Tuesday, February 4, 2025 / by Aaron Kinn
Have you been wondering whether you should keep renting or finally make the leap into homeownership?
It’s a big decision, and let’s be real — renting can feel like the easier option, especially if buying a home feels out of reach.
But here’s the thing: a recent report from Bank of America highlights that 70% of prospective buyers fear the long-term consequences of renting, including not building equity and dealing with rising rents.
Maybe you’re feeling that too — concerned about where renting might leave you down the road, but still unsure if you'd even be able to buy right now. The truth is, if you’re able to make the numbers work, buying a home has powerful long-term financial benefits.
Let’s break down why homeownership is worth considering in 2025 and beyond, and how it can help set you up for the future.
Buying Builds Wealth Over Time
Buying a home allows you to turn your monthly housing costs into a long-term investment. Hom. ...
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Wednesday, November 6, 2024 / by Aaron Kinn
If you're considering making a move in the housing market right now, you’ve probably noticed something: it feels a bit unpredictable. Home prices, mortgage rates, and overall market trends seem to be shifting more than usual. The truth is, we’re in a period of increased volatility, and understanding why can help you make smarter decisions.
Let’s break it down and explore the key factors influencing the market today, and how you can navigate this uncertainty.
What’s Causing the Market Volatility?
There’s a mix of factors driving the unpredictability of the market right now. Economic data, unemployment trends, decisions from the Federal Reserve, and even political events (like the presidential election) are all playing a role. These factors create uncertainty—and uncertainty, as we know, leads to market volatility.
A prime example of this is mortgage rates. New economic reports or global events can lead to sudden shifts in rates, even though expert ...
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Wednesday, November 6, 2024 / by Aaron Kinn
You’ve probably heard a lot of chatter about the Federal Reserve (the Fed) lately and how their actions might affect the housing market. If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home, you’re probably wondering how the Fed’s decisions could impact mortgage rates—and when we might see rates come down.
The Fed is meeting again this week to decide what to do with the Federal Funds Rate, which is the interest rate at which banks borrow from each other. While this rate isn’t directly tied to mortgage rates, it plays a key role in influencing them. So, if you’re following the market closely, you’re probably asking: what’s going to happen next?
Let’s break it down. The Fed’s decisions are based on three key economic indicators, and understanding them can help you anticipate what might happen with mortgage rates in the coming months.
1. The Direction of Inflation
By now, you’ve probably noticed that the cost of ever. ...
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Sunday, October 6, 2024 / by Aaron Kinn
Recent headlines have been buzzing about a decline in the median asking price of homes compared to last year, leading to confusion among buyers and sellers alike. It’s easy to assume that this signals a drop in prices, but there's more to the story than what those numbers suggest.
The Bigger Picture: Home Values Are Rising
Despite a slight decrease in median prices, national home values are actually on the rise. Let’s break down the situation to help you navigate the market without falling prey to sensational headlines.
Smaller Homes Are Influencing Median Prices
One major factor contributing to the dip in the median price is the size of homes currently on the market. The median price reflects the midpoint of all homes for sale, and changes in the mix of homes available can significantly affect this figure.
To illustrate this concept, consider a simple example of three coins: if you have one nickel and two dimes, the median value is 10 cents. But if the mix changes to . ...
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Sunday, October 6, 2024 / by Aaron Kinn
Watching your home sit on the market without interest can be incredibly frustrating, and many sellers are facing this challenge today.
Data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows that the average time homes spend on the market has increased in recent years:
A recent post from Realtor.com highlights a similar trend:
“During the week ending Sept. 14, homes remained on the market eight days longer than last year. With more options available and mortgage rates expected to decrease, buyers are taking their time. This means sellers need to be patient and flexible.”
The increase in inventory gives buyers more choices, while rising mortgage rates have dampened demand over the past two years—factors largely out of your control. However, there’s one critical aspect you can influence: working with the right agent.
With the right strategy and a skilled agent by your side, your home can still sell quickly, even in today’s market.
If time is a prior. ...
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