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The Big Difference Between a Homeowner’s and a Renter’s Net Worth

The Big Difference Between a Homeowner’s and a Renter’s Net Worth

Some HighlightsHomeownership is one of the best ways to build wealth in our country and it’s easy to see why.As you pay down your mortgage and as home values rise over time, you gain equity – and that helps grow your net worth. That’s why a homeowner’s net worth is nearly 40X greater than a renters.
The Rooms That Matter Most When You Sell

The Rooms That Matter Most When You Sell

Now that buyers have more options for their move, you need to be a bit more intentional about making sure your house looks its best when you sell. And proper staging can be a great way to do just that.What Is Home Staging?It’s not about making your house look super trendy or like it belongs in a mag
Understanding Today’s Mortgage Rates: Is 3% Coming Back?

Understanding Today’s Mortgage Rates: Is 3% Coming Back?

A lot of buyers are pressing pause on their plans these days, holding out hope that mortgage rates will come down – maybe even back to the historic-low 3% from a few years ago. But here’s the thing: those rates were never meant to last. They were a short-term response to a very specific moment in ti
Why Buying Real Estate Is Still the Best Long-Term Investment

Why Buying Real Estate Is Still the Best Long-Term Investment

Lately, it feels like every headline about the housing market comes with a side of doubt. Are prices going up or down? Are we headed for a crash? Will rates ever come down? And all the media noise may leave you wondering: does it really make sense to buy a home right now?But here’s one thing that do
Newly Built Homes May Be Less Expensive Than You Think

Newly Built Homes May Be Less Expensive Than You Think

Do you think a brand-new home means a bigger price tag? Think again.Right now, something unique is happening in the housing market. According to the Census and the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the median price of newly built homes is actually lower than the median price for existing homes
Home Projects That Add the Most Value

Home Projects That Add the Most Value

Some HighlightsWhether you’re planning to move soon or not, you want to be strategic about which home projects you take on. Because not all of them will be worth it.Before you decide what upgrades to tackle, talk to an agent who knows what’s in demand in your area and where you’re most likely to re
Is It Better To Rent or Buy a Home?

Is It Better To Rent or Buy a Home?

You’ve probably asked yourself lately: Is it even worth trying to buy a home right now?With high home prices and stubborn mortgage rates, renting can seem like the safer choice right now. Or maybe your only choice. That’s a very real feeling. And perhaps buying today isn’t your best move; it’s not f
The Secret To Selling Your House in Today’s Market

The Secret To Selling Your House in Today’s Market

A few years ago, homes were flying off the shelves and getting multiple offers well over their asking price. It felt like you could name your price and still have buyers lined up at the door.But today’s housing market is different. Buyers are getting more selective now that inventory has grown. Home
Many Veterans Don’t Know about This VA Home Loan Benefit

Many Veterans Don’t Know about This VA Home Loan Benefit

For 80 years, Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans have helped countless Veterans buy a home. But even though a lot of Veterans have access to this powerful program, the majority don't know about one of its core benefits.According to a report from Veterans United only 3 in 10 Veterans are aware they may
Common Real Estate Terms Explained

Common Real Estate Terms Explained

If you're a first-time homebuyer, chances are you'll come across some terms you’re not familiar with. And that can be overwhelming, especially while going through one of the biggest purchases of your life. The good news is you don’t need to be an expert on real estate jargon. That’s your agent’s job
Real Estate Is Voted the Best Long-Term Investment 12 Years in a Row

Real Estate Is Voted the Best Long-Term Investment 12 Years in a Row

Some HighlightsIn a recent poll from Gallup, real estate has once again been voted the best long-term investment. And it’s claimed that top spot for 12 straight years now.That’s because homeownership is one of the top ways to build your wealth, even with home price growth moderating and ongoing econ
Navigating Today’s Market

Navigating Today’s Market

Wondering how to make sense of today’s housing market? You’re not alone. A lot of people are asking what’s ahead for inventory, prices, the economy, and more. You deserve answers — and that’s where your trusted local REMAX® agent comes in.
Thinking about an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage? Read This First.

Thinking about an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage? Read This First.

If you’ve been house hunting lately, you’ve probably felt the sting of today’s mortgage rates. And it’s because of those rates and rising home prices that many homebuyers are starting to explore other types of loans to make the numbers work. And one option that’s gaining popularity? Adjustable-rate
Weekend Projects To Boost the Value of Your Home

Weekend Projects To Boost the Value of Your Home

With the cost of just about everything going up these days — groceries, gas and utilities — you might be feeling like now just isn’t the time to take on any home projects. But remember, you don’t need to tackle a full-on renovation to make a big impact.And if you don’t know where to start or what’s
What Happens to the Housing Market When the Economy Slows Down?

What Happens to the Housing Market When the Economy Slows Down?

There’s a lot of noise out there about what an economic slowdown could mean for the housing market. And if it leaves you feeling a little uneasy, you’re not alone. But here’s the thing.If you’re worried about what a potential recession could mean for the value of your home, or your homebuying power,
Why Now Could Be the Sweet Spot for Sellers

Why Now Could Be the Sweet Spot for Sellers

Over the past year, a lot of people put their moving plans on hold. Affordability weakened, and it was harder to find a home in budget, especially when inventory was so low. But things are shifting in a big way. Today, a rare balance is emerging — more choices when you buy, but still strong conditio
What Waiting To Buy Could Cost You

What Waiting To Buy Could Cost You

A lot of people want to buy a home, but they feel stuck in “wait and see” mode. Maybe you’re one of them. You’re holding your breath, hoping prices will fall or rates will come back down. But while you’re waiting, the market is moving — without you.The reality is, trying to time the market rarely wo
More Homes for Sale Isn’t a Warning Sign – It's Your Buying Opportunity

More Homes for Sale Isn’t a Warning Sign – It's Your Buying Opportunity

Maybe you’ve heard the number of homes for sale has reached a recent high. And it might make you question if this is the start of another housing market crash.But the reality is, the data proves that’s just not the case. In most areas, more inventory isn’t bad news. It’s actually a sign of the marke
What Buyers Need To Know About Homeowners Association Fees

What Buyers Need To Know About Homeowners Association Fees

When buying a home, you’re probably thinking about mortgage rates, home prices, your down payment, and maybe even your closing costs. But you may not be thinking about homeowners association (HOA) fees. While you won’t necessarily have these, you should know it’s a possibility, depending on where yo
You Could Use Some of Your Equity To Give Your Children the Gift of Home

You Could Use Some of Your Equity To Give Your Children the Gift of Home

If you’re a homeowner, chances are you’ve built up a lot of wealth – just by living in your house and watching its value grow over time. And that equity? It’s something that could help change your child’s life.Since affordability is still a challenge, a lot of first-time buyers are struggling to buy
Housing Market Forecasts for the Second Half of 2025

Housing Market Forecasts for the Second Half of 2025

Some HighlightsAre you wondering what to expect if you buy or sell a home in the second half of the year? Here’s what the expert forecasts tell you.Mortgage rates are expected to come down slightly. There will be more homes available for sale. And as inventory rises, home price growth will moderate.
Why Would I Move with a 3% Mortgage Rate?

Why Would I Move with a 3% Mortgage Rate?

If you have a 3% mortgage rate, you’re probably pretty hesitant to let that go. And even if you’ve toyed with the idea of moving, this nagging thought may be holding you back: “why would I give that up?”But when you ask that question, you may be putting your needs on the back burner without realizin
Don’t Let Student Loans Hold You Back from Homeownership

Don’t Let Student Loans Hold You Back from Homeownership

Did you know? According to a recent study, 72% of people with student loans think their debt will delay their ability to buy a home. Maybe you’re one of them and you're wondering:Do you have to wait until you’ve paid off those loans before you can buy your first home?Or is it possible you could stil
Why Buyers Are More Likely To Get Concessions Right Now

Why Buyers Are More Likely To Get Concessions Right Now

Especially in areas where inventory is rising, both homebuilders and sellers are sweetening the deal for buyers with things like paid closing costs, mortgage rate buy-downs, and more. In the industry, it’s called a concession or an incentive.What Are Concessions and Incentives?When a seller or build
Home Projects That Boost Value

Home Projects That Boost Value

Whether you’re planning to move soon or not, it’s smart to be strategic about which home projects you take on. Your time, energy, and money matter – and not all upgrades offer the payoff you might expect. As U.S. News Real Estate explains:". . . not every home renovation project will increase the re
Why You’ll Want a Home Inspection

Why You’ll Want a Home Inspection

Some HighlightsOnce your offer is accepted, an inspector will assess the condition of the house, including things like the roof, foundation, plumbing, and more.That information is incredibly important and paves the way for you to re-negotiate with the seller, as needed. So, you don’t want to skip th
Housing Market Forecasts for the Second Half of the Year

Housing Market Forecasts for the Second Half of the Year

From rising home prices to mortgage rate swings, the housing market has left a lot of people wondering what’s next – and whether now is really the right time to move. There is one place you can turn to for answers you want the most. And that’s the experts.Leading housing experts are starting to rele

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