Real Estate and Buying Tips from Our Local Experts

The news seems to be filled these days with tearful tales of folks who bought homes for well over the asking price—some sight unseen—during the coronavirus pandemic. They lament that they bought these properties at the height of the real estate market, often spending more than they planned, and didn’t...

Homeownership has always been the first rung on the ladder leading to household wealth. As Freddie Mac recently posted: “Homeownership has cemented its role as part of the American Dream, providing families with a place that is their own and an avenue for building wealth over time. This ‘wealth’ is built, in large...

We talk a lot about why it makes financial sense to buy a home, but more often than not, we’re drawn to the emotional reasons for homeownership. No matter the living space, the feeling of a home means different things to different people. Whether it’s a certain scent or a favorite chair,...

Once you’ve found the right home and applied for a mortgage, there are some key things to keep in mind before you close. You’re undoubtedly excited about the opportunity to decorate your new place, but before you make any large purchases, move your money around, or make any major life...

Over the past year, mortgage rates have fallen more than a full percentage point, hitting a new historic low 15 times. This is a great driver for homeownership, as today’s low rates provide consumers with some significant benefits. Here’s a look at three of them. 1. Move-up or Downsize: One option is to...

Are you ready to buy a home but don't know how the process begins? First and foremost - even if you're already driving through neighborhoods or looking online - find a real estate agent. Sounds simple enough, right? With so many brokerages and agents to choose from, the challenge here...

Getting ready to buy a house? Before you head out on your first home tour with your agent, arm yourself with the following advice. 1. Double check your credit If you're thinking about buying, you should already be "keeping score." Know your credit score, and make sure to rectify any...

There are 37 million potential homebuyers in the U.S. who have the credit characteristics to qualify for a home and yet don’t have a mortgage, according to Freddie Mac, the agency dedicated to increasing affordable housing in the U.S. A lack of education on the variety of mortgage options available...

In a year that was financially devastating for many Americans, some good news for most homeowners is the dramatic gain in home equity over the last twelve months. Last week, CoreLogic released its 2020 3rd Quarter Homeowner Equity Insights report, which reveals four major findings: U.S. homeowners with mortgages have seen their equity increase...

Homeownership is on the goal list for many young adults, but sometimes it’s hard to know exactly how to get there. From understanding the homebuying process to pre-approval and down payment assistance options, uncertainty along the way can ultimately hold some buyers back. Today, there are over 75 million Millennials and 67...

Today’s real estate market has high buyer interest and low housing inventory. With so many buyers competing for a limited number of homes, it’s more important than ever to know the ins and outs of making a confident and competitive offer. Here are five keys to success for this important stage in the...

Through all the challenges of 2020, the real estate market has done very well, and purchasers are continuing to take advantage of historically low mortgage rates. Realtor Magazine just explained: “While winter may be typically a slow season in real estate, economists predict it isn’t likely to happen this year…Low inventories combined with...