Unlocking the Benefits of Your Home’s Equity
Some HighlightsEquity is the difference between what your house is worth and what you still owe on your mortgage.The typical homeowner gained $28,000 over the past year and has a grand total of $305,000 in equity. And there are a lot of great ways you can use that equity.To find...
Unlocking the Benefits of Your Home’s Equity
Some HighlightsEquity is the difference between what your house is worth and what you still owe on your mortgage.The typical homeowner gained $28,000 over the past year and has a grand total of $305,000 in equity. And there are a lot of great ways you can use that equity.To find...
How the Economy Impacts Mortgage Rates
As someone who’s thinking about buying or selling a home, you’re probably paying close attention to mortgage rates – and wondering what's ahead.One thing that can affect mortgage rates is the Federal Funds Rate, which influences how much it costs banks to borrow money from each other. While the Federal...
A Newly Built Home May Actually Be More Budget-Friendly
If you’re in the market to buy a home, there’s some exciting news for you. Many people assume that newly built homes are more expensive than existing ones (houses that have already been lived in), but that’s not always the case. In fact, exploring newly built homes can sometimes lead...
Why a Foreclosure Wave Isn’t on the Horizon
Even though data shows inflation is cooling, a lot of people are still feeling the pinch on their wallets. And those high costs on everything from gas to groceries are fueling unnecessary concerns that more people are going to have trouble making their mortgage payments. But, does that mean there’s...
How Affordability and Remote Work Are Changing Where People Live
There’s an interesting trend happening in the housing market. People are increasingly moving to more affordable areas, and remote or hybrid work is helping them do it.Consider Moving to a More Affordable AreaToday’s high mortgage rates combined with continually rising home prices mean it’s tough for a lot of people...
The Biggest Mistakes Homebuyers Are Making Right Now
Some HighlightsWant to know the biggest mistakes homebuyers are making today?They include everything from putting off pre-approval for too long, holding out for the perfect home, buying more than they can afford, and skipping out on hiring a pro. Connect with a real estate agent to make sure you have a...
Unlocking Homebuyer Opportunities in 2024
There’s no arguing this past year has been difficult for homebuyers. And if you’re someone who has started the process of searching for a home, maybe you put your search on hold because the challenges in today’s market felt like too much to tackle. You’re not alone in that. A...
Why Fixing Up Your House Can Help It Sell Faster
If you’re thinking about selling your house, you should know there are buyers who are ready and able to pay today’s high prices. But they want a home that’s move-in ready. A recent press release from Redfin explains:“Buyers are still out there and they’re willing to pay today’s high prices,...
How To Determine if You’re Ready To Buy a Home
If you’re trying to decide if you’re ready to buy a home, there’s probably a lot on your mind. You’re thinking about your finances, today’s mortgage rates and home prices, the limited supply of homes for sale, and more. And, you’re juggling how all of those things will impact the choice you’ll make.While housing...
Why Working with a Real Estate Professional Is Crucial Right Now
Navigating the housing market can be tricky, especially these days. That's why having an experienced guide when buying or selling a home is so important. The market isn't exactly straightforward right now, and working with a real estate expert can offer insights and advice that make all the difference.While today’s...
How Do Presidential Elections Impact the Housing Market?
Some HighlightsAre you wondering if the upcoming election will have an impact on the housing market? Here’s what history tells us you need to know if you’re considering a move.Data shows home sales slow in November but quickly bounce back and rise the following year. Prices usually keep climbing. And...
Why Moving to a Smaller Home After Retirement Makes Life Easier
Retirement is a time for relaxation, adventure, and enjoying the things you love. As you imagine this exciting new chapter in your life, it's important to think about whether your current home still fits your needs. If it's too big, too costly, or just not convenient anymore, downsizing might help...
The Price of Perfection: Don’t Wait for the Perfect Home
In life, patience is a virtue – but in the world of homebuying, waiting too long in hopes of finding the perfect home actually isn't wise. That’s because the pursuit of perfection comes at a cost. And in this case, that cost may be delaying your dream of homeownership. As...
Why Your Asking Price Matters Even More Right Now
If you’re thinking about selling your house, here’s something you really need to know. Even though it’s still a seller’s market today, you can’t pick just any price for your listing.While home prices are still appreciating in most areas, they’re climbing at a slower pace because higher mortgage rates are...
Not a Crash: 3 Graphs That Show How Today’s Inventory Differs from 2008
Even if you didn't own a home at the time, you probably remember the housing crisis in 2008. That crash impacted the lives of countless people, and many now live with the worry that something like that could happen again. But rest easy, because things are different than they were...
Things To Avoid After Applying for a Mortgage [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some HighlightsThere are a few key things you’ll want to avoid after applying for a mortgage to make sure you’re in the best position when you get to the closing table.Don’t change bank accounts, apply for new credit, make any large purchases or transfers, and don’t co-sign loans for anyone....
Homeownership: The Heart of the American Dream
Everyone’s vision for the future is personal and unique. But for many, common goals include success, freedom, and prosperity — values closely tied to having your own home and the iconic feeling of achieving the American Dream.A recent survey by Bankrate reveals exactly that: homeownership is still a part of...
Homeowners Gained $28K in Equity over the Past Year
If you own a home, your net worth has probably gone up a lot over the past year. Home prices have been rising, which means you're building equity much faster than you might think. Here’s how it works.Equity is the current value of your home minus what you owe on...
Real Estate Still Holds the Title of Best Long-Term Investment
With all the headlines circulating about home prices and mortgage rates, you may be asking yourself if it still makes sense to buy a home right now, or if it’s better to keep renting. Here’s some information that could help put your mind at ease by showing that investing in a...
What To Do When Your House Didn’t Sell
If your listing expired and your house didn’t sell, it’s totally natural to feel a mix of frustration and disappointment. And as you’re working through that, you’re probably also wondering what went wrong and what you should do next.If you still need to move and want to get it back...
