Real Estate and Buying Tips from Our Local Experts

Should I Wait for Lower Mortgage Interest Rates?

By Sharad Gupta on

Historically low mortgage rates are a big motivator for homebuyers right now. In 2020 alone, rates hit new record-lows 16 times, and the trend continued into the early part of this year. Many hopeful homebuyers are now wondering if they should put their plans on hold and wait for the lowest rates...

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What Happens When Homeowners Leave Their Forbearance Plans?

By Sharad Gupta on

According to the latest report from Black Knight, Inc., a well-respected provider of data and analytics for mortgage companies, 6.48 million households have entered a forbearance plan as a result of financial concerns brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s where these homeowners stand right now: 2,543,000 (39%) are current on their payments...

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How to buy a home in a multiple offer situation

By Troy Krabbenhoft on

Fighting multiple offers on a house can be a nightmare for buyers: It basically means that you’ve found your dream home, but everyone else also wants it. Unless you go to the mat and really play your cards right, this place could easily slip through your fingers. That’s why it’s critical to put your best...

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Most Pandemic Buyers Happy with Their New Homes

By Charles Gardner on

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...

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The Importance of Home Equity in Building Wealth

By Sharad Gupta on

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...

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Turning a House into a Happy Home

By Sharad Gupta on

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,...

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The Difference a Year Makes for Homeownership

By Sharad Gupta on

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...

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HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT REAL ESTATE AGENT

By Scott Garrison on

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...

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