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...
Two Great Reasons to Buy not Rent
There are many young people debating whether they should renew the lease on their apartment or sign a contract to purchase their first home. Based on a recent study, here are two reasons buying a home might make more sense:
...
2015: The Return of the Millennial Home Buyer
Earlier this month, Zillow predicted that millennial buyers (under the age of 35) will become the largest group of buyers, overtaking Gen X (35-50 years old) by the end of 2015. Dr. Stan Humphries, Zillow Chief Economist, explained:
"Roughly 42 ...
New York Times: Homeownership is Best Way To Build Wealth
The New York Times recently published an editorial entitled, “Homeownership and Wealth Creation.” The housing market has made a strong recovery, not only in sales and prices, but also in the confidence of consumers and experts as an investment.
...
Confusing Real Estate News? An Agent Can Help
Below are the headlines from three separate news releases issued over a one month period:
11/3/2014 - Millions of Potential New Households Waiting Out the Recovery
11/11/2014 - Experts: First-Time Homebuyers' Weak Finances Holding Back Hous...
Breaking News: Fannie and Freddie formally announce 3% Down Programs
Yesterday, HousingWire reported that both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac formally announced their 3% down options on home purchases. Fannie Mae’s plan will be effective December 13, 2014 while the Freddie Mac plan will be available March 23, 2015. Th...
Rent Increases Expected to Continue through 2015
CNBC’s Diana Olick recently reported that rents in the residential housing sector continued to rise in 2014. She interviewed Jed Kolko, Chief Economist at Trulia, who revealed:
"Rents are rising because of strong demand that supply hasn't kept u...
Home Prices Continue to Rise
“Broad-based Slowdown for Home Prices”
That is a headline you might have seen over the past weekend. And though it is true, we must understand the story behind the headline. Case Shiller reports on the year-over-year difference in home values. The...
Freddie Mac: Buy Sooner Rather than Later
In a recent video update on the housing market, Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac’s chief economist, stated that with both mortgage interest rates and home prices projected to increase in 2015 buying now makes sense.
“If you are planning to buy a home ...
Top 5 Benefits of Using a Professional to Buy a Home
Every year the National Association of REALTORS releases their Profile of Home Buyers & Sellers, in which they reveal the results of a yearlong survey of buyers and sellers. The latest profile revealed what actual buyers saw as the benefits o...
Where Are Prices Headed Over the Next 5 Years?
Today, many real estate conversations center on housing prices and where they may be headed. That is why we like the Home Price Expectation Survey.
Every quarter, Pulsenomics surveys a nationwide panel of over one hundred economists, real esta...
Harvard’s 5 Financial Reasons to Buy a Home
Eric Belsky is Managing Director of the Joint Center of Housing Studies at Harvard University. He also currently serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Housing Research and Housing Policy Debate. Last year, he released a paper on homeown...
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...
4 Reasons to Buy Before Winter
It's that time of year, the seasons are changing and with them bring thoughts of the upcoming holidays, family get togethers, and planning for a new year. Those who are on the fence about whether now is the right time to buy don't have to look mu...
Buying a Home Remains 38% Less Expensive than Renting!
In Trulia’s latest Rent vs. Buy Report, they explained that homeownership remains cheaper than renting with a traditional 30-year fixed rate mortgage throughout the 100 largest metro areas in the United States.
The updated numbers actually sho...
Debunking 4 Myths about Buying a Home
A recent study by the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University revealed when renters were asked why they do no plan to own in the future, financial constraints were a more common response than the perceived lifestyle benefits they m...
Either Way, You’re Still 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...
Buying a Home with as Little as 3-5% Down Payment
We have recently reported on the misconception that many buyers have regarding the down payment necessary to purchase a home. Multiple studies reveal that 40-50% of Americans believe you need between 15-20% of a down payment to be eligible to pur...
Gallup Poll: Real Estate Best Long-Term Investment
The Gallup organization conducts an annual report entitled the Economy and Personal Finances Poll, which asks Americans to choose the best option for long-term investment.
It was no surprise that real estate returned to the top position over o...
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...
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...
Buying A Home? You Don’t Need To Do It Alone
Discover Home Loans conducted an interesting survey that revealed how prepared homebuyers are for the actual mortgage process.
The survey reported that 94% of prospective buyers believe they are making a good investment decision if they buy a ...
