It’s not easy being a first-time homebuyer right now. At the end of last year, housing affordability hit an all-time low.1 Additionally, mortgage rates have risen significantly since 2021, while inventory remains tight for many property categories, but especially for starter homes. Even lower-priced condos are harder to snag these days, as investors and downsizers […]
27 Practical Cleaning Tactics for Busy Households
Keeping a clean and orderly home is a challenge for many of us. Between busy work schedules, social obligations, and family commitments, it’s tough to keep up with daily chores—let alone larger seasonal tasks. The effort is worthwhile, however. A sanitary environment can keep you and your family healthier by minimizing your exposure to germs […]
BREAKING NEWS: What Recent Bank Failures Mean For Mortgage Rates (and You)
The recent collapse of Silicon Valley and Signature banks sent shockwaves through the financial sector, causing a ripple effect through the economy. While the situation has been challenging, there’s also been a silver lining in real estate: Mortgage rates are down. Read on for a summary of the situation, as well as what it means […]
My Home Didn’t Sell! Now What?
When it comes to listing their home, most home sellers want three things: 1) to make a lot of money, 2) to put in minimal time and effort, and 3) to sell quickly. But the reality is, selling a home is rarely that simple. And homeowners who try to do it themselves—or receive bad advice—can […]
Top 6 Home Design Trends To Watch in 2023
Over the past few years, many of us have spent extra time at home—and that means we appreciate the personal design touches that make a house cozy and comfortable more than ever. Some of us have adapted our dwellings in new ways, from creating functional home offices to upgrading the appliances we use most. But […]
The 2023 Real Estate Market Outlook
2023 Real Estate Market Outlook (And What It Means for You) Last year, one factor drove the real estate market more than any other: rising mortgage rates. In March 2022, the Federal Reserve began a series of interest rate hikes in an effort to pump the brakes on inflation.1 And while some market sectors have […]
How To Stretch Your Budget in a Season of Inflation
Home for the Holidays You don’t have to break the bank to celebrate the holidays in style—even in this season of inflation. Prices may be higher on everything from food to gifts to decorations, but there are still plenty of opportunities to eke out extra savings. For example, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency […]
