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    Homes Are More Affordable Right Now Than They Have Been in Years

    By Alan Harling | August 18, 2020

    Today, home prices are appreciating. When we hear prices are going up, it’s normal to think a home will cost more as the trend continues. The way the housing market is positioned today, however, low mortgage rates are actually making homes more affordable, even as prices rise. Here’s why. According to the Mortgage Monitor Report... Read More

    What Is the Cost of Waiting Until Next Year to Buy?

    By Alan Harling | September 27, 2019

    Some Highlights: The “cost of waiting to buy” is defined as the additional funds necessary to buy a home if prices and interest rates were to increase over a period of time. Freddie Mac forecasts interest rates will rise to 3.8% by Q4 2020. CoreLogic predicts home prices will appreciate by 5.4% over the next 12 months. If you’re... Read More

    Homeowners Are Happy! Renters? Not So Much.

    By Alan Harling | September 26, 2019

    When people talk about homeownership and the American Dream, much of the conversation revolves around the financial benefits of owning a home. However, two recent studies show that the non-financial benefits might be even more valuable. In a recent survey, Bank of America asked homeowners: “Does owning a home make you happier than renting?” 93% of the respondents answered yes,... Read More

    Are You Ready for the ‘Black Friday’ of Real Estate?

    By Alan Harling | September 25, 2019

    Every year, ‘Black Friday’ is a highly anticipated event for eager shoppers. Some people prepare for weeks, crafting and refining a strategic shopping agenda, determining exactly when to arrive at each store, and capturing a wish list of discounted must-have items to purchase. But what about buying a home? Is there a ‘Black Friday’ for... Read More

    What is Really Happening with Home Prices?

    By Alan Harling | May 18, 2019

    Home values have softened over the last twelve months. We are no longer seeing 6-7% annual appreciation levels for the national housing market. The current numbers are closer to 4%. Some have suggested that year-over-year appreciation levels could fall to 3% or less this year. However, a stronger-than-expected economy and a good spring housing market... Read More

    Top Days to List Your Home for Sale

    By Alan Harling | May 17, 2019

    Some Highlights: ATTOM Data Solutions conducted an analysis of more than 29 million single family home and condo sales over the past eight years to determine the top days to list your home for sale. The top five days to list your home brought in a 10% premium over market value and are all in either May or... Read More

    New Research Shows Housing Is Affordable For First-Time Buyers

    By Alan Harling | May 14, 2019

    Home prices have been on the rise for the last seven years, leading many housing market analysts to conclude that first-time homebuyers are being shut out of the market due to affordability concerns. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reports on the percentage of First-Time Home Buyers (FTHB) on a monthly and yearly basis. Their latest report shows that... Read More

    A Lack of Inventory Continues to Impact the Housing Market

    By Alan Harling | May 13, 2019

    The housing crisis is finally in the rear-view mirror as the real estate market moves down the road to a complete recovery. Home values are up and distressed sales (foreclosures and short sales) have fallen to their lowest point in years. The market will continue to strengthen in 2019. However, there is one thing that... Read More

    Why Access Is One of the Most Important Factors in Getting Your House Sold!

    By Alan Harling | May 6, 2019

    So, you’ve decided to sell your house. You’ve hired a real estate professional to help you through the entire process, and they have asked you what level of access you want to provide to your potential buyers. There are four elements to a quality listing. At the top of the list is access, followed by condition, financing, and price. There are... Read More

    Renters Paying Substantially More While Owning Costs Less

    By Alan Harling | April 25, 2019

    In a recent Insights Blog, CoreLogic reported that rent prices have skyrocketed since 2005. Meanwhile, the typical mortgage payment has actually decreased. “CoreLogic’s national rent index was up 36% in December 2018 compared with December 2005, while the typical mortgage payment was down 4% over that period.” Why the difference between the costs of renting versus owning? It... Read More