When most homebuyers calculate whether they can afford a new home, they focus almost exclusively on one number: the monthly mortgage payment. It’s the figure lenders qualify them for, the number discussed during showings, and the benchmark used to determine budgets. The average annual cost of owning and maintaining a single-family home in the U.S., […]
Articles about Home Buyer Tips
There is a lot to know when you are buying a home. Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned veteran, we have loads of tips for you.
Scroll down the page to find articles that interest you. Of course, if you have any questions, we are happy to help, just ask!
How to Spot Real Estate Scams (and Protect Your Investment)
Real estate scams are targeting more victims than ever before, and they’re becoming increasingly sophisticated. Nearly 10,000 Americans fell victim to real estate fraud in 2024, losing over $173 million according to FBI reports.1 Even more concerning, about one in four home buyers or sellers encounter suspicious activity during the closing process, and one in […]
Real Estate Market Update: What Mid-Year Indicators Mean for Your Next Move
As we reach the midpoint of 2025, the U.S. housing market stands at a critical juncture. The frenzy of the pandemic-era real estate boom has long since cooled, but in its place we’re seeing a market searching for balance. Higher mortgage rates, cautious buyers, and rising home inventory are combining to reshape what it means […]
5 Roadblocks to Affordable Homeownership (and Ways to Move Past Them)
Dreaming of a new home but feeling priced out? You’re not alone! According to a recent survey by Bankrate, 78% of aspiring homebuyers cite affordability issues as their primary deterrent.1 According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, home prices have risen around 32% since the pandemic, and elevated mortgage rates have caused monthly payments […]
Mid-Year Real Estate Market Update for 2024: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know
Last December, when the Federal Reserve projected a series of benchmark rate cuts in the coming year, some analysts speculated that mortgage rates—which had recently peaked near 8%—would fall closer to 6% by mid-2024.1,2,3 Unfortunately, persistent inflation has delayed the central bank’s timeline and kept the average 30-year mortgage rate hovering around 7% so far […]
The Ultimate Relocation Guide: From Finding a House to Feeling at Home
The peak moving season is upon us. In fact, according to Move.com, almost 70% of U.S. moves occur between May and September.1 And while the percentage of Americans who move each year has declined, the desire to relocate remains strong.2,3 In fact, Architectural Digest recently declared “Americans are restless” after a survey found that 55% […]
6 Tips for a Successful Move to a New State
Moving to a new state can be a wonderful experience but it also comes with some significant challenges, especially if your new location is going to be quite a big change from the place you currently call home. If you’re thinking about moving from one state to another, This article, shared below by Sarah Velasquez […]
