Latest Articles
Things to Avoid After Applying for a Mortgage
Congratulations! You’ve found a home to buy and have applied for a mortgage! You’re undoubtedly excited about the opportunity to decorate your new home, but before you make any large purchases, move your money around, or make any big-time life changes, consult your loan officer – someone who will be able to tell you how […]
6 Graphs Showing the Strength of the Current Housing Market [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some Highlights:
Keeping an eye on the current status of the housing market is one of the best ways to make powerful and confident decisions when buying or selling a home.
Mortgage rates remaining near historic lows and houses selling in an average…
What Is the Probability That Home Values Sink?
With the current uncertainty about the economy triggered by a potential trade war, some people are waiting to purchase their first home or move-up to their dream house because they think or hope home prices will drop over the next few years. However, the experts disagree with this perspective. Here is a table showing the […]
Millennial Buying Power Poised to Boost Homeownership
In a recent article by Realtor Magazine, Mark Fleming, Chief Economist of First American Financial Corporation, notes, “The largest group of millennials by birth year will turn 30 in 2020, which puts them entering their prime homebuying years”. The article continues to describe how millennials have more buying-power than the generations that preceded them, making […]
The Role Access Plays in Getting Your House Sold
So, you’ve decided to sell your house. You’ve hired a real estate professional to help you with the entire process and you’ve been asked what level of access you want to provide to potential buyers. There are four elements to a quality listing. At the top of the list is Access, followed by Condition, Financing, […]
Home Sales Expected to Continue Increasing In 2020
Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, and the Mortgage Bankers Association are all projecting home sales will increase nicely in 2020. Below is a chart depicting the projections of each entity for 2019, as well as for 2020.As we can see, Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, and the Mortgage Bankers Association all believe homes sales will increase steadily over the next year. If you’re a homeowner who has considered […]
A+ Reasons to Hire a Real Estate Pro [INFOGRAPHIC]
![A+ Reasons to Hire a Real Estate Pro [INFOGRAPHIC] | Simplifying The Market](https://i0.wp.com/files.simplifyingthemarket.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/03173433/20190906-Share-KCM-549x300.jpg?w=358&ssl=1)
Some Highlights:
- Hiring a real estate professional to help you buy your dream home or sell your current house is one of the most powerful decisions you can make.
- A real estate professional has the experience to help you confidently navigate through the entire process.
- Make sure you work with someone who knows the current market conditions and can simply and effectively explain them to you and your family.
Everybody Calm Down! This Is NOT 2008
Last week realtor.com released the results of a survey that produced three major revelations: 53% of home purchasers (first-time and repeat buyers) currently in the market believe a recession will occur this year or next. 57% believe the next recession will be as bad or worse than 2008. 55% said they would cancel plans to […]
How Property Taxes Can Impact Your Mortgage Payment
When buying a home, taxes are one of the expenses that can make a significant difference in your monthly payment. Do you know how much you might pay for property taxes in your state or local area? When applying for a mortgage, you’ll see one of two acronyms in your paperwork – P&I or PITI […]
5 Reasons to Sell This Fall
Below are 5 compelling reasons listing your home for sale this fall makes sense. 1. Demand Is Strong The latest Buyer Traffic Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows that buyer demand remains strong throughout the vast majority of the country. These buyers are ready, willing, and able to purchase…and are in the […]
Homeownership Will Always Be a Part of the American Dream
On Labor Day we celebrate the hard work that helps us achieve the American Dream. Growing up, many of us thought about our future lives with great ambition. We drew pictures of what jobs we wanted to have and where we would live as a representation of a secure life for ourselves and our families. […]
iBuyers: What Is the “Cost of Convenience” When Selling Your Home?
When thinking about selling their house, homeowners have many options. A relatively new option is using an “iBuyer.” What is an iBuyer? According to Jovio, the definition is: “A company or investor that uses Automated Valuation Models (AVMs) to make instant offers on homes. It allows sellers to close on a property quickly. Once sold, […]
Top Priorities When Moving with Kids
According to the Pew Research Center, around 37% of U.S students will be going back to school soon and the rest have already started the new academic year. With school-aged children in your home, buying or selling a house can take on a whole different approach when it comes to finding the right size, location, […]
What’s the Latest on Interest Rates?
Mortgage rates have fallen by over a full percentage point since Q4 of 2018, settling at near-historic lows. This is big news for buyers looking to get more for their money in the current housing market. According to Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey, “the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) rate averaged 3.60 percent, the lowest it […]
Experts Predict a Strong Housing Market for the Rest of 2019
We’re in the back half of the year, and with a decline in interest rates as well as home price and wage appreciation, many are wondering what the predictions are for the remainder of 2019. Here’s what some of the experts have to say: Ralph McLaughlin, Deputy Chief Economist for CoreLogic “We see the cooldown […]
5 Easy Steps to Avoid Overwhelm from Media Overload
When someone is thinking about buying or selling a home, they want to be well-informed. They want to make the right decision for themselves and their family. They scour the internet for any information they can find about the housing market. Today, there is an abundance of information available. It is often conflicting news. It […]
Seniors Are on the Move in the Real Estate Market
Did you know August 21st is National Senior Citizens Day? According to the United States Census, we honor senior citizens today because, “Throughout our history, older people have achieved much for our families, our communities, and our country. That remains true today and gives us ample reason…to reserve a special day in honor of the […]
Housing Supply Not Keeping Up with Population Increase
Many buyers are wondering where to find houses for sale in today’s market. It’s a true dilemma. We see an increase in buyer demand, but the supply available for purchase isn’t keeping up. The number of new housing permits issued prior to the great recession increased for 15 years until 2005 (from 1.12 million in […]
A Great Way to Increase Your Family’s Net Worth
Every three years, the Federal Reserve conducts its Survey of Consumer Finances. Data is collected across all economic and social groups. The latest survey data covers 2013-2016. The study revealed that the median net worth of a homeowner is $231,400 – a 15% increase since 2013. At the same time, the median net worth of renters decreased […]
Busting the Myth About a Housing Affordability Crisis
It seems you can’t find a headline with the term “housing affordability” without the word “crisis” attached to it. That’s because some only consider the fact that residential real estate prices have continued to appreciate. However, we must realize it’s not just the price of a home that matters, but the price relative to a […]
The Benefits of Growing Equity in Your Home
Over the last couple of years, we’ve heard quite a bit about rising home prices. Today, expert projections still forecast continued growth, just at a slower pace. One of the often-overlooked benefits of rising home prices is the positive impact they have on home equity. Let’s break down three ways this is a win for […]
5 Real Estate Reality TV Myths Explained
Have you ever been flipping through the channels, only to find yourself glued to the couch in an HGTV binge session? We’ve all been there, watching entire seasons of shows like “Property Brothers,” “Fixer Upper,” and “Love It or List It,” all in one sitting. When you’re in the middle of your real estate-themed TV […]
American Confidence in Housing at an All-Time High
Fannie Mae just released the July edition of their Home Purchase Sentiment Index (HPSI). The HPSI takes information regarding consumers’ confidence in the real estate market from Fannie Mae’s National Housing Survey and condenses it into a single number. Therefore, the HPSI reflects consumers’ current views and forward-looking expectations of housing market conditions. Great News! […]
American Confidence in Housing at an All-Time High
Fannie Mae just released the July edition of their Home Purchase Sentiment Index (HPSI). The HPSI takes information regarding consumers’ confidence in the real estate market from Fannie Mae’s National Housing Survey and condenses it into a single number. Therefore, the HPSI reflects consumers’ current views and forward-looking expectations of housing market conditions. Great News! […]
Rent Vs. Own [INFOGRAPHIC]
![Rent Vs. Own [INFOGRAPHIC] | Simplifying The Market](https://i2.wp.com/files.simplifyingthemarket.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/07171659/20190809-Share-KCM-549x300.jpg?w=358&ssl=1)
Some Highlights:
- Owning your own home vs. renting may lead to some great options, such as locking in your monthly payments and having the freedom to customize your living space.
- Whether you rent or own, you have to cover someone’s mortgage costs. You may as well be doing so to build your own wealth, rather than that of your landlord.
- Renting and owning both have up-front fees when you sign your lease or close, respectively. Think about putting that money to work for you!
Why All the Chicken Littles Should Calm Down
The U.S. Census Bureau recently released their 2019 Q2 Homeownership Report. Some began to see the sky falling, believing the report showed Americans may be stepping back from their belief in homeownership. The national homeownership rate (Americans who owned vs. rented their primary residence) increased significantly during the housing boom, reaching its peak of 69.2% […]
Appreciation Is Strong: It Might Be Time to Sell
There’s no doubt that today’s housing market is changing, and everything we see right now indicates it is time to sell. Here’s a look at why selling now is likely to drive the greatest return on your largest investment. Home values have been appreciating for several years now, growing at a strong, steady, and impressive […]
Appreciation Is Strong: It Might Be Time to Sell
There’s no doubt that today’s housing market is changing, and everything we see right now indicates it is time to sell. Here’s a look at why selling now is likely to drive the greatest return on your largest investment. Home values have been appreciating for several years now, growing at a strong, steady, and impressive […]
How Much Do You Know About Down Payments?
Whether you’ve owned a home before, or you’re ready to jump into homeownership for the first time, there are always a lot of questions swirling around about what is truly required for a down payment, and how to best source down payment assistance. Let’s tackle these two today. 1. How much do you really need […]
Millionaire to Millennials: The Costly Mistake of Not Buying Now
On his personal website, self-made millionaire David Bach makes a striking statement: “Not prioritizing homeownership is the single biggest mistake millennials are making.” He further stated, “Buying a home is an escalator to wealth.” Bach explains: “Young adults in particular aren’t hopping on this escalator, and it’s a costly mistake…If millennials don’t buy a home, their chances […]
Existing Home Sales Point Toward a Good Time to Sell [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some Highlights:
Existing Home Sales dropped 1.7% from May to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.27 million in June.
Low inventory levels are still a factor in the market. The current supply of homes for sale is at 4.4 months, which is less tha…
How to Judge the Impact of the Next Economic Slowdown on Housing
We’ve experienced economic growth for almost a decade, which is the longest recovery in the nation’s history. Experts know a recession can’t be too far off, but when will this economic slowdown actually occur? Pulsenomics just released a special report revealing that nearly 6 out of 10 of the 90 economists, investment strategists, and market […]
Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Sell Your House
As a homeowner, it’s always tempting to dream about the next big project you’re going to tackle. The possibilities are endless. Should I renovate? Should I refinance? Should I stay? Should I move? The list goes on and on. In today’s housing market, it’s actually a great time to shift your thoughts toward selling your […]
How to Increase Your Equity Over the Next 5 Years
Many of the questions currently surrounding the real estate industry focus on home prices and where they are heading. The most recent Home Price Expectation Survey (HPES) helps target these projected answers. Here are the results from the Q2 2019 Survey: Home values will appreciate by 4.1% in 2019 The average annual appreciation will be […]
3 Expert Insights On Inventory In The Current Market
The current housing landscape presents greater home values, low interest rates, and high buyer demand. All of these factors point to the strong market forecasted to continue throughout the rest of the year. There is, however, one thing that may cause the industry to tap the brakes: an overall lack of housing inventory. Buyer demand naturally increases […]
Home Prices Up 5.05% Across the Country [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some Highlights:
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) recently released their latest Quarterly Home Price Index report.
In the report, home prices are compared both regionally and by state.
Based on the latest numbers, if you plan on relocating…
3 Powerful Reasons to Buy a Home Now
Whether you are a first-time buyer or looking to move up to the home of your dreams, now is a great time to purchase a home. Here are three major reasons to buy today. 1. Affordability Many people focus solely on price when talking about home affordability. Since home prices have appreciated throughout the past […]
Mid-Year Housing Market Update: Three Things to Know Today
Shifting trends and industry-leading research are pointing toward some valuable projections about the status of the housing market for the rest of the year. If you’re thinking of buying or selling, or if you just want to know what experts are saying is on the horizon, here are the top three things to put on […]
What Experts are Saying About the Current Housing Market
We’re halfway through the year, and with a decline in interest rates as well as home price and wage appreciation, many are wondering what the experts predict for the second half of 2019. Here’s what some have to say: Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at realtor.com “Lower mortgage rates, higher wages and more homes for sale […]
Is Renting Right for Me?
If you’re currently renting and have dreams of owning your own home, it may be a good time to think about your next move. With rent costs rising annually and many helpful down payment assistance programs available, homeownership may be closer than you realize. According to the 2018 Bank of America Homebuyer Insights Report, 74% of […]
The Cost of Waiting: Interest Rates Edition [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some Highlights:
Interest rates are projected to increase steadily heading into 2020.
The higher your interest rate, the more money you will end up paying for your home and the higher your monthly payment will be.
Rates are still low right now – don…
The Surprising Profile of the Real Estate Investor
Over 10% of all residential homes are purchased by investors, and that number continues to rise. Who are these investors? Many have speculated that the large institutional conglomerates such as Blackstone, American Homes 4 Rent, and Colony Starwood dominate investor purchases. However, a special report on investor home buying by CoreLogic, Don’t Call it a […]
What a Difference a Year Makes for Sellers
Over the last few years, many sellers have been hesitant to put their houses on the market because they feared not being able to find another home to buy. We’ve reported on inventory shortages in the past, and it’s been a constant concern for potential buyers throughout recent years. New research shows the inventory concern […]
Should I Refinance My Home?
With the recent lower interest rates, many homeowners are wondering if they should refinance. To decide if refinancing is the best option for your family, start by asking yourself these questions: Why do you want to refinance? There are many reasons to refinance, but here are three of the most common ones: Lower your interest […]
Home Price Appreciation Forecast
Questions continue to come up about where home prices will head throughout the rest of this year, as well as where they may be going over the few years beyond. We’ve gathered current data from the industry’s most reliable sources to help answer these questions: The Home Price Expectation Survey – A survey of over 100 […]
Is Your First Home Now Within Your Grasp? [INFOGRAPHIC]
![Is Your First Home Now Within Your Grasp? [INFOGRAPHIC] | Simplifying the Market](https://i0.wp.com/files.simplifyingthemarket.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/24171123/20190621-Share-STM-549x300.jpg?w=358&ssl=1)
Some Highlights:
- According to the US Census Bureau, “millennials” are defined as 18-36-year-olds.
- According to NAR’s latest Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, the median age of all first-time home buyers is 32.
- More and more “old millennials” (25-36) are realizing that homeownership is within their grasp now!
Is Your First Home Now Within Your Grasp? [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some Highlights:
- According to the US Census Bureau, “millennials” are defined as 18-36-year-olds.
- According to NAR’s latest Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, the median age of all first-time home buyers is 32.
- More and more “old millennials” (25-36) are realizing that homeownership is within their grasp now!
Americans’ Powerful Belief in Homeownership as an Investment
The Federal Reserve Bank (The Fed) recently released their 2019 Survey of Consumer Expectations Housing Survey. The survey reported that 65% of Americans believe homeownership is a good financial investment. Since 2014, the percentage has increased by over nine percent.The Fed’s survey also showed that when the results are broken down by age, education, income, […]
4 Tips to Sell Your Home Faster
Since June of last year, we have seen an increase in the inventory of homes for sale month per month. Every spring and summer, the inventory increases because people want to sell their home. For those with children, they may want to be in their new home for the beginning of the school year. If […]
5 Powerful Reasons to Own Instead of Rent
Owning a home has great financial benefits. In a recent research paper, Homeownership and the American Dream, Laurie S. Goodman and Christopher Mayer of the Urban Land Institute explained: “Homeownership appears to help borrowers accumulate housing and nonhousing wealth in a variety of ways, with tax advantages, greater financial flexibility due to secured borrowing, built-in […]
Now’s the Time to Move-Up and Upgrade Your Current Home!
Homes priced at the top 25% of the price range for a particular area of the country are considered “premium homes.” In today’s real estate market, there are deals to be had at the higher end! This is great news for homeowners wanting to upgrade from their current house. Much of the demand for housing […]
10 Steps to Buying a Home This Summer [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some Highlights:
If you are thinking of buying a home, you may not know where to start.
Here is a simple list of 10 steps that you will go through to purchase a home.
Make sure to ask your agent for details about each step and what else may be requi…
Happy Independence Day!
Wishing you & yours a safe & Happy 4th of July!
Is Mortgage Debt out of Control?
The housing crisis of the last decade was partially caused by unhealthy levels of mortgage debt. Homeowners were using their homes as ATMs by refinancing and swapping their equity for cash. When prices started to fall, many homeowners found themselves in a negative equity situation (where their mortgage was higher than the value of their […]
Millennials Are Increasing the Demand for Condominiums
When deciding to buy a home, people are presented with many different options. The type of home you buy depends on your needs, budget, and in many cases, the desired maintenance level. For many millennials, their choice has been buying a condominium! According to CoreLogic, “Last year about 43% of all condo home-purchase mortgage applications […]
Top 5 Reasons You Should NOT FSBO
Rising home prices coupled with a lack of inventory in today’s market may cause some homeowners to consider selling their home on their own (known in the industry as a For Sale By Owner). However, a FSBO might not be a good idea for the vast majority of sellers. The top 5 reasons are listed […]
Americans Rank Real Estate Best Investment for 6 Years Running! [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some Highlights:
Real estate has outranked stocks/mutual funds, gold, savings accounts/CDs, and bonds as the best long-term investment among Americans for the last 6 years.
Stock owners are more positive about real estate than stocks as an investmen…