SV News
SV Real Estate News Vol.6 No.12 December 2023
Realtor Corner
Greetings!
I am thrilled to share some promising news in the world of real estate finance. As we approach
the end of 2023, mortgage rates have shown a positive trend by gradually easing down,
opening doors of opportunity for prospective homebuyers. The latest figures reveal a 30-year
fixed-rate mortgage at 7.09%, and a 30-year FHA loan at an even more enticing 6.43% (as of
12/08/2023).
The Decline in Mortgage Rates: A Welcome Shift
Over the past several months, the real estate market has been closely watching the trajectory
of mortgage rates. The recent dip to 7.09% for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage and 6.43% for a
30-year FHA loan marks a notable decline from the slightly higher rates seen earlier in the year.
This shift is particularly significant for those considering a home purchase, as lower interest
rates can translate into more affordable monthly payments.
Potential Impact for Buyers: Seizing the Moment
1. Increased Affordability: Lower mortgage rates mean lower monthly payments, making
homeownership more financially accessible for a broader range of buyers. This affordability
boost can be especially beneficial for first-time homebuyers looking to enter the market.
2. Expanded Buying Power: With the decrease in interest rates, buyers may find themselves
with increased buying power. This enables them to explore properties in a higher price range
while keeping their monthly payments within a comfortable budget.
3. Refinancing Opportunities: Homeowners currently carrying higher interest rates may find this
a golden opportunity to explore refinancing options. Lower rates can lead to significant savings
over the life of the loan, providing homeowners with increased financial flexibility.
4. Stimulating Market Activity: Historically, declining mortgage rates tend to stimulate real
estate market activity. The prospect of lower borrowing costs often encourages potential
buyers to take the plunge into homeownership, leading to increased demand and a more
vibrant market.
What Lies Ahead: Navigating the Market
While the current decline in mortgage rates is undoubtedly positive news, it's important to
remain mindful of the dynamic nature of the real estate market. Economic factors, global
events, and policy changes can influence interest rates, and staying informed is crucial for
making well-informed decisions.
For those contemplating a home purchase or refinancing, now may be an opportune moment
to connect with a mortgage professional. They can provide personalized advice based on
individual financial situations and help navigate the current lending landscape.
As we head into the holiday season and prepare to welcome the new year, the real estate
market is offering a gift of lowered mortgage rates. We encourage you to explore the
possibilities, whether you're a first-time buyer, a seasoned homeowner, or someone
considering refinancing.
Wishing you a joyous holiday season and a prosperous start to 2024!
Best regards,
Sonia Stefánsson
Realtor®, GRI
SV Real Estate, LLC
BUY. SELL. LEASE.
Cell: 512-698-0368
Cell: 512-698-0368
'Tis the Season for Holiday Fun!
Plan Ahead For That Crazy Texas Weather....
Who is Excited for Basketball Season???
Texas Longhorns- Men
Texas Longhorns- Women
And if you are a hockey lover.....
ABoR Market Statistics September 2023
Neighborhood Nod
New Boutique Community: Tanner Ranch in Cedar Park
Tanner Ranch is Ash Creek’s exclusive new community located in Cedar Park, tucked away in an established neighborhood showcasing mature oak trees and large lots. The best part about having a large lot in Tanner Ranch is that full lawn maintenance is included!
Tanner Ranch features 30 new one-story homes starting in the high $600s, boasting a fresh contemporary spin on Texas farmhouse style. This community is conveniently located between New Hope Drive, Lakeline Blvd., and Anderson Mill Road, which makes it a hop, skip and jump away from shopping, parks, restaurants and more. The homes are 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, with an office or 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, with office. Live your life on one level, in the right amount of space.
Variety of floorplans with thoughtfully designed spaces.
Scenic surroundings made possible by thoughtful land planning.
Easy access to nearby entertainment and conveniences.
Recipe of the Month
Peppermint Muffin-Tin Cookies
Peppermint Muffin-Tin Cookies
Thanks to the help of a muffin tin, these peppermint-spiked sugar cookies are perfectly round every single time. They're also easy enough for everyone in the family to pitch in to help. Frozen peppermint patties are stuffed in the middle to ramp up the flavor and provide a hidden surprise with the first bite. No need to decorate after baking -- the sprinkles go right on top before going into the oven so that once they are cool, they are ready to go.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (see Cook’s Note)
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 sticks (12 tablespoons) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- Red gel food coloring
- 12 peppermint patties, frozen
- 1/4 cup red and white sprinkles
Directions
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt in a small bowl. Beat the sugar and butter in a large bowl with an electric mixer, or in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Beat in the vanilla and peppermint extracts and the egg. Turn the mixer to low speed, add the flour mixture and mix until completely incorporated, 1 to 2 minutes
- Remove half of the dough and set aside. Add 5 to 6 drops of the red food coloring to the remaining dough in the mixer bowl and mix on low speed until completely incorporated.
- Alternating between the red and white doughs, spoon 8 heaping 1/4 teaspoon-sized pieces of dough (4 red and 4 white) into the bottom of each of the 12 cups of a standard muffin tin. Press to flatten the dough so the red and white pieces intermingle and form a slight tie-dye look. Place 1 frozen peppermint patty on top of and in the middle of each dough round, pressing very gently into the dough but making sure it does not break through and touch the bottom of the pan. Spoon 8 more heaping 1/4 teaspoon-sized pieces of dough (4 red and 4 white), alternating the colors, on top of each peppermint patty and press to flatten and completely cover the peppermint patties.
- Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of the red and white sprinkles on top of the dough in each muffin cup to completely cover it. Refrigerate until the dough is firm, about 1 hour (or freeze until firm, about 20 minutes).
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Bake until the edges are just starting to turn golden, 13 to 15 minutes. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then use an offset spatula to remove the cookies from the pan to a wire rack to cool completely, about 30 minutes.
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REMINDER: Did you file your Homestead Exemption?
Good news for 2022 and beyond: The Texas Legislature passed updated laws where you can now apply for your homestead exemption at any time after closing on your primary residence. You no longer have to wait until January of the next year.
How To Prevent Marketing Calls From Competing Mortgage Lenders
Please know that you may be contacted by competing lenders immediately after your credit is pulled for a mortgage application because the major credit bureaus may legally sell your information. Here’s how you can STOP this from happening to you.
It is always best to do the following a week to two weeks before you get your credit pulled
Go to optoutprescreen.com or call 1-888-5-OPT-OUT (1-888-567-8688) to opt out for five years OR permanently. The major credit bureaus operate the phone number and website. Requests to opt out are processed within five days, but it may take several weeks before you stop getting prescreened offers. This is because some companies may have gotten your information before your opt out request was processed.
Go to donotcall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222 from the phone you want to register. If you register your number at DoNotCall.gov, you’ll get an email with a link you need to click on within 72 hours to complete your registration. It can take up to 31 days for sales calls to stop.
*Information and PDF attributed to Blair Hogue*
SV REAL ESTATE LLC
Email: info@svretx.com
Website: www.svretx.com
Location: 12160 W. Parmer Ln, Suite 130-711, Cedar Park, TX 78613
Phone: (512) 277-7873
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SVRealEstate