Real Estate
6 Strategies to Save on Home Insurance Premiums
From wildfires to floods, the past few years have brought a historic number of devastating climate and weather events to the United States. In 2023 alone, there were 28 individual weather-related disasters that caused at least $1 billion in damages each.1 These events triggered a huge influx of home insurance claims, and analysts expect the…
Read MoreDownsize Your Home, Rightsize Your Life: How to Choose the Ideal Smaller Home
When you’ve lived somewhere for many years, it can be tough to say goodbye. But if you (or a loved one) currently have a home that is bigger than necessary or is too high maintenance, it may be time to trade unused square footage for a smaller, more manageable space. Take it from the downsizers…
Read MoreUpgrade Your Home With These 2024 Design Trends
One of the best parts of owning a home is the freedom to make it truly your own with design choices that reflect your personality and lifestyle. Whether you lean toward contemporary design or a farmhouse aesthetic, your home is your canvas. Even so, it’s always smart to think about the long-term impact those decisions…
Read MoreReal Estate Market Forecast: Opportunities for Home Buyers and Sellers in 2024
A growing share of home buyers and sellers sat on the sidelines last year as the pace of home sales continued its downward trajectory.1 In fact, since the Federal Reserve began its series of interest rate hikes in 2022, the combination of higher borrowing costs and record-high home prices has fostered the steepest real estate…
Read More35 Tips to Furnish Your New Home for Less
Buying a new home is one of the most exciting experiences in life. And if you’re like most homebuyers, you’ll be planning your furniture placement and decor before the ink dries on your offer letter. But before you run to the nearest home goods store, take a deep breath. First, you’ll need to delay any…
Read MoreIncome Properties Are Trending, But Is Landlord Life for You?
If the thought of investing your money into brick and mortar—or perhaps some stylishly-painted siding—excites you, join the club. Investing in real estate has long been one of Americans’ favorite ways to grow their wealth. In fact, over 70% of single-family rental properties are currently owned by individual investors rather than corporations, according to Census…
Read MoreTop 7 Tips To Attract the Best Offers for Your Home
Not long ago, home sellers were in their heyday, as historically-low mortgage rates triggered a real estate buying frenzy. However, the Federal Reserve shut down the party when it began raising interest rates last year.1 Now, it’s not as simple to sell a home. While pandemic-era homebuyers were racing the clock—trying to lock in…
Read MoreRenovate or Relocate? 3 Questions To Help You Decide
Does your current home no longer serve your needs? If so, you may be torn between relocating to a new home or renovating your existing one. This can be a difficult choice, and there’s a lot to consider—including potential costs, long-term financial implications, and quality of life. A major remodel can be a major commitment.…
Read MoreNational Real Estate Market Update for 2023
There’s an old adage in real estate: location, location, location. But ever since the Federal Reserve began its series of inflation-fighting interest rate hikes last year, a new mantra has emerged: mortgage rates, mortgage rates, mortgage rates. Higher rates had the immediate impact of dampening homebuyer affordability and demand. But this year, we’re seeing further…
Read MoreHow to Become a Homeowner on a First-Time Buyer’s Budget
It’s not easy being a first-time homebuyer right now. At the end of last year, housing affordability hit an all-time low.1 Additionally, mortgage rates have risen significantly since 2021, while inventory remains tight for many property categories, but especially for starter homes. Even lower-priced condos are harder to snag these days, as investors and downsizers…
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