• Why Buying a Home Makes More Sense Than Renting Today

    Why Buying a Home Makes More Sense Than Renting Today,Monet Yarnell

    Wondering if you should continue renting or if you should buy a home this year? If so, consider this. Rental affordability is still a challenge and has been for years. That’s because, historically, rents trend up over time. Data from the Census shows rents have been climbing pretty steadily since 19

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  • Why Today's Foreclosure Numbers Are Nothing Like 2008

    Why Today's Foreclosure Numbers Are Nothing Like 2008,Monet Yarnell

    You’ve likely seen headlines about the number of foreclosures climbing in today’s housing market. That may leave you with a few questions, especially if you’re thinking about buying a house. Understanding what they really mean is mission-critical if you want to know the truth about what’s happening

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  • The Three Factors Affecting Home Affordability Today

    The Three Factors Affecting Home Affordability Today,Monet Yarnell

    There’s been a lot of focus on higher mortgage rates and how they’re creating affordability challenges for today’s homebuyers. It’s true that rates climbed dramatically since the record-low we saw during the pandemic. But home affordability is based on more than just mortgage rates – it’s determined

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  • The Power of Pre-Approval

    The Power of Pre-Approval,Monet Yarnell

    If you’re buying a home this spring, today’s housing market can feel like a challenge. With so few homes on the market right now, plus higher mortgage rates, it’s essential to have a firm grasp on your homebuying budget. You’ll also need a sense of determination to find the right house and act quick

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  • What’s the Difference Between a Home Inspection and an Appraisal?

    What’s the Difference Between a Home Inspection and an Appraisal?,Monet Yarnell

    If you’re planning to buy a home, an inspection is an important step in the process. It assesses the condition of the home before you finalize the transaction. It’s also a different step in the process from an appraisal, which is a professional evaluation of the market value of the home you’d like t

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  • Falling out of Love with Your House? It May Be Time To Move.

    Falling out of Love with Your House? It May Be Time To Move.,Monet Yarnell

    Owning a home means having a place that’s solely your own and provides the space, features, and location you and your loved ones need. But what happens when your needs change? If this hits home for you, it may be time to make a move. According to the latest Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trend

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  • 5 Reasons Millennials Are Buying Homes

    5 Reasons Millennials Are Buying Homes,Monet Yarnell

    In the United States, there are over 72 million millennials. If you’re part of that generation and have thought about buying a home, you aren’t alone. According to Zonda, 98% of millennials want to become a homeowner at some point if they aren’t already. But why? There are plenty of reasons you may

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  • Think Twice Before Waiting for Lower Home Prices

    Think Twice Before Waiting for Lower Home Prices,Monet Yarnell

    As the housing market continues to change, you may be wondering where it’ll go from here. One factor you’re probably thinking about is home prices, which have come down a bit since they peaked last June. And you’ve likely heard something in the news or on social media about a price crash on the hori

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  • Want To Sell Your House This Summer? Price It Right.

    Want To Sell Your House This Summer? Price It Right.,Monet Yarnell

    Over the last year, the housing market’s gone through significant change. While it’s still a sellers’ market, homes that are priced right are selling, and they get the most attention from buyers right now. If you’re thinking of selling your house this summer, it’s important to lean on your expert re

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  • Your Tax Refund Can Help You Achieve Your Homebuying Goals

    Your Tax Refund Can Help You Achieve Your Homebuying Goals,Monet Yarnell

    Have you been saving up to buy a home this year? If so, you know there are a variety of expenses involved – from your down payment to closing costs. But there’s good news – your tax refund can help you achieve your goals by paying for some of these expenses. SmartAsset estimates the average American

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  • The Big Advantage If You Sell This Spring

    The Big Advantage If You Sell This Spring,Monet Yarnell

    Thinking about selling your house? If you’ve been waiting for the right time, it could be now while the supply of homes for sale is so low. HousingWire shares: “. . . the big question is whether we are finally starting to see the seasonal summer increase in inventory. The answer is no, because activ

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  • Homebuyer Activity Shows Signs of Warming Up for Spring

    Homebuyer Activity Shows Signs of Warming Up for Spring,Monet Yarnell

    The summer season appears to be warming up in housing as more and more buyers enter the market. And after rising mortgage rates sidelined so many buyers last year, that’s a good sign for sellers. Realtor.com has the latest: “Summer is officially here, and like green shoots emerging from the bleak wi

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  • Trying To Buy a Home? Hang in There.

    Trying To Buy a Home? Hang in There.,Monet Yarnell

    Trying To Buy a Home? Hang in There. We’re still in a sellers’ market. And if you’re looking to buy a home, that means you’re likely facing some unique challenges, like difficulty finding a home and volatile mortgage rates. But keep in mind, there are some benefits to being a buyer in today’s market

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  • Why Aren’t Home Prices Crashing?

    Why Aren’t Home Prices Crashing?,Monet Yarnell

    There have been a lot of shifts in the housing market recently. Mortgage rates rose dramatically last year, impacting many people’s ability to buy a home. And after several years of rapid price appreciation, home prices finally peaked last summer. These changes led to a rise in headlines saying pric

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  • Two Reasons You Should Sell Your House

    Two Reasons You Should Sell Your House,Monet Yarnell

    Wondering if you should sell your house this year? As you make your decision, think about what’s motivating you to consider moving. A recent survey from realtor.com asked why homeowners are thinking about selling their houses this year. Here are the top two reasons (see graphic below): Let’s break t

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  • How Changing Mortgage Rates Can Affect You

    How Changing Mortgage Rates Can Affect You,Monet Yarnell

    The 30-year fixed mortgage rate has been bouncing between 6% and 7% this year. If you’ve been on the fence about whether to buy a home or not, it’s helpful to know exactly how a 1%, or even a 0.5%, mortgage rate shift affects your purchasing power. The chart below helps show the general relationship

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  • We’re in a Sellers’ Market. What Does That Mean?

    We’re in a Sellers’ Market. What Does That Mean?,Monet Yarnell

    Even though activity in the housing market has slowed from the frenzy we saw over a year ago, today’s low supply of homes for sale is still a sellers’ market. But what does that really mean? And why are conditions today so good if you want to list your house? It starts with the number of homes avail

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  • 4 Key Tips for Selling Your House This Spring

    4 Key Tips for Selling Your House This Spring,Monet Yarnell

    Spring has arrived, and that means more and more people are getting their homes ready to sell. But with recent shifts in real estate, this year’s spring housing market will be different from the frenzy of the past several years. To sell your house quickly, without hassles, and for the most money, be

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  • How Homeownership Is Life Changing for Many Women

    How Homeownership Is Life Changing for Many Women,Monet Yarnell

    Throughout Women’s History Month, we reflect on the impact women have in our lives, and that includes impact on the housing market. In fact, since at least 1981, single women have bought more homes than single men each year, and they make up 17% of all households. Why Is Homeownership So Important t

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  • Get Ready: The Best Time To List Your House Is Almost Here

    Get Ready: The Best Time To List Your House Is Almost Here,Monet Yarnell

    If you’re thinking about selling this spring, it’s time to get moving – the best week to list your house is fast approaching. Experts at realtor.com looked at seasonal trends from recent years (excluding 2020 as an uncharacteristic year due to the onset of the pandemic) and determined the ideal week

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