There are many headlines about how housing affordability is declining. The headlines are correct: it’s less affordable to purchase a home today than it was a year ago. However, it’s important to give this trend context. Is it less expensive … [Read more...]
Median Rental Rates Are Now Higher Than Mortgage Payments – Time To Buy A Home
According to recent data from realtor.com, median rental prices have reached their highest point ever recorded in many areas across the country. The report found rents rose by 8.1% from the same time last year. As it notes: “Beyond simply … [Read more...]
What To Do Before Mortgage Interest Rates Increase
In today’s real estate market, mortgage interest rates are near record lows. If you’ve been in your current home for several years and haven’t refinanced lately, there’s a good chance you have a mortgage with an interest rate higher than … [Read more...]
Denver Housing Market Improving for Home Buyers [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some Highlights Buyers hoping for more homes to choose from may be in luck as housing inventory begins to rise. Many experts agree – new sellers listing their homes is great news for buyers and the overall market. Although the … [Read more...]
Four Reasons a 20% Down Payment is a Good Idea
If you’re thinking of buying a home this year, you may be wondering how much money you need to come up with for your down payment. Many people may think it’s 20% of the loan to secure a mortgage. While there are plenty of lower down payment … [Read more...]
Why Mortgage Rates May Increase and What It Means for Home Buyers
We’re currently experiencing historically low mortgage rates. Over the last fifty years, the average on a Freddie Mac 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has been 7.76%. Today, that rate is 2.81%. Flocks of homebuyers have been taking advantage of … [Read more...]
POOF – Housing Supply Nearly Half of Last Year
In today’s housing market, it seems harder than ever to find a home to buy. Before the health crisis hit us a year ago, there was already a shortage of homes for sale. When many homeowners delayed their plans to sell at the same time that … [Read more...]
Compare Home Mortgage Interest Rates by Decade [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some Highlights Mortgage interest rates have dropped considerably over the past year, and compared to what we’ve seen in recent decades, it’s a great time to buy a home. Locking in a low rate today could save you thousands of … [Read more...]
3 Reasons Homeownership Is a Solid Financial Decision
In today’s housing market, there are clear financial benefits to owning a home: increasing equity, the chance to build your net worth, and appreciating home values, just to name a few. If you’re a renter, it’s never too early to think about … [Read more...]
Do Home Buyers Need a 20% Down Payment?
Is the idea of saving for a down payment holding you back from buying a home right now? You may be eager to take advantage of today’s low mortgage rates, but the thought of needing a large down payment might make you want to pump the … [Read more...]
Buying a Home is a Path to Generating Long-Term Wealth
Every year, households across the country make the decision to rent for another year or take the leap into homeownership. They look at their earnings and savings and then decide what makes the most financial sense. That equation will most … [Read more...]
Experts Aim to Provide the Best Advice, Not Perfect Advice. Here’s the Difference…
As we approach the anniversary of the hardships we’ve faced through this pandemic and the subsequent recession, it’s normal to reflect on everything that’s changed and wonder what’s ahead for 2021. While there are signs of economic recovery … [Read more...]
Survey Results: Homebuyers Rank Technologies Used to Navigate the Home Search Process [INFOGRAPHIC]
Technology Homebuyers Rated Most Useful During the Home Search Process: 61% - Virtual tour of the home 58% - Accurate and detailed listing information 53% - Accurate and detailed neighborhood information 51% - High-quality … [Read more...]
Here’s a One Big Way Homeowners Benefit Over Renters
One of the benefits of homeownership is that it is a “forced savings plan.” Here’s how it works: You make a mortgage payment each month. Part of that payment is applied to the principal balance of your mortgage. Each month you owe less on … [Read more...]