Move-Up Archives

For Sellers, Infographics, Move-Up

Want to Sell Your House Faster? Don’t Forget to Stage! [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights

The National Association of Realtors surveyed their members & released the findings of their Profile of Home Staging.
62% of seller’s agents say that staging a home decreases the amount of time a home spends on the market.
50% of staged homes saw a 1-10% increase in dollar-value offers from buyers.
77% of buyer’s agents said staging made it easier for buyers to visualize the home as their own.
The top rooms to stage in order to attract more buyers are the living room, master bedroom, kitchen, and dining room.

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July 13, 2018/by KCM CREW

We keep hearing that home affordability is approaching crisis levels. While this may be true in a few metros across the country, housing affordability is not a challenge in the clear majority of the country. In their most recent Real House Price Index, First American reported that consumer “house-buying power” is at

For Buyers, Home Prices, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up

House-Buying Power at Near-Historic Levels

We keep hearing that home affordability is approaching crisis levels. While this may be true in a few metros across the country, housing affordability is not a challenge in the clear majority of the country. In their most recent Real House Price Index, First American reported that consumer “house-buying power” is at "near-historic levels.”

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July 12, 2018/by KCM CREW

Since the beginning of the year, mortgage interest rates have risen over a half of a percentage point (from 3.95% to 4.52%), according to Freddie Mac. Even a small rise in interest rates can greatly impact a buyer’s monthly mortgage payment.

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers, Mortgage Rates, Move-Up

Rising Interest Rates Have Not Dampened Demand

Since the beginning of the year, mortgage interest rates have risen over a half of a percentage point (from 3.95% to 4.52%), according to Freddie Mac. Even a small rise in interest rates can greatly impact a buyer’s monthly mortgage payment.

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July 11, 2018/by KCM CREW

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) keeps historical data on many aspects of homeownership. One of their data points, which has changed dramatically, is the median tenure of a family in a home, meaning how long a family stays in a home prior to moving.

For Sellers, Move-Up

How Long Do Most Families Live in a House?

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) keeps historical data on many aspects of homeownership. One of their data points, which has changed dramatically, is the median tenure of a family in a home, meaning how long a family stays in a home prior to moving.

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July 10, 2018/by KCM CREW

If you are debating whether or not to list your house for sale this year, here is the #1 reason not to wait!

For Sellers, Move-Up

The #1 Reason to List Your House for Sale NOW!

If you are debating whether or not to list your house for sale this year, here is the #1 reason not to wait!

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July 9, 2018/by KCM CREW

For Buyers, Infographics, First-Time Buyers, Mortgage Rates, Move-Up

Cost Across Time [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights

With interest rates still around 4.5%, now is a great time to look back at where rates have been over the last 40 years.
Rates are projected to climb to 5.1% by this time next year according to Freddie Mac.
The impact your interest rate makes on your monthly mortgage cost is significant!
Lock in a low rate now while you can!

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July 6, 2018/by KCM CREW

Rising home prices have many concerned that the average family will no longer be able to afford the most precious piece of the American Dream – their own home.

For Buyers, Home Prices, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up

Homes More Affordable Today than 1985-2000

Rising home prices have many concerned that the average family will no longer be able to afford the most precious piece of the American Dream – their own home.

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July 5, 2018/by KCM CREW

Since the creation of the Veterans Affairs (VA) Home Loans Program, over 22 million veterans have achieved the American Dream of homeownership. Many veterans do not know the details of the program and therefore do not take advantage of the benefits available to them.

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up

VA Loans: Making a Home for the Brave Possible

Since the creation of the Veterans Affairs (VA) Home Loans Program, over 22 million veterans have achieved the American Dream of homeownership. Many veterans do not know the details of the program and therefore do not take advantage of the benefits available to them.

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July 4, 2018/by KCM CREW

When homeowners decide to sell their houses, they obviously want to get the best possible price for their home with the least amount of hassles along the way. However, for the vast majority of sellers, the most important result is actually getting their homes sold.

For Sellers, Move-Up

Why Should You Use A Professional to Sell Your Home?

When homeowners decide to sell their houses, they obviously want to get the best possible price for their home with the least amount of hassles along the way. However, for the vast majority of sellers, the most important result is actually getting their homes sold.

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July 3, 2018/by KCM CREW

Summer is traditionally a busy season for real estate. Buyers come out in force and homeowners list their houses for sale hoping to capitalize on those buyers who are looking to purchase before the new school year. This year will be no different!

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up

Buying This Summer? Be Prepared for Bidding Wars

Summer is traditionally a busy season for real estate. Buyers come out in force and homeowners list their houses for sale hoping to capitalize on those buyers who are looking to purchase before the new school year. This year will be no different!

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July 2, 2018/by KCM CREW

If you’ve entered the real estate market as a buyer or a seller, you’ve inevitably heard the mantra “location, location, location” in reference to identical homes increasing or decreasing in value based on where they’re located.

For Buyers, For Sellers, Home Prices, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up

What’s the Median Home Value in Your State?

If you’ve entered the real estate market as a buyer or a seller, you’ve inevitably heard the mantra “location, location, location” in reference to identical homes increasing or decreasing in value based on where they’re located.

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June 27, 2018/by KCM CREW

For Sellers, Infographics, Move-Up

4 Reasons to Sell This Summer [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights:

Buyer demand continues to outpace the supply of homes for sale which means that buyers are often competing with one another for the few listings that are available!
Housing inventory is still under the 6-month supply needed to sustain a normal housing market.
Perhaps the time has come for you and your family to move on and start living the life you desire.

Some Highlights

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June 22, 2018/by KCM CREW

With both home prices and mortgage rates increasing this year, many are concerned about a family’s ability to purchase a major part of the American Dream – its own home. However, if we compare housing affordability today to the average affordability prior to the housing boom and bust, we are in much better shape than most believe.

For Buyers, Home Prices, First-Time Buyers, Mortgage Rates, Move-Up

Homes are More Affordable in 44 out of 50 States

With both home prices and mortgage rates increasing this year, many are concerned about a family’s ability to purchase a major part of the American Dream – its own home. However, if we compare housing affordability today to the average affordability prior to the housing boom and bust, we are in much better shape than most believe.

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June 21, 2018/by KCM CREW

In today’s market, with home prices rising and a lack of inventory, some homeowners may consider trying to sell their home on their own, known in the industry as a For Sale by Owner (FSBO). There are several reasons why this might not be a good idea for the vast majority of sellers.

For Sellers, Move-Up, For Sale by Owner

Top 5 Reasons You Shouldn’t FSBO

In today’s market, with home prices rising and a lack of inventory, some homeowners may consider trying to sell their home on their own, known in the industry as a For Sale by Owner (FSBO). There are several reasons why this might not be a good idea for the vast majority of sellers.

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June 19, 2018/by KCM CREW

The housing crisis is finally in the rear-view mirror as the real estate market moves down the road to a complete recovery. Home values are up, home sales are up, and distressed sales (foreclosures and short sales) have fallen to their lowest points in years. The market will continue to strengthen in 2018.

For Sellers, Move-Up

How A Lack of Inventory Impacts the Housing Market

The housing crisis is finally in the rear-view mirror as the real estate market moves down the road to a complete recovery. Home values are up, home sales are up, and distressed sales (foreclosures and short sales) have fallen to their lowest points in years. The market will continue to strengthen in 2018.

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June 18, 2018/by KCM CREW

For Sellers, Infographics, Move-Up

Top 4 Home Renovations for Max ROI [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights

Whether you are selling your home, just purchased your first home or are a homeowner planning to stay put for a while, there is value in knowing which home improvement projects will net you the most Return On Investment (ROI).
Minor bathroom renovations can go a long way toward improving the quality of your everyday life and/or impressing potential buyers.
Upgrading your landscaping or curb appeal helps get buyers in the door. These upgrades rank as the 2nd and 4th renovations for returns on investment.

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June 15, 2018/by KCM CREW

With home values appreciating at record rates, some are concerned that we may be heading for another housing bubble like the one we experienced a decade ago. One of the major culprits of that housing boom and bust was the loosening of standards for mortgage credit.

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up

Are Lending Standards Too Loose…or Too Tight?

With home values appreciating at record rates, some are concerned that we may be heading for another housing bubble like the one we experienced a decade ago. One of the major culprits of that housing boom and bust was the loosening of standards for mortgage credit.

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June 14, 2018/by KCM CREW

A recent survey conducted by Harris Poll and released by SunTrust Mortgage found that “55% of homeowners with a child under the age of 18 at the time when they purchased their home said that the opinion of their offspring played a major role in their home buying decision.”

For Buyers, For Sellers, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up

Parents Say Kids’ Opinions Matter Big When Buying a Home

A recent survey conducted by Harris Poll and released by SunTrust Mortgage found that “55% of homeowners with a child under the age of 18 at the time when they purchased their home said that the opinion of their offspring played a major role in their home buying decision.”

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June 13, 2018/by KCM CREW

People often ask if now is a good time to buy a home, but nobody ever asks whether or not it’s a good time to rent. Regardless, we want to make certain that everyone understands that now is NOT a good time to rent.

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up, Rent vs. Buy

When Is a Good Time to Rent? Not Now!

People often ask if now is a good time to buy a home, but nobody ever asks whether or not it’s a good time to rent. Regardless, we want to make certain that everyone understands that now is NOT a good time to rent.

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June 12, 2018/by KCM CREW

According to recently released data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the median number of days that a home spent on the market hit a new low of 26 days in April, as 57% of homes were on the market for under a month.

For Sellers, Move-Up

Days on The Market Drops to New Low in April

According to recently released data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the median number of days that a home spent on the market hit a new low of 26 days in April, as 57% of homes were on the market for under a month.

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June 11, 2018/by KCM CREW

The new tax code limits the deduction of state and local property taxes, as well as income or sales taxes, to a total of $10,000. When the tax reform legislation was put into law at the beginning of the year, some experts felt that it could have a negative impact on the luxury housing market.

For Buyers, Home Prices, Move-Up

Did Tax Reform Kill the Luxury Market? NOT SO FAR!

The new tax code limits the deduction of state and local property taxes, as well as income or sales taxes, to a total of $10,000. When the tax reform legislation was put into law at the beginning of the year, some experts felt that it could have a negative impact on the luxury housing market.

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June 7, 2018/by KCM CREW

In today’s housing market, where supply is very low and demand is very high, home values are increasing rapidly. Many experts are projecting that home values could appreciate by another 5% (or more) over the next twelve months. One major challenge in such a market is the bank appraisal.

For Buyers, For Sellers, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up

Homeowners & Appraisers See the Most Eye-to-Eye on Price in 3 Years

In today’s housing market, where supply is very low and demand is very high, home values are increasing rapidly. Many experts are projecting that home values could appreciate by another 5% (or more) over the next twelve months. One major challenge in such a market is the bank appraisal.

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June 6, 2018/by KCM CREW

So, you’ve been searching for that perfect house to call a ‘home,’ and you’ve finally found it! The price is right, and in such a competitive market, you want to make sure that you make a great offer so that you can guarantee that your dream of making this house yours comes true!

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up

4 Steps to Follow When Presenting an Offer in Today’s Market!

So, you’ve been searching for that perfect house to call a ‘home,’ and you’ve finally found it! The price is right, and in such a competitive market, you want to make sure that you make a great offer so that you can guarantee that your dream of making this house yours comes true!

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June 5, 2018/by KCM CREW

Here are four great reasons to consider buying a home today instead of waiting.

For Buyers, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up

4 Reasons Why Summer Is a Great Time to Buy a Home!

Here are four great reasons to consider buying a home today instead of waiting.

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June 4, 2018/by KCM CREW

For Buyers, Infographics, First-Time Buyers, Move-Up

Top Reasons to Own Your Home [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights

June is National Homeownership Month!
Now is a great time to reflect on the many benefits of homeownership that go way beyond the financial.
What reasons do you have to own your own home?

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June 1, 2018/by KCM CREW

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