Blog
One Major Benefit of Investing in a Home
One of the many reasons to buy a home is that it’s a major way to build wealth and gain financial stability Read More
A Smaller Home Could Be Your Best Option
Many people are reaching the point in their lives when they need to decide where they want to live when they retire. Read More
How To Make Your Dream of Homeownership a Reality
According to a recent Harris Poll survey, 8 in 10 Americans say buying a home is a priority, and 28 million Americans actually plan to buy within the next 12 months. Read More
Spring into Action: Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal with Expert Guidance
To sell your home this spring, it may need more preparation than it would have a year or two ago. Today’s housing market has a different feel. Read More
The Two Big Issues the Housing Market’s Facing Right Now
The biggest challenge the housing market’s facing is how few homes there are for sale. Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American, explains the root causes of today’s low supply: Read More
Wondering What’s Going on with Home Prices?
The recent changes in home prices are top of mind for many as the housing market begins gearing up for spring. Read More
Should You Consider Buying a Newly Built Home?
If you’re thinking about buying a home, you might be focusing on previously owned ones. But with so few houses for sale today, it makes sense to consider all your options, and that includes a home that’s newly built. Read More
Why It’s Easy To Fall in Love with Homeownership
No matter how the housing market changes, there are some things about owning a home that never changes—like the personal benefits it can provide. When you own your home, you likely feel a sense of attachment because of the comfort it gives and also because it’s a space that’s truly yours. Read More
What You Should Know About Closing Costs
Before you buy a home, it’s important to plan ahead. While most buyers consider how much they need to save for a down payment, many are surprised by the closing costs they have to pay. To ensure you aren’t caught off guard when it’s time to close on your home, you need to understand what closing costs are and how much you should budget for. Read More
Why Today’s Housing Market Isn’t Headed for a Crash
67% of Americans say a housing market crash is imminent in the next three years. With all the talk in the media lately about shifts in the housing market, it makes sense why so many people feel this way. But there’s good news. Read More
Number of Homes for Sale Up from Last Year, but Below Pre-Pandemic Years
The biggest challenge in the housing market right now, and likely for years to come, is how few homes there are for sale compared to the number of people who want to buy. That’s why, if you’re thinking about selling your house, this is a great time to do so. Read More
How Experts Can Help Close the Gap in Today’s Homeownership Rate
As we celebrate Black History Month, we reflect on the past and present experiences of Black Americans. This includes the path toward investing in a home of their own. Read More
The Top Reasons for Selling Your House
As the visual shows, the most commonly cited reasons for selling were the desire to move closer to loved ones, followed by moving due to retirement, and their neighborhood becoming less desirable. Read More
Should You Rent Your House or Sell It?
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. Read More
Lower Mortgage Rates Are Bringing Buyers Back to the Market
As mortgage rates rose last year, activity in the housing market slowed down. And as a result, homes started seeing fewer offers and stayed on the market longer. That meant some homeowners decided to press pause on selling. Read More
Where Will You Go If You Sell? You Have Options.
There are plenty of good reasons you might be ready to move. No matter your motivations, before you list your current house, you need to consider where you’ll go next. Read More
Leveraging hard money for investments
Leveraging hard money for investments.💸 I’m doing this now on a project and it may be the route for you! To learn more about hard money loan options and for more resources to increase your effeciency, production, and network as an investor, let’s connect.👇🏼 We’ve taken the time to deep dive into creating resources that... Read More
Wondering How Much You Need To Save for a Down Payment?
If you’re getting ready to buy your first home, you’re likely focused on saving up for everything that purchase involves. One cost that’s likely top of mind is your down payment. But don’t let a common misconception about how much you need to save make the process harder than it could be. Read More
What Are Your Goals in the Housing Market This Year?
If buying or selling a home is part of your dreams for 2023, it’s essential for you to understand today’s housing market, define your goals, and work with industry experts to bring your homeownership vision for the new year into focus. Read More
Mortgage Rates Are Dropping. What Does That Mean for You?
Mortgage rates have been a hot topic in the housing market over the past 12 months. Compared to the beginning of 2022, rates have risen dramatically. Now they’re dropping, and that has to do with everything happening in the economy. Read More
What Makes a House a Home?
There’s no denying the long-term financial benefits of owning a home, but today’s housing market may have you wondering if now’s still the time to buy. While the financial aspects of buying a home are important, the non-financial and emotional reasons are too. Read More
Homeowners Still Have Positive Equity Gains over the Past 12 Months
If you’re a homeowner, your net worth got a big boost over the past few years thanks to rapidly rising home prices. Here’s how it happened and what it means for you, even as the market moderates. Read More
What To Expect from the Housing Market in 2023
The 2022 housing market has been defined by two key things: inflation and rapidly rising mortgage rates. And in many ways, it’s put the market into a reset position. Read More
Confused About What’s Going on in the Housing Market? Lean on a Professional.
If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home, you probably want to know what’s really happening with home prices, mortgage rates, housing supply, and more. That’s not an easy task considering how sensationalized headlines are today. Jay Thompson, Real Estate Industry Consultant, explains: Read More
Financial Fundamentals for First-Time Homebuyers
Are you prepping to buy your first home? If so, one of the steps you should take early on is making sure you’re financially ready for your purchase. Here are just a few of the financial fundamentals you’ll need to focus on as you set out to buy a home Read More
$15M Coxsackie Hotel Development
A $15 MILLION dollar hotel & venue development is underway and projected to be completed soon in the Village of Coxsackie. Read More
Is It A Good Idea To Start High?
Should you price your home high just to "see what happens"? Many sellers like the idea of “starting high” to see if they get higher offers, but this strategy isn’t usually practical and here are a few reasons why: Read More
August 2022 Market Update
Summer 2022 has been a season of change for the U.S. real estate market. Read More
5 things I did to set myself up to close 50+ homes my second year in real estate at the age of 25
5 things I did to set myself up to close 50+ homes my second year in real estate at the age of 25…First, and it's going to sound corny but its the core pillar - is that I believed I could and set my sights on it. Read More
You May Have More Negotiation Power When You Buy a Home Today
Did the frequency and intensity of bidding wars over the past two years make you put your home search on hold? If so, you should know the hyper competitive market has cooled this year as buyer demand has moderated and housing supply has grown. Read More
Mortgage Debt Grew Beyond 10 Trillion Dollars Over The Past Year
Mortgage debt grew beyond 10 trillion dollars over the pa Read More
Experts Are Starting to Make Their 2023 Home Price Forecasts
Housing & economic experts are starting to make their 2023 home price forecasts. Over the past couple of years, home prices have risen at an unsustainable rate, leaving many to wonder how long it would last. Read More
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 think about when making that decision. Read More
Ready To Sell? Today’s Housing Supply Gives You Two Opportunities.
At first glance, the increase in housing supply compared to last year may not sound like good news for prospective sellers, but it actually gives you two key opportunities in today’s housing market. Read More
Mortgage Rates Will Come Down, It’s Just a Matter of Time
This past year, rising mortgage rates have slowed the red-hot housing market. Over the past nine months, we’ve seen fewer homes sold than the previous month as home price growth has slowed. All of this is due to the fact that the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate has doubled this year, severely limiting homebuying power for consumers. Read More
What Homeowners Want To Know About Selling in Today’s Market
If you’re thinking about selling your house, you’re likely hearing about the cooling housing market and wondering what that means for you. While it’s not the peak intensity we saw during the pandemic, we’re still in a sellers’ market. That means you haven’t missed your window. Read More
What Buyers Need To Know About the Inventory of Homes Available for Sale
If you’re thinking about buying a home, you’re likely trying to juggle your needs, current mortgage rates, home prices, your schedule, and more to try to decide if you want to jump into the market. If this sounds like you, here’s one key factor that could help you with your decision: there are more homes for sale today than there were at this time last year. Read More
Your House Could Be the #1 Item on a Homebuyer’s Wish List During the Holidays
Each year, homeowners planning to make a move are faced with a decision: sell their house during the holidays or wait. And others who have already listed their homes may think about removing their listings and waiting until the new year to go back on the market. Read More
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. Read More
Why There Won’t Be a Flood of Foreclosures Coming to the Housing Market
With the rapid shift that’s happened in the housing market this year, some people are raising concerns that we’re destined for a repeat of the crash we saw in 2008. But in truth, there are many key differences between what’s happening today and the bubble in the early 2000s. Read More
What You Want To Know If You’re Pursuing Your Dream of Homeownership
If you’re a young adult, you may be thinking about your goals and priorities for the months and years ahead. And if homeownership ranks high on your goal sheet, you’re in good company. Many of your peers are also pursuing their dream of owning a home. The 2022 Millennial & Gen Z Borrower Sentiment Report from Maxwell says: Read More
For Sellers, Housing Market Updates Top Questions About Selling Your Home This Winter
There’s no denying the housing market is undergoing a shift this season, and that may leave you with some questions about whether it still makes sense to sell your house. Here are three of the top questions you may be asking – and the data that helps answer them – so you can make a confident decision. Read More
Key Factors Affecting Home Affordability Today
Every time there’s a news segment about the housing market, we hear about the affordability challenges buyers are facing today. Those headlines are focused on how much mortgage rates have climbed this year. And while it’s true rates have risen dramatically, it’s important to remember they aren’t the only factor in the affordability equation. Read More
What’s Ahead for Mortgage Rates and Home Prices?
Now that the end of 2022 is within sight, you may be wondering what’s going to happen in the housing market next year and what that may mean if you’re thinking about buying a home. Here’s a look at the latest expert insights on both mortgage rates and home prices so you can make your best move possible Read More
The Majority of Americans Still View Homeownership as the American Dream
Buying a home is a powerful decision, and it remains a key part of the American Dream. In fact, the 2022 Consumer Insights Report from Mynd found the majority of people polled still view homeownership as a key life achievement. Let’s explore just a few of the reasons why so many Americans continue to value homeownership. Read More
Home Equity: A Source of Strength for Homeowners Today
Experts agree there’s no chance of a large-scale foreclosure crisis like we saw back in 2008, and that’s good news for the housing market. As Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American, says: Read More
VA Loans Can Help Veterans Achieve Their Dream of Homeownership
For over 78 years, Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans have provided millions of veterans with the opportunity to purchase homes of their own. If you or a loved one have served, it’s important to understand this program and its benefits. Read More
Top Questions About Selling Your Home This Winter
There’s no denying the housing market is undergoing a shift this season, and that may leave you with some questions about whether it still makes sense to sell your house. Here are three of the top questions you may be asking – and the data that helps answer them – so you can make a confident decision. Read More
Why It May Be Time To Add Newly Built Homes to Your Search
If you put a pause on your home search because you weren’t sure where you’d go once you sold your house, it might be a good time to get back into the market. If you’re willing to work with a trusted agent to consider a newly built home, you may have even more options and incentives than you realize. That may be why the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) says the share of buyers looking for new construction is increasing: Read More
More People Are Finding the Benefits of Multigenerational Households Today
If you’re thinking of buying a home and living with siblings, parents, or grandparents, then multigenerational living may be for you. The Pew Research Center defines a multigenerational household as a home with two or more adult generations. And the number of individuals choosing multigenerational living has increased over the past 50 years. Read More
Pre-Approval Is a Critical First Step on Your Homebuying Journey
If you’re planning to buy a home this year, one of the first steps on your journey is getting pre-approved. Especially in today’s market when mortgage rates are higher than they were just a few months ago, getting a mortgage pre-approval can be a game changer. Here’s why. Read More
What Happens to Housing when There’s a Recession?
Since the 2008 housing bubble burst, the word recession strikes a stronger emotional chord than it ever did before. And while there’s some debate around whether we’re officially in a recession right now, the good news is experts say a recession today would likely be mild and the economy would rebound quickly. As the 2022 CEO Outlook from KPMG says: Read More
3 Graphs Showing Why Today’s Housing Market Isn’t Like 2008
With all the headlines and talk in the media about the shift in the housing market, you might be thinking this is a housing bubble. It’s only natural for those thoughts to creep in that make you think it could be a repeat of what took place in 2008. But the good news is, there’s concrete data to show why this is nothing like the last time.With all the headlines and talk in the media about the shift in the housing market, you might be thinking this is a housing bubble. Read More
Millennials Are Still a Driving Force of Today’s Buyer Demand
If you’re thinking about selling your house but wondering if buyers are still out there, know that there are still people who are searching for a home to buy today. And your house may be exactly what they’re looking for. While the millennial generation has been dubbed the renter generation, that namesake may not be appropriate anymore. Millennials, the largest generation, are actually a significant driving force for buyer demand in the housing market today. Here’s why. Read More
Taking the Fear out of Saving for a Home
If you’re planning to buy a home, knowing what to budget for and how to save may sound scary at first. But it doesn’t have to be. One way to take the fear out of budgeting is understanding some of the costs you might encounter. And to do that, turn to trusted real estate professionals. They can help you plan your finances and prepare your budget. Read More
3 Trends That Are Good News for Today’s Homebuyers
While higher mortgage rates are creating affordability challenges for homebuyers this year, there is some good news for those people still looking to buy a home. As the market has cooled this year, some of the intensity buyers faced during the peak frenzy of the pandemic has cooled too. Here are just a few trends that may benefit you when you go to buy a home today. Read More
Sell Your House Before the Holidays
As you look ahead to the winter season, you’re likely making plans and thinking about what you want to achieve before the year ends. One of those key decision points could be whether or not you want to move this year. If the location or size of your current home no longer meets your needs, finding a house that better suits your lifestyle may be a top priority for you. But with today’s cooling housing market, is it really a good time to sell your house, or should you wait? Read More
Do You Believe Homeownership Is Out of Reach? Maybe It Doesn’t Have To Be.
It turns out, millennials aren’t the renter generation after all. The 2022 Consumer Insights Report from Mynd says there’s a portion of millennial and Gen Z buyers who are pursuing homeownership as a way to build their wealth, but it may not be exactly the way previous generations have done it. The study explains how they’re breaking into the market: Read More
Four Things That Help Determine Your Mortgage Rate
If you’re looking to buy a home, you probably want to secure the lowest interest rate possible for your home loan. Over the last couple of years, that was easier to do as the housing market saw record-low mortgage rates, but this year rates have risen dramatically. Read More
What Are Experts Saying About the Fall Housing Market?
The housing market is rapidly changing from the peak frenzy it saw over the past two years. That means you probably have questions about what your best move is if you’re thinking of buying or selling this fall. To help you make a confident decision, lean on the professionals for insights. Here are a few things experts are saying about the fall housing market. Read More
Saving for a Down Payment? Here’s What You Should Know.
As you set out to buy a home, saving for a down payment is likely top of mind. But you may still have questions about the process, including how much to save and where to start. If that sounds like you, your down payment could be more in reach than you originally thought. Here’s why. The 20% Down Payment Myth If you believe you have to put 20% down on a home, you may have based your goal on a common misconception. Freddie Mac explains: Read More
Two Questions Every Homebuyer Should Ask Themselves Right Now
Rising interest rates have begun to slow an overheated housing market as monthly mortgage payments have risen dramatically since the beginning of the year. This is leaving some people who want to purchase a home priced out of the market and others wondering if now is the time to buy one. But this rise in borrowing cost shows no signs of letting up soon. Read More
Will My House Still Sell in Today’s Market?
If recent headlines about the housing market cooling and buyer demand moderating have you worried you’ve missed your chance to sell, here’s what you need to know. Buyer demand hasn’t disappeared, it’s just eased from the peak intensity we saw over the past two years. Read More
Watching the Stock Market? Check the Value of Your Home for Good News.
While watching the stock market recently may have started to feel pretty challenging, checking the value of your home should come as welcome relief in this volatile time. If you’re a homeowner, your net worth got a big boost over the past few years thanks to rising home prices. And that increase in your wealth came in the form of home equity. Here’s how it works. Read More
Simple Ways to Spruce
Giving your bathroom a facelift doesn’t mean shelling out the big bucks. There are tons of ways to upgrade without breaking the bank! So if you’re toying around with a bit of transformation, here are a few ideas for a budget-friendly bathroom refresh. - Repaint the vanity, and consider a bold, on-trend color. - Switch up the textiles. Nothing says, 'I feel pretty!' like fresh towels, new hardware, updated window coverings, and a plush new bath mat. - Get a new shower head. Three words: Rain shower head. - Upgrade light fixtures. A careful swap will make a huge impact. - Add funky artwork — an instant mood enhancer. Are you an expert at the low-cost bathroom refresh? Share your best tip or hack in the comments below. Read More
Top Reasons Homeowners Are Selling Their Houses Right Now
Some people believe there’s a group of homeowners who may be reluctant to sell their houses because they don’t want to lose the historically low mortgage rate they have on their current home. You may even have the same hesitation if you’re thinking about selling your house. Read More
1ST-TIME HOME BUYER GUIDE
Are you getting ready to buy your first home? Congrats! What a crazy and exciting time! Read More
The True Strength of Homeowners Today
The real estate market is on just about everyone’s mind these days. That’s because the unsustainable market of the past two years is behind us, and the difference is being felt. The question now is, just how financially strong are homeowners throughout the country? Mortgage debt grew beyond 10 trillion dollars over the past year, and many called that a troubling sign when it happened for the first time in history. Read More
5 Signs it’s Time To Upsize
Your house fit like a glove when you moved in several years ago. Now? Not so much. Life has changed. YOU have changed. Maybe now you: - Work from home and seriously need a dedicated office.- Have a few little ones in the fam, human or four-legged!- Need a bigger living room for your teens and their herd of friends.- See your parents aging and so want them to have a comfortable space to visit or stay.- Have tried rearranging until you’re blue in the face, and you still feel like the walls are closing in. The truth is you grow and change — and so does what you need from your home. If you think you might want to upsize, but you’re still on the fence, let’s connect. I’d love to show you a few homes with a little more wiggle room so you can see firsthand how they fit! Read More
How an Expert Can Help You Understand Inflation & Mortgage Rates
This year, inflation reached a high not seen in forty years. For the average consumer, you probably felt the pinch at the gas pump and in the grocery store. It may have even impacted your ability to save money to buy a home. Read More
What is the average ROI on real estate?
Investors, new and experienced, always ask me the same thing: What return can I expect on my investment? Answer: The median return on investment in the US property market is 8.6%, according to the S&P 500 Index. The truth is return on investment (ROI) fluctuates every year, so it’s good to check in with an agent periodically for an up-to-date answer. They can look into the cap rate, cost of capital, and average ROI for your specific market or neighborhood. If you're planning to buy, sell, or invest, DM me or give me a call. I’d love to share what's happening right now and answer any questions you might have. Read More
Why Today’s Housing Inventory Proves the Market Isn’t Headed for a Crash
Whether or not you owned a home in 2008, you likely remember the housing crash that took place back then. And news about an economic slowdown happening today may bring all those concerns back to the surface. While those feelings are understandable, data can help reassure you the situation today is nothing like it was in 2008. Read More
The Cost of Waiting for Mortgage Rates To Go Down
Mortgage rates have increased significantly in recent weeks. And that may mean you have questions about what this means for you if you’re planning to buy a home. Here’s some information that can help you make an informed decision when you set your homebuying plans. Read More
The LongTerm Benefit of Homeownership
Today’s cooling housing market, the rise in mortgage rates, and mounting economic concerns have some people questioning: should I still buy a home this year? While it’s true this year has unique challenges for homebuyers, it’s important to factor the long-term benefits of homeownership into your decision. Read More
Why You May Want To Start Your Home Search Today
If you’re thinking about buying a home, you likely have a lot of factors on your mind. You’re weighing your own needs against higher mortgage rates, today’s home prices, and more to try to decide if you want to jump into the market. While some buyers may wait things out, there’s a reason serious buyers are making moves right now, and that’s the growing number of homes for sale. Read More
How To Prep Your House for Sale This Fall
Today’s housing market is different than it was just a few months ago. And if you’re thinking about selling your house, that may leave you wondering what you need to do differently as a result. The answer is simple. Taking the time upfront to prep your house appropriately and create a solid plan can help bring in the greatest return on your investment. Read More
3 Tips for Buying a Home Today
If you put off your home search at any point over the past two years, you may want to consider picking it back up based on today’s housing market conditions. Recent data shows the supply of homes for sale is increasing, giving buyers like you additional options. Read More
Planning To Retire? Your Equity Can Help You Reach Your Goal.
Whether you’ve just retired or you’re thinking about retirement, you may be considering your options and trying to picture a whole new stage of your life. And you’re not alone. Research from the Retirement Industry Trust Association (RITA) shows 10,000 Baby Boomers reach the typical retirement age (65) every day, and only 47% of the people in that generation have already retired. Read More
The U.S. Homeownership Rate Is Growing
The desire to own a home is still strong today. In fact, according to the Census, the U.S. homeownership rate is on the rise. To illustrate the increase, the graph below shows the homeownership rate over the last year: Read More
Experts Increase 2022 Home Price Projections
If you’re wondering if home prices are going to come down due to the cooldown in the housing market or a potential recession, here’s what you need to know. Not only are experts forecasting home prices will continue to appreciate nationwide this year, but most of them also actually increased their projections for home price appreciation from their original 2022 forecasts (shown in green in the chart below): Read More
What Would a Recession Mean for the Housing Market?
According to a recent survey from the Wall Street Journal, the percentage of economists who believe we’ll see a recession in the next 12 months is growing. When surveyed in July 2021, only 12% of economists consulted thought there’d be a recession by now. But this July, when polled, 49% believe we will see a recession in the coming 12 months. Read More
What Does the Rest of the Year Hold for Home Prices?
Whether you’re a potential homebuyer, seller, or both, you probably want to know: will home prices fall this year? Let’s break down what’s happening with home prices, where experts say they’re headed, and why this matters for your homeownership goals. Read More
Make Sure Your House Smells Good
Everyone knows when you’re selling your home it needs to smell good but don’t go too crazy on air fresheners. If you put air freshener in every single room or its super overpowering, people will think that there is something wrong or you’re trying to hide something. So make sure it smells good and looks... Read More
Is the Shifting Market a Challenge or an Opportunity for Homebuyers?
If you tried to buy a home during the pandemic, you know the limited supply of homes for sale was a considerable challenge. It created intense bidding wars which drove home prices up as buyers competed with one another to be the winning offer Read More
Looking For Your Dream Home?
One thing that more first-time home buyers are starting to realize is that your first home is not necessarily your dream home a lot of people are choosing to purchase at home and live in it for 1/2 maybe 3 years and then move to what would be considered a dream home and rent out that first home in 3 hours to Monday to start building so wealth. Read More
Selling Your House? Your Asking Price Matters More Now Than Ever
There’s no doubt about the fact that the housing market is slowing from the frenzy we saw over the past two years. But what does that mean for you if you’re thinking of selling your house? While home prices are still appreciating in most markets and experts say that will continue, they’re climbing at a slower pace because rising mortgage rates are creating less buyer demand. Because of this, there are more homes on the market. And in a shift like this one, the way you price your home matters more than ever. Read More
Speaking with A Lender
on misconception about the home-buying process is that speaking to a lender costs money. So when you first start the home-buying process you can talk to a lender to understand what your purchasing power is going to look like and that conversation that you have with the lender isn't going to cost you anything. After you have a conversation you can get a pre-approval letter and be significantly better prepared and positioned when you begin to look at homes. Read More
Why the Forbearance Program Changed the Housing Market
When the pandemic hit in 2020, many experts thought the housing market would crash. They feared job loss and economic uncertainty would lead to a wave of foreclosures similar to when the housing bubble burst over a decade ago. Thankfully, the forbearance program changed that. It provided much-needed relief for homeowners so a foreclosure crisis wouldn’t happen again. Here’s why forbearance worked. Read More
Finding A Deal In Today’s Market
We're in a seller's market and homes are selling very quickly. It's sometimes hard to find what you may think is a great deal. I always recommend to clients to take a look at not just what recently came to the market but homes that have been on the market for 30 or 60 more days cause sometimes there may something wrong with the property, but sometimes there’s not and they have just been sitting on the market for awhile and that can be an opportunity for you to get a good deal. Read More
Why It’s Still a Sellers’ Market
As there’s more and more talk about the real estate market cooling off from the peak frenzy it saw during the pandemic, you may be questioning what that means for your plans to sell your house. If you’re thinking of making a move, you should know the market is still anything but normal. Read More
Finding The Neighborhood For You
One piece of advice I have for buyers if they're thinking about moving to a new neighborhood is exploring that neighborhood. Going and hanging out on an afternoon, in the evening, and on the weekend to see what the general fee and vibe is of the neighborhood. One thing that a lot of people also don't do is try out your commute. If you drive to an office, go to your potential neighborhood in the morning or in the afternoon and try the commute from your place of employment to see if it's something that you can put up with every single day. Read More
Are We In A Housing Bubble?
re we in a housing bubble and is it about to burst? What even causes a bubble? It’s when a sell off starts to occur and investors frantically unload their position causing the asset prices to drop dramatically. But we’re talking about people's homes, not stocks. Read More
Buying a Home May Make More Financial Sense Than Renting One
If rising home prices leave you wondering if it makes more sense to rent or buy a home in today’s housing market, consider this. It’s not just home prices that have risen in recent years – rental prices have skyrocketed as well. As a recent article from realtor.com says: “The median rent across the 50 largest US metropolitan areas reached $1,876 in June, a new record level for Realtor.com data for the 16th consecutive month.” Read More
3 Graphs To Show This Isn’t a Housing Bubble
With all the headlines and buzz in the media, some consumers believe the market is in a housing bubble. As the housing market shifts, you may be wondering what’ll happen next. It’s only natural for concerns to creep in that it could be a repeat of what took place in 2008. The good news is, there’s concrete data to show why this is nothing like the last time. Read More
Expert Housing Market Forecasts for the Second Half of the Year
The housing market is at a turning point, and if you’re thinking of buying or selling a home, that may leave you wondering: is it still a good time to buy a home? Should I make a move this year? To help answer those questions, let’s turn to the experts for projections on what the second half of the year holds for residential real estate. Read More
Should I Buy a Home Right Now?
If you’ve been thinking about buying a home, you likely have one question on the top of your mind: should I buy right now, or should I wait? While no one can answer that question for you, here’s some information that could help you make your decision. Read More
Wondering Where You’ll Move if You Sell Your House Today?
If you put a pause on your home search because you weren’t sure where you’d go once you sold your house, it might be a good time to get back into the market. That’s because today’s market is undergoing a shift, and the supply of homes for sale is increasing as a result. That means you may have a better chance of finding a home that will meet your current needs. Here are some options to consider. Read More
Why Pre-Approval Is a Game Changer for Homebuyers
If you’re planning to buy a home this year, you might have heard that pre-approval is a necessary step to take before starting out on your journey. But why is that? And is it still important in today’s shifting market? The truth is, getting a pre-approval letter from your lender is critical, and when it comes to your home search, it can be a game changer in so many ways. To better understand why, it’s important to know what pre-approval is. Freddie Mac defines the process like this: Read More
Should You Buy a Home with Inflation This High?
While the Federal Reserve is working hard to bring down inflation, the latest data shows the inflation rate is still going up. You no doubt are feeling the pinch on your wallet at the gas pump or the grocery store, but that news may also leave you wondering: should I still buy a home right now? Read More
Think Home Prices Are Going To Fall? Think Again
Over the last two years, the rate of home prices appreciated at a dramatic pace. While that led to incredible equity gains for homeowners, it’s also caused some buyers to wonder if home prices will fall. It’s important to know the housing market isn’t a bubble about to burst, and home price growth is supported by strong market fundamentals. Read More
A Real Estate Professional Helps You Separate Fact from Fiction
If you’re following the news, chances are you’ve seen or heard some headlines about the housing market that don’t give the full picture. The real estate market is shifting, and when that happens, it can be hard to separate fact from fiction. That’s where a trusted real estate professional comes in. They can help debunk the headlines so you can really understand today’s market and what it means for you. Read More
What’s Causing Ongoing Home Price Appreciation?
If you’re thinking about making a move, you probably want to know what’s going to happen to home prices for the rest of the year. While experts say price growth will moderate due to the shifting market, ongoing appreciation is expected. That means home prices won’t fall. Here’s a look at two key reasons experts forecast continued price growth: supply and demand. Read More
A Window of Opportunity for Homebuyers
Mortgage rates are much higher today than they were at the beginning of the year, and that’s had a clear impact on the housing market. As a result, the market is seeing a shift back toward the range of pre-pandemic levels for buyer demand and home sales. Read More
Want To Buy a Home? Now May Be the Time.
There are more homes for sale today than at any time last year. So, if you tried to buy a home last year and were outbid or out priced, now may be your opportunity. The number of homes for sale in the U.S. has been growing over the past four months as rising mortgage rates help slow the frenzy the housing market saw during the pandemic. Read More
Curb Appeal: Simple Ideas To Boost Your Home Value
When homebuyers cruise past your property on the way to a nearby home that’s listed for sale, they make judgments about the neighborhood based on what they see. Read More
Four Ways Buying a Condo is Different from Buying a Home
As a potential homebuyer, you may look at a variety of property types before making your final decision. Will a condo work for your lifestyle? Maybe you’re thinking about a single-family home with a big yard for your family. Either way, making the decision between a home or a condominium is much easier when you know the ins and outs of financing each and how they differ from each other. Read More
What’s the Difference Between an Appraisal and an Inspection?
Home appraisals are done by an appraiser to help set a value of your home. Lenders use an appraisal to make sure they’re not lending a borrower more than the value of the home and that your buyers haven’t paid you more than your home is worth. Read More
3 Common Questions When Buying a Vacation Home
Are you thinking about buying a vacation home? If so, there are a few questions I'm sure you have. Fortunately, we have the answers, so that you can be fully prepared when you make the decision to buy a vacation home. Read More
Is This Your Situation: Why Isn’t My Home Selling?
Your home could be languishing on the market simply because the market is down. However, in a seller's market like today, the culprit is likely something simple and easily correctable. If your home is seeing no interest, ask yourself these five questions: Read More
Is This Your Situation: Buying a Second Home and Renting the First?
We all love our first home, however, as time goes on, you may find yourself ready to move on to bigger and better things. Whether you need more space, want to move to a new area, or are just looking to upgrade, it might be time to find a new home. But when you find a new place, what happens to your first home? Rather than selling, many homeowners are discovering the benefits of renting out their first home when they move on to the next. Read More
4 Speedy Tips to Prep Your Home for a Showing in Under 30 Minutes
There’s a saying, you only have one opportunity to make a first impression. This is true for all things—the first time you meet someone new, a job interview or the first time you show your house for sale. The first impression is lasting and can determine if you hook a buyer for your house. Read More
The Myth of the 20% Down Payment
You may have been told that you should put down 20% to buy a home. This may give you more choices and let you avoid private mortgage insurance, but this large amount may not be prudent, or necessary, in all circumstances. Some experts advise keeping your mortgage down payment small — a strategy that sets you up so you'll be better assured of liquidity when life happens. Read More
Is This Your Situation: Getting Your Home Ready for an Open House?
Selling your home can be hectic, so you might not have a ton of free time to focus on upgrades. Fortunately, there are a few easy fixes that can be done in a weekend. These tips will help you to get your home in the best shape for open houses without being too expensive or labor intensive. Making a good first impression can go a long way towards negotiating the successful sale of your home. Read More
Is This Your Situation: Buying a Home as a Single
Buying a home alone doesn’t have to be intimidating. Now, more singles than ever are taking this big step alone. To make sure that your home buying experience is successful, use these five tips for buying a home alone. Read More
5 Common Homebuyer Turnoffs and How to Avoid Them
Buyers click with a home on an instinctive level more times than not. Even after weighing the dollars and cents, a prospective buyer may make an offer on a home that costs more than they budgeted for or walk away from a home that is priced exactly right. Sometimes it's something as simple as a bad first impression like these: Read More
4 Tips for Attending Open Houses
Attending an open house is the exciting first step most prospective homeowners take in their journey to find their dream home. It can be filled with many fun first experiences like talking with a Realtor or formulating ideas of what you want in your home, however, it can also be a little overwhelming. The key to locating the perfect home is attending as many open houses as you can and taking in all the information you can about purchasing a home. You must have a good strategy for attending each open house. Read More
Is This Your Situation: Buying a Home While Selling Your Old One?
In a typical home buying process, there are nerves, panic and pure frustration. But just think of the headaches created when you have to sell your house and buy a new one at the same time. If your timing is off, you could wind up paying two house payments each month until your house gets sold. Follow these 3 steps to time your move correctly. Read More
5 Simple Home Buying Mistakes that Have a Big Impact
Buying a home can be a stressful process. Your home is most likely the most expensive item you will purchase this year - or even this decade - so you will want to make sure that you're not falling prey to simple mistakes that many homebuyers make. Making even one of these mistakes can cost you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Read More
Is This Your Situation: What Do I Need to Disclose to the Buyer Before Selling My Home?
Are you selling your home? If you're parting ways with your home in the near future or thinking about selling later on down the road, there's a number of things you must disclose to the potential buyer depending on the state in which you reside. Some of the suggestions on the list might surprise you, so it's best to do your research and know everything you need to reveal before diving into a deal. With your legal requirements and civil duties as a seller in mind, don’t sell your home without disclosing these seven things. Read More
Is This Your Situation: What Happens After Someone Makes an Offer on My Home?
The exciting moment when an offer to purchase your home comes in can also feel a little overwhelming. One common first impulse is to ask "How much are they offering?" While price is an important factor, it's also important to sit back and look at the big picture when negotiating a sale. Consider the following: Read More
12 Ways to Invest Less Than $1,000 in Your Home and Sell It for More
When it’s time to sell, every homeowner wants to get the highest sales price possible. One of the best strategies to keep the price high is to eliminate reasons for buyers to reduce their offers. At first glance, it may seem counterproductive to spend money when you’re trying to sell your home for the best price, but it does make sense. A thoughtful and limited cash infusion to your home will make it show better, perhaps function better, and attract more homebuyers. Read More
Understanding Closing Costs
Closing costs are an essential expense of homebuying and include a variety of payments beyond your property's purchase price. Part of the closing cost, the real estate agent commissions, is paid by home sellers. Read More
5 Reasons Not To Fear Selling Your Home
Selling your home can be stressful, we know. But, having an experienced resource on your side (like us, your real estate professionals), can help alleviate the anxiety and make your home-selling experience smooth. Read More
What Every Seller Needs To Know About Renovating This Year
If you’re planning to sell this year, you’re probably thinking about what you’ll need to do to get your house ready to appeal to the most buyers. It’s crucial to work with a trusted real estate professional who knows your local market to get your home ready to sell. But there are a few things you should consider when deciding what to renovate and update before listing this season. Here are three things to keep top of mind as you’re making your list of projects to tackle this year... Read More
Is This Your Situation: Buying a House While Selling Another One?
Everyone talks about the steep learning curve of buying your first home, and they're right to. But your first purchase is also the easiest home purchase you'll ever make. After that, you need to not only find a new home but also find a buyer for your current home. Most confusingly of all, if you're like many people, most of your wealth is tied up in your home. Does that mean you can't get preapproved for a mortgage until you've sold your home? Where do you live in the meantime? Read More
Is This Your Situation: Trying To Improve Your Home’s Curb Appeal?
When you've lived in a property for years, you seldom think about how it looks to outsiders. After all, you know your home from the inside out, and when you have concerns about it, they're often about something invisible or out of sight, whether it's the plumbing in the bathroom or the storage space in the attic. But when you're selling the house, the most important thing is the exterior. That's what will give a potential buyer a first impression that will shape the rest of the tour. So how do you make sure your house wows buyers from the first glance? Read More
The Top Indicator if You Want To Know Where Mortgage Rates Are Heading
Mortgage rates have increased significantly since the beginning of the year. Each Thursday, Freddie Mac releases its Primary Mortgage Market Survey. According to the latest survey, the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has risen from 3.22% at the start of the year to 3.55% as of last week. This is important to note because any increase in mortgage rates changes what a purchaser can afford. To give you an idea of how rising mortgage rates impact your purchasing power... Read More