Latest Blog Articles

Appraisers and Homeowners Don’t See Eye-To-Eye on Values

Appraisers & Homeowners Don’t See Eye-To-Eye on Values | Simplifying The MarketIn today’s housing market, where supply is very low and demand is very high, home values are increasing rapidly. Many experts are projecting that home values could appreciate by another 5%+ over the next twelve months. One major challenge in such a market is the bank appraisal.

The Role Access Plays in Getting Your House SOLD!

The Role Access Plays in Getting Your House SOLD! | Simplifying The MarketSo you’ve decided to sell your house. You’ve hired a real estate professional to help you with the entire process and they have asked you what level of access you want to provide to potential buyers.

The Past, Present & Future of Home Prices

The Past, Present & Future of Home Prices | Simplifying The MarketCoreLogic released their most current Home Price Index last week. In the report, they revealed home appreciation in three categories: percentage appreciation over the last year, over the last month and projected over the next twelve months.

3 Questions to Ask Before Buying Your Dream Home

3 Questions to Ask Before Buying Your Dream Home | Simplifying The MarketIf you are debating purchasing a home right now, you are probably getting a lot of advice. Though your friends and family will have your best interest at heart, they may not be fully aware of your needs and what is currently happening in the real estate market.

Ask yourself the following 3 questions to help determine if now is actually a good time for you to buy in today’s market.

Mortgage Rates by Decade Compared to Today [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights:The interest rate you secure for your mortgage greatly influences your monthly housing costs.In the 1980s, 30-year fixed mortgage rates averaged in the high 12s making the monthly principal and interest payment over $2,000.Interest rate…

Why We Need More Newly Constructed Homes

Why We Need More Newly Constructed Homes | Simplifying The MarketThe number of new home sales is far off historic norms. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) just reported that the percentage of all house sales that were newly constructed homes has fallen to the lowest numbers in forty years. Here is a graph showing the percentages:

Have You Put Aside Enough for Closing Costs?

Have You Put Aside Enough for Closing Costs? | Simplifying The MarketThere are many potential homebuyers, and even sellers, who believe that you need at least a 20% down payment in order to buy a home, or move on to their next home. Time after time, we have dispelled this myth by showing that there are many loan programs that allow you to put down as little as 3% (or 0% with a VA loan).

Mortgage Standards Easing TOO MUCH? NO!!

Mortgage Standards Easing TOO MUCH? NO!! | Simplifying The MarketThere is no doubt that getting a mortgage is easier today than it was right after the housing crash a decade ago. However, the easing of credit availability has led to some questioning of whether or not we are headed for another housing crisis.

Why Getting Pre-Approved Should Be Your First Step

Why Getting Pre-Approved Should Be Your First Step | Simplifying The MarketIn many markets across the country, the amount of buyers searching for their dream homes greatly outnumbers the amount of homes for sale. This has led to a competitive marketplace where buyers often need to stand out. One way to show you are serious about buying your dream home is to get pre-qualified or pre-approved for a mortgage before starting your search.

Interest Rates Remain at Historic Lows… But for How Long?

Interest Rates Remain at Historic Lows… But for How Long? | Simplifying The MarketThe interest rate you pay on your home mortgage has a direct impact on your monthly payment; The higher the rate, the greater your payment will be. That is why it is important to look at where the experts believe rates are headed when deciding to buy now or wait until next year.

Home Prices Up 5.61% Across The Country! [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights:

  • The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) recently released their latest Quarterly Home Price Index report.
  • In the report, home prices are compared both regionally and by state.
  • Based on the latest numbers, if you plan on relocating to another state, waiting to move may end up costing you more!
  • Vermont was the only one state where home prices are actually lower than they were last year.

New Construction Numbers: Now Versus 2005

New Construction Numbers: Now Versus 2005 | Simplifying The MarketThere is some thinking that the pace of the housing recovery is unsustainable and that we may be heading for another housing bubble. However, Jonathan Smoke, the Chief Economist of realtor.com explains the basic difference between 2005 and today:

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