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Author name: Keith LaBrunda - RE/MAX Select

Realtor Showing a Home for Sale

The Importance of a Realtor’s Advice When Planning to Move

Whether you’re contemplating buying or selling a property, the decision is significant. In times of change, seeking advice from knowledgeable individuals is a natural step for guidance and support. Relocating is no different. Expert insights are crucial to navigate your decision with confidence. Freddie Mac emphasizes the importance of this approach: “As you set out to find the right home for your family, be sure to select experienced, trusted professionals who will help you make informed decisions and avoid pitfalls.” While no advice can be flawless – experts included – you can still access the highest quality guidance available. The […]

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Suburban Homes

Home Price Headlines Can Be Confusing

Amidst the buzz around falling home prices you might catch in the news, it’s crucial to look beyond the headlines. The reality is, the broader narrative doesn’t align with the snippets you’re hearing. A closer examination of the national figures for 2023 reveals an overall positive trajectory in home prices throughout the year. Despite some regional variations and occasional national dips, these instances were outliers rather than a prevailing trend. The real story of the past year is one of growth, not decline. Let’s delve deeper into the facts to clarify the situation. 2023: A Year of Stabilized Home Price

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Seniors with Real Estate Agent

Leveraging Your Home Equity is Key When Considering a Move

Considering selling your home but unsure due to the current market’s affordability challenges? While it’s true that affordability might be tighter this year, there’s a silver lining: your home equity. An article from Bankrate sheds light on this: “Home equity is the difference between your home’s value and the amount you still owe on your mortgage. It represents the paid-off portion of your home. You’ll start off with a certain level of equity when you make your down payment to buy the home, then continue to build equity as you pay down your mortgage. You’ll also build equity over time

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Mortgage Approval

Mortgage Pre-Approval is a Must Have for Buyers This Year

Embarking on the journey to homeownership? You might have encountered the term “pre-approval” along the way. Let’s delve into its meaning and its critical role for those aiming to purchase a home in 2024. Understanding Pre-Approval In the homebuying journey, lenders assess your financial health to determine the loan amount you’re eligible for. This evaluation includes reviewing your W-2 forms, tax returns, credit score, bank statements, among other financial documents, as outlined by Investopedia. Following this assessment, lenders issue a pre-approval letter, which Freddie Mac describes as: “A pre-approval is an indication from your lender that they are willing to

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Suburban Houses

Foreclosure Rates Remain Below Historical Norms

Noticed headlines recently about rising foreclosures in the current housing market? These reports might stir some concern about the future market conditions. However, it’s crucial to look beyond the sensationalist titles for the complete picture. Understanding the Reality Behind the Headlines The narrative around an increase in foreclosures often lacks context. Media reports tend to compare recent figures against periods of historically low foreclosure rates, painting a more dramatic picture than warranted. During 2020 and 2021, foreclosure moratoriums and forbearance programs significantly aided homeowners, helping them navigate through tough times without losing their homes. The cessation of these programs naturally

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Mortgage Rates

Two Key Factors Influencing Mortgage Rates

As a potential homebuyer, monitoring mortgage rates is likely a priority for you. Recently, these rates have seen significant fluctuations – from historic lows to dramatic increases, and now a slight decrease. But what drives these changes? The factors influencing mortgage rates are diverse and complex. Let’s explore a couple of the most significant ones. Inflation and the Role of the Federal Reserve Although the Federal Reserve (commonly known as the Fed) does not set mortgage rates directly, its actions significantly influence them. The Fed adjusts the Federal Funds Rate in response to inflation, economic conditions, and employment rates, among

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Senior Couple Thinking of Downsizing

Could a “Silver Tsunami” Reshape the 2024 Housing Market?

The term “Silver Tsunami” has been buzzing online, sparking curiosity about its meaning and potential impact on the housing market. Let’s explore this concept and understand why it’s unlikely to cause a dramatic shift in the housing market. Understanding the “Silver Tsunami” An article from HousingWire describes the “Silver Tsunami” as: “. . . a colloquialism referring to aging Americans changing their housing arrangements to accommodate aging . . .” The idea is that as the baby boomer generation ages, a considerable number might downsize their homes. Given the size of this demographic, a collective move could lead to a

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Multi-Generational Family Home

Advantages of Buying a Multi-Generational Home

Have you ever considered living in a home with your extended family, including grandparents, parents, or other relatives? You’re not alone in this thought. An increasing number of buyers are choosing to purchase homes that accommodate multiple generations. Let’s delve into the key reasons behind this trend to determine if such a home could be a suitable choice for you as well. The Rising Preference for Multi-Generational Homes The National Association of Realtors (NAR) highlights affordability as one of the primary reasons driving the demand for multi-generational homes (refer to the accompanying graph): First-time homebuyers are particularly attracted to the

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Happily Looking at Home Prices

Experts Predict Modest Growth in Home Prices in 2024

Despite a national trend of rising home prices, there’s still a lingering concern among some that prices might decrease. A Fannie Mae survey reveals that 24% of respondents anticipate a decline in home prices over the next year. This statistic highlights that nearly one in four individuals are grappling with this uncertainty, possibly including you. To alleviate these worries, let’s delve into what specialists in the field are predicting for this year’s home prices. Predicted Modest Growth in Home Prices Refer to the accompanying graph for the latest predictions from eight distinct sources: The graph’s blue bar indicates a consensus

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Real Estate Agent Meeting with Clients

Three Biggest Impacts on Home Affordability

In the last year, the topic of housing affordability has been a major point of discussion, with many noting its increasing difficulty. However, there has been some recent easing in this area. A key factor in this change is the reduction in mortgage rates since their peak in October. But, understanding home affordability goes beyond just looking at mortgage rates. To fully grasp the concept of home affordability, it’s essential to consider a trio of critical elements: mortgage rates, home prices, and wages. Here’s an in-depth look at the latest trends in each of these areas, shedding light on why

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