Pony 4 Precious: Where Compassion Meets Connection for a Life-Changing Experience

The angst caused by the coronavirus has most people on edge regarding both their health and financial situations states Mike Eastwood Chief Executive Officer of West USA Realty of Prescott. It’s at times like these when we want exact information about anything we’re doing – even the correct protocol for grocery shopping. That information brings knowledge, and this gives us a sense of relief and comfort. If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home today, the same need for information is very real. But, because it’s such a big step in our lives, that desire for clear information is even greater in the home buying or selling process. Given the current level of overall anxiety, we want that advice to be truly perfect. The challenge is, no one can give you “perfect” advice. Experts can, however, give you the best advice possible. Let’s say you need an attorney, so you seek out an expert in the type of law required for your case. When you go to her office, she won’t immediately tel...

The  2020 Millennial Home Buyer Report  shows how this generation is not really any different from previous ones when it comes to homeownership goals: “The majority of millennials not only want to own a home, but 84% of millennials in 2019 considered it a major part of the American Dream.” Unfortunately, the myths surrounding the barriers to homeownership – especially those related to down payments and FICO® scores – might be keeping many buyers out of the arena. The piece also reveals: “Millennials have to navigate a lot of obstacles to be able to own a home. According to our 2020 survey, saving for a down payment is the biggest barrier for 50% of millennials.” Millennial or not, unpacking two of the biggest myths that may be standing in the way of homeownership among all generations is a great place to start the debunking process. Myth #1: “I Need a 20% Down Payment” Many buyers often overestimate what they need to qualify for a home loan. According to the s...

With all of the havoc being caused by COVID-19, many are concerned we may see a new wave of foreclosures. Restaurants, airlines, hotels, and many other industries are furloughing workers or dramatically cutting their hours. Without a job, many homeowners are wondering how they’ll be able to afford their mortgage payments states Mike Eastwood Chief executive officer of West USA Realty of Prescott. In spite of this, there are actually many reasons we won’t see a surge in the number of foreclosures like we did during the housing crash over ten years ago. Here are just a few of those reasons: The Government Learned its Lesson the Last Time During the previous housing crash, the government was slow to recognize the challenges homeowners were having and waited too long to grant relief. Today, action is being taken swiftly. Just this week: The  Federal Housing Administration  indicated it is  enacting  an  “immediate foreclosure and eviction moratorium for sin...

In times of uncertainty, one of the best things we can do to ease our fears is to educate ourselves with research facts and data states Mike Eastwood Chief Executive officer of West USA Realty of Prescott, Digging into past experiences by reviewing historical trends and understanding the peaks and valleys of what’s come before us is one of the many ways we can confidently evaluate any situation. With concerns of a global recession on everyone’s minds today, it’s important to take an objective look at what has transpired over the years and how the housing market has successfully weathered these storms. 1. The Market Today Is Vastly Different from 2008 We all remember in 2008.  This is not 2008 . Today’s market conditions are far from the time when housing was a key factor that triggered a recession. From easy-to-access mortgages to skyrocketing home price appreciation, a surplus of inventory, excessive equity-tapping, and more – we’re not where we were 12 years ago. None of tho...

Mike Eastwood Cheif Executive officer of West USA Realty of Prescott states with all of the volatility in the stock market and uncertainty about the Coronavirus (COVID-19), some are concerned we may be headed for another housing crash like the one we experienced from 2006-2008. The feeling is understandable. Ali Wolf,  Director of Economic Research  at the real estate consulting firm  Meyers Research , addressed this point in a  recent interview : “With people having PTSD from the last time, they’re still afraid of buying at the wrong time.” There are many reasons, however, indicating this real estate market is nothing like 2008. Here are five visuals to show dramatic differences. 1. Mortgage standards are nothing like they were back then. During the housing bubble, it was difficult NOT to get a mortgage. Today, it is tough to qualify. The  Mortgage Bankers’ Association  releases a  Mortgage Credit Availability Index  which is  “a ...

The residential real estate market has come roaring out of the gates in 2020. Compared to this time last year states Mike Eastwood Cheif Executive Officer of West USA Realty of Prescott. The number of buyers looking for a home is  up 20% , and the number of home sales is  up by almost 10% . The increase in purchasing activity has caused home price appreciation to begin reaccelerating. Many analysts have boosted their projections for price appreciation this year. West USA Realty of Prescott in the first two months is up 40% more transactions over the first two months in 2019. Whenever home prices begin to increase, there’s an immediate concern about how that will impact the ability Americans have to purchase a home. That thinking is understandable. We must, however, realize that price is not the only element to the affordability equation. Mark Fleming,  Chief Economist  at  First American , recently  explained : “When demand increases for a scarce (lim...