03/11/2026
Today we had the privilege of welcoming Mary Lee Blaylock for an inspiring gathering with colleagues at Fairmont Century Plaza.
The leadership, insights, and vision shared during the conversation were a powerful reminder of why being part of Sotheby’s International Realty continues to set the standard in our industry.
Exciting times ahead as our network grows even stronger with the vision behind our new holding company, CIH.
If you’re considering buying or selling, or if you’re a colleague exploring the power of this global platform, I’d love to connect.
04/06/2024
🔝🏡 From 2022 to 2024, the rate for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has more than doubled, which has had a significant impact on what you can afford. However, there are several ways to boost your buying power!
Here are four ways to do so:
1. Down Payment Assistance
As a first-time homebuyer, you can take advantage of several financial assistance programs that can help you with down payment, taxes, or refinancing your loan. These programs can help you make the most of your available dollars.
2. Certain Loan Options
There are more loan options available than just the 15-year and 30-year mortgage. If you’re a veteran or have other select jobs, you could qualify for a loan with low-rate options.
3. Getting Pre-Approved
Getting pre-approved will help you with many uncertainties in the homebuying world. When you can show a seller that you’re serious, it gives them confidence in your offer. It also shows you your budget for what you can and cannot buy, giving you a clear picture of what’s possible.
4. Better Credit = Better Options
Your financial history and future are among the most important factors that influence your buying power. Your credit will be pulled when you get a mortgage, showing loan officers your credit score. This, along with your debt-to-income ratio and future assets or expenses, will help your mortgage company determine your rate. Based on whether they like what they see, you could be paying less each month.
SILVER LININGS IN THE CURRENT MARKET
With mortgage rates higher than they’ve been in years, you may think that now is not the time to buy. However, there is still good value to be found out there, and with fewer buyers, you may find that there is less competition. This will help you when negotiating the price.
Sellers may also be eager to offer concessions, or even help you buy down the rate of your mortgage for the first few years of the term. However, to get the best and most detailed answer and finding the best solution for your specific homebuying needs, we recommend talking to a loan expert.
Source: Guaranteed Rate Affinity
01/30/2024
🏠📍*Last week, Dr. Yun, the Chief Economist of the NAR, provided us with an update on their Real Estate Market Outlook*
Annual Existing Home Sales - 18% decline
Inventory of Existing Homes - Low
Inventory of New Homes - High
30-year Mortgage and Fed Funds Rate - Likely Peaked in 2023
Quarterly GDP Growth - 3.3% 2023 Q4
Annual Economic Growth (GDP) - Up vs 2022
Total Payroll Jobs - 5M more than pre-covid highs
Summary
Mortgage Rates to Fall?
30-year fixed rate to be 6% to 7% by the early spring
Rents will calm down further.... holds down CPI.... and allow the Fed to cut interest rates
Community banks are suffering from high interest rates
Spread with government bond with a return to normal.
Pent-Up delayed sellers cannot wait longer. What happens over 2 years?
7 M new-born babies
3 M marriages
1.5 M divorces
7 M turn 65 years old
4 M deaths
4 M net new jobs
50 M job switches
Total Home Sales: Bottoming in 2023, Upturn in 2024
Whether you’re looking to buy, sell or simply have questions about the current market, I’m just a phone call or message away 📲
11/09/2023
🎊🎉 Sotheby’s International Realty is a proud Show Partner of Art Basel in Miami Beach, one of the world’s largest cultural events for high-net-worth individuals for the past 20 years
This preeminent show celebrates the convergence of fine art, architecture, and design and attracted 76,000 visitors from 76 countries last year.
As Show Partner, Sotheby’s International Realty will offer VIP guests exclusive access to our Collector’s Lounge with a curated brand activation promoting art as architecture along with our global real estate portfolio.
I am thrilled to offer you this exclusive Miami Guide in celebration of Art Basel in Miami Beach.
03/11/2026
04/06/2024
01/30/2024
11/09/2023