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):…

Read More

Is Wall Street Buying Up All the Homes in America?

Kevin Brierton – 11.27.2023 If you’re thinking about buying a home, you may find yourself interested in the latest real estate headlines so you can have a pulse on all the things that could impact your decision. If that’s the case, you’ve probably heard mention of investors and wondered how they’re impacting the housing market right now. That could leave…

Read More

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…

Read More

How 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 More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

Invest in Yourself by Owning a Home

Kevin Brierton – 10.25.2023 Are you wondering if it makes sense to buy a home right now? While today’s mortgage rates might seem a bit intimidating, here are two compelling reasons why it still may be a good time to become a homeowner. Home Values Appreciate Over Time There’s been a lot of confusion around what’s happened with home prices…

Read More

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…

Read More

Understanding the Benefits of Owning Your First Home

Kevin Brierton – 10.4.2023 Are you considering buying your first home? If so, it can be helpful to know what led other people to make that decision. According to a recent survey of first-time homebuyers by PulteGroup: “When asked why they purchased their first home recently, the answer was simple: because they wanted to. Either the desire to stop renting…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

Mortgage Rates: Past, Present, and Possible Future

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…

Read More

Gen Z: The Next Generation Is Making Moves in the Housing Market

Kevin Brierton – 8.28.2023 Generation Z (Gen Z) is eager to put down their own roots and achieve financial independence. As a result, they’re turning to homeownership. According to the latest Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 30% of Gen Z buyers transitioned straight from living under their parents’ roofs to owning…

Read More

More Jobs and Better Pay Leads to More Buyer Demand

Kevin Brierton – 8.24.2023 There’s been talk about a recession for quite a while now. But the economy has been remarkably resilient. Why? One reason is employment and wages have stayed strong. Let’s look at the latest information on each one and why both are good news if you’re thinking about selling your house. More…

Read More