The risks of zero-down loans in this market: Is this 2008 all over again?

It’s baaaaaaaaaaack…. With Bank of America recently announcing their loan option for lower-income households that requires no down payment, no closing costs, and doesn’t base the loan on a minimum FICO score, you might be wondering if this is 2008 all over again.  Can we really be repeating these kinds of loans and promoting homeownershipContinue reading “The risks of zero-down loans in this market: Is this 2008 all over again?”

Dead lawn from the heat and drought? Think clover.

Having a clover lawn instead of a traditional grass lawn has been all the rage on social media lately.  In fact, #cloverlawn has more than 65 million views on TikTok alone.  A well-manicured grass lawn is a very traditional vision in the minds of Americans.  These are the same people who spend hundreds of dollarsContinue reading “Dead lawn from the heat and drought? Think clover.”

AirBnb: Why Feeding this Beast is Probably Not a Good Idea in the Long Run

The short-term rental industry has been repeatedly accused of driving housing prices up by contributing to the housing shortage both in the U.S. and abroad.  Some of the top travel destinations like Amsterdam, London, New York and Los Angeles gets the brunt of much of the criticism for the sheer size of their operations.  InContinue reading “AirBnb: Why Feeding this Beast is Probably Not a Good Idea in the Long Run”

Why Staging is Still a Thing, Even in a Seller’s Market

While many homes are going under contract in the first few days they’re listed, most real estate professionals would agree that a property is more likely to stand out and receive the highest offers when that home is staged.  The right staging can really impact the buyer’s perception and help earn the seller the highestContinue reading “Why Staging is Still a Thing, Even in a Seller’s Market”

What is an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM)?

An adjustable-rate mortgage is a home loan when an interest rate adjusts over time based on the market.  ARMs generally start with a lower interest rate than a fixed-rate mortgage, so an ARM is a great option if your goal is to get the lowest possible rate up front and don’t wish to live thereContinue reading “What is an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM)?”