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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Things That Could Help You Win a Bidding War on a Home

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Kevin Brierton – 5.3.2022 With a limited number of homes for sale today and so many buyers looking to make a purchase before mortgage rates rise further, bidding wars are common. According to the latest report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), nationwide, homes are getting an average of 4.8 offers per sale. Here’s a look at how that breaks down state-by-state (see map…

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Today’s Home Price Appreciation Is Great News for Existing Homeowners

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Kevin Brierton – 5.2.2022 If you’re planning to sell your home this season, rising prices are great news for you. But it’s important to understand why prices are rising to begin with. One major factor is supply and demand. In any industry, when there are more buyers for an item than there are of that item available, prices naturally rise. In those situations,…

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What You Need To Know About Selling in a Sellers’ Market

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Kevin Brierton – 4.28.2022 Even if you haven’t been following real estate news, you’ve likely heard about the current sellers’ market. That’s because there’s a lot of talk about how strong market conditions are for people who want to sell their houses. But if you’re thinking about listing your house, you probably want to know: what does being in…

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The Dream of Homeownership Is Worth the Effort

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Kevin Brierton – 4.27.2022 If you’re in the market to buy a home this season, stick with it. Homebuyers face challenges in any market, and today’s is no exception. But if you persevere, your decision to purchase a home will be worth the effort in the end. In fact, a recent survey from Bankrate shows homeownership is so powerful…

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How Homeownership Can Help Shield You from Inflation

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Kevin Brierton – 4.26.2022 If you’re following along with the news today, you’ve likely heard about rising inflation. You’re also likely feeling the impact in your day-to-day life as prices go up for gas, groceries, and more. These rising consumer costs can put a pinch on your wallet and make you re-evaluate any big purchases…

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Why This Housing Market Is Not a Bubble Ready To Pop

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Kevin Brierton – 4.21.2022 Homeownership has become a major element in achieving the American Dream. A recent report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) finds that over 86% of buyers agree homeownership is still the American Dream. Prior to the 1950s, less than half of the country owned their own home. However, after World War II, many returning veterans used…

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How To Approach Rising Mortgage Rates as a Buyer

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Kevin Brierton – 4.20.2022 In the last few weeks, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate from Freddie Mac inched up to 5%. While that news may have you questioning the timing of your home search, the truth is, timing has never been more important. Even though you may be tempted to put your plans on hold in…

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Why Pre-Approval Is an Important Step for Today’s Homebuyers

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Kevin Brierton – 4.19.2022 Being intentional and competitive are musts when buying a home this season. That’s why pre-approval is so important today. Pre-approval from a lender is the only way to know your true price range and how much money you can borrow for your loan. Peter Warden, Editor of The Mortgage Reports, explains: “The lender will check…

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Is It Time To Buy a Smaller Home?

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Kevin Brierton – 4.18.2022 Life events can have a major impact on what you need from your home, and retirement is one of the biggest changes many of us face. This period of your life can mean doing more of the things you enjoy, like traveling, visiting with loved ones, or taking on new hobbies.…

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On the Fence of Whether or Not To Move This Spring? Consider This.

A house with flowers growing around it and a white picket fence.

Kevin Brierton – 4.14.2022 If you’re thinking of selling your house, it may be because you’ve heard prices are rising, listings are going fast, and sellers are getting multiple offers on their homes. But why are conditions so good for sellers today? And what can you expect when you move? To help answer both of those questions, let’s turn to the data.…

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Where Are Mortgage Rates Headed?

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Kevin Brierton – 4.13.2022 There’s never been a truer statement regarding forecasting mortgage rates than the one offered last year by Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American: “You know, the fallacy of economic forecasting is: Don’t ever try and forecast interest rates and or, more specifically, if you’re a real estate economist mortgage rates, because you will…

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Why a Real Estate Professional Is Key When Selling Your House

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Kevin Brierton – 4.12.2022 With today’s real estate market moving as fast as it is, working with a real estate professional is more essential than ever. They have the skills, experience, and expertise it takes to navigate the highly detailed and involved process of selling a home. That may be why the percentage of people who list…

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Using Your Tax Refund To Achieve Your Homeownership Goals This Year

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Kevin Brierton – 4.11.2022 If you’re buying or selling a home this year, you’re likely saving up for a variety of expenses. For buyers, that might include things like your down payment and closing costs. And for sellers, you’re probably working on a bit of spring cleaning and maintenance to spruce up your house before you list it.…

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The Future of Home Price Appreciation and What It Means for You

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Kevin Brierton – 4.7.2022 Many consumers are wondering what will happen with home values over the next few years. Some are concerned that the recent run-up in home prices will lead to a situation similar to the housing crash 15 years ago. However, experts say the market is totally different today. For example, Odeta Kushi, Deputy Chief Economist…

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Remote Work Trends Mean Flexibility for First-Time Homebuyers

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Kevin Brierton – 4.6.2022 Today’s low inventory can be challenging for homebuyers, especially if you’re looking to purchase your first home. But if you’re one of many people who work remotely, you may have a great opportunity to use the flexibility you have at work to achieve your home buying goals this year. In a recent report, Arch Capital Services explains how…

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What You Need To Budget for When Buying a Home

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Kevin Brierton – 4.5.2022 When it comes to buying a home, it can feel a bit intimidating to know how much you need to save and where to find that information. But you should know, you’re not expected to have all the answers yourself. There are many trusted professionals who can help you understand your finances…

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Balancing Your Wants and Needs as a Homebuyer Today

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Kevin Brierton – 4.4.2022 Since the number of homes for sale is low today, it can feel challenging to find one that checks all your boxes. But if you know which features are absolutely essential in your next home and which ones are just nice bonuses, you can land a home that fits your needs. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist…

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