Considering a move? The peak moving season is upon us. In fact, according to Move.com, almost 70% of U.S. moves occur between May and September. And while the percentage of Americans who move each year has declined, the desire to relocate remains strong....
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For most homeowners, comprehensive home insurance coverage is crucial for financial security—but massive rate increases can turn a once-affordable home into a financial burden. They can also pose a serious challenge for sellers. A home insurance policy is typically required to get a mortgage, and, in some hard-hit regions, we’re seeing sales fall through or homes sit on the market because insurance policies are unattainable or too expensive. But don’t panic! While these broader trends may be out of your control, there’s still plenty you can do to save....
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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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Our nation is in the midst of a serious housing crunch. Last year, a lack of inventory and soaring prices left many would-be homebuyers feeling pinched. But now, with interest rates climbing, many of them are also feeling desperate to lock in a mortgage—which has only added fuel to the fire.1 Fortunately, if you’re a buyer struggling to find a home, we have some good news. While it’s true that higher mortgage rates can decrease your purchasing budget, there are additional ways to compete in a hot market. Yes, a high offer...
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The annual inflation rate in the United States is currently around 7.5%—the highest it has been since 1982.1 It doesn’t matter if you’re a cashier, lawyer, plumber, or retiree; if you spend U.S. dollars, inflation impacts you. Economists expect the effects of inflation, like a higher cost of goods, to continue.2 Luckily, an investment in real estate can ease some of the financial strain. Here’s what you need to know about inflation, how it impacts you, and how an investment in real estate can help. WHAT IS INFLATION AND HOW DOES IT IMPACT...
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Homebuyers today are facing a huge dilemma. There simply aren’t enough homes for sale.1 Nationwide, there were 1.27 million active listings in September, down 13% from the previous year. According to the National Association of Realtors, that’s about 2.4 months of inventory, which is far less than the six months that is generally needed to strike a healthy balance between supply and demand.2 Given the limited number of available properties, if you’re a buyer in today’s market, you may need to expand your search to include both new construction and resale homes....
View More10 Steps to Buying a Home – Step 5 The Offer Making an offer When do you know you are ready to make an offer on a home? Pre-approval from lender – Check! Private home tour with agent – Check! You may look at 3 homes or 20+ homes before finding one that speaks to you, matches your needs/wants and is within your budget. Remember that finding the perfect home for you is a process and each buyers’ process is as unique as they are. We are currently experiencing...
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10 Steps in Buying a Home – STEP 4: Preview Homes Congratulations! You are now ready to get in your Realtors car and start down that path of finding your next perfect home! You’ve made it through the pre-approval process which is a difficult step and now you will be rewarded with a customized tour of homes that match your budget and hearts desires. Shopping for a house Buying a home is a process and that process is as unique as you are so first step is to disregard...
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10 Step Home Buying Guide – 1. ESTABLISH A BUDGET Establish a Budget Buying property is a HUGE deal! It’s likely the single biggest purchase you will make in your lifetime. The first step is to establish a budget and to do that you have to step back and look at your big picture. What does owning a home mean to you? How do you see yourself and your family living in the home? Is this your 5-year home or your forever home? What other activities and hobbies...
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10 Steps in Buying a Home – STEP 3: Obtain a lender Pre-approval Pre-approval of a loan You have met with and committed to your Realtor and you are ready and anxious to move forward and find your perfect home. Before you get in your Realtors car to look at homes you need to talk with a lender and obtain a pre-approval. Why is this so crucial? Knowing your buying power is well, powerful. The online calculators will give you a rough idea of your monthly PITI (principle, interest,...
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