ARTICLES

Why You Should Think About Listing Prices Like an Auction’s Reserve Price

For generations, the homebuying process never really changed. The seller would try to estimate the market value of the home and tack on a little extra to give themselves some negotiating room. That figure would become the listing price of the house. Buyers would then try to determine how much...

Should We Fear the Surge in Cash-Out Refinances?

Freddie Mac recently released their Quarterly Refinance Statistics report which covers refinances through 2020. The report explains that the dollar amount of cash-out refinances was greater in 2020 than in recent years. A cash-out refinance, as defined by Investopia, is: “a mortgage refinancing option in which an old mortgage is...

What Credit Score Do You Need for a Mortgage?

According to data from the most recent Origination Insight Report by Ellie Mae, the average FICO® score on closed loans reached 753 in February. As lending standards have tightened recently, many are concerned over whether or not their credit score is strong enough to qualify for a mortgage. While stricter lending standards...

Americans See Major Home Equity Gains [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights Today’s home price appreciation is driving equity higher throughout the country. If your needs are changing and you’re ready for a new home, your equity may be a great asset to power your next move. Now is a great time to put your equity toward a down payment...

To Renovate or Not To Renovate Before You Sell

When thinking about selling, homeowners often feel they need to get their house ready with some remodeling to make it more appealing to buyers. However, with so many buyers competing for available homes right now, renovations may not be as vital as they would be in a more normal market....

What Is the Strongest Tailwind to Today’s Recovering Economy?

Last year started off with a bang. Unemployment was under 4%, forecasters were giddy with their projections for the economy, and the residential housing market had the strongest January and February activity in over a decade. Then came the announcement on March 11, 2020, from the World Health Organization declaring...

What Is the #1 Financial Benefit of Homeownership?

There are many financial and non-financial benefits of homeownership, and the greatest financial one is wealth creation. Homeownership has always been the first rung on the ladder that leads to forming household wealth. As Freddie Mac explains: “Homeownership has cemented its role as part of the American Dream, providing families...

3 Reality TV Myths Busted

Ready to buy a home this year? Let's connect to separate reality from reality TV and make sure your experience is smooth and successful.

Is the Down Payment Myth Blocking Your Path to Homeownership?

It's a common misconception that you have to have a 20% down payment to buy a home. Let's connect to make sure you have all the right facts and information you need if you're buying a home this year.

4 Ways Your Agent Will Steal Your Heart

Having a trusted professional on your side gives you the confidence you need if you're buying or selling a home. Let's connect to make sure your questions are answered every step of the way.

Homeowners Today Have Tremendous Equity

You may have more home equity today than you realize. Let's connect to plan how you can leverage that equity in your next move.

Thinking of Getting Your House Ready to Sell?

It's a great time to sell your house. Let's connect to make sure it's ready for success on the spring market.

4 Ways to Be Ready for a Bidding War

In today's competitive market, the average home for sale receives multiple offers. Let's connect to make sure you're fully prepared as a homebuyer for a potential bidding war.

How to Make a Winning Offer on a Home

Today’s homebuyers are faced with a strong sellers’ market, which means there are a lot of active buyers competing for a relatively low number of available homes. As a result, it’s essential to understand how to make a confident and competitive offer on your dream home. Here are five tips...

Thinking of Buying or Selling a Home This Spring?

The housing market has a lot to offer both buyers and sellers right now. Let's connect to make sure you have the resources you need for the spring season.

How to Be a Competitive Buyer in Today’s Housing Market [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights With so few houses for sale today, it’s important to be prepared when you’re ready to buy a home. Meeting with your lender early, knowing your must-haves and nice-to-haves, preparing for a bidding war, and keeping your emotions in check are all ways to gain confidence in the...

Will the Housing Market Bloom This Spring?

Spring is almost here, and many are wondering what it will bring for the housing market. Even though the pandemic continues on, it’s certain to be very different from the spring we experienced at this time last year. Here’s what a few industry experts have to say about the housing...

6 Simple Graphs Proving This Is Nothing Like Last Time

Last March, many involved in the residential housing industry feared the market would be crushed under the pressure of a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic. Instead, real estate had one of its best years ever. Home sales and prices were both up substantially over the year before. 2020 was so strong that many...

How Upset Should You Be about 3% Mortgage Rates?

Last Thursday, Freddie Mac announced that their 30-year fixed mortgage rate was over 3% (3.02%) for the first time since last July. That news dominated real estate headlines that day and the next. Articles talked about the “negative impact” it may have on the housing market. However, we should realize...

5 Reasons to Sell Your House This Spring

When selling a house, most homeowners hope for a quick and profitable transaction that puts them in a position to make a great move. If you’re waiting for the best time to win as a seller, the market is calling your name this spring. Here are five reasons why this...

How to Prepare Your House for a Winning Sale This Spring [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights With so few homes available to buy today, houses are in high demand, and they’re selling fast. That means it’s a great time to sell if you’re ready to make a move. Let’s connect to make sure your house is ready for a top-dollar sale this spring. It...