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Some Highlights: Historically, the choice between renting and buying a home has been a tough decision. Looking at the percentage of income needed to rent a median-priced home today (27.7%) vs. the percentage needed to buy a median-priced home (17.5%), the choice is clear. Every market is different. Before you renew … [Read more...] about The Cost of Renting vs. Buying a Home

Buyers are out in full force this fall, increasing the demand for homebuying in all four regions of the country. According to the latest ShowingTime Showing Index, “Home showing activity was up again nationwide with a 4.6 percent rise in traffic, as the traditionally slow fall season began with a marked boost in buyer … [Read more...] about Buyer Demand Growing in Every Region

In the third quarter of 2019, the U.S. home-ownership rate rose again, signaling another strong indicator of the current housing market. The U.S. Census Bureau announced, “The home-ownership rate of 64.8 percent was not statistically different from the rate in the third quarter 2018 (64.4 percent), but was 0.7 percentage … [Read more...] about Home-ownership Rate Remains on the Rise

Many sellers believe spring is the best time to put their homes on the market because buyer demand traditionally increases at that time of year. What they don’t realize is if every homeowner believes the same thing, then that’s when they’ll have the most competition. So, what’s the #1 reason to list your house in the winter? … [Read more...] about The #1 Reason to List Your House in the Winter

Home buying activity (demand) is up, and the number of available listings (supply) is down. When demand outpaces supply, prices appreciate. That’s why firms are beginning to increase their projections for home price appreciation going forward. As an example, CoreLogic increased their 12-month projection for home values from 4.5% … [Read more...] about Forget the Price of the Home. The Cost is What Matters.

When you’re ready to buy, you’ll need to determine if you prefer the charm of an existing home or the look and feel of a newer build. With limited existing home inventory available today, especially in the starter and middle-level markets, many buyers are considering a new home that’s recently been constructed, or they’re … [Read more...] about Planning on Buying a Home? Be Sure You Know Your Options.

A considerable number of potential buyers shy away from the real estate market because they’re uncertain about the buying process – particularly when it comes to qualifying for a mortgage. For many, the mortgage process can be scary, but it doesn’t have to be!  In order to qualify in today’s market, you’ll need a down … [Read more...] about Taking the Fear Out of the Mortgage Process

A considerable number of potential buyers shy away from the real estate market because they’re uncertain about the buying process – particularly when it comes to qualifying for a mortgage. For many, the mortgage process can be scary, but it doesn’t have to be!  In order to qualify in today’s market, you’ll need a down … [Read more...] about Taking the Fear Out of the Mortgage Process