Keeping Current Matters

Keeping Current Matters

When a House Becomes a Home

When a House Becomes a Home It’s clear that owning a home makes financial sense. But lately, the emotional side of what drives homeownership is becoming increasingly important. No matter the living space, the feeling of a home means different things to different people. Whether it’s a familiar scent or a favorite chair, the feel-good connections to our own […]
Keeping Current Matters

The Average Homeowner Gained $56,700 in Equity over the Past Year

The Average Homeowner Gained $56,700 in Equity over the Past Year When you think of homeownership, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Chances are you might focus on the non-financial benefits, like the security or stability a home provides. But what about equity? While it can be overlooked, a homeowner’s equity helps build long-term […]
Keeping Current Matters

Homebuyers: Be Ready To Act This Winter

Homebuyers: Be Ready To Act This Winter To succeed as a buyer in today’s market, it’s important to understand which market trends will have the greatest impact on your home search. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at realtor.com, says there are two factors every buyer should keep their eyes on: Here’s a look at each one. Mortgage Rates Projected […]
Keeping Current Matters

Advice for First-Generation Homebuyers

Advice for First-Generation Homebuyers The sense of pride you’ll feel when you purchase a home can’t be overstated. For first-generation homebuyers, that feeling of accomplishment is even greater. That’s because the pride of homeownership for first-generation buyers extends far beyond the homebuyer. AJ Barkley, Head of Neighborhood and Community Lending for Bank of America, says: In other […]

Keeping Current Matters When a House Becomes a Home When a House Becomes a Home It’s clear that owning a home makes financial sense. But lately, the emotional side of what drives homeownership is becoming increasingly important. No matter the living space, the feeling of a home means different things to different people. Whether it’s a familiar scent or a favorite chair, the feel-good connections to our own […]

Keeping Current Matters The Average Homeowner Gained $56,700 in Equity over the Past Year The Average Homeowner Gained $56,700 in Equity over the Past Year When you think of homeownership, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Chances are you might focus on the non-financial benefits, like the security or stability a home provides. But what about equity? While it can be overlooked, a homeowner’s equity helps build long-term […]

Keeping Current Matters Homebuyers: Be Ready To Act This Winter Homebuyers: Be Ready To Act This Winter To succeed as a buyer in today’s market, it’s important to understand which market trends will have the greatest impact on your home search. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at realtor.com, says there are two factors every buyer should keep their eyes on: Here’s a look at each one. Mortgage Rates Projected […]

Keeping Current Matters Advice for First-Generation Homebuyers Advice for First-Generation Homebuyers The sense of pride you’ll feel when you purchase a home can’t be overstated. For first-generation homebuyers, that feeling of accomplishment is even greater. That’s because the pride of homeownership for first-generation buyers extends far beyond the homebuyer. AJ Barkley, Head of Neighborhood and Community Lending for Bank of America, says: In other […]

Keeping Current Matters A Happy Tail: Pets and the Homebuying Process A Happy Tail: Pets and the Homebuying Process Some Highlights It’s no secret that we love our furry friends – about 70% of U.S. households have pets. What may come as a surprise is how large a role they play in the homebuying process. Americans spend $1,163 a year on their pets, and nearly half of pet owners say they would move for better accommodations […]

Keeping Current Matters Why Now Is a Great Time To Sell Your House Why Now Is a Great Time To Sell Your House As we near the end of the year, more homeowners are realizing the benefits of today’s sellers’ market. Record-breaking home price appreciation, growing equity, low inventory, and competitive mortgage rates are motivating homeowners to make a move that addresses their changing lifestyles. In fact, recent data from realtor.com shows a larger share of homeowners are […]

Keeping Current Matters Retirement May Be Changing What You Need in a Home Retirement May Be Changing What You Need in a Home The past year and a half brought about significant life changes for many of us. For some, it meant entering retirement earlier than expected. Recent data shows more people retired this year than anticipated. According to the Schwartz Center for Economic Policy Analysis, 2021 saw a […]

Keeping Current Matters Two Graphs That Show Why You Shouldn’t Be Upset About 3% Mortgage Rates Two Graphs That Show Why You Shouldn’t Be Upset About 3% Mortgage Rates Today’s Average Mortgage Rate Still Presents Buyers with a Great Opportunity With the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate from Freddie Mac climbing above 3%, rising rates are one of the topics dominating the discussion in the housing market today. And since experts project rates will rise […]

Keeping Current Matters Sellers Have Incredible Leverage in Today’s Market Sellers Have Incredible Leverage in Today’s Market With mortgage rates climbing above 3% for the first time in months, serious buyers are more motivated than ever to find a home before the end of the year. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for the National Association of Realtors (NAR), puts it best, saying: But the sense of urgency they feel is complicated […]

Keeping Current Matters Renters Missed Out on $51,500 This Past Year Renters Missed Out on $51,500 This Past Year Rents have increased significantly this year. The latest National Rent Report from Apartmentlist.com shows rents are rising at a rate much higher than the three years leading up to the pandemic: If you’re thinking of renting for another year, consider that rents will likely be even higher […]

Keeping Current Matters Does Your House Have What Buyers Want? Does Your House Have What Buyers Want? The rise in remote work is changing what many Americans want in their homes. Many companies are choosing to delay reopening or go remote full-time, and today’s buyers are looking for homes with more space to support their work needs. Remote Work Is Here To Stay Remote work […]