Blog

  • What Lower Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Purchasing Power
    If you want to buy a home, it’s important to know how mortgage rates impact what you can afford and how much you’ll pay each month. Fortunately, rates for 30-year fixed mortgages have come down significantly since the end of October and are currently under 7%, according to Freddie Mac (see graph below): This recent trend is great news for buyers. As […]
  • Ways Your Home Equity Can Help You Reach Your Goals
    If you’ve owned your house for at least a couple of years, there’s something you’re going to want to know more about – and that’s home equity. If you’re not familiar with that term, Freddie Mac defines it like this: “. . . your home’s equity is the difference between how much your home is worth and how much you […]
  • Avoid These Common Mistakes After Applying for a Mortgage
    If you’re getting ready to buy a home, it’s exciting to jump a few steps ahead and think about moving in and making it your own. But before you get too far down the emotional path, there are some key things to keep in mind after you apply for your mortgage and before you close. Here’s a list of things […]
  • The Dramatic Impact of Homeownership on Net Worth
    If you’re trying to decide whether to rent or buy a home this year, here’s a powerful insight that could give you the clarity and confidence you need to make your decision. Every three years, the Federal Reserve releases the Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF), which compares net worth for homeowners and renters. The latest report shows the average homeowner’s net worth […]
  • Home Prices Forecast To Climb over the Next 5 Years :
    Some Highlights If you’re worried about what’s next for home prices, know the HPES shows experts are projecting they’ll continue to rise at least through 2028. Based on that forecast, if you bought a $400,000 house this year, experts say it could gain over $72,000 in equity over the next five years. If you’re worried about falling home prices, […]
  • How To Turn Homeownership into a Side Hustle
    Does the rising cost of just about everything these days make your dream of owning your own home feel less within reach? According to Bankrate, many people are seeking additional income through side hustles, possibly to cope with those increasing expenses and save for a home. This trend is particularly popular with younger individuals who may be dealing […]
  • The Perfect Home Could Be the One You Perfect After Buying
    There’s no denying mortgage rates and home prices are higher now than they were last year and that’s impacting what you can afford. At the same time, there are still fewer homes available for sale than the norm. These are two of the biggest hurdles buyers are facing today. But there are ways to overcome these things and still make your dream […]
  • Down Payment Assistance Programs Can Help Pave the Way to Homeownership
    If you’re looking to buy a home, your down payment doesn’t have to be a big hurdle. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 38% of first-time homebuyers find saving for a down payment the most challenging step. But the reality is, you probably don’t need to put down as much as you think: Data from NAR shows the median […]
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    The Surprising Trend in the Number of Homes Coming onto the Market If you’re thinking about moving, it’s important to know what’s happening in the housing market. Here’s an update on the supply of homes currently for sale. Whether you’re buyingor selling, the number of homes in your area is something you should pay attention to. In the housing […]
  • If Your House Hasn’t Sold Yet, It May Be Overpriced
    Has your house been sitting on the market a while without selling? If so, you should know that’s pretty unusual, especially right now. That’s because the supply of homes available for sale is still far lower than what we’d see in a normal year. That means buyers have fewer options than they usually would, so your house should be an […]
  • Why Homeowners Are Thankful They Own
    Countless people have set out on the exciting journey of homeownership. Ask around and you’ll find the vast majority are thankful they took the leap and bought a home. But why? It’s because of the many emotional and lifestyle benefits that come with being a homeowner. So, if you’re trying to decide if you want to rent […]
  • How Homeowner Net Worth Grows with Time [INFOGRAPHIC]
    Some Highlights If you’re thinking about buying a home this year, be sure to consider the long-term financial advantages of homeownership, like home equity. On average, people who bought homes 32 years ago have seen their home’s value nearly triple over that time. If you’re wondering if buying a home is a good idea, remember rising home values could grow your net worth with […]
  • Beginning with Pre-Approval
    If you’re looking to buy a home this fall, there are a few things you need to know. Affordability is tight with today’s mortgage rates and rising home prices. At the same time, there’s a limited number of homes on the market right now and that’s creating some competition among buyers. But, if you’re strategic, there are ways to navigate […]
  • Equity Is a Game Changer for Homeowners Looking To Sell
    If you’re a homeowner, you might be torn on whether or not to sell your house right now. Maybe that’s because you don’t want to take on a higher mortgage rate on your next home. If that’s your biggest hurdle, understanding your equity may be exactly what you need to help you feel more comfortable making your move. What Equity […]
  • Renting or Selling Your House: What’s the Best Move?
    If you’re a homeowner ready to make a move, you may be thinking about using your current house as a short-term rental property instead of selling it. A short-term rental (STR) is typically offered as an alternative to a hotel, and they’re an investment that’s gained popularity in recent years. While a short-term rental can be a […]
  • Gen Z: The Next Generation Is Making Moves in the Housing Market
    Generation Z (Gen Z) is eager to put down their own roots and achieve financial independence. As a result, they’re turning to homeownership. According to the latest Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 30% of Gen Z buyers transitioned straight from living under their parents’ roofs to owning their own homes. If […]
  • Get Ready for Smaller, More Affordable Homes
    Have you been trying to buy a home, but higher mortgage rates and home prices are limiting your options? If so, here’s some good news – based on what Ali Wolf, Chief Economist at Zonda, has to say – smaller, more affordable homes are on the way: “Buyers should expect that over the next 12 to 24 months there will be a notable increase […]
  • Home Price Forecasts Revised for 2023 [INFOGRAPHIC]
    Some Highlights Last year, some housing experts projected a decline in home prices by the end of 2023. But that didn’t happen – inventory was just too low. While it’s normal for experts to re-forecast throughout the year, the good news for 2023 is that prices are no longer projected to decrease. Let’s connect so you know what’s happening with home values in our local area. Sources https://www.mba.org/docs/default-source/research-and-forecasts/forecasts/mortgage-finance-forecast-dec-2022.pdf https://www.mba.org/docs/default-source/research-and-forecasts/forecasts/2023/mortgage-finance-forecast-aug-2023.pdf https://www.fanniemae.com/media/45801/display https://www.fanniemae.com/media/48726/display https://twitter.com/NewsLambert/status/1671900591113609216 (Morgan Stanley) https://twitter.com/NewsLambert/status/1671556169712672768 (AEI) https://www.zillow.com/research/data/ https://www.zillow.com/research/housing-market-challenges-32923/ […]
  • How Remote Work Helps with Your House Hunt [INFOGRAPHIC]
    Some Highlights While remote work peaked during the pandemic, many people still work from home today. If you’re one of them, it could have an unexpected benefit when you’re looking to buy a home. If you can work from home, you might have more choices for where to live. Let’s connect to talk about your options and what’s most important to you.
  • Why Your House Didn’t Sell
    If your listing expired and your house didn’t sell, you’re likely feeling a little frustrated. Not to mention, you’re also probably wondering what went wrong. Here are three questions to think about as you figure out what to do next. Did You Limit Access to Your House? One of the biggest mistakes you can make when selling […]
  • Why Buying a Vacation Home Beats Renting One This Summer
    For many of us, visiting the same vacation spot every year is a summer tradition that’s fun, relaxing, and restful. If that sounds like you, now’s the time to think about your plans and determine if buying a vacation home this year makes more sense than renting one again. According to Forbes:  “. . . if the idea of vacationing […]
  • Moving Now Can Give Your House Its Day in the Sun [INFOGRAPHIC]
    Some Highlights If you want to sell your house, consider doing it this summer. The days are longer, the weather is warmer, and it’s a great time for sellers. If your needs have changed, now’s the time to capitalize on the low inventory and multiple offers in today’s sellers’ market. Let’s connect today if you’re ready to sell your house and move to a home that […]
  • Here’s to a Wonderful 2023!
  • Applying For a Mortgage? Here’s What You Should Avoid Once You Do.
    While it’s exciting to start thinking about moving in and decorating after you’ve applied for your mortgage, there are some key things to keep in mind before you close. Here’s a list of things you may not realize you need to avoid after applying for your home loan. Don’t Deposit Large Sums of Cash Lenders need to source your money, and […]
  • Planning to Retire? It Could Be Time To Make a Move.
    If you’re thinking about retirement or have already retired this year, you may be planning your next steps. One of your goals could be selling your house and finding a home that more closely fits your needs. Fortunately, you may be in a better position to make a move than you realize. Here are a few things to […]
  • 3 Ways You Can Use Your Home Equity
    If you’re a homeowner, odds are your equity has grown significantly over the last few years as home prices skyrocketed and you made your monthly mortgage payments. Home equity builds over time and can help you achieve certain goals. According to the latest Equity Insights Report from CoreLogic, the average borrower with a home loan has almost $300,000 in equity right now. As you […]
  • Key advantages of buying a home today
    There’s no doubt buying a home today is different than it was over the past couple of years, and the shift in the market has led to advantages for buyers today. Right now, there are specific reasons that make this housing market attractive for those who’ve thought about buying but have sidelined their search due to rising […]
  • Investors: A Real Estate Agent’s Most Powerful Partnership
    As any real estate agent knows, leads are the lifeblood to success. This is why it is no secret that a high percentage of most agents’ time is dedicated to uncovering possible leads via as many conduits as possible.  That being said, all leads are not created equal. Some leads roll in thanks to expensive […]
  • How Pre-Qualification Can Help You Get Your Dream Home
    Buying a home is an important – and exciting – decision. After all, having a place to call your own, to raise your family in, to do as you wish with no landlord to answer to are all motivating factors in starting the process. But, in addition to these emotional reasons, buying a home can […]
  • Seeking High-Quality Contractors to Join Our Team
    An important piece of the real estate puzzle hinges on building a strong team. This is why in addition to our network of agents, lenders, attorneys, and brokers, we are always on the lookout for great contractors to partner with. Below is some more insight on what we are looking for along with a number […]
  • Are you Looking to Grow Your Real Estate Investment Opportunities?
    If you are a real estate investor looking to purchase wholesale properties or partner on joint venture projects, look no further. Our team has the experience, know-how, and infrastructure to offer you opportunities in your real estate investment endeavors. No matter if you are looking for a rehab project to work on or you are […]
  • Situations We Can Help Home Sellers With
    Homeowners find themselves in the position of having to sell their home fast for any number of reasons. For example, there are times when family obligations require you to move out of state with little warning. Maybe a job relocation takes you to a new area. Or a personal situation has arisen, putting homeowners on […]