Should I Buy Now? Or Wait Until Next Year? [INFOGRAPHIC]

By Jennifer Ruspini | September 28, 2018

Some Highlights:

The cost of waiting to buy is defined as the additional funds it would take to buy a home if prices & interest rates were to increase over a period of time.
Freddie Mac predicts interest rates to rise to 5.2% by the third quarte…

Are Home Prices Softening or Are They Falling?

By Jennifer Ruspini | September 27, 2018

Are Home Prices Softening or Are They Falling? | Simplifying The MarketWe are beginning to see reports that more housing inventory is coming to the market and that buyer demand may not be increasing at the same pace it did earlier this year. The result will be many headlines written to address the impact that these two situations will have on home values. Many of these […]

The Cost of NOT Paying PMI

By Jennifer Ruspini | September 26, 2018

The Cost of NOT Paying PMI | Simplifying The MarketSaving for a down payment is often the biggest hurdle for a first-time homebuyer as median incomes, rents, and home prices all vary depending on where you live. There is a common misconception among homebuyers that a 20% down payment is required, and it is this limiting belief that often adds months, and sometimes even […]

Where Are Mortgage Interest Rates Headed In 2019?

By Jennifer Ruspini | September 25, 2018

Where Are Mortgage Interest Rates Headed In 2019? | Simplifying The MarketThe interest rate you pay on your home mortgage has a direct impact on your monthly payment; the higher the rate, the greater the payment will be. That is why it is important to know where rates are headed when deciding to start your home search. Below is a chart created using Freddie Mac’s U.S. Economic […]

How Much Has Your Home Increased in Value?

By Jennifer Ruspini | September 24, 2018

How Much Has Your Home Increased in Value? | Simplifying The MarketHome values have risen dramatically over the last twelve months. In CoreLogic’s most recent Home Price Index Report, they revealed that national home prices have increased by 6.2% year-over-year. CoreLogic broke down appreciation even further into four price ranges, giving us a more detailed view than if we had simply looked at the year-over-year increases in national median home price. The […]

4 Reasons to Sell This Fall [INFOGRAPHIC]

By Jennifer Ruspini | September 21, 2018

Some Highlights:

Housing inventory is still under the 6-month supply that is needed for a normal housing market.
Buyers are often competing with one another for the listings that are available.
Perhaps the time has come for you and your family to m…

Is the Real Estate Market Finally Getting Back to Normal?

By Jennifer Ruspini | September 20, 2018

Is the Real Estate Market Finally Getting Back to Normal? | Simplifying The MarketThe housing market has been anything but normal for the last eleven years. In a normal real estate market, home prices appreciate 3.7% annually. Below, however, are the price swings since 2007 according to the latest Home Price Expectation Survey: After the bubble burst in June 2007, values depreciated 6.1% annually until February 2012. From […]

25% of Homes with a Mortgage are Now Equity Rich!

By Jennifer Ruspini | September 19, 2018

25% of Homes with a Mortgage are Now Equity Rich! | Simplifying The MarketRising home prices have been in the news a lot lately and much of the focus has been on whether home prices are accelerating too quickly, as well as how sustainable the growth in prices really is. One of the often-overlooked benefits of rising prices, however, is the impact that they have on a homeowner’s […]

Home Prices: The Difference 5 Years Makes

By Jennifer Ruspini | September 18, 2018

Home Prices: The Difference 5 Years Makes | Simplifying The MarketCoreLogic recently released their Home Price Index Report. One of the key indicators used in the report to determine the health of the housing market was home price appreciation. CoreLogic focused on appreciation from July 2013 to July 2018 to show how prices over the last five years have fared. The graph below was created to show the […]

If You Are Thinking of Selling? You Must Act NOW!

By Jennifer Ruspini | September 17, 2018

If You Are Thinking of Selling? You Must Act NOW! | Simplifying The MarketIf you thought about selling your house this year, now more than ever may be the time to do it! The inventory of homes for sale is well below historic norms and buyer demand is skyrocketing. We were still in high school when we learned about the concept of supply and demand, so we understand that the […]