The TRUTH Behind the RENT vs. BUY Debate

The TRUTH Behind the RENT vs. BUY Debate | Simplifying The MarketIn a blog post published last Friday, CNN’s Diana Olnick reported on the latest results of the FAU Buy vs. Rent Index. The index examines that entire US housing market and then isolates 23 major markets for comparison. The researchers at FAU use a “‘horse race’ comparison between an individual that is buying a home […]

Read More

Inventory Challenges Continue! [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights:

After a surge in March, existing home sales and new home sales slowed due to a drop in inventory available for sale in the start-up and trade-up categories.
Median existing home prices surged for the 62nd straight month, up 6.0% ov…

Read More

How’s the Real Estate Market? Find Out What the Experts Are Saying

How's the Real Estate Market? Find Out What the Experts Are Saying | Simplifying The MarketAs we head into summer, it is a great time to review how the 2017 real estate market is doing so far. Here is what the experts are saying: Doug Duncan, Fannie Mae Chief Economist “Positive demographic factors should continue to reshape the housing market, as rising employment and incomes appear to be positively influencing […]

Read More

Is Now a Good Time to Rent?

Is Now a Good Time to Rent? | Simplifying The MarketPeople often ask if now is a good time to buy a home, but nobody ever asks when a good time to rent is. Regardless, we want to make certain that everyone understands that today is NOT a good time to rent. The Census Bureau recently released their 2017 first quarter median rent numbers. Here is a graph […]

Read More

3 Reasons the Housing Market is NOT in a Bubble

3 Reasons the Housing Market is NOT in a Bubble | Simplifying The MarketWith housing prices appreciating at levels that far exceed historical norms, some are fearful that the market is heading for another bubble. To alleviate that fear, we just need to look back at the reasons that caused the bubble ten years ago.

Read More

Inventory Shortages Are Slowing Down the Market

Inventory Shortages Are Slowing Down the Market | Simplifying The MarketThe real estate market is moving more and more into a complete recovery. Home values are up. Home sales are up. Distressed sales (foreclosures and short sales) have fallen dramatically. It seems that 2017 will be the year that the housing market races forward again.

Read More

Is the Current Pace of Home Sales Maintainable?

Is the Current Pace of Home Sales Maintainable? | Simplifying The MarketThere are some experts questioning whether the current pace of residential home sales is maintainable. Are too many people buying homes like in 2004-2006? Are we headed for another housing crisis? Actually, if we look closely at the numbers, we can see that we are looking at a very healthy real estate market.

Read More

Homes are Selling Fast Across the Country [INFOGRAPHIC]

Homes are Selling Fast Across the Country [INFOGRAPHIC] | Simplifying The Market

Some Highlights:

  • The National Association of REALTORS® surveyed their members for their monthly 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 36 out of 50 states, and Washington D.C.
  • Homes typically went under contract in 34 days in March!
Read More

Buying this Spring? Be Prepared for Bidding Wars

Buying this Spring? Be Prepared for Bidding Wars | Simplifying The MarketTraditionally, spring is the busiest season for real estate. Buyers come out in force and homeowners list their houses for sale hoping to capitalize on buyer activity. This year will be no different!

Read More

15,014 Homes Sold Yesterday… Did Yours?

15,014 Homes Sold Yesterday… Did Yours? | Simplifying The MarketThere are some homeowners that have been waiting for months to get a price they hoped for when they originally listed their house for sale. The only thing they might want to consider is… If it hasn’t sold yet, maybe it’s not priced properly.

Read More

Consumer Confidence in Economy & Housing is Soaring

Consumer Confidence in Economy & Housing is Soaring | Simplifying The MarketThe success of the housing market is strongly tied to the consumer’s confidence in the overall economy. For that reason, we believe 2017 will be a great year for real estate. Here is just a touch of the news coverage on the subject.

Read More