Real Estate

Are High Mortgage Rates the New Norm?

Are High Mortgage Rates the New Norm?

Over the past few years, mortgage rates have been steadily climbing, attracting significant attention from the media. Those who have been keeping tabs on the headlines may have noticed that rates have recently reached their highest point in over two decades, as illustrated in the graph below. For those contemplating a significant move, this uptick in rates might feel like an unexpected setback. If you’re deliberating whether to postpone your plans or forge ahead, here’s the essential information you need. Understanding the Impact of Elevated Mortgage Rates There’s no denying that mortgage rates are currently higher than they have been […]

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Homeownership Grows Your Net Worth

Homeownership Grows Your Net Worth

Consider for a moment where you envision yourself in the coming years. Perhaps you’re pondering your career, financial aspirations, seeking stability, or imminent objectives. Does owning a house fit into this picture? If so, it’s essential to recognize the myriad financial advantages of owning a home, and how homeownership grows your net worth. A compelling reason to purchase a house is its potential to enhance wealth and ensure financial security. This is attributed to the fact that the majority of homes appreciate in value, subsequently boosting your overall assets. Currently, home values are on an upward trajectory. As Zillow states:

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First Time Home Owners

Recognizing the Advantages of Owning Your Home

Considering a home purchase for the first time? Recognizing the advantages of owning your home and understanding the reasons others have taken this step can be enlightening. A PulteGroup survey of first-time homebuyers revealed: “When asked why they purchased their first home recently, the answer was simple: because they wanted to. Either the desire to stop renting or recognition that homeownership is a smart financial investment was the main motivator for 72% of respondents.” Owning a Home Offers Greater Stability than Renting The escalating rent might motivate you to seek stability. As a tenant, there’s always the looming possibility of

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Real Estate House for Sale

Must Have Skills for Your Listing Agent

Deciding to sell your home is monumental, evoking a mix of thrill and apprehension. The cornerstone to a triumphant sale lies in partnering with an adept listing agent who stands by you at every juncture. Commonly referred to as a seller’s agent, this professional is instrumental in promoting and finalizing the sale of your home, championing your interests throughout. So, how can you ascertain that an agent is the right fit for you? Here are three must have skills for your listing agent to have: Data-Driven Pricing Insight While it might be alluring to go with an agent who quotes

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Neighborhood Homes

2023 Year-End Home Price Forecasts

Considering a property purchase? The rumors of plummeting home prices this year might have caused some hesitation. However, the facts and specialists’ insights should bring clarity. Contrary to beliefs, home prices are not plummeting and are set to end the year on a high note. Despite the buzz about potential price reductions of 5, 10, or even 20% this year, such a scenario hasn’t materialized. The primary reason is the limited availability of homes on the market. The demand from buyers exceeds the supply, preventing any significant price drop. To validate that 2023 wasn’t a disappointing year for property prices,

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Home Prices Up or Down

What the Experts Predict About Home Prices in the Next 5 Years

If you’re contemplating purchasing a home, it’s crucial to understand what experts anticipate will happen to home prices in the coming years and how that could impact your investment. Despite some negative headlines over the past year, home prices are performing better than anticipated and are on the rise nationwide. Moreover, projections indicate that this upward trend in home prices will continue. Continued Price Appreciation Pulsenomics recently conducted its quarterly Home Price Expectation Survey (HPES), polling over 100 economists, investment strategists, and housing market analysts. The survey results reveal expert predictions about home price trends for the next five years.

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Neighborhood

Why Is Housing Inventory So Low?

Why Is It So Difficult to Find a House to Buy Right Now? If you’re contemplating a move in the current market, you’re likely wondering: Why are there so few houses available for purchase? While it might seem tempting to wait for more options to become available, that might not be the wisest course of action. Here’s the rationale behind it. The scarcity of homes on the market isn’t a new phenomenon; it’s been an ongoing issue for several years. Let’s delve into the long-term and short-term factors contributing to this limited availability. Chronic Underbuilding Adds to the Problem One

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Comparing Mortgage Rates

Mortgage Rates: Past, Present, and Possible Future

Interest Rates and Housing Market Updates If you’re considering purchasing a home this year, you’re likely keeping a keen eye on mortgage rates. Given that these rates directly influence your home loan affordability—especially in today’s challenging market—it’s crucial to understand their historical trends, current standing, and potential future movements. Additionally, it’s vital to examine how mortgage rates correlate with inflation for a more comprehensive outlook. Understanding the Recent Surge in Rates Freddie Mac has been monitoring the 30-year fixed mortgage rate since April 1971. They publish the findings of their Primary Mortgage Market Survey weekly, which compiles mortgage application data

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Baby Boomers Buying a House

Should Baby Boomers Opt for Buying or Renting After Selling Their Homes?

If you’re a baby boomer contemplating a change after years in your current residence, the decision to sell your home brings with it numerous considerations. Will you relocate to another state or stay local? Are you looking to rightsize or perhaps require more space for your family? One of the most crucial questions you’ll face is whether to purchase your next home or opt for renting. Your choice will hinge on your present circumstances and your long-term objectives. Here are a couple of key aspects to guide your decision-making process. Anticipate Rising Rental Costs The chart below, based on Census

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