market The Annapolis real estate market is an attractive option for those looking to buy your home. With its close proximity to Washington D.C., Baltimore, and other major cities, Annapolis is an ideal location for those looking to own a home in a vibrant community. The area offers a range of property styles, from single-family homes to high-end waterfront properties. With its waterfront properties along the Chesapeake Bay, Severn River, and South River with strong economic growth, Annapolis provides the perfect combination for a luxury lifestyle.  What makes Annapolis a unique real estate market? Annapolis is a unique real estate market due to its rich history, waterfront properties, and the presence of the United States Naval Academy. The city offers a mix of historic homes, luxury waterfront estates, and modern townhouses, catering to a wide range of tastes and budgets. How has the Annapolis real estate market been performing recently? While specific market conditions vary during the year, Annapolis generally boasts a robust and active real estate market, thanks in part to its desirable location and high quality of life. For the most current market trends, visit the Annapolis Real Estate Market Summary for real-time trends. What is the most expensive neighborhood in Annapolis? Annapolis is home to several upscale neighborhoods. The most prestigious and often the most expensive is the Historic District, known for its beautifully preserved colonial homes. Waterfront properties along the Chesapeake Bay also command high prices. What services does Stahley Thompson Homes provide to navigate the Annapolis real estate market? Stahley Thompson Homes provide a comprehensive suite of services to navigate the Annapolis real estate market. This includes buying and selling luxury properties, property management services, and personalized consultations with sellers. Our team leverages local expertise and the global reach of the Sotheby's Real Estate network to deliver exceptional results. Why should I choose Stahley Thompson Homes as my real estate agent in Annapolis? Choosing Stahley Thompson Homes means choosing a commitment to excellence, a passion for distinctive properties, and a team that believes in the power of local expertise and global reach. Our mission is to connect discerning individuals with extraordinary living experiences in Annapolis. Want to learn more? Contact one of our expert agents now.    

It was a record-breaking month for the iconic Sotheby's brand. In March, the brand achieved nearly 450 press mentions in top-tier media outlets, our brand was in the press nearly 14 times a day. This is a wonderful milestone for the brand and demonstrates its continued success and influence on global real estate markets. March 2023 was a record-breaking month for the iconic Sotheby's brand. Click to learn more.   To date, the Sotheby’s brand has secured articles for more than 115 affiliates from nearly 50 countries and territories. These articles highlight Sotheby's innovative products and services, as well as its commitment to providing exceptional experiences to its customers. The news coverage also highlights Sotheby’s unique partnerships with other luxury brands, such as fashion labels, jewelry designers, and art galleries. Through these collaborations, the brand can showcase its offerings on a global or local scale to reach new audiences. We are proud to be a part of an iconic real estate partner. As it continues its mission of offering exceptional experiences to customers around our local market, Sotheby’s is sure to remain among the most talked about luxury brands in 2023 and beyond.  

It seems as if we can't escape inflation right now, whether in our pocketbooks or in the headlines. To try to control inflation, the Federal Reserve (Fed) has begun to raise short-term interest rates. However, this doesn’t happen without creating an impact across the economy. We’ll go over how rising Fed interest rates affect home buyers and others. As real estate buyers, sellers, and investors navigate the tumultuous market created by the current economy, there is one factor that continues to dominate the conversation: The Federal Interest Rate. This number offers insight into how much money lenders can loan out and in turn affects your abilities to buy or sell a home, get mortgages, refinance loans, and more.  Understanding why this rate matters to you as a buyer/seller of real estate is essential – not only it helps inform decision-making but also provides an opportunity to better capitalize on potential profit opportunities. In this article, we’ll go over what exactly goes into setting the Federal Interest Rate and why understanding it should be at top of your mind for those making housing-related decisions. Why Did The Fed Raise Interest Rates? The Federal Reserve is facing a crucial challenge in attempting to keep long-term interest rates and inflation steady. With prices accelerating rapidly, the Fed's ability to influence them relies on its power over one thing: the federal funds rate. It remains to be seen how successful their efforts will be against this complex economic landscape. What we have going on across the globe is the confluence of three disruptors: Supply chain issues related to economic shutdowns caused by the pandemic, more money in the economy due to COVID-19-related stimulus, and sanctions and embargoes on Russian oil because of the war in Ukraine. As a means of controlling inflation, the U.S. central bank raises overnight borrowing rates between banks - known as the federal funds rate- making an impact on interest costs for all types of borrowers alike. Although increases may be small in percentage points, they can have significant implications when it comes to high loan amounts.When rates go up, they can do so more than once and often do. The federal funds rate has increased three times in 2022, rising 1.5% so far. This puts it in a range of 1.5% – 1.75%. The Fed must balance a desire to control inflation with the negative impacts it can have on the economy. The idea of these rate hikes is to make it more expensive for people to borrow money, which slows down spending. If demand drops, the theory goes, sellers will lower or keep a lid on prices until demand comes back. However, the other thing low-interest rates help with is business expansion. Low-interest rates are often key to business expansion, which in turn can contribute to maximum employment. When access to funds is made more attainable, businesses have greater opportunities for growth and the ability to hire more people - fueling a healthy economy. If rate increases occur too quickly, however, demand may decrease leading employers lay off workers resulting in an economic downturn that works against the Fed's objectives of creating conditions favorable job seekers nationwide. If people aren’t spending and they’re losing their jobs, this can lead directly to a recession. Although the economy tends to go in cycles, this is something every Fed chairperson wants to avoid. For this reason, while there’s theoretically no limit to how many times the Fed can raise rates, it’s a delicate balancing act. How Short-Term Interest Rates Are Determined Central banks play a critical role in determining short-term interest rates and creating economic stability. Through careful observation, governments craft policies to maintain appropriate levels of money supply within the economy – too much or too little can cause chaos with prices either soaring or crashing. This policy requires continuous monitoring for optimal results. If the monetary policymakers wish to decrease the money supply, they will raise the interest rate, making it more attractive to deposit funds and reduce borrowing from the central bank. Conversely, if the central bank wishes to increase the money supply, it will decrease the interest rate, which makes it more attractive to borrow and spend money. The federal funds rate is the rate banks charge each other for overnight loans. It also affects the prime rate—the rate banks charge their best customers, many of whom have the highest credit rating possible. How Long-Term Interest Rates are Determined Interest rates on mortgages and other loans don't necessarily have to adhere to the Fed Funds rate. Rather, their motions are dependent upon the demand for 10- or 30-year Treasury notes released by the US Treasury Department during auctions - lower demands result in higher interest yields, while high demands can take them down a notch. If you have a long-term fixed-rate mortgage, car loan, student loan, or any similar non-revolving consumer credit product, this is where it falls. Some credit card annual percentage rates are also affected by these notes. These rates are generally lower than most revolving credit products but are higher than the prime rate. How The Federal Reserve Affects Home Buyers When the Federal Reserve raises the federal funds rate, it tends to lead to higher interest rates across the economy. Mortgage rates are no exception. Let’s take the next few sections to see how this rate increases impact buyers, sellers, and homeowners looking to refinance. Although mortgage rates and the federal funds rate aren’t directly correlated, they do tend to follow the same general direction. Therefore, a higher federal funds rate means higher mortgage rates for buyers. This has several effects: ‣ You wind up qualifying for a lower loan amount. The amount of preapproval from lenders is based on both your down payment and the monthly payment you can afford based on your debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Because your monthly payment is higher, you’ll have a lower loan amount you can handle. This could particularly impact first-time buyers because they don’t have the money from the sale of a home to offset a lower loan amount with a higher down payment. ‣ You may have difficulty finding homes in your price range. As rates rise, sellers typically end up not raising prices and may even lower them if they don’t receive offers after a period, but it’s important to realize that this may not happen right away. Right now, there’s not enough inventory on the housing market to keep up with supply, particularly when it comes to existing homes. For this reason, pent-up demand could sustain higher prices for quite a while. Some buyers may be temporarily priced out of the market. ‣ Higher rates mean higher mortgage payments. This would mean spending a bigger chunk of your monthly budget on your house. ‣ You should carefully weigh buying vs. renting. Typically, with property values going up as fast as they are, the cost of rent goes up faster than mortgage payments, even with higher rates. However, every market is different, so it doesn’t hurt to do the math for your area. How The Federal Reserve Affects Home Sellers If you’re looking to sell your home, you may feel now is the time given that home prices have risen 21.23% this year, according to the Case-Shiller 20-city index at the time of this writing. As rates go up, there are several things you need to consider: ‣ There may be fewer interested buyers. Higher rates mean more people could be priced out of the current market. Because of this, it could take longer for offers to roll in on your home and you may have to wait a while for it to sell. ‣ You might have a harder time finding a new home. One of the things that make your home so desirable and drive home prices up as a seller is the fact that there are so few options on the market. What you need to realize is that even if you make a bundle on your home, you could end up spending a lot more to find another house. You would also be doing so at a higher interest rate. ‣ Your home may not sell for as much. This is the part that’s hardest to predict because inventory is so limited that prices will remain high in many areas for longer than they normally would in a rising-rate environment. However, at some point, the frenzy for housing will end. When that happens, you might have to lower your price to get offers.   But wait, what does it mean for current Homeowners? If you're a homeowner, the way you are affected by the federal funds rate increase depends on the type of mortgage you have and what your goals are. Let's run through three different scenarios.If you have a fixed-rate mortgage and you do nothing with it, your rate won’t change at all. In fact, the only thing that can change your payment is a fluctuation in taxes and insurance. If you have an adjustable-rate mortgage, chances are pretty good that your rate will be going up if the rate is due for an adjustment. Of course, whether this happens and by how much is dependent on caps in your mortgage contract and how far your current rate is from market rates when the adjustment takes place. If you’re looking at refinancing, you should know that if you’ve taken out a new mortgage at any time in the last several years, you probably won’t be getting a lower rate. However, one thing to keep top of mind in this type of market is that years of rising prices mean that many people have a lot of equity. This could work to your advantage in debt consolidation, for example. When the Federal Reserve raises the federal funds rate, interest rates tend to go up everywhere. While no one likes higher mortgage rates, they’ll always be lower than the interest rate you could get on a credit card. Debt consolidation could allow you to roll high-interest debt into your mortgage and pay it off at a much lower rate. What Current Home Buyers Should Do Now Life's circumstances can sometimes compel us to make quick decisions about buying a home, even if the market doesn't seem favorable. Whether it be an ever-growing family or career opportunities that demand relocation, we may find ourselves needing more space and investing in property despite external conditions. You shouldn’t despair just because rates are on the rise if you’re a home buyer. There are several things you can do to make sure you’re prepared to meet any challenge the housing market can throw at you. Get Your Finances in Order by Paying down existing debt. DTI is the key metric that lenders look at when determining what you can afford for a monthly payment. It’s a direct function of your income compared to the amount you spend every month making required debt payments. Neither is easy, but it can be easier to pay off debts than miraculously start making more money. If you’re trying to make the most impact on your DTI, pay off the debts with the biggest monthly payments first. If you are further out from buying a home, you may opt to pay off the debts with the highest interest rates first. Improve your credit score. Your credit score is often a reflection of your financial responsibility, as lenders use it to gauge how well you manage debt. The higher the number, the better - which can be achieved by making consistent and timely payments on debts and using less-than-30% utilization for any revolving lines of credit.Build your savings for a down payment. Building your savings for a down payment can be the difference between an optimal interest rate and one that could cause you to lose valuable funds. Establishing larger amounts of equity in the form of a higher initial down payment goes far in reducing lender risk, resulting in a lower interest rate. Look for ways to trim your budget. Finding small ways to cut back can make it easier to pay down existing debts as we discussed above and save for your down payment.  What To Remember if You are Looking to Buy or Sell a Home  The Federal Reserve increases the federal funds rate in order to try to get inflation under control. Although not directly correlated with higher mortgage rates, they do tend to move in the same direction. If you’re an existing homeowner, whether this impacts you depends on the type of mortgage you have. Those with a fixed rate need not worry. If your ARM is scheduled to adjust, the rate is probably going up. If you’re a home buyer, rising rates have a negative impact on how much you can afford. The good news is that home prices tend to go down as rates rise. The bad news is that it may not happen as quickly this time around because there’s an acute shortage of inventory. The other important thing to keep in mind is that mortgage rates don’t exist in a vacuum. If they’re going up, so is every other consumer interest rate. This could make now a good time to do a debt consolidation by using your home equity to pull cash out.    

As you prepare for the year ahead, Stahley Thompson Homes of TTR Sotheby’s International Realty is here to guide your journey through an ever-evolving real estate landscape. This 2023 Real Estate Outlook offers insight into navigating this dynamic market with confidence and success. Despite expectations of declining prices based on market trends, luxury home values remained consistent in 2022. This fascinating trend suggests that the current housing landscape is being shaped by factors other than cost and availability alone. There are numerous factors that have led to resilient price performance in the market. First, the world’s seen a surge in wealth creation in recent years and the affluent still have more money to spend. Many luxury purchases are made in cash, so the high-end sector remains somewhat insulated from interest-rate fluctuations. As a result of the changes brought by Covid-19, more and more individuals are investing time in creating an inspirational living space – with home life taking center stage even as restrictions have eased. This has become an essential aspect of many people's lifestyles that is here to stay. What that means is luxury homeowners can rationalize the expenses of owning multiple properties since they are spending more time in them and are therefore less likely to put them up for sale. As such, inventory continues to be low coupled with an undersupply of new construction. Fannie Mae’s November 2022 forecast predicted that home sales will decline but begin to rebound in 2024. Fannie Mae economists also believe mortgage rates will steadily fall, but likely not drop below 6% any time soon. Despite this, we have remained busy brokering deals for our clients, many of whom are looking to make opportunistic investments during a fluctuating market.   2023 will be the year of trends beyond the real estate sector, from sustainable luxury items to record-breaking auction sales to luxury goods investments. Now more than ever, we know that the affluent want to spend their equity wisely, and we’re here to help them do just that. The biggest issue to watch across the real estate market in 2023 is inventory, especially in dynamic markets like ours in Annapolis and Washington D.C. In some cases, there’s only a one-month supply, whereas six months is considered equilibrium. This lack of new inventory in the upper end of the market is overshadowing concerns about inflation and higher interest rates. Keep in mind that there is a correlation between the high-end real estate sector and the stock market. High-interest rates often affect corporate earnings and as a result, the stock market. In Silicon Valley, for example, a lot of tech start-ups aren’t performing well, so people are not buying as much at the top. One question we are often asked is could the luxury market be insulated from some of the slowdown in the overall market? In our view, the luxury market has always led us out of difficult cycles and down markets. The higher-end market tends to be insulated. Buyers are still engaged and asking agents to tell them when something interesting comes on the market so they can act quickly if needed. There’s a bit of a divide between sellers and buyers. Home sellers want those multiple bids of the past two years, and buyers are seeing the stock market’s challenges and want a good deal. Fannie Mae projects home price declines of 1.5% in 2023, however, pricing is not an exact science. 2023 will see several factors affecting the general and high-end market. Interest rates impact everything in one way or another, especially confidence in the market. Inventory is another factor. There likely won't be a significant unlocking of supply since few sellers will let go of their properties, creating a lock-in effect. Yet the structure of the overall housing market is very different today from previous years due to an overwhelming number of mortgages that have a fixed rate versus previous years where many had adjustable rates. In terms of new construction, builders were proactive following the pandemic by building single-family homes. In fact, single-family renters have become another pillar of housing. However, building houses is hard, too, because of supply-chain issues and materials affordability. These factors may affect the second-home market. It’s nothing to be alarmed about, but it can be a shock to the system because 2021 was such a historic year for real estate. If you are interested in discussing how these trends may impact your city or potential transaction, contact one of our real estate advisors today.