NAR Data Shows Now Is a Great Time to Sell!
We all realize that the best time to sell anything is when demand is high and the supply of that item is limited. Two major reports issued by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) revealed information that suggests that now continues to be a ...
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Posted by Agent Connect on June 30, 2017 in For Sellers
Existing Home Sales Surge into Summer
Some Highlights:
Existing Home Sales reached their third highest mark this year in May.
Inventory of homes for sale has dropped 8.4% since last year, marking the 24th consecutive month of year-over-year declines.
NAR’s Chief Economist, ...
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Posted by Agent Connect on June 29, 2017 in For Sellers
75% of Homeowners Think Now is a Good Time to Sell!
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) recently released the findings of their Q2 Homeownership Opportunities and Market Experience (HOME) Survey. The report covers core topics like, “if now is a good time to buy or sell a home, the ...
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Posted by Agent Connect on June 28, 2017 in For Sellers
Buyer’s Market Helps Premium Home Sales Soar
We previously reported how a shortage of inventory in the starter and trade-up home markets is driving prices up and causing bidding wars, creating a true seller’s market. At the same time, in the premium home market, an over-abundance of ...
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Posted by Agent Connect on June 27, 2017 in For Buyers
Pre-Approval Should Always Be Your First Step
In many markets across the country, the number of buyers searching for their dream homes greatly outnumbers the amount of homes for sale. This has led to a competitive marketplace where buyers often need to stand out. One way to show you are ...
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Posted by Agent Connect on June 26, 2017 in For Buyers
2 Myths Holding Back Home Buyers
In Realtor.com’s recent article, “Home Buyers’ Top Mortgage Fears: Which One Scares You?” they mention that “46% of potential home buyers fear they won’t qualify for a mortgage to the point that they don’t ...
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Posted by Agent Connect on June 25, 2017 in For Buyers
The Cost of Renting vs. Buying in the US
Some Highlights:
Historically, the choice between renting or buying a home has been a tough decision.Looking at the percentage of income needed to rent a median-priced home today (29.2%) vs. the percentage needed to buy a median-priced home (15....
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Posted by Agent Connect on June 22, 2017 in For Buyers
The Importance of Home Equity in Retirement Planning
We often discuss the difference in family wealth between homeowner households and renter households. Much of that difference is the result of the equity buildup that homeowners experience over the time that they own their home. In a report recently ...
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Posted by Agent Connect on June 21, 2017 in For Sellers
The Supply & Demand Problem Plaguing New Construction
Many real estate economists have called on new home builders to ramp up production to help relieve the shortage of inventory of homes for sale throughout the United States. The added inventory would no doubt aid buyers in their search to secure ...
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Posted by Agent Connect on June 20, 2017 in For Buyers
Do You Know How Much Equity You Have in Your Home?
CoreLogic’s latest Equity Report revealed that 91,000 properties regained equity in the first quarter of 2017. This is great news for the country, as 48.2 million of all mortgaged properties are now in a positive equity situation.
Price ...
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Posted by Agent Connect on June 19, 2017 in For Sellers
Buying Is Now 33.1% Cheaper Than Renting in the US
The results of the latest Rent vs. Buy Report from Trulia show that homeownership remains cheaper than renting with a traditional 30-year fixed rate mortgage in the 100 largest metro areas in the United States.
The updated numbers actually show ...
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Posted by Agent Connect on June 18, 2017 in For Buyers
Top Home Renovations for Maximum ROI
Some Highlights:
Whether you are selling your home, just purchased your first home, or are a homeowner planning to stay put for a while, there is value in knowing which home improvement projects will net you the most Return On Investment (ROI)....
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Posted by Agent Connect on June 15, 2017 in For Buyers
Are Home Prices Approaching Bubble Territory?
As home values continue to rise, some are questioning whether we are approaching another housing bubble. Zillow just reported that:
“National home values have surpassed the peak hit during the housing bubble and are at their highest value in ...
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Posted by Agent Connect on June 14, 2017 in For Buyers
The TRUTH Behind the RENT vs. BUY Debate
In a blog post published last Friday, CNBC’s Diana Olnick reported on the latest results of the FAU Buy vs. Rent Index. The index examines the entire US housing market and then isolates 23 major markets for comparison. The researchers at FAU ...
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Posted by Agent Connect on June 13, 2017 in For Buyers
Homeownership Is a Good Financial Investment!
According to a recent report by Trulia, “buying is cheaper than renting in 100 of the largest metro areas by an average of 33.1%.” The report may have some people thinking about buying a home instead of signing another lease extension, ...
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Posted by Agent Connect on June 12, 2017 in For Buyers
4 Reasons to Buy This Summer!
Here are four great reasons to consider buying a home today, instead of waiting.
1. Prices Will Continue to Rise
CoreLogic’s latest Home Price Index reports that home prices have appreciated by 7.1% over the last 12 months. The same report ...
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Posted by Agent Connect on June 11, 2017 in For Buyers
The Impact Your Interest Rate Makes
Some Highlights:
Interest rates have come a long way in the last 30 years.The interest rate you secure directly impacts your monthly payment and the amount of house that you can afford if you plan to stay within a certain budget.Interest rates are ...
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Posted by Agent Connect on June 8, 2017 in For Buyers
Mortgage Interest Rates Reverse Course in 2017
To start the year, housing experts all agreed on one thing: 2017 was going to be the year we would see mortgage interest rates begin to rise. After years of historically low rates, and an improving economy, the question wasn’t if they would ...
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Posted by Agent Connect on June 7, 2017 in For Buyers
69% of Buyers are Wrong About Down Payment Needs
According to a recent survey conducted by Genworth Financial Inc. at the Annual Mortgage Bankers’ Association Secondary Market Conference, 69% of mortgage professionals say that first-time buyers still believe a 20% down payment is necessary ...
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Posted by Agent Connect on June 6, 2017 in For Buyers
If Your Home Hasn’t Sold Yet… Definitely Check the Price!
The residential housing market has been hot. Home sales have bounced back solidly and are now at their fourth highest pace over the past year. Demand has remained strong throughout spring as many real estate professionals are reporting bidding ...
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Posted by Agent Connect on June 5, 2017 in For Sellers