January 2024

JANUARY NEWSLETTER2024 PREDICTIONS | INTEREST RATE DROPS | RECIPE OF THE MONTH

2024 REAL ESTATE PREDICTIONS

TOP THREE 2024 REAL ESTATE PREDICTIONS:

1. Mortgage rates will drop - After hitting a 25 year high in November 2023 (rates were over 8%), many economists predict rates will drop to the low to mid-6%'s by the end of 2024.2. Inventory will increase - Homeowners who have been characterized as being ‘locked in’ to low rates will increasingly find that changing family and financial circumstances will lead to more moves and more new listings over the course of the year, particularly as rates move closer to 6.5%.3. Home price gains will slow - The Home Price Expectation Survey (HPES) from Fannie Mae, a survey of over 100 economists, investment strategists, and housing market analysts, says:

“On average, the panel anticipates home price growth to clock in at 5.9% in 2023, to be followed by slower growth in 2024 and 2025 of 2.4 percent and 2.7 percent, respectively.”

Bottom Line

Experts are optimistic about what 2024 holds for the housing market. While 2024 may see more modest home price appreciation gains, experts forecast home price appreciation for the next five (5) years.

If you have a 2024 Resolution to buy or sell a home, to buy a second home, to buy an investment property, or to house hack, to please call me for a personalized, hands-on experience!

EXPERTS PREDICT 2024 RATE DROPS

• The Federal Reserve is poised to cut interest rates six times in 2024, ING Economics says.
• The interest-rate cuts would be in response to a slowing US economy.
• ING says cuts will start in the second quarter and extend well into 2025.

Those of us in the industry have been waiting and watching and holiding our breath. While no one really knows when interest rates will drop, ING is making a bold prediction that The Fed may cut rates up to 6 times in 2024.

"We have modest growth and cooling inflation and a cooling labour market — exactly what the Fed wants to see," ING's chief international economist, James Knightley, wrote. "This should confirm no need for any further Fed policy tightening, but the outlook is looking less and less favourable."

Knightley says he expects the Fed will start cutting interest rates in the second quarter of next year, delivering as many as six 25-basis-point rate cuts totaling 150 basis points. He also says he expects the interest-rate cuts to extend into 2025 with at least four 25-basis-point interest-rate cuts. Meanwhile, the futures market suggests the Fed will cut rates by 125 basis points next year.

Why are economists predicting a rate drop? Inflation is down from just under 10% to 3.7%.  And, while mortgage interest rates reached a 22 year high in November of 2023 at 8%, they dropped by about 3/4 of a point by the first week in December.

As inflation tempers and the economy slows, it's probable that interest rates drop in an effort to keep the economy moving.

What does this mean for you?

If you are considering selling a home in 2024, it likely means more offers at or above list price. If you are considering buying a home in 2024, it likely means you'll need to be prepared to compete with other buyers and will need a highly skilled agent who can ensure your offer gets accepted.RECIPE OF THE MONTH: HOMEMADE SOFT PRETZELS

A good friend and former client of mine makes these pretzels and swears by them. They're ideal for hosting or they pair well with soup or a hearty salad. Make this beer cheese dip for the ultimate indulgence!INGREDIENTS (Makes 10)

• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 pkg. (¼ ounce) active dry yeast (2¼ teaspoons)
• 1½ cups warm water
• 4½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons sea salt
• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil or canola oil, more for brushing
• Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling

For the poaching water

• 6 cups water
• 2 tablespoons baking soda

DIRECTIONS:

• Prepare the pretzel dough: In a small bowl, combine the maple syrup, yeast, and water and proof for 5 minutes or until foamy.
• In the bowl of a mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment, place the flour, salt, olive oil, and the yeast mixture. Mix on medium-low speed for 5 to 6 minutes, until the dough is well-formed around the hook. If the dough is very dry after 3 minutes, add 1 tablespoon of water.
• Transfer the dough to a clean lightly floured work surface and gently knead to form into a ball. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. Brush a large bowl with ½ teaspoon of olive oil and place the dough inside. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside in a warm spot for 60 to 90 minutes, until the dough is almost doubled in size.
• Preheat the oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Turn the dough out onto a clean (not floured) work surface and divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll one piece of dough into an 18-inch rope. Grab the ends of the dough rope to make a U shape. Cross one of the ends of the rope over the other, leaving a wide loop of dough below them. Then, wrap the dough ends around each other again to create the pretzel's twist. Fold the twist towards you, into the center of the dough loop, to make a pretzel shape. (See step-by-step photos above). Place it onto the baking sheet and repeat with the remaining dough.

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OUR PROMISE TO OUR CLIENTS

This could be one of the largest and most important financial decisions you will make in your lifetime, and you deserve an experienced partner that understands the intricacies of Colorado real estate.

We promise to always keep you informed about the rapidly changing market and educate you throughout the entire process. We promise to protect your best interests and treat your home or investment like it’s one of our own. We promise to work our hardest to find the perfect home for you and your family with as little stress as possible.  

We value your trust and hope to continue supporting you in your lifetime even after your sale or purchase is complete. This goes beyond real estate to us, it’s the beginning of a lifelong friendship.

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