Blogs For Home Buyers

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, […]

Real Estate Consistently Voted Best Investment [INFOGRAPHIC]

By Nicole McCormick | Jul 5, 2022 | 0 Comments

Some Highlights Based on a recent Gallup poll, real estate has been rated the best long-term investment for nine years in a row. Owning real estate is more than just a place to call home. It’s also an investment in your future. That’s because it’s typically a stable and secure asset that can grow in value over time. If you’re ready to buy […]

Homeownership Could Be in Reach with Down Payment Assistance Programs

By Nicole McCormick | Jun 30, 2022 | 0 Comments

A recent survey from Bankrate asks prospective buyers to identify the biggest obstacles in their homebuying journey. It found that 36% of those polled said saving for a down payment is one of their primary hurdles to buying a home. If you feel the same way, the good news is there are many down payment assistance programs available that […]

A Key Opportunity for Homebuyers

By Nicole McCormick | Jun 30, 2022 | 0 Comments

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 | Jun 23, 2022 | 0 Comments

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 | Jun 23, 2022 | 0 Comments

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 […]

How Homeownership Can Bring You Joy

By Nicole McCormick | May 18, 2022

If you’re trying to decide whether to rent or buy a home, you’re probably weighing a few different factors. The financial benefits of homeownership might be one of the reasons you want to make a purchase if you’re a renter, but the decision can also be motivated by having a place that’s uniquely your own. If you […]

Why Rising Mortgage Rates Push Buyers off the Fence

By Nicole McCormick | May 17, 2022

If you’re thinking about buying a home, you’ve probably heard mortgage rates are rising and have wondered what that means for you. Since mortgage rates have increased over two percentage points this year, it’s natural to think about how this will impact your homeownership plans. Today, buyers are reacting in one of two ways: they’re either making the decision to […]

What You Actually Need To Know About the Number of Foreclosures in Today’s Housing Market

By Nicole McCormick | May 12, 2022

While you may have seen recent stories about the volume of foreclosures today, context is important. During the pandemic, many homeowners were able to pause their mortgage payments using the forbearance program. The goal was to help homeowners financially during the uncertainty created by the health crisis. When the forbearance program began, many experts were […]

Are There More Homes Coming to the Market?

By Nicole McCormick | May 11, 2022

According to a recent survey from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), one of the top challenges buyers face in today’s housing market is finding a home that meets their needs. That’s largely because the inventory of homes for sale is so low today. If you’re looking to buy a home, you may have noticed this yourself. But there is good news. Recent data […]

Will Home Prices Fall This Year? Here’s What Experts Say.

By Nicole McCormick | May 10, 2022

Many people are wondering: will home prices fall this year? Whether you’re a potential homebuyer, seller, or both, the answer to this question matters for you. Let’s break down what’s happening with home prices, where experts say they’re headed, and how this impacts your homeownership goals. What’s Happening with Home Prices?  Home prices have seen 121 consecutive months of year-over-year increases. CoreLogic says: “Price appreciation […]

How Today’s Mortgage Rates Impact Your Home Purchase

By Nicole McCormick | May 10, 2022

If you’re planning to buy a home, it’s critical to understand the relationship between mortgage rates and your purchasing power. Purchasing power is the amount of home you can afford to buy that’s within your financial reach. Mortgage rates directly impact the monthly payment you’ll have on the home you purchase. So, when rates rise, so does […]

2022 Housing Market Forecast [INFOGRAPHIC]

By Nicole McCormick | May 6, 2022

Some Highlights What does the rest of the year hold for the housing market? Here’s what experts have to say about what lies ahead. Home prices are projected to rise and so are mortgage rates. Experts are also forecasting another strong year for home sales as people move to meet their changing needs. Let’s connect so you can make your best move this year.

Three Tips for First-Time Homebuyers

By Nicole McCormick | May 6, 2022

Buying your first home is a major decision and an exciting milestone. Even though it can feel daunting at times, it has the power to change your life for the better. If you’re looking to purchase your first home, you may be wondering what’s happening in the housing market today, how much you need to save, and where to […]

Things That Could Help You Win a Bidding War on a Home

By Nicole McCormick | May 4, 2022

With a limited number of homes for sale today and so many buyers looking to make a purchase before mortgage rates rise further, bidding wars are common. According to the latest report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), nationwide, homes are getting an average of 4.8 offers per sale. Here’s a look at how that breaks down state-by-state (see map below): The same report […]

Today’s Home Price Appreciation Is Great News for Existing Homeowners

By Nicole McCormick | May 4, 2022

If you’re planning to sell your home this season, rising prices are great news for you. But it’s important to understand why prices are rising to begin with. One major factor is supply and demand. In any industry, when there are more buyers for an item than there are of that item available, prices naturally rise. In those situations, buyers are willing to […]

The Dream of Homeownership Is Worth the Effort

By Nicole McCormick | April 27, 2022

If you’re in the market to buy a home this season, stick with it. Homebuyers face challenges in any market, and today’s is no exception. But if you persevere, your decision to purchase a home will be worth the effort in the end. In fact, a recent survey from Bankrate shows homeownership is so powerful that: “Nearly three in […]

How Homeownership Can Help Shield You from Inflation

By Nicole McCormick | April 26, 2022

If you’re following along with the news today, you’ve likely heard about rising inflation. You’re also likely feeling the impact in your day-to-day life as prices go up for gas, groceries, and more. These rising consumer costs can put a pinch on your wallet and make you re-evaluate any big purchases you have planned to […]

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