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2024 Loan Limits

Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced Conforming Loan Limit Values for 2024 The baseline Conforming Loan Limit will increase to $766,550. This is an increase of $40,350 from the 2023 loan limits. FHA announced Loan Limit Values for 2024 The baseline Loan Limit with increase to $498,257. This is an increase of $26,227 from the 2023 loan limits. In some high cost areas the loan limit may be up to $649,750. Please note that in the loan scenarios on the Impacts to FHA Loan Limits the loan amounts shown are the total loan amounts including the 1.75% fee that is financed into the loan.

Friday Market Update: Navigating the Housing Market: Rates, Affordability, and Opportunities

Happy Friday! As we navigate the twists and turns of 2023, mortgage rates have reached a new multi-decade high, with the 30-year fixed rate surpassing 8.00%, landing at 8.12%. The news feeds are filled with these figures, leading many potential buyers and sellers to postpone their plans until rates stabilize. While waiting may seem like the safest option, it’s crucial to recognize the unique opportunities that today’s market presents. Addressing the affordability concern is the key to unlocking these opportunities. Over the past few months, I’ve discussed the advantages of permanent and temporary buydowns as a solution to today’s affordability challenges. These options are now more relevant than ever. So, let’s give you a real-life example to see, providing clients with the potential to reduce their interest rates for up to three years from the date of purchase. (See buydown image below) Consider a client interested in purchasing a $750k home with a 20% down payment. The original mortgage rate of 8.125% would result in a monthly principal and interest payment exceeding $4,400. However, by utilizing the temporary buydown, the client was able to reduce their monthly payment by over $1188 in the first year, $809 in the second year, and $412 in the third year, ultimately saving over $28,900 in payments over the first three years. This option not only gave the client the confidence to proceed with the purchase but also benefited the seller, who retained an additional funds in net proceeds, as the client’s initial offer was significantly below the listing price. By addressing affordability head-on, we can provide buyers with the peace of mind that comes with reduced payments over the next three years, giving rates ample time to decrease and positioning them for a future refinance. This strategy also avoids the potential pitfalls of waiting for rates to drop, which could result in higher home prices due to increased demand. Yes, rates are far from ideal, but people still need to buy homes, and others need to sell. Armed with this information, we can offer invaluable support to our clients, ensuring their success in today’s challenging market. As always, we are here to assist you in communicating this message to your clients. Wishing you a fantastic day ahead! Holly

Northeast Florida Real Estate Report Cards

Check out each of the counties & cities in the Northeast Florida area to view: *Historical and forecasted rates of appreciation *Supply and demand *Demographics *Affordability information *Average days on the market *New listings over the previous month Let me know what you think!

Metro Atlanta Real Estate Report Cards

Check out each of the counties in the Metro Atlanta area to view: *Historical and forecasted rates of appreciation *Supply and demand *Demographics *Affordability information *Average days on the market *New listings over the previous month Let me know what you think!

MBS Highway Week of 1.9.23 in Review Newsletter

Consumer inflation continued to cool in December, but there were also more signs of an economic slowdown. Here are last week’s key headlines: -Consumer Inflation Continues to Ease -Inflation Remains Top Problem for Many Small Businesses -Seasonal Factors Likely Impacted Latest Jobless Claims -Services Sector Shows Signs of Slowdown -Watching an Important Recession Indicator

MBS Highway Week of 1.2.23 in Review Newsletter

The new year kicked off with crucial labor market data, an update on home prices and a warning from the International Monetary Fund: -Slower Wage Growth Data Boosts Bonds -Stronger Than Expected Private Sector Job Growth in December -Jobless Claims Decline But Holidays Likely Skewed Data -Home Prices Still Expected to Appreciate This Year -IMF Issues Recession Warning

MBS Highway Week of 12.26.22 in Review Newsletter

After the market closures Monday for the Christmas holiday, housing news highlighted last week’s calendar: -Are Signed Contracts on Existing Homes Set to Rebound This Year? -Home Prices Have Softened But Annual Appreciation Is Still Strong -Challenges Remain for Job Seekers, Data Shows

MBS Highway Week of 12.19.22 in Review Newsletter

The markets had plenty of news to feast on last week, including the latest data on consumer inflation, home sales and home construction. Here are the highlights: -Consumer Inflation Headed in Right Direction -Inventory of Existing Homes Declined for Fourth Consecutive Month -New Home Sales Beat Expectations in November -What the Home Construction Slowdown Means for Home Prices -Home Builder Confidence Declined Every Month This Year -Unemployment Claims Data Illustrates Difficulties for Job Seekers -Third Quarter GDP Remains Positive

MBS Highway Week of 12.12.22 in Review Newsletter

Consumer inflation continues to cool, while there were some important takeaways from the Fed’s latest rate hike decision. Read on for these crucial details: -What the Fed’s Latest Rate Hike Really Signals -Consumer Inflation Cooler Than Expected Last Month -Small Business Owners Say Inflation Remains Top Problem -Shipping Data Brings Positive Sign for Inflation Picture -Continuing Jobless Claims at Highest Level Since February

MBS Highway Week of 12.5.22 in Review Newsletter

Reports on home prices, inflation and unemployment highlighted a relatively quiet economic calendar, while recession signals continue flashing. Read on for these crucial stories: - Wholesale Inflation Hotter Than Anticipated - Are Home Prices Still Forecasted to Appreciate? - Continuing Jobless Claims Reach a 10-Month High - More Recession Signals Flashing

MBS Highway Week of 11.28.22 in Review Newsletter

With reports on housing, jobs, inflation and Fed chatter, the markets had plenty to digest last week. Here are the highlights: -Big Jobs Number or Grand Illusion -Private Sector Job Growth at Slowest Pace Since January 2021 -Continuing Jobless Claims at Highest Level Since February -Bonds Boosted by Fed Chair Powell and Cooler Inflation -Why Signed Contracts on Existing Homes Are Set to Rebound -What the Latest Home Price Appreciation Data Really Means -Third Quarter GDP Remains Positive

MBS Highway Week of 11.21.22 in Review Newsletter

A smorgasbord of news was released ahead of Thanksgiving, including an update on new home sales, jobless claims, the Fed and recession chatter. Read on for these stories: -New Home Sales Better Than Expected in October -Initial Jobless Claims Hit a Three-Month High -Will the Fed Slow Its Pace of Rate Hikes? -Should Strong Retail Sales Quiet Recession Chatter?

Buyer’s Guide to Rate Buydowns

Hello, If you're a buyer trying to purchase in today's market, you might have heard of a "rate buydown." But, you might be like most consumers with how they work, which one to select and why it would benefit you and your family. What Is a Buydown? A buydown is a mortgage financing technique with which the buyer attempts to obtain a lower interest rate for at least the first few years of the mortgage or possibly its entire life. 1 A 2-1 buydown, for example, is a specific type of mortgage buydown that allows homebuyers to save on their interest rate for the first two years of the loan. Buydowns can also use a 3-2-1 structure as well. 3-2-1 Buydown? In a 3-2-1 buydown, the buyer pays lower payments on the loan for the first three years. For each of the first three years of the mortgage, the buyer's interest rate would increase incrementally by 1% annually. The total interest rate would apply beginning with the fourth year of the mortgage loan. While the buyer received savings from the lower interest rate in the first three years, the difference in the payments would have been made by the seller to the lender as a subsidy. 2-1 Buydown? A 2-1 buydown is structured the same as a 3-2-1 buydown; however, its discount is only available for the first two years. So you would have a 2% interest rate reduction for the first year of the mortgage, then a 1% discount for the second year. Your interest rate and monthly payments would increase until your loan reaches its actual percentage rate. This happens in year three of the loan. At this point, your monthly mortgage payment would reflect the real loan rate. You would pay upfront for the 2-1 buydown at closing; theoretically, the money you save over the first two years would cancel that payment. Temp Buydown Pros and Cons Whether it makes sense to use a buydown to purchase a home can depend on several things, including the amount of the mortgage, your initial interest rate, the amount you could save in interest over the initial loan term, and your estimated future income. How long you plan to stay in the home also can come into play in determining your break-even point. Pros * A buydown temporarily reduces your interest rate, saving money and lowering your monthly payments during the initial loan term. * Choosing a buydown may allow you to pay less for the home than the seller's listing price. * It could make sense for homebuyers whose income will increase in the years to come. Cons * Once the buydown rate ends, your monthly payment could be higher than expected. * You could struggle with monthly mortgage payments if your income doesn't increase. .................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Attn: Realtors Buydowns for Open Houses: Do you have an Open House Coming Soon? If so, let's get Buydown options out to potential buyers we can include a presentation like this one with Buydown Options for your Listing and a link to it for you to include in the special remarks

MBS Highway Week of 11.14.22 in Review Newsletter

Home sales and home construction cooled in October, while wholesale inflation data gave Bonds a boost. Here are the key headlines. -Low Housing Inventory Remains Supportive of Home Prices -Construction of Homes Continues to Slow -Builder Confidence Drops for Eleventh Consecutive Month -Wholesale Inflation Cooler Than Estimated -Continuing Jobless Claims Continue to Creep Higher

MBS Highway Week of 11.7.22 in Review Newsletter

October brought cooler than expected consumer inflation, which gave a big boost to both Stocks and Bonds when the data was reported on Thursday. Meanwhile Jobless Claims continue to tick higher. Read on for these key headlines and more. -Consumer Inflation Cooler Than Estimated in October -Inflation Remained a Top Problem for Many Small Businesses Last Month -Rising Continuing Jobless Claims Suggests Slower Pace of Hiring -The Scoop on Key Auctions

MBS Highway Week of 10.31.22 in Review Newsletter

Even though the Fed hiked rates as expected, the markets were volatile after comments from Fed Chair Jerome Powell. In the labor sector, there was more to job growth in October than the headlines suggested. -Fed Hikes Rates as Expected, Yet Press Conference Roils Markets -Headline Jobs Number Not What It Seems -Private Sector Payrolls Beat Expectations, But Hiring “Not Broad Based” -Continuing Jobless Claims Continue to Rise -Home Price Forecasts Still Meaningful for Wealth Creation

MBS Highway Week of 10.24.22 in Review Newsletter

Home sales continued to cool in September while consumer inflation needs to cool further. Find out more about these stories, along with the latest news on home price appreciation, GDP and Jobless Claims. -Consumer Inflation Needs Cooling -Signed Contracts on Existing Homes Fall for Fourth Consecutive Month -After August’s Uptick, September New Home Sales Fall -Annual Home Price Appreciation Declines But Remains Strong -GDP Turns Positive in the Third Quarter … For Now -Latest Jobless Claims Signal Slower Pace of Hirings

MBS Highway Week of 10.14.22 in Review Newsletter

Home sales and home construction slowed in September while recession signals are flashing from the manufacturing sector. Don’t miss these stories: -What Housing Supply and Demand Dynamics Mean for Prices -Construction of Single-Family Homes Continues to Decline -Builder Confidence Falls for Tenth Straight Month -Jobless Claims Remain Volatile -More Economic Slowdown Signals

MBS Highway Week of 10.10.22 in Review Newsletter

Inflation was hotter than anticipated in September while initial unemployment claims are trending higher. Here are the key details: -Consumer Inflation Remains Hot But Is Hope Ahead? -Producer Inflation Also Higher Than Expectations -Fed Minutes Convey Hawkish Tone -Initial Jobless Claims Rise for Second Consecutive Week

MBS Highway Week of 10.3.22 in Review Newsletter

There were some mixed messages from the labor sector while annual home price appreciation is slowing but still significant. Here are last week’s key stories: -The Real Scoop on September’s Job Gains -Private Payrolls Showed Job Growth Picked Up in September -Labor Market Starting to Show Signs of Pressure -Annual Home Price Appreciation Slowing But Still Significant -OPEC+ Announced Deep Cut in Oil Production

MBS Highway Week of 9.26.22 in Review Newsletter

It was a roller coaster week in the markets, filled with reports on inflation, GDP, home sales and home price appreciation. Here are the key details: -Consumer Inflation Remains Elevated -Signed Contracts on Existing Homes Fall for Third Straight Month -New Home Sales Surprise in August -Annual Home Price Appreciation Declining But Still Strong -GDP Negative for Two Consecutive Quarters -Labor Market Remains Tight

MBS Highway Week of 9.19.22 in Review Newsletter

Despite slowing activity in the housing market, supply still remains tight. Plus, the Fed’s latest rate hike caused volatility in the markets. Here’s what you need to know: -Fed Hikes Rates Another 75 Basis Points -Low Housing Inventory Remains Supportive of Prices -Household Formations Continue to Outpace Completions -More Home Builders Offering Incentives as Confidence Wanes -Low Jobless Claims Show Labor Market Remains Tight

MBS Highway Week of 9.12.22 in Review Newsletter

Last week’s inflation data had a big impact on Stocks, Mortgage Bonds and mortgage rates, while chatter of a global recession made headlines. Don’t miss these important details: -Markets Plunge After Hotter Than Anticipated Consumer Inflation -Initial Jobless Claims Decline for Fifth Straight Week -Retail Sales, GDP and Global Recession Talk -Crippling Railway Strike Averted

MBS Highway Week of 9.5.22 in Review Newsletter

News about home price appreciation and unemployment claims highlighted an otherwise quiet economic calendar, while Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s comments about inflation moved the markets. Here are the crucial takeaways: -Home Prices Still Forecasted to Appreciate at Meaningful Level -Initial Jobless Claims Reach Lowest Level Since Late May -Fed Talks Tough About Inflation

MBS Highway Week of 8.29.22 in Review Newsletter

Important labor sector reports made headlines ahead of the Labor Day holiday, while home prices continue to rise. Don’t miss these key stories: -Young Americans Dominate August’s Jobs Report -Private Payrolls Show a Slowing Trend -Initial Jobless Claims Moderate in Recent Weeks -Home Prices Continue to Rise, Albeit at a Slower Pace

MBS Highway Week of 8.22.22 in Review Newsletter

Fed Chair Jerome Powell gave an important speech at the annual Jackson Hole Economic Symposium, while two July housing reports showed a slowdown in signed contracts for new and existing homes. Hereare the key stories: -Fed Chair Powell Vows to Continue Inflation Fight -Pending Home Sales Tick Lower in July -July’s New Home Sales Fizzle -What’s Ahead for Jobless Claims? -Second Quarter GDP Remains Negative

MBS Highway Week of 8.15.22 in Review Newsletter

July brought a slowdown in home sales and home construction. Does this mean we’re in a housing recession? Find out the answer and more in these crucial stories: -What the Slowdown in Existing Home Sales Means for Home Prices -Confidence Among Home Builders Falls Below Key Threshold -Key Takeaway From the Slowdown in Home Construction -The Significance of Jobless Claims Data -Fed Minutes Show Acknowledgment of Slowdown

MBS Highway Week of 8.8.22 in Review Newsletter

Both producer and consumer inflation were cooler than estimates last month, while Initial Jobless Claims moved higher once again. Here are last week’s key headlines: -Consumer and Producer Inflation Cooler Than Expected in July -Decline In Import Prices Also Signals Cooling Inflation -Inflation Remains Top Problem for Many Small Businesses -Initial Jobless Claims Continue to Tick Higher

MBS Highway Weekly Newsletter 8.1.2022

July’s Jobs Report was much stronger than expected but what’s really going on? Plus, the Fed’s take on the labor sector and the latest scoop on home price appreciation. Here are the key headlines: -July Jobs Report a Big Surprise -The Fed’s Take on the Labor Market, Inflation and Recession -Initial Jobless Claims Continue to Creep Higher -Home Prices Still Forecast to Appreciate at Meaningful Level

MBS Highway Weekly Newsletter 7.25.2022

The last week of July was jam-packed with news, including a Fed rate hike, hot inflation numbers, crucial housing data and a negative reading for second quarter GDP. Here are the key headlines: -Fed Hikes Rates Another 75 Basis Points -Consumer Inflation Reaches 40-Year High in June -Signed Contracts on Existing and New Homes Slowed in June -Home Price Appreciation Still Hot in May -Does the Negative Second Quarter GDP Reading Signal a Recession? -Initial Jobless Claims Top 250,000 for Second Straight Week

MBS Highway Weekly Newsletter 7.18.2022

The latest housing data shows that while homebuyer activity may be slowing, demand remains strong. Meanwhile, homebuilders continue to face a backlog and Jobless Claims are on the rise. Here’s what you need to know: -More to Existing Home Sales Data Than Meets the Eye -Builders Cautious About Future Sales -Construction Data Shows Continued Backlog -Initial Jobless Claims Top 250,000 for the First Time This Year

MBS Highway Weekly Newsletter 7.11.2022

Inflation continues to soar on the consumer and wholesale levels while there are more signs that our economy is slowing. Here are last week’s key stories: -Consumer Inflation Remains Blistering Hot -Producer Inflation Also Higher Than Expectations -Are Jobless Claims the “Canary in the Coal Mine?” -More Economic Slowdown Signals -Housing Market Remains Strong

MBS Highway Weekly Newsletter 7.4.2022

The Jobs Report for June appeared strong on the surface, but that’s not the whole story. Plus, annual home price appreciation remained over 20% in May. Here’s what you need to know: - A Tale of Two Jobs Reports - Do Jobless Claims and Job Openings Signal a Slowdown? - A Note on Private Sector Payroll Reporting - Home Prices Up 20.2% Annually in May

Forsyth County Community Report

Community report complete with demographics, education, labor force, housing data, and crime are available through providing a county/state to us in the drop down menus below. Data and an analysis of the area will be provided below, generating an overview of the region of interest.

Cherokee County Community Report

Community report complete with demographics, education, labor force, housing data, and crime are available through providing a county/state to us in the drop down menus below. Data and an analysis of the area will be provided below, generating an overview of the region of interest.

Fulton County Community Report

Community report complete with demographics, education, labor force, housing data, and crime are available through providing a county/state to us in the drop down menus below. Data and an analysis of the area will be provided below, generating an overview of the region of interest.

MBS Highway Weekly Newsletter 6.27.2022

Inventory issues continue to impact home sales and rental home prices while Fed Chair Powell said a recession is “certainly a possibility.” Here are the key stories: -Existing Home Sales Still Strong Into Summer -The Real Scoop on New Home Inventory -Fed Chair Powell Testifies That Recession Is “Certainly a Possibility” -Single-family Rent Price Growth Hits New Record -Is An Increase In Jobless Claims Ahead?

Dekalb County Community Report

Community report complete with demographics, education, labor force, housing data, and crime are available through providing a county/state to us in the drop down menus below. Data and an analysis of the area will be provided below, generating an overview of the region of interest.

Cobb County Community Report

Community report complete with demographics, education, labor force, housing data, and crime are available through providing a county/state to us in the drop down menus below. Data and an analysis of the area will be provided below, generating an overview of the region of interest.

MBS Highway Weekly Newsletter 6.21.2022

A Fed rate hike, hot wholesale inflation, weakening builder confidence and signs of economic slowdown led to a volatile week in the markets. Here are the top headlines: -Fed Rate Hike Largest Since 1994 -Wholesale Inflation Declines Slightly But Remains Elevated -Builder Confidence Weakens as Homebuyer Traffic Slows -Despite Slowing Housing Starts, Glimmer of Hope for Home Completions -What to Look for in Jobless Claims Data -More Signs of Economic Slowdown

Is the Housing Market Currently in a Bubble?

A majority of experts don’t believe the housing market is in a bubble. That’s because lending standards and housing inventory are very different today than they were in 2008. Contact me so we can discuss the difference and why buying or selling could be a great move for you this summer.

June is National Homeownership Month

June is National Homeownership Month, and it’s a great time to consider the benefits of owning your own home. If you’re considering homeownership, know that it can give you privacy, comfort, and a place to express yourself. It can also provide financial stability and help you grow your net worth. Are you ready to experience all the great benefits that come from purchasing a home? Let’s connect to begin the process today.

A Recession Doesn’t Equal a Housing Crisis

If you're following the news, you might be wondering what could happen to the housing market if there's a recession. Let's connect to discuss why history shows a recession doesn't equal a housing crisis.

MBS Highway Weekly Newsletter 6.6.2022

The Unemployment Rate held steady in May while home price appreciation surged above 20% on anannual basis in March. Here are the most crucial headlines: -What the Unemployment Rate Really Shows -May Private Payrolls Much Lower Than Expected -What’s Ahead for Jobless Claims? -Home Prices in March 20.6% Higher Than a Year Ago

Reviews

"Our experience working with the Holly Walther team was exceptional. They provided a very personalized service which is very rare these days and made the entire process easy and enjoyable. The team was always available and extremely helpful in answering any of our questions and provided constant communication on the status of the loan process."

craig yearous

"I purchased my first house using Holly and her team at the recommendation of a coworker, and they did not disappoint. They promptly and thoroughly answered every question I had, and I certainly had several! Thanks to their kindness and knowledge, buying my first home was simple, quick, and efficient. Thank you again!"

emily

"I am about to complete my 3rd loan with this team. There are good lenders out there and then there is Holly and her team. Holly, Vince and Rhonda are incredible to work with. They make it painless and communicate well. If you are self-employed, you know that it can be a bit tricky to refinance a rental or purchase a primary residence. The Holly Walther team will get it done if it's possible. The process from start to finish was fantastic. The pre approval packet they provided certainly gave me a competitive advantage over the other buyers out there. I could go on all day about how awesome they are! If you need to purchase or refinance, do yourself a favor and call them!"

dean rappa