Shmuel Shayowitz (NMLS#19871) is President and Chief Lending Officer at Approved Funding, a privately held local mortgage banker and direct lender. Shmuel has over two decades of industry experience, including licenses and certifications as a certified mortgage underwriter, residential review appraiser, licensed real estate agent, and direct FHA specialized underwriter. Shmuel provides a uniquely holistic approach to comprehensive real estate and financial matters that goes well beyond any single transaction. Shmuel is an award-winning financier recognized for maximizing the short-term and long-term objectives of his client. As a contributing writer to many local and regional newspapers and publications, his insights have been featured in the media for many topics, including mortgages, personal finance, appraisals, and real estate trends.
While it might seem repetitious coming from me, there are a few vital market gauges in the economy, that are continually fluctuating, and require our constant attention. Stock and equity markets, inflation indications, the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy, housing starts and permits, interest rate movement, and consumer sentiment. Within those few components, you encompass most of the real estate and mortgage industry mechanics. Yet, knowing what to look for, and even where to look for them is just the beginning.
This week was a volatile week, the likes of which we haven’t seen in years. The combined market losses around the world wiped out $4 trillion over the last few days. Bond yields and mortgage rates increased to almost 4-year highs, and many are left wondering how this all happened so fast. As many of you are well aware I am a weekly writer in this publication, as well as an avid contributor to other real estates, financial and social media venues. I enjoy sharing my knowledge and insights with those that appreciate my perspective. For weeks I have been warning that mortgage rates are on the rise, and the stock market is in the vulnerable territory. We are starting to see some of those conjectures coming to fruition. These global events will certainly have a widespread effect on everyday living, especially on those looking to buy, sell or finance real estate.
That said, I am not really here to say, “I told you so” in the sense of reprimanding people for missing the opportunities that were just recently available. I am interested however in expressing the nature and value of professional insight and guidance. I truly believe that be the cornerstone of my business niche and my value proposition. Technology has made the access to information, data, and resources extremely easy to obtain, but that in of itself is meaningless if one does not know how to extrapolate the information astutely.
True professionals bring so much to the table that cannot be quantified or commoditized. They provide real market insight and direction, based on the specific needs and circumstances of their clients. They help you prioritize your preferences, and achieve your housing and financial goals – even when you might not know what they are. They help you deal with the compliance, regulations and paperwork process of buying or selling and obtaining financing. They also provide real-time market insight and access – saving you time, money and aggravation. Real estate and mortgage experts are licensed professionals that continually receive education, training and top edification to maintain their licensing, and to upkeep their affiliations and accolades in various industry associations.
I also know that I do not hold the exclusivity or monopoly on good real estate and financial insight. It was with that in mind that I collaborated with many local real estate experts and professionals who have had an impact in the marketplace one way or another over the past few years. Between their personal and professional achievements, these experts added their own unique perspectives on what might have an impact on the 2018 real estate marketplace. Their commentaries are insightful, unique, valuable – and sure to help anyone looking for a fresh outlook on the market.
Some of the many experts that have participated include (in alphabetical order): Karen Behfar of The Behfar Team, Michla Berlin of Platinum Realty, Annekee Brahver-Keely of Russo Real Estate, Nina Eizikovitz of Links Residential, Nechama Polak of V&N Realty, Michael Meier of Meier Real Estate, Yitzi Nussbaum of Crossroads Realty, Esther Shayowitz of V&N Realty, Judy Stern of Keller Williams, Eric Wein of Wein Agency Realtors, Zohar Zamir of Keller Williams – and so many others, who are all recognized as top agents within their industry, community and marketplace. To hear what our experts shared which is sure to be a part of the upcoming year in real estate be sure to visit www.approvedfunding.com/2018report.
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