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, […]

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 […]

Is It Enough To Offer Asking Price in Today’s Housing Market?

By Nicole McCormick | April 26, 2022

If you’re planning to buy a home this season, you’re probably thinking about what you’ll need to do to get your offer accepted. In previous years, it was common for buyers to try and determine how much less than the asking price they could offer to still get the home. The buyer and seller would then negotiate […]

Why This Housing Market Is Not a Bubble Ready To Pop

By Nicole McCormick | April 26, 2022

Homeownership has become a major element in achieving the American Dream. A recent report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) finds that over 86% of buyers agree homeownership is still the American Dream. Prior to the 1950s, less than half of the country owned their own home. However, after World War II, many returning veterans used the benefits afforded by […]

How To Approach Rising Mortgage Rates as a Buyer

By Nicole McCormick | April 26, 2022

In the last few weeks, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate from Freddie Mac inched up to 5%. While that news may have you questioning the timing of your home search, the truth is, timing has never been more important. Even though you may be tempted to put your plans on hold in hopes that rates will […]

Why Pre-Approval Is an Important Step for Today’s Homebuyers

By Nicole McCormick | April 19, 2022

Being intentional and competitive are musts when buying a home this season. That’s why pre-approval is so important today. Pre-approval from a lender is the only way to know your true price range and how much money you can borrow for your loan. Peter Warden, Editor of The Mortgage Reports, explains: “The lender will check out your personal finances […]

Is It Time To Buy a Smaller Home?

By Nicole McCormick | April 19, 2022

Life events can have a major impact on what you need from your home, and retirement is one of the biggest changes many of us face. This period of your life can mean doing more of the things you enjoy, like traveling, visiting with loved ones, or taking on new hobbies. But what does that […]

What Is Multigenerational Housing? [INFOGRAPHIC]

By Nicole McCormick | April 19, 2022

Some Highlights If you have additional loved ones coming to live with you but don’t have enough space, it may be time to consider a larger, multigenerational home. Some key benefits of multigenerational living include a combined homebuying budget, shared caregiving duties, enhanced relationships, and more. These benefits might be why more people are choosing to live in multigenerational homes […]

Where Are Mortgage Rates Headed?

By Nicole McCormick | April 14, 2022

There’s never been a truer statement regarding forecasting mortgage rates than the one offered last year by Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American: “You know, the fallacy of economic forecasting is: Don’t ever try and forecast interest rates and or, more specifically, if you’re a real estate economist mortgage rates, because you will always invariably be wrong.” […]

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