Blog
2020-10-14
The #1 Reason Not to Wait to List Your House for SaleMany industries have been devastated by the economic shutdown caused by the COVID-19 virus. Real estate is not one of them. Mark Fleming, Chief Economist for First American, just reported: “Since hitting a low point during the initial stages of the pandemic, the only major industry to display immu
2020-10-07
A Homeowner’s Net Worth Is 40x Greater Than a Renter’sOne of the best ways to build your family’s financial future is through homeownership. Recent data from the Federal Reserve indicates the net worth of a homeowner is actually over 40 times greater than that of a renter. Maybe it’s time to start thinking about buying a home, especially when they’re s
2020-09-18
Homes Across the Country Are Selling FastSome Highlights Buyers are actively searching for and purchasing homes at a record-breaking pace. According to the latest report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), in July, 68% of homes were on the market for less than a month. With homes moving from listing day to pending sale in an a
2020-09-04
The 2020 Homebuyer Wish ListSome Highlights The word “home” is taking on a whole new meaning this year, and buyers are starting to look for new features as they re-think their needs and what’s truly possible. From more outdoor space to virtual classrooms for their children, buyers have a growing list of what they’d like to see
2020-08-31
Three Ways to Win in a Bidding WarWith so few houses for sale today and low mortgage rates driving buyer activity, bidding wars are becoming more common. Multiple-offer scenarios are heating up, so it’s important to get pre-approved before you start your search. This way, you can put your best foot forward – quickly and efficiently
2020-08-27
Why Is It so Important to Be Pre-Approved in the Homebuying Process?You may have heard that pre-approval is a great first step in the homebuying process. But why is it so important? When looking for a home, the temptation to fall in love with a house that’s outside your budget is very real. So, before you start shopping around, it’s helpful to know your price range,
2020-08-25
The Top Reasons People Are Moving This YearToday, Americans are moving for a variety of different reasons. The current health crisis has truly re-shaped our lifestyles and our needs. Spending extra time where we currently live is enabling many families to re-evaluate what homeownership means and what they find most important in a home. Acco
2020-08-21
Ask a Pro About Buying a HomeSome Highlights According to trending data, searches for key real estate topics are skyrocketing online. Clearly, lots of people have questions about buying a home, and other topics related to the process. Working with a trusted real estate professional will help you create the most personalized and
2020-08-18
The Beginning of an Economic RecoveryThe news these days seems to have a mix of highs and lows. We may hear that an economic recovery is starting, but we’ve also seen some of the worst economic data in the history of our country. The challenge today is to understand exactly what’s going on and what it means relative to the road ahead.
2020-07-30
Guidance and Support Are Key When Buying Your First HomeIn June, the number of first-time homebuyers accounted for 35% of the existing homes sold, a trend that’s been building steadily throughout the year. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR): “The share of first-time buyers increased in March through June—right into the heart of the
2020-07-27
Three of the Latest Reports Show Housing Market Is StrongThe residential real estate market is remaining resilient as the country still struggles to beat the COVID-19 pandemic. Three separate reports recently revealed how the housing market is still showing growth. Here’s a look at each one. 1. Ivy Zelman’s Real Estate Broker Survey The survey explains t
2020-07-15
Mortgage Rates Hit Record Lows for Three Consecutive WeeksOver the past several weeks, Freddie Mac has reported the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate dropping to record lows, all the way down to 3.03%. Last week’s reported rate reached the lowest point in the history of the survey, which dates back to 1971 (See graph below):Mortgage Rates Hit Record Lows
2020-07-09
Best Time to Sell? When Competition Is at an All-Time LowIn a recent survey of home sellers by Qualtrics, 87% of respondents said they were concerned their home won’t sell because of the pandemic and resulting economic recession. Of the respondents, 51% said they are “seriously worried.” That concern seems reasonable considering the current condition of t
2020-07-03
America Is Another Name for Opportunity [INFOGRAPHIC]
2020-06-24
What Are the Experts Saying About Future Home Prices?A worldwide pandemic and an economic recession have had a tremendous effect on the nation. The uncertainty brought about by both has made predicting consumer behavior nearly impossible. For that reason, forecasting home prices has become extremely difficult. Normally, there’s a simple formula to de
2020-06-18
Want to Make a Move? Homeowner Equity is Growing Year-Over-YearOne of the bright spots of the 2020 real estate market is the growth in equity homeowners are experiencing across the country. According to the recently released Homeowner Equity Insights Report from CoreLogic, in nearly every state there was a year-over-year first-quarter equity increase, averaging
2020-06-08
The Shocking News in the Unemployment ReportLast Friday, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released their May Employment Situation Summary. Leading up to the release, most experts predicted the unemployment rate would jump up to approximately 20% from the 14.7% rate announced last month. The experts were shocked. The Wall Street Journal p
2020-06-02
The Benefits of Homeownership May Reach Further Than You ThinkMore than ever, our homes have become an integral part of our lives. Today they are much more than the houses we live in. They’re evolving into our workplaces, schools for our children, and safe havens that provide shelter, stability, and protection for our families through the evolving health crisi
2020-06-01
Q: Should I Buy or Sell Amid COVID-19?Here’s what to know if you’re considering buying or selling amid COVID-19.
2020-05-29
Top Reasons to Own Your Home [INFOGRAPHIC]Some Highlights June is National Homeownership Month, and it’s a great time to consider the benefits of owning your own home. If you’re in a position to buy, homeownership might help you find the stability, community, and comfort you’ve been searching for this year. Let’s connect today to determine
2020-05-27
Why This Summer Is the 2020 Real Estate SeasonWith stay-at-home orders starting to gradually lift throughout parts of the country, data indicates homebuyers are jumping back into the market. After many families put their plans on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic, what we once called the busy spring real estate season is shifting into the summe
2020-05-20
6 Reasons Why Selling Your House on Your Own Is a MistakeThere are many benefits to working with a real estate professional when selling your house. During challenging times like the one we face today, it becomes even more important to have an expert help guide you through the process. If you’re considering selling on your own, known in the industry as a
2020-05-18
#1 Financial Benefit of Homeownership: Family WealthWhile growing up, we were taught by our parents and grandparents that owning a home is a financially savvy move. They explained how a mortgage is like a “forced savings plan.” When you pay rent, that money is lost forever. When you make a mortgage payment, much of that money accumulates as equity in
2020-05-15
2020 Homeowner Wish List [INFOGRAPHIC]Some Highlights In a recent study by realtor.com, homeowners noted some of the main things they would change about their homes to make them more livable. Not surprisingly, more space, an updated kitchen, and a home gym rose to the top of the list. If you’re thinking of selling this year, having thes