2 Charts That Show the Truth about Home Affordability

Amanda RobinsFirst Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Move-Up Buyers, Rent vs. Buy

There is a lot of discussion about the current state of housing affordability for both first-time and move-up buyers, and much of the narrative is tarnished with a negative slant. However, the truth is that housing affordability is better today than at almost any time in our history. The naysayers are correct in the fact that affordability today is not … Read More

Low Interest Rates Have a High Impact on Your Purchasing Power

Amanda RobinsFirst Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Interest Rates, Move-Up Buyers

According to Freddie Mac’s latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey, interest rates for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage are currently at 3.92%, which is still near record lows in comparison to recent history! The interest rate you secure when buying a home not only greatly impacts your monthly housing costs, but also impacts your purchasing power. Purchasing power, simply put, is the amount of home you … Read More

The Cost of NOT Owning Your Home

Amanda RobinsBuying Myths, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Move-Up Buyers, Rent vs. Buy

Owning a home has great financial benefits, yet many continue to rent! Today, let’s look at the financial reasons why owning a home of your own has been a part of the American Dream for as long as America has existed. Zillow recently reported that: “In reality, buying or renting a home is an intensely personal decision, with emotional and even financial … Read More

Bubble Alert! Is it Getting Too Easy to Get a Mortgage?

Amanda RobinsBuying Myths, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, For Sellers, Housing Market Updates, Move-Up Buyers

There is little doubt that it is easier to get a home mortgage today than it was last year. The Mortgage Credit Availability Index (MCAI), published by the Mortgage Bankers Association, shows that mortgage credit has become more available in each of the last several years. In fact, in just the last year: More buyers are putting less than 20% … Read More

Top 4 Home Renovations for Maximum ROI [INFOGRAPHIC]

Amanda RobinsFirst Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, For Sellers, Infographics, Move-Up Buyers

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). While big projects like adding a bathroom or a complete remodel of a kitchen are popular ways to … Read More

A Housing Bubble? Industry Experts Say NO!

Amanda RobinsFirst Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Housing Market Updates, Move-Up Buyers, Pricing

With residential home prices continuing to appreciate at levels above historic norms, some are questioning if we are heading toward another housing bubble (and subsequent burst) like the one we experienced in 2006-2008. Recently, five housing experts weighed in on the question. Rick Sharga, Executive VP at Ten-X: “We’re definitely not in a bubble.” “We have a handful of markets … Read More

5 Reasons Homeownership Makes ‘Cents’

Amanda RobinsFirst Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, For Sellers, Move-Up Buyers, Rent vs. Buy

The American Dream of homeownership is alive and well. Recent reports show that the US homeownership rate has rebounded from recent lows and is headed in the right direction. The personal reasons to own differ for each buyer, but there are many basic similarities. Today we want to talk about the top 5 financial reasons you should own your own … Read More

Low Inventory Causes Home Prices to Maintain Fast Growth

Amanda RobinsFirst Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, For Sellers, Move-Up Buyers, Pricing

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) released their latest Quarterly Metro Home Price Report last week. The report revealed that severely lacking inventory across the country drained sales growth and kept home prices rising at a steady clip in nearly all metro areas. Home prices rose 5.3% over the last quarter across all metros. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at NAR, discussed the impact of … Read More