We’re halfway through the year, and with a decline in interest rates as well as home price and wage appreciation, many are wondering what the experts predict for the second half of 2019. Here’s what some have to say: Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at realtor.com “Lower mortgage rates, higher wages and more homes for sale have helped counteract […]
Currently renting and have dreams of owning your own home?
If you’re currently renting and have dreams of owning your own home, it may be a good time to think about your next move. With rent costs rising annually and many helpful down payment assistance programs available, home ownership may be closer than you realize. According to the 2018 Bank of America Home buyer Insights Report, […]
Can you buy property on the Moon?
Since the earliest days of human civilization, people have looked up at the moon – that familiar-yet-distant, silvery disc hanging suspended amid the velvety black curtain of the night sky, surrounded by the twinkling lights of billions of distant stars – and engaged in broad, abstract speculation. Where did the moon come from? What is […]
What a Difference a Year Makes for Sellers
Over the last few years, many sellers have been hesitant to put their houses on the market because they feared not being able to find another home to buy. We’ve reported on inventory shortages in the past, and it’s been a constant concern for potential buyers throughout recent years. New research shows the inventory concern is starting […]
Should I Refinance My Home?
With the recent lower interest rates, many homeowners are wondering if they should refinance. To decide if refinancing is the best option for your family, start by asking yourself these questions: Why do you want to refinance? There are many reasons to refinance, but here are three of the most common ones: Lower your interest […]
5 Powerful Reasons to Own Instead of Rent
Owning a home has great financial benefits. In a recent research paper, Homeownership and the American Dream, Laurie S. Goodman and Christopher Mayer of the Urban Land Institute explained: “Home ownership appears to help borrowers accumulate housing and non housing wealth in a variety of ways, with tax advantages, greater financial flexibility due to secured borrowing, […]
Now’s the Time to Move-Up and Upgrade Your Current Home!
Homes priced at the top 25% of the price range for a particular area of the country are considered “premium homes.” In today’s real estate market, there are deals to be had at the higher end! This is great news for homeowners wanting to upgrade from their current house. Much of the demand for housing […]
Stop Wondering What Your Budget Is & Get Pre-Approved!
In many markets across the country, the number of buyers searching for their dream homes outnumbers the number of homes for sale. This has led to a competitive marketplace where buyers often need to stand out. One way to show that you are serious about buying your dream home is to get pre-qualified or pre-approved for a […]
Tips for Attending an Open House
Visiting open houses can feel awkward or strange at first. After all, you’re entering a home that belongs to someone else, usually a total stranger, and poking around the property to decide if it’s a home you’ll want to buy. If you’re planning to attend open houses this spring (such as the Howard Hanna Big […]
The Feeling You Get from Owning Your 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 and compelling ones. 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 […]