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 put their plans on hold. But when rates star ..read more

Have you been saving up to buy a home this year? If so, you know there are a number of expenses involved – from your down payment to closing costs. But did you also know your tax refund can help you pay for some of these expenses? As Credit Karma explains: “If one of your goals is to stop renting and buy a home, you’ll need to save up for closing costs and a down payment on the mortgage. A tax refund can give you a start on the road to homeownership. If you’ve already started to save, your tax refund could move you down the road faster.” While how much money you may g ..read more

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. Source: https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/en/2024/04/12/the-perks-of-downsizing-when-you-retire-infographic?a=365763-dcb30e2e7daccff551cc8d8ee31934af  ..read more

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There’s no arguing it, affordability is still tight. And if you’re trying to buy a home, that may mean you need to look at smaller houses to find one that’s still in your budget. But there is a silver lining: builders are focused on building these smaller homes right now and they’re offering incentives. And that can help give you more options that fit the bill. Newly Built Homes Are Trending Smaller During the pandemic, homebuyers wanted (and could afford) larger homes – and builders delivered. They focused on homes that were bigger, so people had more space ..read more

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 their homes ..read more

If you have student loans and want to buy a home, you might have questions about how your debt affects your plans. Do you have to wait until you’ve paid off those loans before you can buy your first home? Or is it possible you could still qualify for a home loan even with that debt? Here’s a look at the latest information so you have the answers you need. A Bankrate article explains: “Roughly 60 percent of U.S. adults who have held student loan debt have put off making important financial decisions due to that debt . . . For Gen Z and millennial borrowers alone, that ..read more

Top 5 Reasons To Hire an Agent When Buying a Home [INFOGRAPHIC] Some Highlights Hiring an agent when buying a home helps you understand the buying process and the local market. They’ll also go over contracts and fine print with you, so you understand what you're agreeing to. Plus, they're good at negotiating, making sure you get the best deal. Expert advice from a trusted real estate professional is priceless. Let’s connect today. Source: https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/en/2024/04/05/top-5-reasons-to-hire-an-agent-when-buying-a-home-infographic?a ..read more

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