Suzanne's Blog
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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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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. […]
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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 […]
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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. […]
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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 […]
Read MoreExpect 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 […]
Read More