Finding A Deal In Today’s Market

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.

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.

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…

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

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.

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.

Speaking with A Lender

A common 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…

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

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.

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.

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.

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...

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?

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?

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...