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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.

According to NAR, based on the pace of sales right now, just under 4 million homes will sell this year. With some simple math, let’s break down what that really means for you:

• 3.96 million homes divided by 365 days in a year = 10,849 houses sell each day
• 10,849 divided by 24 hours in a day = 452 houses sell per hour
• 452 divided by 60 minutes in an hour = about 8 houses sell each minute

So, on average, over 10,000 homes sell each day in this country. Whether you're a buyer or a seller, this goes to show there are still ways to make your move possible, even at a time when affordability is tight.

An Agent Can Help You...

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.

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 market.

Experts Forecast Ongoing Home Price Appreciation

Looking forward, experts project home prices will continue to rise next year, but not quite as much as they did this year. Even though the expected rise in 2024 isn't as big as in 2023, it's important to understand home price appreciation is cumulative. That ongoing price growth is a big part of why owning a home can be a smart decision in the long run.

Projections Show Sales Should Increase Slightly Next Year

While expectations are for just a slight uptick in total sales, improved activity next year is a good thing for the housing market, and for...

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.

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 there. So, no matter what you may have heard, the national data shows they've actually been climbing again.

Home Prices Are Rising Across the Top Cities in the U.S.

After seeing steady home price growth at the national level for the last several months, you may wonder if prices are going up in your local area, too. Know this: while this will vary from one area to the next, home prices are appreciating in these top cities Case-Shiller reports on in their monthly price index.

Here’s How This Affects You

• For Buyers: If you've been waiting to buy a home because you were concerned it might lose value, the...

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. 

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 considering buying or selling a house. That’s because through all these life-altering events, there is one common thread—the need to move.

Lean On a Real Estate Professional for Help

Whether you're beginning your search for a home or preparing to sell your current house, you don't have to go it alone. With their expertise, a real estate agent is an invaluable partner who can help you smoothly transition through these big moments in your life.

When Buying a Home

If you’re welcoming a new addition and want more space, the need for a new home may be a top priority. While higher home prices and mortgage rates are...

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.

VA Loans Help Heroes Achieve Homeownership [INFOGRAPHIC]

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 show our appreciation to veterans is by providing them with important information about the advantages of VA home loans.

VA Loans Help Heroes Achieve Homeownership [INFOGRAPHIC] VA home loans can help people who served our country become homeowners.

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 know about VA loans before you buy a home.

The Many Advantages of VA Home Loans

VA home loans provide a pathway to homeownership for those who have served our nation, and they’re a great benefit for buyers who qualify. According to the Department of Veteran Affairs:

• Options for No Down Payment: Qualified borrowers can often purchase a home with no down payment. That’s a huge weight lifted when you’re trying to save for a home.
• Limited Closing Costs: There are limits on the types of closing costs you pay when you qualify for a VA home loan. So, more money stays in your pocket when...

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.

Thinking About Using Your 401(k) To Buy a Home?

Are you dreaming of buying your own home and wondering about how you’ll save for a down payment? You're not alone. Some people think about tapping into their 401(k) savings to make it happen. But before you decide to dip into your retirement to buy a home, be sure to consider all possible alternatives and talk with a financial expert. Here’s why.

The Numbers May Make It Tempting

It can be really tempting when you have a lot of money saved up in your 401(k) and you see your dream home on the horizon. But remember, dipping into your retirement savings for a home could cost you a penalty and affect your finances later on. That's why it's important to explore all your options when it comes to saving for a down payment and buying a home.

Alternative Ways To Buy a Home

Using your 401(k) is one way to finance a home, but it's not the only option. Before you decide...

Thinking About Using Your 401(k) To Buy a Home? Are you dreaming of buying your own home and wondering about how you’ll save for a down payment? You're not alone.

Homeowner Net Worth Has Skyrocketed

If you’re weighing your options to decide whether it makes more sense to rent or buy a home today, here’s one key data point that could help you feel more confident in making your decision. Every three years, the Federal Reserve Board releases the Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF). That report covers the difference in net worth for both homeowners and renters. Spoiler alert: the gap between the two is significant.

The average homeowner’s net worth is almost 40X greater than a renter’s.

One of the biggest reasons homeowner net worth skyrocketed is home equity.

Over the last few years, known as the ‘unicorn’ years for housing, home prices went through the roof. That’s because there weren’t enough homes for sale, and there was a big influx of buyers rushing to buy them and take advantage of the then record-low mortgage rates. That imbalance of supply and demand pushed prices...

Homeowner Net Worth Has Skyrocketed If you’re weighing your options to decide whether it makes more sense to rent or buy a home today, here’s one key data point that could help you feel more confident in making your decision.

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 new year.

Get One Step Ahead of Other Sellers

Typically, in the residential real estate market, homeowners are less likely to list their houses toward the end of the year.

Selling now, while other homeowners may hold off until after the holidays, can help you get a leg up on your competition. Start the process with a real estate agent today so you can get your house on the market before your neighbors do.

Get Your House in Front of Eager Buyers

A recent article from Investopedia says: “. . . if your house is up for sale in the winter and someone is looking at it, chances are that person is serious...

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.

The Benefits of Buying a Multi-Generational Home [INFOGRAPHIC]

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 help you save money, give or receive childcare, and spend quality time together. Let’s connect to find a home in our area that’s perfect for you and your loved one’s needs.

The Benefits of Buying a Multi-Generational Home [INFOGRAPHIC] 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.

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 late 2022, the media has created a lot of fear about a price crash and those concerns are still lingering.

The answer is simple. Listen to the professionals who specialize in residential real estate.

Market experts acknowledge that nationally, prices did dip down slightly late last year, but that was short-lived. Data shows prices have already rebounded this year after that slight decline in 2022.

What’s worth noting is that, just a few short weeks ago, the Fannie Mae forecast was for 3.9% appreciation in 2023. In the forecast that just came out, that projection was updated from 3.9% to 6.7% for the...

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.

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, accessory dwelling units, or ADUs for short, may be able to help you reach your goals.

What Is an ADU?

As AARP says:
• “An ADU is a small residence that shares a single-family lot with a larger, primary dwelling.”
• “An ADU is an independent, self-contained living space with a kitchen or kitchenette, bathroom and sleeping area.”
• “An ADU can be located within, attached to, or detached from the main residence.”

The Benefits of ADUs

• Living Close by, But Still Separate: According to Freddie Mac: “Having an accessory dwelling unit on an existing property has become a popular way for...

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.