Some are attempting to compare the current housing market to the market leading up to the “boom and bust” that we experienced a decade ago. They look at price appreciation and conclude that we are on a similar trajectory, speeding toward... Read More

For many Americans, buying their first home is their first taste of achieving part of the American Dream. There is a sense of pride that comes along with owning your own home and building your family’s wealth through your monthly mortgage... Read More

As more and more baby boomers enter retirement age, the question of whether or not to sell their homes and move will become a hot topic. In today’s housing market climate, with low available inventory in the starter and trade-up home... Read More

Whether you are a rookie homebuyer or have gone through the process many times, having a local real estate expert who is well versed in the neighborhood you are looking to move to, as well as the trends of that area, should be your goal while home... Read More

We often talk about why it makes financial sense to buy a home, but more often than not, the emotional reasons are the more powerful or compelling ones. No matter what shape or size your living space is, the concept and feeling of home can mean... Read More

Is renting still an option? Home prices might be up, but rents aren’t any better. In fact, according to new data, average rents clocked in at $1,405 last month—the country’s highest rents of all time. Rents reach peak... Read More

Home appraisal What is a home appraisal? And why is it so important? A home appraisal ensures that you don’t overpay for a property Most mortgage programs require home appraisals Appraisals may identify other problems with the property, such... Read More

Cash to close (CTC) definition The term “cash to close” or “funds to close” is not the same as your closing costs or your down payment. Your “cash to close” equals your purchase price and closing costs, minus... Read More

There are many people sitting on the sidelines trying to decide if they should purchase a home or sign a rental lease. Some might wonder if it makes sense to purchase a house before they get married or start a family, some might think they are... Read More

A recent survey conducted by Harris Poll and released by SunTrust Mortgage found that “55% of homeowners with a child under the age of 18 at the time when they purchased their home said that the opinion of their offspring played a major role... Read More

According to recently released data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the median number of days that a home spent on the market hit a new low of 26 days in April, as 57% of homes were on the market for under a... Read More

So, you’ve been searching for that perfect house to call a ‘home,’ and you’ve finally found it! The price is right, and in such a competitive market, you want to make sure that you make a great offer so that you can guarantee... Read More

Homeowner expenses are more than your mortgage New buyers can be caught off guard by the costs of owning a home. Here are some top home expenses to consider before buying: Annual repair and maintenance Property taxes and homeowner’s... Read More

Mortgage interest rates have risen by more than half of a point since the beginning of the year, and many assume that if mortgage rates rise, home values will fall. History, however, has shown this not to be true. Where are home values today... Read More

What is a down payment? A down payment is what you pay for a home purchase. How much down payment do you need for a house? Anything from zero to 100 percent. The difference between your down payment and the purchase price is your mortgage. You must... Read More