The Many Non-Financial Benefits of Homeownership

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Kevin Brierton – 9.21.2023 Buying and owning your own home can have a big impact on your life. While there are financial reasons to become a homeowner, it’s essential to think about the non-financial benefits that make a home more than just a place to live. Here are some of the top non-financial reasons to buy a…

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Remote Work Is Changing How Some Buyers Search for Their Dream Homes

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Kevin Brierton – 9.20.2023 The way Americans work has changed in recent years, and remote work is at the forefront of this shift. Experts say it’ll continue to be popular for years to come and project that 36.2 million Americans will be working remotely by 2025. To give you some perspective, that’s a 417% increase compared to the pre-pandemic years…

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What Experts Project for Home Prices Over the Next 5 Years

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Kevin Brierton – 9.12.2023 If you’re planning to buy a home, one thing to consider is what experts project home prices will do in the future and how that might affect your investment. While you may have seen negative news over the past year about home prices, they’re doing far better than expected and are rising across the country. And…

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Get Ready for Smaller, More Affordable Homes

A house with a red door and white picket fence.

Kevin Brierton – 9.7.2023 Have you been trying to buy a home, but higher mortgage rates and home prices are limiting your options? If so, here’s some good news – based on what Ali Wolf, Chief Economist at Zonda, has to say â€“ smaller, more affordable homes are on the way: “Buyers should expect that over the next 12 to 24 months there will…

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Mortgage Rates: Past, Present, and Possible Future

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Kevin Brierton – 9.6.2023 If you’re hoping to buy a home this year, you’re probably paying close attention to mortgage rates. Since mortgage rates impact what you can afford when you take out a home loan – and affordability is a challenge today – it’s a good time to look at the big picture of where mortgage rates…

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Four Ways You Can Use Your Home Equity

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Kevin Brierton – 8.7.2023 If you’re a homeowner, odds are your equity has grown significantly over the last few years. Equity builds over time as home values grow and as you pay down your home loan. And, since home prices skyrocketed during the â€˜unicorn’ years, you’ve likely gained more than you think. According to the latest Equity Insights Report from CoreLogic, the average homeowner…

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How Inflation Affects Mortgage Rates

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Kevin Brierton – 8.3.2023 When you read about the housing market in the news, you might see something about a recent decision made by the Federal Reserve (the Fed). But how does this decision affect you and your plans to buy a home? Here’s what you need to know. The Fed is trying hard to reduce inflation. And even…

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How To Know If You’re Ready to Buy a Home

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Kevin Brierton – 8.2.2023 If you’re trying to decide if you’re ready to buy a home, there’s probably a lot on your mind. You’re thinking about your finances, today’s mortgage rates and home prices, the limited supply of homes for sale, and more. And, you’re juggling how all of those things will impact the choice you’ll make. While housing…

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Tips for Making Your Best Offer on a Home

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Kevin Brierton – 7.26.2023 While the wild ride that was the â€˜unicorn’ years of housing is behind us, today’s market is still competitive in many areas because the supply of homes for sale is still low. If you’re looking to buy a home this season, know that the peak frenzy of bidding wars is in the rearview mirror, but you may…

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How Remote Work Expands Your Homebuying Horizons

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Kevin Brierton – 7.13.2023 Even as some companies transition back into the office, remote work remains a popular choice for many professionals. So, if you currently enjoy working from home or hope to be able to soon, you’re not alone. According to a recent survey, most working professionals want to work either fully remote or hybrid…

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Americans Still View Homeownership as the American Dream

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Kevin Brierton – 7.4.2023 Everyone’s interpretation of the American Dream is unique and personal. But, for many people, it’s tied to a sense of success, freedom, and prosperity. These are all things that owning a home can help provide. A recent survey from Bankrate asked respondents which achievements they feel most embody the American Dream.…

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The Impact of Inflation on Mortgage Rates

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Kevin Brierton – 5.10.2023 If you’re reading headlines about inflation or mortgage rates, you may see something about the recent decision from the Federal Reserve (the Fed). But what does it mean for you, the housing market, and your plans to buy a home? Here’s what you need to know. Inflation and the Housing Market While…

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How Homeowners Win When They Downsize

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Kevin Brierton – 5.4.2023 Downsizing has long been a popular option when homeowners reach retirement age. But there are plenty of other life changes that could make downsizing worthwhile. Homeowners who have experienced a change in their lives or no longer feel like their house fits their needs may benefit from downsizing too. U.S. News…

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Trying To Buy a Home? Hang in there.

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Kevin Brierton – 4.6.2023 We’re still in a sellers’ market. And if you’re looking to buy a home, that means you’re likely facing some unique challenges, like difficulty finding a home and volatile mortgage rates. But keep in mind, there are some benefits to being a buyer in today’s market that give you good reason…

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