Homeownership Is Still at the Heart of the American Dream

A door handle with a key in it and stairs leading to the top of the steps.

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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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…

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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):…

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Invest in Yourself by Owning a Home

A house with grass and trees in front of it.

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…

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

A woman and a girl in the kitchen

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…

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Renting or Selling Your House: What’s the Best Move?

A man and woman sitting on the grass in front of a house.

Kevin Brierton – 7.12.2023 If you’re a homeowner ready to make a move, you may be thinking about using your current house as a short-term rental property instead of selling it. A short-term rental (STR) is typically offered as an alternative to a hotel, and they’re an investment that’s gained popularity in recent years. While a short-term…

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Why Homeownership Wins in the Long Run

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Kevin Brierton – 6.27.2023 Today’s higher mortgage rates, inflationary pressures, and concerns about a potential recession have some people questioning: should I still buy a home this year? While it’s true this year has unique challenges for homebuyers, it’s important to think about the long-term benefits of homeownership when making your decision. Consider this: if…

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Owning a Home Helps Protect Against Inflation

A key is in front of a small house.

Kevin Brierton – 5.24.2023 You’re probably feeling the impact of high inflation every day as prices have gone up on groceries, gas, and more. If you’re a renter, you’re likely experiencing it a lot as your rent continues to rise. Between all of those elevated costs and uncertainty about a potential recession, you may be…

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Why Buying a Vacation Home Beats Renting One This Summer

A kitchen with a view of the beach

Kevin Brierton – 5.23.2023 For many of us, visiting the same vacation spot every year is a summer tradition that’s fun, relaxing, and restful. If that sounds like you, now’s the time to think about your plans and determine if buying a vacation home this year makes more sense than renting one again. According to…

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Why Buying a Home Makes More Sense Than Renting Today

Three women sitting on steps outside a house.

Kevin Brierton – 5.1.2023 Wondering if you should continue renting or if you should buy a home this year? If so, consider this. Rental affordability is still a challenge and has been for years. That’s because, historically, rents trend up over time. Data from the Census shows rents have been climbing pretty steadily since 1988. …

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Trying To Buy a Home? Hang in there.

A woman standing in front of a window looking out.

Kevin Brierton – 4.6.2023 We’re still in a sellers’ market. And if you’re looking to buy a home, that means you’re likely facing some unique challenges, like difficulty finding a home and volatile mortgage rates. But keep in mind, there are some benefits to being a buyer in today’s market that give you good reason…

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Should You Rent Your House or Sell It?

A woman standing in front of a window holding a camera.

Kevin Brierton – 2.1.2023 If you’re a homeowner ready to make a move, you may be thinking about using your current house as a short-term rental property instead of selling it. A short-term rental (STR) is typically offered as an alternative to a hotel, and they’re an investment that’s gained popularity in recent years. According to a Harris Poll survey, 28%…

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Avoid the Rental Trap in 2023

A red brick building with fire escape stairs.

Kevin Brierton – 1.4.2023 If you’re a renter, you likely face an important decision every year: renew your current lease, start a new one, or buy a home. This year is no different. But before you dive too deeply into your options, it helps to understand the true costs of renting moving forward. In the…

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Millennials Are Still a Driving Force of Today’s Buyer Demand

A group of people standing around a table.

Kevin Brierton – 10.27.2022 If you’re thinking about selling your house but wondering if buyers are still out there, know that there are still people who are searching for a home to buy today. And your house may be exactly what they’re looking for. While the millennial generation has been dubbed the renter generation, that namesake may not be…

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