Real Estate Archives

Invest in Yourself by Buying a Home

Advice, Buyer, Real Estate / By Keith LaBrunda - RE/MAX Town & Valley

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 Town & Valley

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 Town & Valley

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 Town & Valley

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 Town & Valley

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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The Risks of Selling Your Home on Your Own

Advice, Real Estate, Seller / By Heather Montalbano - RE/MAX Town & Valley

Considering the path of For Sale by Owner (FSBO) for your home? It’s essential to understand that this route demands more time and expertise than anticipated. While the prospect of managing the sale independently is appealing, be aware of the risks of selling your home on your own. A recent piece from Bankrate highlights: “Choosing the right price, crafting a compelling listing, marketing to potential buyers, coordinating showings, preparing paperwork: All of these are tasks that, in the absence of a real estate agent, you will have to do yourself.” There’s a lot more that goes into selling your home

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What is a Conventional Mortgage?

Advice, Buyer, Mortgage, Real Estate / By Keith LaBrunda - RE/MAX Town & Valley

Welcome to Countryside Homes NJ and , your trusted partners in navigating the real estate landscape of New Jersey. One of the most common questions we encounter from our clients is, “What is a conventional mortgage?” We understand that the home buying process can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to financing. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you understand conventional mortgages and how they work. What is a Conventional Mortgage? A conventional mortgage is a type of home loan that is not guaranteed or insured by the federal government. Instead, it is backed by private lenders,

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Understanding a VA Home Loan

Advice, Buyer, Mortgage, Real Estate / By Keith LaBrunda - RE/MAX Town & Valley

At Countryside Homes NJ and , we believe in empowering our clients with knowledge to make informed decisions. One of the unique mortgage options available to certain homebuyers is the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs VA Home Loan. Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding a VA home loan: What is a VA Home Loan? A VA Home Loan is a mortgage available to veterans, active-duty service members, and select military spouses. It’s backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and offers several advantages over traditional mortgages. Key Benefits of VA Mortgages: No Down Payment: One of the most significant

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Understanding an FHA Mortgage

Advice, Buyer, Mortgage, Real Estate / By Keith LaBrunda - RE/MAX Town & Valley

Purchasing a home is a significant milestone in anyone’s life, and at Countryside Homes NJ and , we’re here to guide you every step of the way. One of the most popular mortgage options for first-time homebuyers is the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage. Let’s delve into understanding an FHA mortgage, how it works, and how it can benefit you. What is an FHA Mortgage? An FHA mortgage is a government-backed home loan insured by the Federal Housing Administration. Established in 1934, the FHA aims to help Americans achieve the dream of homeownership by offering more lenient lending standards than traditional

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How a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) for Purchase Can Benefit Seniors

Advice, Buyer, Mortgage, Real Estate, Seller, Senior Housing / By Keith LaBrunda - RE/MAX Town & Valley

At Countryside Homes NJ and , we understand that every homeowner’s journey is unique, especially as they venture into the golden years. That’s why we offer personalized real estate solutions to meet the diverse needs of our senior clientele. One such solution is the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) for Purchase program, which can open doors to a new home while simultaneously providing financial flexibility. Here’s how a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) for Purchase can benefit seniors eyeing a new residence: Rightsize with Ease: A HECM for Purchase allows seniors to buy a new principal residence using the proceeds

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