Buying FHA vs. Conventional Loan: Which Mortgage Is Right for You? FHA versus conventional loan: If you need a mortgage to buy a house, you may find yourself weighing these two options. What’s the difference, and which one is right for you? While the majority of homebuyers might assume they should get a conventional home loan, about 40% end up with FHA loans, which are insured by the Federal Housing Administration. […]
Uncategorized Interest Rates : A Short History
Buying What prospective homebuyers should do until interest rates drop In this high-interest-rate environment, many prospective homebuyers are put off by high mortgage costs. Homes that might have been in your budget in the past might no longer be affordable when accounting for monthly interest payments. But that doesn’t mean the situation is totally out of your control. While mortgage timing can be tricky, you […]
Home Improvement Unveiling the Key Trends in the 2023 Cost vs. Value for Home Improvements As a REALTOR®, it’s my responsibility to stay on top of the latest trends and developments in the housing market. Home improvements not only enhance the aesthetic appeal and functionality of a property but also significantly impact its overall value. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the key trends shaping the cost versus value […]
Appraisals What’s the Difference Between Your Home’s Market and Assessed Value? Understanding your home’s value is an important part of knowing your net worth, what you’ll likely receive if you sell the property and how the local real estate market is faring. Home value is also an integral part of determining how much property tax you’re required to pay the local and state government annually. But depending on […]
Uncategorized Five Ways to Build Home Equity Whether you currently own a home or are thinking of purchasing one, you may be looking for ways to build equity. Home equity is the overall difference between the amount you owe on your mortgage loan and your home’s market value. Home equity can be used to take out a loan, invest, build long term […]
Uncategorized Tips for a Successful Yard Sale Yard sales are a great way to convert items that you hardly ever use into cash that can be saved, donated, or put towards a large purchase. However, a successful yard sale takes a considerable amount of preparation and planning. Here are some tips on how to hold a great yard sale. Set a Goal […]
Uncategorized State Farm, Allstate stop selling home insurance to new customers in CA State Farm and Allstate have announced they will no longer sell new home insurance policies in California because of wildfire risks and an increase in construction costs. Here are some facts: State Farm and Allstate are not leaving the California Insurance Market:  State Farm and Allstate will continue to service and renew policies of existing clients […]
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Buying Should you rent or buy? High home prices, mortgage rates challenge the American dream of homeownership When Greg Morano proposed to his girlfriend Kayla Lewis, he knew their next big decision as a couple was looming: should they rent or buy their first home together? The couple spent months discussing the size, style and location of apartments before considering homeownership. “I think that’s the dream everybody grows up with — it’s one […]
Market Trends Homeownership as a Vehicle to Build Wealth Over the last decade, the median-priced home in the U.S. gained $190,000 in value, making the typical homeowner 40 times wealthier than if they had remained a renter, according to a new report. Low-income homeowners (those earning no greater than 80% of the area median income) built $98,900 in wealth as their homes while middle-income (those making […]
Real Estate Top Features That Will Boost Home Values in 2023 With rising mortgage rates, many homeowners are worried about the sales prices of their homes. However, according to a recent report from Zillow, there are many things you can do to increase buyer appeal and value. The real estate website compiled data from nearly two million homes listed for sale in 2022, analyzing home prices, along […]
Uncategorized Homeowners’ Zeal for Curb Appeal May Pay Off Handsomely Demand for outdoor features has boomed since the start of the pandemic. These projects stand to earn the most at resale, according to a new survey. Many homeowners have turned their attention to enhancing their outdoor space since the pandemic began—and that may pay off at resale, according to a new survey from the National […]
Other How to avoid being ‘house-rich, cash-poor’ by selecting the right mortgage for your budget Owning a home doesn’t just put a roof over your head — it can also put money in your pocket (at least on paper). According to a 2022 report from the National Association of Realtors, single-family homeowners accumulated an average of $225,000 in wealth from their homes during a 10-year period. But what if the equity you […]
Buying What is a pre-approval when buying a home, and why do you need one? If you’re ready to begin your home shopping journey, make sure you get a mortgage pre-approval first. A mortgage pre-approval letter is an essential step in the homebuying process. Without pre-approval, it might be difficult to determine your budget. Plus, you risk not being taken seriously by sellers — especially in a highly competitive real estate market. […]
Selling 4 Things First-Time Home Sellers Regret Most Selling your home is a big decision, which is why you want to make sure you and your property are ready for it when the time comes. From setting an asking price to deciding when to list your home, there’s a lot you’ll need to consider as a seller. The last thing you want to […]
Buying Young Adults Living With Parents Are Ready to Purchase New data suggests that more people ages 25 to 34 have saved enough while staying with family to move out on their own. A record number of young adults moved back home during the pandemic—the most since 1960, according to industry data—but signs are emerging that they’re finally ready to branch out on their own. […]
Market Trends Expect a competitive shopping season, despite few available homes Though easing mortgage rates are bringing buyers back, don’t expect the fervor of recent years Buyers should expect to face intensifying competition over the next few months. Homeowners are largely staying put, so attractive listings will see strong interest. Affordability remains the biggest challenge for buyers and sellers, with both keeping a close eye on […]
Uncategorized Expect a Competitive Shopping Season, Despite Few Available Homes Though easing mortgage rates are bringing buyers back, don’t expect the fervor of recent years Buyers should expect to face intensifying competition over the next few months. Homeowners are largely staying put, so attractive listings will see strong interest. Affordability remains the biggest challenge for buyers and sellers, with both keeping a close eye on […]
Market Trends Looking ahead at the housing market in 2023 Rollercoasters are designed to take riders on an unpredictable journey with periods of exhilaration, intensity and fear. Kind of sounds like the housing market over the last twelve months, doesn’t it? 2022 was truly a roller coaster year in housing. Just to look at one metric that we’ve been following all year, the average 30-year fixed […]
Market Trends Consumer confidence in housing finally rises, thanks to falling home prices Mortgage rates are still twice what they were a year ago, but home prices have been falling since June, and that’s finally making consumers feel better about what had been an overheated, highly competitive housing market. A monthly housing sentiment index from Fannie Mae showed sentiment improving from November to December. The index is still […]