Keith LaBrunda - RE/MAX Select, Author at Countryside Homes NJ

Make Your Dream of Homeownership Come True with a VA Loan

Advice, Buyer, Mortgage, Real Estate / By Keith LaBrunda - RE/MAX Select

For over seven decades, the Veterans Affairs (VA) home loan program has been a cornerstone in helping countless veterans achieve the dream of owning a home. If you or a loved one has served in the military, understanding the benefits of this program is crucial. Before you embark on your home-buying journey, here’s what you need to know about VA loans. Key Benefits of VA Home Loans VA home loans are a significant advantage for those who have dedicated themselves to serving our country, offering numerous benefits for eligible buyers. As per the Department of Veteran Affairs: Zero Down Payment […]

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Don’t Believe Everything You Read About Home Prices

Advice, Buyer, Market Trends, Real Estate, Seller / By Keith LaBrunda - RE/MAX Select

Recent Fannie Mae data reveals that 23% of Americans anticipate a decline in home prices over the next year. What’s behind this belief shared by about one in every four people? Much of this sentiment can be traced back to pervasive pessimism surrounding home prices throughout the past year. Media reports since late 2022 have stoked fears of a market crash, and these anxieties persist. It’s common to hear concerns about falling home prices from people around you or to encounter such predictions from influencers on social media. If you’re among those who expect a drop in home prices, consider

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Homeowner Net Worth Surges Significantly

Advice, Buyer, Real Estate / By Keith LaBrunda - RE/MAX Select

Contemplating whether to rent or purchase a home? A crucial piece of data from the Federal Reserve Board’s triennial Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF) might aid your decision-making process. This report highlights the stark wealth disparity between homeowners and renters, revealing a substantial difference. Homeowners, on average, possess a net worth nearly 40 times that of renters. The evidence is clear in the accompanying graph that homeowner net worth has surged significantly in recent years. Why Homeowners’ Net Worth Has Surged Signifacantly The latest SCF report shows a significant increase in homeowners’ net worth compared to renters. Previously, the average

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Housing Market Remains Stable Despite Uptick in Foreclosures and Bankruptcies

Market Trends, Real Estate / By Keith LaBrunda - RE/MAX Select

Recent news coverage highlighting an uptick in foreclosures and bankruptcies might be causing concern, particularly for those considering entering the housing market. However, it’s important to recognize that these increases do not spell disaster for the housing market. Foreclosure Rates: A Contextual Understanding The past few years have seen historically low foreclosure rates, largely due to the forbearance program and other financial relief measures implemented in 2020 and 2021. These initiatives were crucial in helping homeowners weather the economic challenges of that period. With the end of these programs, a rise in foreclosures was anticipated. However, this increase should not

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Real Estate Agent Showing a Family a House

Navigating the Housing Market with Confidence: The Role of a Real Estate Agent

Advice, Buyer, Real Estate, Seller / By Keith LaBrunda - RE/MAX Select

Feeling anxious about the housing market due to alarming headlines and social media chatter? Perhaps recent news or rumors have left you questioning whether it’s the right time to buy or sell a home. Unfortunately, complex or unclear media reports can often lead to widespread apprehension and uncertainty. This is compounded by the rapid spread of negative sentiments on social media platforms. Jason Lewris, Co-Founder and Chief Data Officer at Parcl, highlights a significant issue: “In the absence of trustworthy, up-to-date information, real estate decisions are increasingly being driven by fear, uncertainty, and doubt.” However, this situation can be navigated

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Invest in Yourself by Buying a Home

Advice, Buyer, Real Estate / By Keith LaBrunda - RE/MAX Select

Are you contemplating the wisdom of purchasing a home in the current market? Despite the somewhat daunting mortgage rates, here are two persuasive arguments in favor of taking the leap of homeownership and investing in yourself by buying a home. Steady Growth in Home Values Recent years have seen some confusion regarding the trajectory of home prices. After a minor dip in late 2022, prices have resumed a more typical pattern of appreciation this year, signaling positive momentum in the real estate market. While short-term fluctuations may suggest unpredictability, a broader historical perspective reveals a consistent upward trend in home

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Advantages of Listing Your Home in a Low-Inventory Market

Advice, Market Trends, Real Estate, Seller / By Keith LaBrunda - RE/MAX Select

Navigating the real estate market while planning your move can be a complex task, especially when considering the current market dynamics and your personal circumstances. A significant factor in your favor is the current scarcity of homes on the market. Understanding the present inventory landscape is crucial for your selling strategy. Current Home Supply Significantly Trails Usual Levels In any sales scenario, the appeal of your product increases when it’s both in high demand and scarce. This is precisely the situation in today’s real estate market. The number of buyers exceeds the available homes for sale. To illustrate the extent

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Why Home Prices Continue to Climb

Advice, Buyer, Market Trends, Real Estate, Seller / By Keith LaBrunda - RE/MAX Select

Embarking on the journey of buying a new home or selling your existing one can be an emotional rollercoaster, especially with the fluctuating housing prices. This experience often intertwines financial aspirations, uncertainties, and a touch of anxiety, a path many have tread before. However, for those hesitating to make a move due to fears of a potential drop in home prices, it’s essential to recognize that the trend is not pointing downwards. Contrary to these concerns, national statistics from various sources (Black Knight, Zillow, and Freddie Mac) indicate a consistent rise in home prices this year (refer to the accompanying

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Mortgage Rates Hit 8%: A Historic Milestone

Advice, Buyer, Market Trends, Mortgage Rates, Real Estate / By Keith LaBrunda - RE/MAX Select

For the first time since the turn of the millennium, average mortgage rates have surged to 8%. This is a significant development for both homebuyers and homeowners in New Jersey and across the nation. At Countryside Homes NJ and , we understand the implications of this change and are here to guide you through what this means for your real estate journey. Source: Google A Look Back: The Year 2000 The last time we saw mortgage rates hover around the 8% mark was in the year 2000. It was a different era: the dot-com bubble was at its peak, Y2K

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Who Are Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginnie Mae?

Advice, Buyer, Mortgage, Real Estate / By Keith LaBrunda - RE/MAX Select

Welcome to Countryside Homes NJ and , your trusted real estate partner in New Jersey. As we guide you through your home buying journey, it’s essential to understand the question, “who are Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginnie Mae?” They are three government-sponsored entities that play a pivotal role in the U.S. housing market and are some of the key players in the mortgage industry. Let’s delve deeper into who they are and what they do. Fannie Mae (Federal National Mortgage Association) Overview:Fannie Mae, founded in 1938, is a government-sponsored enterprise (GSE) that operates in the secondary mortgage market. Its

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Author name: Keith LaBrunda - RE/MAX Select

Make Your Dream of Homeownership Come True with a VA Loan

Don’t Believe Everything You Read About Home Prices

Homeowner Net Worth Surges Significantly

Housing Market Remains Stable Despite Uptick in Foreclosures and Bankruptcies

Navigating the Housing Market with Confidence: The Role of a Real Estate Agent

Invest in Yourself by Buying a Home

Advantages of Listing Your Home in a Low-Inventory Market

Why Home Prices Continue to Climb

Mortgage Rates Hit 8%: A Historic Milestone

Who Are Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginnie Mae?

PLANT YOUR ROOTS AND GROW YOUR DREAMS
WITH THE COUNTRYSIDE TEAM

Author name: Keith LaBrunda - RE/MAX Select

PLANT YOUR ROOTS AND GROW YOUR DREAMSWITH THE COUNTRYSIDE TEAM

PLANT YOUR ROOTS AND GROW YOUR DREAMS
WITH THE COUNTRYSIDE TEAM