Going into 2023, there was a lot of talk about a possible recession that would cause the housing market to crash.
If you’ve been thinking about buying a home, mortgage rates are probably top of mind for you.
If you’re trying to buy a home and are having a hard time finding one you can afford, it may be time to consider a fixer-upper.
No matter how you slice it, buying or selling a home is a big decision.
If you’re planning to buy your first home, saving up for all the costs involved can feel daunting, especially when it comes to the down payment.
Buying your first home is a big, exciting step and a major milestone that has the power to improve your life.
Homeownership is a major part of the American Dream.
On the road to becoming a homeowner? If so, you may have heard the term pre-approval get tossed around.
Finding the right home is one of the biggest challenges for potential buyers today.
Has the idea of sharing a home with loved ones like your grandparents, parents, or other relatives crossed your mind?
If you’re looking to buy a home, the recent downward trend in mortgage rates is good news because it helps with affordability.
Over the past year, a lot of people have been talking about housing affordability and how tight it’s gotten.
Buying a home is a powerful decision, and it remains at the heart of the American Dream.
If you're trying to decide whether to rent or buy a home this year, here's a powerful insight that could give you the clarity and confidence you need to make your decision.
If you’re getting ready to buy a home, it’s exciting to jump a few steps ahead and think about moving in and making it your own.
If you want to buy a home, it's important to know how mortgage rates impact what you can afford and how much you’ll pay each month.
If you’re thinking about buying a home, pre-approval is a crucial part of the process you definitely don’t want to skip.
If you’re planning to buy a home, knowing what to budget for and how to save may sound intimidating – but it doesn’t have to be.
As the new year approaches, the idea of buying a home might be on your mind.
There’s no denying the long-termfinancial benefitsof owning a home, but today’s housing market may have you wondering if now’s still the time to buy.
If you’re looking to buy a home, your down payment doesn’t have to be a big hurdle.
There’s no denying mortgage rates and home prices are higher now than they were last year and that’s impacting what you can afford.
If you’ve recently decided you’re ready to become a homeowner, chances are you’re trying to figure out what to do first.
Even with so much data showing home prices are actually rising in most of the country, there are still a lot of people who worry there will be another price crash in the immediate future.
Everyone has their own idea of the American Dream, and it's different for each person.
When it comes to what’s happening in the housing market, there’s a lot of confusion going around right now.
If you’re thinking about buying a home, you may find yourself interested in the latest real estate headlines so you can have a pulse on all of the things that could impact your decision.
Countless people have set out on the exciting journey of homeownership.
If you’re looking to make a move, you want to be sure you have the latest information on the housing market.
If you're thinking about buying or selling a home, you might have heard that it’s tough right now because mortgage rates are higher than they’ve been over the past few years, and home prices are rising.
Life is a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns, like the excitement of welcoming a new addition, retiring and starting a new adventure, or the bittersweet feeling of an empty nest.
For more than 79 years, Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans have helped millions of veterans buy their own homes.
Are you dreaming of buying your own home and wondering about how you’ll save for a down payment? You're not alone.
If you’re weighing your options to decide whether it makes more sense to rent or buy a home today, here’s one key data point that could help you feel more confident in making your decision.
The increasing effects of natural disasters are leading to new obstacles in residential real estate.
Are you considering buying your first home?
If you’re thinking about buying a home soon, higher mortgage rates, rising home prices, and ongoing affordability concerns may make you wonder if it still makes sense to buy a home right now.
If you’re thinking of making a move, one of the biggest questions you have right now is probably: what’s happening with home prices?
If you’re looking to buy a home this fall, there are a few things you need to know.
Buying and owning your own home can have a big impact on your life.
The way Americans work has changed in recent years, and remote work is at the forefront of this shift.
Are you a baby boomer who’s lived in your current house for a long time and you’re ready for a change?
If you're planning to buy a home, one thing to consider is what experts project home prices will do in the future and how that might affect your investment.
Have you been trying to buy a home, but higher mortgage rates and home prices are limiting your options?
Generation Z (Gen Z) is eager to put down their own roots and achieve financial independence.
The housing market continues to shift and change, and in a fast-moving landscape like we’re in right now, it’s more important than ever to have a trusted real estate agent on your side.
If you remember the housing crash back in 2008, you may recall just how popular adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) were back then.
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) is set to release its most recent Existing Home Sales (EHS) report tomorrow.
The rising cost of just about everything from groceries to gas right now is leading to speculation that more people won’t be able to afford their mortgage payments.
Plenty of people are still moving these days.
Buying a new construction home can be an exciting experience.
If you’re a homeowner, odds are your equity has grown significantly over the last few years.
When you read about the housing market in the news, you might see something about a recent decision made by the Federal Reserve (the Fed).
If you’re trying to decide if you’re ready to buy a home, there’s probably a lot on your mind.
Many homeowners thinking about selling have two key things holding them back.
While the wild ride that was the ‘unicorn’ years of housing is behind us, today’s market is still competitive in many areas because the supply of homes for sale is still low.
If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home, one of the biggest questions you have right now is probably: what’s happening with home prices?
You may have heard some people say it’s better to rent than buy a home right now.
If you’re following the news today, you may feel a bit unsure about what’s happening with home prices and fear whether or not the worst is yet to come.
If you’re thinking of buying a home, chances are you’re paying attention to just about everything you hear about the housing market.
Wondering if you should continue renting or if you should by a home this year?
Have you been saving up to buy a home this year?
We’re still in a sellers’ market.
The 30-year fixed mortgage rate has been bouncing between 6% and 7% this year.
<p>The housing market has been going through shifts lately.</p>
According to a recent <em>Harris Poll </em>survey, <a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/mortgages/2023-home-buyer-report">8 in 10</a> Americans say buying a home is a priority, and 28 million Americans actually plan to buy within the next 12 months. Homeownership provides many financial and nonfinancial <a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2022/12/22/what-makes-a-house-a-home/?a=712644-838b6c55a1809c97da6d61c83d33dbdc">benefits</a>, so that interest is understandable.
Last year, the <em>Federal Reserve</em> took action to try to bring down inflation. In response to those efforts, <a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2022/12/21/what-to-expect-from-the-housing-market-in-2023/?a=712644-838b6c55a1809c97da6d61c83d33dbdc">mortgage rates</a> jumped up rapidly from the record lows we saw in 2021, peaking at just over 7% <a href="https://www.freddiemac.com/pmms/archive">last October</a>. Hopeful <a href="https://www.simplifyingthemarket.com/2023/01/04/avoid-the-rental-trap-in-2023/?a=712644-838b6c55a1809c97da6d61c83d33dbdc">buyers</a> experienced a hit to their purchasing power as a result, and some decided to press pause on their plans.
While it’s exciting to start thinking about moving in and decorating after you’ve applied for your mortgage, there are some key things to keep in mind before you close. Here’s a list of things you may not realize you need to avoid after applying for your home loan. Don’t Deposit Large Sums of Cash Lenders […]
If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home, you probably want to know what’s really happening with home prices, mortgage rates, housing supply, and more. That’s not an easy task considering how sensationalized headlines are today. Jay Thompson, Real Estate Industry Consultant, explains: “Housing market headlines are everywhere. Many are quite sensational, ending with […]
Are you prepping to buy your first home? If so, one of the steps you should take early on is making sure you’re financially ready for your purchase. Here are just a few of the financial fundamentals you’ll need to focus on as you set out to buy a home. Build Your Credit Your credit […]
Mortgage rates have been a hot topic in the housing market over the past 12 months. Compared to the beginning of 2022, rates have risen dramatically. Now they’re dropping, and that has to do with everything happening in the economy. Nadia Evangelou, Senior Economist and Director of Forecasting at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), […]
Did the frequency and intensity of bidding wars over the past two years make you put your home search on hold? If so, you should know the hyper competitive market has cooled this year as buyer demand has moderated and housing supply has grown. Those two factors combined mean you may see less competition from […]
There are many people thinking about buying a home, but with everything affecting the economy, some are wondering if it’s a smart decision to buy now or if it makes more sense to wait it out. As Bob Broeksmit, President and CEO of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), explains: “The desire for homeownership is strong. […]
There’s no doubt buying a home today is different than it was over the past couple of years, and the shift in the market has led to advantages for buyers today. Right now, there are specific reasons that make this housing market attractive for those who’ve thought about buying but have sidelined their search due […]
There’s no denying mortgage rates are higher now than they were last year. And if you’re thinking about buying a home, this may be top of mind for you. That’s because those higher rates impact how much it costs to borrow money for your home loan. As you set out to make a purchase this […]
If you’re a young adult, you may be thinking about your goals and priorities for the months and years ahead. And if homeownership ranks high on your goal sheet, you’re in good company. Many of your peers are also pursuing their dream of owning a home. The 2022 Millennial & Gen Z Borrower Sentiment Report […]
This past year, rising mortgage rates have slowed the red-hot housing market. Over the past nine months, we’ve seen fewer homes sold than the previous month as home price growth has slowed. All of this is due to the fact that the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate has doubled this year, severely limiting homebuying power […]
For over 78 years, Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans have provided millions of veterans with the opportunity to purchase homes of their own. If you or a loved one have served, it’s important to understand this program and its benefits. Here are some things you should know about VA loans before you start the homebuying […]
If you’re planning to buy a home, knowing what to budget for and how to save may sound scary at first. But it doesn’t have to be. One way to take the fear out of budgeting is understanding some of the costs you might encounter. And to do that, turn to trusted real estate professionals. […]
As you set out to buy a home, saving for a down payment is likely top of mind. But you may still have questions about the process, including how much to save and where to start. If that sounds like you, your down payment could be more in reach than you originally thought. Here’s why. […]
Whether or not you owned a home in 2008, you likely remember the housing crash that took place back then. And news about an economic slowdown happening today may bring all those concerns back to the surface. While those feelings are understandable, data can help reassure you the situation today is nothing like it was […]
If you put off your home search at any point over the past two years, you may want to consider picking it back up based on today’s housing market conditions. Recent data shows the supply of homes for sale is increasing, giving buyers like you additional options. But it’s important to keep in mind that […]
If you’re following the news, chances are you’ve seen or heard some headlines about the housing market that don’t give the full picture. The real estate market is shifting, and when that happens, it can be hard to separate fact from fiction. That’s where a trusted real estate professional comes in. They can help debunk […]
While the Federal Reserve is working hard to bring down inflation, the latest data shows the inflation rate is still going up. You no doubt are feeling the pinch on your wallet at the gas pump or the grocery store, but that news may also leave you wondering: should I still buy a home right […]
A recent survey from Bankrate asks prospective buyers to identify the biggest obstacles in their homebuying journey. It found that 36% of those polled said saving for a down payment is one of their primary hurdles to buying a home. If you feel the same way, the good news is there are many down payment […]
If you’re thinking about buying a home, you’ve probably heard mortgage rates are rising and have wondered what that means for you. Since mortgage rates have increased over two percentage points this year, it’s natural to think about how this will impact your homeownership plans. Today, buyers are reacting in one of two ways: they’re […]
Buying your first home is a major decision and an exciting milestone. Even though it can feel daunting at times, it has the power to change your life for the better. If you’re looking to purchase your first home, you may be wondering what’s happening in the housing market today, how much you need to […]
With a limited number of homes for sale today and so many buyers looking to make a purchase before mortgage rates rise further, bidding wars are common. According to the latest report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), nationwide, homes are getting an average of 4.8 offers per sale. Here’s a look at how […]
If you’re following along with the news today, you’ve likely heard about rising inflation. You’re also likely feeling the impact in your day-to-day life as prices go up for gas, groceries, and more. These rising consumer costs can put a pinch on your wallet and make you re-evaluate any big purchases you have planned to […]
If you’re planning to buy a home this season, you’re probably thinking about what you’ll need to do to get your offer accepted. In previous years, it was common for buyers to try and determine how much less than the asking price they could offer to still get the home. The buyer and seller would […]
In the last few weeks, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate from Freddie Mac inched up to 5%. While that news may have you questioning the timing of your home search, the truth is, timing has never been more important. Even though you may be tempted to put your plans on hold in hopes that […]
Being intentional and competitive are musts when buying a home this season. That’s why pre-approval is so important today. Pre-approval from a lender is the only way to know your true price range and how much money you can borrow for your loan. Peter Warden, Editor of The Mortgage Reports, explains: “The lender will check […]
When it comes to buying a home, it can feel a bit intimidating to know how much you need to save and where to find that information. But you should know, you’re not expected to have all the answers yourself. There are many trusted professionals who can help you understand your finances and what you’ll […]
You can’t read an article about residential real estate without the author mentioning the affordability challenges that today’s buyers face. There’s no doubt homes are less affordable today than they were over the last two years, but that doesn’t mean homes are now unaffordable. There are three measures used to establish home affordability: home prices, […]
For many homebuyers, the thought of saving for a down payment can feel daunting, especially in today’s market. That’s why, when asked what they find most difficult in the homebuying process, some buyers say it’s one of the hardest steps on the path to homeownership. Data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows: “For […]
If you’re looking to buy a home, you may be wondering how your student loan debt could impact those plans. Do you have to wait until you’ve paid off your student loans before you can buy your first home? Or could you qualify for a home loan with that debt? To give you the answers […]
If you were thinking about buying a home this year, but already pressed pause on your plans due to rising home prices and increasing mortgage rates, there’s something you should consider. According to the latest report from ATTOM Data, owning a home is more affordable than renting in the majority of the country. The 2022 […]
One key question that’s top of mind for homebuyers this year is: why is it so hard to find a house to buy? The truth is, we’re in the ultimate sellers’ market, so real estate is ultra-competitive for buyers right now. The number of buyers searching for a home greatly outweighs how many homes are […]
Last week, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate from Freddie Mac jumped from 3.22% to 3.45%. That’s the highest point it’s been in almost two years. If you’re thinking about buying a home, this news may have come as a bit of a shock. But the truth is, it wasn’t entirely unexpected. Experts have been […]
If you’re following along with the news today, you’re probably hearing a lot about record-breaking home prices, rising consumer costs, supply chain constraints, and more. And if you’re thinking about purchasing a home this year, all of these inflationary concerns are likely making you wonder if you should wait to buy. Investopedia explains that during […]