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…
How Much Do You REALLY Know About VA Loans?
Most veterans and military service members know VA loans are out there – and that they can help them buy a home more easily and, in most cases, more affordably.
But when it comes down to the nitty-gritty details of these mortgage options? Things get a little murkier.
In honor of Veterans Day this Saturday, we’re taking a closer look at VA loans – and what veterans should know about using them.
2 simple ways you can lower your mortgage payments
You’re ready to buy a home, and as luck would have it, rates and house prices are through the roof! Don’t be discouraged — now, there’s a way to reduce your monthly mortgage payments. And it won’t cost you a dime. It’s called a temporary buydown. A buydown lowers your monthly payments during the first…
5 Books Every First-Time Homeowner Should Read
Purchasing your first home is a monumental step in life – one that brings excitement, anticipation, and a bit of trepidation. In today’s real estate market, where interest rates are on the rise and home prices have reached record highs, it’s more important than ever to be well-prepared and informed. After all, a home is…
The iBuyer Phenomenon: What REALTORS® Need to Know
iBuyers are changing home sales in the real estate market. In fact, recent data shows that these tech-powered companies have already increased home prices by as much as 2.8%. This is a clear indication that this phenomenon can’t be ignored. As a realtor, it’s crucial to understand the iBuyer inside and out to be able…
The 9 Best Ways to Lower Your Interest Rate & Monthly Payment
Are you looking to make your homeownership dreams come true while ensuring your monthly mortgage payments fit comfortably within your budget? Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or thinking about refinancing your existing mortgage, there are various strategies you can employ to lower your interest rate and reduce your monthly mortgage payment. Let’s explore some of…
4 Must-Know Facts about Mortgage Points
With mortgage rates having tripled over the past few years, many homebuyers may be concerned about the impact on their long-term financial commitments. And many first-time buyers may wonder if they will ever get their dream home. Even worse, people are sitting on the sidelines while both interest rates and home prices go up! Fret…
REALTOR®’S Toolkit: Top Tech Innovations in the Real Estate World
Gone are the days of simple print ads in newspapers to showcase properties. Now, technology offers tools that do much more — they provide a closer look at properties, help predict market trends, and even speed up the bidding process. However, these tech tools are more than gadgets; they are key to growing your business…
The Home Loan Process: Who’s Involved?
The journey to homeownership is an exciting yet complex process, often involving as many as 10 professionals and entities who play vital roles in securing a home loan. This intricate web of experts is necessary to ensure that your dream of owning a home becomes a reality. In this blog post, we will delve into…