Mid-Year Market Update for 2024: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know

Last December, when the Federal Reserve projected a series of benchmark rate cuts in the coming year, some analysts speculated that mortgage rates—which had recently peaked near 8%—would fall closer to 6% by mid-2024.1,2,3 Unfortunately, persistent inflation has delayed the central bank’s timeline and kept the average 30-year mortgage rate hovering around 7% so far this year.2 While elevated… Read More Mid-Year Market Update for 2024: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know

6 Strategies to Save on Home Insurance Premiums

From wildfires to floods, the past few years have brought a historic number of devastating climate and weather events to the United States. In 2023 alone, there were 28 individual weather-related disasters that caused at least $1 billion in damages each.1  These events triggered a huge influx of home insurance claims, and analysts expect the… Read More 6 Strategies to Save on Home Insurance Premiums

Real Estate Market Forecast: Opportunities for Home Buyers and Sellers in 2024

Priced out of the market, a generation of would-be buyers has been forced to delay their plans for homeownership.3  At the same time, current owners—reluctant to give up their pandemic-era mortgage rates—are waiting to sell, which has resulted in a sharp drop in listings.4 A growing share of home buyers and sellers sat on the sidelines… Read More Real Estate Market Forecast: Opportunities for Home Buyers and Sellers in 2024

Celebrate Sustainably: 5 Ideas for an Eco-Friendly Holiday at Home

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. But for many families with festive plans and hectic schedules, it’s also the most wasteful.  According to one survey, for example, 60% of respondents admitted to throwing away more than usual during the holiday months as they filled up their trash bins with uneaten food, wrapping paper,… Read More Celebrate Sustainably: 5 Ideas for an Eco-Friendly Holiday at Home

Income Properties Are Trending, But Is Landlord Life for You?

If the thought of investing your money into brick and mortar—or perhaps some stylishly-painted siding—excites you, join the club.  Investing in real estate has long been one of Americans’ favorite ways to grow their wealth. In fact, over 70% of single-family rental properties are currently owned by individual investors rather than corporations, according to Census data.1 Moreover,… Read More Income Properties Are Trending, But Is Landlord Life for You?

Top 7 Tips To Attract the Best Offers for Your Home

Not long ago, home sellers were in their heyday, as historically-low mortgage rates triggered a real estate buying frenzy. However, the Federal Reserve shut down the party when it began raising interest rates last year.1  Now, it’s not as simple to sell a home. While pandemic-era homebuyers were racing the clock—trying to lock in a low… Read More Top 7 Tips To Attract the Best Offers for Your Home

7 Common Homebuyer Regrets (And How To Avoid Them)

To avoid buyer’s remorse, be sure to consider your future self when shopping for a home.  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… Read More 7 Common Homebuyer Regrets (And How To Avoid Them)

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… Read More Renovate or Relocate? 3 Questions To Help You Decide