Turning a House into a Happy Home
We talk a lot about why it makes financial sense to buy a home, but more often than not, we’re drawn to the emotional reasons for homeownership. No matter the living space, the feeling of a home means different things to different people. Whether it’s a certain scent or a favorite chair,...
Did You Outgrow Your Home in 2020?
It may seem hard to imagine that the home you’re in today – whether it’s your starter home or just one you’ve fallen in love with along the way – might not be your forever home. Many needs have changed in 2020, and it’s okay to admit if your house...
The Do’s and Don’ts after Applying for a Mortgage
Once you’ve found the right home and applied for a mortgage, there are some key things to keep in mind before you close. You’re undoubtedly excited about the opportunity to decorate your new place, but before you make any large purchases, move your money around, or make any major life...
Homeowner Equity Increases an Astonishing $1 Trillion
In a year that was financially devastating for many Americans, some good news for most homeowners is the dramatic gain in home equity over the last twelve months. Last week, CoreLogic released its 2020 3rd Quarter Homeowner Equity Insights report, which reveals four major findings: S. homeowners with mortgages have...
3 Reasons to Be Optimistic about Real Estate in 2021
This year will be remembered for many reasons, and optimism is one thing that’s been in short supply since the spring. We’re experiencing a global pandemic, social unrest, an economic downturn, and natural disasters, just to name a few. The challenges brought on by the health crisis have also forced...
The Holidays Aren’t Stopping Homebuyers This Year
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are behind us, yet finding the perfect holiday gifts for friends and family is certainly still top of mind for many right now. This year, there’s another type of buyer that’s very active this holiday season – the homebuyer. Each month, ShowingTime releases their Showing Index which tracks the...
5 Steps to Follow When Applying for Forbearance
If you’re currently feeling the stress of affording your mortgage payment, or if you know someone who is, there’s still time to get help. For homeowners experiencing financial hardship this year, the CARES Act provides mortgage payment deferral options, creating much-needed relief in these challenging times. It’s important, however, to...
Winning as a Buyer in a Sellers’ Market [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some Highlights Buying a home in today’s sellers’ market doesn’t have to feel like an uphill battle. Here are four ways to make sure you’re positioned for success when making a home purchase, even when the scale tips toward sellers. Let’s connect to make sure you’re armed for victory in...
Why It Makes Sense to Sell Your House This Holiday Season
If you’re one of the many homeowners thinking about taking your house off the market for the holidays, hang on. You definitely don’t want to miss the great selling opportunity you have right now. Here’s why this month is the optimal time to make sure your house is available for...
Are Home Prices Headed Toward Bubble Territory?
Talk of a housing bubble is beginning to crop up as home prices have appreciated at a rapid pace this year. This is understandable since the appreciation of residential real estate is well above historic annual averages. According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), annual appreciation since 1991 has...
An Honest Look at Unemployment Numbers
Last Friday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released the November Jobs Report. It revealed that, though headed in the right direction, the nation’s job recovery has slowed. The consensus reaction is best exemplified by a quote from Glassdoor Senior Economist, Daniel Zhao: “We saw positive job gains, but I think...
How Remote Work Can Power Your Vacation Home Sale
This year, the opportunity to work remotely has increased the demand for vacation homes. Gay Cororaton, Senior Economist and Director of Housing and Commercial Research at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), notes: “Working from home is a positive factor in demand for vacation homes.” Buyers are taking advantage of...
The Path to Homeownership [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some Highlights If you’re thinking of buying a home and not sure where to start, you’re not alone. Here’s a map with 10 simple steps to follow in the homebuying process. Let’s connect today to discuss the specific steps along the way in our local area. Content previously posted on...
A New Way to Shop for Homes in a Virtual World
In a year when we’re learning to do so much remotely, homebuying is no exception. From going to work to attending school, grocery shopping, and even seeing our doctors online, digital practices have changed the way we live. This year, rather than delaying their home purchases, buyers – alongside their...
With Home Values Surging, Is it Still Affordable to Buy Right Now?
Housing inventory is at an all-time low. Realtor.com just reported that there are 39% fewer homes for sale today than there were last year. At the same time, buyer demand remains strong. In a recent newsletter, research analyst Ivy Zelman explained: “Although the headwind of severe supply constraints in most...
Knowledge Is Power on the Path to Homeownership
Homeownership is on the goal list for many young adults, but sometimes it’s hard to know exactly how to get there. From understanding the homebuying process to pre-approval and down payment assistance options, uncertainty along the way can ultimately hold some buyers back. Today, there are over 75 million Millennials...
5 Tips for Homebuyers Who Want to Make a Competitive Offer
Today’s real estate market has high buyer interest and low housing inventory. With so many buyers competing for a limited number of homes, it’s more important than ever to know the ins and outs of making a confident and competitive offer. Here are five keys to success for this important...
Key Terms to Know in the Homebuying Process [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some Highlights Buying a home can be intimidating if you’re not familiar with the terms used throughout the process. To point you in the right direction, here’s a list of some of the most common language you’ll hear along the way. The best way to ensure your homebuying process is...
Your House May Be High on the Buyer Wish List This Holiday Season
Around this time each year, many homeowners decide to wait until after the holidays to sell their houses. Similarly, others who already have their homes on the market remove their listings until the spring. Let’s unpack the top reasons why selling your house now, or keeping it on the market...
