Suzanne's Blog

4 Tips To Make Your Strongest Offer on a Home

By Suzanne Volkman | Mar 22, 2024

Are you thinking about buying a home soon? If so, you should know today’s market is competitive in many areas because the number of homes for sale is still low – and that’s leading to multiple-offer scenarios. And moving into the peak homebuying season this spring, this is only expected to ramp up more. Remember these four […]

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Finding Your Perfect Home in a Fixer Upper

By Suzanne Volkman | Mar 13, 2024

If you’re trying to buy a home and are having a hard time finding one you can afford, it may be time to consider a fixer-upper. That’s a house that needs a little elbow grease or some updates, but has good bones. Fixer-uppers can be a really great option if you’re looking to break into the housing market […]

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Why We Aren’t Headed for a Housing Crash

By Suzanne Volkman | Mar 5, 2024

If you’re holding out hope that the housing market is going to crash and bring home prices back down, here’s a look at what the data shows. And spoiler alert: that’s not in the cards. Instead, experts say home prices are going to keep going up. Today’s market is very different than it was before the housing crash in […]

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Should you wait for rates to fall before purchasing a home?

By Suzanne Volkman | Feb 26, 2024

According to this article, if you’re in the market for a new home, today’s mortgage rates can hinder your efforts. After all, the higher your mortgage rate, the higher your monthly payments will typically be. So, it can be difficult to find affordable housing options in today’s high-rate environment. But the good news is that there are still good […]

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Should I Buy a House Now or Wait for Mortgage Rates to Go Down?

By Suzanne Volkman | Feb 9, 2024

Contemplating the purchase of a home or diligently saving for a down payment? The recent surge in mortgage rates may have prompted a crucial question in your mind: Is now the best moment to invest in a home, or should you bide your time until mortgage rates go down? In order to assist you in […]

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350,000 Californians are now on the FAIR Plan, the last resort for fire insurance. Now what?

By Suzanne Volkman | Feb 1, 2024

BY LEVI SUMAGAYSAY JANUARY 23, 2024   The fire-insurance premium for Bill King’s home has risen 145% since 2017 — from $399 to $979 — under the California FAIR Plan, the state’s last option for homeowners seeking fire insurance. Add that to the increase in his auto-insurance premium, and King, who lives in Running Springs in the […]

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Top 5 Home Renovations with the Best Return on Investment

By Suzanne Volkman | Jan 24, 2024

Well-planned home renovations can really enhance your home’s appeal and amp up its price when it’s time to sell. But not all improvements bring a hefty return on investment (ROI). Knowing the most promising updates can help strategize your revamping efforts for an attractive sale. Read on for a rundown of the top five home […]

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Want to Add a Granny Flat or Rental ADU? Here’s How to Finance It

By Suzanne Volkman | Jan 24, 2024

Are you dreaming of adding an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) to your property? Whether it’s a granny flat, carriage house, or backyard cottage, ADUs are gaining popularity as an innovative solution to the shortage of affordable housing in the United States. In this guide, we’ll explore the financing options and trends that make realizing your […]

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2024 Homebuying Optimism Soars: Federal Reserve’s Potential Rate Cuts Spark Hope

By Suzanne Volkman | Jan 18, 2024

In the landscape of American homeownership, 2024 brings a surge of optimism for potential buyers. The Fannie Mae Home Purchase Sentiment Index saw a robust 2.9-point increase in December, reaching an encouraging 67.2. Notably, 17% of consumers now view it as an opportune time to purchase a home, a significant uptick from the previous month’s […]

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