REACH YOUR GOALS
The Return of the Buyer’s Market?
After years of sparse property listings, would-be buyers are finally seeing more FOR SALE signs. This is translating into more opportunities, especially in some warm-weather states.
Arizona buyers are beginning to gain an edge, as agents report that inventory numbers are rising in Phoenix and Tuscon.
- Texas has seven metro areas with more inventory than in 2019.
- Florida is in a similar situation to Texas, with rising numbers of homes for sale in six metro areas.
- Colorado is also seeing the start of a buyer’s market, although it’s limited to two metro areas.
Median sale prices during March 2025 fell in many areas. They were down 1.3% in Tucson, 1.4% in Dallas, and 7.4% in Cape Coral. Buyers interested in condo units may also find a deal this spring. Condos in the south, especially Florida, are selling for prices 4.5% lower than last year.
Even new construction is becoming more affordable. Last month, 29% of home builders cut prices for smaller, lower-priced units, while 61% offered buyers sales incentives to sweeten the deal.
Source: marketwatch.com
MORTGAGE IQ
Can’t Afford Your Dream Home? Consider Rentvesting.
For most of us, buying that first home is our first investment in real estate. We also consider home ownership as a major step to financial success. But what if that dream home’s out of reach, or you’re not ready to settle down? You may want to consider an investment property first.
Buying and renting an investment property has its own nickname, “rentvesting”. It can help the owner build equity and wealth while their tenants cover most, or all of the loan payments. It also helps many Americans reach their goals of increased cash flow and long-term appreciation. In addition, if you already own a home, a second property can fast-track your equity if skillfully managed.
If this sounds like an attractive investment, be sure to consider the responsibilities. Choosing the right property is vital, as it helps prevent long waits between tenants. Whether you manage tenants on your own or with the help of an agent, there will be expenses such as maintaining the property and paying taxes and insurance.
If you’re interested in rentvesting, contact your local APM Loan Advisor to discuss your financing options.
Source: empower.com
FINANCIAL NEWS
The Latest on Interest Rates and The Fed
In 2025, the Federal Reserve (also called the Fed) decided not to lower interest rates just yet. This choice shows they are being careful as the economy faces some uncertainty, especially around rising prices (inflation) and changes in trade with other countries like China. The Fed kept its key interest rate between 4.25% and 4.50% to help fight inflation and support jobs.
One big reason for the pause is the back-and-forth in trade talks with China, along with possible new taxes (called tariffs) on goods. These issues have made the economy harder to predict. For example, some businesses and shoppers rushed to buy items before tariffs took effect, which made the numbers for early 2025 look strange and harder to understand.
Because the U.S. delayed some of the planned tariffs, the Fed saw less urgency to lower rates now. With things more stable for the moment, experts think the first rate cut might happen around September—and even then, only a small one.
Some Fed leaders, like Tom Barkin, say they’re seeing signs the economy may be slowing, partly due to the confusion around tariffs. Some companies have stopped hiring or cut back on spending, but we haven’t seen large job losses yet. Barkin compared the situation to driving in thick fog—it’s hard to see what’s coming next.
Overall, the Fed is choosing to wait and see. They want to keep things steady while staying ready to act if the economy changes.
Source: Reuters.com
DID YOU KNOW?
Travel Advisories for This Summer
This year, more Americans are planning to head overseas for a vacation. Most are headed to popular big-city destinations in Europe, with others headed to tropical venues.
However, it’s a smart idea to check for travel advisories. While Americans are warned not to visit countries with ongoing conflicts, others have less-publicized risks.
The Department of State publishes information for dozens of destinations, including risk levels for visitors. While Level 1 countries are considered safe, travelers to Level 2 and 3 countries will want to research their destinations. (Don’t even think about visiting Level 4 countries.)
These are a few of the countries rated Level 2 “Exercise Increased Caution”:
- Belgium, Denmark, France and Germany: possible terrorist attacks and civil unrest.
- Costa Rica: rising crime, both petty and violent.
- Hong Kong and Macau: arbitrary enforcement of local laws, which means that tourists may be unfairly detained.
- India: some areas have crime rates that make them risky for non-locals.
These and 20 additional countries are considered Level 3 “Reconsider Travel”:
- Egypt: the US Embassy may not be able to assist dual nationals who are detained.
- Jamaica: high crime in some areas; poor medical and emergency services.
- Mozambique: civil unrest, crime and health issues.
Want to research possible destinations before buying tickets? Visit the US Department of State’s Travel Advisories site. You can search by country name to check out regional safety levels and additional details.
Source: travel.state.gov
PERSONAL FINANCES
Municipal Bond Basics
Investors who are looking to diversify or want to support a local public project may add municipal bonds to their portfolio. Also called “muni bonds”, these are issued by local governments to finance public projects like schools, hospitals and even roads. Bond buyers are lending money to help build these.
Bonds reward buyers with regular, fixed interest payments, and full return of principal when they mature. Some offer both federal and state tax benefits. The two most common types are:
General obligation bonds issued by states, cities or counties and not secured by any assets. Instead, they’re backed by the “full faith and credit” of the issuer.
Revenue bonds are not backed by the government’s taxing power but by revenues from a specific project or source, such as highway tolls or lease fees.
Investors have several options for shopping for muni bonds, including:
- Bond market platforms
- Municipal bond funds
- Over-the counter (OTC)
- Unit investment trusts (UITs)
- Banks and credit unions
Even though muni bonds are considered low risk, they aren’t no risk. As with any other investment, you’ll want to research before you buy.
Source: public.com
FOOD
Jalapeno Cornbread with Blueberries
Since berries are coming into season, more chefs are getting creative. This Jalapeno Cornbread with Blueberry Jam mixes two very different flavors for a popular side dish, and even takes cornbread from the iron skillet to a bundt pan.
AROUND THE HOUSE
How Long Parts of a Home Should Last
Whether you’re already a homeowner or shopping for an existing home, it’s helpful to have estimates of how long certain parts of a home will last. Here are estimates for some high-dollar items, plus some household appliances.
A roof’s life expectancy depends on the materials used, where you live and how well it’s maintained. A tile, copper or slate roof can last over 50 years, while wood shake and fiber cement roofs last around 25 to 30 years. Asphalt only lasts for about 20 years.
Heating and air conditioning systems last for at least 15 years and can go up to 25 years with proper maintenance. However, since these are frequently updated for higher efficiency, it sometimes pays to replace them before they fail.
Genuine wood flooring can last up to 100 years, which makes it a popular choice, especially as carpets only last around 10 years on average. A tile floor’s life expectancy is almost as long as wood, depending on its materials.
Kitchen appliances that are well-cared for can last for a decade or longer. Refrigerators usually last from six to 15 years. Dishwasher manufacturers claim that 10 years is the norm. Gas ranges have a slightly longer life expectancy than electric: up to 17 years for gas, compared to 15 for electric.
Source: familyhandyman.com