News

Rising interest rates have begun to slow an overheated housing market as monthly mortgage payments have risen dramatically since the beginning of the year.

Some Highlights

• When you head out to buy a home, there are a number of key milestones you’ll encounter along the way.
• The process includes everything from building your team and understanding your finances to going house hunting, making an offer, and more.
• Your journey starts here. Partner with a real estate professional so you have expert guidance each step of the way.

The historically low inventory over the past few years led to challenges for many buyers trying to find a home that met their needs and their budget.

Today’s market is at a turning point, making it more essential than ever to work with a real estate professional.

Some Highlights

• If you’re trying to decide whether to rent or buy a home, consider the advantages homeownership offers.
• Buying a home can help you escape the cycle of rising rents, it’s a powerful wealth-building tool, and it’s typically considered a good hedge against inflation.
• If you’re ready to take advantage of the benefits of homeownership, let’s connect to explore your options.

Today’s housing market is different than it was just a few months ago.

The real estate market is on just about everyone’s mind these days.

While watching the stock market recently may have started to feel pretty challenging, checking the value of your home should come as welcome relief in this volatile time.

Some people believe there’s a group of homeowners who may be reluctant to sell their houses because they don’t want to lose the historically low mortgage rate they have on their current home.

Experts are starting to make their 2023 home price forecasts.

Some Highlights

• When it comes to selling your house, you want it to look its best inside and out so it catches the attention of buyers. A real estate professional can help you decide what to do to make that happen.
• Focus on tasks that can make it inviting, show it’s cared for, and boost your curb appeal.
• Connect with a trusted real estate professional for advice on what you may want to do to get your house ready to sell this season.

It’s clear the 2022 housing market has been defined by rising mortgage rates.

The talk of a housing bubble in the coming year seems to be at a fever pitch as rising mortgage rates continue to slow down an overheated real estate market.

There’s no denying the housing market is undergoing a shift this season as buyer demand slows and the number of homes for sale grows.

Some Highlights

• If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home, you’ll want a trusted real estate professional on your side for their industry experience and expert insights.
• The right advisor utilizes the latest technology and can help you navigate today’s home pricing and market values, the contracts and fine print, and the negotiations you’ll face.
• Partner with a trusted real estate professional so you have expert advice each step of the way.

In a market that’s shifting as fast as it is today, many homeowners wonder what, if anything, needs to be renovated before they sell their house.

Whether you’ve just retired or you’re thinking about retirement, you may be considering your options and trying to picture a whole new stage of your life.

Some Highlights

• If you’re buying a home, here’s what you should know about your home inspection and why it’s so important.
• A home inspection is a crucial step in the homebuying process. It assesses the condition of the home you plan to purchase so you can avoid costly surprises down the road.
• Work with an agent so you have an expert on your side who can guide you through the process.

If you put off your home search at any point over the past two years, you may want to consider picking it back up based on today’s housing market conditions.

If you’re thinking about selling your house, you may have heard about the housing market slowing down in recent months.

Whether you’re a potential homebuyer, seller, or both, you probably want to know: will home prices fall this year?

Some Highlights

• Many people remember the housing crash in 2008, but experts say today’s market is fundamentally different in many ways.
• First, there isn’t an oversupply of homes for sale today. Plus, lending standards are much tighter, and homeowners have record levels of equity. That means signs say there won’t be a wave of foreclosures like the last time.
• If you have questions about the housing market, reach out to a trusted real estate professional.

The desire to own a home is still strong today.

According to a recent survey from the Wall Street Journal, the percentage of economists who believe we’ll see a recession in the next 12 months is growing.

Some Highlights

• Experts say the number of homes for sale is growing this year, and that can have a big impact on your move.
• If you’re planning to buy, additional options in today’s market may be just what you’ve been waiting for. More inventory means added opportunities to find the home of your dreams.
• Connect with a local real estate advisor so you have the latest information on available homes in your area.

If you’re thinking about making a move, you probably want to know what’s going to happen to home prices for the rest of the year.

Mortgage rates are much higher today than they were at the beginning of the year, and that’s had a clear impact on the housing market.

If you put a pause on your home search because you weren’t sure where you’d go once you sold your house, it might be a good time to get back into the market.

If you’re planning to buy a home this year, you might have heard that pre-approval is a necessary step to take before starting out on your journey.

While the Federal Reserve is working hard to bring down inflation, the latest data shows the inflation rate is still going up.

Over the last two years, the rate of home prices appreciated at a dramatic pace.

The housing market is at a turning point, and if you’re thinking of buying or selling a home, that may leave you wondering: is it still a good time to buy a home?

If you’ve been thinking about buying a home, you likely have one question on the top of your mind: should I buy right now, or should I wait?

With so much talk about an economic slowdown, some people are asking if the housing market is heading for a crash like the one in 2008.

Some Highlights

• It’s worth considering the many benefits of homeownership before you make the decision to rent or buy a home.
• When you buy, you can stabilize your housing costs, own a tangible asset, and grow your net worth as you gain equity. When you rent, you face rising housing costs, won’t see a return on your investment, and limit your ability to save.
• If you want to learn more about the benefits of homeownership, reach out to a real estate professional today.

Once you’ve applied for a mortgage to buy a home, there are some key things to keep in mind.

If you’re following along with the news today, you’ve heard about rising inflation.

Some Highlights

• When it comes to pricing your house, there’s a lot to consider. The only way to ensure you price it right is by partnering with a local real estate professional.
• To find the best price, your agent balances current market demand, the values of homes in your neighborhood, where prices are headed, and your home’s condition.
• Don’t pick just any price for your house. If you’re ready to sell, reach out to a trusted real estate professional to find the perfect price for your house.

You may be reading headlines and hearing talk about a potential housing bubble or a crash, but it’s important to understand that the data and expert opinions tell a different story.

Americans’ opinion on the value of real estate as an investment is climbing.

If you’re following the news, all of the headlines about conditions in the current housing market may leave you with more questions than answers.

If you’re a homeowner thinking about selling your house, you’re probably looking for the best time to make your move.

Experts in the real estate industry use a number of terms when they talk about what’s happening with home prices.

If you’re looking to buy your first home, you’re likely balancing several factors.

June is National Homeownership Month, and it’s the perfect time to reflect on how impactful owning a home can truly be.

Some Highlights

• It’s important to understand history proves an economic slowdown does not equal a housing crisis.
• In 4 of the last 6 recessions, home prices actually appreciated. Home prices only fell twice – minimally in the early 90s and then by nearly 20% during the housing crash in 2008.
• If you have questions, connect with a real estate professional to discuss why today’s housing market is nothing like 2008.

If your lifestyle has changed recently and you’re ready to make a move, taking advantage of today’s sellers’ market might be just the answer for your summer plans.

Are you thinking about selling your current home?

If you’re planning to buy a home this season, you’re probably thinking about what you’ll need to do to get your offer accepted.

If you’re following along with the news today, you’ve likely heard about rising inflation.

If you’re in the market to buy a home this season, stick with it.

Even if you haven’t been following real estate news, you’ve likely heard about the current sellers’ market.

If you’re buying or selling a home this year, you’re likely saving up for a variety of expenses.

With today’s real estate market moving as fast as it is, working with a real estate professional is more essential than ever.

There’s never been a truer statement regarding forecasting mortgage rates than the one offered last year by Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American.

Today’s low inventory can be challenging for homebuyers, especially if you’re looking to purchase your first home.

Many consumers are wondering what will happen with home values over the next few years.

If you’re a first-time buyer looking to break into the housing market but struggling to find a home to buy, condominiums (or condos) could be a great alternative for you.

Some Highlights

• Due to low supply and high demand, today is one of the strongest sellers’ markets we’ve seen.
• Sellers can benefit from more offers to pick from, higher home values, and a faster sales process. There’s a reason why 72% of people believe it’s a good time to sell.
• Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity. Work with an agent to take advantage of this hot sellers’ market.

Since the number of homes for sale is low today, it can feel challenging to find one that checks all your boxes.

When it comes to buying a home, it can feel a bit intimidating to know how much you need to save and where to find that information.

The past two years have taught us the true value of homeownership, especially the stability and the feeling of accomplishment it can provide.

If you’re ready to move up, you may be trying to decide whether you want to buy a home that’s already on the market or build a new one.

As the spring housing market kicks off, you likely want to know what you can expect this season when it comes to buying or selling a house.

Some Highlights

• With inflation driving up the cost of everyday items, seeking out an energy-efficient home can be a great way to decrease the expenses you can control.
• Energy efficiency can help lower your utility bills and possibly even save you money on your taxes. Options to look for include efficient appliances, windows, and solar panels.
• If it’s your goal to buy a home this year, consider energy efficiency. Work with a trusted real estate advisor to learn more about features that can save you money for years to come.

If you’re thinking of selling your house this year, timing is crucial.

As a homebuyer, it’s important to plan and budget for the expenses you’ll encounter when you purchase a home.

Every year, many renters ask themselves the same question: Should I continue renting, or is it time to buy a home?

For the first time in a long time, the number of newly listed homes is beginning to rise.

Almost every industry is currently struggling with supply chain disruptions.

Some Highlights

• If you’re deciding whether to rent or buy, consider the many financial benefits that come with owning a home.
• As a renter, you build your landlord’s wealth and face rising costs. As a homeowner, you build your own net worth and can lock in your monthly payments for the length of your loan.
• If you’re weighing your options, remember that owning a home is a decision that has considerable financial perks. Contact a local real estate professional to learn more.

If you’re a millennial, homebuying might be top of mind for you.

Having an experienced guide coaching you through the process of buying or selling a home is important in a normal market – but today’s market is far from normal.

Financial benefits are always a key aspect of homeownership, but it’s also important to understand that the nonfinancial and personal benefits are why so many people genuinely fall in love with their homes.

If you’re planning to sell this year, you’re probably thinking about what you’ll need to do to get your house ready to appeal to the most buyers.

If you’re looking to buy a home, you may be wondering how your student loan debt could impact those plans.

As we celebrate Black History Month, we honor and recognize the past and present experiences of Black Americans.

When you’re selling any item, you usually want to sell it for the greatest profit possible.

Some Highlights

• Even in today’s sellers’ market, there are still ways for buyers to win big.
• Build a team of trusted professionals and make strategic plays as you budget and pick your desired neighborhoods. Then, be ready for the competition by getting a pre-approval letter and leaning on your expert advisors to draft a winning offer.
• In a sellers’ market, you can still be the champion if you have the right team and strategy. Work with a trusted real estate professional to make your game-winning play.

Mortgage rates have increased significantly since the beginning of the year.

If your needs are changing, you may be thinking about sharing a home with additional loved ones, such as grandparents, adult children, or other extended family members.

Some Highlights

• If your workplace is delaying its return to office plans or is allowing permanent work from home options, that may open up new possibilities for your home search.
• Ongoing remote work could give you the chance for a change in scenery, a move to an area with a lower cost of living, or finding a home with more home office space.
• If you want to learn about how remote work can give you more options, partner with a local real estate professional to discuss your situation and priorities for your home search.

In today’s sellers’ market, many homeowners are weighing their options and trying to decide if they should sell their house.

Over the past two years, we’ve lived through one of the most stressful periods in recent history.

Americans are more aware than ever of the effects climate change and natural disasters can have on their homes.

If you’re thinking about selling your house in 2022, you truly have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity at your fingertips.

Some Highlights

• Buying a home and wondering if your inspection is necessary? While some buyers may decide to waive their inspection, it’s risky decision.
• Your home inspection is a crucial step in the homebuying process. It assesses the condition of the home you plan to purchase, so you can avoid costly surprises down the road.
• Work with an agent so you have expert advice and a trusted professional who will keep your interests top of mind.

If you were thinking about buying a home this year, but already pressed pause on your plans due to rising home prices and increasing mortgage rates, there’s something you should consider.

Last week, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate from Freddie Mac jumped from 3.22% to 3.45%.

One key question that’s top of mind for homebuyers this year is: why is it so hard to find a house to buy?

Some Highlights

• According to a Gallup poll, real estate has been rated the best long-term investment for eight years in a row.
• Real estate tops the list because you’re not just buying a place to call home – you’re investing in your future. Real estate is typically considered a stable and secure asset that can grow in value over time.
• Reach out to a trusted advisor today if you’re ready to make real estate your best investment this year.

You may have heard that it’s important to get pre-approved for a mortgage at the beginning of the homebuying process, but what does that really mean, and why is it so important?

Are you one of the many renters thinking about where you’ll live the next time your lease is up?

Many homeowners who plan to sell in 2022 may think the wise thing to do is to wait for the spring buying market since historically about 40 percent of home sales occur between April and July.

As you set out on your homebuying journey, you likely have a plan in place, and you’re working on saving for your purchase.

As a buyer in a sellers’ market, sometimes it can feel like you’re stuck between a rock and a hard place.

As we move into 2022, both buyers and sellers are wondering, what’s next?

Selling your house is no simple task.

There’s no question that the financial benefits of selling a house are outstanding today.

The post Struggling To Find a Home To Buy? New Construction May Be an Option. appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

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.

The post Two Reasons Why Waiting To Buy a Home Will Cost You appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

Some Highlights

• It’s no secret that we love our furry friends – about 70% of U.S. households have pets. What may come as a surprise is how large a role they play in the homebuying process.
• Americans spend $1,163 a year on their pets, and nearly half of pet owners say they would move for better accommodations and amenities for their pets.
• If you’re thinking of adding a furry friend, or if you already have, connect with your trusted real estate advisor to discuss how you can find a home that meets all your pet’s needs.

The post A Happy Tail: Pets and the Homebuying Process [INFOGRAPHIC] appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

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.

The post If You Think the Housing Market Will Slow This Winter, Think Again. appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

As a renter, you’re constantly faced with the same dilemma: keep renting for another year or purchase a home?

The post 4 Things Every Renter Needs To Consider appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

Are you thinking about selling your house right now, but you’re not sure you’ll have the time to do so as the holidays draw near?

The post Sellers: You’ll Likely Get Multiple Strong Offers This Season appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

The past year and a half brought about significant life changes for many of us.

The post Retirement May Be Changing What You Need in a Home appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

Like most industries, residential real estate has a seasonality to it.

The post Home Sales About To Surge? We May See a Winter Like Never Before. appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

Rents have increased significantly this year.

The post Renters Missed Out on $51,500 This Past Year appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

With mortgage rates climbing above 3% for the first time in months, serious buyers are more motivated than ever to find a home before the end of the year.

The post Sellers Have Incredible Leverage in Today’s Market appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

Mortgage rates are one of several factors that impact how much you can afford if you’re buying a home.

The post Experts Project Mortgage Rates Will Continue To Rise in 2022 appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

With forbearance plans coming to an end, many are concerned the housing market will experience a wave of foreclosures similar to what happened after the housing bubble 15 years ago.

The post Why a Wave of Foreclosures Is Not on the Way appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

Some Highlights

• If you’re a homeowner, today’s rising equity is great news. On average, homeowners have gained $51,500 in equity since this time last year.
• Whether it’s funding an education, fueling your next move, or starting a business, your home equity is a great tool you can use to power your dreams.
• Ready to sell? Reach out to a local real estate professional to talk about how you can take advantage of your rising equity to reach your goals.

The post Your Home Equity Is Growing [INFOGRAPHIC] appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

Buyers in today’s market often have questions about the importance of getting a home appraisal and an inspection.

The post Knowledge Is Power When It Comes to Appraisals and Inspections appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

There’s a lot of talk lately about how challenging it can be to find a home to buy.

The post There Are More Homes Available Now than There Were This Spring appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

An important metric in today’s residential real estate market is the number of homes available for sale.

The post Is the Number of Homes for Sale Finally Growing? appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

Some Highlights

• Whether you’re buying or selling – today’s housing market has plenty of good news to go around.
• Buyers can take advantage of today’s mortgage rates to escape rising rents and keep monthly payments affordable. Sellers can reap the benefits of multiple offers and a fast sale.
• If this sounds like good news to you, connect with a trusted real estate adviser so you can capitalize on the unique opportunity you have in today’s market.

The post Have You Ever Seen a Housing Market Like This? [INFOGRAPHIC] appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

If you’ve been in your home for longer than five years, you’re not alone.

The post Is It Time To Move on to a New Home? appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

A lot has changed over the past year.

The post Remote Work Is Here To Stay. Can Your Home Deliver the Space You Need? appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

If you’re trying to decide when to sell your house, there may not be a better time to list than right now.

The post Reasons You Should Consider Selling This Fall appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

Even though experts agree there’s no chance of a large-scale foreclosure crisis, there are a number of homeowners who may be coming face-to-face with foreclosure as a possibility.

The post Understand Your Options To Avoid Foreclosure appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

One of the major story lines over the last year is how well the residential real estate market performed.

The post Home Price Appreciation Is Skyrocketing in 2021. What About 2022? appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

Some Highlights

• With a housing market this competitive, sometimes you have to think outside the box.
• Work with your trusted real estate advisors to do things like assess your budget, expand your search radius, look into other options, and determine your true needs.
• If you’re having trouble finding your first home, explore your options. It’s out there!

The post Options for First-Time Homebuyers [INFOGRAPHIC] appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

Mortgage rates are hovering near record lows, and that’s good news for today’s homebuyers.

The post What Do Experts Say About Today’s Mortgage Rates? appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

As summer comes to a close, is it time to think about selling your vacation home?

The post What To Do with Your Vacation Home as Summer Ends appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

If you’re trying to decide whether or not to sell your house, this is the time to think seriously about making a move.

The post Why 2021 Is Still the Year To Sell Your House appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

See the stars in your own backyard … on your DIY big screen, that is.

A thoughtful approach to garage storage makes the most of this valuable space and keeps every necessity at your fingertips.

According to recent data from realtor.com, median rental prices have reached their highest point ever recorded in many areas across the country.

The post With Rents on the Rise – Is Now the Time To Buy? appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

Home prices continue to rise as we move through the summer, and that’s good news for sellers who are looking to maximize their home’s potential.

The post Sellers: Make Today’s Home Price Appreciation Work for You appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

As we move into the latter half of the year, questions about what’s to come are top of mind for buyers and sellers.

The post What Do Experts See on the Horizon for the Second Half of the Year? appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

Selling a house is a time-consuming process – especially if you decide to do it on your own, known as a For Sale By Owner (FSBO).

The post Save Time and Effort by Selling with an Agent appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

In today’s real estate market, low inventory and high demand are driving up home prices.

The post What To Expect as Appraisal Gaps Grow appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

For generations, the process of buying and selling a home never really changed.

The post In Today’s Market, Listing Prices Are Like an Auction’s Reserve Price appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

Home price appreciation continues to accelerate.

The post Home Price Appreciation Is as Simple as Supply and Demand appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

There’s a lot of discussion about affordability as home prices continue to appreciate rapidly.

The post How Misunderstandings About Affordability Could Cost You appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

Some Highlights

• In today’s whirlwind real estate market, houses are selling at astonishing speed – from sea to shining sea.
• Four years ago, the average house spent 39 days on the market. Two years ago, homes were on the market for about 24 days. Today, that number has dropped to just 17 short days.
• If you’re looking to sell your house quickly and on the best possible terms, today’s market can’t be beat. Reach out to a local real estate professional to discuss how to secure a speedy, top-dollar sale for your house.

The post Homes Across the Country Are Selling Fast [INFOGRAPHIC] appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

There’s no doubt that 2021 is the year of the seller when it comes to the housing market.

The post 3 Graphs Showing Why You Should Sell Your House Now appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

Many people are sitting on the fence trying to decide if now’s the time to buy a home.

The post Why Waiting to Buy a Home Could Cost You a Small Fortune appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

Some Highlights 

• Mortgage pre-approval means a lender has reviewed your finances and, based on factors like your income, debt, and credit history, determined how much you’re qualified to borrow.
• Being pre-approved for a loan can give you clarity while planning your homebuying budget, confidence in your ability to secure a loan, and a competitive edge in a bidding war.
• In today’s market, connecting with a lender to get pre-approved may be the game-changer that helps you secure your dream home.

The post The Power of Mortgage Pre-Approval [INFOGRAPHIC] appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

In a sellers’ market, some homeowners might be tempted to try to sell their house on their own (known as For Sale By Owner, or FSBO) instead of working with a trusted real estate professional.

The post Don’t Sell on Your Own Just Because It’s a Sellers’ Market appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

Last Friday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released a very encouraging jobs report.

The post Latest Jobs Report: What Does It Mean for You & the Housing Market? appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

Forget the traditional holiday decorating rules and push yourself to find decor that is new, fresh and fits within your current home decor.