buying a home

Downsize Your Home, Rightsize Your Life: How to Choose the Ideal Smaller Home

When you've lived somewhere for many years, it can be tough to say goodbye. But if you (or a loved one) currently have a home that is bigger than necessary or is too high maintenance, it may be time to trade unused square footage for a smaller, more manageable space.  Take it from the downsizers who’ve been there: Although living small might require some adjustments, it can also be liberating––especially if you're in a stage of life where past responsibilities have given way to new possibilities and adventures.   In fact, many downsizers...

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7 Common Homebuyer Regrets (And How To Avoid Them)

Most new homebuyers don't regret becoming homeowners. In fact, according to a survey by LendingTree, 80% of recent buyers who successfully overcame a challenging housing market say they're glad they found their current homes.1 But that doesn't mean newly-minted homeowners don't have any regrets about their buying choices. ...

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Renovate or Relocate? 3 Questions To Help You Decide

Does your current home no longer serve your needs? If so, you may be torn between relocating to a new home or renovating your existing one. This can be a difficult choice, and there’s a lot to consider—including potential costs, long-term financial implications, and quality of life.  A major remodel can be a major commitment. From hiring contractors to selecting materials to managing a budget, it can take a tremendous amount of time and energy—not to mention the ordeal of living through construction or relocating to a temporary residence. On the other hand,...

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2023 Real Estate Market Outlook (And What It Means for You)

Last year, one factor drove the real estate market more than any other: rising mortgage rates.  In March 2022, the Federal Reserve began a series of interest rate hikes in an effort to pump the brakes on inflation.1 And while some market sectors have been slow to respond, the housing market has reacted accordingly. Both demand and price appreciation have tapered, as the primary challenge for homebuyers has shifted from availability to affordability. And although this higher-mortgage rate environment has been a painful adjustment for many buyers and sellers, it should ultimately...

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Buy Now or Rent Longer? 5 Questions to Answer Before Purchasing Your First Home

Deciding whether to jump into the housing market or rent instead is rarely an easy decision – especially if you’re a first-time homebuyer. But in today’s whirlwind market, you may find it particularly challenging to pinpoint the best time to start exploring homeownership.   A real estate boom during the pandemic pushed home prices to an all-time high.1 Add higher mortgage rates to the mix, and some would-be buyers are wondering if they should wait to see if prices or rates come down. But is renting a better alternative? Rents have also soared...

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THE FALL MARKET IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER – 3 Things to prepare for success

FENCE SITTERS - GET READY TO TAKE ACTION! The launch of the fall market, or last push to buy a home or sell your home in 2022, is just around the corner.  Historically, starting  after the Labor Day weekend, we see new listings trickle onto the MLS and build through September and start slowing after Thanksgiving....

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THE REAL ESTATE MARKET IS SHIFTING: DOES THIS BENEFIT BUYERS OR SELLERS?

In the short term, the answer is both! However, sellers, who have been in the power seat for many years will need to quickly adjust their expectations and settle on the new reality of a balance of power.   As the market shifts and becomes less of a sellers market and moves towards a balanced market buyers and sellers need to get up to speed and understand the new terms and rules....

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3 Solid Reasons to buy a home

3 SOLID REASONS TO BUY A HOME THIS SUMMER

Why would anyone want to spend their summer looking for a new house? Here are 3 solid reasons why it makes sense to find your perfect home THIS summer. There are many different types of buyers and buyers in many stages of the home searching and buying process. Maybe you searched for most of 2021 and into 2022 and either couldn’t find your perfect home or got outbid by the competition? Maybe you have been passively searching online and waiting for the right time? Are you just starting the process? Whatever...

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7 Costly Mistakes Home Sellers Make (And How to Avoid Them)

No matter what’s going on in the housing market, the process of selling a home can be challenging. Some sellers have a hard time saying goodbye to a treasured family residence. Others want to skip ahead to the fun of decorating and settling into a new place. Almost all sellers want to make the most money possible.  Whatever your circumstances, the road to the closing table can be riddled with obstacles — from issues with showings and negotiations to inspection surprises. But many of these complications are avoidable when you have...

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