• 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • Homebuyers Guide: Tips For Getting Started With Your Search

    Ok, this is a longer article than usual but only because it is SOOO important. There is a method to the madness of beginning your home purchase. After all, buying a home for the first time can be life-changing.  It’s a major investment, a major commitment, and oftentimes the start…

  • Rising Mortgage Rates While You’re Waiting For Your Home to Be Built

    In the current market of high demand and low inventory, it’s common practice to be outbid numerous times when trying to purchase a home.  Therefore, lots of homebuyers are opting to forgo the bidding wars and simply build a house. This can be an attractive option on paper but not…

  • How “Aging in Place” is Reshaping the Real Estate Market

    There are so many more options now that make it easier for older adults to stay in their homes as they get older.  There is in-home medical care, meal delivery services, in-home helpers for cooking and cleaning, and even ways to retrofit your home to make it more accommodating.  Fairly…

  • One of the Things that Really Has Annoyed Me About this Market

    There’s an old sales adage that states, “The confused mind says ‘no’”. Nothing could be truer when it comes to VA home loans. This has been truly one of the most disappointing things about this two-year run we have had in the market. VA loans seem to be thrown aside…

  • How To Pay For Your Home Improvement Projects

    From something minor like fresh paint, to something major like adding additional rooms, home improvement projects can make your home a better place to live as well as increase its value.  The cost of these projects can be daunting and they can add up fast.  Let’s take a look at…