Posts Tagged ‘Homeowners’
Foreclosure Activity Is Still Lower than the Norm
Kevin Brierton – 1.31.2024 Have you seen headlines talking about the increase in foreclosures in today’s housing market? If so, they may leave you feeling a bit uneasy about what’s ahead. But remember, these clickbait titles don’t always give you the full story. The truth is, if you compare the current numbers with what usually happens in…
Read MoreAre More Homeowners Selling as Mortgage Rates Come Down?
Kevin Brierton – 1.24.2024 If you’re looking to buy a home, the recent downward trend in mortgage rates is good news because it helps with affordability. But there’s another way this benefits you – it may inspire more homeowners to put their houses up for sale. The Mortgage Rate Lock-In Effect Over the past year, one factor that’s…
Read More3 Must-Do’s When Selling Your House in 2024
Kevin Brierton – 1.22.2024 If one of the goals on your list is selling your house and making a move this year, you’re likely juggling a mix of excitement about what’s ahead and feeling a little sentimental about your current home. A great way to balance those emotions and make sure you’re confident in your decision is to keep…
Read MoreHomeownership Is Still at the Heart of the American Dream
Kevin Brierton – 1.15.2024 Buying a home is a powerful decision, and it remains at the heart of the American Dream. Unlike renting, owning a home means more than just having a place to live – it offers a sense of belonging, stability, and freedom. According to Nicole Bachaud, Senior Economist at Zillow: “The American Dream is still…
Read MoreThe Dramatic Impact of Homeownership on Net Worth
Kevin Brierton – 1.11.2024 If you’re trying to decide whether to rent or buy a home this year, here’s a powerful insight that could give you the clarity and confidence you need to make your decision. Every three years, the Federal Reserve releases the Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF), which compares the net worth of homeowners and renters. The latest report…
Read MoreWays Your Home Equity Can Help You Reach Your Goals
Kevin Brierton – 1.9.2024 If you’ve owned your house for at least a couple of years, there’s something you’re going to want to know more about – and that’s home equity. If you’re not familiar with that term, Freddie Mac defines it like this: “. . . your home’s equity is the difference between how much your home is worth…
Read More2023 Housing Market in Review: Looking Back on a Rough Year for Buyers
Kevin Brierton – 1.5.2024 Things are finally turning around for the better as far as housing is concerned – and it looks like they might actually stay that way this time! Mortgage rates have continued to drop over the last couple of weeks, and we are now in the ninth consecutive week of improvement. The…
Read MoreRetiring Soon? Why Moving Might Be the Perfect Next Step
Kevin Brierton – 12.27.2023 If you’re thinking about retirement or have already retired this year, it’s a good time to consider if your current house is still a good fit for the next chapter in your life. Fortunately, you may be in a better position to make a move than you realize. Here are a few things…
Read MoreSell Smarter: Why Working with a Real Estate Agent May Beat Going Solo
Kevin Brierton – 12.21.2023 If you’re thinking about selling your house on your own, called “For Sale by Owner†or FSBO, there are some important things to consider. Going this route means taking on a lot of responsibilities by yourself – and that can be a bit of a headache. A recent report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) found…
Read MoreIs 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):…
Read MoreWhy 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…
Read MoreNo, A ‘Housing Recession’ Does Not Mean Falling Home Prices
Kevin Brierton – 11.13.2023 Last week, an article was posted to fortune.com with this headline: The housing market is headed back to a 1980s-style recession, Wells Fargo says—and it’s all because of ‘higher for longer’ mortgage rates On first read, this clearly sounds like a warning that home prices are going to fall because of…
Read MoreHow VA Loans Can Help Make Homeownership Dreams Come True
Kevin Brierton – 11.9.2023 For more than 79 years, Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans have helped millions of veterans buy their own homes. If you or someone you care about has served in the military, it’s essential to learn about this program and its advantages. Here are some important things to know about VA loans before you buy…
Read MoreReasons To Sell Your House Before the New Year
Kevin Brierton – 11.6.2023 As the year winds down, you may have decided it’s time to make a move and put your house on the market. But should you sell now or wait until January? While it may be tempting to hold off until after the holidays, here are three reasons to make your move…
Read MoreForeclosures and Bankruptcies Won’t Crash the Housing Market
Kevin Brierton – 10.31.2023 If you’ve been following the news recently, you might have seen articles about an increase in foreclosures and bankruptcies. That could make you feel uneasy, especially if you’re thinking about buying or selling a house. But the truth is, even though the numbers are going up, the data shows the housing market isn’t headed for a crisis.…
Read MoreWhy Home Prices Keep Going Up
Kevin Brierton – 10.23.2023 If you’ve ever dreamed of buying your own place or selling your current house to upgrade, you’re no stranger to the rollercoaster of emotions that changing home prices can stir up. It’s a tale of financial goals, doubts, and a dash of anxiety that many have been through. But if you put off…
Read MoreThe Risks of Selling Your House on Your Own
Kevin Brierton – 10.19.2023 Are you thinking about selling your house as a For Sale by Owner (FSBO)? If so, know there’s a whole lot more time and expertise needed in that process than you might think. While the idea of doing it all by yourself might seem tempting, it’s important to recognize the challenges…
Read MoreWhat Are the Real Reasons You Want To Move Right Now?
Kevin Brierton – 10.18.2023 If you’re considering selling your house right now, it’s likely because something in your life has changed. And while things like mortgage rates play a big role in your decision, you don’t want that to overshadow why you thought about making a move in the first place. It’s true mortgage rates are higher right now, and that…
Read MoreGrowing Your Net Worth with Homeownership
Kevin Brierton – 10.12.2023 Take a moment to imagine where you want to be in a few years. You might be thinking about your job, money, wanting more stability, or goals you want to reach soon. Is homeownership a part of that vision? If it is, you should know owning a home has a whole lot of…
Read MoreAre 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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