With new mortgage rates approaching 8%, many buyers have decided to wait for rates to come down.  While there may be some easing in the fourth quarter of 2023 and 2024, assuming an existing FHA mortgage with a lower rate made in the last three or four years might be a much better alternative. Since […]

Navigating a real estate transaction, which often involves substantial financial investments and emotional considerations, can understandably induce stress. To streamline this process, adopt these effective strategies that promote a smoother journey. Begin by clearly outlining your primary motivations for either buying or selling a property. By eliminating distractions and maintaining a focused perspective, you can […]

The decision to rent or own a home is not just about having a place to live; it also has significant implications for your financial future. One key aspect that often comes into play is net worth … the value of your assets minus your liabilities. Numerous studies and statistics highlight a compelling trend: homeowners […]

Ken & Barbie have been married 20 years and have owned their current home for over 10 years. Without the benefit of legal or tax advice, they decide to divorce with Ken taking his retirement and Barbie taking the equity in the home which are equal in value. It appears to be equitable until a […]

Aspiring homeowners can overcome the challenge of saving for a down payment by taking advantage of various sources of assistance.  Discover a variety of down payment sources available to first-time homebuyers, from family gifts and retirement account withdrawals to tax refunds and down payment assistance programs, empowering them to achieve their dream of homeownership.  Implementing […]

As young people enter the full-time workforce and begin to think about living on their own, it may not seem practical or wise to consider buying a home.  However, it may be a pivotal decision for your financial security and future retirement. Rents are going to increase based on the shortage of rental units needed […]

Nobel Prize recipient, Richard Thaler, in his research into seemingly irrational economic behaviors, “found that consumers generally search too little, get confused while evaluating complex alternatives, and are slow to switch from past choices, even if it costs them.” “Why are consumers leaving money on the table?” Based on this behavior, a borrower securing a […]

Like opening and closing a faucet increases and decreases the water flow, lowering interest rates increases home sales and raising interest rates decreases home sales. When home sales increase during periods of limited inventory, demand increases and prices go up.  Contrarily, when home sales decrease, demand could lessen and prices moderate.  There is opportunity with […]

Builders of new homes offer or are required to warrant their work for a specified period.  Municipal inspections are generally required during different stages to “ensure the life, health, safety, and welfare of the public” but even if something is missed, the ultimate responsibility for building to code belongs to the builder, even if the […]

Sales in March 2023 were down 2.4% month over month and still down 22.0% year over year according to the NAR Housing Snapshot.  The median sales price dipped 0.9% to $375,700 and there are 2.6 months supply of homes on the market compared to 2 months a year ago. “Inventory levels are still at historic […]