In today’s sellers’ market, standing out as a buyer is critical. Multi-offer scenarios and bidding wars are the norm due to the low supply of houses for sale and high buyer demand. If you’re buying this fall, you’ll want every […]
INFOGRAPHIC: Key terms in today’s housing market
The language of buying and selling a home may sound scary at first, but knowing how key terms relate to today’s market can help you. For example, current low mortgage rates and higher wages positively impact affordability for buyers, while […]
What you should do before interest rates rise
In 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’t refinanced lately, there’s a good chance you have a mortgage with an interest rate higher than […]
What to expect as appraisal gaps grow
In today’s real estate market, low inventory and high demand are driving up home prices. As many as 54 percent of homes are getting offers over the listing price, based on the latest Realtors Confidence Index from the National Association […]
INFOGRAPHIC: Homebuyers, hang in there!
Today’s sellers’ market provides unique challenges — and benefits — for buyers. Current low interest rates won’t last forever, and home prices are forecast to rise. If you’re a homebuyer, hang in there. Homeownership improves your quality of life, and […]
5 things buyers need to know when making an offer
When 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’t that many homes available to purchase. With inventory hovering near record lows and sky-high buyer […]
INFOGRAPHIC: Rent vs. Own
Owning a home has distinct financial benefits over renting. When you rent, you build your landlord’s wealth, your monthly payment depends on ever-rising rents, and you don’t benefit from home price appreciation. On the other hand, when you own your […]
What’s the difference between an Appraisal and an Inspection?
If you’re planning to buy a home, an appraisal is an important step in the process. It’s a professional evaluation of the market value of the home you’d like to buy. In most cases, an appraisal is ordered by the […]
In today’s market, listing price is like an auction’s reserve price
For generations, the process of buying and selling a home never really changed. A homeowner would try to estimate the market value of their house, then tack on a little extra to give themselves some negotiating room. That figure would […]
INFOGRAPHIC: Should I buy now or wait?
If 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 currently very low, but experts across the board are forecasting increases in both home prices […]
