Westchester County NY Real Estate Blog - Values

New York Ranks 10th in “Equity-Rich” Homeowners

New York Ranks 10th in “Equity-Rich” Homeowners

We’ve been talking a lot about equity lately, and if you’re a homeowner, it might be one of your favorite subjects. It’s also a big reason why all-cash purchases are on the rise. New York ranks second in the country, with 40.4% of recent home sales made in cash. But even among those with mortgages, nearly half (46.2%) are considered “equity-rich”, meaning they owe less than half of their home’s current value, according to ATTOM’s latest report. New York remains hot, rolling in at 10th place with 54.1% equity-rich mortgages.

States with the biggest year-over-year equity gains include:

• Connecticut: up from 42.2% to 48.0%

• New York: up from 49.1% to…

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What If You Bought Your Home in 1995?

What If You Bought Your Home in 1995?

According to ResiClub's analysis of the Freddie Mac House Price Index, U.S. home prices surged by an impressive 300% from March 1995 to March 2025. Despite market fluctuations over the past three decades, homeowners experienced substantial gains in home equity, highlighting the enduring value of real estate as a wealth-building tool. Some may argue that stocks offer superior returns, noting that the S&P 500 Index rose by roughly 926% over the same period, but consider this:

• Leverage: Home price gains can yield far higher returns on a buyer’s down payment due to mortgage leverage.

• Opportunity Cost: Choosing to skip homeownership often means paying rent and underinvesting in…

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40.5% of U.S. Properties May be Over-Assessed

40.5% of U.S. Properties May be Over-Assessed

For many Westchester County homeowners, spring doesn’t just bring blooming magnolias, it also brings the annual property tax assessment. If you’ve looked at yours and thought, “This can’t be right,” — you might be right. An article from Realtor.com suggests that approximately 40.5% of U.S. properties may be over-assessed. With home prices up more than 30% since 2020 in Westchester​, it’s no surprise that some assessments feel inflated. But municipalities don’t always get it right.

Here’s how we review property taxes and what to do if you're over-assessed:

1. Find Your Assessment: Check your tax bill for Total Assessment or Taxable Value.

2. Check the Residential…

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Locked-In & Loaded: Homeowners Sitting on a Mountain of Equity

Locked-In & Loaded: Homeowners Sitting on a Mountain of Equity

According to new numbers from FHFA and BatchService via ResiClub, the national average loan-to-value ratio (LTV) sits at just 62.2%. That means the typical homeowner today owns nearly 40% of their home outright — a powerful financial position. 

For reference: If a home is worth $400,000, and the mortgage balance is $320,000, the LTV is 80% (20% equity). A lower LTV = stronger footing. Nationally, that figure has plummeted, with some states far below average.

Ralph’s Take

This aligns perfectly with what we’re seeing in Westchester. Many sellers aren’t under pressure — they’ve built up significant equity and are comfortably locked into ultra-low…

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Why wait for spring? Here’s why buying now has its perks

Visual of the Week

Why wait for spring? Here’s why buying now has its perks.

Many buyers think spring is the best time to move, but here’s the truth: winter can offer some big advantages. With fewer buyers in the market at this time of year, home prices tend to be at their lowest point just before the spring competition heats things up. Why pay more later? Buying a home this winter could work in your favor. Let’s connect

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The Change in Westchester County's Home Values

Visual of the Week 

Since 2004, home values in Westchester County have seen substantial growth. If you’re a homeowner wondering if it even makes sense to move this year, you could have enough equity to buy your next home outright.

Find out your home’s equity position. Contact us today!

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The "Mortgage Rate Lock-In Effect”

The "Mortgage Rate Lock-In Effect”

A recent Redfin article delved into the "mortgage rate lock-in effect”, where homeowners are reluctant to sell their homes due to their advantageous low mortgage rates - which is intensifying the housing shortage. As we mentioned in July, 86% of mortgages have an interest rate below 6%, but that has been gradually decreasing over the past two years (93% in 2022, 91% in 2023, 86% this year).

Current percentage of mortgages with:

• Rates Below 6%: 85.7% (down from 92.8% in 2022)

• Rates Below 5%: 76.1% (down from 85.6% in 2022) 

• Rates Below 4%: 57.4% (down from 65.3% in 2022) 

• Rates Below 3%: 22% (down from 24.7% in 2022)

Ralph’s Take

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Luxury Home Prices Spike 9% to All-Time High

Luxury Home Prices Spike 9% to All-Time High

According to Redfin, luxury home prices in the U.S. have soared to a record $1.18 million, an 8.8% increase from last year and the largest in nearly two years. Luxury homes, defined as the top 5% in market value of their metro area, are in high demand with limited supply. In contrast, non-luxury home prices rose 3.8% to $342,500. Key findings from the report include:

• Inventory: Luxury inventory rose 9.7%, marking the 4th consecutive quarter of growth, yet still below pre-pandemic levels.

• Cash Purchases: This spring, 43.7% of luxury homes were bought with all cash, a slight increase from 43.2% during the same period last year.

• Days on Market: Luxury homes remained…

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