The ‘double trouble’ making homes so unaffordable
“One of the first things we do with first-time homebuyers is to ask them: ‘What have you heard about the current state of the real estate market?’” says Sarah Knight, a broker at Windermere Real […]
Here’s the cheapest real estate in the US. Should you invest?
Everyone loves a deal, a chance to get more for their money. Look no further than the hordes of stampeding shoppers every Black Friday. Fortunately for real estate investors, cheap real estate in the U.S. […]
Whales, tacos and sports, oh my! Why real estate is booming in this Texas city
Some cities grow too fast, their mystique attracting people in such numbers that their most appealing features are ruined by gentrification. Twenty years ago, residents of Texas’s capital took up the “Keep Austin Weird” banner […]
Could this real estate secret really help you buy a home?
Between open houses and bidding wars, buying a home can be draining. Meanwhile, in-the-know and select clientele have the chance to tour and purchase properties before they even hit the market. The practice, known as […]
Flood risks are on the rise. Here’s what that means for real estate investors
Severe weather events are occurring with increased frequency, and scientists link some of them to climate change. The financial impacts of floods, wildfires, hurricanes, tornadoes and deadly winter storms have been devastating to many homeowners. […]
Young house hunters keep striking out. Here’s why
Despite rising mortgage rates, the housing market remains hot. Heightened prices, low inventory and speedy turnarounds are predicted to continue in 2022. So, it’s not necessarily surprising that the latest Fannie Mae Home […]
Bought your first home this year? You’ll want to know about this tax credit
A tax credit for first-time homebuyers is making its way through Congress this year. A revamp of the first-time homebuyer tax credit from 2008, the proposed bill includes an increase in borrowing limits, income limits […]
Why are home prices soaring in this hippie oasis?
Austin’s reputation for bohemian living was cemented among the indie-film set by Richard Linklater’s “Slacker,” a cult classic set in the city and shot for $23,000 in 1989. One memorable exchange runs along the […]
What does renters insurance cover & how does it work?
A standard renters insurance policy typically covers your personal belongings should they be damaged, destroyed or stolen. Renters insurance also covers liability in case someone is injured or someone else’s property is damaged, as well […]
What’s the difference between a co-op and a condo?
It’s easy to get confused about the difference between co-ops and condos. If you pulled up pictures of each during a home search, they might seem exactly the same. But if you’re in the market […]
This HGTV-famous home is now for sale
If you’re a fan of HGTV’s mega-hit competition series “Rock the Block,” you’re bound to recognize this lovely home. The modern farmhouse was crowned as the winner of the first season of the popular home design competition, […]
Rents are soaring in Orlando & it’s not just Disney World’s fault
“Where will I go on my mission?” sings the young Elder Price in the smash hit Broadway musical “Book of Mormon.” It’s the most important part of a Mormon kid’s life, he sings, nothing […]
What is a fixed-rate loan?
A fixed-rate loan is a lending product that allows eligible consumers or businesses to borrow money with an interest rate that does not change over the life of the loan. The rate is locked or fixed […]
To buy or rent? Why inflation may impact your decision
The news that U.S. inflation has hit 7% not only makes people recoil at the sticker shock at the gas pump and in the grocery store aisles, but it also leads to some questions about what’s […]
Expert predictions for the economy & housing market in 2022
Though perhaps not as dramatic as 2020, 2021 was another tumultuous year. Fortunately, 2022 is on track to be — at the very least — somewhat more stable than the past two years. But […]
Betty White would totally approve of this real estate trend
By one measure, the hottest trend in housing has gone to the dogs. As in pet dogs. Some 60 million American households, about half, own a dog, and most of those dog […]
When inflation hits, this common investment can be a refuge
Federal Reserve chairman Jerome Powell has passed through the five stages of acceptance about inflation. Originally nominated to the Fed in 2012 and named chair in 2016, Powell and his colleagues kept rates […]
Why is it so much more stressful buying a home in these states?
Divorce. Having a baby. Getting married. Studies show that none of these are as stressful as moving home. Psychoanalyst Ronnie Greenberg calls the home “a matrix of safety.” A roof over your head, a familiar space, a […]
Is now the best time to sell your house?
With the world having turned upside down over the past year, you may be taking stock of your life and considering major life choices. Should I change my job? Should we have another […]
Your home insurance is about to get more expensive
Homeowners may see an increase in their home insurance premiums in the coming year, according to a white paper released by the American Property Casualty Insurance Association. The spike in rates is the result of what experts are […]
Mortgage interest deductions explained
Homeownership has long been a part of the American dream, and it opens the door to benefits like the mortgage interest deduction for those who itemize deductions on their taxes. Itemizing typically makes […]
20 critical things to consider before buying a house
Buying a home is a great investment and a very big deal. But there’s no going back once you sign that purchase agreement. For that reason, you should go out of your way to ask […]
These cities saw the biggest rise in home prices this year
It’s never easy buying a house, and in certain cities, real estate is coming at an increasingly higher cost, now more than ever. Following the onset of the pandemic, real estate markets across the country […]
Understanding the basics of real estate options
When it comes to real estate investing, there are many ways to get involved in the market and make a profit. A homeowner might put their home on the market and choose to […]
Understanding property valuations
If you’re applying for a mortgage, you probably expect the lender to take a look at your income, debt, credit history, employment and assets. There’s another loan element the lender will consider that may be […]
How to win a bidding war on your dream home
In housing markets teeming with buyer demand, it’s not uncommon to put an offer on a home, only to be outdone by a competing offer. If two or more potential buyers want a property […]
Are home warranties worth it?
Congratulations on the new home! But hang on. The garbage disposal isn’t working as it should. The hot water doesn’t seem to be hot anymore. A home warranty can ease the headaches and […]
What hurts a home appraisal?
When it comes to what hurts a home appraisal, some of the main factors include updates that were needed but weren’t made, comparable properties, your home’s location and whether you hired an inspector to […]
Understanding the different types of mortgage loans
An important first step for aspiring homebuyers is to decide which type of home loan will best serve their needs. The interest rate, length, down payment, borrower qualifications and extra fees associated with different […]
How to save money for a house in just 6 months
There are countless ways you could save money for a house in six months. While there is no guaranteed formula that will help you achieve that goal, there are tried-and-true tools, techniques and strategies […]