Memorial Day – Remember, Not Celebrate

(Mark Reinstein/Corbis/Getty Images) What do you know about Memorial Day? In 1996, school children touring Washington DC were asked what was the meaning of Memorial Day. The predominant answer was “…the day the pools open.” In a 2019 poll commissioned by the University of Phoenix, only 55% of Americans knew the meaning of Memorial Day.Continue reading “Memorial Day – Remember, Not Celebrate”

The Worst Home Price Declines Are Behind Us

If you’re following the news today, you may feel a bit unsure about what’s happening with home prices and fear whether or not the worst is yet to come. That’s because today’s headlines are painting an unnecessarily negative picture. Contrary to those headlines, home prices aren’t in a freefall. The latest data tells a very different and much more positive story.Continue reading “The Worst Home Price Declines Are Behind Us”

The Impact of Inflation on Mortgage Rates

If you’re reading headlines about inflation or mortgage rates, you may see something about the recent decision from the Federal Reserve (the Fed). But what does it mean for you, the housing market, and your plans to buy a home? Here’s what you need to know. Inflation and the Housing Market While the Fed’s working hardContinue reading “The Impact of Inflation on Mortgage Rates”

Why Buying a Home Makes More Sense Than Renting Today

Wondering if you should continue renting or if you should buy a home this year? If so, consider this. Rental affordability is still a challenge and has been for years. That’s because, historically, rents trend up over time. Data from the Census shows rents have been climbing pretty steadily since 1988.  And, data from theContinue reading “Why Buying a Home Makes More Sense Than Renting Today”

Want To Sell Your House This Spring? Price It Right.

Over the last year, the housing market’s gone through significant change. While it’s still a sellers’ market, homes that are priced right are selling, and they get the most attention from buyers right now. If you’re thinking of selling your house this spring, it’s important to lean on your expert real estate advisor when it comes toContinue reading “Want To Sell Your House This Spring? Price It Right.”

Trying to Buy a Home? Hang in There!!

With spring market comes an increase in buyers, thus more competition. This is especially noticeable in a market where the housing inventory is already low. But keep in mind there are benefits to being a buyer that give you good reason to stick with your home search. The truth? This is a market where youContinue reading “Trying to Buy a Home? Hang in There!!”

Is a 20% Down Payment Really Necessary To Purchase a Home?

There’s a common misconception that, as a homebuyer, you need to come up with 20% of the total sale price for your down payment. In fact, a recent survey by Lending Tree asks what is keeping consumers from purchasing a home. For over half of those surveyed, the ability to afford a down payment isContinue reading “Is a 20% Down Payment Really Necessary To Purchase a Home?”

We’re in a Seller’s Market… Why Buyers are Buying and Sellers are Selling!

Even though activity in the housing market has slowed from the frenzy we saw over a year ago, today’s low supply of homes for sale is still a sellers’ market. But what does that really mean? And why are conditions today so good if you want to list your house or buy your first orContinue reading “We’re in a Seller’s Market… Why Buyers are Buying and Sellers are Selling!”

Get Ready: The Best Time To List Your House Is Almost Here

If you’re thinking about selling this spring, it’s time to get moving – the best week to list your house is fast approaching. Experts at realtor.com looked at seasonal trends from recent years (excluding 2020 as an uncharacteristic year due to the onset of the pandemic) and determined the ideal week to list a house this year: “Home sellersContinue reading “Get Ready: The Best Time To List Your House Is Almost Here”

Mortgage Rates, Bank Failures and Fed Meeting….

A little over a week ago, we were expecting employment numbers and the inflation news to affect the Fed meeting being held today. Now we are still looking at those reports but also bank failures! That was not on the radar for most people until this past week. So what does that mean for mortgageContinue reading “Mortgage Rates, Bank Failures and Fed Meeting….”