Recent reporting by Zillow’s Home Value Index shows St. Louis in the top 10 Metropolitan Real Estate Markets in their August report. In the middle of almost constant negative, end-of-the-world reporting this comes as welcome news to homeowners and potential sellers and maybe even potential buyers. Zillow Home Value Index Explained Here’s how Zillow explains […]
Toward the end of last year, there were a number of headlines saying home prices were going to fall substantially in 2023. That led to a lot of fear and questions about whether there was going to be a repeat of the housing crash that happened back in 2008. But the headlines got it wrong. While there […]
New Assistance for First-Time Homebuyers You read it correctly! There is a new First-Time Homebuyer $4000 Grant for your down payment or closing costs! In the midst of a not so easy market this is welcome news. Flex Funds Grant Details Flat Branch Home Loans (a local lender we have worked with for years) is […]
Don’t Fall for the Next Shocking Headlines About Home Prices If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home, one of the biggest questions you have right now is probably: what’s happening with home prices? And it’s no surprise you don’t have the clarity you need on that topic. Part of the issue is how headlines are talking about prices. They’re […]
What are the benefits of downsizing? It can prove to be an incredibly effective strategy when it comes to reducing costs, especially as you transition into retirement or as your needs gradually evolve over time. By consciously choosing to opt for a smaller house, you open yourself up to a multitude of benefits. Not only […]
Comparing the ‘Unicorn’ Years to Normal Real Estate Years for Perspective Comparing real estate metrics from one year to another can be challenging in a normal housing market. That’s due to possible variability in the market making the comparison less meaningful or accurate. Unpredictable events can have a significant impact on the circumstances and outcomes […]
What You Need To Know About Home Price News The National Association of Realtors (NAR) just released its latest Existing Home Sales Report.The information it contains on home prices may cause some confusion and could even generate some troubling headlines. This all stems from the fact that NAR will report the median sales price, while other […]
Exploring the St. Louis Housing Market: Growth and Stability (Chart source is the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) on Twitter by Lance Lambert @NewsLambert)Don’t let your eyes glaze over the chart above. We are going to keep it simple: St.Louis is one of only 4 housing markets with zero minuses (-) in any column across […]
Have you been saving up to buy a home this year? If so, you know there are a variety of expenses involved – from your down payment to closing costs. But there’s good news – your tax refund can help you achieve your goals by paying for some of these expenses. Here’s how to check […]
Why You Should Read These Guides and What’s Being Covered Buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions most people make in their lives. However, the process of buying a home can be daunting and overwhelming, especially for first-time homebuyers. To navigate the complex process of buying a home, it’s crucial to […]
Equity Gains for Today’s Homeowners As a homeowner, it’s important to stay informed about the value of your home. Knowing how much equity you’ve gained over the years can be a great way to plan for the future. Equity is the difference between the current market value of your home and the amount you still […]
The biggest challenge the housing market faces is how few homes there are for sale. Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American, explains the root causes of today’s low supply: Two dynamics are keeping existing-home inventory historically low – rate-locked existing homeowners and the fear of not finding something to buy. Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American Let’s break down […]
What Is a 2/1 Mortgage Buydown Mortgage? A 2/1 mortgage buydown is a type of mortgage where the interest rate is temporarily lowered for the first two years of the loan. This results in lower monthly mortgage payments for the first two years, before adjusting to the original interest rate for the remaining life of […]
What’s Impacting the Price of Homes? If you’ve been following the housing market over the last couple of years, you’ve likely heard about growing affordability challenges. But according to experts, the key factors that determine housing affordability are projected to improve this year. Selma Hepp, Executive, Deputy Chief Economist at CoreLogic, shares: “. . . with slowly improving […]
*Updated 1-5-2023* The question many people ask is “When do new listings come on the market or what months do the most houses get listed?” We can’t always say for sure when that is, but we can look at past trends to get an idea of what the future might hold. History has a way […]
Wondering what housing experts are calling for in 2023 and how it impacts your plans? The links at the bottom of this page are the references for this video. Quotables from Industry Leaders While the slowing housing market has some expecting a crash in 2023, next year will likely be more humdrum, albeit still painful […]
Mortgage rates have been a hot topic in the housing market over the past 12 months. Compared to the beginning of 2022, rates have risen dramatically. Now they’re dropping, and that has to do with everything happening in the economy. Nadia Evangelou, Senior Economist and Director of Forecasting at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), explains it well […]
For most home buyers, the purchase of real estate is one of the largest financial transactions they will make. Buyers purchase a home not only for the desire to own a home of their own, but also because of changes in jobs, family situations, and the need for a smaller or larger living area. This […]
Millions of American families will soon be gathered around the Thanksgiving table. With the economic landscape shifting below our feet, discussions between family members might be a bit different this year. Finding a home has become more challenging for young and old alike. Many individuals and families are realizing living together and the pooling of […]
Key Takeaways: There’s plenty of strategies to successfully buy in today’s market. Lean in on the expertise of your local real estate—we’ve seen it all! Our team is ready to help you achieve your goals, so contact us today. Whether you’re shopping for your first home or relocating to a new area, purchasing a home […]
