#1 Financial Benefit of Homeownership: Family Wealth

By Jennifer Ruspini | May 18, 2020

#1 Financial Benefit of Homeownership: Family Wealth | Simplifying The MarketWhile growing up, we were taught by our parents and grandparents that owning a home is a financially savvy move. They explained how a mortgage is like a “forced savings plan.” When you pay rent, that money is lost forever. When you make a mortgage payment, much of that money accumulates as equity in the […]

2020 Homeowner Wish List [INFOGRAPHIC]

By Jennifer Ruspini | May 15, 2020

Some Highlights

In a recent study by realtor.com, homeowners noted some of the main things they would change about their homes to make them more livable.
Not surprisingly, more space, an updated kitchen, and a home gym rose to the top of the list.
I…

Will the Housing Market Turn Around This Year?

By Jennifer Ruspini | May 14, 2020

Will the Housing Market Turn Around This Year? | Simplifying The MarketToday, many people are asking themselves if they should buy or sell a home in 2020. Some have shifted their plans or put them on hold over the past couple of months, and understandably so. Everyone seems to be wondering if the market is going to change and when the economy will turn around. If […]

A Surprising Shift to the ‘Burbs May Be on the Rise

By Jennifer Ruspini | May 13, 2020

A Surprising Shift to the ‘Burbs May Be on the Rise | Simplifying The MarketWhile many people across the U.S. have traditionally enjoyed the perks of an urban lifestyle, some who live in more populated city limits today are beginning to rethink their current neighborhoods. Being in close proximity to everything from the grocery store to local entertainment is definitely a perk, especially if you can also walk to […]

Unemployment Report: No Need to Be Terrified

By Jennifer Ruspini | May 12, 2020

Unemployment Report: No Need to Be Terrified | Simplifying The MarketLast Friday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released its latest jobs report. It revealed that the economic shutdown made necessary by COVID-19 caused the unemployment rate to jump to 14.7%. Many anticipate that next month the percentage could be even higher. These numbers represent the extreme hardship so many families are experiencing right now. […]

Will Home Values Appreciate or Depreciate in 2020?

By Jennifer Ruspini | May 11, 2020

Will Home Values Appreciate or Depreciate in 2020? | Simplifying The MarketWith the housing market staggered to some degree by the health crisis the country is currently facing, some potential purchasers are questioning whether home values will be impacted. The price of any item is determined by supply as well as the market’s demand for that item. Each month the National Association of Realtors (NAR) surveys […]

A Day When Americans Can Return to Work [INFOGRAPHIC]

By Jennifer Ruspini | May 8, 2020

A Day When Americans Can Return to Work [INFOGRAPHIC] | Simplifying The Market

Some Highlights

  • Taking a moment to reflect upon what we’ve heard from historical leaders can teach us a lot about getting through the many challenges we face today.
  • We’re all eager for the day when every American can safely return to work. That day is coming. Timing is everything. Patience is essential.
  • Our courage, strength, and unparalleled resilience will get us there.

Unemployment: Hope on the Horizon

By Jennifer Ruspini | May 7, 2020

Unemployment: Hope on the Horizon | Simplifying The MarketTomorrow, the unemployment rate for April 2020 will be released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. It will hit a peak this country has never seen before, with data representing real families and lives affected by this economic slowdown. The numbers will alarm us. There will be headlines and doomsday scenarios in the media. […]

Why Home Equity Is a Bright Spark in the Housing Market

By Jennifer Ruspini | May 6, 2020

Why Home Equity is a Bright Spark in the Housing Market | Simplifying The MarketGiven how we have seen more unemployment claims than ever before over the past several weeks, fear is spreading widely. Some good news, however, shows that more than 4 million initial unemployment filers have likely already found a new job, especially as industries such as health care, food and grocery stores, retail, delivery, and more […]

Confused About the Economic Recovery? Here’s Why.

By Jennifer Ruspini | May 5, 2020

Confused About the Economic Recovery? Here’s Why. | Simplifying The MarketAs we continue to work through the health crisis that plagues this country, more and more conversations are turning to economic recovery. While we look for signs that we’ve reached a plateau in cases of COVID-19, the concern and fear of what will happen as businesses open up again is on all of our minds. […]