Did you know the equity you have in your current house can help make your move possible?
Once you sell, you can use it for a larger down payment on your next home, so you’re borrowing less. Or, you may even have enough to be an all-cash buyer.
The typical homeowner has $298,000 in equity. If you want to find out how much you have, let’s connect for a Professional Equity Assessment Report.
Twila Bertrand, REALTOR
CENTURY 21 Cota Realty
1306 N Medford Drive
Lufkin, Texas 75901
Representing Buyers and Sellers in Lufkin, Huntington, Nacogdoches, and all of East Texas since 2012!
Click the link below to see many of my client testimonials on Zillow!
According to recent data from Fannie Mae, almost 1 in 4 people still think home prices are going to come down. If you’re one of the people worried about that, here’s what you really need to know about home prices.
A lot of that fear is probably coming from what you’re hearing in the media or reading online. But here’s the thing to remember. Negative news sells. That means, you may not be getting the full picture. You may only be getting the clickbait version. As Jay Thompson, a Real Estate Industry Consultant, explains:
“Housing market headlines are everywhere. Many are quite sensational, ending with exclamation points or predicting impending doom for the industry. Clickbait, the sensationalizing of headlines and content, has been an issue since the dawn of the internet, and housing news is not immune to it.”
Here’s a look at the data to set the record straight.
Home Prices Rose the Majority of the Past Year
Case-Shiller releases a report each month on the percent of monthly home price changes. If you look at their data from January 2023 through the latest numbers available, here’s what you’d see:
What do you notice when you look at this graph? It depends on what color you’re more drawn to. If you look at the green, you’ll see home prices rose for the majority of the past year.
But, if you’re drawn to the red, you may only focus on the two slight declines. This is what a lot of media coverage does. Since negative news sells, drawing attention to these slight dips happens often. But that loses sight of the bigger picture.
Here’s what this data really says. There’s a lot more green in that graph than red. And even for the two red bars, they’re so slight, they’re practically flat. If you look at the year as a whole, home prices still rose overall.
It’s perfectly normal in the housing market for home price growth to slow down in the winter. That’s because fewer people move during the holidays and at the start of the year, so there’s not as much upward pressure on home prices during that time. That’s why, even the green bars toward the end of the year show smaller price gains.
The overarching story is that prices went up last year, not down.
To sum all that up, the source for that data in the graph above, Case Shiller, explains it like this:
“Month-over-month numbers were relatively flat, . . . However, the annual growth was more significant for both indices, rising 7.4 percent and 6.6 percent, respectively.”
If one of the expert organizations tracking home price trends says the very slight dips are nothing to worry about, why be concerned? Even Case-Shiller is drawing your attention to how those were virtually flat and how home prices actually grew over the year.
Bottom Line
The data shows that, as a whole, home prices rose over the past year. If you have questions about what’s happening with home prices in our area, let’s chat.
You may have seen reports in the news recently saying it’s more affordable to rent right now than it is to buy a home. And while that may be true in some markets if you just look at typical monthly payments, there’s one thing that the numbers aren’t factoring in: and that’s home equity. Here’s a look at how big of an impact equity can have and why it’s worth considering as you make your decision.
What the Headlines Are Based on
The graph below uses national data on the median rental payment from Realtor.com and median mortgage payment from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) to compare the two options. As the graph shows, especially if you’re not looking for a lot of space, it can be more affordable on a monthly basis to rent:
But if you’re looking for something with 2 bedrooms, the gap between the median rent and the median mortgage payment starts to shrink to a difference that may be more doable. The median monthly mortgage payment is $2,040. The median monthly rent for 2 bedrooms is $1,889. That’s a difference of about $151 a month. But here’s what happens when you factor in equity too.
How Equity Changes the Game
If you rent, your monthly rental payments only go toward covering your housing costs and your landlord’s expenses. So other than saving a bit more per month and maybe getting your rental deposit back when you move, the money you spent on housing each month is gone – forever.
When you buy, your monthly mortgage payment pays for your shelter, but it also acts as an investment. That investment grows in the form of equity as you make your mortgage payment each month and chip away at what you owe on your home loan. Your equity gets an extra boost as home values climb – which they typically do.
To give you a clearer idea of how equity can really stack up fast, here’s some data for you. Each quarter, Fannie Mae andPulsenomics publish the results of the Home Price Expectations Survey (HPES). It asks more than 100 economists, real estate professionals, and investment and market strategists what they think will happen with home prices. In the latest release, those experts say home prices are going to keep going up over the next five years.
Here’s an example of how equity builds based on the projections from the HPES (see graph below):
Imagine you purchased a home for $400,000 at the start of this year. Chances are, since you bought, you plan to stay put for a while. Based on the HPES projections, if you live there for 5 years, you could end up gaining over $83,000 in household wealth as your home grows in value.
Here’s how that stacks up compared to renting, using the overall median rent from above:
While you may save a bit on your monthly payments if you rent right now, you’ll also miss out on gaining equity.
So, what’s the big takeaway? Whether it makes more sense to rent or buy is going to vary based on your personal finances. It’s not a good idea to buy if the numbers truly don’t work for you. But, if you’re ready and able, adding equity as the final puzzle piece may be enough to help you realize buying is a better move in the long run.
Bottom Line
When it comes down to it, buying a home gives you a benefit renting just can’t provide – and that’s the chance to gain equity. If you want to take advantage of long-term home price appreciation, let’s go over your options.
Twila Bertrand, REALTOR
CENTURY 21 Cota Realty
1306 N Medford Drive
Lufkin, Tx 75901
Serving Buyers and Sellers in Lufkin, Huntington, Nacogdoches, and all over East Texas since 2012!
The Top 5 Reasons You Need a Real Estate Agent when Buying a Home
You may have heard headlines in the news lately about agents in the real estate industry and discussions about their commissions. And if you’re following along, it can be pretty confusing. But here’s the thing you really need to know – expert advice from a trusted real estate agent is priceless, now more than ever. And here’s why.
A real estate agent does a lot more than you may realize.
Your agent is the person who will guide you through every step when buying a home and look out for your best interests along the way. They smooth out a complex process and take away the bulk of the stress of what’s likely your largest purchase ever. And that’s exactly what you want and deserve.
This is at least a part of the reason why a recent survey from Bright MLS found an overwhelming majority of people agree an agent is a key part of the homebuying process (see visual below):
To give you a better idea of just a few of the top ways agents add value, check out this list.
Article from Keeping Current Matters
1. Deliver Industry Experience
The right agent – the professional – will coach you through everything from start to finish. With professional training and expertise, agents know the ins and outs of the buying process. And in today’s complex market, the way real estate transactions are executed is constantly changing, so having the best advice on your side is essential.
2. Provide Expert Local Knowledge
In a world that’s powered by data, a great agent can clarify what it all means, separate fact from fiction, and help you understand how current market trends apply to your unique search. From how quickly homes are selling to the latest listings you don’t want to miss, they can explain what’s happening in your specific local market so you can make a confident decision.
3. Explain Pricing and Market Value
Agents help you understand the latest pricing trends in your area. What’s a home valued at in your market? What should you think about when you’re making an offer? Is this a house that might have issues you can’t see on the surface? No one wants to overpay, so having an expert who really gets true market value for individual neighborhoods is priceless. An offer that’s both fair and competitive in today’s housing market is essential, and a local expert knows how to help you hit the mark.
4.Review Contracts and Fine Print
In a fast-moving and heavily regulated process, agents help you make sense of the necessary disclosures and documents, so you know what you’re signing. Having a professional that’s trained to explain the details could make or break your transaction, and is certainly something you don’t want to try to figure out on your own.
5. Bring Negotiation Expertise
From offer to counteroffer and inspection to closing, there are a lot of stakeholders involved in a real estate transaction. Having someone on your side who knows you and the process makes a world of difference. An agent will advocate for you as they work with each party. It’s a big deal, and you need a partner at every turn to land the best possible outcome.
Bottom Line
Real estate agents are specialists, educators, and negotiators. They adjust to market changes and keep you informed. And keep in mind, every time you make a big decision in your life, especially a financial one, you need an expert on your side.
Expert advice from a trusted professional is priceless. Let’s connect today.
Twila Bertrand, REALTOR
CENTURY 21 Cota Realty
1306 N Medford Drive
Lufkin, Tx 75901
Serving Buyers and Sellers in Lufkin, Huntington, Nacogdoches, and all of East Texas since 2012!
Don’t Let Your Student Loans Delay Your Homeownership Plans
Article from Keeping Current Matters
If you have student loans and want to buy a home, you might have questions about how your debt affects your plans. Do you have to wait until you’ve paid off those loans before you can buy your first home? Or is it possible you could still qualify for a home loan even with that debt? Here’s a look at the latest information so you have the answers you need.
“Roughly 60 percent of U.S. adults who have held student loan debt have put off making important financial decisions due to that debt . . . For Gen Z and millennial borrowers alone, that number rises to 70 percent.”
This includes one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make, buying a home. But you should know, even with student loans, waiting to buy a home may not be necessary. While everyone’s situation is unique, your goal may be more within your reach than you realize. Here’s why.
Can You Qualify for a Home Loan if You Have Student Loans?
According to an annual report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 38% of first-time buyers had student loan debt and the typical amount was $30,000.
That means other people in a similar situation were able to qualify for and buy a home even though they also had student loans. And you may be able to do the same, especially if you have a steady source of income. As an article from Bankratesays:
“. . . you can have student loans and a mortgage at the same time. . . . If you have student loans and want a mortgage, there are multiple home loan programs you might qualify for . . .”
The key takeaway is, for many people, homeownership is achievable even with student loans.
You don’t have to figure this out on your own. The best way to make a decision about your goals and next steps is to talk to the professionals. A trusted lender can walk you through your options based on your situation, and share what’s worked for other buyers.
Bottom Line
Lots of other people with student loan debt are able to buy their own homes. Talk to a lender to go over your options and see how close you are to reaching your goal.
Contact me directly for more information. I can connect you with you local recommended lender who can help you get the process started and then we will work together to bring you to the finish line of owning a home!
Twila Bertrand, REALTOR
CENTURY 21 Cota Realtor
Serving Buyers and Sellers in Lufkin, Huntington, and all over East Texas since 2012!
The link to my website with tons of listings, data, and other helpful information is below:
Are you thinking about making a move? If so, now may be the perfect time to start the process. That’s because experts say the best week to list your house is just around the corner.
A recent Realtor.comstudy looked at housing market trends over the past several years (with the exception of 2020, since it was an unusual year), and found the best week to put your house on the market this year is April 14-20:
“Every year, one week stands out from the rest as that perfect stretch of time when it’s great to be a home seller. This year, the week of April 14–20 is the best time to sell—that is, if sellers want to see lots of interest in their homes, sell quickly, and pocket some extra cash, according to Realtor.com® data.”
Here’s why this matters for you. While the spring market is a great time to sell no matter the week, this may be the peak sweet spot. And if you’ve been putting your plans on the back burner and waiting for the right time to act, this could be the nudge you need to make your move happen. As Hannah Jones, Senior Economic Research Analyst at Realtor.comexplains:
“The third week of April brings the best combination of housing market factors for sellers. The best week offers higher buyer demand, lower competition [from other sellers], and fewer price reductions than the typical week of the year.”
But, if you want to get in on the action, you’ll need to move quickly and lean on the pros. Your local real estate agent is the perfect go-to when it comes to figuring out a plan to prep your house and get it on the market.
They’ll be able to offer advice to balance your target listing date with what you need to do from a repair and renovation standpoint. And they can walk you through exactly how to prioritize your list so you know what to tackle first.
For example, if your house is already in good shape, you’ll be able to really focus in on the smaller things that are easy to do and make a big impact. As an article from Investopediasays:
“You won’t have time for any major renovations, so focus on quick repairs to address things that could deter potential buyers.”
Here are some specific examples from that article:
Just remember, even if you’re not ready to list within the next couple of weeks, that’s okay. The window of opportunity doesn’t close when this week ends. Spring is the peak homebuying season and it’s still a seller’s market, so you’ll be in the driver’s seat all season long.
Bottom Line
Ready to get the ball rolling? Let’s connect and schedule a time to go over your next steps.
Twila Bertrand, REALTOR
CENTURY 21 Cota Realty
Cell: 512-297-1000
Email: twilabertrand@gmail.com
Real Estate Agent serving Lufkin, Huntington, Nacogdoches, and all of East Texas since 2012!
A link to my website with more information and reviews from previous clients is below:
One of the biggest hurdles buyers have faced over the past few years has been a lack of homes available for sale. But that’s starting to change.
The graph below uses the latest data from Realtor.com to show there are more homes on the market in 2024 than there have been in any of the past several years (2021-2023):
Does That Mean Finding a Home Is Easier?
The answer is yes, and no. As an article from Realtor.comsays:
“There were nearly 15% more homes for sale in February than a year earlier . . . That alone could jolt the housing market a bit if more “For Sale” signs continue to appear. However, the nation is still suffering from a housing shortage even with all of that new inventory.”
Context is important. On the one hand, inventory is up over the past few years. That means you’ll likely have more options to choose from as you search for your next home. In Angelina County, our current inventory levels in Feb 2024 are 41% higher than this time in 2023!
But, at the same time, the graph above also shows there are still significantly fewer homes for sale than there would usually be in a more normal, pre-pandemic market. And that deficit isn’t going to be reversed overnight. That is why we are still in a seller’s market in most price ranges.
What Does This Mean for You?
You might find a few more choices now than in recent years, but you shouldn’t expect a ton of options.
To help you explore the growing list of choices you have now, team up with a local real estate agent you trust. They can really help you understand the inventory situation where you want to buy. That’s because real estate is local. An experienced agent can share some smart tips they’ve used to help other buyers in your area deal with ongoing low housing supply.
Bottom Line
If you’re thinking about buying a home, let’s team up. That way, you’ll be up to date on everything that could affect your move, including how many homes are for sale right now.
Contact me directly anytime for any questions about real estate and I will be happy to help!
Real Estate Agent Serving buyers and sellers in Lufkin, Nacogdoches, Huntington, and all of East Texas since 2012!
Thinking about buying a home? If so, you’re probably wondering: should I buy now or wait? Nobody can make that decision for you, but here’s some information that can help you decide.
What’s Next for Home Prices?
Each quarter, Fannie Mae andPulsenomics publish the results of the Home Price Expectations Survey (HPES). It asks more than 100 experts—economists, real estate professionals, and investment and market strategists—what they think will happen with home prices.
In the latest survey, those experts say home prices are going to keep going up for the next five years (see graph below):
Here’s what all the green on this chart should tell you. They’re not expecting any price declines. Instead, they’re saying we’ll see a 3-4% rise each year.
And even though home prices aren’t expected to climb by as much in 2025 as they are 2024, keep in mind these increases can really add up over time. It works like this. If these experts are right and your home’s value goes up by 3.78% this year, it’s set to grow another 3.36% next year. And another 3.87% the year after that.
What Does This Mean for You?
Knowing that prices are forecasted to keep going up should make you feel good about buying a home. That’s because it means your home is an asset that’s projected to grow in value in the years ahead.
If you’re not convinced yet, maybe these numbers will get your attention. They show how a typical home’s value could change over the next few years using expert projections from the HPES. Check out the graph below:
In this example, imagine you bought a home for $400,000 at the start of this year. Based on these projections, you could end up gaining over $83,000 in household wealth over the next five years as your home grows in value.
Of course, you could also wait – but if you do, buying a home is just going to end up costing you more.
Bottom Line
You should now be able to answer the question, does it make sense to buy a home now. If you’re thinking it’s time to get your own place, and you’re ready and able to do so, buying now might be the best thing for you! Your home is expected to keep getting more valuable as prices go up. Teaming up with a local real estate agent is a good first step to start looking for your next home today.
Contact me directly anytime for more questions and I will be happy to help!
I am a local Real Estate Agent with CENTURY 21 Cota Realty serving Lufkin, Huntington, Nacogdoches, and the surrounding areas. There is a lot more to know about me than just someone who sells houses though! If you would like more personal information about me and my walk with faith, check out this story below written by April Barbe and published in the Lufkin Daily News in February 2024.
BY APRIL BARBE
When life knocks you to your knees, there’s only one thing to do — pray. And that’s exactly what Huntington native Twila Bertrand did as she faced cancer and marriage issues a few years ago.
Bertrand will be one of four women speaking at The Pines Theater March 1 during “A Night of Faith, Hope & Refreshment” sponsored by 90.9 KSWP and 91.9 KAVX.
“We all have to hit a point in our lives when we fully surrender to the Lord,” Bertrand said. “For some of us, it takes much harder lessons than others. As a believer and follower of Jesus, our testimony of God’s love and grace in the midst of our sins gives others hope and assurance that He is there, and He does care and He will provide for us. He will take things that were meant to break us and use them for His glory.”
Bertrand was raised in Huntington, along with her parents and grandparents. She and her husband, Jeremy, lived in Round Rock for two years for school and then moved back to Lufkin in 2008. In 2014, they purchased a home in Huntington.
“My husband Jeremy and I moved to Lufkin in 2008 when we found out we were expecting our first child,” she said. “We both really wanted our kids to go to school in Huntington, so this was a drastic change for us moving from the Austin area.”
Now, Bertrand is serving her second year on the Huntington City Council and Habitat for Humanity Board. She’s also on the board for the Lufkin Education Broadcasting Foundation LLC, which is the company behind KSWP and KAVX Christian radio stations.
“I started volunteering at KSWP for their Share-A-Thon fundraiser events back in 2016 or so and have been an avid volunteer helping to answer phones since then,” Bertrand said. “Over the years, I have become good friends with Michelle Ross, the president of the company. She has wanted to host a women’s event in Lufkin for some time now, and I never dreamed I would be one of the speakers.”
She said the request from Ross came the same day she had told God she wanted to share what He had done for her. She then prayed that He would show her how to share her story in order to encourage others.
“That very night, Michelle called me and told me she was trying to get the positions filled for the women’s event and asked me if I would be one of the speakers and share my testimony of how the Lord carried me through two rounds of cancer,” Bertrand said. “I was stunned to say the least, and I told Michelle about my prayer and request from the Lord that same day. I then, of course, told Michelle I would be happy to participate.”
Saved as a young girl, Bertrand said she knew God but was not living for God. She said, like many, she had spent her late teenage years and 20s “doing all the things non-Christian people do.”
Once diagnosed with cancer, struggling with her husband in their marriage and making other mistakes along the way, Bertrand said it “completely broke me and forced me to my knees.”
She said after trying everything she knew to do, she was still scared, embarrassed, stressed and angry with everyone, including God.
“I finally hit my rock bottom one night as I was crying out to the Lord while laying on the floor of my closet in desperation,” Bertrand said. “That rock bottom humbled me and sent me straight into the arms of Jesus, who was there all along just waiting for me to stop trying to do things on my own and allow Him to take control of everything.”
During the March 1 event, Bertrand will be sharing more about how her faith helped her through two rounds of kidney cancer in 2016 and 2018. She will also speak about her marriage and her “miracle baby boy,” who came in between her two cancer diagnoses. She said he is “a special gift to us from the Lord.
“We all need to be encouraged and reminded that we are all going through hard stuff. In all the stories in the Bible, the Lord was with His people and provided for them time and time again, despite their sin and shortcomings. True lessons are learned the hard way.”
Bertrand and her family which includes husband, Jeremy; daughter, Cayla; sons, Kieren and Kayson; as well as her mother, Cyndi, and brother, Justin and his family attend Huntington First Baptist Church.
“My husband is a leader on Wednesday nights for the K-5th-grade Missions Studies, and I help lead the Youth 6-12th-graders on Wednesday nights,” Bertrand said. “We both attend church camps and mission trips each year as adult sponsors.”
Bertrand is also a Realtor with Century 21 Cota Realty in Lufkin, where she has been since 2013.
“I get to pray and help my clients through some of the biggest decisions of their life,” she said. “It is a very rewarding experience to see a family’s excitement as they fulfill the American Dream of being a homeowner.”
“A Night of Faith, Hope & Refreshment” will begin at 7 p.m. Friday, March 1, at The Pines Theater, 113 S. First St. Other speakers include Michelle Ross (general manager of KSWP/KAVX and pastor of The River in Lufkin); Trisha Dallmeyer (pastor of The River in Jacksonville); and Lauria Greenwood (Jeepin For Jesus).
It will also feature Christian artist Jeremy Rosado in concert and will be emceed by KSWP/KAVX DJ Tiki Lamar.
Ticket prices range from $25-$75 each and may be purchased at eventbrite.com by searching Revive Women’s Event in Lufkin or on KSWP’s website at kswp.org
Twila Bertrand, Realtor
CENTURY 21 Cota Realty
Serving Lufkin, Huntington, Nacogdoches, Huntington, and all of East Texas!
Unlock Your Home’s Potential: Twila Bertrand’s Top 5 Strategies to Maximize Value in Angelina County
Hello, Angelina County and Deep East Texas homeowners! As your dedicated local Real Estate Agent, I understand the importance of ensuring your property stands out in today’s ever changing real estate market. To help you achieve the highest possible value for your home, I’ve compiled a list of the Top Five Strategies to Maximize Value of your home.
Elevate Curb Appeal: First Impressions Count They say you never get a second chance to make a first impression, and this holds very true in real estate. Enhancing your home’s curb appeal can significantly impact its market value. Consider freshening up the landscaping, adding vibrant flowers, adding fresh mulch, and addressing any exterior maintenance issues. A welcoming exterior not only attracts potential buyers but also boosts your property’s visibility online.
Modernize Key Spaces: Kitchens and Bathrooms Matter Buyers in Angelina County and all over East Texas are becoming more and more keen on modern amenities. Upgrading key spaces like kitchens and bathrooms can add substantial value to your home. Invest in contemporary appliances, stylish fixtures, modern lighting, and attractive finishes. A modernized interior not only appeals to the current market trends but also positions your property as a desirable choice for today’s buyers. Did you know a large majority of home buyers are Millennials?!
Embrace Energy Efficiency: A Smart Investment Sustainability is a growing concern, and energy-efficient features are increasingly valued by homebuyers all across Texas. Consider upgrading to energy-efficient windows, improving insulation, and investing in eco-friendly appliances. Not only does this make your home more appealing, but it also contributes to long-term cost savings for you and the future homeowner alike. Highlight these features in your listings to attract environmentally-conscious buyers.
Showcase Unique Features: What Sets Your Home Apart? Every home has its unique charm. Whether it’s a stunning view, spacious backyard, or architectural details, these features can be significant selling points. When marketing your property, focus on what makes it stand out. Craft engaging descriptions that highlight these distinctive qualities and use relevant keywords to increase your property’s online visibility in Angelina County searches.
Invest in Professional Marketing: Quality Sells In today’s digital age, high-quality online marketing is non-negotiable. Invest in professional photography to showcase your home in the best light. Craft compelling listings that not only describe your property accurately but also use keywords tailored to the local Angelina County real estate market. Leverage social media platforms and local real estate websites to expand your property’s reach. Thankfully, with me as you listing agent through CENTURY 21 Cota Realty, our listings get the absolute best marketing with world wide advertising on hundreds of websites. I also pay for the professional photography for all of my listings and boost the listings on multiple social media platforms.
In conclusion, maximizing your home’s value in Angelina County and any market, requires a thoughtful and strategic approach. By focusing on curb appeal, modernizing key spaces, embracing energy efficiency, showcasing unique features, and investing in professional marketing, you can elevate your property’s appeal in the eyes of potential buyers. If you’re ready to take the next step or have any questions, feel free to reach out to me, Twila Bertrand, your local Real Estate expert. Together, let’s unlock the full potential of your home in beautiful Deep East Texas!
Twila Bertrand, REALTOR
CENTURY 21 Cota Realty
1306 N Medford Drive, Lufkin Tx, 75901
Local Real Estate Expert helping buyers and sellers in Lufkin, Nacogdoches, Huntington, and all over East Texas since 2012!
Cell: 512-297-1000
Email: twilabertrand@gmail.com
The link to my website with Active Listings, upcoming Open Houses, Current Interest Rates, and much more is below:
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