5,300 Reasons to Be Happy You’re a Homeowner

By Jennifer Ruspini | December 19, 2019

5,300 Reasons to Be Happy You’re a Homeowner | Simplifying The MarketStudies have shown that, in many cases, the largest asset a family owns is the house they live in. Over the last twelve months, that asset has gained substantial value. CoreLogic just released their 2019 3rd Quarter Homeowner Equity Insights Report. The report revealed that: “U.S. homeowners with mortgages (roughly 64% of all properties) have […]

The Biggest Issue Facing Housing Next Year

By Jennifer Ruspini | December 18, 2019

The Biggest Issue Facing Housing Next Year | Simplifying The MarketThis coming year the housing market will be defined by 3 things- inventory, interest rates, and appreciation.  But the biggest issue the housing market will face in 2020 is an inventory shortage.  There aren’t enough homes on the market for buyers, especially on the lower end of the market. This is a topic that has […]

3 Mistakes to Avoid When Selling a Home in 2020

By Jennifer Ruspini | December 17, 2019

3 Mistakes to Avoid When Selling a Home in 2020 | Simplifying The MarketIt’s exciting to put a house on the market and to think about making new memories in new spaces, but we can have deep sentimental attachments to the homes we’re leaving behind, too. Growing emotions can help or hinder a sale, depending on how we manage them. When it comes to the bottom line, homeowners […]

December 2019: The Buyer Stakes Are High Because Inventory Is Low

By Jennifer Ruspini | December 16, 2019

December 2019: The Buyer Stakes Are High Because Inventory Is Low | Simplifying The MarketThe reality of what we’re seeing this month is that homes are selling fast. In today’s strong seller’s market, bidding wars are common and expected with starter or entry-level homes. In most areas of the country, first-time buyers have been met with fierce competition throughout their homebuying experience. Some have been out-bid multiple times before […]

Get Your House Ready To Sell This Winter

By Jennifer Ruspini | December 13, 2019

Some Highlights

Winter is a great time to list a house, since inventory is traditionally low, and most sellers are holding off until spring to put their homes on the market.
Waiting for warmer weather when more competition is on the market will only…

Holiday Gifts Are Not the Only Hot Things Right Now

By Jennifer Ruspini | December 12, 2019

Holiday Gifts Are Not the Only Hot Things Right Now | Simplifying The MarketBlack Friday is behind us and holiday gifts are flying off the shelves in stores and online. Unlike last year, however, there’s another type of buyer that is very active this winter – the homebuyer. Each month, ShowingTime releases their Showing Index, which tracks the average number of appointments received on active U.S. house listings. […]

Have You Outgrown Your Home?

By Jennifer Ruspini | December 11, 2019

Have You Outgrown Your Home? | Simplifying The MarketIt may seem hard to imagine that the home you’re in today – whether it’s your starter home or just one you’ve fallen in love with along the way – might not be your forever home. The good news is, it’s okay to admit if your house no longer fits your needs. According to the […]

A 365 Day Difference in Homeownership

By Jennifer Ruspini | December 10, 2019

A 365 Day Difference in Homeownership | Simplifying The MarketOver the past year, mortgage rates have fallen more than a full percentage point. This is a great driver for homeownership, as today’s low rates provide consumers with some significant benefits. Here’s a look at three of them: Refinance: If you already own a home, you may want to decide if you’re going to refinance. […]

Have You Budgeted for Closing Costs?

By Jennifer Ruspini | December 9, 2019

Have You Budgeted for Closing Costs? | Simplifying The MarketSaving for a down payment is a key step in the homebuying process, and it’s not the only piece you need to include in your budget. Another factor that’s important to plan for is the closing costs required to obtain a mortgage. What Are Closing Costs? According to Trulia, “When you close on a home, a […]

Millennials Are on the Move as First-Time Homebuyers [INFOGRAPHIC]

By Jennifer Ruspini | December 6, 2019

Is Your First Home Now Within Your Grasp? [INFOGRAPHIC] | Simplifying the Market

Some Highlights:

  • According to NAR’s latest Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, the median age of all first-time homebuyers is 32.
  • With more millennials entering a homebuying phase of life, they are driving a large portion of the buyer appetite in the market, keeping buyer activity strong.
  • More and more “old millennials” (ages 25-36) are realizing that homeownership is now within their grasp, and they’re actively dominating the first-time homebuyer market!