The Real Reason Home Prices are Increasing

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

There are many unsubstantiated theories as to why home values are continuing to increase. From those who are worried that lending standards are again becoming too lenient (data shows this is untrue), to those who are concerned that prices are again approaching boom peaks because of “irrational exuberance” (this is also untrue as prices are not at peak levels when … Read More

Existing Home Sales Slowed by a Lack of Listings [INFOGRAPHIC]

Amanda RobinsFor Buyers, For Sellers, Housing Market Updates, Infographics, Move-Up Buyers

Some Highlights: The inventory of existing homes for sale has dropped year-over-year for the last 29 consecutive months and is now at a 3.9-month supply. Existing home sales are currently at an annual pace of 5.48 million, the highest pace since June of this year, but down 0.9% from October 2016. NAR’s Chief Economist, Lawrence Yun, had this to say: … 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

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

Why Sell Now Instead of Later? The Buyers are Out Now

Amanda RobinsFor Sellers, Housing Market Updates, Move-Up Buyers

Each year, most homeowners wait until the spring to sell their houses because they believe that they can get a better deal during the normal spring buyer’s market. However, recently released data suggests that a seller’s best deal may be available right now. The concept of ‘supply & demand’ reveals that the best price for an item will be realized … Read More