The Cost of Renting vs. Buying [INFOGRAPHIC]

Amanda RobinsUncategorized

Some Highlights: Historically, the choice between renting or buying a home has been a tough decision. Looking at the percentage of income needed to rent a median-priced home today (28.8%) vs. the percentage needed to buy a median-priced home (17.1%), the choice becomes obvious. Every market is different. Before you renew your lease again, find out if you can put … Read More

Did Tax Reform Kill the Luxury Market? NOT SO FAR!

Amanda RobinsUncategorized

The new tax code limits the deduction of state and local property taxes, as well as income or sales taxes, to a total of $10,000. When the tax reform legislation was put into law at the beginning of the year, some experts felt that it could have a negative impact on the luxury housing market. Capital Economics: “The impact on … Read More

Homeowners & Appraisers See the Most Eye-to-Eye on Price in 3 Years

Amanda RobinsUncategorized

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% (or more) over the next twelve months. One major challenge in such a market is the bank appraisal. When prices are surging, it is difficult for appraisers to find … Read More

4 Steps to Follow When Presenting an Offer in Today’s Market!

Amanda RobinsUncategorized

So, you’ve been searching for that perfect house to call a ‘home,’ and you’ve finally found it! The price is right, and in such a competitive market, you want to make sure that you make a great offer so that you can guarantee that your dream of making this house yours comes true! Below are 4 steps provided by Freddie … Read More

4 Reasons Why Summer Is a Great Time to Buy a Home!

Amanda RobinsUncategorized

Here are four great reasons to consider buying a home today instead of waiting. 1. Prices Will Continue to Rise CoreLogic’s latest Home Price Insights reports that home prices have appreciated by 7% over the last 12 months. The same report predicts that prices will continue to increase at a rate of 5.2% over the next year. Home values will continue to appreciate … Read More

Top Reasons to Own Your Home [INFOGRAPHIC]

Amanda RobinsUncategorized

Some Highlights: June is National Homeownership Month! Now is a great time to reflect on the many benefits of homeownership that go way beyond the financial. What reasons do you have to own your own home? Source: Amanda Robins

Will Home Prices Fall as Mortgage Rates Rise?

Amanda RobinsUncategorized

Mortgage interest rates have increased by more than half of a point since the beginning of the year. They are projected to increase by an additional half of a point by year’s end. Because of this increase in rates, some are guessing that home prices will depreciate. However, some prominent experts in the housing industry doubt that home values will … Read More

Millennials Are Skipping Starter Homes for Their Dream Homes

Amanda RobinsUncategorized

A new trend has begun to emerge. With home prices skyrocketing in the starter home category, many first-time homebuyers are skipping the traditional starter homes and moving right into their dream homes. What’s a Starter Home? According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), simply put, a starter home is a one or two-bedroom home (sometimes even a small, three … Read More

5 Reasons Why to Sell This Summer!

Amanda RobinsUncategorized

Here are five reasons listing your home for sale this summer makes sense. 1. Demand Is Strong The latest Buyer Traffic Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows that buyer demand remains very strong throughout the vast majority of the country. These buyers are ready, willing and able to purchase…and are in the market right now! More often than not, multiple buyers … Read More

Drop in Inventory Fuels Sales Slowdown [INFOGRAPHIC]

Amanda RobinsUncategorized

Some Highlights: Existing Home Sales are now at an annual pace of 5.46 million. Inventory of existing homes for sale dropped to a 4-month supply, marking the 35th month in a row of declines. The median price of homes sold in April was $257,900. This is the 74th consecutive month of year-over-year price gains. Source: Amanda Robins

Selling Your House on Your Own Could Cost You

Amanda RobinsUncategorized

In this extremely hot real estate market, some homeowners might consider selling their homes on their own which is known as a For Sale by Owner (FSBO). They rationalize that they don’t need a real estate agent and believe that they can save the fee for the services a real estate agent offers. However, a study by Collateral Analytics reveals … Read More