The One Simple Trick Every House Hunter Needs to Know

According to a recent survey by the National Association of Realtors, 77% of homebuyers consider a home inspection to be a crucial step in the purchasing process.1 And there’s one specific action that experts say every house hunter should take during an inspection: flush the toilets. This seemingly trivial task could save you thousands of … Read more

12 Unexpected Reasons Why People are Fleeing California

The Golden State, long synonymous with sunshine, beaches, and the promise of a better life, has been experiencing an unexpected exodus.  In 2022 alone, a staggering 341,866 more people left California than moved in, according to the U.S. Census.1 This mass departure has left many scratching their heads. What’s causing residents to trade in their … Read more

Homeowners Associations Quickly Becoming the Bane of U.S. Homeownership

One of the sought-after milestones of adulthood is moving into your dream home. But what if you find yourself entangled in a web of unexpected fees, stringent rules, and legal battles? This is the reality for many homeowners living under Homeowners Associations (HOAs) governance. In 2022, 84% of newly built single-family homes in the U.S. were part … Read more

boomer old couple house

Boomers Are Hoarding All the Houses

The two-and-a-half-year real estate rollercoaster has calmed in 2023, at least somewhat, as more Americans decide to stay put. “The big story for the last couple of months has been lack of inventory due to mortgage rate lock-ins,” Redfin chief economist Daryl Fairweather said. “Now that rates are above 7%, it doesn’t make sense for … Read more

biden

Are Higher Credit Scores Being Punished? The Mortgage Fee Policy That’s Sparking Debate

You’ve diligently paid your bills on time, and your credit score is proof of your responsible financial behavior. But what if you suddenly find yourself penalized for having good credit? That’s the predicament many borrowers now face due to a recent change in the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s (FHFA) mortgage fee policy. This controversial new … Read more

homestead

10 Honest Ways People Afforded Their Land for Homesteading

Are you curious about how people afford the land for homesteading? You’ve got company. Someone recently took to a popular online homesteader forum and asked how people afford the property to live off-grid and for homesteading, and these are the top-voted responses.  1. Dual Incomes One man noted that dual incomes have been crucial for … Read more

home purchased by first-time home buyers.

First-Time Home Buyer? Use These Stress-Busting Tips

If you’re a first-time buyer, there are some essential things to consider when buying a house. It’s a huge life-changing decision, both financially and in terms of lifestyle. Arm yourself with this information so you can make the best decision possible. Buying a House: First Things To Do First, essential “to-do” list items are needed … Read more

johnny depp and amber heard.

Inside Johnny Deppโ€™s Real Estate Empire

Worth $200 million, Johnny Depp is one of the most sought-after actors in Hollywood. He is known for his roles as Willy Wonka, Sweeny Todd, Edward Scissorhands, and of course, Captain Jack Sparrow. His astronomical net worth means that he can afford an extensively lavish lifestyle, which of course includes an impressive real estate profile. … Read more

for sale sold sign on home

How Mortgage Rates Have Changed Since 1972

Unless you plan on purchasing real estate with an all-cash offer, you’ll likely be taking out a mortgage loan. It’s never a bad idea to be aware of mortgage rates, which can be ever-changing due to various factors—inflation, economic growth, Federal Reserve policies, the bond market, and relevant housing market conditions, among them. Extra Space … Read more

couple buying a home

10 Must-Have Features Buyers Look for When Searching for a Home

Selling a home can be stressful no matter the price bracket or the neighborhood. Additionally, the pandemic has added more complications to the current housing market in America, even as the Federal Reserve made a concerted effort to limit the economic damage of the world shutting down for such a long period of time. The … Read more