Existing Home Sales Surge into Summer [INFOGRAPHIC]

By |2017-06-30T10:00:25-07:00June 30th, 2017|Categories: For Buyers, For Sellers, Housing Market Updates, Infographics, Real Estate|

Some Highlights: Existing Home Sales reached their third highest mark this year in May. Inventory of homes for sale has dropped 8.4% since last year, marking the 24th consecutive month of year-over-year declines. NAR’s Chief Economist, Lawrence Yun had this to say: “Those able to close on a home last month are probably feeling both [...]

75% of Homeowners Think Now is a Good Time to Sell!

By |2017-06-29T10:00:08-07:00June 29th, 2017|Categories: For Sellers, Real Estate|

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) recently released the findings of their Q2 Homeownership Opportunities and Market Experience (HOME) Survey. The report covers core topics like, “if now is a good time to buy or sell a home, the perception of home price changes, perceived ability to qualify for a mortgage, and [an] outlook on [...]

Buyer’s Market Helps Premium Home Sales Soar

By |2017-06-28T10:00:24-07:00June 28th, 2017|Categories: First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, For Sellers, Move-Up Buyers, Real Estate|

We previously reported how a shortage of inventory in the starter and trade-up home markets is driving prices up and causing bidding wars, creating a true seller’s market. At the same time, in the premium home market, an over-abundance of inventory has started to see prices come down and put buyers in the driver’s seat, [...]

Pre-Approval Should Always Be Your First Step

By |2017-06-27T10:00:20-07:00June 27th, 2017|Categories: First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Move-Up Buyers, Real Estate|

In many markets across the country, the number of buyers searching for their dream homes greatly outnumbers the amount of homes for sale. This has led to a competitive marketplace where buyers often need to stand out. One way to show you are serious about buying your dream home is to get pre-qualified or pre-approved for [...]

2 Myths Holding Back Home Buyers

By |2017-06-26T10:00:27-07:00June 26th, 2017|Categories: Down Payments, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Move-Up Buyers, Real Estate|

In Realtor.com’s recent article, “Home Buyers’ Top Mortgage Fears: Which One Scares You?” they mention that “46% of potential home buyers fear they won’t qualify for a mortgage to the point that they don’t even try.” Myth #1: “I Need a 20% Down Payment” Buyers overestimate the down payment funds needed to qualify for a [...]

The Cost of Renting vs. Buying in the US [INFOGRAPHIC]

By |2017-06-23T10:00:55-07:00June 23rd, 2017|Categories: First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Infographics, Real Estate|

Some Highlights: Historically, the choice between renting or buying a home has been a tough decision. Looking at the percentage of income needed to rent a median-priced home today (29.2%) vs. the percentage needed to buy a median-priced home (15.8%), the choice becomes obvious. Every market is different. Before you renew your lease again, find [...]

The Importance of Home Equity in Retirement Planning

By |2020-05-15T13:37:03-07:00June 22nd, 2017|Categories: For Buyers, For Sellers, Real Estate|

We often discuss the difference in family wealth between homeowner households and renter households. Much of that difference is the result of the equity buildup that homeowners experience over the time that they own their home. In a report recently released by the nonpartisan Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI), they reveal how valuable equity can [...]

The Supply & Demand Problem Plaguing New Construction

By |2017-06-21T10:00:23-07:00June 21st, 2017|Categories: Housing Market Updates, New Construction, Real Estate|

Many real estate economists have called on new home builders to ramp up production to help relieve the shortage of inventory of homes for sale throughout the United States. The added inventory would no doubt aid buyers in their search to secure their dream home, while also helping to ease price increases throughout the country. [...]

Do You Know How Much Equity You Have in Your Home?

By |2017-06-20T10:00:41-07:00June 20th, 2017|Categories: For Buyers, For Sellers, Move-Up Buyers, Real Estate|

CoreLogic’s latest Equity Report revealed that 91,000 properties regained equity in the first quarter of 2017. This is great news for the country, as 48.2 million of all mortgaged properties are now in a positive equity situation. Price Appreciation = Good News for Homeowners Frank Nothaft, CoreLogic’s Chief Economist, explains: “One million borrowers achieved positive equity over the last year, [...]

Buying Is Now 33.1% Cheaper Than Renting in the US

By |2017-06-19T10:00:05-07:00June 19th, 2017|Categories: First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Housing Market Updates, Real Estate|

The results of the latest Rent vs. Buy Report from Trulia show that homeownership remains cheaper than renting with a traditional 30-year fixed rate mortgage in the 100 largest metro areas in the United States. The updated numbers actually show that the range is an average of 3.5% less expensive in San Jose (CA), all [...]