Overcoming Housing Market Fears

The recent headlines broadcasting mortgage rates surpassing the 7% mark have instilled a sense of apprehension among potential homebuyers. In a market perceived as increasingly unaffordable, it’s easy to feel discouraged. However, with the right mortgage strategy, you can transform this challenging market into an opportunity. Historical Perspective on Mortgage Rates While current rates hovering…

Read More

Foreclosure Activity Is Still Lower than the Norm

A row of houses with blue roofs in the background.

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 More

Will a Silver Tsunami Change the 2024 Housing Market?

A woman holding a cup of coffee in her hand.

Kevin Brierton – 1.29.2024 Have you ever heard the term “Silver Tsunami†and wondered what it’s all about? If so, that might be because there’s been a lot of talk about it online recently. Let’s dive into what it is and why it won’t drastically impact the housing market. What Does Silver Tsunami Mean? A recent article…

Read More

Are More Homeowners Selling as Mortgage Rates Come Down?

A hand is touching the top of a wall with tiny houses on it.

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 More

3 Must-Do’s When Selling Your House in 2024

A living room with brown couch and pillows

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 More

Thinking About Buying a Home? Ask Yourself These Questions

A house with a driveway and lawn in front of it.

Kevin Brierton – 1.3.2024 If you’re thinking of buying a home this year, you’re probably paying closer attention than normal to the housing market. And you’re getting your information from a variety of channels: the news, social media, your real estate agent, conversations with friends and loved ones, the list goes on and on. Most likely, home prices and mortgage…

Read More

These Non-Financial Benefits Turn a House into a Happy Home

Three people in pajamas are holding cups of coffee.

Kevin Brierton – 12.25.2023 There’s no denying the long-term financial benefits of owning a home, but today’s housing market may have you wondering if now’s still the time to buy. While the financial aspects of homeownership are important, the non-financial and emotional reasons are too. Here’s why. The word home truly means something different to everyone. Whether it’s sharing memories with loved ones…

Read More

Sell Smarter: Why Working with a Real Estate Agent May Beat Going Solo

A white picket fence is in front of the house.

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 More

Why Mortgage Rates Could Continue To Decline

A black and white photo of a sign with the symbol for percent.

Kevin Brierton – 12.20.2023 When you read about the housing market, you’ll probably come across some information about inflation or recent decisions made by the Federal Reserve (the Fed). But how do those two things impact you and your homebuying plans? Here’s what you need to know. The Federal Funds Rate Hikes Have Stalled One of the Fed’s primary goals…

Read More

Expert Quotes on the 2024 Housing Market Forecast

A woman sitting at a table with her laptop.

Kevin Brierton – 12.19.2023 If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home soon, you probably want to know what you can expect from the housing market in 2024. In 2023, higher mortgage rates, confusion over home price headlines, and a lack of homes for sale created some challenges for buyers and sellers looking to make a move. But what’s on the horizon…

Read More

Why Now Is Still a Great Time To Sell Your House

A woman shaking hands with an older man.

Kevin Brierton – 12.18.2023 If you were worried buyer demand disappeared when mortgage rates went up, the data shows there are plenty of interested buyers still out there. The housing market isn’t as frenzied as it was during the â€˜unicorn’ years when buyer demand was through the roof, mortgage rates were historically low, and home values rose like we’ve never seen before. But…

Read More

The Surprising Trend in the Number of Homes Coming onto the Market

A bird 's eye view of houses and trees in the evening.

Kevin Brierton – 12.13.2023 If you’re thinking about moving, it’s important to know what’s happening in the housing market. Here’s an update on the supply of homes currently for sale. Whether you’re buying or selling, the number of homes in your area is something you should pay attention to. In the housing market, there are regular patterns that happen every…

Read More

The Perfect Home Could Be the One You Perfect After Buying

A family sitting on the floor in their new home

Kevin Brierton – 12.11.2023 There’s no denying mortgage rates and home prices are higher now than they were last year and that’s impacting what you can afford. At the same time, there are still fewer homes available for sale than the norm. These are two of the biggest hurdles buyers are facing today. But there are ways to overcome these things and…

Read More

Why You Should Use a Real Estate Agent When You Buy a Home

A man and woman in business attire holding papers.

Kevin Brierton – 12.7.2023 If you’ve recently decided you’re ready to become a homeowner, chances are you’re trying to figure out what to do first. It can feel a bit overwhelming to know where to start, but the good news is you don’t have to navigate all of that alone. When it comes to buying a…

Read More

How To Turn Homeownership into a Side Hustle

A green door is in front of the house.

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…

Read More

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

A house with a lawn and patio furniture.

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

Why the Economy Won’t Tank the Housing Market

A man with glasses and white beard sitting in front of a kitchen.

Kevin Brierton – 11.29.2023 If you’re worried about a coming recession, you’re not alone. Over the past couple of years, there’s been a lot of recession talk. And many people worry, if we do have one, it would cause the unemployment rate to skyrocket. Some even fear that a spike in unemployment would lead to…

Read More

Are the Top 3 Housing Market Questions on Your Mind?

A blue house with a question mark above it.

Kevin Brierton – 11.28.2023 When it comes to what’s happening in the housing market, there’s a lot of confusion going around right now. You may hear one thing in conversation with your friends, see something different on the news, and read something on social media that contradicts both of those thoughts. And, if you’re thinking about making…

Read More