Buying
Buyer Demand Still Outpacing Supply of Homes
The price of any item is determined by the supply of that item, as well as market demand. The National Association of REALTORS(NAR) surveys “over 50,000 real estate practitioners about their expectations for home sales, prices and market conditions” for their monthly REALTORS Confidence Index. Their latest edition sheds some light on the relationship between Seller Traffic (supply) and…
Read MorePriority Tasks When Moving In
Moving into a new home is an exciting time, and you’re probably daydreaming about decor and paint schemes and new furniture. But before you get into the fun stuff, there are some basics you should cover first. Change the locks Even if you’re promised that new locks have been installed in your home, you can…
Read MoreImpact Rising Rates Have on House Values
Mortgage interest rates have already risen by over a quarter of a percentage point in 2018. Many are projecting that rates could increase to 5% or beyond by the end of the year. What impact will rising rates have on house values? Many quickly jump to the conclusion that an increase in mortgage rates will…
Read MoreThinking of New Construction? Yes, You Should Have An Agent
The allure of new construction – a brand new home, finishes you picked out, and the peace of mind that you won’t have to do any upgrades in the foreseeable future. While the reward is great, the construction process can be overwhelming and cumbersome for most buyers. And one of the biggest mistakes buyers make…
Read MoreFive Tips For Improving Your Credit
Monitoring your credit report and credit rating is important, especially if you’re considering purchasing a home. Here are five tips for improving your credit. It’s not about quick fixes, but responsible financial activity over time. 1. Get a credit card: OK, this may seem counterintuitive, but let me explain. When used correctly, a credit card…
Read MoreWhich Features Are Young Buyers Looking For In A Home?
Millennials are the second-largest segment of home buyers, ranking behind only baby boomers, according to the National Association of Realtors. Here are five features that tend to entice millennials who are looking to buy. An up-to-date kitchen and bath Younger buyers often have limited funds for renovations, so it’s important that they have functional…
Read MoreTop 4 REAL Reasons We Buy a Home
We often talk about the financial reasons why buying a home makes sense. But, more often than not, the emotional reasons are the more powerful or compelling reasons. No matter what shape or size your living space is, the concept and feeling of home can mean different things to different people. Whether it’s a certain…
Read MoreWhat is the Cost of Waiting Until Next Year to Buy?
I’ve shared that over the course of the last 12 months, home prices have appreciated by 7.0%. Over the same amount of time, interest rates have remained historically low which has allowed many buyers to enter the market. As a seller, you will likely be most concerned about ‘short-term price’ – where home values are headed over…
Read MoreThe Cost of NOT Owning Your Home
Owning a home has great financial benefits, yet many continue to rent! Today, let’s look at the financial reasons why owning a home of your own has been a part of the American Dream for as long as America has existed. Zillow recently reported that: “In reality, buying or renting a home is an intensely personal decision, with…
Read MoreDon’t Fear When Applying for a Mortgage
A considerable number of potential buyers shy away from jumping into the real estate market due to their uncertainty about the buying process. A specific cause for concern tends to be mortgage qualification. For many, the mortgage process can be scary, but it doesn’t have to be! In order to qualify in today’s market, you’ll…
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