3 Things to Know in the Housing Market Today!

Amanda RobinsUncategorized

A lot is happening in the world, and it’s having a direct impact on the housing market. The reality is this: some of it is positive and some of it may be negative. Some we just don’t know yet. The following three areas of the housing market are critical to understand: interest rates, building materials, and the outlook for an … Read More

Renting or Owning, What Is Better for You?

Amanda RobinsUncategorized

In a real estate market where home prices are rising, many have begun to reexamine the idea of buying a home, choosing instead, to rent for a while. But often, there is a dilemma: should you keep paying rent, knowing that rent is rising too, or should you lock in your housing cost and buy a home? Let’s look at … Read More

What is Important to Boomers when Selling their House?

Amanda RobinsUncategorized

If you are a “baby boomer” (born between 1946 and 1964), you may be thinking about selling your current home. Your children may have finally moved out. Your large, four-bedroom house with three bathrooms no longer fits the bill. Taxes are too high. Utilities are too expensive. Cleaning and repair are too difficult. You may be ready to move into … Read More

The Feeling You Get from Owning Your Home

Amanda RobinsUncategorized

We often talk about the financial reasons why buying a home makes sense. But, more often than not, the emotional reasons are the more powerful and compelling ones. No matter what shape or size your living space is, the concept and feeling of home can mean different things to different people. Whether it’s a certain scent or a favorite chair, … Read More

How Homeownership Delivers Unsurpassed Family Wealth

Amanda RobinsUncategorized

There are many financial benefits to homeownership, but probably none more important than its ability to create family wealth. How Housing Matters is a joint project of the Urban Land Institute and the MacArthur Foundation. It is an online resource for research and information on how homeownership contributes to individual and community success. Their article, The First Rung on the … Read More

4 Reasons to Buy A Home This Summer

Amanda RobinsUncategorized

Here are four reasons to consider buying today instead of waiting. 1. Prices Will Continue to Rise CoreLogic’s latest U.S. Home Price Insights reports that home prices have appreciated by 3.7% over the last 12 months. The same report predicts that prices will continue to increase at a rate of 4.8% over the next year. Home values will continue to … Read More

The Top Reasons to Own Your Home [INFOGRAPHIC]

Amanda RobinsUncategorized

Some Highlights: June is National Homeownership Month! Now is a great time to reflect on the many benefits of homeownership that go way beyond the financial. What reasons do you have to own your own home? Source: Amanda Robins

The Ultimate Truth about Housing Affordability

Amanda RobinsUncategorized

There have been many headlines decrying an “affordability crisis” in the residential real estate market. While it is true that buying a home is less affordable than it had been over the last ten years, we need to understand why and what that means. On a monthly basis, the National Association of Realtors (NAR), produces a Housing Affordability Index. According … Read More

Multigenerational Homes Are on the Rise

Amanda RobinsUncategorized

As loved ones start to get older, we start to wonder: how long will they be able to live alone? Will they need someone there to help them with daily life? There’s a reason to ask those questions now more than ever, as the average age in the U.S. is 78 years old!  As a result, 41% of Americans in … Read More

2 Things You Need to Know to Properly Price Your Home

Amanda RobinsUncategorized

In today’s housing market, home prices are increasing at a slower pace (3.7%) than they have over the last eight years (6-7%). However, they are still are above historical norms. Low supply of listed homes and high demand from buyers has pushed prices to rise rapidly. In the mind of the homeowner, annual home price appreciation over 6% has become … Read More

The Impact Staging Your Home Has On Your Sale Price [INFOGRAPHIC]

Amanda RobinsUncategorized

Some Highlights: The National Association of Realtors surveyed their members & released the findings of their Profile of Home Staging. 62% of seller’s agents say that staging a home decreases the amount of time a home spends on the market. 50% of staged homes saw a 1-10% increase in dollar-value offers from buyers. 77% of buyer’s agents said staging made … Read More

4 Most Popular Bottom Line Investments in America

Amanda RobinsUncategorized

Every year, Gallup surveys Americans to determine their choice for the best long-term investment. Respondents are given a choice between real estate, stocks, gold, and savings accounts. For the sixth year in a row, real estate has come out on top as the best long-term investment! That has not always been the case. Gallup explains: “Between 2008 and 2010, covering … Read More