If you’re weighing your options to decide whether it makes more sense to rent or buy a home today, here’s one key data point that could help you feel more confident in making your decision. Every three years, the Federal Reserve Board releases the Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF). That report covers the difference in net worth for both homeowners and renters. Spoiler alert: the gap between the two is significant.The average homeowner’s net worth is almost 40X greater than a renter’s. And here’s the data to prove it (see graph below):The Big Reason Homeowner Net Worth Is So HighIn the previous...
According to the latest data from Fannie Mae, 23% of Americans still think home prices will go down over the next twelve months. But why do roughly 1 in 4 people feel that way?It has a lot to do with all the negative talk about home prices over the past year. Since late 2022, the media has created a lot of fear about a price crash and those concerns are still lingering. You may be hearing people in your own life saying they’re worried about home prices or see on social media that some influencers are saying prices are going to come tumbling down.If you’re someone who still thinks prices are...
Some HighlightsHere’s what you really need to know about a few myths causing fear in today’s housing market.Despite common misconceptions, many people can buy a home even if they have student loans, home prices are rising nationally (not falling), and you usually don’t have to have 20% for a down payment.If you have other fears or reservations about buying a home today, get in touch with a real estate expert who can help clear those up.
The idea of owning a home has always been a big part of the American Dream. It’s a symbol of stability, independence, and having a place to truly call your own. But for Gen Z, the “Zoomers” born between 1997 and 2012, making that dream a reality can feel like quite the challenge today with higher mortgage rates and rising home prices.But achieving that goal of owning your first home can still be attainable, even today, with some strategic planning and resourcefulness.Explore Financing and Down Payment Assistance Options With prices rising all around you, it can be hard to save...
Are you wondering if it makes sense to buy a home right now? While today’s mortgage rates might seem a bit intimidating, here are two compelling reasons why it still may be a good time to become a homeowner.Home Values Appreciate over TimeThere’s been a lot of confusion around what’s happened with home prices over the past two years. While they did dip ever so slightly in late 2022, this year they’ve been appreciating at a more normal pace, which is good news for the housing market. And while looking at price movement over just a year or two can make you worry prices are usually this unpredictable,...
In today’s world of rising housing costs, many buyers are looking for ways to still be able to buy a home. Some of them have found a solution in multi-generational living.Multi-generational living is when two or more adult generations live together under one roof. This includes siblings, parents, or even grandparents. Here’s an in-depth look at why more buyers are choosing this option today, so you can see if it may be right for you too.Reasons To Buy a Multi-Generational HomeAccording to a recent study by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the top two reasons people are opting...
Some HighlightsWhen deciding between buying a home or renting, think about these three important factors.Buying a home means avoiding rising rents, owning a tangible and valuable asset, and growing your wealth over time.If you’re ready to enjoy the advantages of owning a home, connect with a local real estate expert to discuss your options.
Are you thinking about making a move? If so, all the speculation that home prices would crash this year may have you feeling a bit on edge about your decision. Let the data and the experts reassure you. Prices aren’t in a downward spiral and will actually finish the year strong.Even though you may have heard talk that prices would drop 5, 10, or even 20% this year, that hasn’t happened. The big reason why is the supply of homes for sale is too low. There are just more buyers looking to buy than homes available, and that’s kept prices from falling.To prove this year wasn’t a bust for home prices,...
The increasing effects of natural disasters are leading to new obstacles in residential real estate. As a recent article from CoreLogic explains: “As the specter of climate change looms large, the world braces for unprecedented challenges. In the world of real estate, one of those challenges will be the effects of natural catastrophes on property portfolios, homeowners, and communities.” That may be why, according to Zillow, more and more Americans now consider how climate risks and natural disasters can impact their homeownership plans (see below): This study goes on to explain that climate...
Are you considering buying your first home? If so, it can be helpful to know what led other people to make that decision. According to a recent survey of first-time homebuyers by PulteGroup:“When asked why they purchased their first home recently, the answer was simple: because they wanted to. Either the desire to stop renting or recognition that homeownership is a smart financial investment was the main motivator for 72% of respondents.”While that survey looked specifically at first-time homebuyers buying newly built homes, the same sentiment is true for just about anyone buying their first...