Bubble Alert! Is it Getting Too Easy to Get a Mortgage?

Amanda RobinsBuying Myths, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, For Sellers, Housing Market Updates, Move-Up Buyers

There is little doubt that it is easier to get a home mortgage today than it was last year. The Mortgage Credit Availability Index (MCAI), published by the Mortgage Bankers Association, shows that mortgage credit has become more available in each of the last several years. In fact, in just the last year: More buyers are putting less than 20% … Read More

Access is an Important Factor in Getting Your House SOLD!

Amanda RobinsFor Sellers, Move-Up Buyers

So, you’ve decided to sell your house. You’ve hired a real estate professional to help you with the entire process, and they have asked you what level of access you want to provide to 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

Homeowners: Your House Must Be Sold TWICE

Amanda RobinsFor Sellers, Move-Up Buyers

In today’s housing market, where supply is very low and demand is very high, home values are increasing rapidly. Many experts are projecting that home values could appreciate by another 5%+ over the next twelve months. One major challenge in such a market is the bank appraisal. If prices are surging, it is difficult for appraisers to find adequate, comparable … Read More

Top 4 Home Renovations for Maximum ROI [INFOGRAPHIC]

Amanda RobinsFirst Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, For Sellers, Infographics, Move-Up Buyers

Some Highlights: Whether you are selling your home, just purchased your first home, or are a homeowner planning to stay put for a while, there is value in knowing which home improvement projects will net you the most “Return On Investment” (ROI). While big projects like adding a bathroom or a complete remodel of a kitchen are popular ways to … Read More

5 Reasons Homeownership Makes ‘Cents’

Amanda RobinsFirst Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, For Sellers, Move-Up Buyers, Rent vs. Buy

The American Dream of homeownership is alive and well. Recent reports show that the US homeownership rate has rebounded from recent lows and is headed in the right direction. The personal reasons to own differ for each buyer, but there are many basic similarities. Today we want to talk about the top 5 financial reasons you should own your own … Read More

Multigenerational Households May Be the Answer to Price Increases

Amanda RobinsFor Buyers, For Sellers, Move-Up Buyers, Pricing

Multigenerational homes are coming back in a big way! In the 1950s, about 21%, or 32.2 million Americans shared a roof with their grown children or parents. According to an article by Realtor.com, “Nearly 1 in 5 Americans is now living in a multigenerational household – a household with two or more adult generations, or grandparents living with grandchildren – … Read More

Low Inventory Causes Home Prices to Maintain Fast Growth

Amanda RobinsFirst Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, For Sellers, Move-Up Buyers, Pricing

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) released their latest Quarterly Metro Home Price Report last week. The report revealed that severely lacking inventory across the country drained sales growth and kept home prices rising at a steady clip in nearly all metro areas. Home prices rose 5.3% over the last quarter across all metros. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at NAR, discussed the impact of … Read More

Why Sell Now Instead of Later? The Buyers are Out Now

Amanda RobinsFor Sellers, Housing Market Updates, Move-Up Buyers

Each year, most homeowners wait until the spring to sell their houses because they believe that they can get a better deal during the normal spring buyer’s market. However, recently released data suggests that a seller’s best deal may be available right now. The concept of ‘supply & demand’ reveals that the best price for an item will be realized … Read More