the shelter 2018 giving report

the shelter 2018 giving report

Each year we partner with returning clients & new friends to support their real estate journey and transactions. These transactions inevitably equal life changes, new starts, expanding families, empty nesters, shifting goals. It is our deepest, heartfelt intention that through these real estate transactions we will improve their lives for the better through our giving.

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your first step to buying a house this year

your first step to buying a house this year

In many markets across the country, the number of buyers searching for homes outnumbers the number of homes for sale. This has led to a competitive marketplace where buyers often need to stand out. You can show that you are a serious buyer by getting pre-qualified or pre-approved for a mortgage before starting your search.

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is the recent dip in interest rates here to stay?

is the recent dip in interest rates here to stay?

Interest rates for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage climbed consistently throughout 2018 until the middle of November. After that point, rates returned to levels that we saw in August to close out the year at 4.55%, according to Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey.

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why you should not for sale by owner (FSBO)

why you should not for sale by owner (FSBO)

In today’s market, as home prices rise and a lack of inventory continues, some homeowners may consider trying to sell their homes on their own, known in the industry as a For Sale by Owner (FSBO). There are several reasons why this might not be a good idea for most sellers.

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the #1 reason to not wait until spring to sell your house

the #1 reason to not wait until spring to sell your house

Many homeowners choose to wait until spring to place their homes on the market. While buyer demand tends to increase that time of year, there is something to consider. If everyone believes that this is the best time to sell, then that is when sellers will have the most competition.

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are we about to enter a buyer’s market?

are we about to enter a buyer’s market?

Home sales are below last year’s levels, home values are appreciating at a slower pace, and there are reports showing purchasing demand softening. This has some thinking we may be entering a buyer’s market after sellers have had the upper hand for the past several years. Is this really happening?

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thinking of selling your home? the time to act is NOW!

thinking of selling your home? the time to act is NOW!

If you thought about selling your house this year, now more than ever may be the time to do it! The inventory of homes for sale is well below historic norms and buyer demand is skyrocketing. We were still in high school when we learned about the concept of supply and demand, so we understand that the best time to sell something is when the supply of that item is low and demand for that item is high. That defines today’s real estate market.

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the net worth of a homeowner is 44x greater than a renter

the net worth of a homeowner is 44x greater than a renter

Every three years, the Federal Reserve conducts their Survey of Consumer Finances in which they collect data across all economic and social groups. Their latest survey data, covering 2013-2016 was recently released. It revealed that the median net worth of a homeowner was $231,400 – a 15% increase since 2013. At the same time, the median net worth of renters decreased by 5% ($5,200 today compared to $5,500 in 2013).

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is it time to upgrade your starter home?

is it time to upgrade your starter home?

It may seem hard to imagine that the first home you purchased might not be the home that will allow you to achieve the rest of your dreams. However, first-time home buyers don’t always consider the differences between starter homes and forever homes. A starter home is a great means to enter the market. You spend less now so you can save more and upgrade when the time (and rates) are right. Buying a forever home for your first purchase generally means spending more upfront to care for your needs long term. Both have their advantages, but starter homes are the typical choice for new buyers. This means that admitting your home no longer suits your needs is not only ok, it’s normal.

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5 reasons to hire a real estate professional before entering the market

5 reasons to hire a real estate professional before entering the market

Whether you are buying or selling a home, it can be quite the adventure. In this world of instant gratification and internet searches, many sellers think that they can ‘For Sale by Owner’ or ‘FSBO,’ but it’s not as easy as it may seem. That’s why you need an experienced real estate professional to guide you on the path to achieving your ultimate goal!

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