Don’t Let These Two Concerns Hold You Back from Selling Your House

If you’re debating whether or not you want to sell right now, it might be because you’ve got some unanswered questions, like if moving really makes sense in today’s market. Maybe you’re wondering if it’s even a good idea to move right now. Or you’re stressed because you think you won't find a house you like.To put your mind at ease, here’s how to tackle these two concerns head-on.Is It Even a Good Idea To Move Right Now?If you own a home already, you may have been holding off because you don’t want to sell and take on a higher mortgage rate on your next house. But your move may be a lot more … Continue reading...

The Big Difference Between Renter and Homeowner Net Worth

Some HighlightsIf you’re torn between renting or buying, don’t forget to factor in the wealth-building power of homeownership.Unlike renters, homeowners gain equity as they pay their mortgage and as home values rise. That’s why, on average, a homeowner’s net worth is nearly 40x higher than a renter’s. Connect with an agent if you want to learn more about the financial benefits of homeownership or the programs that can help make buying possible. … Continue reading...

Should You Sell Your House or Rent It Out?

When you’re ready to move, figuring out what to do with your house is a big decision. And today, more homeowners are considering renting their home instead of selling it. Recent data from Zillow shows about two-thirds (66%) of sellers thought about renting their home before listing, with nearly a third (28%) taking that possibility seriously. Compared to 2021, when fewer than half (47%) of homeowners considered renting before selling, it’s clear this trend is on the rise.So, should you sell your house and use the money toward your next home or keep it as a rental to build long-term wealth? … Continue reading...

More Homes, Slower Price Growth – What It Means for You as a Buyer

There are more homes on the market right now than there have been in years – and that could be a game changer for you if you’re ready to buy. Let’s look at two reasons why.You Have More Options To Choose FromAn article from Realtor.com helps explain just how much the number of homes for sale has gone up this year:“There were 29.2% more homes actively for sale on a typical day in October compared with the same time in 2023, marking the twelfth consecutive month of annual inventory growth and the highest count since December 2019.”And while the number of homes on the market still isn’t quite … Continue reading...

What’s Motivating Homeowners To Move Right Now

Over the past few years, some homeowners have decided to delay their move because they don’t want to sell and take on a higher mortgage rate on their next home. Maybe you’re thinking the same thing. And honestly, that’s no surprise. It’s a very common roadblock and is one of the biggest factors that’s kept the number of homes on the market so low for so long. But a growing number of homeowners are deciding they just can’t wait any longer. Often, it’s because of personal or lifestyle change. As Redfin explains:“Some homeowners are opting to bite the bullet and give up their low rate in order to … Continue reading...

The Majority of Veterans Are Unaware of a Key VA Loan Benefit

For over 79 years, Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans have helped countless Veterans achieve the dream of homeownership. But according to Veterans United, only 3 in 10 Veterans realize they may be able to buy a home without needing a down payment (see visual below):That’s why it’s so important for Veterans – and anyone who cares about a Veteran – to be aware of this valuable program. Knowing about the resources available can make the path to homeownership easier and keep life-changing plans from being put on hold. As Veterans United explains:“The ability to buy with 0% down is the signature … Continue reading...

Renting vs. Buying: The Net Worth Gap You Need To See

Trying to decide between renting or buying a home? One key factor that could help you choose is just how much homeownership can grow your net worth.Every three years, the Federal Reserve Board shares a report called the Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF). It shows how much wealth homeowners and renters have – and the difference is significant.On average, a homeowner’s net worth is nearly 40 times higher than a renter’s. Check out the graph below to see the difference for yourself:Why Homeowner Wealth Is So HighIn the previous version of that report, the average homeowner’s net worth was about … Continue reading...

What To Look For From This Week’s Fed Meeting

You may be hearing a lot of talk about the Federal Reserve (the Fed) and how their actions will impact the housing market right now. Here’s why.The Fed meets again this week to decide the next step with the Federal Funds Rate. That's how much it costs banks to borrow from each other. Now, that’s not the same thing as setting mortgage rates, but mortgage rates can be influenced through this process. And if you’re thinking about buying or selling a home, you may be wondering about the downstream impact and when mortgage rates will come down.Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to know to help … Continue reading...

Expect the Unexpected: Anticipating Volatility in Today’s Housing Market

You’ve probably noticed one thing if you’re thinking about making a move: the housing market feels a bit unpredictable right now. The truth is, from home prices to mortgage rates, we’re seeing more volatility – and it’s important to understand why.At a high-level, let’s break down what’s happening and the best way to navigate it.What’s Driving Today’s Market Volatility?Factors like economic data, unemployment numbers, decisions coming out of the Federal Reserve (The Fed), and even the presidential election, are creating uncertainty right now – and uncertainty leads to market volatility.You can … Continue reading...