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, […]

An Expert Advisor Will Give You the Best Advice in Today’s Market

By Nicole McCormick | March 4, 2022

Having an experienced guide coaching you through the process of buying or selling a home is important in a normal market – but today’s market is far from normal. As a result, an expert real estate advisor isn’t just good to have by your side, they’re essential. Today’s housing market is full of extremes. Experts project mortgage rates will […]

Are Home Prices Continuing To Rise?

By Nicole McCormick | March 4, 2022

  Many analysts projected home price appreciation would slow dramatically in the fall of 2021 and then continue to soften throughout 2022. So far, that hasn’t happened. The major price indices are all revealing ongoing double-digit price appreciation. Here’s a look at their reports on year-over-year price appreciation for December: Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA): 17.6% S&P […]

Down Payment Assistance Programs Can Help You Achieve Homeownership

By Nicole McCormick | March 3, 2022

  For many homebuyers, the thought of saving for a down payment can feel daunting, especially in today’s market. That’s why, when asked what they find most difficult in the homebuying process, some buyers say it’s one of the hardest steps on the path to homeownership. Data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows: “For first-time […]

What’s Driving Today’s High Buyer Demand?

By Nicole McCormick | March 1, 2022

Some Highlights There’s an influx of buyers looking for homes today, and that means your house is in high demand. Here are a few reasons why so many people are looking to buy a home. Buyers are motivated to beat rising mortgage rates, and many want to escape rising rents. There’s also additional demand from millennials who are reaching peak homebuying […]

How Supply and Demand Can Impact Your Buying and Selling Goals

By Nicole McCormick | February 28, 2022

In today’s housing market, there are far more buyers looking for homes than sellers listing their houses. Based on the concept of supply and demand, this means home prices will naturally rise. Why is that? When there are more people trying to buy an item than there are making that item available for sale, that drives […]

Real Estate Voted the Best Investment Eight Years in a Row

By Nicole McCormick | February 22, 2022

In an annual Gallup poll, Americans chose real estate as the best long-term investment. And it’s not the first time it’s topped the list, either. Real estate has been on a winning streak for the past eight years, consistently gaining traction as the best long-term investment (see graph below): If you’re thinking about purchasing a home this year, this […]

Are You Ready To Fall in Love with Homeownership

Are You Ready To Fall in Love with Homeownership?

By Nicole McCormick | February 14, 2022

Financial benefits are always a key aspect of homeownership, but it’s also important to understand that the nonfinancial and personal benefits are why so many people genuinely fall in love with their homes. When you own your home, you likely feel a sense of emotional attachment because of the comfort it provides, but also because it’s a […]

How To Win as a Buyer in a Sellers’ Market

How To Win as a Buyer in a Sellers’ Market

By Nicole McCormick | February 11, 2022

Some Highlights Even in today’s sellers’ market, there are still ways for buyers to win big. Build a team of trusted professionals and make strategic plays as you budget and pick your desired neighborhoods. Then, be ready for the competition by getting a pre-approval letter and leaning on your expert advisors to draft a winning offer. In a sellers’ market, […]

The Path To Homeownership Can Be Steeper for Some Americans

The Path To Homeownership Can Be Steeper for Some Americans

By Nicole McCormick | February 9, 2022

As we celebrate Black History Month, we honor and recognize the past and present experiences of Black Americans. A significant part of this experience is investing in a home of their own. While equitable access to housing has come a long way, the path to homeownership is still steeper for households of color. It’s an important experience […]

Don’t Let Student Loans Delay Your Homeownership Dreams

Don’t Let Student Loans Delay Your Homeownership Dreams

By Nicole McCormick | February 8, 2022

If you’re looking to buy a home, you may be wondering how your student loan debt could impact those plans. Do you have to wait until you’ve paid off your student loans before you can buy your first home? Or could you qualify for a home loan with that debt? To give you the answers you’re […]

How Remote Work Impacts Your Home Search

By Nicole McCormick | February 4, 2022

Some Highlights If your workplace is delaying its return to office plans or is allowing permanent work from home options, that may open up new possibilities for your home search. Ongoing remote work could give you the chance for a change in scenery, a move to an area with a lower cost of living, or finding a home with more home […]

Millions of Americans Have Discovered the Benefits of Multigenerational Households

Millions of Americans Have Discovered the Benefits of Multigenerational Households

By Nicole McCormick | February 3, 2022

If your needs are changing, you may be thinking about sharing a home with additional loved ones, such as grandparents, adult children, or other extended family members. Whether it’s for financial or health-related circumstances, or simply because you’ve reached a new phase of life, you might be wondering if living with multiple generations under the […]

Don't Miss Our Next Post
Subscribe Now