Baby Boomers: Home Is Where The Heart Is
Within the next five years, Baby Boomers are projected to have the largest household growth of any other generation during that same time period, according to the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard. Let’s take a look at why…
In Merril...
Freddie Mac’s New 3% Down Program
Today, Freddie Mac is scheduled to start buying mortgages with down payments of only three percent – the first time down payments have been this low on Freddie Mac loans in nearly five years. The program is called Freddie Mac Home Possible Advant...
Billionaire Says Real Estate is Best Investment Possible
Billionaire money manager John Paulson was interviewed at the Delivering Alpha Conference presented by CNBC and Institutional Investor. During his session he boldly stated:
"I still think, from an individual perspective, the best deal investment...
Don’t Get Caught in the ‘Renter’s Trap’
There are many benefits to homeownership, one of top ones, is being able to protect yourself from rising rents and lock in your housing cost for the life of your mortgage.
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) just released their findings...
Location, Location, Location
A recent Demand Institute report revealed “nearly half of all American households plan to move at some point in the future.”
Seventy-five percent of those surveyed in the report cited one or more ‘location-related reasons’ for their eagerness ...
Homeownership is the “American Dream” for a Reason
There have been some who have voiced doubt as to whether or not the younger generations still consider buying a home as being part of the “American Dream”. A recent study by Merrill Lynch puts that doubt to rest. According to their research, ever...
Is the Housing Market Back? Ask Lowes & Home Depot!
A recent Bloomberg Business article reports that both Lowes & Home Depot experienced fourth quarter profits that beat revenue projections by the most in six quarters. So what does that mean to the housing market?
Consumer Confidence
Lowe’s ...
Where Are Mortgage Rates Headed?
The interest rate you pay on your home mortgage has a direct impact on your monthly payment. The higher the rate the greater the payment will be. That is why it is important to look at where rates are headed when deciding to buy now or wait until...
Thinking of Buying? What are you waiting for?
If you are planning on becoming a homeowner, or moving up to the home of your dreams in 2015, here are four great reasons to consider buying a home now, instead of waiting until spring.
1. Prices Will Continue to Rise
The Home Price Expectation...
Homeownership Rates: Are They Really Crashing?
The Census recently released their 2014 Homeownership Statistics, and many began to worry that Americans have taken a step back from the notion of homeownership.
Easy… Chicken Little
The national homeownership rate peaked in 2004, representing ...
2015: A Year of Housing Opportunity
Many believed that when the housing market crashed, so too would the desire of American’s to own a home again. Many reports have shown that, especially among younger generations, the American Dream of homeownership is still very much alive.
Ju...
Either Way, You’re Paying a Mortgage
There are some people that have not purchased a home because they are uncomfortable taking on the obligation of a mortgage. Everyone should realize that, unless you are living with your parents rent free, you are paying a mortgage - either your m...
Consumer Confidence at Highest Level in Over a Decade
Two recently released reports reveal that the American public is starting to feel much better about the U.S. economy. The University of Michigan’s Surveys of Consumers showed that:
“Consumer optimism reached the highest level in the past decade ...
Net Worth: A Homeowner’s is 36x Greater Than A Renter!
Over the last six years, homeownership has lost some of its allure as a financial investment. As homeowners suffered through the housing bust, more and more began to question whether owning a home was truly a good way to build wealth.
Every th...
Real Estate Heading in the “Right Direction”
The housing market has taken a great turn toward recovery over the last few years. The opinions of the American public toward real estate took longer to recover, until recently.
For the first time since 2006, Americans have an overall positive...
The Difference Between A Home’s Cost vs. Price
As a seller, you will be most concerned about ‘short term price’ – where home values are headed over the next six months. As either a first time or repeat buyer, you must not be concerned only about price but also about the ‘long term cost’ of th...
5 Reasons to Hire a Real Estate Professional
Whether you are buying or selling a home, it can be quite an adventurous journey. You need an experienced Real Estate Professional to lead you to your ultimate goal. In this world of instant gratification and internet searches, many sellers think...
Attaining the American Dream: 5 Financial Reasons to Buy
Heading into 2015 many people have their sights set on buying a home. The personal reasons differ for each buyer, with many basic similarities. Eric Belsky, the Managing Director of the Joint Center of Housing Studies at Harvard University expand...
3 Questions to Ask Before Buying a Home
If you are thinking about purchasing a home right now, you are surely getting a lot of advice. Though your friends and family have your best interests at heart, they may not be fully aware of your needs and what is currently happening in real est...
Buying A House? Everyone Seems To Think This Is The Time
There are many people deciding on whether to sign a new lease on a rental property or take the dive into homeownership. Every situation is different. However, with rents, home values and mortgage interest rates projected to rise, buying now might...
New Fannie Mae Appraisal Program: Helping or Hurting?
Every home must be sold TWICE! Once to the buyer, and once to the bank appraiser if a mortgage is involved.
The second sale may have just become more difficult.
A new program announced by Fannie Mae may slow down the home-sale closing process b...
Freddie Mac: 2015 Home Sales to Hit 2007 Levels
According to Freddie Mac’s latest U.S. Economic & Housing Market Outlook, U.S. home sales in 2015 will show increase to the numbers associated with a normal real estate market. Here is their projection:
“We are projecting a 4 percent rise in...
The REAL Reasons Americans Buy a Home
Last week, we reported on the financial reasons that the New York Times felt that homeownership was important. The Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University performs a study every year surveying participants for the reasons that Amer...
Home Values Compared to the Peak of 2006-2007
There is no doubt that the housing market has recovered from the meltdown that occurred just a few short years ago. However, in some states home values still have not returned to the prices we saw in 2006 and 2007. Here is a breakdown showing whe...
Do You Fit the Description of the Typical First Time Homebuyer?
There are many people sitting on the sidelines trying to decide if they should purchase a home or sign a rental lease. Some might wonder if it makes sense to purchase a house before they are married and have a family. Others may think they are to...
