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How to Test-Drive a Neighborhood While Sheltering in Place [INFOGRAPHIC]

How to Test-Drive a Neighborhood While Sheltering in Place [INFOGRAPHIC] | Keeping Current Matters

Some Highlights

  • Staying at home doesn’t mean your search for a new place needs to come to a standstill.
  • Check out these tips on how to explore other neighborhoods virtually in the homebuying process. You may find a spot that better suits your needs without ever leaving your living room!
  • A real estate professional can help you with all of the additional steps along the way, so you’re ready to make your next move.
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Today’s Expert Insight on the Housing Market [INFOGRAPHIC]

Today’s Expert Insight on the Housing Market [INFOGRAPHIC] | Keeping Current Matters

Some Highlights

  • According to Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at NAR, home prices are forecasted to rise.
  • Results from the Existing Home Sales Report note that home sales declined in March due to the coronavirus, but prices are still strong.
  • Reach out to a local real estate professional to get a better understanding of your home’s value today.
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How Technology is Helping Buyers Navigate the Home Search Process [INFOGRAPHIC]

How Technology is Helping Buyers Navigate the Home Search Process [INFOGRAPHIC] | Keeping Current Matters

Some Highlights:

  • A recent realtor.com survey revealed that buyers are still considering moving forward with the homebuying process, even if they can’t see the home in-person.
  • While they still prefer to physically see a home, virtual home tours and accurate listing information top the list of tech specs buyers find most helpful in today’s process.
  • Reach out to a local real estate professional today to determine how technology can help power your home search.
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What You Can Do to Get Your House Ready to Sell [INFOGRAPHIC]

What You Can Do to Get Your House Ready to Sell | Keeping Current Matters

Some Highlights:

  • Believe it or not, there are lots of things you can do to prep your house for a sale without even going to the store.
  • Your real estate plans don’t have to be completely on hold even while we’ve hit the pause button on other parts of daily life.
  • Tackling small projects from cleaning the corners you may normally skip to tidying up your yard are easy and necessary wins if you’re thinking of listing your house and making a move.
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The Housing Market Is Positioned to Help the Economy Recover [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights

  • Expert insights are painting a bright future for housing when the economy bounces back – and it will.
  • We may be facing challenging economic times today, but the housing market is poised to help the economy recover, not drag it down.
  • Connect with your trusted real estate advisor today, to make sure you’re informed and ready when it’s time to make your move.
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What You Can Do to Keep Your Dream of Homeownership Moving Forward [INFOGRAPHIC]

What You Can Do to Keep Your Dream of Homeownership Moving Forward [INFOGRAPHIC] | Keeping Current Matters

Some Highlights:

  • Don’t put your homeownership plans on hold just because you’re stuck inside.
  • There are several things you can do right now to keep your home search moving forward.
  • Connect with an agent, learn about resource programs for things like down payments, and get pre-approved today.
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A Recession Does Not Equal a Housing Crisis [INFOGRAPHIC]

A Recession Does Not Equal a Housing Crisis | Keeping Current Matters

Some Highlights

  • The COVID-19 pandemic is causing an economic slowdown.
  • The good news is, home values actually increased in 3 of the last 5 U.S. recessions and decreased by less than 2% in the 4th.
  • All things considered, an economic slowdown does not equal a housing crisis, and this will not be a repeat of 2008.
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Buying a Home: Do You Know the Lingo? [INFOGRAPHIC]

Buying a Home: Do You Know the Lingo? [INFOGRAPHIC] | Keeping Current Matters

Highlights:

  • Buying a home can be intimidating if you’re not familiar with the terms used throughout the process.
  • To point you in the right direction, here’s a list of some of the most common language you’ll hear along the way.
  • The best way to ensure your homebuying process is a positive one is to find a real estate professional who will guide you through every aspect of the transaction with ‘the heart of a teacher.’
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The Difference an Hour Makes [INFOGRAPHIC]

The Difference an Hour Makes [INFOGRAPHIC] | Keeping Current Matters

Some Highlights:

  • Don’t forget to set your clocks forward this Sunday, March 8 at 2:00 AM EST in observance of Daylight Saving Time, unless you’re a resident of Arizona or Hawaii!
  • Every hour in the United States, 568 homes are sold and median home values rise by $1.92.
  • As we “spring forward” this year, be sure to reach out to a local real estate professional to see how you can take advantage of every hour in the housing market.
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10 Steps to Buying a Home [INFOGRAPHIC]

10 Steps to Buying a Home [INFOGRAPHIC] | Keeping Current Matters

Some Highlights:

  • If you’re thinking of buying a home and you’re not sure where to start, you’re not alone.
  • Here’s a guide with 10 simple steps to follow in the homebuying process.
  • Be sure to work with a trusted real estate professional to find out the specifics of what to do in your local area.
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Interest Rates Over Time [INFOGRAPHIC]

Interest Rates Over Time [INFOGRAPHIC] | Keeping Current Matters

Some Highlights:

  • With interest rates hovering at near historic lows, now is a great time to look back at where they’ve been, and how much they’ve changed over time.
  • According to Freddie Mac, mortgage interest rates are currently hovering near a five-decade low.
  • The impact your interest rate has on your monthly mortgage payment is significant. An increase of just $20 dollars in your monthly payment can add up to $240 per year or $7,200 over the life of your loan. Maybe it’s time to lock in now while rates are still low.
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Reasons to Fall in Love with Homeownership [INFOGRAPHIC]

Top Reasons to Love Homeownership [INFOGRAPHIC] | Keeping Current Matters

Some Highlights:

  • There are many benefits to love about homeownership, and they’re not all financial.
  • Being a part of a neighborhood, driving academic achievement, and improving mental health are just a few of these advantages.
  • Reach out to a local real estate professional today to determine if you’re ready to embrace the rewards of owning your own home.
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The Top States Americans Moved to Last Year [INFOGRAPHIC]

The Top States Americans Moved to Last Year [INFOGRAPHIC] | Keeping Current Matters

Some Highlights:

  • Americans are on the move, and the most recent Atlas Van Lines Migration Patterns Survey tracked the 2019 traffic flow from state-to-state.
  • Idaho held on to the top spot of ‘high inbound’ states for the second time since 2017, followed by Washington State.
  • New York was the country’s outbound move leader in 2019, a designation it most recently held in 2014.
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5 Reasons Homeowners Throw Better Parties During the Big Game [INFOGRAPHIC]

5 Reasons Homeowners Throw Better Parties During the Big Game [INFOGRAPHIC] | Keeping Current Matters

Some Highlights:

  • There’s more room to entertain a large crowd.
  • The kitchen is big enough to whip up endless appetizers – yum!
  • You don’t have to worry about complaints to your landlord when the cheering kicks in!
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2020 Homebuying Checklist

2020 Homebuying Checklist | Keeping Current Matters

Some Highlights:

  • If you’re thinking of buying a home, plan ahead and stay on the right track, starting with pre-approval.
  • Being proactive about the homebuying process will help set you up for success in each step.
  • Make sure to work with a trusted real estate professional along the way, to help guide you through the homebuying steps specific to your area.
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Where Homebuyers Are Heading By Generation [INFOGRAPHIC]

Where Homebuyers Are Heading By Generation [INFOGRAPHIC] | Keeping Current Matters

Some Highlights:

  • Whether capitalizing on job opportunities, affordability, or warm-weather places to retire, Americans are making moves to these top cities to take advantage of the strength in the current housing market.
  • A strong economy and lower mortgage rates have made it easier for many would-be buyers to get into the market. According to realtor.com, it just depends on which market.
  • To find the top market in your area, contact a local real estate professional.
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National Cut Your Energy Costs Day [INFOGRAPHIC]

National Cut Your Energy Costs Day [INFOGRAPHIC] | Keeping Current Matters

Some Highlights:

  • On January 10th of each year, “National Cut Your Energy Costs Day” encourages consumers to reduce their overall energy costs by improving home efficiency.
  • According to Freddie Mac, a typical U.S. family spends $2,200 per year on energy bills. By making energy efficient upgrades, you could reduce your energy bills by up to 30%.
  • To assess the energy efficiency of your home and see how it measures up, take a moment to check out Home Energy Yardstick to calculate your estimated opportunity. Don’t forget to have your energy bills nearby!
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Top Renovations for Maximum ROI [INFOGRAPHIC]

Top Renovations for Maximum ROI [INFOGRAPHIC] | Keeping Current Matters

Some Highlights:

  • If you’re planning on selling your house in 2020, these are the top renovations that will give you the highest Return on your Investment.
  • Regardless of how long you’re planning on staying in your current home, it’s smart to be aware of which home renovations add the most value.
  • The exterior of a house is the first thing buyers see when searching for a home. Upgrading your roof or siding will ensure your home leaves a great first impression!
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Working with a Local Real Estate Professional Makes All the Difference [INFOGRAPHIC]

Working with a Local Real Estate Professional Makes All the Difference [INFOGRAPHIC] | Keeping Current Matters

Some Highlights:

  • Choosing the right real estate professional is one of the most impactful decisions you can make in your home buying or selling process.
  • A real estate professional can explain current market conditions and break down what they will mean to you and your family.
  • If you’re considering buying or selling a home in 2020, make sure to work with someone who has the experience to answer all of your questions about pricing, contracts, and negotiations.
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Where is the Housing Market Headed in 2020? [INFOGRAPHIC]

Where is the Housing Market Headed in 2020? [INFOGRAPHIC] | Keeping Current Matters

Some Highlights:

  • Interest rates will be lower than they have been since before 1980 at 3.8% and are projected to remain steady throughout 2020!
  • According to CoreLogic, home prices will appreciate at a rate of 5.4% over the course of the year.
  • Experts predict that the number of homes sold next year will be equal to or outpace 2019.
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Get Your House Ready To Sell This Winter [INFOGRAPHIC]

Get Your House Ready To Sell This Winter | Keeping Current Matters

Some Highlights

  • Winter is a great time to list a house, since inventory is traditionally low, and most sellers are holding off until spring to put their homes on the market.
  • Waiting for warmer weather when more competition is on the market will only put your house up against many more choices for buyers.
  • Get your house ready to sell now with quick and easy fixes that make a big impact.
Read more →
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Millennials Are on the Move as First-Time Homebuyers [INFOGRAPHIC]

Is Your First Home Now Within Your Grasp? [INFOGRAPHIC] | Keeping Current Matters

Some Highlights:

  • According to NAR’s latest Profile of Home Buyers & Sellers, the median age of all first-time homebuyers is 32.
  • With more millennials entering a homebuying phase of life, they are driving a large portion of the buyer appetite in the market, keeping buyer activity strong.
  • More and more “old millennials” (ages 25-36) are realizing that homeownership is now within their grasp, and they’re actively dominating the first-time homebuyer market!
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Buyers Are Looking For Your Home [INFOGRAPHIC]

Buyers Are Looking For Your Home [INFOGRAPHIC] | Keeping Current Matters

Some Highlights:

  • Existing Home Sales are currently at an annual pace of 5.46 million.
  • The inventory of existing homes for sale remains below the 6 months needed for a normal market and is now at a 3.9-month supply.
  • Inventory remains low due to high demand from buyers who are still looking for a house to buy!
Read more →
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The Cost Across Time [INFOGRAPHIC]

The Cost Across Time [INFOGRAPHIC] | Keeping Current Matters

Some Highlights:

  • With interest rates around 3.66%, now is a great time to look back at where they’ve been over the past few decades. Comparatively, they’re pretty low!
  • According to Freddie Mac, rates are projected to increase to 3.9% by this time next year.
  • The impact your interest rate has on your monthly mortgage payment is significant. An increase of just $20 dollars in your monthly payment can add up to $240 per year and $7,200 over the life of your loan.
  • Maybe it’s time to lock in now, while rates are still historically low.
Read more →
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The Cost of Renting vs. Buying a Home [INFOGRAPHIC]

The Cost of Renting vs. Buying a Home [INFOGRAPHIC] | Keeping Current Matters

Some Highlights:

  • Historically, the choice between renting and buying a home has been a tough decision.
  • Looking at the percentage of income needed to rent a median-priced home today (27.7%) vs. the percentage needed to buy a median-priced home (17.5%), the choice is clear.
  • Every market is different. Before you renew your lease, find out if you can put your housing costs to work by buying a home this year.
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