Top 5 U.S. Locations Where Home Prices Are Still Rising
Despite what one may hear on- or offline, today’s U.S. real estate market presents a diverse landscape rather than a uniform scene, and can no longer be painted with a broad economic brush. For example, mobility and the prevalence of remote work now play more meaninful factors in the buying process, creating a unique market dynamic. In…
Mortgage Rates Drop Again, Applications Rise Slightly
On Thursday, November 30, 2023, Freddie Mac released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®), showing the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 7.22 percent, down from last week when it averaged 7.29 percent. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.49 percent. The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.56 percent, down from last week when it…
6 Reasons to Do an Annual Mortgage Checkup in 2023
Mortgage rates have been on the uptick in 2023, and home values are still rising, although not as quickly as they did in the past few years. This means that it’s more important than ever to make sure your mortgage is still working for you. Here are four reasons why you should do an annual…
FSBO vs. REALTOR® Sales: Debunking the Myths
The persistent debate between For Sale By Owner (FSBO) listings and realtor-assisted sales seems to be a perennial topic. Despite the fact that about 86% of buyers use a realtor for their purchase when it comes to selling, a large portion of the general public seems to think that they can handle everything just fine,…
High Interest Rates – Are they Here to Stay?
The surge in interest rates has had a significant impact on the real estate market in the USA. Higher borrowing costs have made it more expensive to buy a home, which has dampened demand and led to a slowdown in home sales. The median home price has also started to come down, as buyers have…
Someone Wants to Buy My House, But It’s Not for Sale. Should I Take the Offer?
It’s a strange market out there, and many homebuyers are getting desperate. In fact, with rising prices and very few listings to choose from, some are contacting homeowners whose homes are not for sale. If you’re in an in-demand area, you might be contacted by one of these hopeful homebuyers — or possibly their agent. Should…
Tech-Enhanced Home Staging: The Future Is Now
Home staging is the bread and butter of real estate professionals. Data shows that 81% of buyers’ agents believe their clients visualized the property more vividly, and it’s all due to home staging. But the days of traditional staging, relying solely on physical furniture and renovations, are gradually giving way to a new era of…
Defying Expectations: Why Home Prices May Rise Despite Current Mortgage Rates
Despite current mortgage rates, home prices in the USA have continued to climb at an unprecedented pace in many locations. This trend has defied expectations and left many experts scratching their heads. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons behind this phenomenon, drawing upon insights from experts and relevant statistics. The Supply-Demand Imbalance…
9 Tips for Decorating Your New House on a Strict Budget
Buying a house is an expensive endeavor. The cost of furnishing a new home has increased significantly since 2020. According to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), the price of furniture and home furnishings has increased by an average of 15.3% between 2020 and 2023. This is the largest annual increase since 1980! Fortunately, we’re about…
The Low-Inventory Challenge: Strategies for REALTORS®
The real estate market is currently grappling with low inventory. This means that there are more buyers than available homes. In fact, the most recent report from NAR shows that there is a 3.4-month supply at the current sales pace. The market, once defined by a balance between supply and demand, has tipped in favor…