Renting? As you head into 2016, you may want to reconsider...

Below are quotes from experts as well as industry reports & articles that cover the residential rental market in the U.S.

The experts…

Zillow Chief Economist Svenja Gudell:

"Make no mistake: Despite this recent slowdown in rental appreciation, the rental affordability crisis we've been enduring for the past few years shows no signs of easing, especially as income growth remains weak. It will take a lot more supply, and a lot more renters-turned-homeowners, to fully reverse this.”

Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist of the National Association of Realtors

“Rents and home prices are expected to exceed income growth into next year because of the insufficient creation of new home construction and the detrimental impact its inadequacy continues to have on housing costs in several markets.”

David Brickman, Executive Vice President of Freddie Mac Multifamily

"We know rents are rising faster than incomes, and now we have data to show that many renters don't have enough to pay all their debts each month, which is forcing them to make tradeoffs, such as cutting spending on other items.”

The reports and articles…

Zillow's 2016 Housing Market Predictions

“Rising rents won't let up in 2016, and will continue to set new records. The next year will bring the least affordable median rents ever.”

2015 rent.com Rental Market Report

“68% of property managers predict that rental rates will continue to rise in the next year by an average of 8%”

CNBC

“The primary reasons cited for the latest rises were increasing demand and low inventory. Vacancy rates for rental housing nationally dropped to a 20-year low of 6.8 percent in the second quarter…Rents and occupancies are currently hovering at historic highs as supply isn't keeping up with demand.”

 Bottom Line

If you are one of the many renters debating a home purchase, meet with a real estate professional in your area who can show you your options, before your rent goes up!

Should I sell, or should I rent...

Looking to move, but not sure if you should sell your current home, or rent it instead?  Read what Keeping Current Matters has to say...




The results of Fannie Mae’s June 2015 National Housing Survey, were just released showing that more and more homeowners are warming up to the idea that now may be a great time to sell their home.
The amount of respondents that stated that now is a good time to sell rose three percentage points to a survey high of 52%; which may translate to a healthier market as more homes are listed in the coming months.
At the same time “the percentage of respondents who expect home rental prices to go up rose to 59% – a new survey high.” Doug Duncan, senior vice president and chief economist at Fannie Mae, gave this insight: “The expectation of higher rents is a natural outgrowth of increasing household formation by newly employed individuals putting upward pressure on rental rates.”
There is a chance that those who believe rental prices will rise may consider renting their house rather than selling it at this time.
However, if you have no desire to actually become an educated investor in this sector, you may be headed for more trouble than you were looking for. Are you ready to be a landlord?
Before renting your home, you should answer the following questions to make sure this is the right course of action for you and your family.

10 Questions to ask BEFORE renting your home

1. How will you respond if your tenant says they can’t afford to pay the rent this month because of more pressing obligations? (This happens most often during holiday season and back-to-school time when families with children have extra expenses).
2. Because of the economy, many homeowners cannot make their mortgage payment. What percentage of tenants do you think cannot afford to pay their rent?
3. Have you interviewed experienced eviction attorneys in case a challenge does arise?
4. Have you talked to your insurance company about a possible increase in premiums as liability is greater in a non-owner occupied home?
5. Will you allow pets? Cats? Dogs? How big a dog?
6. How will you actually collect the rent? By mail? In person?
7. Repairs are part of being a landlord. Who will take tenant calls when necessary repairs come up?
8. Do you have a list of craftspeople readily available to handle these repairs?
9. How often will you do a physical inspection of the property?
10. Will you alert your current neighbors that you are renting the house?

Bottom Line

Renting out residential real estate historically is a great investment. However, it is not without its challenges. Make sure you have decided to rent the house because you want to be an investor, not because you are hoping to get a few extra dollars by postponing a sale.

Rent Increases Expected to Continue through 2015

Is buying cheaper than renting where you are? Check this list to find out...

In many parts of the country, the rental market has steadily picked up over the past few years.  There are a number of reasons people are renting instead of purchasing.  The burst of the housing bubble caused a significant loss of equity in a home - which translates to a lack of downpayment for many potential buyers.  Other sellers were underwater on their mortgages when they sold, and in addition to losing equity, also had to dig into savings to pay the difference in order to close the sale of the home.  Distress sales have left potential buyers with marred credit, in addition to the lack of funds to use to purchase.  That marred credit has caused mortgage investors and lenders to tighten their strings and be a bit more cautious with loaning money out to prospective homeowners.  And then there are those potential buyers who are "waiting in the wings" for the housing market to stabilize.  Renting, until they feel that the time is right to reinvest in the real estate market.

All of these factors have helped create a rental market with high demand in many areas.  As the law of economics has it - the higher the demand, the higher the price.  Most markets have experienced increased in monthly rents.  Without a checks and balance system, like appraisals in the buying segment, tenants are more apt to pay more for, if a property is in an area that they want to live in, or if the landlord is willing to accept the risks of a tenant's damaged credit.  With that being said - is it time for you to now consider buying a home?  Instead of signing another lease?

Is buying cheaper than renting where you are? Check this list to find out out...


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