Trying to decide between renting or buying a home? One key factor that could help you choose is just how much homeownership can grow your net worth. Every three years, the Federal Reserve Board shares a report called the Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF). It shows how much wealth homeowners and renters have – and the difference is significant. On

Nationwide, 24% of homebuyers searched to move to a different metro area between Oct ’23 – Dec ’23. The top 5 states homebuyers searched to move to were Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Arizona while California, New York, Illinois, Massachusetts, and Washington were the top 5 states homebuyers searched to move from. Of

Wondering if you should sell your house this year? As you make your decision, think about what’s motivating you to consider moving. A recent survey from realtor.com asked why homeowners are thinking about selling their houses this year. Here are the top two reasons (see graphic below): Let’s break those reasons down and explore how they might resonate with

Over the past year, home prices have been a widely debated topic. Some have said we’ll see a massive drop in prices and that this could be a repeat of 2008 – which hasn’t happened. Others have forecasted a real estate market that could see slight appreciation or depreciation depending on the area of the country.

While higher mortgage rates are creating affordability challenges for homebuyers this year, there is some good news for those people still looking to buy a home. As the market has cooled this year, some of the intensity buyers faced during the peak frenzy of the pandemic has cooled too. Here are just a few trends that may benefit you

As there’s more and more talk about the real estate market cooling off from the peak frenzy it saw during the pandemic, you may be questioning what that means for your plans to sell your house. If you’re thinking of making a move, you should know the market is still anything but normal. Even though the supply of homes

With so much talk about an economic slowdown, some people are asking if the housing market is heading for a crash like the one in 2008. To really understand what’s happening with real estate today, it’s important to lean on the experts for reliable information. Here’s why economists and industry experts say the housing market is not a bubble ready to pop.

It can be tempting, especially with how hot the housing market has been over the past two years, to consider selling your home on your own. But today’s market is at a turning point, making it more essential than ever to work with a real estate professional. Not only will a trusted real estate advisor keep you updated

There’s never been a truer statement regarding forecasting mortgage rates than the one offered last year by Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American: “You know, the fallacy of economic forecasting is: Don’t ever try and forecast interest rates and or, more specifically, if you’re a real estate economist mortgage rates, because you will always invariably be wrong.”

As a homebuyer, it’s important to plan and budget for the expenses you’ll encounter when you purchase a home. While most people understand the need to save for a down payment, a recent survey found 41% of homebuyers were surprised by their closing costs. Here’s some information to help you get started so you’re not caught off guard

For many homebuyers, the thought of saving for a down payment can feel daunting, especially in today’s market. That’s why, when asked what they find most difficult in the homebuying process, some buyers say it’s one of the hardest steps on the path to homeownership. Data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows: “For first-time home

If you’re looking to buy a home, you may be wondering how your student loan debt could impact those plans. Do you have to wait until you’ve paid off your student loans before you can buy your first home? Or could you qualify for a home loan with that debt? To give you the answers you’re

Long-Term US Mortgage Rates Hold This Week SILVER SPRING, Md. (AP) — Average long-term U.S. mortgage rates were essentially flat this week after jumping nearly a half percent the past two weeks as lenders anticipated the Federal Reserve’s announcement of pending rate increases. The average rate on the 30-year loan ticked down to 3.55% from

If you’re planning a move in 2022, now’s the perfect time to start getting your house in order. Before investing in repairs and upgrades, consult me to determine your home’s value. Use this information to set a budget, then consider these tips to get your house ready to show: FIRST IMPRESSIONS ARE EVERTHING – Spruce

As the 2021 real estate boom continues with bidding wars and record-selling prices, it’s common to wonder how we got to this point. The pandemic and lockdown forced us to accept personal changes that we weren’t expecting. Though hardships were plenty many people came to realize that not all of the changes were negative. Working

As of March 2021, about two-thirds of homeowners who signed up for some type of mortgage forbearance during the Covid-19 pandemic have exited the programs, according to new research from the New York Federal Reserve. Only 35% of borrowers, or about 2.2 million homeowners, who signed up for forbearance remain in these programs, the New York Fed found.

Natural light adds warmth and beauty to a home, as well as providing a free mood booster. Here are four ways to maximize the amount of sunlight in your space. Choose lighter paint colors. Walls painted in creamy whites or light grays with a satin finish will brighten up a room and reflect more light.

Last year, many people were stuck at home for much of the spring season. In order to safely enjoy the changing season now, consider creating a spring bucket list of activities to do on your own or with family members. Here are some ideas to get you started. STOP AND SMELLL THE ROSES. Spring is

Optimize each and every scheduled showing of your home by avoiding these common buyer turnoffs. Foul Odors. Eliminate any odors related to pets, smoking, mildew, and food. Let in some fresh air through the windows, place an open container of baking soda in smelly rooms and thoroughly clean carpets, furniture and curtains. An Untidy Exterior.

Recently, we asked the real estate agents of the BuzzFeed Community to tell us their surprising secrets and stories from working in their field. Here’s what they told us! 1. Places where things like murders have occurred are known as “stigmatized properties” and each state has its own rules on disclosure. “We are legally required to disclose any defects that

Home renovation projects are notorious for going over budget. If you’re considering remodeling a portion of your home, use these tips to create a renovation plan that will make you and your bank account happy. Set your priorities. Whether you’re unhappy with the dated tile in your bathroom or you’re looking to add value to

The kitchen becomes one of the most-used rooms during the holidays, so take some time to ensure that you have all the space you need for food preparation this year. Consider these simple steps for maximizing your kitchen. Plan ahead and space out food preparation. Whenever possible, try to prepare dishes a day or two

Boo! This year has been quite the scare. Like many holidays and celebrations in 2020, Halloween is sure to look different due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For those who plan on doling out candy for their neighborhood ghosts and goblins, consider these ideas for a safer way to accommodate trick-or-treaters. Arrange candy outside The CDC