Mona Koussa-Real Estate Broker

Your Home Equity Can Take You Places [INFOGRAPHIC] The amount of wealth Americans have stored in their homes has increased astronomically. On average, homeowners gained $33,400 in equity over the last 12 months, and the average equity on mortgaged homes is now $216,000. When it’s time to sell, your home equity can help accomplish your goals. DM me to discuss how you can take advantage of today’s sellers’ market to get the most out of your home sale.

How to Stay Motivated as a Buyer in a Sellers' Market If you're a homebuyer, today's market requires patience and persistence. Let's connect to make sure you have an expert guide along the way.

Ready to buy a #home? Now is always the right time!

A Look at Home Price Appreciation Through 2025 Home prices have increased significantly over the last year, which has in turn grown the net worth of homeowners. Appreciation and home equity are directly linked as the value of a home increases, so does a homeowner’s equity. And with these recent gains, homeowners are witnessing their financial stability and well-being grow to record levels. In more good news for homeowners, the most recent Home Price Expectations Survey a ...survey of a national panel of over one hundred economists, real estate experts, and investment and market strategists forecasts home prices will continue appreciating over the next five years, adding to the record amount of equity homeowners have already gained over the past year. Home prices are climbing today, and the data in the survey indicates they’ll continue to increase, but at rates which approach a more normal pace. Even still, the amount of household wealth a...

Home Builders Ramp Up Construction Based on Demand If you’re having a hard time finding a home to buy, it may be time for us to talk about a newly built home. Early indicators show new-home construction is beginning to ramp up. While new homes alone won’t be able to fix all of the inventory challenges, this does mean you’ll soon have more options as you search for a home. As a buyer, a newly built home may be exactly what you’re looking for it’s brand new, and with builder ...customization options, it’s uniquely yours from the ground up. Housing starts reached their highest level since 2006 in March of this year an encouraging sign for the industry. While they dipped slightly in April, Evangelou reiterates that the level of housing construction is heading in a positive direction compared to recent years, we are currently building 24% more homes than we typically have built in April in the last couple of decades. Thus, housing...

Happy Independence Day

Happy Independence Day! Wishing you a happy and safe Independence Day.

Summer Is a Great Time To Upgrade If you're ready to upgrade your home, summer is a great time to do so. Let's connect to get your house listed so you can find your dream home.

Let July bring nothing but positive vibes and great memories. Remember. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, show up and never give up!

What Do Experts See on the Horizon for the Second Half of the Year? As we move into the latter half of the year, questions about what’s to come are top of mind for buyers and sellers. Near record-low mortgage rates coupled with rising home price appreciation kicked off a robust housing market in the first half of 2021, but what does the forecast tell us about what’s on the horizon? Mortgage Rates Will Likely Increase, but Remain Low... Many experts are projecting a rise in interest rates. However, even as mortgage rates rise, the anticipated increase is expected to be modest at most, and still well below historic averages. Rates remaining low is good news for homebuyers who are looking to maximize their purchasing power. Home Price Appreciation Will Continue, but Price Growth Will Likely Slow Experts remain optimistic about home prices, too. Joe Seydl, Senior Markets Economist at J.P. Morgan, shares, Homebuyersinterest rates are still historically...

What To Expect as Appraisal Gaps Grow In today’s real estate market, low inventory and high demand are driving up home prices. As many as 54% of homes are getting offers over the listing price, based on the latest Realtors Confidence Index from the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Shawn Telford, Chief Appraiser at CoreLogic, elaborates: The frequency of buyers being willing to pay more than the market data supports is increasing.... While this is great news for today’s sellers, it can be tricky to navigate if the price of your contract doesn’t match up with the appraisal for the house. It’s called an appraisal gap, and it’s happening more in today’s market than the norm. According to recent data from CoreLogic, 19% of homes had their appraised value come in below the contract price in April of this year. That’s more than double the percentage in each of the two previous Aprils. If an appraisal comes in below the contract price...

Tips for Today's Sellers Even in today's ultimate sellers' market, it's key to have an expert guide when you sell your house. Let's connect to optimize your home sale this summer.

This is a really cool living room. Mile-high ceilings and a great fireplace help make it so notable. eHomeSurf Real Estate

Year-over-Year Price is a great, big picture indicator of where the market is. Want to know if it's time to buy or sell? Let's discuss! eHomeSurf Real Estate

Reasons to Hire a Real Estate Professional [INFOGRAPHIC] Some Highlights Choosing the right real estate professional to work with is one of the most important decisions you can make in your homebuying or selling process.... The right agent can explain current market conditions and break down exactly what they mean for you. If you’re considering buying or selling a home this year, let’s connect so you can work with someone who has the experience to answer all of your questions about pricing, contracts, negotiations, and more. See more

Ryan Seacrest has listed his Beverly Hills compound for $85 million! The property was previously owned by Ellen DeGeneres and Jennifer Aniston has her eye on it. Take a look! eHomeSurf Real Estate

Three Reasons to Buy a Home in 2021 2021 will be a great year to buy a home. Let's connect to make sure you're ready for success in today's housing market.

This is a very elegantly designed dining room. The baby blue wall looks great against all the white pieces in the room. Keeping a fresh bunch of flowers in the house will make any room brighter and more cheery. eHomeSurf Real Estate

The Importance of Home Equity in Building Wealth Homeownership has always been the first rung on the ladder leading to household wealth. As Freddie Mac recently posted: Homeownership has cemented its role as part of the American Dream, providing families with a place that is their own and an avenue for building wealth over time. This ‘wealth’ is built, in large part, through the creation of equityBuilding equity through your monthly principal payments and appreciation is a critical part of homeownership that can help you create financial stability. Home equity is the difference between the current market value of your house and the amount you...

Let's talk about the value of your home! Request a free valuation today... eHomeSurf Real Estate

Why Not to Wait Until Spring to Make a Move The housing market recovery coming into the new year has been nothing short of remarkable. Many experts agree the turnaround from the nation’s economic pause is playing out extremely well for real estate, and the current market conditions are truly making this winter an ideal time to make a move. Here’s a dive into some of the biggest wins for homebuyers this season. 1. Mortgage Rates Are Historically Low In 2020, mortgage rates hit... all-time lows 16 times. Continued low rates have set buyers up for significant long-term gains. In fact, realtor.com notes: Given this means homes could cost potentially tens of... See more

Do you have a room that the kids have completely annexed? Or does that basically happen to every room? eHomeSurf Real Estate

3 Must-Do’s When Selling Your House This Year It’s exciting to put a house on the market and to think about making new memories in new spaces. However, despite the anticipation of what’s to come, we can still have deep sentimental attachments to the home we’re leaving behind. Growing emotions can help or hinder a sale depending on how we manage them. When it comes to the bottom line, homeowners need to know what it takes to avoid costly mistakes when it’s time to move. Being ...mindful and prepared for the process can help you stay on the right track when selling your house this year. 1. Price Your Home Right When inventory is low, like it is in the... See more

This might not be for everyone, but sometimes less is more! A modern, minimalist living room can be a big plus for buyers. eHomeSurf Real Estate

Thinking about selling your home? Get a quick estimate of your home's worth. eHomeSurf Real Estate

Real estate expertise is my field, but it definitely doesn't hurt to be educated on a few handy real estate terms. If there are any terms you'd like explained, please don't hesitate to reach out! eHomeSurf Real Estate

Here's to a Wonderful 2021!

One of the main benefits of a real estate agent is the knowledge of real estate's intricacies. In today's blog, we talk about title insurance so get excited! eHomeSurf Real Estate

Four Expert Views on the 2021 Housing Market The housing market was a shining star in 2020, fueling the economic turnaround throughout the country. As we look forward to 2021, can we expect real estate to continue showing such promise? Here’s what four experts have to say about the year ahead. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist, National Association of Realtors (NAR) In 2021, I think rates will be similar or modestly higher, maybe 3%...So, mortgage rates will continue to be histo...rically favorable. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist, realtor.com We expect sales to grow 7 percent and prices to rise another 5.7 percent on top of 2020’s already high... See more

Finding the perfect home is a process that usually involves some compromises. However, here are the three instances where you can feel good about putting your foot down. eHomeSurf Real Estate

Expert Forecast on the 2021 Housing Market Experts forecast a year of continued strength in the housing market. Let's connect to explore how 2021 could be the year to achieve your real estate goals.

Important factors to keep in mind when improving your home's curb appeal: 1. Landscaping is key. 2. Create an impressive entryway with a nice door and good lighting. 3. Choose high-quality garage doors that fit with your home's style.... eHomeSurf Real Estate

More Generations Are Living Under One Roof This Year This year challenged us to reprioritize everything - from the way we use our time to where we work, how we socialize and gather together, and our needs at home. For many, this also meant making decisions about how to best support and engage with our extended families, near and far. In some cases, we weren’t able to see our relatives and loved ones who were living in senior facilities. In others, maybe older children moved b...ack home. Jessica Lautz, Vice President of Demographics and Behavioral Insights for the National Association of Realtors (NAR), says: A lot of families have an aging senior relative... See more

Working with a professional is a no-brainer when searching for a new home! eHomeSurf Real Estate

Why It’s Important to Price Your House Right Today Even in today’s sellers’ market, setting the right price for your house is one of the most valuable things you can do. According to the U.S. Economic Outlook by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), existing home prices nationwide are forecasted to increase by 4.5% in 2021. This means experts anticipate home values will continue climbing next year. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist for realtor.com, notes: We expect price gains to ease somewhat in 2021 and end 5.7% above 2020 levels, decelerating steadily through the spring and summer, and then gradually reaccelerating toward the end of the...

Thinking about selling your home? Get a quick estimate to see how your home compares to the rest of the market! eHomeSurf Real Estate

While any home improvement that brings you joy is priceless, not all add as much home equity as you might expect. Let's take a look at five that WILL add value as well as happiness! eHomeSurf Real Estate

Take a look at this new blog that illustrates mortgage approval rates across the country. See how our state compares to others and if you ever have questions about the mortgage process, please don't hesitate to reach out! eHomeSurf Real Estate

Thank You for All Your Support

This chart shows us the average "age" of a listing. Use this chart to give you an idea of the temperature of the market! Have questions about how this affects you? Don't hesitate to reach out! eHomeSurf Real Estate

Turning a House into a Happy Home We talk a lot about why it makes financial sense to buy a home, but more often than not, we’re drawn to the emotional reasons for homeownership. No matter the living space, the feeling of a home means different things to different people. Whether it’s a certain scent or a favorite chair, the feel-good connections to our own homes are typically more important to us than the financial ones. Here are some of the reasons why.... 1. Owning your home is an accomplishment worth celebrating You’ve likely worked very hard to achieve this dream, and whether it’s your first home or your fifth, congratulations are in order for... See more

Why Selling Your House on Your Own Is a Mistake In today's market, selling your house without an agent's help can be a big mistake. Let's connect to talk about the ways a professional brings greater success to the process.

Upgrading your kitchen doesn't always have to require a full reboot. A fresh coat of paint on the cabinets with new hardware can quickly give you a fresh, updated look. eHomeSurf Real Estate

Only 64 San Ramon, CA single family homes sold in the last 30 days with $1,331,527 average sold price. #sanramonlistings #housevalue #homesforsale eHomeSurf Real Estate

The Difference a Year Makes for Homeownership Over the past year, mortgage rates have fallen more than a full percentage point, hitting a new historic low 15 times. This is a great driver for homeownership, as today’s low rates provide consumers with some significant benefits. Here’s a look at three of them. 1. Move-up or Downsize: One option is to consider moving into a new home, putting the equity you’ve likely gained in your current house toward a down payment on a new one... that better meets your needs something that’s truly a perfect fit, especially if your lifestyle has changed this year. 2. Become a First-Time Homebuyer: There are many...

What can we learn by examining 460,000 denied mortgage applications from 2019? Check out some of the hurdles borrowers face and how you can best prepare for the application process. eHomeSurf Real Estate

Even in a sellers’ market, it’s crucial to price your house correctly. If you want to make sure your sale is a win, DM me so we can work together to list your house this winter. #sellyourhouse #priceitright #realestate #homeownership #realestatetips #realestatelife #realestateadvice #realestatemarket #realestateexperts #realestateagents #instarealestate #instarealtor #realestatetipsoftheday #realestatetipsandadvice #keepingcurrentmatters

Imagine if you could design a bedroom that encouraged your kids to put away their toys. Here's one that attempted to do just that! eHomeSurf Real Estate

The Do’s and Don’ts after Applying for a Mortgage Once you’ve found the right home and applied for a mortgage, there are some key things to keep in mind before you close. You're undoubtedly excited about the opportunity to decorate your new place, but before you make any large purchases, move your money around, or make any major life changes, consult your lender someone who is qualified to tell you how your financial decisions may impact your home loan. Below is a list of t...hings you shouldn’t do after applying for a mortgage. They’re all important to know or simply just good reminders for the process. 1. Don’t Deposit Cash into Your...

If you could theoretically get a free kitchen remodel, but it HAD to include a backsplash with these white subway tiles, would you do it? eHomeSurf Real Estate

How can you make the most out of your outdoor space if it isn't huge? Glad you asked! Here are ten things you can do to make it great. eHomeSurf Real Estate

2021 Housing Forecast [INFOGRAPHIC] Some Highlights Experts project an optimistic year for the 2021 housing market.... With mortgage rates forecasted to remain low, high buyer demand is expected to fuel more home sales and continue to increase home prices. Let’s connect today to determine how to make your best move in the new year. See more

Would you rather have a huge closet or a luxurious bathroom? eHomeSurf Real Estate

Just in case you get tired while going up the stairs, here is a nice little bench to rest on. Another great example of making the most out of the space that you have. eHomeSurf Real Estate

5 Steps to Take if You Need Forbearance Relief Forbearance programs are helping homeowners manage their monthly mortgage payments right now. Let's connect and follow-up with your lender to make sure you have the information you need to make a confident decision.

If you had this display in your home, what items would you put in the two empty spots? eHomeSurf Real Estate

3 Reasons to Be Optimistic about Real Estate in 2021 This year will be remembered for many reasons, and optimism is one thing that’s been in short supply since the spring. We’re experiencing a global pandemic, social unrest, an economic downturn, and natural disasters, just to name a few. The challenges brought on by the health crisis have also forced many homeowners to reevaluate their space and what they need in a home going into 2021. So, experts are forecasting that next year is one in which we can be optimistic about real estate for three key reasons. 1. The Economy Is Expected to Continue Improving Tim Duy from the University of Oregon puts it this...

Sellers still hold the reins in today’s housing market, and high competition among fast-moving buyers is leading to rising home prices. DM me to learn more about all the ways you can win as a seller right now. #sellersmarket #sellyourhouse #homeprices #realestate #homeownership #realestategoals #realestateagency #realestateadvice #realestatemarket #realestateexperts #instarealestate #instarealtor #realestatetipsoftheday #realestatetipsandadvice #keepingcurrentmatters

The world of mortgages can be a bit confusing. Here are some mortgage types you should be familiar with! eHomeSurf Real Estate

The Holidays Aren’t Stopping Homebuyers This Year Black Friday and Cyber Monday are behind us, yet finding the perfect holiday gifts for friends and family is certainly still top of mind for many right now. This year, there’s another type of buyer that’s very active this holiday season the homebuyer. Each month, ShowingTime releases their Showing Index which tracks the average number of appointments received on active U.S. house listings. The most recent index notes:... The Showing Index reported a 60.9 percent jump in nationwide showing traffic year over year in October, the sixth consecutive month to see an increase over last... See more

5 Steps to Follow When Applying for Forbearance If you’re currently feeling the stress of affording your mortgage payment, or if you know someone who is, there’s still time to get help. For homeowners experiencing financial hardship this year, the CARES Act provides mortgage payment deferral options, creating much-needed relief in these challenging times. It’s important, however, to understand how forbearance works. It’s not automatic. You need to take action now and apply fo...r the program before these options expire. A study by the Urban Institute determined: Approximately 400,000 homeowners who became delinquent after the pandemic began have...

Many homeowners dream about a kitchen remodel, but it's important not to go overboard. If your brand new, luxury kitchen doesn't match the rest of your home, you may have a hard time recouping those remodel expenses. Plus, potential buyers may love your amazing kitchen initially, but if you've got plumbing or roofing issues, they'll be quick to move on. eHomeSurf Real Estate

Thanks to housing data, it's possible to pinpoint the exact day when buyers in any given city can get the best price for a home. The interesting part is how the ideal day varies from city to city and region to region. Check out this interactive map to see the ideal day to buy! eHomeSurf Real Estate

Which do you prefer, the natural lighting or the crazy overhead lights in this dining room? eHomeSurf Real Estate

It might be a skylight, a warming drawer, or fancy countertops. Let your imagination run wild! eHomeSurf Real Estate

Winning as a Buyer in a Sellers’ Market [INFOGRAPHIC] Some Highlights Buying a home in today’s sellers’ market doesn’t have to feel like an uphill battle.... Here are four ways to make sure you’re positioned for success when making a home purchase, even when the scale tips toward sellers. Let's connect to make sure you're armed for victory in the housing market this season. See more

Even if you aren't prepared to live in a pink stucco house, you can probably appreciate this home's stone tile entryway. Stone tile will have no trouble standing up against tough weather and will look great for years to come. eHomeSurf Real Estate

Do you have questions about the homebuying or selling process? Interested in knowing about today’s housing market and how it may impact your goals? DM me for access to these exclusive digital guides that will empower you with the knowledge you need to navigate the market successfully. #realestateguides #expertanswers #stayinformed #staycurrent #powerfuldecisions #confidentdecisions #realestate #homevalues #homeownership #homebuying #realestategoals #realestatetipsoftheday #realestatetipsandadvice #keepingcurrentmatters

Thinking of Buying or Selling a Home This Winter? Experts forecast a hot real estate market this winter. Let's connect to make sure you have the most current information with the new digital buyer and seller guides.

If you had an ideal hiking spot near your home, which view would you rather see when you got to the top? eHomeSurf Real Estate

Are Home Prices Headed Toward Bubble Territory? Talk of a housing bubble is beginning to crop up as home prices have appreciated at a rapid pace this year. This is understandable since the appreciation of residential real estate is well above historic annual averages. According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), annual appreciation since 1991 has averaged 3.8%. Here are the latest 2020 appreciation numbers from three reliable sources: FHFA: 7.8%... CoreLogic: 7.3% Case-Shiller: 7% It’s easy to jump to the conclusion that house appreciation is out of control in today’s market. However, we need to put these numbers into context...

To the uninitiated, the home-buying process may feel like a never-ending cycle of hoops to jump through, but the steps are important. Let's take a closer look at the appraisal process! eHomeSurf Real Estate

An Honest Look at Unemployment Numbers Last Friday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released the November Jobs Report. It revealed that, though headed in the right direction, the nation’s job recovery has slowed. The consensus reaction is best exemplified by a quote from Glassdoor Senior Economist, Daniel Zhao: We saw positive job gains, but I think the sentiment is largely negative because we know that we’re heading into a dark winter. There’s no doubt that millions of hous...eholds have been - and continue to be -devastated by the economic downturn caused by the pandemic. We should, however, put the current situation into perspective. Where we...

Lovely kitchen! How do you feel about sleek, shiny cabinets vs. traditional wood ones? eHomeSurf Real Estate

How Remote Work Can Power Your Vacation Home Sale This year, the opportunity to work remotely has increased the demand for vacation homes. Gay Cororaton, Senior Economist and Director of Housing and Commercial Research at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), notes: Working from home is a positive factor in demand for vacation...

Are you thinking it might be time to move? If you're seeing these three signs, maybe you should pack it up! eHomeSurf Real Estate

Rather than a completely white kitchen, these homeowners decided to mix in some very uniquely patterned cupboards. Now this kitchen is anything but boring. eHomeSurf Real Estate

Are you ready to start your home search? Take a look at these quick tips and you'll be ahead of the game! eHomeSurf Real Estate

More than ever, having a professional on your side doesn’t just make your life easier when trying to sell your house it keeps you safer and may put more money in your pocket too. If you’re thinking about selling your home, DM me to learn how I can support your goals in today’s market. #FSBO #sellyourhouse #hireapro #realestate #homeownership #realestategoals #realestatetips #realestateagent #realestateexpert #realestateagency #realestateadvice #realestateexperts #realestatetipsoftheday #realestatetipsandadvice #keepingcurrentmatters

The Path to Homeownership [INFOGRAPHIC] Some Highlights If you’re thinking of buying a home and not sure where to start, you’re not alone. Here’s a map with 10 simple steps to follow in the homebuying process.... Let’s connect today to discuss the specific steps along the way in our local area... See more