Last year, one factor drove the real estate market more than any other: rising mortgage rates. In March 2022, the Federal Reserve began a series of interest rate hikes in an effort to pump the brakes on inflation.1 And while some market sectors have been slow to respond, the housing market has reacted accordingly. Both […]
7 Tips to Maximize Your Home’s Sale Price
Over the past few years, a real estate buying frenzy bid up home prices to eye-popping amounts. However, as mortgage rates have risen, buyer demand has cooled. 1 Consequently, home sellers who enter the market today may need to reset their expectations. The reality is, it’s no longer enough to stick a “for sale” sign […]
Buy Now or Rent Longer? 5 Questions to Answer Before Purchasing Your First Home
Deciding whether to jump into the housing market or rent instead is rarely an easy decision – especially if you’re a first-time homebuyer. But in today’s whirlwind market, you may find it particularly challenging to pinpoint the best time to start exploring homeownership. A real estate boom during the pandemic pushed home prices to an […]
8 Strategies to Secure a Lower Mortgage Rate
Mortgage rates have been on a roller coaster ride this year, rising and falling amid inflationary pressures and economic uncertainty. And even the experts are divided when it comes to predicting where rates are headed next. [1] This climate has been unsettling for some homebuyers and sellers. However, with proper planning, you can work toward […]
10 Pro Tips for a Smooth Home Move
The process of moving into a new home can be both exhilarating and exhausting. Fortunately, you don’t have to do everything in a day. You don’t have to do it all alone, either. When you work with us, you’ll have an ally by your side long after your home sale or purchase has closed. We’ll […]
7 Costly Mistakes Home Sellers Make (And How to Avoid Them)
No matter what’s going on in the housing market, the process of selling a home can be challenging. Some sellers have a hard time saying goodbye to a treasured family residence. Others want to skip ahead to the fun of decorating and settling into a new place. Almost all sellers want to make the most […]
Higher Rates and Short Supply: The State of Real Estate in 2022
The last two years caught many of us off guard—and not just because of the pandemic. They also ushered in the hottest housing market on record, with home prices rising nationally by nearly 19% in 2021, driven primarily by low mortgage rates and a major supply shortage.1 But while some had hoped 2022 would bring […]
Hedge Against Inflation With These 3 Real Estate Investment Types
The annual inflation rate in the United States is currently around 7.5%—the highest it has been since 1982.1It doesn’t matter if you’re a cashier, lawyer, plumber, or retiree; if you spend U.S. dollars, inflation impacts you. Economists expect the effects of inflation, like a higher cost of goods, to continue.2 Luckily, an investment in […]
Top Tips for Buying a Home
Buying a home is an important life decision. Make sure you consider these important tips before you buy: 1. Look at your finances and decide how much you can afford.2. Make sure to physical inspect the home and property for potential fixes and hazards.3. Tour the neighborhood at different hours to get a feel for the […]
Prepping Your Home for Sale
Follow these tips when preparing your home for sale: Stage each living area to help potential buyers imagine living in that space. Keep all rooms clean, including children rooms. Remove clutter and extra furniture to help the space feel clean and larger.