What are the Financial and Tax Benefits of Homeownership?

Benefits of being a homeowner

Homeowners who have owned and maintained their properties in good condition can see a significant return. Even adjusting for inflation, home values tend to have positive gains over the years. Note: Consult your licensed financial tax expert before making changes in homeownership for financial and tax purposes. Home Price Trends While the average home price … Read more

August Home Prices Down, Inventory Up [Video]

  The August housing market report finds home listing prices are down, home inventory is up, and homes for sale are spending more time on the market. Combined, this gives buyers more choices during what is typically the best time of year to buy a home.

Renting vs. Owning a Home

Comparing renting and home ownership

Owning a home is a life-changing decision, and it’s something to take seriously. And while homeownership is the ultimate goal for most people, owning a home has several challenging aspects. According to a press release from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released in February 2022, over 326,000 individuals had, at one point, … Read more

Questions to Consider About an Investment Property Before Buying

Investment Property Questions for Investors

Successful real estate investing demands attention to detail. Careful analysis is especially important for investors who intend to purchase investment rentals or flip a property. Not adequately addressing all the elements of a real estate transaction can reduce the anticipated return or even result in financial loss. For example, overlooking weaknesses in a property, underestimating … Read more

How Home Appraisals Impact Buyers and Sellers

Essential things to know about real estate appraisals

Home appraisals are unbiased professional insights into a home’s value based on the property’s condition, location, and features. A professional assessment is required for most real estate transactions to confirm the property is worth at least as much as a mortgage lender will lend to purchase the property. Similarly, when a homeowner wishes to refinance … Read more

July Home Inventory Rises As Price Reductions Increase [Video]

July 2022 U.S. Housing Market Report Video

July housing inventory levels continue to rise, providing more options to homebuyers who are actively looking for a new home. Home price reductions are also increasing as sellers adjust to the new normal. However, housing remains expensive and fast-paced, with the median asking price close to June’s all-time high.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Investing in Real Estate

Real Estate Investing Questions

Over the centuries, real estate investing has been a very lucrative endeavor. Even non-speculating homeowners who have owned and maintained investment properties for several years have achieved double and triple-digit investment returns. Private residence values have risen substantially, although there have been notable dips in recent history. According to a July 2022 Realtor® Magazine article, … Read more

Top Seven Tips for First-Time Homebuyers

First-time homebuyers with keys at new home

Purchasing a first home is an exciting time. The saving, researching, comparing, and final closing, followed by the excitement of the move-in, are experiences first-time homebuyers long remember. However, it is helpful for first-time buyers to exercise extreme caution with each step of the process since ignoring certain precautions can quickly turn to despair. Selecting … Read more

What You Should Know About Home Appraisals

Things to Know About Home Appraisals

Home appraisals performed by professionally certified appraisers are required in most real estate transactions and mortgage refinances. When a lender is involved in loans that use a property as collateral, they order an appraisal to ensure the property meets or exceeds the loan amount. Appraisals protect the lender in case of subsequent default by the … Read more

June Housing Expensive and Fast-Paced [Video]

U.S. Housing Market Report June 2022

For the second month in a row, the June housing data shows an improvement in inventory. The count of active homes listed for sale increased 18.7% year-over-year. The increase in inventory resulted from a combination of sellers entering the market and moderating demand for homes. Home sales remain fast-paced, with the typical home for sale … Read more