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...
3 Reasons To Sell Your House Before the New Year [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some Highlights Here are a few reasons you may not want to hold off until the new year to sell your house. Buyers looking right now are highly motivated, the supply of homes for sale is still low, and you may find buyers are more flexible with showings this time of...
Is Owning a Home Still the American Dream for Younger Buyers?
Everyone has their own idea of the American Dream, and it’s different for each person. But, in a recent survey by Bankrate, people were asked about the achievements they believe represent the American Dream the most. The answers show that owning a home still claims...
Why the Economy Won’t Tank the Housing Market
If you’re worried about a coming recession, you’re not alone. Over the past couple of years, there’s been a lot of recession talk. And many people worry, if we do have one, it would cause the unemployment rate to skyrocket. Some even fear that a spike in unemployment...
Are the Top 3 Housing Market Questions on Your Mind?
When it comes to what’s happening in the housing market, there’s a lot of confusion going around right now. You may hear one thing in conversation with your friends, see something totally different on the news, and read something on social media that contradicts both...
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...
Why Homeowners Feel Thankful for Their Homes [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some Highlights Here are three reasons why homeowners feel thankful for their homes. First, it’s a safe place that can give you a greater sense of comfort, safety, and security. Second, it gives you freedom of expression. From the color of the paint to the art on the...
Why Homeowners Are Thankful They Own
Countless people have set out on the exciting journey of homeownership. Ask around and you’ll find the vast majority are thankful they took the leap and bought a home. But why? It’s because of the many emotional and lifestyle benefits that come with being a homeowner....
Home Prices Still Growing – Just at a More Normal Pace
If you’re feeling a bit muddy on what’s happening with home prices, that’s no surprise. Some people are still saying prices are falling, even though data proves otherwise. Part of that misconception is because people are getting their information from unreliable...
Are There Actually More Homes for Sale Right Now?
If you’re looking to make a move, you want to be sure you have the latest information on the housing market. To help make that possible, here’s an update on the supply of homes for sale today. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, the number of homes available in...
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...
2024 Housing Market Forecast [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some Highlights Thinking of buying or selling a house and wondering what the new year holds for the housing market? Experts forecast home prices to end this year up 2.8% and to rise another 1.5% in 2024. And climbing prices help make homeownership a good investment....
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...
People Are Still Moving, Even with Today’s Affordability Challenges
If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home, you might have heard that it’s tough right now because mortgage rates are higher than they’ve been over the past few years, and home prices are rising. That much is true. Take a look at the graph below. It breaks down...
Decorate Your Apartment for the Holidays
You might want to make your apartment more festive for the holidays. Here are some ideas that might help you: Start with the tree if that is part of your tradition. You don’t need a big tree to have a merry one. You can choose a smaller tree, a tabletop tree, or even...
3 Things We Can Learn from Celebrity Homes
I can help you rewrite the paragraph you provided, using different words and expressions, but keeping the same meaning and information. Here is one possible way to rewrite it: Have you ever Googled a celebrity? Go ahead, we’ll wait. They’re gorgeous and rich,...
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...
The Latest 2024 Housing Market Forecast
The new year is right around the corner, and you might be wondering if 2024 will be the right time to buy or sell a home. If you want to make the most informed decision possible, it’s important to know what the experts have to say about what’s ahead for the housing...
These Top Cities Show Home Prices Are Still Climbing
If you’re considering buying a home or selling your current one to find something that better suits your needs, you may have questions about what’s happening with home prices today. Here’s what you need to know. There’s still a lot of confusion and misinformation out...
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...
VA Loans Help Heroes Achieve Homeownership [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some Highlights VA home loans can help people who served our country become homeowners. These loans can help qualified individuals purchase a VA-approved home or condo, build a new home, or enhance their current one. Owning a home is the American Dream, and one way to...
How VA Loans Can Help Make Homeownership Dreams Come True
For more than 79 years, Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans have helped millions of veterans buy their own homes. If you or someone you care about has served in the military, it’s essential to learn about this program and its advantages. Here are some important things to...
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...
The Benefits of Buying a Multi-Generational Home [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some Highlights If you’re ready to buy a home but are having a hard time affording it on your own, or, if you have aging loved ones you need to care for, you might want to consider a multi-generational home. Living with siblings, parents, and even grandparents can...
Don’t Believe Everything You Read About Home Prices
According to the latest data from Fannie Mae, 23% of Americans still think home prices will go down over the next twelve months. But why do roughly 1 in 4 people feel that way? It has a lot to do with all the negative talk about home prices over the past year. Since...
What Are Accessory Dwelling Units and How Can They Benefit You?
Maybe you’re in the market for a home and are having a hard time finding the right one that fits your budget. Or perhaps you’re already a homeowner in need of extra income or a place for loved ones. Whether as a potential homebuyer or a homeowner with changing needs,...
Foreclosures and Bankruptcies Won’t Crash the Housing Market
If you’ve been following the news recently, you might have seen articles about an increase in foreclosures and bankruptcies. That could be making you feel uneasy, especially if you’re thinking about buying or selling a house. But the truth is, even though the numbers...
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...
Unmasking Scary Myths about Today’s Housing Market [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some Highlights Here’s what you really need to know about a few myths causing fear in today’s housing market. Despite common misconceptions, many people can buy a home even if they have student loans, home prices are rising nationally (not falling), and you usually...
Affordable Homeownership Strategies for Gen Z
The idea of owning a home has always been a big part of the American Dream. It’s a symbol of stability, independence, and having a place to truly call your own. But for Gen Z, the “Zoomers” born between 1997 and 2012, making that dream a reality can feel like quite...
Invest in Yourself by Owning a Home
Are you wondering if it makes sense to buy a home right now? While today’s mortgage rates might seem a bit intimidating, here are two compelling reasons why it still may be a good time to become a homeowner. Home Values Appreciate over Time There’s been a lot of...
The Perks of Selling Your House When Inventory Is Low
When it comes to selling your house, you’re probably trying to juggle the current market conditions and your own needs as you plan your move. One thing that may be working in your favor is how few homes there are for sale right now. Here’s what you need to know about...
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....
Home Price Growth Is Returning to Normal [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some Highlights If you're wondering what’s happening with home prices, know they’re still rising, just at a slower pace – and that’s perfectly normal for this time of year. Based on typical seasonality in the market, prices go up most in the spring during the peak...
Libby’s Pumpkin Muffins
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice 2 teaspoons baking soda 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 3 cups granulated sugar 1 can (15 ounces) LIBBY’S® 100% Pure Pumpkin 4 large eggs 1/2 cup vegetable oil 1/2 cup water or orange juice...
Choosing the Right Backsplash for Your Kitchen
Choosing the right backsplash for your kitchen can be fun and creative. Here are some tips to help you get started: Consider the style of your kitchen: The backsplash should complement the overall style of your kitchen. For example, if you have a modern kitchen, you...
7 Effective Strategies to Boost Your Home’s Value for Sale
Consult with a Professional: Invite an interior designer to evaluate your home. Consult with several local designers; their standard hourly fee is typically less than $100. In just an hour, they can provide numerous suggestions for improvements. Even minor...
Understanding Reverse Mortgages
A reverse mortgage is a loan that allows homeowners at least 62 years old to access a portion of their home equity. Instead of the borrower making monthly payments to the lender, as in a traditional mortgage, the lender makes payments to the borrower. The...
The Risks of Selling Your House on Your Own
Are you thinking about selling your house as a For Sale by Owner (FSBO)? If so, know there’s a whole lot more time and expertise needed in that process than you might think. While the idea of doing it all by yourself might seem tempting, it’s important to recognize...
What Are the Real Reasons You Want To Move Right Now?
If you’re considering selling your house right now, it’s likely because something in your life has changed. And while things like mortgage rates play a big role in your decision, you don’t want that to overshadow why you thought about making a move in the first place....
How Buying a Multi-Generational Home Helps with Affordability Today
In today’s world of rising housing costs, many buyers are looking for ways to still be able to buy a home. Some of them have found a solution in multi-generational living. Multi-generational living is when two or more adult generations live together under one roof....
The Difference Between Renting and Buying a Home [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some Highlights When deciding between buying a home or renting, think about these three important factors. Buying a home means avoiding rising rents, owning a tangible and valuable asset, and growing your wealth over time. If you’re ready to enjoy the advantages of...
Growing Your Net Worth with Homeownership
Take a moment to imagine where you want to be in a few years. You might be thinking about your job, money, wanting more stability, or goals you want to reach soon. Is homeownership a part of that vision? If it is, you should know owning a home has a whole lot of...
The Latest Expert Forecasts for Home Prices in 2023
Are you thinking about making a move? If so, all the speculation that home prices would crash this year may have you feeling a bit on edge about your decision. Let the data and the experts reassure you. Prices aren’t in a downward spiral and will actually finish the...
Are Grandparents Moving To Be Closer to Their Grandkids?
During the pandemic, many people distanced themselves from their loved ones for health reasons. Grandparents were told to stay away from their grandkids, especially as schools started to open. That’s because it would have been risky to visit with their grandchildren...
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...
How Homeowner Net Worth Grows with Time [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some Highlights If you’re thinking about buying a home this year, be sure to consider the long-term financial advantages of homeownership, like home equity. On average, people who bought homes 32 years ago have seen their home’s value nearly triple over that time. If...
Are You a Homebuyer Worried About Climate Risks?
The increasing effects of natural disasters are leading to new obstacles in residential real estate. As a recent article from CoreLogic explains: “As the specter of climate change looms large, the world braces for unprecedented challenges. In the world of real...
Understanding the Benefits of Owning Your First Home
Are you considering buying your first home? If so, it can be helpful to know what led other people to make that decision. According to a recent survey of first-time homebuyers by PulteGroup: “When asked why they purchased their first home recently, the answer was...
Home Prices Are Not Falling
During the fourth quarter of last year, some housing experts projected home prices were going to crash in 2023. The media ran with those forecasts and put out headlines calling for doom and gloom in the housing market. All of this negative news coverage made a lot of...
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...
Explaining Today’s Low Housing Supply [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some Highlights Wondering why the supply of homes for sale is limited today? There are a few factors at play. Lack of building over time, the mortgage rate lock-in effect, and people staying in their houses longer are three of the main reasons why supply is low. But...
Why Your House Didn’t Sell
If your listing expired and your house didn’t sell, you’re likely feeling a little frustrated. Not to mention, you’re also probably wondering what went wrong. Here are three questions to think about as you figure out what to do next. Did You Limit Access to Your...
Why Today’s Housing Inventory Shows a Crash Isn’t on the Horizon
You might remember the housing crash in 2008, even if you didn’t own a home at the time. If you’re worried there’s going to be a repeat of what happened back then, there’s good news – the housing market now is different from 2008. One important reason is there aren’t...
The Return of Normal Seasonality for Home Price Appreciation
If you’re thinking of making a move, one of the biggest questions you have right now is probably: what’s happening with home prices? Despite what you may be hearing in the news, nationally, home prices aren’t falling. It’s just that price growth is beginning to...
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...
How Remote Work Helps with Your House Hunt [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some Highlights While remote work peaked during the pandemic, many people still work from home today. If you’re one of them, it could have an unexpected benefit when you’re looking to buy a home. If you can work from home, you might have more choices for where to...
The Many Non-Financial Benefits of Homeownership
Buying and owning your own home can have a big impact on your life. While there are financial reasons to become a homeowner, it’s essential to think about the non-financial benefits that make a home more than just a place to live. Here are some of the top...
Remote Work Is Changing How Some Buyers Search for Their Dream Homes
The way Americans work has changed in recent years, and remote work is at the forefront of this shift. Experts say it’ll continue to be popular for years to come and project that 36.2 million Americans will be working remotely by 2025. To give you some perspective,...
Your Home Equity Can Offset Affordability Challenges
Are you thinking about selling your house? If so, today’s mortgage rates may be making you wonder if that’s the right decision. Some homeowners are reluctant to sell and take on a higher mortgage rate on their next home. If you’re worried about this too, know that...
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...
Homemade Soda Cracker Recipe
Yield: 40-50 Crackers Ingredients: 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for rolling dough 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes 1 cup whole milk Coarse kosher or sea salt...
Painted Ceilings: The Hot Trend
Hey there, let’s talk about a hot home trend that’s really catching on: painted ceilings! It’s all about giving your ceiling a splash of color to make it the star of the show. You know how accent walls have been a thing for a while? Well, now people are taking...
Not-So-Typical Ways to Put Together that Down Payment for Your Dream Home
Programs: So, you’ve got your eyes set on owning a house, but the big bad down payment is standing in your way. You’ve probably heard that banks usually want a hefty 20% of the home’s price upfront. Anything less, and you’ll likely end up shelling out for private...
August 2023 Housing Market
Time for your monthly dive into the housing market trends for August 2023. Let’s break it down in a more casual, easy-to-digest manner: Homes Up for Grabs: There were 7.9% fewer homes up for sale compared to last year. Yep, it’s a bit of a decrease. ...
Plenty of Buyers Are Still Active Today [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some Highlights Holding off on selling your house because you believe there aren’t any buyers out there? Data shows buyers are still active, even with higher mortgage rates. This goes to show, people still want to buy homes, and those who can are moving now. Don’t...
Why Is Housing Inventory So Low?
One question that’s top of mind if you’re thinking about making a move today is: Why is it so hard to find a house to buy? And while it may be tempting to wait it out until you have more options, that’s probably not the best strategy. Here’s why. There aren’t enough...
Should Baby Boomers Buy or Rent After Selling Their Houses?
Are you a baby boomer who’s lived in your current house for a long time and you’re ready for a change? If you’re thinking about selling your house, you have a lot to consider. Will you move to a different state or stay nearby? Is it time to downsize or do you want...
What Experts Project for Home Prices Over the Next 5 Years
If you’re planning to buy a home, one thing to consider is what experts project home prices will do in the future and how that might affect your investment. While you may have seen negative news over the past year about home prices, they’re doing far better...
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....
Home Price Forecasts Revised for 2023 [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some Highlights Last year, some housing experts projected a decline in home prices by the end of 2023. But that didn’t happen – inventory was just too low. While it’s normal for experts to re-forecast throughout the year, the good news for 2023 is that prices are no...
Get Ready for Smaller, More Affordable Homes
Have you been trying to buy a home, but higher mortgage rates and home prices are limiting your options? If so, here’s some good news – based on what Ali Wolf, Chief Economist at Zonda, has to say – smaller, more affordable homes are on the way: “Buyers should expect...
Mortgage Rates: Past, Present, and Possible Future
If you’re hoping to buy a home this year, you’re probably paying close attention to mortgage rates. Since mortgage rates impact what you can afford when you take out a home loan – and affordability is a challenge today – it’s a good time to look at the big picture of...
Expert Home Price Forecasts Revised Up for 2023
Toward the end of last year, there were a number of headlines saying home prices were going to fall substantially in 2023. That led to a lot of fear and questions about whether there was going to be a repeat of the housing crash that happened back in 2008. But the...
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...
Homeowners Have a Lot of Equity Right Now [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some Highlights Your equity grows as you pay down your home loan and as home prices increase. With home prices rising again, your equity is getting an extra boost. Almost half of homeowners are equity rich because they have at least 50% equity in their homes. If...
Buyer Traffic Is Still Stronger than the Norm
Are you putting off selling your house because you’re worried no one’s buying because of where mortgage rates are? If so, know this: the latest data shows plenty of buyers are still out there, and they’re purchasing homes today. Here’s the data to prove it....