OUR BLOG

Home Buying

The Dream of Homeownership Is Worth the Effort

If you’re in the market to buy a home this season, stick with it. Homebuyers face challenges in any market, and today’s is no exception. But if you persevere, your decision to purchase a home will be worth the effort in the end. In fact, a recent survey from Bankrate shows homeownership is so powerful that: “Nearly three in four homeowners say they would still buy their current home if they had it to do [sic] all over again.” That means the results – owning a home and the benefits that come with it – outweigh the effort needed to achieve their goal. If you’re a

Read More »
Real Estate Market Updates

Real Estate Voted the Best Investment Eight Years in a Row

In an annual Gallup poll, Americans chose real estate as the best long-term investment. And it’s not the first time it’s topped the list, either. Real estate has been on a winning streak for the past eight years, consistently gaining traction as the best long-term investment (see graph below): If you’re thinking about purchasing a home this year, this poll should reassure you. Even when inflation is rising like it is today, Americans agree an investment like real estate truly shines. Why Is Real Estate a Great Investment During Times of High Inflation? With inflation reaching its highest level in 40 years, it’s more important than

Read More »
Home Buying

The Big Question: Should You Renovate or Move?

The last 18 months changed what many buyers are looking for in a home. Recently, the American Institute of Architects released their AIA Home Design Trends Survey results for Q3 2021. The survey reveals the following: 70% of respondents want more outdoor living space 69% of respondents want a home office (48% wanted multiple offices) 46% of respondents want a multi-function room/flexible space 42% of respondents want an au pair/in-law suite 39% of respondents want an exercise room/yoga space If you’re a homeowner who wants to add any of the above, you have two options: renovate your current house or buy a home that

Read More »
Home Buying

5 Tips for Making Your Best Offer on a Home

As a buyer in a sellers’ market, sometimes it can feel like you’re stuck between a rock and a hard place. When you’re ready to make an offer on a home, remember these five easy tips to help you rise above the competition. 1. Know Your Budget Knowing your budget and what you can afford is critical to your success as a homebuyer. The best way to understand your numbers is to work with a lender so you can get pre-approved for a loan. As Freddie Mac puts it: “This pre-approval allows you to look for a home with greater confidence and demonstrates to the seller

Read More »
Reasons You Should Consider Selling This Fall
Home Selling

Reasons You Should Consider Selling This Fall

If you’re trying to decide when to sell your house, there may not be a better time to list than right now. The ultimate sellers’ market we’re in today won’t last forever. If you’re thinking of making a move, here are four reasons to put your house up for sale sooner rather than later. 1. Your House Will Likely Sell Quickly According to the Realtors Confidence Index released by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), homes continue to sell quickly – on average, they’re selling in just 17 days. As a seller, that’s great news for you. Average days on market is a strong indicator of buyer demand. And if

Read More »
How-to-deal-with-contingencies
Home Buying

How to Deal with Contract Contingencies

Nearly every real estate contract contains contingencies. How you deal with a real estate contract contingency might make or break the sale of your home. Some contingencies are easier to deal with than others, of course. Generally speaking, the faster you can fix the issues or make the accommodations stipulated in your real estate contract, the sooner your home can be sold. What is a Real Estate Contract Contingency? A real estate contract contingency is any condition outlined in the contract that must be met prior to the sale of a home. These stipulations exist to protect both buyers and sellers.

Read More »