How To Turn Homeownership into a Side Hustle

Kevin Brierton – 12.6.2023 Does the rising cost of just about everything these days make your dream of owning your own home feel less within reach? According to Bankrate, many people are seeking additional income through side hustles, possibly to cope with those increasing expenses and save for a home. This trend is particularly popular with younger individuals…

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Experts Project Home Prices Will Rise over the Next 5 Years

Kevin Brierton – 12.4.2023 Even with so much data showing home prices are rising in most of the country, there are still a lot of people who worry there will be another price crash in the immediate future. In fact, a recent survey from Fannie Mae shows that 23% of consumers think prices will fall over the next 12 months. That’s nearly…

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Is Owning a Home Still the American Dream for Younger Buyers?

Kevin Brierton – 11.30.2023 Everyone has their idea of the American Dream, and it’s different for each person. But, in a recent survey by Bankrate, people were asked about the achievements they believe represent the American Dream the most. The answers show that owning a home still claims the #1 spot for many Americans today (see graph below):…

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Why Homeowners Are Thankful They Own

Kevin Brierton – 11.23.2023 Countless people have set out on the exciting journey of homeownership. Ask around and you’ll find the vast majority are thankful they took the leap and bought a home. But why? It’s because of the many emotional and lifestyle benefits that come with being a homeowner. So, if you’re trying to decide…

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People Are Still Moving, Even with Today’s Affordability Challenges

Kevin Brierton – 11.16.2023 If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home, you might have heard that it’s tough right now because mortgage rates are higher than they’ve been over the past few years, and home prices are rising. That much is true. Take a look at the graph below. It breaks down how the current affordability situation stacks up to recent…

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Thinking About Using Your 401(k) To Buy a Home?

Kevin Brierton – 11.8.2023 Are you dreaming of buying your own home and wondering about how you’ll save for a down payment? You’re not alone. Some people think about tapping into their 401(k) savings to make it happen. But before you decide to dip into your retirement to buy a home, be sure to consider all possible alternatives and talk…

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Homeowner Net Worth Has Skyrocketed

Kevin Brierton – 11.7.2023 If you’re weighing your options to decide whether it makes more sense to rent or buy a home today, here’s one key data point that could help you feel more confident in making your decision. Every three years, the Federal Reserve Board releases the Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF). That report covers the difference in net worth…

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What Are Accessory Dwelling Units and How Can They Benefit You?

Kevin Brierton – 11.1.2023 Maybe you’re in the market for a home and are having a hard time finding the right one that fits your budget. Or perhaps you’re already a homeowner in need of extra income or a place for loved ones. Whether as a potential homebuyer or a homeowner with changing needs, accessory dwelling units, or ADUs for…

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A Real Estate Agent Helps Take the Fear Out of the Market

Kevin Brierton – 10.30.2023 Do negative headlines and talk on social media have you feeling worried about the housing market? Maybe you’ve even seen or heard something lately that scares you and makes you wonder if you should still buy or sell a home right now. Regrettably, when news in the media isn’t easy to understand, it can make people…

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Affordable Homeownership Strategies for Gen Z

Kevin Brierton – 10.26.2023 The idea of owning a home has always been a big part of the American Dream. It’s a symbol of stability, independence, and having a place to truly call your own. But for Gen Z, the “Zoomers” born between 1997 and 2012, making that dream a reality can feel like quite…

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Are Higher Mortgage Rates Here To Stay?

Kevin Brierton – 10.16.2023 Mortgage rates have been back on the rise recently and that’s getting a lot of attention from the press. If you’ve been following the headlines, you may have even seen rates recently reached their highest level in over two decades (see graph below):   That can feel like a little bit of a gut punch…

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Are You a Homebuyer Worried About Climate Risks?

Kevin Brierton – 10.5.2023 The increasing effects of natural disasters are leading to new obstacles in residential real estate. As a recent article from CoreLogic explains: “As the specter of climate change looms large, the world braces for unprecedented challenges. In the world of real estate, one of those challenges will be the effects of natural catastrophes on…

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Unpacking the Long-Term Benefits of Homeownership

Kevin Brierton – 10.2.2023 If you’re thinking about buying a home soon, higher mortgage rates, rising home prices, and ongoing affordability concerns may make you wonder if it still makes sense to buy a home right now. While those market factors are important, there’s more to consider. You should think about the long-term benefits of homeownership too. Think about…

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The Return of Normal Seasonality for Home Price Appreciation

Kevin Brierton – 9.26.2023 If you’re thinking of making a move, one of the biggest questions you have right now is probably: what’s happening with home prices? Despite what you may be hearing in the news, nationally, home prices aren’t falling. It’s just that price growth is beginning to normalize. Here’s the context you need to really understand that trend. In…

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The Many Non-Financial Benefits of Homeownership

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

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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