Entries by The KCM Crew
![What States Give You the Most ‘Bang for Your Buck’? [INFOGRAPHIC] | Keeping Current Matters](https://files.keepingcurrentmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/07162027/20160812-100-Gets-You-KCM.jpg)
Luxury Home Sales & the Impact of the Stock Market
In a recent post, CoreLogic looked at the correlation between stocks and the sales of upper-end properties ($1 Million+ sales price). The report revealed: “The powerful ‘wealth effects’ generated by the rapid rise in equities between 2009 and 2015 drove a large rise in the sales of homes that sold for $1 million or more. […]
Real Estate Values Today Compared to Pre-2008 Peak
This housing market has many people talking about home values; where they are and where they are headed. It’s also interesting to look back and see how home prices compare to values prior to the housing crisis. Every quarter, Freddie Mac releases their House Price Index. The index usually provides monthly home values for: the […]
Home Sales Up in Every Price Range over $100K!
The National Association of Realtors’ most recent Existing Home Sales Report revealed that home sales were up rather dramatically over last year in five of the six price ranges they measure. Homes priced between $100-250K showed a modest increase at 3.4%. This not only points to the lower inventory of homes available for sale in this price range but also […]
Buying Remains 36% Cheaper Than Renting!
In the latest Rent vs. Buy Report from Trulia, they explained that homeownership remains cheaper than renting with a traditional 30-year fixed rate mortgage in the 100 largest metro areas in the United States. The updated numbers actually show that the range is an average of 5% less expensive in Orange County (CA) all the way up to […]
![Do You Know the Impact Your Interest Rate Makes? [INFOGRAPHIC] | Keeping Current Matters](https://files.keepingcurrentmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/07162154/20150805-Cost-of-Interest-KCM.jpg)
Thinking of Selling Your House? Pick the Right Agent!
Today, more and more sellers are stepping back, taking a look at the advice real estate professionals give them, and asking themselves whether they can trust that advice. And that is exactly what they should do. The most important question you can ask when you are choosing a real estate agent is whether you feel […]
New Home Sales Up 25.4% Last Month!
According to the latest Census Bureau Report, sales of newly constructed homes soared to new heights in June to a seasonally adjusted rate of 592,000. This marks the highest annual rate in 8 years. Trulia’s Chief Economist, Ralph McLaughlin had this to say: “New home sales jumped sharply in June, and marked the best month […]
What Does Home Mean to You?
No matter what shape or size your living space is, the concept and feeling of home can mean different things to different people. Whether it’s a certain scent or a favorite chair, the emotional reasons why we choose to buy our own home are, more often than not, the more powerful or compelling ones. Every […]
Why You Should Hire a Real Estate Professional When Buying a Home!
Many people wonder whether they should hire a real estate professional to assist them in buying their dream home or if they should first try to go it on their own. In today’s market: you need an experienced professional! You Need an Expert Guide if You Are Traveling a Dangerous Path The field of real […]
![Home Sales Accelerate During The “Dog Days of Summer” [INFOGRAPHIC] | Keeping Current Matters](https://files.keepingcurrentmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/07162205/20160729-Dog-Days-of-Summer.jpg)
House Hasn’t Sold Yet? Take Another Look at Your Price!
The residential housing market has been hot. Home sales have bounced back solidly and are now at their second highest pace since February 2007. Demand has remained strong throughout the summer as many real estate professionals are reporting bidding wars with listings actually selling above listing price. What about your house? If your house hasn’t […]
Americans Believe Real Estate is Best Long-Term Investment
According to Bankrate’s latest Financial Security Index Poll, Americans who have money to set aside for the next 10 years would rather invest in real estate than any other type of investment. Bankrate asked Americans to answer the following question: “Which would be the best way to invest money you did not need for more […]
The Top Reason to List Your House For Sale Now!
If you are debating listing your house for sale this year, here is the #1 reason not to wait! Buyer Demand Continues to Outpace the Supply of Homes For Sale The National Association of REALTORS’ (NAR) Chief Economist, Lawrence Yun recently commented on the inventory shortage: “With demand holding firm and homes selling even faster than […]
Brexit 1 Month Later: The Impact on Mortgage Rates
Just over a month ago, the United Kingdom decided to withdraw from the European Union in a decision commonly known as Brexit. At that time there was a lot of speculation on how that decision would impact the U.S. residential mortgage market. Today, we want to look at the impact of the first 30 days. […]
![Slaying Myths About Home Buying [INFOGRAPHIC] | Keeping Current Matters](https://www.keepingcurrentmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Slaying-Myths-KCM-1.jpg)
Baby Boomers Are On the Move
According to a Merrill Lynch study, “an estimated 4.2 million retirees moved into a new home last year alone.” Two-thirds of retirees say that they are likely to move at least once during retirement. As one participant in the study stated: “In retirement, you have the chance to live anywhere you want. Or you can just stay […]
Rents Skyrocket at Highest Rate in Almost a Decade
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) was released by the Labor Department last week. An analysis by Market Watch revealed the cost of rent was 3.8% higher than a year ago for the second straight month in June. That’s the strongest yearly price gain since 2007. This coincides with a report released earlier this month in […]
A Homeowner’s Net Worth is 45x Greater Than a Renter’s!
Every three years, the Federal Reserve conducts a Survey of Consumer Finances in which they collect data across all economic and social groups. The latest survey, which includes data from 2010-2013, reports that a homeowner’s net worth is 36 times greater than that of a renter ($194,500 vs. $5,400). In a Forbes article, the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) Chief Economist Lawrence Yun predicts that in […]
3 Questions Every Buyer Should Ask Themselves
If you are debating purchasing a home right now, you are probably getting a lot of advice. Though your friends and family will have your best interest at heart, they may not be fully aware of your needs and what is currently happening in the real estate market. Answering the following 3 questions will help […]
![Should I Wait Until Next Year? Or Buy Now? [INFOGRAPHIC] | Keeping Current Matters](https://files.keepingcurrentmatters.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/07162230/Cost-of-Waiting-KCM.jpg)
3 Crucial Questions Most Home Buyers Don’t Know the Answer To…DO YOU?
Whether you are considering the purchase of your first home or trading up to the home your family frequently fantasizes about, there are three crucial questions you must know the answer to: What is the minimum down payment required to purchase a home? What is the minimum FICO score required to qualify for a mortgage? […]
Would You Qualify for a Mortgage Now?
The widespread myth that perfect credit and large down payments are necessary to buy a home are holding many potential home buyers on the sidelines. According to Ellie Mae’s latest Origination Report, the average FICO score for all closed loans in May was 724, far lower than the 750 or 800 that many buyers believe […]
