Is It Getting More Affordable To Buy a Home? Over the past year or so, a lot of people have been talking about how tough it is to buy a home. And while there’s no arguing affordability is still tight, there are signs it’s starting to get a bit better and may improve even more throughout the year. Elijah de la Campa, Senior Economist at Redfin, says: “We’re slowly climbing our way out of an affordability hole, but we have a long way to go. Rates have come down from their peak and are expected to fall again by the end of the year, which should make homebuying a little more affordable and in ..read more

Is It Better To Rent Than Buy a Home Right Now? You may have seen reports in the news recently saying it’s more affordable to rent right now than it is to buy a home. And while that may be true in some markets if you just look at typical monthly payments, there’s one thing that the numbers aren’t factoring in: and that’s home equity. Here’s a look at how big of an impact equity can have and why it’s worth considering as you make your decision. What the Headlines Are Based on The graph below uses national data on the median rental payment from Realtor.com and median mortgage payment from the N ..read more

Should I Wait for Mortgage Rates To Come Down Before I Move? If you’ve got a move on your mind, you may be wondering whether you should wait to sell until mortgage rates come down before you spring into action. Here’s some information that could help answer that question for you. In the housing market, there’s a longstanding relationship between mortgage rates and buyer demand. Typically, the higher rates are, you’ll see lower buyer demand. That’s because some people who want to move will be hesitant to take on a higher mortgage rate for their next home. So, they decide to wait it out and ..read more

If you were a home buyer, consider how you would perceive your home—particularly the garage—when touring. Does the garage stand out like a sore thumb? Is it a feature that requires extensive improvements, or is it move-in ready? Perhaps it seems like upgrading the garage is the least of your worries. However, the garage’s status can affect the home’s selling price. Read on to learn the value of a renovated garage and how it can deliver a large return on your investment. Factors That Affect a Garage’s Value Size and Capacity Prospective buyers often have a clear idea of their space require ..read more

The Perks of Downsizing When You Retire [INFOGRAPHIC] Some Highlights If you’re about to retire, or just did, downsizing can be a good way to try to cut down on some of your expenses. Smaller homes typically have lower energy and maintenance costs. Plus, you may have enough equity built up to fuel your move. If you're thinking about moving to a smaller home, let’s go over your goals and look at your options in our local market ..read more

Should I Move with Today’s Mortgage Rates? When mortgage rates spiked up over the last few years, some homeowners put their plans to move on pause. Maybe you did too because you didn’t want to sell and take on a higher mortgage rate for your next home. But is that still the right strategy for you? In today’s market, data shows more homeowners are getting used to where rates are and thinking it may be time to move. As Mark Zandi, Chief Economist at Moody’s Analytics, explains: “Listings are up a bit as life events and job changes are putting increasing pressure on locked-in homeowners to sell ..read more

The Top 5 Reasons You Need a Real Estate Agent when Buying a Home You may have heard headlines in the news lately about agents in the real estate industry and discussions about their commissions. And if you’re following along, it can be pretty confusing. But here’s the thing you really need to know – expert advice from a trusted real estate agent is priceless, now more than ever. And here’s why. A real estate agent does a lot more than you may realize. Your agent is the person who will guide you through every step when buying a home and look out for your best interests along the way. They s ..read more

Relocating to a new place is a significant life decision, and buying a home and moving to Florida might just be one of the best choices you can make for a better lifestyle. The Sunshine State is renowned for its balmy weather, diverse communities, and thriving real estate market, but there's so much more beneath the surface. Let’s uncover the various ways that buying a home and relocating to Florida can positively impact your life.   Year-Round Sunshine and Pleasant Weather One of the most apparent benefits of living in Florida is its delightful climate. Known for its warm, sunny days an ..read more

Many homeowners eagerly jump into renovations and upgrades to elevate their properties' value, expecting significant returns on their investments. However, these efforts can sometimes backfire and lead to disappointing results. Review these five errors to avoid when trying to increase your home’s value to prevent yourself from falling into these pitfalls. Ignoring Opportunities for Curb Appeal One error is to avoid overlooking your home's external appearance, which can influence homebuyers’ perception of the entire property. Look into ways to enhance your curb appeal, such as installing a fla ..read more

When it comes to home renovations, a change as simple as installing new flooring can transform the entire look and feel of your space. More importantly, the right type of flooring can boost your home’s value, making it a wise investment if you’re looking to increase your property’s worth. Let’s explore the best types of flooring that can increase your home’s value and give you a great return on investment. Hardwood Floors Hardwood floors are the gold standard for many homeowners and prospective buyers. They exude a timeless appeal and provide a warm, inviting atmosphere in any room. Homes w ..read more