Blogs For Home Buyers

Weekly Market Update: 03/15/24

By Jane Tuomala | Mar 18, 2024 | 0 Comments

Week Ending 03/15/2024 Weekly Market Update: High Inflation Helping you navigate the market High Inflation Stronger than expected inflation data was negative for mortgage markets this week. A shortfall in consumer spending was a distant second in importance to investors, and mortgage rates ended the week higher. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is one of […]

Weekly Market Update: 03/08/24

By Jane Tuomala | Mar 9, 2024 | 0 Comments

Economic Data Weekly Market Update for Week Ending in 03/08/2024 Helping you navigate the market Unemployment Rate Climbs This week, the major economic data was weaker than expected, and there were no unfavorable surprises from the Fed. As a result, mortgage rates ended a little lower. Following very strong gains in January, the economy added […]

Weekly Market Update – 01/26/2024

By Jane Tuomala | Jan 26, 2024 | 0 Comments

Week Ending 01/26/2024 Weekly Market Update Helping you navigate the market Inflation Eases The major inflation data released this week was right on target. While GDP growth exceeded expectations, its impact was minor. As a result, mortgage rates ended the week with little change. Fed officials keep a close eye on inflation, and the PCE […]

Weekly Market Update for Week Ending 12/08/2023

By Nicole McCormick | Dec 9, 2023 | 0 Comments

Weekly Market Update from Cross Country Mortgage for the Week Ending 12/8/23 Mixed Labor Market Data The major economic data released this week revealed mixed results. This caused some volatility during the week, but mortgage rates ended with little change. In November, the economy added 199,000 jobs, above the consensus forecast of 180,000, but the […]

Weekly Market Update for Week Ending 12/01/2023

By Better Homes and Gardens Green Team | Dec 1, 2023 | 0 Comments

Weekly Market Update from Cross Country Mortgage for Week Ending 12/01/2023 Helping you navigate the market Focus on Fed Officials While the major economic data released this week caused little reaction, surprisingly dovish (in favor of looser monetary policy) comments from a Fed official were favorable for mortgage markets. As a result, rates ended the […]

Weekly Market Update for Week Ending 7/28/2023

By Better Homes and Gardens Green Team | Jul 28, 2023 | 0 Comments

Weekly Market Update from Cross Country Mortgage for the Week Ending 7/28/2023 Helping you navigate the market Fed Hikes Rates If the goal of Fed officials was to avoid any surprises at the meeting on Wednesday, they succeeded, completely sticking to the expected script. They raised the federal funds rate by 25 basis points to […]

Weekly Market Update for Week Ending 7/21/2023

By Better Homes and Gardens Green Team | Jul 22, 2023 | 0 Comments

Weekly Market Update from Cross Country Mortgage for the Week Ending 7/21/2023 Helping you navigate the market CONSUMER SPENDING RISES Mortgage markets were relatively quiet over the past week. There were no significant surprises in the economic data, and Fed officials refrained from any speaking appearances ahead of the meeting next week. As a result, […]

Should I Rent or Should I Buy? [INFOGRAPHIC]

By Nicole McCormick | Jul 15, 2022 | 0 Comments

Some Highlights It’s worth considering the many benefits of homeownership before you make the decision to rent or buy a home. When you buy, you can stabilize your housing costs, own a tangible asset, and grow your net worth as you gain equity. When you rent, you face rising housing costs, won’t see a return on your investment, and limit your ability […]

Should I Buy a Home Right Now?

By Nicole McCormick | Jul 13, 2022 | 0 Comments

If you’ve been thinking about buying a home, you likely have one question on the top of your mind: should I buy right now, or should I wait? While no one can answer that question for you, here’s some information that could help you make your decision. The Future of Home Price Appreciation Each quarter, Pulsenomics surveys a national panel of […]

Is Homeownership Still the American Dream?

By Nicole McCormick | Jul 5, 2022 | 0 Comments

Defining the American dream is personal, and no one individual will have the same definition as another. But the feelings it brings about – success, freedom, and a sense of prosperity – are universal. That’s why, for many people, homeownership remains a key part of the American dream. Your home is your stake in the community, a strong financial investment, […]

A Key Opportunity for Homebuyers

By Nicole McCormick | June 30, 2022

There’s no denying the housing market has delivered a fair share of challenges to homebuyers over the past two years. Two of the biggest hurdles homebuyers faced during the pandemic were the limited number of homes for sale and the intensity and frequency of bidding wars. But those two things have reached a turning point. […]

Homeownership Is a Great Hedge Against the Impact of Rising Inflation

By Nicole McCormick | June 23, 2022

If you’re following along with the news today, you’ve heard about rising inflation. Today, inflation is at a 40-year high. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB): “Consumer prices accelerated again in May as shelter, energy and food prices continued to surge at the fastest pace in decades. This marked the third straight month for inflation above an 8% […]

Things To Avoid After Applying for a Home Loan

By Nicole McCormick | June 23, 2022

Once you’ve applied for a mortgage to buy a home, there are some key things to keep in mind. While it’s exciting to start thinking about moving in and decorating, be careful when it comes to making any big purchases. Here are a few things you may not realize you need to avoid after applying for […]

Why Achieving the Dream of Homeownership Can Be More Difficult for Some Americans

By Nicole McCormick | June 23, 2022

Today we take time to honor and recognize the past and present experiences of Black Americans. When it comes to real estate specifically, equitable access to housing has come a long way, but the path to homeownership is still steeper for households of color. The Gap in Homeownership Rate in America It’s a more challenging […]

More Listings Are Coming onto the Market [INFOGRAPHIC]

By Nicole McCormick | June 23, 2022

Some Highlights Worried you won’t be able to find your next home after you sell? You should know data from realtor.com shows more listings are coming onto the market each month this year. Having additional options can make the search for your next home easier. But inventory is still low overall, which means your house should still stand out when you sell. If your biggest question […]

More Americans Choose Real Estate as the Best Investment Than Ever Before

By Nicole McCormick | June 15, 2022

Americans’ opinion on the value of real estate as an investment is climbing. That’s according to an annual survey from Gallup. Not only is real estate viewed as the best investment for the ninth year in a row, but more Americans selected it than ever before. The graph below shows the results of the survey since Gallup began asking the […]

The Top Reasons To Own Your Home [INFOGRAPHIC]

By Nicole McCormick | June 12, 2022

Some Highlights June is National Homeownership Month, and it’s a great time to consider the benefits of owning your own home. If you’re considering homeownership, know that it can give you privacy, comfort, and a place to express yourself. It can also provide financial stability and help you grow your net worth. Are you ready to experience all the […]

Luxury Homes Are in High Demand

By Nicole McCormick | June 12, 2022

As people realize their needs are changing, some are turning to luxury housing to find their dream home. Investopedia helps define what pushes a home into this category. In a recent article, they point out that a luxury home isn’t only defined by its price. Location is also an important factor. It could be a condo at a […]

What Are the Best Options for Today’s First-Time Homebuyers?

By Nicole McCormick | June 12, 2022

If you’re looking to buy your first home, you’re likely balancing several factors. Because both mortgage rates and home prices have risen this year, it costs more to buy a home than it did even just a few months ago. But that doesn’t mean you have to put your plans on hold. If you partner with a trusted real estate […]

How Homeownership Impacts You

By Nicole McCormick | June 2, 2022

June is National Homeownership Month, and it’s the perfect time to reflect on how impactful owning a home can truly be. When you purchase a house, it becomes more than just a space you occupy. It’s your stake in the community, an investment, and a place you can put your stamp on. If you’re thinking about buying a […]

Why Home Loans Today Aren’t What They Were in the Past

By Nicole McCormick | June 1, 2022

In today’s housing market, many are beginning to wonder if we’re returning to the riskier lending habits and borrowing options that led to the housing crash 15 years ago. Let’s ease those concerns. Several times a year, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) releases an index titled the Mortgage Credit Availability Index (MCAI). According to their website: “The MCAI provides the only standardized […]

What Does the Rest of the Year Hold for the Housing Market?

By Nicole McCormick | June 1, 2022

If you’re thinking of buying or selling a house, you’re at an exciting decision point. And anytime you make a big decision like that, one thing you should always consider is timing. So, what does the rest of the year hold for the housing market? Here’s what experts have to say. The Number of Homes Available for Sale Is […]

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