Holiday time is here at last! This month’s newsletter (full newsletter here) includes an article on five New Year’s resolutions you can make around the home. I’ll take that over losing weight! If you’re excited about the holiday season and also want to keep it peaceful and stress-free, Deepak Chopra posted a helpful article on LinkedIn that will be sure to guide you toward accomplishing that goal. Click here for the article.

Lastly, there is so much news out there about the real estate market. Despite what you may see and hear on the news, there is great opportunity in buying and selling real estate. Inventory is at historic lows AND the average equity is 50% in homes. Homes are still trading over asking price, some in multiple offer situations AND 28% of purchases made in October were by first time home buyers. Foreclosures are down 90% from 2010, AND, historically, housing has remained strong during a recession (if that is where we are headed). In the new year, home prices are expected to remain strong, rates to be more “normal” (5-6% range), and homes will likely appreciate ~5% every year for the next few years. Also, there are some great loan products out there to help support buyers as they adjust to the new rate environment. I hope info helps your perspective on the real estate market, and I am always happy to discuss in more detail! I wish you love, peace, happiness, and good health this holiday season and in the new year!

Sources: REALTOR® Magazine, and Barry Habib: Rates, Real Estate, and Recession