Why You Need an Expert To Determine the Right Price for Your House

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Kevin Brierton – 6.6.2022 If your lifestyle has changed recently and you’re ready to make a move, taking advantage of today’s sellers’ market might be just the answer for your summer plans. With homes continuing to get multiple offers, this could be your moment to get the contract you’re looking for on your house if you’re ready to sell.…

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How Homeownership Impacts You

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Kevin Brierton – 6.2.2022 June is National Homeownership Month, and it’s the perfect time to reflect on how impactful owning a home can truly be. When you purchase a house, it becomes more than just a space you occupy. It’s your stake in the community, an investment, and a place you can put your stamp on. If you’re…

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Why Home Loans Today Aren’t What They Were in the Past

A view of houses and cars in the evening.

Kevin Brierton – 6.1.2022 In today’s housing market, many are beginning to wonder if we’re returning to the riskier lending habits and borrowing options that led to the housing crash 15 years ago. Let’s ease those concerns. Several times a year, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) releases an index titled the Mortgage Credit Availability Index (MCAI). According to their website: “The MCAI…

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What Does the Rest of the Year Hold for the Housing Market?

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Kevin Brierton – 5.31.2022 If you’re thinking of buying or selling a house, you’re at an exciting decision point. And anytime you make a big decision like that, one thing you should always consider is timing. So, what does the rest of the year hold for the housing market? Here’s what experts have to say. The Number of Homes…

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Why Summer Is a Great Time To Buy a Vacation Home

A large home with palm trees in the front yard.

Kevin Brierton – 5.26.2022 You may be someone who looks forward to summer each year because it gives you an opportunity to rest, unwind, and enjoy more quality time with your loved ones. Now that summer is just around the corner, it’s worthwhile to start thinking about your plans and where you want to spend…

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How Buying or Selling a Home Benefits the Economy and Your Community

A wooden model of a house on top of a table.

Kevin Brierton – 5.25.2022 If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home, chances are you’re focusing on the many extraordinary ways it’ll change your life. But do you know it has a large impact on your community too? To measure that impact, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) releases a report each year to highlight just how much economic activity a home…

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Sellers Have an Opportunity with Today’s Home Prices

A bag of money sitting in front of some houses.

Kevin Brierton – 5.24.2022 As mortgage rates started to rise this year, many homeowners began to wonder if the value of their homes would fall. Here’s the good news. Historically, when mortgage rates rise by a percentage point or more, home values continue to appreciate. The latest data on home prices seems to confirm that trend. According to data from CoreLogic,…

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Work With a Real Estate Professional if You Want the Best Advice

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Kevin Brierton – 5.23.2022 Because buying or selling a home is such a big decision in our lives, the need for clear, trustworthy information and guidance is crucial. And while no one can give you perfect advice, when you align yourself with an expert, you’ll get the best advice for your situation. An Expert Will Give You the Best Advice Possible…

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The One Thing Every Homeowner Needs To Know About a Recession

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Kevin Brierton – 5.19.2022 A recession does not equal a housing crisis. That’s the one thing that every homeowner today needs to know. Everywhere you look, experts are warning we could be heading toward a recession, and if true, an economic slowdown doesn’t mean homes will lose value. The National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) defines a recession this…

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How Homeownership Can Bring You Joy

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Kevin Brierton – 5.18.2022 If you’re trying to decide whether to rent or buy a home, you’re probably weighing a few different factors. The financial benefits of homeownership might be one of the reasons you want to make a purchase if you’re a renter, but the decision can also be motivated by having a place that’s uniquely…

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Why Rising Mortgage Rates Push Buyers off the Fence

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Kevin Brierton – 5.17.2022 If you’re thinking about buying a home, you’ve probably heard mortgage rates are rising and have wondered what that means for you. Since mortgage rates have increased over two percentage points this year, it’s natural to think about how this will impact your homeownership plans. Today, buyers are reacting in one of two ways: they’re either…

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If You’re a Homeowner, You Have Incredible Leverage When You Sell Today

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Kevin Brierton – 5.16.2022 In today’s housing market, homeowners have a great opportunity to sell their house and receive the best terms for their personal situation. That’s because there’s a limited number of homes for sale, which is creating competition among buyers. Right now, homebuyers want three things: To be the winning bid on their dream home To buy before mortgage…

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What You Actually Need To Know About the Number of Foreclosures in Today’s Housing Market

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Kevin Brierton – 5.12.2022 While you may have seen recent stories about the volume of foreclosures today, context is important. During the pandemic, many homeowners were able to pause their mortgage payments using the forbearance program. The goal was to help homeowners financially during the uncertainty created by the health crisis. When the forbearance program…

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TWO WAYS THE FEDERAL RESERVE IMPACTS MORTGAGE RATES

TWO WAYS THE FEDERAL RESERVE IMPACTS MORTGAGE RATES – 5.10.2022 1- THE FED IMPACTS FIXED-RATE MORTGAGES BY BUYING AND SELLING MORTGAGE BONDS. Interest rates on fixed-rate mortgages change whenever the Fed buys or sells mortgage bonds, and whenever the Fed makes statements about buying and selling mortgage bonds. Since the pandemic hit the economy in…

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Are There More Homes Coming to the Market?

A house with flowers in the yard

Kevin Brierton – 5.11.2022 According to a recent survey from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), one of the top challenges buyers face in today’s housing market is finding a home that meets their needs. That’s largely because the inventory of homes for sale is so low today. If you’re looking to buy a home, you may have noticed this yourself. But there is…

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Will Home Prices Fall This Year? Here’s What Experts Say.

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Kevin Brierton – 5.10.2022 Many people are wondering: will home prices fall this year? Whether you’re a potential homebuyer, seller, or both, the answer to this question matters for you. Let’s break down what’s happening with home prices, where experts say they’re headed, and how this impacts your homeownership goals. What’s Happening with Home Prices?  Home prices have seen 121 consecutive months of…

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How Today’s Mortgage Rates Impact Your Home Purchase

Three arrows are shown in a row on the wall.

Kevin Brierton – 5.9.2022 If you’re planning to buy a home, it’s critical to understand the relationship between mortgage rates and your purchasing power. Purchasing power is the amount of home you can afford to buy that’s within your financial reach. Mortgage rates directly impact the monthly payment you’ll have on the home you purchase. So, when…

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Three Tips for First-Time Homebuyers

A woman is hugging a man with keys in her arms.

Kevin Brierton – 5.5.2022 Buying your first home is a major decision and an exciting milestone. Even though it can feel daunting at times, it has the power to change your life for the better. If you’re looking to purchase your first home, you may be wondering what’s happening in the housing market today, how much you need…

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Your House Could Be Closer to List-Ready Than You Think

A brick house with flowers in the front yard.

Kevin Brierton – 5.4.2022 One of the biggest concerns for a homeowner looking to sell is the time they’ll have to put in before listing their house. If that’s the case for you, you should know – your home might be closer to list-ready than you think in today’s housing market. A survey of recent sellers from realtor.com finds that…

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