Vermont Mortgage Update

 

 

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As expected, Spring brought about an increase in activity. Purchases and pre-approvals make up 78% of the mortgage applications at New England Federal Credit Union (NEFCU). Home equity loans have seen significant growth in the past year as homeowners capitalize on their equity position, while protecting their low first mortgage interest rate.

According to Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed rate end the second quarter at 6.71%. In this purchase market, borrowers are growing accustomed to the higher rates. Loan Officers are hard at work issuing and updating pre-approval letters, as borrowers need to act quickly in this competitive market. Amidst the increased rate environment, we saw a 15% increase in the average loan amount in 2022, as compared to an average annual increase of 4% when considering data from the past 30 years.

NEFCU’s portfolio has seen a significant increase in Construction lending. Historically, Construction loans 
make up 1-2% of overall production and are currently over 5%. There has also been an increase in what the industry considers non-conventional housing. This includes off-grid properties, yurts, and tiny homes. For lenders, this can introduce complications due to conventional loan requirements. In Vermont, local lenders such as NEFCU are creating portfolio products to meet the unique housing needs of our state.

Affordable housing is a focus at the state and national level. Nationally, this comes from the Duty to Serve initiative. This is a requirement for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to facilitate a secondary mortgage market on housing for low, to moderate-income families. Within the Duty to Serve, we are seeing a focus shift to historically underserved markets: manufactured homes, affordable housing preservation, and
rural housing. 

At the state level, the Vermont Mortgage Bankers Association joined other associations like the Vermont
Association of Realtors to share the story of the housing crisis as legislators worked on S100, the Omnibus Housing Bill. In addition to zoning reform, the bill gives continued to support to agencies like the  Vermont Housing Finance Agency, which works with participating lenders statewide to administer loan programs and grants to support homeownership. NEFCU has seen a significant increase in borrowers benefitting from these programs; VHFA loans increased 5-fold thus far in 2023 compared to 2022. NEFCU further supports affordable housing with a portfolio down payment assistance program as well as partnerships with Community Lending Trusts throughout the state.

As we move through the rest of 2023, the focus will remain on Duty to Serve, housing affordability and how to help the most borrowers achieve homeownership.

NEFCU Disclaimer: The information in this report is for informational purposes only and does not represent an offer or commitment to provide any product or service. Any rate quotes, prices or the physical information included have been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but we do not guarantee their accuracy or completeness. Any mentions of third-party names, products, and services are for referential purposes only and are not meant to imply any sponsorship, endorsement, or affiliation unless otherwise noted. This information is based on current market conditions and is subject to change without notice

COVID-19 Vermont Real Estate Market Update Through May 31st

April Market Update  | Q1 Market Update

The real estate market in northwest Vermont is recovering after the necessary shut down due to Covid-19. The stay at home order went into effect on March 25th with restricted showings beginning again in late April.

Market data for April was an indicator of what we did see in May. New listings in April declined 45% and pending contracts declined nearly 50%. As a result, a steep decline in closed sales followed in May. Real estate transactions typically take 45-60 days to close – therefore the restricted activity in late March and April is seen in May numbers. Although new listings in May declined over the same period last year, it is an improvement over April. And June appears on par with 2019. While the May numbers show a slight decline in the median price of homes sold, this is more a reflection of the smaller number of sales during that period than it is of a decline in value. In recent weeks, we have a seen an increase in sales in the upper end of the market – which was paused during the uncertainty in March and April.

Buyer demand remained strong through the shut down and has only increased in May and June. In Chittenden County the number of properties going “under contract” in May was the same as a year before despite dramatically less inventory to choose from. Agents are reporting multiple offers on new listings coming to market. So, buyers need to be prepared with a strong qualification from their lender and expert advice from their REALTOR if they want to purchase a home this summer.

CountyMay-19May-20Change %
ChittendenFor Sale723548-24%
Under Contract2362360%
Sold200101-50%
New Listings310228-26%
Median Price330950318400-4%
AddisonFor Sale311196-37%
Under Contract6148-21%
Sold3818-53%
New Listings8844-50%
Median Price255000234500-8%
FranklinFor Sale400310-23%
Under Contract8410120%
Sold5848-17%
New Listings10886-20%
Median Price2285002452507%
Grand IsleFor Sale172103-40%
Under Contract2114-33%
Sold176-65%
New Listings4724-49%
Median Price244900198500-19%
4 CountiesFor Sale16061157-28%
Under Contract402399-1%
Sold313173-45%
New Listings553382-31%
Median Price294500287000-3%

The local media has reported that REALTORS across Vermont are seeing an increase in inquiries from out-of-state buyers. Presumably, these potential buyers are looking toward Vermont to seek refuge from their city homes. With a 14 day, mandatory quarantine still in effect for out-of-state travelers to Vermont, real estate sales in resort communities across the state report are largely on hold with the exception of a few buyers who will consider a “sight unseen” purchase.

Locally, our agents report that most buyers from outside of Vermont are relocating here for a job. They, too, are on hold until the mandatory quarantine is eased. With more than half of Americans working from home because of the coronavirus, and many companies saying they will be more flexible with remote options going forward, rural and suburban locales are more and more desirable. According to a Zillow survey conducted by Harris Poll, “Among Americans working from home because of the pandemic, 75 percent said they would prefer to continue to do so at least half the time, if given the option, after the pandemic subsides. And two-thirds (66%) of those employees said they would be at least somewhat likely to consider moving if they had the flexibility to work from home as often as they want.” Buyers said that they would consider a longer commute (current low gas prices certainly help) if they only have to go to a physical office a couple of times per week. In northwest Vermont, properties outside of the greater Burlington area – in neighboring Franklin and Addison Counties – have long been more affordable. With larger lots and more “home” for their money, buyers are attracted to communities that offer amenities to enhance their lifestyles. In May, the number of properties that went “under contract” in Franklin County increased by 20% over 2019 – likely helped by the inventory level and median sales price.

As June heats up, and we get back into the traditional “peak” of the real estate market – we are optimistic that inventory and sales will meet or exceed 2019 as the safety and value of owning a home remain a priority to Vermonters.

Resources for Out-Of-State Travelers 

COVID-19 and the Spring Real Estate Market

The Vermont Market Report released on April 22 reflected a strong residential real estate market in Chittenden, Addison, Franklin, and Grand Isle Counties for the first quarter, January through March 2020. While newly listed single-family homes were down 12% putting a stress on inventory – buyer demand, fueled by low mortgage rates, continued to grow with a 6% increase in homes sold and a steady median price growth of 2.4% to $296,500, the report showed.

As we noted in the Vermont Market Report, results of closed sales through March 31, 2020 reflected business efforts from the 4th quarter of 2019 through January as transactions take an average of 45 – 60 days to close. See the full Q1 Vermont Market Report.

Governor Scott’s Stay at Home order on March 25th effectively put the brakes on real estate in April, the start of what is historically the busiest time in real estate. While 20% fewer homes (single-family and condominiums) closed during the month this number reflects properties put under contract in February and March, prior to the Stay at Home Order.

Market data for April 2020 will be a leading indicator of the impact COVID-19 has had on the real estate market in Northwest Vermont for the coming months. Newly listed residential property declined 45% across Chittenden, Addison, Franklin, and Grand Isle counties resulting in 31% fewer homes for sale compared to a year ago. Another indicator of things to come is the number of properties put Under Contract during the month as those properties are likely due to close in May and June. Chittenden County, down 50%, felt the greatest impact of properties going under contract during the month of April. Since April 20th restrictions of property inspections, appraisals, and in-person showings were lifted following strict guidelines of the state and CDC. Agents have reported multiple offer situations as buyers and sellers regain confidence to continue their move.

CountyApr-19Apr-20ChangeChange %
ChittendenFor Sale619433-186-30
Under Contract204102-102-50
Sold12498-26-21
New Listings222116-106-48%
Median Price $314,000 $326,250 $12,250 4
AddisonFor Sale259182-77-30
Under Contract3229-3-9
Sold2618-8-31
New Listings6331-32-51%
Median Price $260,950 $294,500 $33,550 13
FranklinFor Sale366264-102-28
Under Contract6340-23-37
Sold4038-2-5
New Listings7452-22-30%
Median Price $225,656 $250,000 $23,344 11
Grand IsleFor Sale14183-58-41
Under Contract126-6-50
Sold53-2-40
New Listings2310-13-57%
Median Price $148,000 $208,000 $60,000 41
4 CountiesFor Sale1385962-423-31
Under Contract311177-134-43
Sold195157-38-20
New Listings382209-173-45%
Median Price $277,800 $295,000 $17,200 6
*Sales reported through the NEREN-MLS: Single family & condominium homes sold, April 2019 vs April 2020, Chittenden, Addison, Franklin, Grand Isle

In April, the median residential sale price across the 4 counties was up 6% to $295,000. “Northwest Vermont has been in a sellers’ market in many price points for some time,” says Leslee MacKenzie, President/Owner of Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman. “Unlike the Recession of 2008, driven largely by the housing sector, this current economic shock is driven by a public health crisis. The real estate market is better positioned in 2020 for a faster recovery. In addition, many homeowners have built positive equity since 2008- another leading indicator on how housing may fare as state and health officials navigate safe and measured ways to re-open the Vermont economy.”

Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman has been guiding Vermonters home since 1958. The company ranks among the top 50 Coldwell Banker Offices nationwide and was honored as a 2020 Best Places to Work in Vermont. The company has three offices: Burlington, Vergennes, and St Albans.

Wire Fraud Alert

The National Association of REALTORS is raising awareness of increased reports of wire fraud schemes that involve hackers stealing email addresses and sending fraudulent bank wiring instructions to various parties involved in a real estate transaction.

The cyber-criminal scheme takes on many variations, often tricking the unsuspecting user into inputting their information or clicking a link that allows the criminal to steal login, password, or other personal information. The criminal then uses the stolen information to send fraudulent wire instructions disguised to come from a professional you’re working with, including real estate agents, attorneys, lenders or consumers.

If you receive an email with wiring instructions, do not respond. Financial institutions advise that email is not a secure way to send your financial information. Here are a few ways to help protect yourself against wire fraud:

  • Never wire funds without personally speaking with the intended recipient of the wire to confirm the routing number and account number.
  • Verify that the contact information for the wire transfer recipient is legitimate. Call to verify the request using a phone number that has been independently obtained, not the phone number contained in the email containing the wiring instructions.
  • Never send personal information such as social security numbers, bank account numbers and credit card numbers, unless it is through secured/encrypted email or personal delivery to the intended recipient.
  • Take steps to secure the system you are using with your email account such as using strong passwords and secure WiFi.
  • Act immediately if you suspect that you have been victimized by wire fraud. Contact the Vermont FBI district office at 802-951-6725 or file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center at bec.ic3.gov

 

This important notice is not intended to provide legal advice. You should consult with a lawyer if you have any questions.

The First-Time Home-buying Experience

The first-time homebuyers’ jubilance can be infectious. Everything is new, from the space surrounding them to their feelings inside.

 

“We’re so happy — very, very pleased,” says Amanda O’Brien, who, with her husband, Evan, recently purchased their first home in South Burlington, just off Dorset Street.

Like the O’Briens, Matt and Katie Campbell recently bought a home in South Burlington. “Everything about this house just fit all of our criteria,” says Matt Campbell, an insurance professional. “The price was right, and the neighborhood was excellent. The house is a great fit for us, and it allows us the extra space that our growing family needs. We love the cape style and the convenient location.”

The Campbells and the O’Briens are all in their thirties — the so-called “Millennials” — and their generation still accounts for the largest share of homebuyers in the U.S., at 26 percent, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) 2017 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers.

In 2017, the share of first-time homebuyers was 34 percent — a slight dip from 35 percent in 2016. Overall, this bucks the historical norm of 40 percent of the market.

As first-time homebuyers, Millennials face challenges in the current housing market, where inventory is tight nationwide, causing the prices of homes to jump; and many Millennials carry unprecedented amounts of student debt, which can delay plans to buy a home.

In northwestern Vermont, though, opportunities exist to settle into that first home, but it’s vital to tap into a professional first, such as a knowledgeable and creative Coldwell Banker Hickok & Boardman (CBHB) agent, especially in the current market, according to the Campbells and O’Briens.

Matt Campbell had owned a home prior to the one that he and Katie bought together, so he knew about some the preparations necessary, but he and Katie still sought the advice of CBHB Agent, Michaela Quinlan. Katie and Michaela have known each other since childhood, and Matt grew up near Michaela’s father, in South Burlington.

“Michaela was excellent to work with, though we had a long prior relationship as friends,” Matt says. “She was the ultimate professional in dealing with us and really knew her stuff. I walked away from this experience holding her in higher regard for her professionalism and market knowledge, as well as her unquestioned support of her friends and clients.”

The Campbells knew what they wanted: four bedrooms, two bathrooms, two floors, a basement, and a decent-sized yard for their dogs and children: Dennis, who is 19 months old, and a daughter expected at the end of this June. They have been married for 2 1/2 years and together for five. Matt bought his previous home in 2009, after moving back to Vermont from Boston. He and Katie lived there together for three years.

“We started looking for our new home a full year prior, because I wanted to get a good handle on what the market was in the Burlington area and to be able to identify good opportunities,” Matt says. “With our growing family, we knew we would eventually need more space, and we had strict criteria on where we wanted to live, so when the right opportunity presented itself we wanted to feel confident in our decision and offer.”

The whole purchasing process took about 12 to 15 months, from the first search online to the closing date. The Campbells physically looked at 10-plus homes and viewed hundreds online. Matt saw “the one” (property) early on a Saturday morning, and they were in a multiple-offer situation by midweek — another common scenario in the current housing market.

The O’Briens also rose to the top of a multiple-offer situation. They saw their home listed late on a Friday afternoon. They toured it on Sunday. Multiple offers came in on Monday; the sellers made a decision by the end of that day, and the O’Briens closed on the property less than two months later, with the assistance of CBHB Agent, Betsy Forrester.

“Before beginning their home search, Amanda and Evan had met with a mortgage lender and had gotten a pre-approval, so they knew how much they were qualified to finance,” Forrester says. “As a couple, they had also discussed areas where they wanted to live and the style and type of home that suited them both, so we were able to start with more targeted search parameters.”

Be prepared: It’s the advice that Forrester, Quinlan and all our agents offer most to first-time homebuyers, who should look at their finances and meet with a mortgage lender to first determine a comfortable mortgage payment. Also, Forrester says, realize that finding a home involves compromise of the “must haves” and the “like to haves.” Finally, she and Quinlan say it is important to be patient, and not take the bidding process personally.

“Purchasing a home is a process, and sometimes it takes a while for everything to come together just right,” Forrester says.

The O’Briens rented before buying their first home, as did 73 percent of other first-time homebuyers in 2017, according to the NAR. Evan, who is an attorney, is a Manhattan native. He and Amanda, a Rutland native, met in college and had rented in pricy New York City before deciding it would be more cost-effective — and better to be closer to family — if they settled back in Vermont and bought a home.

They, too, had a checklist of “wants” and “needs” that is typical for first-time homebuyers in their generation: lots of efficiencies, little maintenance and renovation, and proximity to an urban area with several amenities. They started saving for a house and preparing for their purchase even before returning to Vermont.

“It made things quite a bit easier,” Evan says.

Forrester educates first-time homebuyers with no home maintenance experience — especially those that have rented first — to “look beyond the sparking new kitchen or Pottery Barn-style living room” and consider the overall structural quality of the home, from the roof to the furnace.

“If buyers are stretching to be able to afford a home and the roof needs imminent replacement, then they need to be prepared for that expense soon after purchase or move on to find a home that likely won’t need major repairs until further into the future,” Forrester says.

Younger generations are renting longer, even though renting is expensive, but buying a home is still a better long-term investment.

“Owning property is a forced savings account,” says Michaela Quinlan. “I work with a lot of millennials that have a hard time putting away money into a traditional savings account. When you pay your landlord, the money disappears. When you pay a mortgage, you are building equity that will be there for you in the future.”

Both the Campbells and the O’Briens tend to stay in their homes for several years, which is another growing trend in the current housing market: More people are staying put longer — about 10 years in their home, as opposed to the traditional average of seven.

“The work and life balance in Vermont seems to be more in line with what we want for our lives than more urban or metropolitan areas,” Matt Campbell says. “When comparing other options, it became clear that Vermont, and more specifically Chittenden County, is an excellent place to raise a family.”