5 Reasons Homeowners Can Throw Better Super Bowl Parties! [INFOGRAPHIC]

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

Highlights: Watching the big game at home with your friends & family offers many advantages. There’s more room to entertain a large crowd and you don’t have to worry about complaints to your landlord if you cheer too loudly! The kitchen is big enough to make as many appetizers as you want, and if some of your guests are only … Read More

Study Shows “Millennials Deserve More Credit”

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

When it comes to talking about millennials, there are many stereotypes out there that have influenced the way the public feels about the generation. Whether it’s the assumption that millennials are irresponsible with money and would rather buy avocado toast than save for a down payment, or that millennials jump from job to job, the majority of these stereotypes paint … Read More

2 Major Myths Holding Back Home Buyers

Amanda RobinsBuying Myths, Down Payments, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Move-Up Buyers

Urban Institute recently released a report entitled, “Barriers to Accessing Homeownership,” which revealed that “eighty percent of consumers either are unaware of how much lenders require for a down payment or believe all lenders require a down payment above 5 percent.” Myth #1: “I Need a 20% Down Payment” Buyers often overestimate the down payment funds needed to qualify for a … Read More

U.S. Housing Inventory Crunch Continues… List Your House Today!

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

Every winter, families across the country decide if this will be the year that they sell their current houses and move into their dream homes. Mortgage rates hovered around 4% for all of 2017 which forced many buyers off the fence and into the market, resulting in incredibly strong demand RIGHT NOW! At the same time, however, inventory levels of homes … Read More

Thinking of Selling? Now is the Perfect Time

Amanda RobinsFor Sellers, Move-Up Buyers

It is common knowledge that a great number of homes sell during the spring-buying season. For that reason, many homeowners hold off on putting their homes on the market until then. The question is whether or not that will be a good strategy this year. The other listings that do come out in the spring will represent increased competition to … Read More

FICO® Scores on Approved Home Loans Drop Again

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

According to Ellie Mae’s latest Origination Report, the average FICO® Score on all closed loans dropped to 722 which is its lowest mark since April. The average includes all approved refinance and purchase loans. FHA and VA loans showed the most opportunity for millennials looking to enter the market with low down payments and even lower FICO® Score requirements. Ellie … Read More

The Impact of Tight Inventory on the Housing Market

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

The housing crisis is finally in the rear-view mirror as the real estate market moves down the road to a complete recovery. Home values are up, home sales are up, and distressed sales (foreclosures and short sales) have fallen to their lowest points in years. It seems that the market will continue to strengthen in 2018. However, there is one … Read More

712,000 Homes in the US Regained Equity in the Past 12 Months!

Amanda RobinsFor Buyers, For Sellers, Move-Up Buyers

CoreLogic’s latest Equity Report revealed that “over the past 12 months, 712,000 borrowers moved into positive equity.” This is great news, as the share of homeowners with negative equity (those who owe more than their home is worth), has dropped more than 20% since the peak in Q4 of 2009 (26%) to 4.9% today. The report also revealed: The average … Read More