Q1 2024 — Houses By Sarah Schisler

News from Sarah Schisler

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I hope you are doing well! The first few months of the year have flown by, and the real estate market is still deciding what it is going to do this year. We hosted a Grand Opening at our new office in January! If you haven't had the opportunity to visit yet, I invite you to come in and tour our newly designed space just off Piedmont Ave! 1865 Pleasant Valley Avenue, Suite A Oakland, CA 94611

Over the past few months we have been busy: preparing homes to go on the market, hosting open houses, helping clients decide whether it's the right home for them, and writing offers. Some homes are still receiving multiple offers. However, more properties than ever before—in my real estate career—have been sitting longer. I would love to connect with you about the market, share insights, and discuss the trends shaping our local market as we head into the spring season.

I have appreciated the many people who have reached out about the recent NAR settlement agreement. This past week, I have participated in our office and national association video calls, and read a lot of news, as I'm sure many of you have too. As of writing this, what I know so far is that a settlement agreement has been reached, but nothing has been approved by the court yet. We know there will be quite a few changes taking place in the near future all across the country.

As always, I will embrace the changes and conversations that lie ahead. I have built my career around ensuring my clients understand complex information so they are able to make the most informed and wise decisions during their purchase or sale. I will continue to take my role as a fiduciary very seriously while helping clients navigate one of the largest financial decisions most will ever make. This has always been the role I hold most dearly. If you have any questions, please reach out. I would love to hear your thoughts and chat with you about the most recent updates and what to expect in the upcoming months. I look forward to talking with you soon!

Check out these photos from our recent office celebration!

Market Update

Most would agree that the higher interest rate is one of the significant factors driving the real estate market today. It's hard to believe that the Fed only began raising rates 2 years ago and how impactful that has been.

Mortgage rates averaged 6.82% during the week ending April 4, up 3 basis points from the previous week. That level matches March’s monthly average; in February, the rate averaged 6.78%. Over the last 52 weeks, the mortgage rate averaged 6.91%, reaching a high of 7.79% in late October and hitting its 6.27% low point 51 weeks ago, on April 13, 2023. The rate quoted is the average of 30-year fixed-rate conforming mortgages submitted to Freddie Mac.¹

The next Fed meeting will be in May. The Fed has indicated they may lower interest rates later this year, but we will see.

*The Fed Funds Rate is the interest rate for overnight borrowing for banks and it is not the same as mortgage rates.

Source: Analysis from Wells Fargo Economics Group “Mortgage Market Survey Archive,” Freddie Mac, April 4, 2024.www.freddiemac.com/pmms/.

If you would like a detailed Real Estate Market Analysis in your city or area, or are curious about your homes value, click the button below!

Email Sarah to Request Your Custom Analysis

Helpful Financing Hacks:

Have you considered buying a new primary home before selling your current home? People are often surprised by the complexities of financing a new home purchase while still carrying the mortgage on their current home. Often financing one's first home purchase can feel more straightforward. That being said, it's helpful to have these conversations in advance and pull in an experienced lender or mortgage broker to ensure you weigh all your options and figure out the best financing plan for your situation.

When you already own the home you live in, most lenders include the mortgage payment for your current home when determining your ability to finance a new home. To provide you with more insight, I asked my long-time mortgage advisor and friend, Jon Dunckel of Homeowners Financial Group to share his perspective: "A Bridge Financing program empowers you to access equity from your current home to purchase a new home with no monthly payments on the bridge financing for a period of time. You will feel more comfortable submitting an offer and will gain an advantage in a competitive offer situation by being fully underwritten in advance and having the option of making a stronger and cleaner offer on your next property!"

In addition to bridge financing, there are other loan options too. Reach out to Jon Dunckel (by clicking the button below) to discuss the best loan options for your situation.

Contact Jon For More Info

SUCCULENT OBSESSION

You may already know about the succulent obsession I have developed over the years. Not only do I enjoy the aesthetic appeal of these colorful, low-maintenance plants, but I have also been lending out some of my arrangements to enhance the beauty at some of my listings. Small details can help people truly connect with a space. Are you just getting started decorating your new home? I would love to share a piece of my collection with you! Interested in learning how simple yet elegant plants can add beauty when listing your home? Let's dream together about what works best in your space! If you have your unique cuttings you are willing to share, please reach out! I love adding new succulents to my collection!

JUST LISTED

COMING SOON

Off-Market Opportunities? Click here to inquire!

Need A Vacation (Rental)?

Developing an investment property strategy with clients to meet their financial goals has been a very rewarding part of my business. Some clients decide they want to focus their search on purchasing a condo or multi-unit for rental income, while others make the decision to search for the perfect vacation home which can also be enjoyed and rented to guests when they aren't using it. If you are considering an investment in real estate, let's meet to discuss your goals and the various options. I'm happy to share insights and recommendations.

**We are planning to feature a vacation home managed by people we know in our newsletters.

If you have a vacation home you would like us to feature please reach out.

- Book our Featured Russian River Vacation Home -

Community ~ It takes a village!

Did you know Lake Merritt is the nation's first wildlife refuge? While the lake is home to many waterfowl and a hot spot for migratory bird species throughout the year, it is not a safe haven for unwanted domestic animals to be left. Thankfully regular lake visitors noticed the pair and helped relocate them to a nearby sanctuary. (Stay tuned for more up-to-date details.) Our community is filled with so many helpful and resourceful people.

Featured Local Business

Family & Personal Milestone Photographer! Laura is an incredible photographer who specializes in capturing the moments in our lives with an authentic angle. She has a beautiful eye when it comes to capturing the special milestones for you and your family. If you're looking for a photographer to capture your growing family, maternity, newborn, couples, or even considering new branding for your business, I highly recommend reaching out to Laura Jaeger! You won't be disappointed.

Check out our growing list of Featured Local Businesses by clicking the button below!

*Would you like us to feature your small local business?
Please reach out to learn about being a future "Featured Business."

Featured Favorite Local Businesses

As always, our team is here to be your real estate resource. If you or anyone you know is considering buying, selling, or investing in real estate we would love to help.

Even if you are just starting to dream about a new place or a possible investment property, let me help get you started. Let's dream together! I am here to offer my knowledge and advice through every step of the process!

Being a part of Keller Williams, one of the largest real estate brokerages in the country, makes it easier to help you and anyone you know find great agents anywhere in the country or even the world. I would love to help you vet them first!

Hope to talk with you soon!

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SARAH SCHISLER
REALTOR® DRE#01322781
(510) 390-1330
Sarah@HousesBySarah.com
www.HousesBySarah.com

Keller Williams VIP Properties
1865 Pleasant Valley Ave, Suite A | Oakland, CA 94611

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