the net worth of a homeowner is 44x greater than a renter

the net worth of a homeowner is 44x greater than a renter

Every three years, the Federal Reserve conducts their Survey of Consumer Finances in which they collect data across all economic and social groups. Their latest survey data, covering 2013-2016 was recently released. It revealed that the median net worth of a homeowner was $231,400 – a 15% increase since 2013. At the same time, the median net worth of renters decreased by 5% ($5,200 today compared to $5,500 in 2013).

Read More

is it time to upgrade your starter home?

is it time to upgrade your starter home?

It may seem hard to imagine that the first home you purchased might not be the home that will allow you to achieve the rest of your dreams. However, first-time home buyers don’t always consider the differences between starter homes and forever homes. A starter home is a great means to enter the market. You spend less now so you can save more and upgrade when the time (and rates) are right. Buying a forever home for your first purchase generally means spending more upfront to care for your needs long term. Both have their advantages, but starter homes are the typical choice for new buyers. This means that admitting your home no longer suits your needs is not only ok, it’s normal.

Read More

5 reasons to hire a real estate professional before entering the market

5 reasons to hire a real estate professional before entering the market

Whether you are buying or selling a home, it can be quite the adventure. In this world of instant gratification and internet searches, many sellers think that they can ‘For Sale by Owner’ or ‘FSBO,’ but it’s not as easy as it may seem. That’s why you need an experienced real estate professional to guide you on the path to achieving your ultimate goal!

Read More

the #1 reason to put your house on the market today

the #1 reason to put your house on the market today

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) released the results of their latest Existing Home Sales Report which revealed that home sales declined 0.6% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.38 million in June from 5.41 million in May, and are 2.2% below a year ago. Some may look at these numbers and think now is a bad time to put their house on the market. In fact, the opposite is true.

Read More

do you need 20% down to buy a home? no.

do you need 20% down to buy a home? no.

The Aspiring Home Buyers Profile from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) found that the American public is still somewhat confused about what is required to qualify for a home mortgage loan in today’s housing market. The survey shows that the main reason non-homeowners do not own their own homes is that they believe they cannot afford them.

Read More

kids’ opinions matter big when buying a home

kids’ opinions matter big when buying a home

When the results were broken down by the parent’s age, millennials (those 18-36) led the way. 74% of homeowners saying that their child’s opinion was a factor in choosing which home to buy. Eighty-three percent of renters believe that their child’s opinion would be a deciding factor when looking to purchase a home.

Read More

will home prices fall as mortgage rates rise?

will home prices fall as mortgage rates rise?

Mortgage interest rates have increased by more than half of a point since the beginning of the year and will likely increase by an additional half before 2019. With this increase in rates, some are guessing that home prices will depreciate. However, some prominent experts in the housing industry disagree.

Read More

waiting until next year to buy a home?

waiting until next year to buy a home?

Last week we discussed how national home prices have increased by 6.7%. Additionally, interest rates have remained historically low which has allowed for more buyers to enter the market. The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), Freddie Mac, and Fannie Mae all project that mortgage interest rates will increase by this time next year.

Read More

rising prices are building your family’s wealth

rising prices are building your family’s wealth

Homes are appreciating, which is what makes buying one such an excellent investment. According to Pulsenomics’ most recent Home Price Expectation Survey, home prices are expected to appreciate, on average, by 3.6% per year over the next 5 years and grow 18.2% cumulatively. What does that mean for homeowners? Equity and more of it.

Read More