Category: real estate

How Does the Real Estate Market Change During the Seasons?

You’ve heard of a buyer’s or seller’s market, but did you know the real estate market changes depending on the season? First-time homeowners should know how the different seasons affect their buying power, allowing them to make better decisions and potentially save money on their first home purchase. But, of course, the real estate market fluctuates, and your local market will predict your selling or buying power, so you must continue to watch the market to get the best deals. 

Real estate seasonality trends are common and can occur within the same calendar year. Let’s look at how the real estate market changes during the seasons. 

Best Time to Buy

Of course, the best season to buy a home depends on the particular buyer. However, there are some months to buy a house that are better than others if you want to save money. For example, January is a good month to buy a home because it’s less busy than the summer months. Therefore, summer months have more competition, which can spark bidding wars, while winter months have less competition, which may help you negotiate better prices. In addition, by the time the new year hits, real estate activity in the area has likely decreased, so anyone who didn’t sell their house during the summer may be more desperate to sell, potentially reducing prices. Additionally, if a house sits on the market all summer long, the buyer will have more negotiating power. 

While winter is the best season to buy a house, the worst seasons to buy a home are fall and summer. For realtors, April is typically the busiest month of the year, meaning buyers have less power because there’s more competition. Home prices often increase around this time, so if you’re looking for a great deal, consider waiting until summer has ended. 

Real Estate Through the Seasons

Now that you understand the best and worst times to buy a home, let’s discuss the different seasonalities of the real estate market. 

Summer Real Estate

As we’ve just discussed, summer is the hottest real estate season, with tons of competition and more houses on the market. Summer comes right after spring, and it’s the time of year when most people are actively buying or selling. This is especially true in areas with all four seasons since activity typically ramps up during the warmer months. During the summer, buyers have fewer commitments; they don’t have to worry about taking their kids to school and picking them up, and the cold weather doesn’t keep them from touring multiple properties. Unfortunately, sellers know buyers typically come out of hiding around spring and summer, so they price their homes accordingly. 

The summer real estate market is competitive. Buyers and sellers compete constantly. Sellers compete with other sellers in the area, and buyers may have to give up some of their negotiating power just to lock down a deal. In addition, sellers know that competition means a higher asking price, but they must compete to get the buyer interested in their home. Everyone is competing with everyone else during the hot summer months. 

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with a little competition in the housing market as long as both buyers and sellers are prepared. For example, buyers shopping on a budget must include the potential for bidding wars, so they may have to look for homes with a lower asking price. In addition, buyers will have to find other ways to land their dream home, such as sending personal letters to the seller to sway them. 

Meanwhile, sellers must accurately price their homes during this time. If a similar home has a better price, it’ll get the attention of all the buyers. In addition, they’ll have to find ways to stand out during the competitive season, which may include spending more money on marketing and advertising the property listing or investing in renovations such as kitchen remodels to prep for the back-to-school season and repairs to make the property more attractive to buyers. 

Autumn Real Estate

During the fall, the real estate market is still hot from the competitive summer. However, many homes have sold by this time, which means more negotiating power for buyers. Fall may signal a slowdown in the real estate market, depending on where you live, especially as temperatures drop around October. However, it’s still a great time to buy and sell. When the weather starts to cool, and we get closer to winter, the market favors buyers because sellers start getting desperate to sell, especially the longer their homes are on the market. During the fall, there’s less competition because most people looking to buy a home do so during the summer, so buyers will have to reduce prices soon. 

In addition, buyers stop competing with other buyers because there are fewer of them, which means fewer bidding wars and more opportunities to negotiate with sellers. 

Winter Real Estate

As we’ve mentioned, winter is the best time to buy a home. There’s virtually no competition among buyers because most purchase a home during the warm months. Now, those individuals are cozy inside their new homes waiting for spring again. However, those who want to buy a home during winter have tons of negotiating power. Sellers must consider every offer that comes in because there are fewer buyers, which means fewer chances to sell. In addition, winter is usually when most sellers reduce their prices to get more attention from prospective buyers. 

Therefore, if you’re looking to buy a home, you can take advantage of great deals while everyone else is hibernating for the next few months and land your dream home at a lower cost. 

Spring Real Estate

During the spring, the real estate market picks back up with more activity than in the last few seasons. Those looking to purchase a home will come out of hibernation as soon as the weather gets warm again, which means more competition among buyers and sellers. If summer is the most competitive season, spring is the second most competitive as people begin fixing up their homes and preparing to sell. However, the more demand there is, the more power sellers have. 

Is Seasonality Always a Factor?

In most cases, seasonality is always a factor, no matter what’s happening in the economy. Even if we enter a three-year seller’s market, you can still expect buyers to have more power during the winter, when sellers are most desperate to sell. However, the best time to sell a house depends on your unique circumstances.

Megan Isola

Megan Isola holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and a minor in Business Marketing from Cal State University Chico. She enjoys going to concerts, trying new restaurants, and hanging out with friends. 

How To Learn The Basics Of Real Estate

Uncover the World of Real Estate: Learn the Basics and Start Your Journey Today

Are you ready to dive into the thrilling world of real estate? Whether you’re looking to become a professional real estate agent or just want to learn more about the industry for personal reasons, there are a ton of resources out there to help you get started.

First things first, it’s important to understand the basics of real estate. This includes understanding the different types of properties (e.g. residential, commercial, industrial), the different ways to buy and sell the property (e.g. auction, private sale), and the various players involved in a real estate transaction (e.g. agents, brokers, buyers, sellers).

Get Ahead in Real Estate: Hands-On Experience, Education and Licensing Requirements, Staying Up-to-Date

One of the best ways to learn about real estate is to get some hands-on experience. This could involve working as an intern or assistant at a real estate agency, or even volunteering with a local organization that deals with real estate issues. This will give you a chance to see how the industry works in action and get a feel for the day-to-day tasks of a real estate professional.

If you’re looking to become a licensed real estate agent, you’ll need to meet certain educational and licensing requirements. These requirements vary by state, so be sure to check with your state’s real estate commission for specific details. In general, you’ll need to complete a certain number of real estate education courses and pass a licensing exam.

Once you’re licensed, it’s important to stay up-to-date on industry trends and changes. This could involve taking continuing education courses, networking with other professionals, and staying active in professional organizations.

Finding the Perfect Property: Understanding Client Needs, Staying Up-to-Date on Market Trends and Negotiating the Sale

Now, let’s talk about finding the perfect property. As a real estate professional, it’s your job to help clients find the property that meets their needs and budget. This involves understanding your client’s wants and needs, as well as staying up-to-date on market trends and available properties.

To help clients find the perfect property, you’ll need to ask lots of questions and listen carefully to their answers. What type of property are they looking for? How much can they afford? What location is most important to them? Answering these questions will help you narrow down the search and find properties that are the best fit for your clients.

Once you’ve found a few properties that meet your client’s needs, it’s important to help them understand the pros and cons of each one. This could involve pointing out things like the condition of the property, the size and layout of the rooms, and the surrounding neighborhood.

Finally, it’s time to negotiate the sale. As a real estate professional, it’s your job to help your clients get the best deal possible on the property. This could involve negotiating the price, the terms of the sale, and any other details of the transaction.

(Source: Canva)

Concluding the Real Estate Journey: Staying Up-to-Date on Industry Trends, Financing Options, and Property Laws and Regulations

In conclusion, learning real estate can be a rewarding and exciting journey. Whether you’re looking to become a licensed professional or just want to learn more about the industry, there are plenty of resources out there to help you get started. Just remember to stay up-to-date on industry trends, ask lots of questions, and don’t be afraid to negotiate! With some hard work and dedication, you’ll be a pro in no time.

Another important aspect of learning real estate is understanding financing options. Depending on the property and the buyers’ financial situation, there are a variety of ways to finance a real estate purchase. Some common options include cash, traditional mortgages, and government-backed loans like FHA or VA loans.

It’s important for real estate professionals to have a basic understanding of these financing options, as well as any changes or updates to financing laws and regulations. This will enable you to better assist your clients in finding the financing option that best fits their needs.

In addition to financing, real estate professionals should also be knowledgeable about property laws and regulations. This includes understanding zoning laws, property tax laws, and any other laws that may affect a real estate transaction. It’s important to stay up-to-date on these laws and regulations, as they can change over time and can have a significant impact on a real estate transaction.

Mastering the Real Estate Industry: The Importance of Marketing, Customer Service, and Multifaceted Skills

Another key aspect of learning real estate is understanding the importance of marketing. As a real estate professional, it’s your job to market properties to potential buyers and sells them as quickly and efficiently as possible. This involves creating listings and marketing materials, networking with potential buyers and other professionals, and using social media and other online platforms to reach a wider audience.

Finally, learning real estate also involves understanding the importance of customer service. As a real estate professional, you’ll be working with a variety of clients, each with their own unique needs and concerns. It’s important to be patient, understanding, and responsive to your client’s needs, and to do everything you can to make the real estate process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Conclusion

In summary, learning real estate is a multifaceted process that involves understanding the basics of the industry, gaining hands-on experience, staying up-to-date on industry trends and changes, understanding financing options, being knowledgeable about property laws and regulations, and mastering marketing and customer service skills. With hard work and dedication, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a successful real estate professional.

Author: Vlatko Avramoski

Humidity in the Home: How to Manage Air Quality

Humidity in the home is the amount of water vapor in the air. The higher the humidity, the more moisture there is in the air.

Humidity can be a big problem for your home and your health. It can cause mould, mildew, silver fish and dust mites to grow in your home, which can lead to all sorts of health problems like allergies and asthma. Especially older cheaper houses come with this problem, therefore it is important to know how to battle it.

Household Humidity and its Health Hazards

Air quality is a significant issue in many parts of the world. Air pollution can be caused by a variety of factors, including dust, smoke, and chemicals. One of the most common air pollutants is particulate matter – tiny particles that are released into the air and can cause respiratory problems.

Household humidity is also an important factor to consider when it comes to air quality. The level of humidity in your home can affect how comfortable you feel, as well as how much time you spend indoors or outdoors. Too much humidity can lead to mould growth and other health hazards that are not ideal for your family’s health or comfort.

What Causes High Humidity in Homes?

Moisture in the home can come from a number of sources. One of the most common sources is improper heating. When you do not run your heat enough, or if you have a drafty area in your home, the moisture will be drawn into the house and condense on cooler surfaces like windows or walls. This is one of the reasons why you might notice high humidity levels in your home during winter months.

Cause Humidity Problems – Condensation

Condensation is the process of water vapor in the air becoming liquid water droplets. This process happens when a humid region of air comes into contact with a surface that is colder than the dew point temperature.

It can cause problems to your home such as mould, mildew, and rot. It also causes other humidity problems as it can lead to condensation on windows and walls.

Cause Humidity Problems – Capillarity

How does capillarity happen? It happens because of atmospheric pressure. Air pressure is greater near the ground than it is higher up in the atmosphere. When this difference occurs, it causes water to rise up from the ground and appear on surfaces such as walls.

Cause Humidity Problems – Water Infiltration

Water infiltration is a common and serious problem for homeowners. In order to prevent this issue, it is important to take precautions like installing weather-stripping or caulking around windows and doors. Also, maintenance, such as regularly cleaning rain pipes or checking the roof for possible leaks is advised. If you notice that your home has water infiltration problems, contact a professional immediately.

Solutions for Fighting the High Humidity Battle at Home

Humidity is a natural part of the environment that we can’t do anything about. But when it becomes too much, it can be a serious problem.

The air in your home is often more humid than the air outside, which means that humidity levels are usually higher inside than outside.

There are many solutions for fighting the high humidity battle at home. First it is important to identify the cause, only then you will be able to find the right solution.

Fight Condensation

The right heating habits and to air your home regularly are key to solve this issue. Usually, it is recommended to ventilate your home for at least 20 minutes per day. This can be for example 10 minutes in the morning and 10 minutes in the evening. The best would be to open all windows at the same time, like this the air in the house is replaced quickly by drier air from the outside. You can also install a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture from the air.

Additionally, installing an air purifier to remove any allergens from the air in your home might prove beneficial.

Fight Capillarity

There are various ways to stop capillarity in your home. One way is by applying a sealant to your drywall. Another way is by adding moisture barriers to the exterior of your home and installing insulation in your basement. But if you don’t want to do any of these, the best way to stop your capillarity problem is by professional installation of a moisture barrier.

Fight Water Infiltration

The first step is to make sure your roof is in good condition and not leaking. If you notice any leaks from the roof, have them repaired as soon as possible. You should also make sure your gutters are clear and not clogged with debris or leaves that could block the water flow from your roof and lead to leaks in your home.

You should also inspect the exterior of your home for any cracks or openings where water could enter. For example, if there’s an opening around a pipe on the outside of your home, this could allow water to seep in through these cracks or openings and into your house.

Conclusion

Humidity is a major concern in the home. It can cause mould and mildew to grow on surfaces.

– Make sure that your house is properly ventilated for at least 20 minutes per day. This will help prevent moisture from building up indoors.

– Use a dehumidifier when needed to control humidity levels in your home, especially during humid seasons or if you live in a humid environment.

How can you noise-proof your home?

If you’re selling or renting out your home, you’ll want to make sure that any prospective residents see the property in the most positive light. Especially if you live in a busy area, you’ll want to ensure that your property remains a quiet haven that someone will want to make their home.

One of the best ways to do that is to make sure your home is noise-proofed. Noise-proofing your space can sound like an intimidating task; however, there are simple steps that you can take to reduce the noise levels in your property that can also make it more attractive to buyers. Let’s explore some options that can be easily put into place.

Insulating walls and ceilings 

One of the most effective ways to reduce noise in a property is to insulate walls and ceilings with acoustic insulation material or regular insulation. Thick insulation helps absorb sound, preventing it from transferring from one room to another or from outside noises entering into the unit. While acoustic insulation material can be expensive, it will ensure that your home is quiet for any viewings, and can be a selling point, since it also improves the energy efficiency of the property. 

Installing soundproof windows 

Another great way to reduce noise levels in your unit is by installing soundproof windows. These types of windows are specifically designed to absorb sound while still allowing natural light into the space. They come in various sizes and styles, so you can find something that works with any type of window frame or opening size. 

Whilst this might not be a feature you want to install just before you put your abode on the market, due to their cost, it can be worth thinking about if you’re renovating a fixer-upper property to then sell on.     

Installing door seals  

The third way to reduce noise levels in the home is by installing door seals around entryways and other openings where sound may travel through easily. Door seals are made out of materials such as rubber or foam which help to create an airtight seal between two surfaces, preventing sound from travelling through small gaps or cracks around doors and windows frames. This type of installation doesn’t require any special tools or skills –  just measure accurately before purchasing seals so they fit snugly inside door frames.   

Dressing your home for sale

If you just want some quick tips for making your home quieter that don’t involve any building work, then look at the furniture that you’re including in your property during viewings. Placing heavy furniture such as bookcases against adjoining walls in attached properties can help absorb sound, whilst heavier rugs or carpets can also make a difference – in fact, research shows that carpets typically absorb sound by up to 35%.

A quieter home

Noise-proofing a home isn’t always easy, but there are plenty of options available for sellers who don’t want to do major renovations and spend a lot of money. Start by insulating walls and ceilings, then move on to installing soundproof windows and door seals around any openings where noise could enter or escape from the space. 

With these simple steps, you’ll be well on your way towards creating a peaceful oasis that will be an attractive option for buyers.

Author: Hubert Day

Rediscovering Old Construction Materials – Natural Cement

Have you ever heard about natural cement? Well, I haven’t until recently and was really surprised about it. This seems strange as at some point in time this type of cement was not only the only type of cement available but also in high demand.

In recent years there has been an increased awareness of sustainability and green building practices. This has led to many new innovations in this area, including bioclimatic design principles and green materials to offer an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional cement-based construction materials.

But some things don’t need to be reinvented as they have been around for hundreds of years before the time of our modern cement. We are talking about natural cement which, due to lower levels of pollution, is a wonderful alternative.

Other, even simpler, construction materials – such as rammed earth even has been around since the very beginning of mankind. This topic we cover in another article.

The History of Natural Cement

Natural cement is a type of cement made from natural materials, such as limestone and clay. It is used in the construction industry because it can be more environmentally-friendly than other types of cement.

The use of natural cement dates back to the Roman Empire, when builders would use a mixture of volcanic ash and lime to make their buildings. This mixture was called pozzolanic cement. Today, we still use pozzolanic cement for many projects, but it is now often combined with Portland cement for better durability and strength.

How do they make it?

Natural cement is a type of hydraulic cement that is made from natural mineral sources. It is an environmentally friendly alternative to Portland cement, which requires more energy to produce and emits more carbon dioxide.

The process of making natural cement starts with the heating and burning of limestone or chalk in a kiln. The heat causes the limestone or chalk to break down into calcium oxide, which then reacts with water.

What are the Benefits of Building with Natural Cement?

Building with natural cement has many benefits, including, it is:

– a sustainable material that is recycable.

– more durable than concrete and other traditional building materials.

– be used to build homes, roads, bridges and other structures.

Natural Cement on Facades – Use in Decoration

Natural cements are a great way to add decorative elements on the facade of a building as it is very easy to work with. They can be used to create different ornaments, such as leaves, flowers, and vines.

So, if you are seeking a quick way to pep up the facade of your property – this is for you. We all know that beauty counts and the “wow-factor” is important for a buyer to fall in love with your real-estate. It doesn’t matter if you have blocks of flats for sale or seeking to speed up your villa sale in turkey. This works everywhere. Just make sure to get a plasterer that knows the material.

If not applied directly, the cements can also be casted into moulds and then applied to the facade of the building. This is done by attaching them to the surface of the facade with some kind of adhesive.

In the past even bigger elements were used in the construction of decorative facades, such as complete window frames. Depending on the mixture and added pigments the natural cement can have a very stone-like appearance.

A Buildable & Sustained Product

Natural cements are a natural product that is made from limestone and clay. They have been used in construction for centuries but they are not as common as concrete or other man-made materials.

The future possibilities for natural cements are still being explored. There is a lot of potential for this kind of cement. The only question is, whether or not the market demands it and if there will be other sustainable alternatives to cement.

The Advantages of a Turn-Key Home

A turn-key home is a new construction that includes all the finishing touches and is ready for occupancy.

It is easier than ever before to find the perfect turn-key finish home for your needs. There are many different styles of homes available, from traditional to modern, and you can customize the home to suit your tastes. You can also find a turn-key finish home with a yard or without, depending on what you’re looking for in the perfect property.

With so many options available, it’s no wonder that this option has become increasingly popular over the years.

What is a Turn-Key Home?

A turn-key home is a house that is ready to move into or occupy without any additional construction. It has all the necessary components, such as plumbing, electricity, and heating already installed.

The term “turn-key” can also be used in the context of a business, where it means that the business is fully operational and ready for customers. In this article we will concentrate on the advantages of a turn-key finish home.

What are the Benefits?

Buying a turn-key home is a great way to enter the real estate market, with minimal hassle. You can find turn-key houses in many different styles and sizes, so it is easy to find one that fits your needs.

A turn-key home may be built from modular or prefabricated parts. In this case the house has already been constructed in a factory and then transported to the site where it will be put together like a puzzle.

A turn-key building is usually cheaper than buying an existing house because the contractor does not have to pay any additional labour costs for constructing it on site.

A Turn-Key Home – Traditional Construction

The architect designs the layout of the house, and the builder builds it according to the design. The builder then hands over the keys to the homeowner, who can move in right away.

There are many benefits to building a turn-key house, such as having all of your needs met in one place without having to worry about finding separate professionals for every job. But there are also disadvantages, like not being able to customize your home as much or living with someone else’s design choices.

But the good news is that usually you can decide how much you like to get involved in the project. Most builders would let you choose colors, tiles, flooring etc. within a certain price range.

A Turn-Key Home – Prefabricated

A turn-key finish house that is prefabricated, is made in a factory and then assembled on site.

Prefabricated homes are also known as modular homes. These are assembled in a factory and then delivered to the construction site where they are put together. You can buy these houses from catalogues or from companies that specialize in this type of housing.

The process of picking from a catalogue means you have to find the house that fits your needs, order it, and wait for it to arrive to the construction site before you can start building it.

Prefabricated houses and modular houses have their own advantages and disadvantages. It’s important to understand these differences before you make your decision of buying one of them.

Conclusion

In conclusion, buying a turn-key building is great for people who are looking for a home that has everything they need and want. They don’t have to worry about the hassle of finding different contractors to install different things in the house.

Higher Interest Rates, Higher Prices for Materials – What it Means for the Construction Industry

This article will provide an overview of the current state of the construction industry, as well as what to expect from it in the future.

Construction projects are a major source of employment and economic growth, but they’ve been lagging in recent years due to a number of factors. It’s important that we take a closer look at these factors so we can better understand how they affect our economy and what we can do about them.

The construction industry is a crucial part of the economy. Construction jobs are projected to grow by 10% through 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. It’s also one of the fastest-growing industries in the nation.

How Higher Interest Rates Affect the Construction Industry

Construction is a cyclical industry, and the market is currently in a period of expansion. However, higher interest rates can affect the construction industry in two ways. Firstly, they can lead to higher mortgage rates which will increase the cost of home ownership. Secondly, they can lead to decreased demand for homes which will decrease new construction starts.

Age Effect

The age effect is a factor that can cause the demand for housing to change. The changing of the factors in the population over time can impact on what people are looking for when they look to buy or rent a home. For example, older people typically want larger homes with more space and amenities due to their health and declining mobility. Younger people, on the other hand, want single-family homes with smaller spaces. Market conditions can also impact home values, meaning a property may be worth more during a boom or less during a bust.

How Expensive Material Affects the Construction Industry

The construction industry is a business that is highly dependent on materials. The cost of these materials can have a significant impact on the profitability of the company.

The price of materials has skyrocketed in recent years due to inflation and scarcity. This has made it difficult for companies to keep up with demand, especially smaller companies that cannot afford to pay higher prices.

The prices of these materials are not expected to change anytime soon, so companies will need to find ways to work around this problem if they want to remain competitive in the market.

One idea that is to build with cheaper materials, for example rammed earth houses. It is environmentally friendly, usually available on site and available at very little cost.

How to Prepare for a Future with Higher Interest Rates and Expensive Material

The conclusion is that the future of the economy is uncertain. We can’t predict the future and we don’t know how it will change. It’s up to us to prepare for any possible scenario – for example to consider alternative construction methods – and be ready for anything.

Thinking to buy a house? Have a look at our listings: https://www.listproperty4free.com/houses-for-sale

Rammed Earth Houses

Rammed earth houses are a type of construction that has been used for centuries. It is a sustainable building technique that uses locally-available materials and has low environmental impact.

Rammed earth, or some may also call it Adobe Construction, is a technique of building with natural, local materials, such as clay, sand, straw or water. The mixture is compacted to form walls and other structures. Rammed earth houses are durable and long-lasting; they require little maintenance and they provide excellent insulation against heat and cold.

How to Build a Rammed Earth House

Rammed earth is a type of construction that is done by packing earth, sand, and clay together to form a solid mass. The mix is poured into a formwork, compressed and allowed to dry. The mortar that binds the solid mass is either a clay mix or lime putty, and can be made from natural ingredients or manufactured. The Wikipedia article on “Rammed earth” is here.

Rammed earth is one of the oldest building techniques in the world. It dates back to at least 2500 BC with evidence found in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. The technique was used to build many famous landmarks including the Great Wall of China and parts of the Egyptian pyramids.

Nowadays, rammed earth houses are still being built around the world but they are not as common as they once were.

What are the Benefits of Building with Rammed Earth?

Building with Rammed Earth is a sustainable and environmentally friendly way to build structures. This technique has plenty of benefits, such as being energy efficient and carbon neutral.

In addition to the environmental benefits, Rammed Earth is also an energy efficient building technique. It’s a carbon-neutral building method that can be used in both warm and cold climates.

Rammed earth houses have excellent sound insulation and are fire and pest resistant.

The benefits of using this material for building are numerous. It’s strong, durable, easily available and inexpensive. The only downside to using rammed earth is the amount of time it takes for construction to be completed.

What are the Drawbacks of Building with Rammed Earth?

Rammed earth is a type of building material that is made by compressing layers of soil, gravel, sand and clay into blocks.

The drawbacks of building with rammed earth are primarily related to the high water content in the soil. When it’s used to build with, it will have an adverse effect on the stability of the structure. It also has a low thermal mass which will cause it to heat up quickly and cool down quickly.

Why You Should Consider Building Your Next Home With Rammed Earth

Rammed earth is a type of construction that is made by packing soil, clay, sand and other materials into a formwork. It has been around for centuries, but it is making a comeback due to its sustainable and cost-effective nature.

Conclusion:

Building your next home with rammed earth will be the best decision you have ever made. It will not only save you money on construction costs but also leave behind a legacy for future generations to enjoy.

Buyer Vs. Seller: Who Has The Upper Hand in Phoenix Multi-Family Real Estate

Phoenix is a great city with plenty of fantastic places to live, and it has so many great features. Metro cities have been known for being some of the best places to invest in multi-family properties but is that true for Phoenix? Keep reading to see if the multi-family real estate market is better for buyers or sellers in Phoenix.

What is the multi-family real estate market like in Phoenix?

Phoenix has one of the best multi-family home markets in the entire country, and it was one of the few that managed to thrive through the COVID-19 pandemic. Experts believe the fantastic location and ever-growing economy are the main factors that have led to such steady income growth. 

In early 2022, the market slowed down slightly, and there was also a decrease in construction, which means there will likely be fewer units delivered this year. A reduction in construction could be due to many factors, but things like high inflation rates, rising gas prices, and a high cost of building materials are the likely reasons. Experts predict that these issues won’t be resolved anytime soon, which means the units on the market right now might end up being in high demand next year. 

Another factor that has helped the Phoenix market is its great employment rate. The unemployment rate has continued to decrease slightly over the last few years (just 2.4% in March, which is lower than the national average of 3.6%)as more and more jobs come to the city. The extra jobs have also brought in people from other parts of Arizona to the area, and the employment rate is likely going to keep rising, which means homes will be in high demand.

Multi-family real estate has shown an increase over the last year, but there could be a slight hiccup with the planned interest rate hike that has many investors worried. This hike will likely affect those who have riskier investments (such as a multi-family building in town with higher homeownership percentages or low rental rates) or those who want to unload their properties in poorly performing markets. Luckily, the housing market in Phoenix has held such a steady rate that the interest rate hike won’t hit as hard as it will in other cities. 

What does the market look like for the rest of 2022?

According to the statistics for Q1 and Q2, the market will likely level itself out, but the current rising inflation rate (which has hit Phoenix hard with about 11% CPI) will make it harder for people to finance a house. This means rental rates could end up rising as people sell off their homes for a less expensive place to live. 

The current average mortgage rate sits around $2,100, which is much lower than the average rental price of about $1,600 for a two-bedroom apartment. The median household income is about $67k, while the amount needed to afford an average mortgage is about $87k. With rising inflation costs and gas prices, it’s unlikely that the median income rate for the city will have a significant jump anytime soon.

It’s becoming much harder for people to afford a new house or maintain the mortgage payments on their existing homes, so apartments and condo sales could possibly see a boost in the last half of the year. Over twenty percent of millennials (who are reaching the age where homeownership is usually achievable) have said that they don’t expect to own a home within their lifetime. 

Buyers or Sellers: Who has the upper hand?

When it comes down to it, those who are buying multi-family homes have a significant advantage right now. The prices are much lower in Phoenix than in many other cities around the country with a similar size. The city is going to continue to grow and thrive, so your investments are less likely to turn sour and end up costing you money. 

Apartment buildings in the area vary quite a bit when it comes to price and size, but there are quite a few available. People in Phoenix are looking to rent over buying, so now is one of the best times to get into the multi-family property game.  

Rental rates have also risen over $100 in the last year, with rates being around $1400 in 2021 and now hitting close to $1550. Another good sign for investors is that the percentage of renters renewing their lease has also risen, which shows that people are choosing to rent for a longer time. Overall, the Phoenix market is as hit as its summer temperatures, and it’s one of the best times for investors to take a good look at some of their exceptional multi-family real estate properties. 

Multi-family real estate is a great way to earn a bit of extra income while building your investment portfolio. Phoenix has become a great place for investors, and the market is excellent right now for anyone who is looking to buy. Have a look at some of the great multi-family homes on the market right now to see which one suits your investment needs. 

Author: Shannon Quantock

3D Printing Houses: The Future of Home Construction

3D printing is a technology that has been around for many years. However, it is only recently that the potential of 3D printing has become apparent. 3D printers have moved beyond being able to just print three dimensions, and are now capable of printing pretty much anything. With this in mind, one team of architects has come up with a new way to use 3D printers to construct homes – instead of building them from traditional materials like wood and concrete. The firm is called New Story and they’re about to use a new type of 3D printer to build the world’s first printed-and-collated houses. Their plan? To use 3D printers to build homes from dirt at a fraction of the cost and time it takes to construct a home using traditional methods. Let’s take a look at how this will work…

3D Printed Homes: The Basics

Essentially, New Story’s 3D printed homes will work in two ways: the company will first construct partially underground modules using a combination of earth and recycled materials. The partially underground modules are then transported to their destination and finished off, with the earth and recycled materials used to fill in the gaps between the modules. The result is a fully habitable house. The modules themselves will be constructed using a combination of the latest 3D printing technology and a technique known as “contour crafting.” Contour crafting involves a robotic arm that sprays concrete and earth inside a custom-built frame. The combination of 3D printing and contour crafting will allow New Story to construct these partially underground modules with minimal human involvement.

What will New Story’s homes look like?

New Story’s 3D printed houses are expected to be made from a mixture of soil and recycled materials. This will result in houses that are much cheaper to construct than traditional homes, and that are much more environmentally friendly. There even some penthouses for sale, the dirt used to build these homes will come from excavated ground up to 100 feet beneath a given site. This dirt is expected to be rich in minerals, including potassium and calcium, which are essential for growing crops. The harvested soil will then be mixed with a combination of recycled materials (such as repurposed plastic), to create a soil mixture that is suitable for building.

Will People Be Able to Live In These Homes?

The short answer to this question is yes, absolutely. The longer answer is that the dirt used for these homes has been tested and is safe to live in. The dirt used to build New Story’s 3D printed houses has been tested to make sure it’s free of pathogens and other harmful substances. It has been found to contain a relatively high amount of potassium and calcium, which are essential for the growth of crops. The dirt itself is completely harmless, but New Story will be mixing it with recycled materials. So, while the houses themselves will be completely safe to live in, it is necessary to test the soil/recycled mixture thoroughly before it is used to fill the gaps between the modules.

Why Build Homes With 3D Printed Dirt?

New Story has come up with the idea of using 3D printing to build homes from dirt as a way to tackle the global housing crisis. More than 100 million people are without a home, and many of those are living in dangerous and unhealthy conditions. The New Story team has come up with a solution to the housing crisis: 3D printing. By 3D printing homes from dirt, New Story is able to construct fully habitable houses for a fraction of the cost and time required to build a traditional home. Dirt is cheap, and it is also quick to work with. This means that New Story can construct fully-finished houses in a short space of time, and at a much lower cost than if they were constructing from more traditional materials.

Where Will These 3D Printed Homes Be Built?

New Story is planning to build their first printed-and-collated houses in El Salvador, where many residents live in dangerous, unhygienic conditions. The team at New Story has partnered with the staff at Fundación Hábitat para el Desarrollo Sostenible (FHDS), a nonprofit organization that specializes in sustainable building practices. FHDS will help New Story to identify a site for their first 3D printed homes.

3D Printed Homes Are Affordable and Eco-friendly

When it comes to building houses, the first thing that comes to mind is the cost. However, New Story’s 3D printed homes are expected to be very affordable. As previously mentioned, dirt is cheap, and there are no hidden costs with the construction of these homes. This means that New Story can keep the costs down for their clients. These printed-and-collated houses are also eco-friendly. By using dirt to construct the homes, New Story is able to avoid using natural resources that are in short supply. The team at New Story is also careful to use the correct proportions of recycled and natural materials when constructing these homes.

Final Thoughts

For many years, architects and engineers have been itching to get their hands on 3D printing technology. Now that 3D printers are more advanced than ever, they have the potential to revolutionize the construction industry. New Story’s 3D printed homes are expected to go a long way toward solving the global housing crisis. The printed-and-collated houses are expected to be very affordable, and they are also eco-friendly. We can expect to see the first printed-and-collated houses begin construction in El Salvador later this year.

Author: Laura Watson