Entries by The KCM Crew
![How to Overcome this Housing Market's 5 Biggest Challenges [FREE WEBINAR] | Keeping Current Matters](https://files.keepingcurrentmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/21120801/03.26-BlogPost-4.png)
20 Tips for Preparing Your House for Sale This Spring [INFOGRAPHIC]
![20 Tips for Preparing Your House for Sale This Spring [INFOGRAPHIC] | Keeping Current Matters](https://files.keepingcurrentmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/19171629/20190322-ENG-KCM.jpg)
Some Highlights:
- When listing your house for sale, your top goal will be to get the home sold for the best price possible!
- There are many small projects that you can do to ensure this happens!
- Your real estate agent will have a list of specific suggestions for getting your house ready for market and is a great resource for finding local contractors who can help!
Is Your House Priced To Sell Immediately (PTSI)?
In today’s real estate market, with more houses coming to market every day and eager buyers searching for their dream home, setting the right price for your house is one of the most important things you can do.
Do 46 Million Millennials Know They Are Mortgage Ready?
Many have written about the millennial generation and whether or not they, as a whole, believe in homeownership as part of attaining the American Dream.
What Credit Score Do You Need To Buy A House?
There are many misconceptions about the credit score needed to buy a house. Recently, it was reported that 24% of renters believe they need a 780-800 credit score to be considered for a mortgage. The reality is they are misinformed!
Want To Increase Your Family’s Wealth? Here’s How!
Everyone should realize that unless you are living somewhere rent-free, you are paying a mortgage – either yours or your landlord’s. Buying your own home provides you with a form of ‘forced savings’ that allows you to use your monthly housing costs to increase your family’s wealth.
Don’t Let Your Luck Run Out! Buy A Home This Spring [INFOGRAPHIC]
![Don’t Let Your Luck Run Out! Buy A Home This Spring [INFOGRAPHIC] | Keeping Current Matters](https://files.keepingcurrentmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/13105300/20190315-St-Patricks-Day-KCM.jpg)
Some Highlights:
- Interest Rates for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage have dropped to 4.41% from near 5% in 2018.
- Take advantage of more inventory coming to market in the spring to find your dream home!
- Buying now will allow you to start earning equity today!
Homeownership is a Cornerstone of the American Dream
“The rumors of my death are greatly exaggerated.”
The famous quote attributed to Mark Twain can apply to homeownership in the United States today. During the housing bubble of the last decade, the homeownership rate soared to over sixty-nine percent. After the crash, that percentage continued to fall for the next ten years.
7 Things To Avoid After Applying for a Mortgage!
Congratulations! You’ve found a home to buy and have applied for a mortgage! You are undoubtedly excited about the opportunity to decorate your new home! But before you make any big purchases, move any money around, or make any big-time life changes, consult your loan officer. They will be able to tell you how your decision will impact your home loan.
What’s Going On with Bidding Wars?
In a strong seller’s market, like the one we have experienced over the past few years, bidding wars are common and expected. This makes sense! A seller’s market is defined as a market in which the inventory of homes for sale cannot satisfy the number of buyers who want to purchase a home.
4 Reasons to Buy a Home in the Spring
Spring has sprung, and it’s a great time to buy a home! Here are four reasons to consider buying today instead of waiting.
Preparing to Spring Forward [INFOGRAPHIC]
![Preparing to Spring Forward [INFOGRAPHIC] | Keeping Current Matters](https://files.keepingcurrentmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/05105324/20190308-ENG-KCM.jpg)
Some Highlights:
- In the majority of the country, this weekend marks the start of Daylight Savings Time as we set our clocks forward an hour on Sunday at 2:00 AM EST.
- Whether you plan on buying or selling this spring, these tips could help you ‘spring ahead’ of your competition!
- Spring brings two things: more buyers & more sellers! Get prepared now to stand out in the crowd!
Why an Economic Slowdown Will NOT Crush Real Estate this Time
Last week, the National Association for Business Economics released their February 2019 Economic Policy Survey. The survey revealed that a majority of the panel believe an economic slowdown is in the near future.
2 Reports That Say Now Is a Great Time to Sell
Heading into the spring buying market, there are strong trends starting to emerge.
How to Have a Unique Open House
According to the National Association of Realtors, total inventory has been growing for six months straight, as has the number of buyers looking to find their dream home. In a market where inventory is increasing, you want to stand out in the crowd!
The Housing Market Will “Spring Forward” This Year!
Just like our clocks this weekend, in the majority of the country, the housing market will soon “spring forward!” Similar to tension in a spring, the lack of inventory available for sale has been holding back the market.
Home Prices Up 5.73% Across the Country! [INFOGRAPHIC]
![Home Prices Up 5.73% Across the Country! [INFOGRAPHIC] | Keeping Current Matters](https://files.keepingcurrentmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/28170152/FHFA-ENG-KCM1.jpg)
Some Highlights:
- The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) recently released their latest Quarterly Home Price Index report.
- In the report, home prices are compared both regionally and by state.
- Based on the latest numbers, if you plan on relocating to another state, waiting to move may end up costing you more!
No Worries… Home Prices Coming in for a SOFT Landing
Home prices have appreciated considerably over the last five years. This has some concerned that we may be in for another dramatic correction. However, recent statistics suggest home values will not crash as they did a decade ago. Instead, this time they will come in for a soft landing.
Interest Rates Hit New 12 Month Low!
According to Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey, interest rates for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage are currently at their lowest for 2019. Rates like these haven’t been seen since February 2018!
What are the Benefits of Becoming a Homeowner?
Every family has a list of important dates. We celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, pet adoptions…and the list goes on. For 64.4 percent of households in the United States, this list includes the day they became a homeowner for first time!
How Can I Increase My Family’s Net Worth?
Every three years, the Federal Reserve conducts their Survey of Consumer Finances. Data is collected across all economic and social groups. They recently released their latest survey data covering 2013-2016.
3 Tips for Making Your Dream of Buying A Home Come True [INFOGRAPHIC]
![3 Tips for Making Your Dream of Buying A Home Come True [INFOGRAPHIC] | Keeping Current Matters](https://files.keepingcurrentmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/20134607/3-Tips-ENG-NM.jpg)
Some Highlights:
- Setting up an automatic savings plan that saves a small amount of every check is one of the best ways to save without thinking too much about it.
- Living within a budget right now will help you save money for down payments while also paying down other debts that might be holding you back.
- What are you willing to cut back on to make your dreams of homeownership a reality?
3 Reasons Why We Are Not Heading Toward Another Housing Crash
With home prices softening, some are concerned that we may be headed toward the next housing crash. However, it is important to remember that today’s market is quite different than the bubble market of twelve years ago.
Why A Normal Market is Just What We Need
The housing market has been hot for a while now. Homes have been flying off the shelves as fast as they have been listed. Buyers have been competing in bidding wars just to find a home to buy, let alone find their dream home.
