This topic makes me think of a record. Remember back in the day, watching records spin while you listened to your favorite music? The housing market, especially when it comes to affordability, almost makes me think of those spinning records. A question many of us are asked as realtors is “when is the market going […]
Category Archives: First Time Home Buyers
Should You Pause Your Decisions?
I’m sure you’ve heard, but mortgage rates are still rising. It’s causing some would-be buyers to pause their decisions until they determine whether rates are going to come back down. It may be possible, but the probability is that prices are going to continue to increase. According to Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed-rate on December 23, […]
An Increase For The Limit On Tax-Free Gift Amounts
In 2021, the tax-free gift amount was $15,000. In 2022, that has risen by one thousand dollars, making the limit for tax-free gifts in 2022 a total of $16,000. Tax free means that no tax is due to the donor or the donee. There are provisions that would allow gifts higher than this amount providing […]
Indecisive? That Might Be An Expensive Decision
It’s Hard If It Isn’t For Sale!
If you’ve been searching for a home for a while, you’re probably well aware of this stat. Many buyers are getting frustrated and discouraged because there aren’t enough homes on the market. This is especially true with certain price ranges. And, when you do find something that you want, it seems like a war takes […]
Negotiations – When Are They Over Anyway?
So when exactly does the primary negotiation when purchasing a home take place? Quite simple actually, it takes place when the contract is signed and agreed upon – including the price, closing date and when possession will take place. One issue especially over the past year is inventory was down 19%, which made multiple offers […]
A Realtor Just Might Have The “Skills” You Need
Having the right person “champion” for your real estate cause is extremely important in today’s market. After all, there are only 1.7 months supply of inventory compared to 6 months in a balanced market, and the average home is getting 4.8 offers per sale. You see, in the Middle Ages, it was a custom to […]
Homeowner: Will You Face Higher Mortgage Payments?
If you’re currently a homeowner, you might be feeling quite good that you purchased your home before the market got crazy with higher prices and interest rates. But, there is a possibility that your days of basking in glory are coming to a close. You might be facing higher mortgage payments for next year. Most […]
The Three M’s of Homeownership
A home is a very valuable asset. It must be maintained so that they function properly, are safe and enjoyable, and hold their value. Attention to maintenance, minimizing expenses and managing debt & risk are all key to helping you protect your investment. Maintenance Think about a car – it’s interesting that people normally understand […]
There Is A Cost When Waiting To Buy
Ever seen something on sale on a website? Sometimes, shopping online can really get you some great deals! And, maybe you see that item, you’re interested, but there isn’t really that full sense of urgency. Maybe there are other things going on in your life and you just didn’t get back to that item for […]