Blogs
Experts Project Home Prices Will Rise over the Next 5 Years
Even with so much data showing home prices are actually rising in most of the country, there are still a lot of people who worry there will be another price crash in the immediate future. In fact, a recent survey from Fannie Mae shows that 23% of consumers think...
Is Wall Street Buying Up All the Homes in America?
If you’re thinking about buying a home, you may find yourself interested in the latest real estate headlines so you can have a pulse on all of the things that could impact your decision. If that’s the case, you’ve probably heard mention of investors, and wondered how...
Is Your House the Top Thing on a Buyer’s Wish List this Holiday Season?
This time every year, homeowners who are planning to move have a decision to make: sell now or wait until after the holidays? Some sellers with homes already on the market may even remove their listing until the new year. But the truth is, many buyers want to purchase...
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
INGREDIENTS 8 Servings 3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into quarters 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon Ground White Pepper 2/3 cup milk 3 tablespoons butter 1/2 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese INSTRUCTIONS 1 How to Make Garlic Mashed...
Should You Paint Your Home Before Selling?
Painting your house before selling is a good idea, as it can add value to your home and attract more buyers. Painting your house can also make a positive first impression, as it shows that you have maintained your home well and updated it to the current trends....
3 Things We Can Learn from Celebrity Homes
Have you ever Googled a celebrity? Go ahead, we’ll wait. They’re gorgeous and rich, yada, yada, yada. But did you see the house they just built? It has three floors and two indoor pools, and the whole wall facing west is made of glass. Don’t you wish you could have a...
Are Millennials looking for Bigger Homes?
Web search results suggest that millennials do not have a uniform preference for the size of their homes. Their choices are influenced by some factors such as: The COVID-19 pandemic: A survey by the National Association of Home Builders found that more than a third...
Life-Changing Events That Move the Housing Market
Life is a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns, like the excitement of welcoming a new addition, retiring and starting a new adventure, or the bittersweet feeling of an empty nest. If something like this is changing in your own life, you may be...
Reasons To Sell Your House Before the New Year
As the year winds down, you may have decided it’s time to make a move and put your house on the market. But should you sell now or wait until January? While it may be tempting to hold off until after the holidays, here are three reasons to make your move before the...
A Real Estate Agent Helps Take the Fear Out of the Market
Do negative headlines and talk on social media have you feeling worried about the housing market? Maybe you’ve even seen or heard something lately that scares you and makes you wonder if you should still buy or sell a home right now. Regrettably, when news in the...
Why Home Prices Keep Going Up
If you’ve ever dreamed of buying your own place, or selling your current house to upgrade, you’re no stranger to the rollercoaster of emotions changing home prices can stir up. It’s a tale of financial goals, doubts, and a dash of anxiety that many have been through....
Choose the Right Neighborhood for You
Photo by Zac Gudakov on Unsplash If you’re starting to think about looking for a new home, picking the neighborhood can seem almost as complicated as picking the house itself. Here are five things to keep in mind as you explore neighborhoods you might like to live in....
September 2023 Monthly Housing Market Trends Report
Photo by Tierra Mallorca on Unsplash Key Takeaways The amount of homes actively for sale is down 4.0% compared to last year. The quantity of unsold homes, including homes that are under contract, is lower by 7.2% compared to last year. There are 9.1% less newly listed...
Plan for the Holidays Now!
Photo by John Matychuk on Unsplash I know what you’re thinking… “Holiday season already?! Make it stop!” Each year it seems like retail is pushing the holidays out sooner and sooner. While the holiday season is a time of celebration and family, it can bring a lot of...
Coziest Fall Decorating Trends for 2023
Photo by Andrea Davis on Unsplash As we transition into the fall of 2023, the world of interior design is embracing a host of cozy trends that promise to add warmth and comfort to our living spaces. These trends are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they also...
Key Skills You Need Your Listing Agent To Have
Selling your house is a big decision. And that can make it feel both exciting and a little bit nerve-wracking. But the key to a successful sale is finding the perfect listing agent to work with you throughout the process. A listing agent, also known as a seller’s...
Unlocking The Long Term Benefits Of Homeownership
The dream of homeownership is deeply woven into the fabric of the American ethos. It’s a goal that many aspire to, and for good reason. Beyond providing a roof over your head, homeownership offers a myriad of long-term advantages that can significantly shape your...
Beginning with Pre-Approval
If you’re looking to buy a home this fall, there are a few things you need to know. Affordability is tight with today’s mortgage rates and rising home prices. At the same time, there’s a limited number of homes on the market right now and that’s creating some...
Are More Homes Coming onto the Market?
An important factor shaping today’s market is the number of homes for sale. And, if you’re considering whether or not to list your house, that’s one of the biggest advantages you have right now. When housing inventory is this low, your house will stand out, especially...
Indulge Your Taste Buds With Julia Child’s Chocolate Mousse Cake!
Indulge your taste buds with the exquisite Julia Child’s Chocolate Mousse Cake. It’s the kind of dessert that might just top your culinary experiences this year. This velvety creation is a symphony of rich chocolate flavor with a subtle coffee twist, all wrapped in a...
25 Fun Fall Activities For The Family
Ah, fall – that magical time when leaves turn all sorts of colors, the weather starts to chill out, and the holiday season is just around the corner. It’s like nature’s way of saying, “Hey, let’s have some fun!” And guess what? We’ve got the ultimate list of 25...
Rent vs. Buy Calculators
It is sometimes difficult to know in a changing real estate market whether buying a home or renting one is better financially. Many people have found that using a calculator designed to answer that question helpful. Realtor.com, as one would expect, has a...
Let’s Talk Mortgages
Hey folks, let’s talk mortgages and what’s been happening lately. First off, the big news is that the average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages, especially those conforming to loan balances of $726,200 or less, took a little dip. It went...
Planning to Retire? Your Equity Can Help You Make a Move
Reaching retirement is a significant milestone in life, bringing with it a lot of change and new opportunities. As the door to this exciting chapter opens, one thing you may be considering is selling your house and finding a home better suited for your evolving needs....
Why It’s Still a Seller’s Market Today
Even though activity in the housing market has slowed from the frenzy that was the ‘unicorn’ years, it’s still a seller’s market because the supply of homes for sale is so low. But what does that really mean for you? And why are conditions today so good if you want...
Today’s Housing Market Has Only Half the Usual Inventory [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some Highlights There are only about half the number of homes for sale compared to the last normal years in the market. That means buyers don’t have enough options right now. So, if you work with an agent to list your house, it should be in the spotlight. If you're...
Don’t Expect a Wave of Foreclosures [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some Highlights With ongoing high inflation pushing up everyday costs, some people are worried that'll create a flood of foreclosures. Here's why that's unlikely. Fewer people are seriously behind on mortgage payments right now. If foreclosures were going to rise a...
Healthy Frozen Banana Popsicles
Hey there, looking for a cool summer treat to beat the heat? How about some delicious and healthy frozen banana popsicles? They’re super easy to make, and the best part is they’re made with all-natural ingredients, so no guilt here! The recipe is a breeze, with...
The 8 Things You Should Always Buy at a Thrift Store
If your budget is tight and you are looking for ways to decorate your apartment using thrift store finds, consider this list of eight items that can be found at thrift stores: Dressers. A chest of drawers or a dresser is often a focal point in a bedroom. Unique...
The Affordable Housing Crisis and the Rise of Luxury Apartments
Let’s talk about the fascinating rise of luxury apartments amidst an ongoing affordable housing crisis. According to a CNBC report, there’s been a significant surge in demand for high-end rental properties across various cities in the U.S. People will go all out for...
Your Best Move For Finding An Apartment Before School Starts
Using a real estate agent for apartment hunting before school starts is helpful! They can access all kinds of listings, even ones you can’t find online. It saves you so much time and effort because they handle all the searching and setup of viewings based on what...
Home Prices Are Back on the Rise [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some Highlights Looking at monthly home price data from six expert sources shows the worst home price declines are behind us, and they’re rising again nationally. If you’ve put your plans to move on pause because you were worried about home prices crashing,...
Housing Market Forecast for the Rest of 2023 [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some Highlights Want to know what experts say will happen in the rest of 2023? Home prices are already appreciating again in many areas. The average of the expert forecasts shows positive price growth. Where mortgage rates go for the rest of the year will depend on...
Key Housing Market Trends [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some Highlights If you’re considering buying or selling a home, you’ll want to know what’s happening in the housing market. Housing inventory is still very low, prices are climbing back up, and homes are selling fast when priced right. Connect with a real estate agent...
Real Estate Continues To Be the Best Investment [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some Highlights According to a recent Gallup poll, real estate has been voted the best long-term investment for 11 years in a row, beating gold, stocks, bonds, and more. Owning real estate means more than just having a home—it’s an investment in your future. That’s...
Low Housing Inventory Is a Sweet Spot for Sellers [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some Highlights Today’s housing inventory is still well below more normal years. This low inventory is why homes that are priced right are still selling quickly and seeing multiple offers. If you want to sell your house, now is a great time because inventory is still...
Mortgage Rates In June 2023
Great news for prospective homebuyers and those looking to refinance! Despite minimal changes in June, mortgage rates, which had surpassed the 6.5% mark in late May, presented some minor dips that motivated borrowers eagerly took advantage of. According to...
Top 10 Cities In The United States Of America For Families
Choosing the best cities for families depends on various factors, including safety, education, healthcare, affordability, recreational opportunities, and overall quality of life. While different families may have different priorities, here is a list of 10 cities in...
Trends In Luxury Home Design
Luxury home design continually evolves, influenced by changing lifestyles, technological advancements, and shifting aesthetics. Here are some notable trends in luxury home design: Sustainability: There is a growing emphasis on eco-friendly and sustainable...
Sonoran Hot Dog
Here’s a recipe for Sonoran Hot Dogs, a popular regional specialty in Tucson and Phoenix, Arizona, which originated in Sonora Mexico Ingredients: 4 hot dog buns 4 beef hot dogs 4 slices of bacon 1 cup pinto beans, cooked 1 large tomato, diced 1 small...
The Benefits of Downsizing for Homeowners [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some Highlights Downsizing is a popular choice for homeowners when they retire or when their needs change, but with inflation still high, it’s also a way to reduce costs. Downsizing could help cut down on your expenses and your equity can fuel your move. If you’re...
Key Reasons To Use a Real Estate Agent When You Sell [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some Highlights An agent is a really important part of selling your home because they bring a lot of skill and expertise to the sales process. They’ll explain what’s happening today, what that means for you, and how to price and market your house. They’re also skilled...
Homeownership Helps Protect You from Inflation [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some Highlights Wondering if it makes sense to buy a home today even when inflation is high? When other costs go up due to inflation, buying a home helps you keep your monthly housing expense steady. Rents typically increase with inflation. Maybe that’s why, according...
How Owning a Home Grows Your Wealth with Time [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some Highlights If you’re thinking of buying a home this year, be sure to factor in the long-term benefits of homeownership. Over time, homeownership allows you to build equity. On average, nationwide home prices appreciated by 290.2% over the last 32 years. That...
SUMMER LAWN CARE GUIDELINES
If you’re looking to keep your lawn in tip-top shape during the summer season, we’ve got you covered. Check out these easy tips for summer lawn care: Watering Wisely: Watering is crucial in the summer heat. Give your lawn a good drink in the early morning to...
10 MORTGAGE TERMS YOU SHOULD BE FAMILIAR WITH
Did you know that the average homeowner only encounters mortgage jargon once every 10 years? That’s according to the 2019 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers from the National Association of Realtors. But don’t worry, you don’t need to become fluent in mortgage...
HOUSING MARKET FOR MAY 2023
Some insights to share with you. Let’s dive right in and explore what the future holds for the real estate scene. Okay, so here’s the deal: the housing market is looking pretty promising at the moment. Confidence is high, and experts believe that things are...
Why You Can’t Compare Now to the ‘Unicorn’ Years of the Housing Market [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some Highlights Comparing housing market metrics from one year to another can be challenging in a normal housing market – and the last few years have been anything but normal. In a way, they were ‘unicorn’ years. Expect unsettling housing market headlines this year,...
Reasons To Own Your Home [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some Highlights June is National Homeownership Month, and it’s a perfect time to think about all the benefits that come with owning your home. Owning a home not only makes you feel proud and accomplished, but it’s also a big step toward having a secure and stable...
The Impact of Changing Mortgage Rates [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some Highlights If you’re looking to buy a home, you should know even a small change in mortgage rates has an impact on your purchasing power. These charts show how rates generally affect your monthly payment. The best way to navigate changing mortgage rates and make...
The Worst of the Home Price Declines Is Behind Us
Some Highlights While home prices vary by local area, they’ve already hit their low point nationally, and now they’re starting to rise again. Last July, prices started to decline, but around February, they began climbing back up. If you put your plans to move on hold...
RASPBERRY AND WHITE CHOCOLATE MERINGUE SANDWICH COOKIES
Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dessert? Look no further than these raspberry and white chocolate meringue sandwich cookies! Follow these simple steps to create a sweet treat that will impress your friends and family. Ingredients: 1/2 cup of fresh raspberries...
CONSIDER SOLAR SHINGLES
Are you considering going solar but worried about the bulky appearance of traditional solar panels? Have you heard of solar shingles? These innovative solar-powered roofing materials are designed to blend seamlessly into your roof, providing an aesthetically pleasing...
9 DÉCOR TRENDS FOR SPRING 2023
Get excited for spring 2023! The interior design trends are all about color, statement pieces, and creating a party atmosphere. Here are our top nine tips for refreshing your home: Colorful decor – with a focus on apricot, blue & red. Embrace your love for color...
WILL THE RECENT 2023 BANK FAILURES AFFECT THE HOUSING MARKET?
The stability of the real estate industry, particularly in terms of lending, has been called into question following the recent failures of Silicon Valley Bank, Silvergate, and Signature Bank. While individual bank failures may not cause a widespread crash, they can...
Reasons To Sell Your House Today [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some Highlights Not sure if selling your house is the right move today? You should know there are a number of reasons it still makes sense to sell now. Your house will stand out because inventory is low. That’s why the number of offers on recently sold homes is on...
How Homeowners Win When They Downsize
Downsizing has long been a popular option when homeowners reach retirement age. But there are plenty of other life changes that could make downsizing worthwhile. Homeowners who have experienced a change in their lives or no longer feel like their house fits their...
Why Today’s Foreclosure Numbers Are Nothing Like 2008
You’ve likely seen headlines about the number of foreclosures climbing in today’s housing market. That may leave you with a few questions, especially if you’re thinking about buying a house. Understanding what they really mean is mission-critical if you want to know...
What’s the Difference Between a Home Inspection and an Appraisal?
If you’re planning to buy a home, an inspection is an important step in the process. It assesses the condition of the home before you finalize the transaction. It’s also a different step in the process from an appraisal, which is a professional evaluation of the...
Want To Sell Your House This Spring? Price It Right.
Over the last year, the housing market’s gone through significant change. While it’s still a sellers’ market, homes that are priced right are selling, and they get the most attention from buyers right now. If you’re thinking of selling your house this spring, it’s...
8 Insider Tips to help you Make the Most of Your Garden
Spring is here, and with it comes the urge to revamp our gardens. Whether you’re starting from scratch or just giving your outdoor space a facelift, it’s essential to have a cohesive design that works in harmony. Landscape design experts have shared eight insider tips...
Mortgage News for the end of March 2023
As we near the end of March 2023, the mortgage market has seen some movement in interest rates. According to Bankrate.com, the average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage is 6.93%, while the average rate on a 15-year mortgage is 6.18%. Jumbo mortgages with a 30-year term...
Trying To Buy a Home? Hang in There.
We’re still in a sellers’ market. And if you’re looking to buy a home, that means you’re likely facing some unique challenges, like difficulty finding a home and volatile mortgage rates. But keep in mind, there are some benefits to being a buyer in today’s market that...
An Expert Advisor Will Give You the Best Advice in Today’s Market
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. As a result, an expert real estate advisor isn’t just good to have by your side, they’re essential....
Millennials: Do You Need a Home with More Space?
If you’re a millennial, homebuying might be top of mind for you. Your generation is the largest group of homebuyers in the market today and has been since 2014, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). And while other millennials are looking to buy for...
The Difference Between Renting and Owning [INFOGRAPHIC]
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...
The #1 Reason To Sell Your House Today
Almost every industry is currently struggling with supply chain disruptions. This also applies to the current U.S. housing market, where buyer demand far exceeds housing supply. Purchaser demand is very strong right now. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) just...
How Supply and Demand Can Impact Your Buying and Selling Goals
In today’s housing market, there are far more buyers looking for homes than sellers listing their houses. Based on the concept of supply and demand, this means home prices will naturally rise. Why is that? When there are more people trying to buy an item than there...
The Perks of Owning More Than One Home
Many things have changed over the past couple of years, and real estate is no exception. One impact is an increased desire to own more than one home. According to the recent Luxury Market Report from Luxury Home Marketing: “As trends such as remote working and...
The Perks of Owning More Than One Home
Many things have changed over the past couple of years, and real estate is no exception. One impact is an increased desire to own more than one home. According to the recent Luxury Market Report from Luxury Home Marketing: “As trends such as remote working and...
Real Estate Voted the Best Investment Eight Years in a Row
In an annual Gallup poll, Americans chose real estate as the best long-term investment. And it’s not the first time it’s topped the list, either. Real estate has been on a winning streak for the past eight years, consistently gaining traction as the best long-term...