2021 Corridor Area Real Estate Guide | Iowa City Cedar Rapids Moms

Even in the middle of a global pandemic, the Real Estate market is booming! We always want to provide you the most comprehensive list of recommendations and businesses to make your lives easier, so we’re excited for our first ever Real Estate Guide!

Whether you’re buying, selling, renting, or want an investment property, this diverse, talented group of Realtors has so much to offer local families! Learn more about them and what to expect for this season.

Buying Season is Back! Here’s What to Expect.

 

With peak buying season upon us, here’s what analysts are expecting to see this year:

Increasing Mortgage Rates

It appears, depending on how the economic recovery progresses, that mortgage rates could continue to increase. Earlier in the year, rates were holding under 3%, but those rates have steadily increased over the past several weeks. As more and more Americans are vaccinated, it’s expected that economic recovery will continue, and this will likely contribute to an upward movement in mortgage rates. If you’re thinking of buying this summer, it may be in your best interest to lock in a rate as soon as possible.

Inventories Could Increase

Many home shoppers found the lack of inventory to be a major source of frustration during the past year. It was difficult – if not impossible – to find available properties, and when something went on the market, it was often scooped up in days or sometimes just hours.

Some analysts are expecting to see increased inventory this year. As more people become vaccinated and a general sense of stability returns, home sellers who were deterred from making a move in 2020 will be more likely to list their properties.

We got it!

Millennial Movement

Another trend that could continue influencing the real estate market this spring and beyond is an increase in millennial buyers. Nearly five million millennials are set to turn 30 this year, and they now comprise the biggest segment of home buyers. In 2018, millennial homeownership was at record lows, but there’s evidence that is changing.

Around 86% of younger millennials and 52% of older ones are buying their first homes, and some are buying luxury properties that are well beyond what you’d consider a starter home.

Millennials will likely drive the market throughout 2021. A survey from the National Association of Home Builders in the fourth quarter of 2020 found that 27% of millennial respondents planned to buy a home in the next 12 months, up from 19% the year before.

The Online Trends Are Growing

Online real estate services grew in functionality and popularity this past year.

3D home tours, virtual agent/broker teleconferencing, and online closings aided by tools like DocuSign are all ways that technology is facilitating a simpler home selling or buying experience. Regardless of the state of the pandemic, the convenience afforded by online real estate technology is here to stay.

 

Private Mortgage Insurance Explained

 

More like Pretty Much Incredible!When a lender looks at a loan application, their main question is “what risk do I take on by issuing this loan?” Credit checks, bank statements, employment verification – all the documentation required when getting approved for a loan is in service of assessing what the odds are that the loan will go into default. This is why a down payment is such a crucial part of obtaining a home loan. When a borrower has a substantial down payment (20 to 30% or more), the lender’s exposure is lessened in the event of a default.

This 20-30% figure used to be required, yet clearly this kept a lot of people from realizing the benefits of homeownership, especially first time buyers. That is until 1957, when Max H. Karl, a real estate attorney, founded Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Corporation and invented the modern form of private mortgage insurance.

PMI is designed to address the hefty down payment hurdle. Instead of coming to the table with 20% or more for a down payment, a private mortgage insurance policy allows consumers to buy and finance a home without a large down payment. With PMI, the borrower pays a small percentage of the total loan amount (0.3 – 1.5%/year) in addition to their mortgage and insurance payments. As an example, a $200,000 loan with a PMI rate of 1% will come out to $167 dollars extra a month for a borrower. It’s not nothing, but for many it’s a manageable trade off.

Yet sometimes PMI can get a bad rap, as something to be avoided at all costs. Until the end of the 90’s this attitude was understandable – homeowners had limited resources to cancel PMI and were often stuck with it for the life of their loan. That changed with the Homeowners Protection Act of 1998. It required automatic termination of PMI when the loan balance reaches 78% of the original value through natural amortization. Borrowers can often drop their PMI even before reaching that 78% figure – once a borrower reaches 20% equity in their home, they can request a cancellation of PMI. As home prices continue to rise, borrowers build up equity in their homes faster, meaning they can often drop PMI payments earlier than they think.

If you’re curious about buying a home for the first time, or you’re wondering how the value of your home has changed over time, reach out to one of the Real Estate Agents listed on this guide. They have up-to-date market information to help you make decisions with confidence.

Allison Mackin, Watts Group

Originally from Hawkeye, Iowa, Allison moved to the Iowa City area in the summer of 2013 and became a true Hawkeye at the University of Iowa where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology. While working towards a scientific career, she met her future husband, Payton. Together they have embraced a passion for real estate by owning and remodeling numerous local properties.

With that passion, Allison transitioned her career to Real Estate full time in order to share her expertise, experience, and enthusiasm to each client she works with. Allison recognizes and values the trust placed in her as she helps clients during the home buying or selling processes.

Whether you are buying, selling, or renting, Allison will advocate for you and work diligently to exceed your expectations. She helps you become successful selling and buying your home because she takes the time to build a strong rapport with every client, she is dedicated to the process, and she takes the time to listen to all your needs.

Allison believes in giving back to others and the community by serving on committees and other various volunteer efforts. She has served as a volunteer representative at DVIP (Domestic Violence Intervention Program), Willis Dady Homeless Services of Cedar Rapids, and the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Donation Center. Currently she is an active member of 100+ Women Who Care (Hawkeye Chapter) and Crowded Closet Thrift Shop.

 

Website: www.wattsgroupiowa.com
Instagram I Facebook
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 563-380-8655

Ben & Whitney Russell, Urban Acres Real Estate

Ben and Whitney Russell are a husband and wife real estate team here to help you if you’re looking to buy, sell or build in the corridor. They pride themselves on doing the #RussellHustle for their clients by giving them the tools and information they need to make their own decisions with confidence. With Ben and Whitney, you are in the driver’s seat and they are here to support you the whole way!

 

Website: Urban Acres – Whitney / Urban Acres – Ben
Instagram I Facebook
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 319-333-8377 (Whitney Russell) / 319-621-2999 (Ben Russell)

CP Pierce, Lepic-Kroeger Realtors

CP is a realtor with Lepic-Kroeger REALTORS since 2014. He’s a lifelong resident of Southeast Iowa & lives on an acreage near Riverside with his wife Linda. CP specializes in helping first time home buyers and move-ups needing more room. He is also a part owner in his family’s 121-year-old furniture business.

 

 

Website: www.cp-realtor.com
Instagram I Facebook
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 319-750-1409

Dave Berry Real Estate Team, Coldwell Banker

Dave Berry Real Estate Team specializes in the greater Cedar Rapids area and has been helping friends and neighbors buy and sell real estate since 1993. Whether you are buying or selling, looking for a home or condo, starter house or the home of your dreams, they are committed to fulfilling your needs with the highest level of professionalism, expertise and service. “Our commitment to client satisfaction is the foundation on which we build relationships.” 

 

 

Website: www.isellcedarrapids.com
Instagram I Facebook
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 319-431-3131

Tyesha Perry, Skogman Realty

As a Real Estate Agent, Tyesha is available to provide guidance and assist sellers and buyers in marketing and purchasing property for the right price under the best terms. Tyesha understands everyone has different needs, so her mission is to guarantee a customized experience for every client.

 

Website: tyeshaperry.skogman.com
Instagram I Facebook
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 319-331-3673

This post contains sponsored content.

Know a great local Realtor? We would love to hear about them!

Join The Iowa City Cedar Rapids Community

Stay up-to-date with what is happening in-and-around Iowa City and Cedar Rapids with local events, community highlights, and exclusive deals.