The Real Impact of Unemployment on Mortgage Rates in 2024

If you’re waiting for mortgage rates to come down, you want to be paying attention to what is happening with inflation and the economy. Unfortunately, figuring out where the economy is heading in 2024 is not an easy task. We’ve been saying for a while that mortgage rates will start making meaningful progress lower once…

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Why Aren’t Home Prices Falling as Inventory Rises?

Kevin Brierton – 2.4.2024 2024 is shaping up to be a year of solid home appreciation following the numbers that are coming in from last year. Recent reports from CoreLogic and Redfin confirm that home prices rose in 2023 despite rough homebuying conditions. Not only that, but the 2023 numbers eclipsed the ones we saw…

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Don’t Wait Until Spring To Sell Your House

Kevin Brierton – 2.1.2024 As you think about the year ahead, one of your big goals may be moving. But, how do you know when to make your move? While spring is usually the peak homebuying season, you don’t need to wait until spring to sell. Here’s why. 1. Take Advantage of Lower Mortgage Rates Last…

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The Top Benefits of Buying a Multi-Generational Home

Kevin Brierton – 1.25.2024 Has the idea of sharing a home with loved ones like your grandparents, parents, or other relatives crossed your mind? If so, you’re not alone. More buyers are choosing to go this route and buy a multi-generational home. Here’s a look at some of the top reasons why, to see if…

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Are 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…

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Experts Project Home Prices Will Increase in 2024

Kevin Brierton – 1.23.2024 Even though home prices are going up nationally, some people are still worried they might come down. A recent survey from Fannie Mae found that 24% of people think home prices will decline over the next 12 months. That means almost one out of every four people are dealing with that fear, and you might…

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3 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…

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3 Key Factors Affecting Home Affordability

Kevin Brierton – 1.18.2024 Over the past year, a lot of people have been talking about housing affordability and how tight it’s gotten. But just recently, there’s been a little bit of relief on that front. Mortgage rates have gone down since their most recent peak in October. But there’s more to being able to afford a home than…

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2 Reasons Why Today’s Mortgage Rate Trend Is Good for Sellers

Kevin Brierton – 1.17.2024 If you’ve been holding off on selling your house to make a move because you felt mortgage rates were too high, their recent downward trend is exciting news for you. Mortgage rates have descended since last October when they hit 7.79%. They’ve been below 7% for over a month now (see graph below): And while…

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HOW TO CALCULATE THE AFTER-TAX COST OF YOUR MORTGAGE 

Kevin Brierton – 1.15.2024 YOUR COST OF BORROWING MAY BE LOWER THAN YOU THINK Homeowners who itemize tax deductions can deduct the interest on up to $750,000 of mortgage balances used to buy, build, or improve a qualified home. Here’s how to figure out the impact of that tax deduction: WHAT IS YOUR MARGINAL TAX…

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Homeownership 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…

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WHEN IS MORTGAGE INTEREST TAX DEDUCTIBLE? 

Kevin Brierton – 1.12.2024 CONTRARY TO POPULAR BELIEF, MORTGAGE INTEREST IS NOT ALWAYS TAX-DEDUCTIBLE. HERE’S THE INSIDE SCOOP. DO YOU ITEMIZE YOUR TAX DEDUCTIONS? You cannot take the mortgage interest deduction if you are taking the standard deduction. For 2024 tax returns, the standard deduction is $14,600 for single taxpayers, $21,900 for heads of household,…

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The 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…

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Avoid These Common Mistakes After Applying for a Mortgage

Kevin Brierton – 1.10.2024 If you’re getting ready to buy a home, it’s exciting to jump a few steps ahead and think about moving in and making it your own. But before you get too far down the emotional path, there are some key things to keep in mind after you apply for your mortgage and before you close. Here’s…

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Ways 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…

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What Lower Mortgage Rates Mean for Your Purchasing Power

Kevin Brierton – 1.8.2024 If you want to buy a home, it’s important to know how mortgage rates impact what you can afford and how much you’ll pay each month. Fortunately, rates for 30-year fixed mortgages have come down significantly since the end of October and are currently under 7%, according to Freddie Mac (see graph below): This recent trend is…

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