In the ever-changing real estate market, staying informed is key for both homeowners and potential buyers and sellers. In this month's edition of the Monthly Market Report, David Childers, CEO of Keeping Current Matters, breaks down some crucial insights everyone should know. One of the first topics addressed is the state of mortgage rates. With the current volatility in the market, understanding how mortgage rates are determined is essential. Childers highlights the relationship between the ten-year treasury rate and the spread between the ten-year treasury and the thirty-year fixed mortgage ..read more

Understanding Credit Scores When Buying a Home: A Guide by The Jill Smith Team One crucial factor often overlooked in the journey to homeownership is your credit score. It is vital to understand how it affects your ability to secure a mortgage and the rates you'll receive. Here's what you need to know about credit scores before buying a home. The Significance of Credit Scores Your credit score serves as a barometer for lenders, indicating your creditworthiness. It reflects your payment history, debt management, and overall financial responsibility. Notably, your credit score influences the mor ..read more

At The Jill Smith Team, we understand the importance of staying informed about the latest trends and statistics shaping the real estate market, especially in our local area of Cypress, TX, and its surroundings. That's why we're excited to share the highlights from the January 2024 residential sales statistics recently released by the Houston Association of Realtors (HAR). Here are some key takeaways from the latest MLS release: Overall Market Performance: The greater Houston area continues to show resilience and strength in the residential real estate market. Despite various economic factors a ..read more

As experts in residential real estate in Cypress, TX, and the surrounding areas, The Jill Smith Team is committed to helping you make informed decisions about your home. Today, we want to shed light on the powerful concept of home equity and how it can be a valuable resource for achieving your financial and life goals. Understanding Home Equity: Home equity is the difference between your home's current market value and the outstanding balance on your mortgage. This wealth-building asset grows as you pay down your mortgage and as home values appreciate. Recent data from Freddie Mac shows that h ..read more

If you're considering buying a home in Cypress, TX, or the surrounding area, understanding how mortgage rates can affect your purchasing power is essential. In this blog post, The Jill Smith Team will delve into the recent decrease in mortgage rates, explaining what it means for prospective homebuyers and how it can impact your ability to afford your dream home. With valuable insights and expert guidance, we aim to help you make informed decisions on your homeownership journey. Recent Mortgage Rate Trends According to Freddie Mac, rates for 30-year fixed mortgages have seen a significant decli ..read more

If you're considering buying a home in Cypress, TX, or the surrounding area, you may be eager to start picturing yourself in your new living space. However, before you get carried away with decorating ideas, there's a crucial step in the homebuying process that you should prioritize: getting pre-approved for a mortgage. In this blog post, The Jill Smith Team will explain why pre-approval is a game-changer for homebuyers and why it's essential for anyone looking to secure their dream home in the competitive Cypress, TX real estate market. Why Pre-Approval Matters While recent trends in the hous ..read more

If you're considering buying a home in Cypress, TX, or the surrounding areas, it's crucial to make well-informed decisions. The real estate market can be dynamic and ever-changing, influenced by various factors such as home prices and mortgage rates. In this blog post, we'll explore the top questions you should ask yourself when contemplating a home purchase and provide data-backed insights to help you cut through the noise. 1. Where Do I Think Home Prices Are Heading? One of the most critical questions when considering a home purchase is where you think home prices are going in the future. Fo ..read more

Why Didn't Your House Sell? Here's What You Need to Consider If your listing has expired, and your house hasn't sold, you're not alone in feeling frustrated and disappointed. It's a common situation, and it's essential to understand the factors that may have contributed to this outcome. In this blog post, The Jill Smith Team, your trusted residential real estate experts in Cypress, TX, and the surrounding area will discuss three critical questions to help you figure out what to do next. Did You Limit Access to Your House? One of the most significant mistakes homeowners make when selling their ..read more

3 Keys To Hitting Your Homeownership Goals in 2024 If you're planning to buy or sell a home in 2024, understanding today's housing market, defining your goals, and working with industry professionals can be the key to achieving homeownership success. In this blog post, The Jill Smith Team, your trusted residential real estate experts in Cypress, TX, and the surrounding area, will guide you through the three crucial steps to make your homeownership dreams a reality in 2024. 1. Know Your Why Before diving into the housing market, it's essential to identify your motivation for making a move. Whet ..read more

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