August 11, 2021 In Buying a Home, Homeownership

Americans See Major Home Equity Gains [INFOGRAPHIC]

  Some Highlights Today’s home price appreciation is driving equity higher throughout the country. If your needs are changing and you’re ready for a new home, your equity may be a great asset to power your next…

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August 11, 2021 In Buying a Home, Homeownership

What Credit Score Do You Need for a Mortgage?

According to data from the most recent Origination Insight Report by Ellie Mae, the average FICO® score on closed loans reached 753 in February. As lending standards have tightened recently, many are concerned over whether or not their credit score is strong…

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August 11, 2021 In Buying a Home, Homeownership

Should We Fear the Surge in Cash-Out Refinances?

  Freddie Mac recently released their Quarterly Refinance Statistics report which covers refinances through 2020. The report explains that the dollar amount of cash-out refinances was greater in 2020 than in recent years. A cash-out refinance, as defined by Investopia, is: “a…

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August 11, 2021 In Buying a Home, Homeownership

Why You Should Think About Listing Prices Like an Auction’s Reserve Price

  For generations, the homebuying process never really changed. The seller would try to estimate the market value of the home and tack on a little extra to give themselves some negotiating room. That figure…

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August 11, 2021 In Buying a Home, Homeownership

Buyer & Seller Perks in Today’s Housing Market

  Right now, the housing market is full of outstanding opportunities for both buyers and sellers. Whether you’re thinking of buying your first home, moving up to a bigger one, or selling so you can downsize this…

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August 11, 2021 In Buying a Home, Homeownership

2021 Real Estate Myth Buster [INFOGRAPHIC]

    Some Highlights There are a lot of misconceptions about buying or selling a home today, making it challenging to know exactly how to navigate the current real estate landscape. Here’s a little clarity…

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August 11, 2021 In Buying a Home, Homeownership

What It Means To Be in a Sellers’ Market

If you’ve given even a casual thought to selling your house in the near future, this is the time to really think seriously about making a move. Here’s why this season is the ultimate sellers’ market and the optimal…

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August 11, 2021 In Buying a Home, Homeownership

How a Change in Mortgage Rate Impacts Your Homebuying Budget

  Mortgage rates are on the rise this year, but they’re still incredibly low compared to the historic average. However, anytime there’s a change in the mortgage rate, it affects what you can afford to borrow when you’re…

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August 11, 2021 In Buying a Home, Homeownership

Is Homeownership Still Considered Part of the American Dream?

  Since the birth of our nation, homeownership has always been considered a major piece of the American Dream. As Frederick Peters reports in Forbes: “The idea of a place of one’s own drives the American story. We…

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August 11, 2021 In Buying a Home, Homeownership

There’s No Reason To Panic Over Today’s Lending Standards

  Today, some are afraid the real estate market is starting to look a lot like it did in 2006, just prior to the housing crash. One of the factors they’re pointing to is the…

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