The Real Reason Home Prices are Increasing

By |2020-05-15T13:37:00-07:00November 30th, 2017|Categories: Buying Myths, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Housing Market Updates, Move-Up Buyers, Pricing, Real Estate|

There are many unsubstantiated theories as to why home values are continuing to increase. From those who are worried that lending standards are again becoming too lenient (data shows this is untrue), to those who are concerned that prices are again approaching boom peaks because of “irrational exuberance” (this is also untrue as prices are [...]

2 Charts That Show the Truth about Home Affordability

By |2017-11-29T11:00:51-07:00November 29th, 2017|Categories: First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Move-Up Buyers, Real Estate, Rent vs. Buy|

There is a lot of discussion about the current state of housing affordability for both first-time and move-up buyers, and much of the narrative is tarnished with a negative slant. However, the truth is that housing affordability is better today than at almost any time in our history. The naysayers are correct in the fact [...]

Low Interest Rates Have a High Impact on Your Purchasing Power

By |2017-11-28T11:00:00-07:00November 28th, 2017|Categories: First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Interest Rates, Move-Up Buyers, Real Estate|

According to Freddie Mac’s latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey, interest rates for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage are currently at 3.92%, which is still near record lows in comparison to recent history! The interest rate you secure when buying a home not only greatly impacts your monthly housing costs, but also impacts your purchasing power. Purchasing power, simply put, is [...]

Existing Home Sales Slowed by a Lack of Listings [INFOGRAPHIC]

By |2017-11-24T11:00:30-07:00November 24th, 2017|Categories: For Buyers, For Sellers, Housing Market Updates, Infographics, Move-Up Buyers, Real Estate|

Some Highlights: The inventory of existing homes for sale has dropped year-over-year for the last 29 consecutive months and is now at a 3.9-month supply. Existing home sales are currently at an annual pace of 5.48 million, the highest pace since June of this year, but down 0.9% from October 2016. NAR’s Chief Economist, Lawrence [...]

Bubble Alert! Is it Getting Too Easy to Get a Mortgage?

By |2017-11-22T11:00:45-07:00November 22nd, 2017|Categories: Buying Myths, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, For Sellers, Housing Market Updates, Move-Up Buyers, Real Estate|

There is little doubt that it is easier to get a home mortgage today than it was last year. The Mortgage Credit Availability Index (MCAI), published by the Mortgage Bankers Association, shows that mortgage credit has become more available in each of the last several years. In fact, in just the last year: More buyers [...]

Homeowners: Your House Must Be Sold TWICE

By |2017-11-20T11:00:04-07:00November 20th, 2017|Categories: For Sellers, Move-Up Buyers, Real Estate|

In today’s housing market, where supply is very low and demand is very high, home values are increasing rapidly. Many experts are projecting that home values could appreciate by another 5%+ over the next twelve months. One major challenge in such a market is the bank appraisal. If prices are surging, it is difficult for [...]

Top 4 Home Renovations for Maximum ROI [INFOGRAPHIC]

By |2017-11-17T11:00:32-07:00November 17th, 2017|Categories: First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, For Sellers, Infographics, Move-Up Buyers, Real Estate|

Some Highlights: Whether you are selling your home, just purchased your first home, or are a homeowner planning to stay put for a while, there is value in knowing which home improvement projects will net you the most “Return On Investment” (ROI). While big projects like adding a bathroom or a complete remodel of a [...]

Your Friends Are Crazy Wrong If They’re Telling You Not to Buy

By |2017-11-16T11:00:16-07:00November 16th, 2017|Categories: Buying Myths, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, For Sellers, Move-Up Buyers, Real Estate|

The current narrative is that home prices have risen so much so that it is no longer a smart idea to purchase a home. Your family and friends might suggest that buying a home right now (whether a first-time home or a move-up home) makes absolutely no sense from an affordability standpoint. They are wrong! [...]

Feeling ‘Stuck in Place’? You Aren’t Alone… And There’s Hope!

By |2017-11-15T11:00:50-07:00November 15th, 2017|Categories: First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, For Sellers, Move-Up Buyers, Real Estate|

Whether you are a renter who is searching for your dream home or a homeowner who feels like your only option is to renovate, you have at least one thing in common: feeling stuck in place. According to data from the National Association of Realtors’ Profile of Home Buyers & Sellers, the average amount of [...]