In a real estate market where home prices are rising, many have begun to reexamine the idea of buying a home, choosing instead, to rent for a while. But often, there is a dilemma: should you keep paying rent, knowing that rent is rising too, or should you lock in your housing cost and buy […]
2 Myths Holding Back Home Buyers
October 30, 2019 by ·
Freddie Mac recently released a report entitled, “Perceptions of Down Payment Consumer Research.”Their research revealed that, “For many prospective homebuyers, saving for a down payment is the largest barrier to achieving the goal of homeownership. Part of the challenge for those planning to purchase a home is their perception of how much they will need to save for the down […]
Starting the Search for Your Dream Home? Here Are 5 Tips to Help
October 25, 2019 by ·
In today’s real estate market, low inventory dominates the conversation in many areas of the country. It can often be frustrating to be a first-time homebuyer if you aren’t prepared. In a realtor.com article entitled, “How to Find Your Dream Home—Without Losing Your Mind,” the author highlights some steps that first-time homebuyers can take to help carry their excitement of […]
The Feeling You Get from Owning Your Home
October 1, 2019 by ·
We often talk about the financial reasons why buying a home makes sense. But, more often than not, the emotional reasons are the more powerful and compelling ones. No matter what shape or size your living space is, the concept and feeling of home can mean different things to different people. Whether it’s a certain […]
How Homeownership Delivers Unsurpassed Family Wealth
September 26, 2019 by ·
There are many financial benefits to homeownership, but probably none more important than its ability to create family wealth. How Housing Matters is a joint project of the Urban Land Institute and the MacArthur Foundation. It is an online resource for research and information on how homeownership contributes to individual and community success. Their article, The First Rung on the […]
Renters Paying Substantially More While Owning Costs Less
September 12, 2019 by ·
In a recent Insights Blog, CoreLogic reported that rent prices have skyrocketed since 2005. Meanwhile, the typical mortgage payment has actually decreased. “CoreLogic’s national rent index was up 36% in December 2018 compared with December 2005, while the typical mortgage payment was down 4% over that period.” Why the difference between the costs of renting versus owning? […]
What to Consider When Choosing Your Home To Retire In
August 19, 2019 by ·
As more and more baby boomers enter retirement age, the question of whether they should sell their homes and move has become a hot topic. In today’s housing market climate, with low available inventory in the starter and trade-up home categories, it makes sense to evaluate your home’s ability to adapt to your needs in […]
Looking to Upgrade Your Current Home? Now’s May Be The Time to Move-Up!
August 12, 2019 by ·
In every area of the country, homes that are priced at the top 25% of the price range for that area are considered to be Premium Homes. In today’s real estate market there are deals to be had at the higher end! This is great news for homeowners who want to upgrade from their current house […]
Homebuyers Shouldn’t Worry About 2008 All Over Again
August 5, 2019 by ·
Last week, realtor.com released a survey of active home shoppers (those who plan to purchase their next home in 1 year or less). The survey asked their opinion on an impending recession and its possible impact on the housing market. Two major takeaways from the survey: 42% believe a recession will occur this year or next (another 16% said […]
How to Put Your Housing Cost to Work for You
July 30, 2019 by ·
There has been a lot written about the benefits of homeownership. One benefit that continues to rise to the top is the added wealth homeowners gain simply by paying their mortgage while their home increases in value over time. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) recently broke down the equity gained from price appreciation and principal payments […]
