Nanci Gilbert, PA's Blog Posts

A Look at Housing Supply and What It Means for SellersOne of the hottest topics of conversation in today’s real estate market is the shortage of available homes. Simply put, there

3 Hot Topics in the Housing Market Right NowIf you’re a prospective buyer or seller, it’s important to understand the current real estate market conditions and how they affect you. The

Pop Quiz: Can You Define These Key Terms in Today’s Housing Market? Some HighlightsThe language of buying and selling a home may sound scary at first, but knowing how key terms relate to

Today’s Real Estate Market Explained Through 4 Key TrendsAs we move into the second half of the year, one thing is clear: the current real estate market is one for the record books. The exact

3 Charts That Show This Isn’t a Housing BubbleWith home prices continuing to deliver double-digit increases, some are concerned we’re in a housing bubble like the one in 2006. However, a

What You Should Do Before Interest Rates RiseIn today’s real estate market, mortgage interest rates are near record lows. If you’ve been in your current home for several years and haven

Experts Agree: Options Are Improving for Buyers Some HighlightsBuyers hoping for more homes to choose from may be in luck as housing inventory begins to rise. Many experts agree

Diving Deep into Today’s Biggest Buyer ConcernsLast week, Fannie Mae released their Home Purchase Sentiment Index (HPSI). Though the survey showed 77% of respondents

Housing Supply Is Rising. What Does That Mean for You?An important factor in today’s market is the number of homes for sale. While inventory levels continue to sit near historic lows, there

Why This Isn’t Your Typical Summer Housing MarketIn real estate, it’s normal to see ebbs and flows in the market. Typically, the summer months are slower-paced than the traditionally

4 Major Incentives To Sell This SummerWhile the housing market forecast for the second half of the year remains positive, there may not be a better time to sell than right now. Here are

Your Home Equity Can Take You PlacesSome HighlightsThe amount of wealth Americans have stored in their homes has increased astronomically.On average, homeowners gained $33,400 in equity

Selling Your House? Make Sure You Price It Right.There’s no denying we’re in a sellers’ market. With low inventory and high buyer demand, homes today are selling above the

The Truths Young Homebuyers Need To HearFor many young or first-time homebuyers, purchasing a home can feel intimidating. A recent survey shows some homebuyers ages 25 to 40 may be unsure

A Look at Home Price Appreciation Through 2025Home prices have increased significantly over the last year, which in turn has grown the net worth of homeowners. Appreciation and home equity are

Home Builders Ramp Up Construction Based on DemandIf you’re thinking of buying a home, there really is no time like the present. With today’s low mortgage rates, you have a great

Happy Independence Day!Wishing you a happy and safe Independence.

Are We in a Housing Bubble? Experts Say No.The question of whether the real estate market is a bubble ready to pop seems to be dominating a lot of conversations – and everyone has an opinion.

What Do Experts See on the Horizon for the Second Half of the Year?As we move into the latter half of the year, questions about what’s to come are top of mind for buyers and sellers. Near

What To Expect as Appraisal Gaps GrowIn today’s real estate market, low inventory and high demand are driving up home prices. As many as 54% of homes are getting offers over the

Save Time and Effort by Selling with an AgentSelling a house is a time-consuming process – especially if you decide to do it on your own, known as a For Sale By Owner (FSBO). From

Homebuyers: Hang in ThereSome HighlightsToday’s sellers’ market provides unique challenges—and benefits—for buyers.Current low interest rates won’t last

Demand for Vacation Homes Is Still StrongThe pandemic created a tremendous interest in vacation homes across the country. Throughout the last year, many people purchased second homes as a

Homeowner Wealth Increases Through Growing Equity This YearBuilding financial wealth and stability remains one of the top reasons Americans choose to own a home, and as a homeowner, your

Pre-Approval Makes All the Difference When Buying a HomeYou may have been told that it’s important to get pre-approved at the beginning of the homebuying process, but what

5 Things Homebuyers Need To Know When Making an OfferWhen it comes to buying a house, you’re looking for the perfect place to call home. The problem is, in today’s market there just aren

Owning a Home Has Distinct Financial Benefits Over Renting Some HighlightsWhen you rent, you build your landlord’s wealth, your monthly payment depends on ever-rising rents, and

Housing Wealth: The Missing Piece of the Affordability EquationThe real estate market is soaring today. Residential home values are rising, and that’s a big win for homeowners. In 2020, there

Don’t Wait To Sell Your HouseWe’re in the ultimate sellers’ market right now. If you’re a homeowner thinking about selling, you have a huge advantage in today’s housing

Hope Is on the Horizon for Today’s Housing ShortageThe major challenge in today’s housing market is that there are more buyers looking to purchase than there are homes available to buy.

The Right Expert Will Guide You Through This Unprecedented MarketIn a normal market, it’s good to have an experienced guide coaching you through the process of buying or selling a home. That

Have Your Day in the Sun by Moving Up This Summer Some HighlightsLonger days and sunny weather mean summer is upon us, and what better conditions than right now to upgrade to the home

Why This Is Not Like 2008 AgainDuring the Great Recession, just over a decade ago, the financial systems the world depended on started to collapse. It created a panic that drove some large companies

Home Price Appreciation Is as Simple as Supply and DemandHome price appreciation continues to accelerate. Today, prices are driven by the simple concept of supply and demand. Pricing of any

In Today’s Market, Listing Prices Are Like an Auction’s Reserve PriceFor generations, the process of buying and selling a home never really changed. A homeowner would try to estimate the

Why You May Want To Cash in on Your Second HomeWhen stay-at-home mandates were enforced last year, many households realized their homes didn’t really fulfill their new lifestyle needs. An

Top Reasons To Own Your Home Some HighlightsJune is National Homeownership Month, and it’s a great time to consider the benefits of owning your own home.If you’re thinking of

Dreaming of a Bigger Home? Why Not Buy It This Year?Are you clamoring for extra rooms or a more functional floorplan in your house? Maybe it’s time to make a move. If you’ll be able to

What’s Motivating People To Move Right Now?This year, Americans are moving for a variety of reasons. The health crisis has truly reshaped our lifestyles and our needs. Spending so much more

6 Reasons to Celebrate National Homeownership MonthOur homes are so much more than the houses we live in. For many, they’ve also become our workplaces, schools for our children, and safe

Homes Across the Country Are Selling FastSome HighlightsIn today’s whirlwind real estate market, houses are selling at astonishing speed – from sea to shining sea.Four years ago, the

How Misunderstandings about Affordability Could Cost YouThere’s a lot of discussion about affordability as home prices continue to appreciate rapidly. Even though the most recent index on

Buying a Home Is Still AffordableThe last year has put emphasis on the importance of one’s home. As a result, some renters are making the jump into homeownership while some homeowners are re

Where Do Experts Say the Housing Market Is Heading?As we enter the middle of 2021, many are wondering if we’ll see big changes in the housing market during the second half of this year. Here

3 Things To Prioritize When Selling Your HouseToday’s housing market is full of unprecedented opportunities. High buyer demand paired with record-low housing inventory is creating the

Americans Choose Real Estate as the Best Investment Some HighlightsFor the eighth year in a row, real estate maintained its position as the preferred long-term investment among

Should I Move or Refinance?The level of equity homeowners have is at an all-time high. According to the U.S. Census, over 38% of owner-occupied homes are owned free and clear, meaning

Sellers Are Ready To Enter the Housing MarketOne of the biggest questions in real estate today is, “When will sellers return to the housing market?” An ongoing shortage of home supply

Americans See Real Estate as a Better Investment Than Stocks or GoldLast month, in a post on the Liberty Street Economics blog, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York noted that

Don’t Forget to Budget for Closing CostsWhen buying a home, it’s important to have a budget and make sure you plan ahead for certain homebuying expenses. Saving for a down payment

When It Comes To Selling a House, Your Time Is Money Some HighlightsSelling a house is no small task. If you decide to try to do it on your own, keep in mind you’ll be responsible

Your House Could Be the Oasis in an Inventory DesertHomebuyers are flooding the housing market right now to take advantage of record-low mortgage rates. Many have a sense of urgency to find a

Experts Say Home Prices Will Continue to Appreciate>It’s clear that consumers are concerned about how quickly home values are rising. Many people fear the speed of appreciation may lead to

It’s Not Too Late To Apply For ForbearanceOver the past year, the pandemic made it challenging for some homeowners to make their mortgage payments. Thankfully, the government initiated a 

3 Graphs Showing Why You Should Sell Your House NowThere’s no doubt that 2021 is the year of the seller when it comes to the housing market. If you’re a homeowner thinking of moving

The Power of Mortgage Pre-ApprovalSome Highlights Mortgage pre-approval means a lender has reviewed your finances and, based on factors like your income, debt, and credit history, determined

Why Waiting to Buy a Home Could Cost You a Small FortuneMany people are sitting on the fence trying to decide if now’s the time to buy a home. Some are renters who have a strong desire to

Are Interest Rates Expected to Rise Over the Next Year?So far this year, mortgage rates continue to hover around 3%, encouraging many hopeful homebuyers to enter the housing market. However, there

4 Big Incentives for Homeowners to Sell NowThe housing market keeps sailing along. The only headwind that could take it off course is the lack of inventory for sale. The National Association of

Americans Find the Nonfinancial Benefits of Homeownership Most ValuableHomeownership is a foundational part of the American Dream. As we look back on more than a year of sheltering in our,

Should I Buy Now or Wait?Some HighlightsIf you’re thinking that waiting a year or two to purchase a home might mean you’ll save some money, think again.Mortgage interest rates are

Is Home Price Appreciation Accelerating Again?At the beginning of the year, industry forecasts called for home price appreciation to slow to about half of the double-digit increase we saw last year.

Patience Is the Key to Buying a Home This YearThe question many homebuyers are facing this year is, “Why is it so hard to find a house?” We’re in the ultimate sellers

4 Tips to Maximize the Sale of Your HouseHomeowners ready to make a move are definitely in a great position to sell today. Housing inventory is incredibly low, driving up buyer competition. This

This Isn’t a Bubble. It’s Simply Lack of SupplySome HighlightsIn a recent article, Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for the National Association of Realtors (NAR),

Don’t Be Fooled by Remarkable Real Estate HeadlinesDon’t be impressed by the headlines reporting year-over-year housing numbers for the next several months (data covering March, April,

Planning to Move? You Can Still Secure a Low Mortgage Rate on Your Next HomeThis year, mortgage rates have started to slowly climb above recent record-breaking lows. Many homeowners planning to 

82,338 Great Reasons to Buy a Home TodayThe financial benefits of buying a home as compared to renting one are always up for debate. However, one element of the equation is often ignored – the

How Much Time Do You Need To Save for a Down Payment?One of the biggest hurdles homebuyers face is saving for a down payment. As you’re budgeting and planning for your home purchase, you&rsquo

93% of Americans Believe a Home Is a Better Investment Than StocksA recent Survey of Consumer Finances study released by the Federal Reserve reveals the net worth of homeowners&

Some Buyers Prefer Smaller HomesOver the past year, we’ve had plenty of opportunities to reflect on what we consider most important in our lives. The place we call home is one of the

4 Major Reasons Households in Forbearance Won’t Lose Their Homes to ForeclosureThere has been a lot of discussion as to what will happen once the 2.3 million households currently in

Multigenerational Housing Is Gaining Momentum Some HighlightsIf your house is feeling a little cramped with the addition of adult children or aging parents, it might be time to consider a move

Homeownership Is Full of Financial BenefitsA Fannie Mae survey recently revealed some of the most highly-rated benefits of homeownership, which continue to be key drivers in today

Don’t Sell on Your Own Just Because It’s a Sellers’ MarketIn a sellers’ market, some homeowners might be tempted to try to sell their house on their own (known

Buyer & Seller Perks in Today’s Housing MarketRight now, the housing market is full of outstanding opportunities for both buyers and sellers. Whether you’re thinking of

What It Means To Be in a Sellers’ MarketIf you’ve given even a casual thought to selling your house in the near future, this is the time to really think seriously about making

Why You Should Think About Listing Prices Like an Auction’s Reserve PriceFor generations, the homebuying process never really changed. The seller would try to estimate the market value of the

Should We Fear the Surge in Cash-Out Refinances?Freddie Mac recently released their Quarterly Refinance Statistics report which covers refinances through 2020. The report explains

What Credit Score Do You Need for a Mortgage?According to data from the most recent Origination Insight Report by Ellie Mae, the average FICO® score on closed loans

To Renovate or Not To Renovate Before You SellWhen thinking about selling, homeowners often feel they need to get their house ready with some remodeling to make it more appealing to buyers. However,

What Is the Strongest Tailwind to Today’s Recovering Economy?Last year started off with a bang. Unemployment was under 4%, forecasters were giddy with their projections for the economy,

What Is the #1 Financial Benefit of Homeownership?There are many financial and non-financial benefits of homeownership, and the greatest financial one is wealth creation. Homeownership has

How to Make a Winning Offer on a HomeToday’s homebuyers are faced with a strong sellers’ market, which means there are a lot of active buyers competing for a relatively

Will the Housing Market Bloom This Spring?Spring is almost here, and many are wondering what it will bring for the housing market. Even though the pandemic continues on, it’s certain to be

6 Simple Graphs Proving This Is Nothing Like Last TimeLast March, many involved in the residential housing industry feared the market would be crushed under the pressure of a once-in-a-lifetime

How Upset Should You Be about 3% Mortgage Rates?Last Thursday, Freddie Mac announced that their 30-year fixed mortgage rate was over 3% (3.02%) for the first time since last July.

5 Reasons to Sell Your House This SpringWhen selling a house, most homeowners hope for a quick and profitable transaction that puts them in a position to make a great move. If you’re waiting

How to Prepare Your House for a Winning Sale This Spring Some HighlightsWith so few homes available to buy today, houses are in high demand, and they’re selling fast.That means

Is It a Good Time to Sell My House?Last year, many homeowners thought twice about selling their houses due to the onset of the health crisis. This year, however, homeowners are beginning to regain

Home Prices: What Happened in 2020? What Will Happen This Year?The real estate market was on fire during the second half of 2020. Buyer demand was way up, and the supply of homes available for sale

What Are the Benefits of a 20% Down Payment?If you’re thinking of buying a home this year, you may be wondering how much money you need to come up with for your down payment. Many

It’s a Sellers’ Market Some HighlightsOver the past year, homeowners have gained an unprecedented opportunity to sell with great success while buyer demand is soaring.With homes

How Much Leverage Do Today’s House Sellers Have?The housing market has been scorching hot over the last twelve months. Buyers and their high demand have far outnumbered sellers and a short

The Reason Mortgage Rates Are Projected to Increase and What It Means for YouWe’re currently experiencing historically low mortgage rates. Over the last fifty years, the average on a 

Where Have All the Houses Gone?In today’s housing market, it seems harder than ever to find a home to buy. Before the health crisis hit us a year ago, there was already a shortage of homes for

Home Mortgage Rates by DecadeSome HighlightsMortgage interest rates have dropped considerably over the past year, and compared to what we’ve seen in recent decades, it’s a great time to

Will Low Mortgage Rates Continue through 2021?With mortgage interest rates hitting record lows so many times recently, some are wondering if we’ll see low rates continue throughout

47% of New Buyers Surprised by How Affordable Homes Are TodayHeadlines matter. Right now, it’s hard to read about real estate without seeing a headline that suggests homes have become

3 Ways Home Equity Can Have a Major Impact on Your LifeThere have been a lot of headlines reporting on how homeowner equity (the difference between the current market value of your home and the

Millennials: Is It Time to Buy a Bigger Home?In today’s housing market, all eyes are on millennials. Not only are millennials the largest generation, but they’re also currently between

3 Ways You’ll Win When You Buy a Home This YearThere are so many great reasons to purchase a home, and over the past year, we’ve realized more of them than we ever thought possible. If

Why It’s Easy to Fall in Love with HomeownershipSome HighlightsHomeownership provides comfort, stability, and security, and it makes you feel more connected to your community.Your home is

Want to Build Wealth? Buy a Home This Year.Every year, households across the country make the decision to rent for another year or take the leap into homeownership. They look at their earnings and

Why Owning a Home Is a Powerful Financial DecisionIn today’s housing market, there are clear financial benefits to owning a home: increasing equity, the chance to build your net,

The Luxury Market Is Attracting Buyers in 2021As more people continue to identify their changing needs this year, some are turning to the upscale housing sector for more space or finer features. In

3 Reasons We’re Definitely Not in a Housing BubbleHome values appreciated by about ten percent in 2020, and they’re forecast to appreciate by about five percent this year. This has some

6 Foundational Benefits of Homeownership TodayOver the past year, our homes have become an integral part of our lives more than ever. They’re much more than the houses we live in. They&rsquo

Turn to an Expert for the Best Advice, Not Perfect AdviceAs we approach the anniversary of the hardships we’ve faced through this pandemic and the subsequent recession, it’s normal to

Is Right Now the Right Time to Sell? Some HighlightsIf you’re on the fence about selling your house, now is a great time to take advantage of sky-high demand, low supply, and fierce buyer

What Record-Low Housing Inventory Means for YouThe real estate market is expected to do very well in 2021, with mortgage rates that are hovering at historic lows and forecasted by 

What’s the Difference between an Appraisal and a Home Inspection?If you’re planning to buy a home, an appraisal is an important step in the process. It’s a

Why Moving May Be Just the Boost You NeedAs we look back over the past year, we’ve certainly lived through one of the most stressful periods in recent history. After spending so much more time

Financial Fundamentals for HomebuyersSome HighlightsWhen you’re thinking about buying a home, there are a few key steps to take before you even start to look at houses.From saving for your

What Experts Are Saying about the 2021 Job MarketEarlier this month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released their most recent Jobs Report. The report revealed that the economy

Owning a Home Is Still More Affordable Than Renting OneIf spending more time at home over the past year is making you really think hard about buying a home instead of renting one, you;

Should I Wait for Lower Mortgage Interest Rates?Historically low mortgage rates are a big motivator for homebuyers right now. In 2020 alone, rates hit new record-lows 16 times, and the

How to Make the Dream of Homeownership a Reality This YearIn 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. inspired a powerful movement with his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. Through his passion and

Things to Avoid after Applying for a MortgageSome HighlightsThere are a few key things to make sure you avoid after applying for a mortgage to help make sure you still qualify for your

Why Right Now May Be the Time to Sell Your HouseThe housing market made an incredible recovery in 2020 and is now positioned for an even stronger year in 2021. Record-low mortgage interest&

Will Forbearance Plans Lead to a Tsunami of Foreclosures?At the onset of the economic disruptions caused by the COVID pandemic, the government quickly put into place forbearance plans to allow

4 Reasons People Are Buying Homes in 2021According to many experts, the real estate market is expected to continue growing in 2021, and it’s largely driven by the lasting impact the

Reasons to Hire a Real Estate Professional Some HighlightsChoosing the right real estate professional to work with is one of the most important decisions you can make in your homebuying or

Why Not to Wait Until Spring to Make a MoveThe housing market recovery coming into the new year has been nothing short of remarkable. Many experts agree the turnaround from the nation’s

The Importance of Home Equity in Building WealthHomeownership has always been the first rung on the ladder leading to household wealth. As Freddie Mac recently posted:&ldquo

3 Must-Do’s When Selling Your House This YearIt’s exciting to put a house on the market and to think about making new memories in new spaces. However, despite the anticipation of what

Four Expert Views on the 2021 Housing MarketThe housing market was a shining star in 2020, fueling the economic turnaround throughout the country. As we look forward to 2021, can we expect real

Why Selling Your House on Your Own in 2021 Is a MistakeThere are many benefits to working with a real estate professional when selling your house. During challenging times, like what we face today,

More Generations Are Living Under One Roof This YearThis year challenged us to reprioritize everything - from the way we use our time to where we work, how we socialize and gather together, and our

Why It’s Important to Price Your House Right TodayEven in today’s sellers’ market, setting the right price for your house is one of the most valuable things you can do.

Did You Outgrow Your Home in 2020?It may seem hard to imagine that the home you’re in today – whether it’s your starter home or just one you’ve fallen in love with along the

Turning a House into a Happy HomeWe 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

The Difference a Year Makes for HomeownershipOver 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

The Do’s and Don’ts after Applying for a MortgageOnce 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

Homeowner Equity Increases an Astonishing $1 TrillionIn a year that was financially devastating for many Americans, some good news for most homeowners is the dramatic gain in home equity over the

3 Reasons to Be Optimistic about Real Estate in 2021This year will be remembered for many reasons, and optimism is one thing that’s been in short supply since the spring. We’re

The Holidays Aren’t Stopping Homebuyers This YearBlack Friday and Cyber Monday are behind us, yet finding the perfect holiday gifts for friends and family is certainly still top of mind for

5 Steps to Follow When Applying for ForbearanceIf you’re currently feeling the stress of affording your mortgage payment, or if you know someone who is, there’s still time to get help.

Winning as a Buyer in a Sellers’ Market Some HighlightsBuying a home in today’s sellers’ market doesn’t have to feel like an uphill battle.Here are four ways to make

Why It Makes Sense to Sell Your House This Holiday SeasonIf you’re one of the many homeowners thinking about taking your house off the market for the holidays, hang on. You definitely don;

Are Home Prices Headed Toward Bubble Territory?Talk of a housing bubble is beginning to crop up as home prices have appreciated at a rapid pace this year. This is understandable since the

How Remote Work Can Power Your Vacation Home SaleThis year, the opportunity to work remotely has increased the demand for vacation homes. Gay Cororaton, Senior Economist and Director of Housing

The Path to HomeownershipSome HighlightsIf you’re thinking of buying a home and not sure where to start, you’re not alone.Here’s a map with 10 simple steps to follow in the

A New Way to Shop for Homes in a Virtual WorldIn a year when we’re learning to do so much remotely, homebuying is no exception. From going to work to attending school, grocery shopping, and

With Home Values Surging, Is it Still Affordable to Buy Right Now?Housing inventory is at an all-time low. Realtor.com just reported that there are 39% fewer homes for sale

Knowledge Is Power on the Path to HomeownershipHomeownership is on the goal list for many young adults, but sometimes it’s hard to know exactly how to get there. From understanding the

Key Terms to Know in the Homebuying Process Some HighlightsBuying a home can be intimidating if you’re not familiar with the terms used throughout the process.To point you in the right

Your House May Be High on the Buyer Wish List This Holiday SeasonAround this time each year, many homeowners decide to wait until after the holidays to sell their houses. Similarly, others who

Is Buying a Home Today a Good Financial Move?There’s no doubt 2020 has been a challenging year. A global pandemic coupled with an economic recession has caused heartache for many. However, it

Don’t Let Buyer Competition Keep You from Purchasing a HomeThis year’s record-low mortgage rates sparked high demand among homebuyers. Current homeowners, however, haven’t put

It Pays to Sell with a Real Estate Agent Some HighlightsToday, it’s more important than ever to have an expert you trust to guide you as you sell your house.From your safety throughout

Will Mortgage Rates Remain Low Next Year?In 2020, buyers got a big boost in the housing market as mortgage rates dropped throughout the year. According to Freddie Mac, rates hit all-time lows

Chances of Another Foreclosure Crisis? “About Zero Percent.”There seems to be some concern that the 2020 economic downturn will lead to another foreclosure crisis like the one we

Why Working from Home May Spark Your Next MoveIf you’ve been working from home this year, chances are you’ve been at it a little longer than you initially expected. Businesses

Homes for Sale Are Rapidly DisappearingThrough all the challenges of 2020, the real estate market has done very well, and purchasers are continuing to take advantage of historically low mortgage

Tips to Sell Your House Safely Right NowSome HighlightsYour agent now has over 6 months of experience selling houses during the pandemic and can make the process easier and safer for you today.COVID

Winter Will Bring a Flurry of Activity to the Housing MarketIn the second half of this year, the housing market surged with activity. Today, real estate experts are looking ahead to the

Is it Safe to Sell My House Right Now?In today’s real estate market, the buzz is all about how it’s a great time to sell your house. Buyer demand is high, and there simply aren

Homeownership Is a Key to Building WealthFor years, real estate has been considered the best investment you can make. A major reason for this is due to the net worth a household gains

Making a Home for the Brave PossibleSome HighlightsVA Home Loans provide unique opportunities for Veterans, active-duty personnel, and their families in recognition of their service to our

VA Home Loans: Helping Heroes Find a HomeToday, on Veterans Day, we honor those who have served our country and thank them for their continued dedication to our nation. In the United States, there

Why the 2021 Forecast Doesn’t Call for a Foreclosure CrisisAs the current forbearance mortgage relief options come to an end, many are wondering if we’ll face a foreclosure

Rent vs. Buy: How to Decide What’s Best for YouAccording to the U.S. Census Bureau, median rent continues to rise. With today’s low mortgage rates, there’s

4 Reasons Why the Election Won’t Dampen the Housing MarketTomorrow, Americans will decide our President for the next four years. That decision will have a major impact on many aspects of life

Should I Renovate My House Before I Sell It? Some HighlightsIn today’s hyper-competitive market, buyers are often willing to overlook cosmetic or minor repair needs if it means snagging a

Three Ways Low Inventory Is a Win for SellersThe number of houses for sale today is significantly lower than the high buyer activity in the current housing market. According to Lawrence,

Buyer Interest Is Growing among Younger GenerationsThe demand for homes this year is extraordinary as record-breaking numbers of hopeful buyers continue to shop for homes. In a normal year, the peak

How Down Payment Assistance Opens the Door to HomeownershipMany people are eager to buy a home right now while affordability continues to be a highlight of the current housing market.

Two Important Impacts of Home EquityEquity continues to rise, helping American homeowners secure a much more stable financial future. According to the most recent data from CoreLogic, the

Home Values Projected to Keep RisingAs we enter the final months of 2020 and continue to work through the challenges this year has brought, some of us wonder what impact continued economic

Why Today’s Options Will Save Homeowners from ForeclosureMany housing experts originally voiced concern that the mortgage forbearance program (which allows families impacted financially by

Real Estate Continues to Show Unprecedented Strength This YearThe 2020 housing market has surpassed all expectations and continues to drive the nation’s economic recovery. The question,

How to Prepare for a Bidding WarSome HighlightsWith so few houses available on the market today, being ready for a bidding war is essential for prospective homebuyers.From pre-approval to making

Do You Need to Know More about Forbearance and Mortgage Relief Options?Earlier this year when the nation pressed pause on the economy and unemployment rates jumped up significantly, many homeowners

The #1 Reason Not to Wait to List Your House for SaleMany industries have been devastated by the economic shutdown caused by the COVID-19 virus. Real estate is not one of them.Mark,&

Do You Have Enough Money Saved for a Down Payment?One of the biggest misconceptions for first-time homebuyers is how much you’ll need to save for a down payment. Contrary to popular belief,

Should You Buy a Retirement Home Sooner Rather than Later?Every day in the U.S., roughly 10,000 people turn 65. Prior to the health crisis that swept the nation in 2020, most people had to

Thinking of Moving?Some HighlightsIf you’re ready to sell your house but you’re worried about finding one to move into, why not invest in a brand-new home built just for you?New

Is it Time to Move into a Single-Story Home?Once the kids have left the nest, you may be wondering what to do with all of the extra space in your home. Chances are, you don’t need four

Why Pricing Your House Right Is EssentialIn today’s real estate market, setting the right price for your house is one of the most valuable things you can do.According to the U.S. Economic

Buyers Are Finding More Space in the Luxury Home MarketA year ago, additional space and extra amenities had a very different feel for homebuyers. Today, the health crisis has brought to light how

Why Selling this Fall May Be Your Best MoveIf you’re thinking about moving, selling your house this fall might be the way to go. Here are four highlights in the housing market that may make

Where Are Home Values Headed Over the Next 12 Months?As shelter-in-place orders were implemented earlier this year, many questioned what the shutdown would mean to the real estate market.

Housing Market on Track to Beat Last Year’s SuccessBack in March, as the nation’s economy was shut down because of the coronavirus, many were predicting the real estate market would face

Why Pricing Your Home Right Matters This FallSome HighlightsAs a seller today, you may think pricing your home on the high end will result in a higher final sale price, but the opposite is actually

Home Equity Give Sellers Options in Today’s MarketHomeownership is one of the best ways to invest in your financial future, especially as your home equity grows. Home equity is a form of

Home Builder Confidence Hits All-Time RecordLast week, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reported their Housing Market Index (HMI) hit an all-time high 

The Cost of a Home Is Far More Important than the PriceHousing inventory is at an all-time low. There are 39% fewer homes for sale today than at this time last year, and buyer demand

Is the Economic Recovery Beating All Projections?Earlier this year, many economists and market analysts were predicting an apocalyptic financial downturn that would potentially rattle the U.S.

Homebuyer Traffic Is on the RiseOne of the biggest surprises of 2020 is the resilience of the residential real estate market. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist of the National Association

The Latest Unemployment Rate Fell to 8.4%Last Friday, the Bureau for Labor Statistics released their Employment Report for August 2020. The big surprise was that the unemployment

How Low Inventory May Impact the Housing Market This FallReal estate continues to be called the ‘bright spot’ in the current economy, but there’s one thing that may hold the

The Surging Real Estate Market Continues to ClimbEarlier this year, realtor.com announced the release of the Housing Recovery Index, a weekly guide showing how the pandemic has

Have You Ever Seen a Housing Market Like This?The year 2020 will certainly be one to remember, with new realities and norms that changed the way we live. This year’s real estate market is

The 2020 Homebuyer Wish ListSome HighlightsThe word “home” is taking on a whole new meaning this year, and buyers are starting to look for new features as they re-think their

Homebuyer Demand Is Far Above Last Year’s PaceHomebuying has been on the rise over the past few months, with record-breaking sales powering through the market in June and July. Buyers are

How Will the Presidential Election Impact Real Estate?The year 2020 will be remembered as one of the most challenging times of our lives. A worldwide pandemic, a recession causing historic

It’s Not Just About the Price of the HomeWhen most of us begin searching for a home, we naturally start by looking at the price. It’s important, however, to closely consider what else

Three Ways to Win in a Bidding WarWith so few houses for sale today and low mortgage rates driving buyer activity, bidding wars are becoming more common. Multiple-offer scenarios are

The Cost of Renting Vs. Buying a HomeSome HighlightsThe percentage of income needed to afford a median-priced home today is declining, while that for renting is on the rise.This is making

Why Is It so Important to Be Pre-Approved in the Homebuying Process?You may have heard that pre-approval is a great first step in the homebuying process. But why is it so important? When

Should You Buy an Existing Home or New Construction?Finding the right home to purchase today is one of the biggest challenges for potential buyers. With so few homes for sale and

Builders & Realtors Agree: Real Estate Is BackWhen shelter-in-place orders brought the economy to a screeching halt earlier this year, many believed the residential housing market would follow

The Top Reasons People Are Moving This YearToday, Americans are moving for a variety of different reasons. The current health crisis has truly re-shaped our lifestyles and our needs. Spending extra

Ask a Pro About Buying a HomeSome HighlightsAccording to trending data, searches for key real estate topics are skyrocketing online.Clearly, lots of people have questions about buying a home,

Forbearance Numbers Are Lower than ExpectedOriginally, some housing industry analysts were concerned that the mortgage forbearance program (which allows families to delay payments to a later date)

Just How Strong Is the Housing Recovery?The residential real estate market has definitely been the shining light in this country’s current economic situation. All-time low mortgage

Sellers Are Returning to the Housing MarketIn today’s housing market, it can be a big challenge for buyers to find homes to purchase, as the number of houses for sale is far below

The Beginning of an Economic RecoveryThe news these days seems to have a mix of highs and lows. We may hear that an economic recovery is starting, but we’ve also seen some of the worst

Homes Are More Affordable Right Now Than They Have Been in YearsToday, home prices are appreciating. When we hear prices are going up, it’s normal to think a home will cost more as the trend

Why Foreclosures Won’t Crush the Housing Market Next YearWith the strength of the current housing market growing every day and more Americans returning to work, a faster

Current Buyer & Seller Perks in the Housing MarketToday’s housing market is making a truly impressive turnaround, and it’s also setting up some outstanding opportunities

The Latest Unemployment Report: Slow and Steady ImprovementLast Friday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released its latest Employment Situation Summary. Going into the release,

2020 Homebuyer Preferences Some HighlightsA recent study from HarrisX shows the current health crisis isn’t slowing down today’s homebuyers.Many buyers are

How Is Remote Work Changing Homebuyer Needs?With more companies figuring out how to efficiently and effectively enable their employees to work remotely (and for longer than most of us initially

Why Homeowners Have Great Selling Power TodayWe’re sitting in an optimal moment in time for homeowners who are ready to sell their houses and make a move this year. Today’s homeowners,

Today’s Buyers Are Serious about Purchasing a HomeToday’s homebuyers are not just talking about their plans, they’re actively engaged in the buying process – and they&rsquo

Experts Weigh-In on the Remarkable Strength of the Housing MarketAmerica has faced its share of challenges in 2020. A once-in-a-lifetime pandemic, a financial crisis leaving millions still,

Where Is the Housing Market Headed for the Rest of 2020? Some Highlights:The housing market is forecasted to finish the year with growing strength.Historically low mortgage rates are creating

Will We See a Surge of Homebuyers Moving to the Suburbs?As remote work continues on for many businesses and Americans weigh the risks of being in densely populated areas, will more people start to

Homeownership Rate Continues to Rise in 2020So far, it’s been quite a ride this year, and our nation has truly seen its fair share of hurdles. From COVID-19 to record unemployment and then the

Guidance and Support Are Key When Buying Your First HomeIn June, the number of first-time homebuyers accounted for 35% of the existing homes sold, a trend that’s been building steadily

Three of the Latest Reports Show Housing Market Is StrongThe residential real estate market is remaining resilient as the country still struggles to beat the COVID-19 pandemic. Three separate

A Real Estate Pro Is More Helpful Now than Ever Some HighlightsA recent study shared by NAR notes that both buyers and sellers think an agent is more helpful than ever during the

Home Sales Hit a Record-Setting ReboundWith a worldwide health crisis that drove a pause in the economy this year, the housing market was greatly impacted. Many have been eagerly awaiting some

Two Reasons We Won’t See a Rush of Foreclosures This FallThe health crisis we face as a country has led businesses all over the nation to reduce or discontinue their services altogether. This

A Remarkable Recovery for the Housing MarketFor months now the vast majority of Americans have been asking the same question: When will the economy turn around? Many experts have been

Thinking of Selling Your House? Now May be the Right TimeInventory is arguably the biggest challenge for buyers in today’s housing market. There are simply more buyers actively looking for

Mortgage Rates Fall Below 3%Some HighlightsMortgage rates hit another all-time low, falling below 3% this week.If you’re ready to buy a home, now is a great time to truly get more for

Does Your Home Have What Buyers Are Looking For?There’s great opportunity for today’s homeowners to sell their houses and make a move, yet due to the impact of the ongoing health crisis,

Mortgage Rates Hit Record Lows for Three Consecutive WeeksOver the past several weeks, Freddie Mac has reported the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate dropping to record lows, all the way

What Are Experts Saying about Home Prices?Last week, a very well-respected real estate analytics firm surprised many with their home price projection for the next twelve months. CoreLogic, in

Buyers: Are You Ready for a Bidding War?With businesses reopening throughout the country and some experts indicating early signs of a much-anticipated economic recovery, more homebuyers are

Americans Rank Real Estate Best Investment for 7 Years RunningSome HighlightsReal estate has outranked stocks, savings accounts, and gold as the best long-term investment among

Not All Agents Are Created EqualIn today’s fast-paced world where answers are just a Google search away, there are some who may question the benefits of hiring a real estate professional when

Taking Advantage of Homebuying Affordability in Today’s MarketEveryone is ready to buy a home at different times in their lives, and despite the health crisis, today is no exception.

Latest Unemployment Report: Great News…for the Most PartThe Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released their latest Employment Situation Summary last Thursday, and it again beat

America Is Another Name for Opportunity;

Is the Health Crisis Driving Buyers Out of Urban Areas?The pandemic has caused consumers to re-examine the components that make up the “perfect home.” Many families are no longer

A Historic Rebound for the Housing MarketPending Home Sales increased by 44.3% in May, registering the highest month-over-month gain in the index since the National Association of Realtors;(

Are New Homes Going to Be Available to Buy This Year?In today’s economy, everyone seems to be searching for signs that a recovery is coming soon. Many experts agree that it may actually

What Are Experts Saying About the Rest of 2020?One of the biggest questions on everyone’s minds these days is: What’s going to happen to the housing market in the second half of the

Think You Should For Sale By Owner? Think Again Some Highlights For Sale By Owner (FSBO) is the process of selling real estate without the representation of a real estate broker or

New Index Reveals Impact of COVID-19 on Real EstateEarlier this month, realtor.com announced the release of their initial Housing Recovery Index, a weekly guide showing how the

Should We Be Looking at Unemployment Numbers Differently?The New York Times recently ran an article regarding unemployment titled: Don’t Cheer Too Soon. Keep an Eye on

What Are the Experts Saying About Future Home Prices?A worldwide pandemic and an economic recession have had a tremendous effect on the nation. The uncertainty brought about by both has made

Homebuyers Are in the Mood to Buy TodayAccording to the latest FreddieMac Quarterly Forecast, mortgage interest rates have fallen to historically low levels this spring and they’re

7 Strategies for a 2020 Open House Some HighlightsBuyer interest is high right now, so this summer is a great time to sell your house.Here are 7 strategies to help make your house showing

Is the Economic Recovery Already Underway?The Wall Street Journal just released their latest monthly Survey of Economists. In an article on the findings, they reported:;

Three Reasons Homebuyers Are Ready to Purchase This YearA recent survey by Lending Tree tapped into behaviors of over 1,000 prospective buyers. The results indicated 53% of

Real Estate Tops Best Investment Poll for 7th Year RunningEvery year, Gallup conducts a survey of Americans to determine their choice for the best long-term investment.

Summer is the New Spring for Real Estate Some HighlightsThe health crisis slowed the market this spring, so buyers are jumping back into the market to make their moves this summer.Check these

Are You Ready for the Summer Housing Market?As the health crisis started making its way throughout our country earlier this spring, sellers have been cautious about putting their homes on the.

Is a Recession Here? Yes. Does that Mean a Housing Crash? No.On Monday, the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) announced that the U.S. economy is officially in a

Real Estate Will Lead the Economic RecoveryWith more U.S. states reopening for business this summer, and as people start to return to work, we can expect the economy to begin improving. Most expert

The Shocking News in the Unemployment ReportLast Friday, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released their May Employment Situation Summary. Leading up to the release, most

National Homeownership Month Some HighlightsNational Homeownership Month is a great time to reflect on how we can each promote stronger community growth.Homeownership helps families build

Three Things to Understand About Unemployment StatisticsTomorrow morning the Bureau of Labor Statistics will release the latest Employment Situation Summary, which will include the

Is it Time to Sell Your Vacation Home?The travel industry is one of the major sectors that’s been hit extremely hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, it’s hard to know how long it will

Home Prices: It’s All About Supply and DemandAs we enter the summer months and work through the challenges associated with the current health crisis, many are wondering what impact the

The Benefits of Homeownership May Reach Further Than You ThinkMore than ever, our homes have become an integral part of our lives. Today they are much more than the houses we live in. They’re

Top Reasons to Own Your Home Some HighlightsJune is National Homeownership Month, and it’s a great time to consider the benefits of owning your own home.If you’re in a position

Economists Forecast Recovery to Begin in the Second Half of 2020With the U.S. economy on everyone’s minds right now, questions about the country’s financial outlook continue to come up

Why This Summer Is the 2020 Real Estate SeasonWith stay-at-home orders starting to gradually lift throughout parts of the country, data indicates homebuyers are jumping back into

Buying or Selling a Home? You Need an Expert Kind of GuideIn a normal housing market, whether you’re buying or selling a home, you need an experienced guide to help you navigate through the

We Remember & Honor Those Who Gave AllWe remember, today and.

Interest Rates Hover Near Historic All-Time Lows Some HighlightsMortgage interest rates have dropped considerably this spring and are hovering at a historically low level.Locking in at a low

6 Reasons Why Selling Your House on Your Own Is a MistakeThere are many benefits to working with a real estate professional when selling your house. During challenging times like the one

Housing Market Positioned to Bring Back the EconomyAll eyes are on the American economy. As it goes, so does the world economy. With states beginning to reopen, the question becomes: which

#1 Financial Benefit of Homeownership: Family WealthWhile growing up, we were taught by our parents and grandparents that owning a home is a financially savvy move. They explained how a mortgage is

2020 Homeowner Wish List Some HighlightsIn a recent study by realtor.com, homeowners noted some of the main things they would change about their homes to make them more livable.Not

Will the Housing Market Turn Around This Year?Today, many people are asking themselves if they should buy or sell a home in 2020. Some have shifted their plans or put them on hold over the past

A Surprising Shift to the ‘Burbs May Be on the RiseWhile many people across the U.S. have traditionally enjoyed the perks of an urban lifestyle, some who live in more populated city limits

Unemployment Report: No Need to Be TerrifiedLast Friday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released its latest jobs report. It revealed that the economic shutdown made necessary by

Will Home Values Appreciate or Depreciate in 2020?With the housing market staggered to some degree by the health crisis the country is currently facing, some potential purchasers are questioning

A Day When Americans Can Return to Work Some HighlightsTaking a moment to reflect upon what we’ve heard from historical leaders can teach us a lot about getting through the many

Unemployment: Hope on the HorizonTomorrow, the unemployment rate for April 2020 will be released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. It will hit a peak this country has never seen

Why Home Equity Is a Bright Spark in the Housing MarketGiven how we have seen more unemployment claims than ever before over the past several weeks, fear is spreading widely. Some good news,,

Confused About the Economic Recovery? Here’s Why.As we continue to work through the health crisis that plagues this country, more and more conversations are turning to economic recovery. While

U.S. Homeownership Rate Rises to Highest Point in 8 YearsFor nearly two months, most of us have been following strict stay-at-home orders from our state and local governments. It is a whole new way

How To  Test-Drive a Neighborhood While Sheltering in PlaceSome HighlightsStaying at home doesn’t mean your search for a new place needs to come to a standstill.Check out these tips

Why the Housing Market Is a Powerful Economic DriverWith businesses starting to slowly open back up again in some parts of the country, it’s important to understand how housing can have a

Buying a Home Right Now: Easy? No. Smart? Yes.Through all the volatility in the economy right now, some have put their search for a home on hold, yet others have not. According to ShowingTime,

Rise to the Top of the Pool by Selling Your House TodayWith the release of the latest Economic Pulse Flash Survey from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), results

What Impact Might COVID-19 Have on Home Values?A big challenge facing the housing industry is determining what impact the current pandemic may have on home values. Some buyers are hoping for major

Today’s Expert Insight on the Housing Market Some HighlightsAccording to Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at NAR, home prices are forecasted to rise.Results from the 

Uncertainty Abounds in the Search for Economic Recovery TimetableEarlier this week, we discussed how most projections from financial institutions are calling for a quick V-shaped recovery

Keys to Selling Your House VirtuallyIn a recent survey by realtor.com, people thinking about selling their homes indicated they’re generally willing to allow their agent and some

Will This Economic Crisis Have a V, U, or L-Shaped Recovery?Many American businesses have been put on hold as the country deals with the worst pandemic in over one hundred years. As the states are

The Pain of Unemployment: It Will Be Deep, But Not for LongThere are two crises in this country right now: a health crisis that has forced everyone into their homes and a financial crisis caused by

How Technology is Helping Buyers Navigate the Home Search Process Some Highlights:A recent realtor.com survey revealed that buyers are still considering moving forward with the home

Today’s Homebuyers Want Lower Prices. Sellers Disagree.The uncertainty the world faces today due to the COVID-19 pandemic is causing so many things to change. The way we interact, the way we

What If I Need to Sell My Home Now? What Can I Do?Every day that passes, people have a need to buy and sell homes. That doesn’t stop during the current pandemic. If you’ve had a major

Think This Is a Housing Crisis? Think Again.With all of the unanswered questions caused by COVID-19 and the economic slowdown we’re experiencing across the country today, many are asking if

Recession? Yes. Housing Crash? No.With over 90% of Americans now under a shelter-in-place order, many experts are warning that the American economy is heading toward a recession if it’s not in

What You Can Do to Get Your House Ready to Sell Some Highlights:Believe it or not, there are lots of things you can do to prep your house for a sale without even going to the store.Your real

Three Reasons Why This Is Not a Housing CrisisIn times of uncertainty, one of the best things we can do to ease our fears is to educate ourselves with research, facts, and data. Digging into past

The Best Advice Does Not Mean Perfect AdviceThe angst caused by the coronavirus has most people on edge regarding both their health and financial situations. It’s at times like these when we

How Technology Is Enabling the Real Estate ProcessToday’s everyday reality is pretty different than it looked just a few weeks ago. We’re learning how to do a lot of things in new ways,

How to Find the Perfect Real Estate AgentThere’s a ton of real estate information available in the news today and on the Internet. It can be extremely confusing, especially in times of

Will Surging Unemployment Crush Home Sales?Ten million Americans lost their jobs over the last two weeks. The next announced unemployment rate on May 8th is expected to be in the double digits.

The #1 Thing You Can Do Now to Position Yourself to Buy a Home This YearThe last few weeks and months have caused a major health crisis throughout the world, leading to a pause in the U.S. economy

Home Office Space Is More Desirable Than Ever!For years, we’ve all heard about the most desirable home features buyers are looking for, from upgraded kitchens to remodeled bathrooms, master