It’s clear that owning a home makes financial sense. But lately, the emotional side of what drives homeownership is becoming increasingly important. No matter the living space, the feeling of a home means different things to different people. Whether it’s a familiar scent or a ... » Learn More about When a House Becomes a Home
Real Estate
The Perks of Putting 20% Down on a Home
If you’re thinking of buying a home, you’re probably wondering what you need to save for your down payment. Is it 20% of the loan, or could you put down less? While there are lower down payment programs available that allow qualified buyers to put down as little as 3.5%, it’s important to ... » Learn More about The Perks of Putting 20% Down on a Home
The Average Homeowner Gained $56,700 in Equity over the Past Year
When you think of homeownership, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Chances are you might focus on the non-financial benefits, like the security or stability a home provides. But what about equity? While it can be overlooked, a homeowner’s equity helps build long-term wealth over time. ... » Learn More about The Average Homeowner Gained $56,700 in Equity over the Past Year
Homebuyers: Be Ready To Act This Winter
To succeed as a buyer in today’s market, it’s important to understand which market trends will have the greatest impact on your home search. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at realtor.com, says there are two factors every buyer should keep their eyes on: “Going forward, the ... » Learn More about Homebuyers: Be Ready To Act This Winter
Homebuyers Are Going on a Shopping Spree This Winter
Experts anticipate the real estate market will see a flurry of activity this winter, and that’s great news for today’s sellers. If you’re planning on listing your home, there’s no need to wait until the spring for better conditions – today’s real estate market is already heating up. Buyers ... » Learn More about Homebuyers Are Going on a Shopping Spree This Winter
What Everyone Wants To Know: Will Home Prices Decline in 2022?
If you’re thinking of buying a home in today’s housing market, you may be wondering how strong your investment will be. You might be asking yourself: if I buy a home now, will it lose value? Or will it continue to appreciate going forward? The good news is, according to the experts, home prices are ... » Learn More about What Everyone Wants To Know: Will Home Prices Decline in 2022?
Advice for First-Generation Homebuyers
The sense of pride you’ll feel when you purchase a home can’t be overstated. For first-generation homebuyers, that feeling of accomplishment is even greater. That’s because the pride of homeownership for first-generation buyers extends far beyond the homebuyer. AJ Barkley, Head of Neighborhood and ... » Learn More about Advice for First-Generation Homebuyers
If You Think the Housing Market Will Slow This Winter, Think Again.
From the opportunity to take advantage of today’s low mortgage rates to changing homeowner needs, Americans have more motivation than ever to buy a home. According to the experts, buyers are making moves right now, creating an unseasonably strong housing market for this time ... » Learn More about If You Think the Housing Market Will Slow This Winter, Think Again.
Two Reasons Why Waiting To Buy a Home Will Cost You
If you’re a homeowner who’s decided your current house no longer fits your needs, or a renter with a strong desire to become a homeowner, you may be hoping that waiting until next year could mean better market conditions to purchase a home. To determine whether you should buy now or wait another ... » Learn More about Two Reasons Why Waiting To Buy a Home Will Cost You
How Smart Buyers Are Approaching Rising Mortgage Rates
Last week, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate from Freddie Mac inched up to 3.1%, and experts project rates will continue rising through 2022: “The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage was 2.9% in the third quarter of 2021. We forecast mortgage rates to increase slightly through ... » Learn More about How Smart Buyers Are Approaching Rising Mortgage Rates