January 2021

What Record-Low Housing Inventory Means for You

For Buyers, For Sellers, Housing Market Updates, Interest Rates /

\"WhatThe real estate market is expected to do very well in 2021, with mortgage rates that are hovering at historic lows and forecasted by experts to remain favorable throughout the year. One challenge to the housing industry, however, is the lack of homes available for sale today. Last week, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) […]

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What Happens When Homeowners Leave Their Forbearance Plans?

Distressed Properties, For Buyers, For Sellers, Foreclosures, Housing Market Updates /

\"WhatAccording to the latest report from Black Knight, Inc., a well-respected provider of data and analytics for mortgage companies, 6.48 million households have entered a forbearance plan as a result of financial concerns brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s where these homeowners stand right now: 2,543,000 (39%) are current on their payments and have […]

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What’s the Difference between an Appraisal and a Home Inspection?

Buying Myths, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Move-Up Buyers /

\"What’sIf you’re planning to buy a home, an appraisal is an important step in the process. It’s a professional evaluation of the market value of the home you’d like to buy. In most cases, an appraisal is ordered by the lender to confirm or verify the value of the home prior to lending a buyer […]

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Why Moving May Be Just the Boost You Need

First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, For Sellers, Move-Up Buyers /

\"WhyAs we look back over the past year, we’ve certainly lived through one of the most stressful periods in recent history. After spending so much more time at home throughout the health crisis, some are wondering if they should move to improve their mental health and well-being. This is no surprise since the U.S. Census […]

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What Experts Are Saying about the 2021 Job Market

Distressed Properties, For Buyers, For Sellers, Foreclosures, Housing Market Updates /

\"WhatEarlier this month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released their most recent Jobs Report. The report revealed that the economy lost 140,000 jobs in December. That’s a devastating number and dramatically impacts those households that lost a source of income. However, we need to give it some context. Greg Ip, Chief Economics Commentator at […]

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Owning a Home Is Still More Affordable Than Renting One

Buying Myths, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Interest Rates, Pricing, Rent vs. Buy /

\"OwningIf spending more time at home over the past year is making you really think hard about buying a home instead of renting one, you’re not alone. You may be wondering, however, if the dollars and cents add up in your favor as home prices continue to rise. According to the experts, in many cases, […]

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Should I Wait for Lower Mortgage Interest Rates?

Buying Myths, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Interest Rates, Move-Up Buyers, Pricing /

\"ShouldHistorically low mortgage rates are a big motivator for homebuyers right now. In 2020 alone, rates hit new record-lows 16 times, and the trend continued into the early part of this year. Many hopeful homebuyers are now wondering if they should put their plans on hold and wait for the lowest rates imaginable. However, the […]

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How to Make the Dream of Homeownership a Reality This Year

Down Payments, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Move-Up Buyers, Rent vs. Buy /

\"HowIn 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. inspired a powerful movement with his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. Through his passion and determination, he sparked interest, ambition, and courage in his audience. Today, reflecting on his message encourages many of us to think about our own dreams, goals, beliefs, and aspirations. For many Americans, one […]

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