Latest Blog Articles

Is Getting a Home Mortgage Still Too Difficult?

Is Getting a Home Mortgage Still Too Difficult? | Simplifying The MarketThere is no doubt that mortgage credit availability is expanding, meaning it is easier to finance a home today than it was last year. However, the mortgage market is still much tighter than it was prior to the housing boom and bust experienced between 2003 – 2006.

Mortgage Interest Rates Just Went Up… Should I Wait to Buy?

Mortgage Interest Rates Just Went Up… Should I Wait to Buy? | Simplifying The MarketMortgage interest rates, as reported by Freddie Mac, have increased over the last several weeks. Along with Freddie MacFannie Mae, the Mortgage Bankers Association and the National Association of Realtors are all calling for mortgage rates to continue to rise over the next four quarters.

5 Reasons to Hire a Real Estate Professional When Buying & Selling!

5 Reasons to Hire a Real Estate Professional When Buying & Selling! | Simplifying The MarketWhether you are buying or selling a home, it can be quite an adventurous journey; you need an experienced Real Estate Professional to lead you to your ultimate goal. In this world of instant gratification and internet searches, many sellers think that they can For Sale by Owner or FSBO.

Existing Home Sales Surge Forward Through Fall [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights:The National Association of Realtors (NAR) recently released their latest Existing Home Sales Report.First-time homebuyers made up 33% of all sales in October.Homes are selling quickly with 43% of homes on the market for less than a mon…

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Thinking of Selling? Don’t Overlook an Outdated Kitchen, Buyers Won’t

Thinking of Selling? Don’t Overlook an Outdated Kitchen, Buyers Won’t | Simplifying The MarketIf you are planning on listing your home for sale, make sure that you don’t overlook the condition of your kitchen. A recent article on realtor.com listed “7 Signs Your Kitchen Is Way Overdue for a Renovation,” in which they warned:

Why Are Mortgage Interest Rates Increasing?

Why Are Mortgage Interest Rates Increasing? | Simplifying The MarketAccording to Freddie Mac’s latest Primary Mortgage Market Survey, the 30-year fixed rate mortgage interest rate jumped up to 3.94% last week. Interest rates had been hovering around 3.5% since June, and many are wondering why there has been such a significant increase so quickly. 

Winter Is Coming… 5 Reasons to Sell Now!

Winter Is Coming… 5 Reasons to Sell Now! | Simplifying The MarketPeople across the country are beginning to think about what their life will look like next year. It happens every fall; we ponder whether we should relocate to a different part of the country to find better year-round weather, or perhaps move across the state for better job opportunities.

Homes Across the Country Are Selling Fast! [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights:

  • The National Association of REALTORS® surveyed their members for the release of their Confidence Index.
  • The REALTORS® Confidence Index is a key indicator of housing market strength based on a monthly survey sent to over 50,000 real estate practitioners. Practitioners are asked about their expectations for home sales, prices and market conditions.
  • Homes sold in 60 days or less in 42 out of 50 states, and Washington D.C.
  • Homes sold in 30 days or less in 17 states.

From Empty Nest to Full House… Multigenerational Families Are Back!

From Empty Nest to Full House… Multigenerational Families Are Back! | Simplifying The MarketMultigenerational homes are coming back in a big way! In the 1950s, about 21%, or 32.2 million Americans shared a roof with their grown children or parents.

You Can Never Have TMI about PMI

You Can Never Have TMI about PMI | Simplifying The MarketWhen it comes to buying a home, whether it is your first time or your fifth, it is always important to know all the facts. With the large number of mortgage programs available that allow buyers to purchase a home with a down payment below 20%, you can never have Too Much Information (TMI) about Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI).

A Lack of Listings Remains ‘Huge’ Challenge in the Market

A Lack of Listings Remains ‘Huge’ Challenge in the Market | Simplifying The MarketThe housing crisis is finally in the rearview mirror as the real estate market moves down the road to a complete recovery. Home values are up, home sales are up, and distressed sales (foreclosures & short sales) are at their lowest mark in over 8 years.