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Lynne Watanabe MacFarlane, Realtor
Intero | Berkshire Hathaway affiliate
Silicon Valley & Santa Cruz Bay
Local Knowledge With Global Reach
www.LynneMacFarlane.com
(408) 800-1141
LMACFARLANE @ Intero.com
House Hunter Silicon Valley •
February 8, 2023
Investor Special! New Listing in Sacramento! 3 Bed, 2 BA & Huge Lot | Lynne MacFarlane Homes
Join Us This Weekend – Open House!
1717 Urbana Way Sacramento, CA
Saturday Feb 11, 1PM – 4PM
Sunday Feb 12, 1PM – 4PM
Incredible investor opportunity! Desirable S Natomas/ Sacramento single family home with huge lot is ready to call it your home. This single story 3 bedroom, 2 full bath home needs TLC, but many features to appreciate; high vaulted ceiling, detached 2 car garage on a quiet residential cul-de-sac and easy commute routes. Expansive backyard to (Cal SB 9) lot split and build ADU / Granny unit to become instant rental or join the multi-generational housing trend. Easy routes to commute to downtown, shopping, farmers market, parks and bicycling. Build “sweat equity” while living in the home. Property, pest and roof reports and ADU plans are in disclosures. Don’t wait to miss this fantastic home at low condo prices! Welcome Home
LYNNE MACFARLANE, MCDM, SRES, SRS | Realtor DRE # 0266698
Prof. Fiduciary Assoc. of California, Silicon Valley chapter affiliate
Intero Real Estate, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate
Silicon Valley and Beyond the Bay Area
408-800-1141 | 831-346-2743
Articles • Buyers • Housing Market • Mortgage Rates • Real Estate •
December 7, 2022
Key Advantages of Buying a Home Today | Lynne MacFarlane Real Estate Blog
Key Advantages of Buying a Home Today
There’s no doubt buying a home today is different than it was over the past couple of years, and the shift in the market has led to advantages for buyers today. Right now, there are specific reasons that make this housing market attractive for those who’ve thought about buying but have sidelined their search due to rising mortgage rates.
Buying a home in any market is a personal decision, and the best way to make that decision is to educate yourself on the facts, not following sensationalized headlines in the news today. The reality is, headlines do more to terrify people thinking about buying a home than they do to clarify what’s actually going on with real estate.
Here are three reasons potential homebuyers should consider buying a home today.
1. More Homes Are for Sale Right Now
According to data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), this year, the supply of homes for sale has grown significantly compared to where we started the year (see graph below):
This growth has happened for two reasons: homeowners listing their homes for sale and homes staying on the market a bit longer as buyer demand has moderated in response to higher mortgage rates.
The good news for you is that more inventory means more homes to choose from. And when there are more homes on the market, you could also see less competition from other buyers because the peak frenzy of competing over the same home has eased too.
2. Home Prices Are Not Projected To Crash
Experts don’t believe home prices will crash like they did in 2008. Instead, home prices will moderate at various levels depending on the local market and the factors, like supply and demand, at play in that area. That’s why some experts are calling for slight appreciation and others are calling for slight depreciation (see graph below):
If you consider the big picture and average the expert forecasts for 2023 together, the expectation is for relatively flat or neutral price appreciation next year. So, if you’re worried about buying a home because you’re afraid home prices will crash like they did in 2008, rest assured that’s not what expert projections tell us.
3. Mortgage Rates Have Risen, but They Will Come Down
While mortgage rates have risen dramatically this year, the rapid increases we’ve seen have moderated in recent weeks as early signs hint that inflation may be easing slightly. Where they’ll go from here largely depends on what happens next with inflation. If inflation does truly begin to cool, mortgage rates may come down as a result.
When that happens, expect more buyers to jump back into the market. For you, that means you’ll once again face more competition. Buying your house now before more buyers reenter the market could help you get one step ahead. As Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for NAR, says:
“The upcoming months should see a return of buyers, as mortgage rates appear to have already peaked and have been coming down since mid-November.”
When mortgage rates come down, those waiting on the sidelines will jump back in. Your advantage is getting in before they do.
Bottom Line
If you’re thinking about buying a home, you should seriously consider the advantages today’s market offers. Let’s connect so you can make the dream of homeownership a reality.
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Lynne Watanabe MacFarlane, MCDM, SRES, SRS | Realtor Professional Fiduciary Association of California, Silicon Valley affiliate Intero Real Estate Services, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate
(408) 800-1141 (831) 346-2743 LMACFARLANE@INTERO.COM
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Building Wealth • Economy • Homeowners • Inherited property • investors • Luxury • Market Report • Real Estate • Sellers • Sellers Market • seniors • Vacation Property • Wealth •
August 26, 2022
5 Questions You Should Ask As A Luxury Buyer – MacFarlane Homes Blog
1. WHY ARE YOU BUYING AND WHY NOW?
Perhaps the most basic and essential question to ask if you’re a buyer in today’s market is why are your buying and why now? Regardless of what you know from research, data, or experience — this question will help me as your real estate advisor so I may gauge your reasons for buying a home, your specific needs, and what your expectations are during this process.
Do you have plans to live on the property full time, or are you looking for more of a second home/vacation home? Some buyers may also just be looking for an investment property that they can rent out to bring in some additional income. Will you need to rent it and if so are there any AirBnB restrictions in the chosen area. Regardless of your exact reasoning, finding out the “why” behind the purchase can help us understand what you’re searching for homes that meet your specific criteria. I will send you my home buyer questionnaire in advance so all parties can discuss their goals to find the right property.
2. WHAT’S YOUR BUDGET?
While some may consider this a private question, the reality is that we need to be sure that all our clients can realistically afford the homes we will be shopping for before starting the process. This is especially important in today’s market where luxury homes sell for unprecedented amounts and sometimes much higher than original asking price. Each market and price points are currently undergoing a market shift, but as your trusted advisor, I feel it’s best to present the reality of a volatile seller’s market and determine if the ROI is worth the investment.
Helping affluent clients figure out how much home they can afford means looking at other aspects of one’s personal finances. While real estate professionals are certainly not financial advisors, it is perfectly common and accepted for you to ask for a mortgage pre-approval letter during an initial meeting. This demonstrates that the buyers have been pre-approved for a mortgage and are serious about their intent to buy. At Intero we offer as part of our concierge services a complimentary referral consultation with our partners at Summitry Wealth Advisors.
3. WHAT’S YOUR MOVING TIMEFRAME?
The next important step is to determine a buyer’s move-in timeline. Those who urgently need to find a property due to job relocation or pressing life circumstances (aging parents, a desired quick divorce resolution) might have fewer options. In contrast, buyers with a flexible timeline will have more opportunities to find properties that match their needs.
4. ARE YOU INTERESTED IN OTHER MARKETS?
Out-of-market purchases are not uncommon, especially for affluent buyers looking for their second home or investment properties. Do let me know if there are other areas of interest (local or out of state or international) Intero / Berkshire Hathaway has an international presence and our relocation department . However, it’s also good to discuss about other markets and lifestyle passions to present some lesser-known markets clients haven’t considered. I would be most happy to provide current researched data and market reports to explore new opportunities.
5. ARE YOU OPEN TO BUILDING OR A FIXER-UPPER?
Despite the growing labor and raw material costs to build a house from scratch, it might be worth the investment if luxury buyers can’t find anything desirable on the market. Building a custom home on an lot requires experience of asking the right questions whether if the lot is buildable. Dealing with the possibly geo-engineers (for perc tests for septic and well water availability and utilities) there are many considerations and also deciding what’s best use for the lot. Alternatively, they can opt to buy an older home that needs refurbishment, which might cut down starting cost while also allowing customization of your dream home.
Here’s an ideal lot in Bennett Valley Santa Rosa wine country on a private established paved road.
– Warehill Road Santa Rosa –
Ask me for more details
Lynne MacFarlane, Realtor
MCDM, SRES, SRS | DRE # 02066698
Intero | Berkshire Hathaway affiliate
(408) 800-1141
LMACFARLANE@INTERO.COM
Homeowners • Real Estate • Retirement • SANTA CLARA COUNTY • Sellers • seniors • SRES • Wealth •
August 19, 2022
Planning To Retire? Your Equity Can Help You Reach Your Goal – Lynne MacFarlane Realtor Blog
Planning To Retire? Your Equity Can Help You Reach Your Goal
Whether you’ve just retired or you’re thinking about retirement, you may be considering your options and trying to picture a whole new stage of your life. And you’re not alone. Research from the Retirement Industry Trust Association (RITA) shows 10,000 Baby Boomers reach the typical retirement age (65) every day, and only 47% of the people in that generation have already retired.
If this sounds like you, one thing worth considering is whether or not your current home will suit your new lifestyle. If your home doesn’t have the features or benefits you’re looking for, the good news is, you may be in a better position to move than you realize.
That’s because, if you already own a home, you’ve likely built-up significant equity, and that can help you fuel your next move. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR):
“A homeowner who purchased a typical home five years ago would have gained $125,300 from just price appreciation alone.”
In fact, over the last twelve months, CoreLogic reports the average homeowner in the United States gained roughly $64,000 in equity due to home price appreciation.
You can use your equity to help you achieve your homeownership goals. Whether you want to downsize, move closer to loved ones, or buy a home in a dream destination, your equity can help get you there. It may be some (if not all) of what you’d need as your down payment on a home that better fits your changing needs.
To find out how much equity to have in your home, reach out to a trusted real estate professional today.
Bottom Line
Retirement is a big step and so is buying or selling a home. As you move into this new phase of life, let’s connect so you have an expert to guide you through the process as you sell your current home and give you expert advice as you buy one that’ll better suit your needs.
Lynne Watanabe MacFarlane
Senior Real Estate Specialist | Seller Representative Specialist
Master Communication Digital Media/Marketing – Univ. of Washington
Intero | Berkshire Hathaway affiliate
408-800-1141
831-346-2743
LMACFARLANE@INTERO.COM
Economy • Homeowners • Housing Market • Real Estate • Sellers • Tax • Wealth •
August 9, 2022
3 Graphs To Show This Isn’t a Housing Bubble – Lynne MacFarlane Realtor Blog
With all the headlines and buzz in the media, some consumers believe the market is in a housing bubble. As the housing market shifts, you may be wondering what’ll happen next. It’s only natural for concerns to creep in that it could be a repeat of what took place in 2008. The good news is, there’s concrete data to show why this is nothing like the last time.
There’s a Shortage of Homes on the Market Today, Not a Surplus
The supply of inventory needed to sustain a normal real estate market is approximately six months. Anything more than that is an overabundance and will causes prices to depreciate. Anything less than that is a shortage and will lead to continued price appreciation.
For historical context, there were too many homes for sale during the housing crisis (many of which were short sales and foreclosures), and that caused prices to tumble. Today, supply is growing, but there’s still a shortage of inventory available.
The graph below uses data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) to show how this time compares to the crash. Today, unsold inventory sits at just a 3.0-months’ supply at the current sales pace.
One of the reasons inventory is still low is because of sustained underbuilding. When you couple that with ongoing buyer demand as millennials age into their peak homebuying years, it continues to put upward pressure on home prices. That limited supply compared to buyer demand is why experts forecast home prices won’t fall this time.
Mortgage Standards Were Much More Relaxed During the Crash
During the lead-up to the housing crisis, it was much easier to get a home loan than it is today. The graph below showcases data on the Mortgage Credit Availability Index (MCAI) from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA). The higher the number, the easier it is to get a mortgage.
Running up to 2006, banks were creating artificial demand by lowering lending standards and making it easy for just about anyone to qualify for a home loan or refinance their current home. Back then, lending institutions took on much greater risk in both the person and the mortgage products offered. That led to mass defaults, foreclosures, and falling prices.
Today, things are different, and purchasers face much higher standards from mortgage companies. Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American, says:
“Credit standards tightened in recent months due to increasing economic uncertainty and monetary policy tightening.”
Stricter standards, like there are today, help prevent a risk of a rash of foreclosures like there was last time.
The Foreclosure Volume Is Nothing Like It Was During the Crash
The most obvious difference is the number of homeowners that were facing foreclosure after the housing bubble burst. Foreclosure activity has been on the way down since the crash because buyers today are more qualified and less likely to default on their loans. The graph below uses data from ATTOM Data Solutions to help tell the story:
In addition, homeowners today are equity rich, not tapped out. In the run-up to the housing bubble, some homeowners were using their homes as personal ATMs. Many immediately withdrew their equity once it built up. When home values began to fall, some homeowners found themselves in a negative equity situation where the amount they owed on their mortgage was greater than the value of their home. Some of those households decided to walk away from their homes, and that led to a wave of distressed property listings (foreclosures and short sales), which sold at considerable discounts that lowered the value of other homes in the area.
Today, prices have risen nicely over the last few years, and that’s given homeowners an equity boost. According to Black Knight:
“In total, mortgage holders gained $2.8 trillion in tappable equity over the past 12 months – a 34% increase that equates to more than $207,000 in equity available per borrower. . . .”
With the average home equity now standing at $207,000, homeowners are in a completely different position this time.
Bottom Line
If you’re worried we’re making the same mistakes that led to the housing crash, the graphs above should help alleviate your concerns. Concrete data and expert insights clearly show why this is nothing like the last time.
Call me if you have any questions
or email me at Lynne@LynneMacFarlane.com
Lynne Watanabe MacFarlane, Realtor
Intero, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate
408-800-114- Silicon Valley / Bay Area
831-346-2743 Santa Cruz County / Monterey Bay
Homeowners • Wealth •
August 9, 2022
Wealth Tips Real Estate: How Homeownership Can Shield You From Inflation – Lynne MacFarlane, Realtor
Don’t let inflation delay your homebuying plans.
Let’s connect so you can start the process today.
Lynne Watanabe MacFarlane, Realtor
MCDM, SRES, SRS | DRE 2066698
Intero, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate Professional Fiduciary Affiliate, SiliconValley
408-800-1141 Bay Area
831-346-2743 Santa Cruz Co
Lmacfarlane@Intero.com
I’m local with global reach
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If you have any questions, I’m here to assist you with the next transition in your life helping families get to where they want to be with my fantastic concierge network. Thank you for your consideration!
Buyers • multigenerational • seniors •
May 20, 2022
What Is Multigenerational Housing
Some Highlights
- If you have additional loved ones coming to live with you but don’t have enough space, it may be time to consider a larger, multigenerational home.
- Some key benefits of multigenerational living include a combined homebuying budget, shared caregiving duties, enhanced relationships, and more. These benefits might be why more people are choosing to live in multigenerational homes today.
Let me know if you’re interested in finding a house that meets your changing needs and has plenty of space for you and your loved ones.
SAN MATEO COUNTY • SANTA CLARA COUNTY • Santa Cruz County •
February 19, 2022
The #1 Home Value Site Online
Besides Zillow, there are numerous sites that give you an instant value of your home. There are also two other respected sites that I use frequently. In order to find out the #1 home valuation site online, I’m asking for your help to let me know which site, in your opinion, comes closest to your actual home value. Please let me know which one you think is MOST accurate.
Click below to get 3 Instant Home Values.
Don’t worry, you don’t need to register to get the instant value!
3 Instant Home Values on Any Home (no registration): https://intero.findbuyers.com/lmacfarlane@Intero.com
MONTEREY COUNTY • Pacific Grove • Vacation Property • Video •
January 3, 2022
Pacific Grove – Lovers Point Walk, A Local Treasure [Video]
~Happy New Year!~
Sending good wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous new year! As you chase new heights in 2022, don’t forget to set some time aside for rest, relaxation and family!
Today we spent the afternoon on one of our favorite walks in Monterey Bay; We wanted to start the new year right by being inspired by strolling Pacific Grove, starting at Lovers Point (pretty romantic name, right?)
Here’s the route we walked with HoHo (she kept up mostly, while I struggled climbing the rocks at Lovers Point Park!) 
Explore the world class walk that Pacific Grove’s Lovers Point Park inspires to tourists and locals!
Pacific Grove is a quaint little seaside community in Monterey Bay. Lovers Point is the perfect destination with rocky outcroppings for children, young and old to climb and explore. See the tide pools, ground squirrels, seagulls, humming birds, otters, sail boats and tours have fun climbing the rocks and enjoy the views!
After exploring Lovers Point Park, walk west on Ocean View Blvd, go south on Asilomar Ave and east on Lighthouse Ave Sights you’ll see on this walk…
- Point Pinos Lighthouse – http://www.pointpinoslighthouse.org/
- Lucy’s On The Lighthouse – https://www.lucyspg.com/
- 1120 LIGHTHOUSE AVE. PACIFIC GROVE
- Outdoor, casual seating
- Pet Friendly, several well behaved doggos sitting in their patios
- Serving Illy’s espresso
- Order their delicious crispy brussels sprout dish drizzled with balsamic reduction, tasty!
Interested in homes in Pacific Grove? Let me know if you have any real estate interest in buying, selling, or investing in the Monterey Bay or Silicon Valley / SF Bay Area. As you can imagine, Covid has completely changed what’s important to home owners, wouldn’t you agree? If you would like to sell, I will be willing to meet you and share exactly what we could do, my team and I, to get it done. Give me a call!
LYNNE WATANABE MACFARLANE, MCDM, SRES, SRS | Realtor
PFAC Silicon Valley affiliate
Intero | A Berkshire Hathaway Affiliate
phone 408.800.1141 or 831.346.2743
DRE# 02066698
LMACFARLANE @ INTERO.COM
