[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]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? Especially in today’s market, with rising home prices and high buyer competition, it’s crucial to have a pre-approval letter prior to making an offer. Here’s why.   Being intentional and competitive are musts when buying a home this year. Pre-approval from a lender...

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] One key question that’s top of mind for homebuyers this year is: why is it so hard to find a house to buy? The truth is, the number of buyers searching for a home greatly outweighs how many homes are available for sale.   While low inventory in the housing market isn’t new, it’s a challenge that continues to grow over time. Here’s a look at two reasons why...

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As you plan out your goals for the year, moving up to your dream home may be on the top the list. But, how do you know when to make your move? You want to time it just right so you can get the most out of the sale of your current house. You also want to know you’re making a good investment when you buy...

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]After almost two years of double-digit increases, many experts thought home price appreciation would decelerate or happen at a slower pace in the last quarter of 2021. However, the latest Home Price Insights Report from CoreLogic indicates while prices may have plateaued, appreciation has definitely not slowed.   In addition, the latest S&P Case-Shiller Price Index and the FHFA Price Index show a slight deceleration from the same time last year – it’s just not...

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]If you’re following along with the news today, you’re probably hearing a lot about record-breaking home prices, rising consumer costs, supply chain constraints, and more. If you’re thinking about purchasing a home this year, all of these inflationary concerns are likely making you wonder if you should wait to buy. Investopedia explains that during a period of high inflation, prices rise across the board. And while home prices aren’t...

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Many homeowners who plan to sell in 2022 may think the best thing to do is to wait for the spring buying market since historically about 40 percent of home sales occur between April and July. However, this year’s expected to be much different than the norm. Here are a few reasons to list your house now rather than waiting until the spring.   There Will Never Be a...

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Are you one of the many renters thinking about where you’ll live the next time your lease is up? Before you decide whether to look for a new house or another apartment, it’s important to understand the true costs of renting in 2022.   In 2021, rents grew dramatically. According to ApartmentList.com, since January 2021:   “. . . the national median rent has increased by a staggering 17.8 percent. To put...

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As we move into 2022, both buyers and sellers are wondering, what will the housing market look like in 2022? Will there be more homes available to buy? Will prices keep climbing? How high will mortgage rates go? For the answer to those questions and more, we turn to the experts. Here’s a look at what they say we can expect in 2022.   Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist, National Association of...

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As a buyer in a sellers’ market, sometimes it can feel like you’re stuck between a rock and a hard place. When you’re ready to make an offer on a home, remember these five easy tips to help you rise above the competition.   Move Quickly   Homes are selling quickly in today’s competitive housing market. According to the Existing Home Sales Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR): “Eighty-three percent of homes sold...

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Owning a home may make financial sense, but lately the emotional side of homeownership is becoming more and more important.   No matter what your space looks like, the feeling of a home differs from person to person. Whether it’s a familiar scent or your favorite couch, the feel-good connections to our own homes can be more important to us than the financial ones. Here are some...