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10/10/2017
The Crosby is a great community to live the Southern California dream offering  golf, swimming, tennis, and hiking trails. Here is your market update for the area!
October 9, 2017
Fiber-Optic network to be installed throughout Rancho Santa Fe by 2019. Every home in the community will have access to reliable, safe and lightening fast internet. Eveyone wants to be connected into the 21st century with home businesses, children's homework, video streaming, home operating systems, and communication with medical devices. It is a great time to buy.
Jan 13, 2016
The housing crisis is finally in the rear view mirror as the real estate market moves down the road to a complete recovery. 
Jan 12, 2016
People often ask whether or not now is a good time to buy a home. No one ever asks when a good time to rent is. However, we want to make certain that everyone understands that today is NOT a good time to rent. 
Jan 11, 2016
If you are debating purchasing a home right now, you are probably getting a lot of advice. Though your friends and family will have your best interest at heart, they may not be fully aware of your needs and what is currently happening in the real estate market.
Jan 08, 2016
Rates of change in home sales by price range.
Jan 07, 2016
Yesterday, we discussed the belief Americans have in homeownership and their desire to partake in this piece of the American Dream. We also discussed some of the obstacles preventing them from attaining that goal.
Jan 06, 2016

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) just released the first edition of their Housing Opportunities and Market Experience Survey (H.O.M.E.).

Jan 05, 2016
A survey by The Joint Center of Housing Studies at Harvard University reveals that when a family is buying a home they consider the financial benefits of homeownership along with the social benefits.
Jan 04, 2016

If you are debating listing your house for sale this year, here is the #1 reason not to wait

Jan 01, 2016
If you plan to buy your dream home or sell your house in 2016, resolve to use a real estate professional!
Dec 31, 2015

Here’s To A Wonderful 2016!

Dec 30, 2015
In a recent postTrulia examined whether homeownership was again being seen by adults in the US as a “part of their personal American Dream.” 
Dec 29, 2015
Now that the market has showed signs of recovery, some sellers may be tempted to try and sell their home on their own (FSBO) without using the services of a real estate professional.
Dec 28, 2015
There are many benefits to homeownership. One of the top ones is being able to protect yourself from rising rents and lock in your housing cost for the life of your mortgage.
Dec 24, 2015
Dec 23, 2015
Yesterday, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) released their latest Existing Home Sales Report which covered sales in November.
Dec 22, 2015
As the economy continues to improve, more and more Americans are seeing their personal financial situations also improving.
Dec 21, 2015
Today, many real estate conversations center on housing prices and where they may be headed. That is why we like the Home Price Expectation Survey.
Dec 18, 2015
Dec 17, 2015
At the end of December, in every region of the country, hundreds of homeowners have a tough decision to make.
Dec 16, 2015
In a recent study conducted by Builder.com, researchers determined that nationwide it would take “nearly eight years” for a first-time buyer to save enough for a down payment on their dream home.
Dec 15, 2015
In today’s market, with homes selling quickly and prices rising, some homeowners might consider trying to sell their home on their own, known in the industry as a For Sale by Owner (FSBO).
Dec 14, 2015
As a seller, you will be most concerned about ‘short term price’ – where home values are headed over the next six months.
Dec 11, 2015
Dec 10, 2015
recent post on “The Home Story”, a site published by Fannie Mae, explained the difference between the price a seller may get for their home and the value an appraiser might assign the property.
Dec 09, 2015
CoreLogic released their most current Home Price Index last week.
Dec 08, 2015
A recent survey by Ipsos found that the American public is still somewhat confused about what is actually necessary to qualify for a home mortgage loan in today’s housing market.
Dec 07, 2015
We all realize that the best time to sell anything is when demand is high and the supply of that item is limited.
Dec 04, 2015
Dec 03, 2015
The monthly mortgage payment on a home is determined by two elements: the price of the house and the interest rate you pay on your mortgage.
Dec 02, 2015

Below are quotes from experts as well as industry reports & articles that cover the residential rental market in the U.S.

 

Dec 01, 2015
Last week, an article in the Washington Post discussed a new ‘threat’ homebuyers will soon be facing: higher mortgage rates. 
Nov 30, 2015
There are some people that have not purchased a home because they are uncomfortable taking on the obligation of a mortgage
Oct 29, 2015
According to a joint study released by Google and the National Association of Realtors, 2 of 3 people searching for a prospective real estate professional research them “extensively online prior to working with them”. And, that number is probably increasing every day.
Nov 26, 2015
Noc 25, 2015
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) just released their Existing Home Sales Report revealing that distressed property sales accounted for 6% of sales in October.
Nov 24, 2015
In a recent article by the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania, it was revealed that some Millennials are not looking to purchase a home simply because they don’t believe they can qualify for a mortgage.
Nov 23, 2015
There are many reasons, both financial and non-financial, that homeownership remains an important part of the American Dream.
Nov 20, 2015
Nov 19, 2015
Mortgage interest rates, as reported by Freddie Mac, have increased over the last several weeks. Along with Freddie MacFannie Mae, the Mortgage Bankers Association and the National Association of Realtors are all calling for mortgage rates to continue to rise over the next four quarters.
Nov 18, 2015
Every homeowner wants to make sure they maximize the financial reward when selling their home. 
Nov 17, 2015
When a homeowner decides to sell their house, they obviously want the best possible price with the least amount of hassles.
Nov 27, 2015
Nov 16, 2015
People across the country are beginning to think about what their life will look like next year.
Nov 13, 2015
Nov 12, 2015
There has been much written about how dramatically home values have increased over the last several years.
Nov 11, 2015
Nov 10, 2015
The most recent Housing Pulse Survey released by the National Association of Realtors revealed that the two major reasons Americans prefer owning their own home instead of renting are
Nov 09, 2015
The interest rate you pay on your home mortgage has a direct impact on your monthly payment.
Nov 06, 2015
Nov 05, 2015
Every year at this time, many homeowners decide to wait until after the holidays to put their home on the market for the first time.
Nov 04, 2015
The residential housing market has been hot. Home sales have bounced back solidly and are now at their second highest pace since February 2007. Demand remains strong going into the winter.
Nov 03, 2015
Within the next five years, Baby Boomers are projected to have the largest household growth of any other generation during that same time period, according to the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard. Let’s take a look at why…
Nov 02, 2015
There have been some who have voiced doubt as to whether or not the younger generations still consider buying a home as being part of the “American Dream”.
Oct 30, 2015
Oct 28, 2015

The Mortgage Bankers’ Association (MBA) recently released a report: ‘Housing Demand: Demographics And The Numbers Behind The Coming Multi-Million Increase In Households’. In this study, the MBA “utilized a comprehensive analysis of data from 1976 to 2014, a period encompassing several market and housing cycles, to provide a projection of much stronger housing demand over the next decade.”

 

Oct 27, 2015
Many people wonder whether they should hire a real estate professional to assist them in buying their dream home or if they should first try to go it on their own. In today’s market: you need an experienced professional!
Oct 26, 2015
Every three years the Federal Reserve conducts a Survey of Consumer Finances in which they collect data across all economic and social groups.
Oct 23, 2015
Oct 22, 2015
Many have been wondering when the much anticipated move by Millennials’ into homeownership would actually take place.
Oct 21, 2015
With residential real estate values rising quite substantially in most parts of the country over the last few years, many homeowners are seeing a major increase in their family’s wealth as equity continues to build in their house.
Oct 20, 2015
We are often asked why there is so much paperwork mandated by the bank for a mortgage loan application when buying a home today.
Oct 19, 2015

In the latest Rent vs. Buy Report from Trulia, they explained that homeownership remains cheaper than renting with a traditional 30-year fixed rate mortgage throughout the 100 largest metro areas in the United States.

 

Oct 16, 2015
Oct 15, 2015
recent article that appeared on Nasdaq.com addressed the issue of whether it is best to buy or rent in today’s real estate environment.
Oct 14, 2015
It appears that Millennials are finally beginning to enter the housing market.
Oct 13, 2015
According to the latest report from the US Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, newly constructed home sales jumped 5.7% month-over-month and 21.6% year-over-year to an annual pace of 552,000.
Oct 12, 2015
It’s that time of year; the seasons are changing and with them bring thoughts of the upcoming holidays, family get-togethers, and planning for a new year.
Oct 09, 2015
Oct 08, 2015
The National Association of REALTORS’ just released the results of their latest Pending Home Sales Index, which showed a small 1.4% decline in signed contracts in August.
Oct 07, 2015
CoreLogic recently released their 2015 2nd Quarter Equity Report which revealed that 759,000 properties had regained equity in the last quarter.
Oct 06, 2015
The National Association of Realtors’ most recent Existing Home Sales Report revealed that home sales were up rather dramatically over last year in five of the six price ranges they measure.
Oct 05, 2015
If you are debating listing your house for sale this year or even early next year, here is the #1 reason not to wait!
Oct 01, 2015
A recent study by Edelman Berland revealed that of homeowners who are contemplating selling their house in the near future 33% plan to scale down.
Sep 30, 2015
We often promote homeownership over renting when a family is ready, willing and able to purchase.
Sep 29, 2015
As a seller, you will be most concerned about ‘short term price’ – where home values are headed over the next six months.
Sep 28, 2015
In today’s market, with homes selling quickly and prices rising some homeowners might consider trying to sell their home on their own, known in the industry as a For Sale by Owner (FSBO).
Sep 25, 2015
Sep 24, 2015
You and your family have decided to sell your house. It is now time to choose a real estate professional to help with the process. One of the major attributes this must possess is trustworthiness. To what degree do you need to trust them?
Sep 23, 2015
There has been a lot of talk about how difficult it is to get a home mortgage in today’s lending environment. However, three recent reports have revealed that lending standards are beginning to ease.
Sep 22, 2015
According to the latest Beracha, Hardin & Johnson Buy vs. Rent (BH&J) Index homeownership is a better way to produce greater wealth, on average, than renting.
Sep 21, 2015

In school we all learned the Theory of Supply and Demand. When the demand for an item is greater than the supply of that item, the price will surely rise.

Sep 18, 2015
Sep 17, 2015
Earlier this month, Fannie Mae’s Economic & Strategic Research Group announced the launch of their Home Purchase Sentiment Index (HPSI).
Sep 16, 2015
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) recently released their July edition of the Housing Affordability Index.
Sep 15, 2015
There are many young people debating whether they should renew the lease on their apartment or sign a contract to purchase their first home.
Sep 14, 2015
Last month, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reported that housing inventory was down 4.7% from the same time last year and that the month’s inventory of homes for sale stood at 4.8 – far below the six months necessary for a normal housing market.
Sep 11, 2015
Sep 10, 2015
If you are debating purchasing a home right now, you are surely getting a lot of advice.
Sep 09, 2015
There is no doubt that home prices in the vast majority of housing markets across the country are continuing to increase on a month over month basis.
Sep 08, 2015
We have reported many times that the American Dream of homeownership is alive and well. The personal reasons to own differ for each buyer, with many basic similarities.
Sep 07, 2015
Sep 04, 2015
Sep 03, 2015
A recent survey by Ipsos found that the American public is still somewhat confused about what is actually necessary to qualify for a home mortgage loan in today’s housing market.
Sep 02, 2015
Each month, Quicken Loans releases their national Home Price Perception Index (HPPI).
Sep 01, 2015
There are some homeowners that have been waiting for months to get a price they hoped for when they originally listed their house for sale.
08/28/2015
08/27/2015
According to the recently released BMO Harris Bank Home Buying Report, 52% of Americans say they are likely to buy a home in the next five years.
Aug 26, 2015
Some experts are advising that first time and move-up buyers wait until they save up 20% before they move forward with their decision to purchase a home.
Aug 24, 2015
You’ve decided to sell your house. You begin to interview potential real estate agents to help you through the process.
Aug 21, 2015
Aug 25, 2015
There are many benefits to homeownership. One of the top ones is being able to protect yourself from rising rents and lock in your housing cost for the life of your mortgage.
Aug 20, 2015

Digital Risk recently polled Millennials about the housing market. Among their findings was the fact that nearly two-thirds of the generation who have recently purchased a home, have done so with less than 20% down; with 36% putting down less than 5%!

Aug 19, 2015
We are almost back to ‘pre-housing crash’ home values. The inventories of distressed properties (foreclosures & short sales) are shrinking dramatically.
Aug 18, 2015
Today, many real estate conversations center on housing prices and where they may be headed. That is why we like the Home Price Expectation Survey.
Aug 14, 2015
Aug 13, 2015
People often ask whether or not now is a good time to buy a home. No one ever asks when a good time to rent is. However, we want to make certain that everyone understands that today is NOT a good time to rent.
Aug 12, 2015
This year, both Freddie Mac & Fannie Mae have introduced new programs that only require a 3% down payment on a mortgage in order to purchase a home. 
Aug 11, 2015
Now that the housing market has stabilized, more and more homeowners are considering moving up to their dream home.
Aug 10, 2015
The interest rate you pay on your home mortgage has a direct impact on your monthly payment. The higher the rate the greater the payment will be. That is why it is important to look at where rates are headed when deciding to buy now or wait until next year.
Aug 07, 2015
Aug 06, 2015

There is a plethora of real estate information available today in the news and on the internet. It can be extremely confusing at times.

 

Aug 05, 2015
In their latest Housing Market Insight & Outlook report, Freddie Mac revealed that recent low down payment initiatives have raised concerns that we may be returning to the same lax mortgage qualifications that caused the housing crisis from which we are just now recovering.
Aug 04, 2015
The National Association of REALTORS’ Pending Home Sales Index is “a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings”. The higher the Pending Home Sales Index number, the more contracts have been signed by buyers that will soon translate to sales.
Aug 03, 2015
In today’s market, where demand is outpacing supply in many regions of the country, pricing a house is one of the biggest challenges real estate professionals face.
Jul 30, 2015
Last week, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) released their Existing Home Sales Report. The report announced that the median existing-home price in June was $236,400.
Jul 29, 2015
The big housing news this week is that the homeownership rate has dropped to 63.4% which represents the lowest rate in 48 years. That news definitely is making headlines. Yet, to fully understand what this means we have to look at the story that created these headlines.
Jul 28, 2015

The price of any item is determined by the supply of that item, and the market demand. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) recently released their latest Existing Home Sales Report.

Jul 27, 2015
As the temperature continues to rise, buyers are coming out ready to purchase their dream home. Here are five reasons that you should list your house for sale now.
Jul 24, 2015
Jul 23, 2015
According to a Merrill Lynch survey, over 80% of the people in this country believe that homeownership is still “an important part of the American Dream”. There are many financial and non-financial reasons people feel this way.
Jul 22, 2015
People always talk about the “spring buying season” when they talk real estate. However, this year it appears as though the summer real estate market will be just as hot.
Jul 21, 2015
There are some people that have not purchased a home because they are uncomfortable taking on the obligation of a mortgage. 
Jul 31, 2015
Jul 20, 2015
Whether you are buying or selling a home, it can be quite an adventurous journey. You need an experienced Real Estate Professional to lead you to your ultimate goal.
Jul 17, 2015
Jul 16, 2015
The Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University recently released their 2015 State of the Nation’s Housing report
Jul 15, 2015

There has been much talk about homeownership and whether it is a true vehicle for building wealth. A new report looks at the impact owning a home has on the financial wellbeing of people closing in on their retirement years (ages 55-64).

Jul 14, 2015
First-time homebuyers are flocking to the housing market in greater numbers than any time in the last few years. Renters who are ready and willing to buy are now realizing that they are also able to as well.
Jul 13, 2015
The results of Fannie Mae’s June 2015 National Housing Survey, were just released showing that more and more homeowners are warming up to the idea that now may be a great time to sell their home.
Jul 10, 2015
Jul 09, 2015
There seems to be a growing chasm between what the public believes to be needed and what is actually needed to qualify for a residential home loan.
Jul 08, 2015
There has been much conversation regarding the lack of first time home buyers in today’s real estate market. However, three recent reports seem to suggest that they are now entering the market in increasing numbers.
Jul 07, 2015
The recent talk of Greece and its financial challenges has some questioning whether the U.S. could also return to the crisis we experienced in 2008.
Jul 06, 2015

If you are one of the many homeowners out there who are debating putting their house on the market this year, don’t miss out on the great opportunity you have right now!

Jul 03, 2015
Jul 02, 2015
A recent survey by Ipsos found that the American public is still somewhat confused about what is actually necessary to qualify for a home mortgage loan in today’s housing market.
Jul 01, 2015
The fact that residential home prices are increasing substantially in most regions of the country is music to the ears of homeowners. However, if you are in the process of selling your home, make sure you realize the major challenge a hot real estate market creates.
Jun 30, 2015

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) recently released their Pending Home Sales Index Report and revealed that it is at its highest level since April 2006.

Jun 29, 2015
The spring and summer months have always been known as a very popular time for homebuyers to start the search for their dream home. This year is no different!
Jun 25, 2015
At the end of June, in every region of the country, hundreds of homeowners have a tough decision to make. The ‘listing for sale agreement’ on their house is about to expire and they now must decide to either take their house off the market (OTM), For Sale by Owner (FSBO) or list it again with the same agent or a different agent.
Jun 24, 2015
There has been recent press regarding whether or not it makes better financial sense to rent rather than buy in today’s housing market.
Jun 23, 2015

The National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) latest Existing Home Sales Report revealed that first time homebuyers made up 32% of all sales in the month of May; marking the highest share since September 2012 and up from 27% the same time last year.

Jun 22,2015
Summer is here! The temperature isn’t the only thing heating up right now, so too is the housing market! Here are four great reasons to consider buying a home today instead of waiting.
Jun 19, 2015
Jun 18, 2015
When mortgage interest rates begin to climb, experts immediately begin to discuss home affordability indexes. They calculate how an increase in rates will slow home purchases as more and more potential buyers are priced out of the market. 
Jun 18, 2015
When mortgage interest rates begin to climb, experts immediately begin to discuss home affordability indexes. They calculate how an increase in rates will slow home purchases as more and more potential buyers are priced out of the market. 
Jun 17, 2015

Last week, mortgage interest rates jumped over the 4% mark for the first time this year according to Freddie Mac’s Mortgage Market Survey.

Jun 16, 2015

Are you thinking of selling your house? Are you dreading having to deal with strangers walking through the house? Are you concerned about getting the paperwork correct?

 

Jun 15, 2015
The National Association of Realtors’ most recent Existing Home Sales Report revealed that home sales were up rather dramatically over last year in five of the six price ranges they measure.
Jun 11, 2015
After the housing market bust we experienced across the country in 2008, many experts have been quick to warn that a new bubble may be forming in some areas of the country.
Jun 10, 2015
The inaugural Opportunity Cost Report was released recently by realtor.com. The report explained that “with interest rates and home prices expected to climb in the next year, the financial penalties of delaying or forgoing a home purchase in today’s market have become very steep”.
Jun 09, 2015
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York recently released the 2015 SCE Housing Survey. The survey revealed that most current renters would prefer owning and that 61.9% of them plan to buy a home within the next five years.
Jun 08, 2015
One of the biggest questions plaguing the current housing market is where mortgage interest rates will be at this time next year. Over the last two months, rates have begun to creep up (see chart).
Jun 05, 2015
Jun 04, 2015
People often ask whether they should buy a home now or wait. Recently released data suggests that waiting may not make sense as prices seem to again be on the rise.
Jun 03, 2015
Each month, many people are faced with the decision of renewing their rental lease for another year or purchasing their first home.
Jun 01, 2015
National Homeownership Month actually started as a week-long celebration of homeownership during the Clinton administration in 1995. In 2002, President George W. Bush proclaimed June as the National Homeownership Month.
May 29, 2015
May 28, 2015
If you thought about selling your house this year, now may be the time to do it. The inventory of homes for sale is well below historic norms and buyer demand is skyrocketing.
May 27, 2015
We recently posted on the results from the latest Home Price Expectation Survey (HPES) showing where residential home prices are headed over the next five years. Today, we want to show you what the results of the report could mean to you.
May 26, 2015

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) recently released the results of their Existing Home Sales Report. Despite the fact that properties are selling faster than they have at any other time since July of 2013, existing home sales declined 3.3% from March.

 

May 22, 2015
May 21, 2015
If you are planning on selling your home over the next two years, now may be the time to act. Demand is high, supply is low and many homeowners are benefiting from an almost auction atmosphere with several buyers fighting for their house in the current multi-bid environment.
May 20, 2015
recent post by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) revealed that in the months of December 2014 through February 2015, there was an increase in the number of first-time buyers making a down payment of 6% or less as compared to last year
May 19, 2015
Today, many real estate conversations center on housing prices and where they may be headed. That is why we like the Home Price Expectation Survey.
May 18, 2015
In the latest Rent vs. Buy Report from Trulia, they explained that homeownership remains cheaper than renting with a traditional 30-year fixed rate mortgage throughout the 100 largest metro areas in the United States.
May 15, 2015
May 14, 2015
Earlier this week, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) released their latest quarterly report.
May 13, 2015
We recently reported that investment purchases in 2014 fell 7.4% for the year, that combined with a diminished supply of distressed inventory allowing for big profits, has real estate investors looking for a new way to make more money in 2015.
May 12, 2015
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) recently released a report revealing that the growing wealth gap in this country has been impacted by the recent increases in real estate values coupled with the drop in homeownership rates. 
May 11, 2015
We have reported many times that the American Dream of homeownership is alive and well. The personal reasons to own differ for each buyer, with many basic similarities.
May 08, 2015
May 07, 2015

Four recent news articles confirmed that most Americans still see real estate as a great long term investment.
May 06, 2015
The Census recently released their 2015 Q1 Homeownership Statistics, and many began to worry that Americans have taken a step back from the notion of homeownership.
May 05, 2015
Every house on the market has to be sold twice; once to a prospective buyer and then to the bank (through the bank’s appraisal). In a housing market where supply is very low and demand is very high, home values increase rapidly.
May 04, 2015
Spring is in full force; the summer months are right around the corner. If you are debating moving up to your dream home, here are four great reasons to consider buying today instead of waiting.
May 01, 2015
Apr 30, 2015
If you have not bought or sold a home in a few years (or maybe decades) it is likely that there are more than a few new trends in real estate that you will encounter as you begin to interview real estate agents.
Apr 29, 2015
Recently, Freddie Mac published a blog post titled Mortgage Rates: Still the Deal of the Century.
Apr 28, 2015
Last month, we reported that billionaire John Paulson believes in the financial advantages of homeownership.
Apr 27, 2015
Last week, we reported on the financial reasons purchasing a home in today’s market makes sense. The Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University performs a study every year surveying participants for the reasons that American’s feel  are most important in regards to homeownership.
Apr 24, 2015
Apr 23, 2015
Yesterday, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) released their Existing Home Sales Report. The numbers shocked many analysts as they revealed a 10.4% increase over the same month last year.
Apr 22, 2015
In a speech delivered earlier this year, Secretary for HUD Julián Castro, called 2015 “A Year of Housing Opportunity”. A recent report by The National Association of Realtors (NAR) revealed that investment home sales decreased 7.4% in 2014 to an estimated 1.02 million.
Apr 21, 2015
Though the real estate market has improved, we still have one item holding it back from a full recovery – a robust supply of homes for sale. Demand has increased dramatically. At the same time, housing inventory is decreasing especially at the lower price points.
Apr 20, 2015
The April 2015 U.S. Economic & Housing Market Outlook from Freddie Mac revealed that they are optimistic about the real estate market in 2015. As a matter of fact, the sub-title of the report was “Great Expectations”.
Apr 17, 2015
Apr 16, 2015
Everyone knows the social advantages of home ownership. However, some question the financial benefits of owning a home.
Apr 15, 2015
Every seller wants to get the best price for their house. We learned in high school that the best price for any item will be determined by the demand for that item relative to the supply of that item.
Apr 14, 2015
The National Association of Realtors just released their 2015 Investment and Vacation Home Buyers Survey which revealed that vacation home sales boomed in 2014 to above their most recent peak level in 2006.
Apr 13, 2015
If you are debating purchasing a home right now, you are surely getting a lot of advice. Though your friends and family will have your best interest at heart, they may not be fully aware of your needs and what is currently happening in real estate. Let’s look at whether or not now is actually a good time for you to buy a home.
Dec 18, 2014

There are many people sitting on the sidelines trying to decide if they should purchase a home or sign a rental lease. Some might wonder if it makes sense to purchase a house before they are married and have a family. Others may think they are too young. And still others might think their current income would never enable them to qualify for a mortgage.

We want to share what the typical first time homebuyer actually looks like based on the National Association of REALTORS most recent Profile of Home Buyers & Sellers. Here are some interesting revelations on the first time buyer:

Dec 17, 2014

There are many young people debating whether they should renew the lease on their apartment or sign a contract to purchase their first home. Based on a recent study, here are two reasons buying a home might make more sense:

Source: Keeping Current Matters

Dec 16, 2014
Earlier this month, Zillow predicted that millennial buyers (under the age of 35) will become the largest group of buyers, overtaking Gen X (35-50 years old) by the end of 2015. Dr. Stan Humphries, Zillow Chief Economist, explained: “Roughly 42 percent of millennials say they want to buy a home in the next one to…
Dec 15, 2014
The New York Times recently published an editorial entitled, “Homeownership and Wealth Creation.” The housing market has made a strong recovery, not only in sales and prices, but also in the confidence of consumers and experts as an investment. The article explains: “Homeownership long has been central to Americans’ ability to amass wealth; even with…
Dec 12, 2014
Source: Keeping Current Matters
Dec 12, 2014
Below are the headlines from three separate news releases issued over a one month period: 11/3/2014 – Millions of Potential New Households Waiting Out the Recovery 11/11/2014 – Experts: First-Time Homebuyers’ Weak Finances Holding Back Housing Market And then, the contrarian view: 12/2/2014 – In 2015, Millennials Will Be Biggest Home Buying Group It sure…
Dec 10, 2014
The Mortgage Bankers Association, the National Association of Realtors, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are each projecting mortgage interest rates to increase substantially over the next twelve months. What will that mean to the housing market in 2015? Last week, we posted a graph showing that home prices appreciated each of the last four times…
Dec 09, 2014
Yesterday, HousingWire reported that both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac formally announced their 3% down options on home purchases. Fannie Mae’s plan will be effective December 13, 2014 while the Freddie Mac plan will be available March 23, 2015. The HW article quotes FHFA Director Mel Watt: “The new lending guidelines released today by Fannie…
Feb 20, 2014
According to CoreLogic’s Home Price Index (HPI), the 11 percent increase in December home prices represented the 22nd consecutive monthly year-over-year increase. Freezing temperatures did little to cool the housing market in January. The Pending HPI forecasts home prices to have risen 10.2 percent higher than the year before. Excluding distressed sales, including short sales…
Feb 20, 2014
A majority of more than 100 forecasters says they expect large-scale investors to sell off the bulk of homes in their portfolios in the next three to five years, boosting inventory and potentially contributing to a smoother market ahead, according to the latest Zillow® Home Price Expectations Survey. On average, panelists also say they expected…
Feb 20, 2014
If you’re considering selling your home in 2014, now is the time to get ready. Not next month, not next week, not tomorrow. Right now. Why? Because buyers are already on the hunt. The Internet is the new curb appeal
Last month will likely be remembered for polar vortexes, widespread snow, and historic traffic jams. Lost…
Feb 14, 2014

Before you put your home on the market, you should do a walkthrough visual inspection or hire a walkthrough home inspector. Check the plumbing, electrical, roof, foundation, and other systems before the buyer’s home inspection. If you wait until the buyer’s home inspection they could use the condition of your house for further negotiations.

Feb 14, 2014
Five great reasons why your luxury home that has been on the market awhile has not sold. It could be price, exposure, condition, your flexibility, and even the agent you chose. Look at everything very carefully and decide where you could improve on the marketing of your home. Do you have great pictures? How is…

Holly & Heather Manion