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Meet Ed Finnerty
Meet Ed Finnerty, Your Partner in Real Estate from Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Green Team
Ed Finnerty is more than your typical real estate agent – he’s a local expert with a diverse background that uniquely positions him to help you navigate the exciting journey of buying or selling a home. With a career spanning education, financial coaching, writing, and community involvement, Ed brings a wealth of experience to the table.
A Well-Rounded Career
For over a quarter-century, Ed dedicated himself to education. He spent eight years as a 3rd-grade teacher before becoming a math teacher at Monroe-Woodbury Middle School for the last 19 years. But that’s just part of his story. From 2008 to 2011, Ed also worked as a financial and life coach, assisting people in reaching their goals. Ed has experience with helping individuals with budgeting and making solid financial decisions. This knowledge is especially useful when it comes to advising his clients in the world of real estate. Additionally, his experience buying two homes with his wife, Hollee, gives him practical insights into the process.
Beyond the classroom and coaching, his passion for serving others led him to write several self-published books like “Drops of Wisdom,” “Maximize the Next 90 Days”, “A Special Christmas Tree,” and “Marvin the Magnificent.” These books aim to inspire families to instill values of hard work and perseverance in adults and children
Local Roots
A true local, Ed has lived in various parts of Orange County, including Goshen, Chester, and his childhood home in Monroe. This local knowledge helps him understand the nuances of the local real estate market.
Family is at the heart of Ed’s life. His wife, Hollee, and their college-going kids, Katelyn and Andrew, provide unwavering support. Katelyn is studying chemistry, while Andrew focuses on business administration, both at Liberty University in Virginia. The Finnerty family is an active part of Grace Community Church in Warwick, volunteering for events like the annual Tim Tebow Night to Shine, which celebrates special needs teens and adults.
Ed’s recent experience selling his parents’ home sparked a new direction in his career. Guiding this process made him realize that real estate was his true calling. After discussions with his wife, he chose to join BHGRE Green Team due to its mentorship program, which provides crucial support to newcomers like him.
Passions Beyond Real Estate
Outside of work, Ed leads an active life. Whether playing golf, racquetball, or the trendy sport of pickleball, he enjoys staying on the move. He’s a devoted fan of both the NY Giants and NY Yankees, showing his love for sports. Ed’s reading interests range from fiction to personal growth books, highlighting his commitment to continual self-improvement.
Ed Finnerty isn’t just a real estate agent; he’s your partner in making your real estate dreams a reality. With his local knowledge, diverse experience, and passion for helping others, he’s ready to guide you through every step of your journey with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Green Team.
Welcome Stephanie Landeck
We are thrilled to introduce and welcome Stephanie Landeck to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Green Team!
With her extensive experience in property management, finance, and a passion for real estate investment, Stephanie Landeck brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our team. Her commitment to helping clients navigate the world of real estate aligns perfectly with our mission of providing exceptional service and creating lasting relationships. Let’s take a closer look at Stephanie’s background and what makes her a valuable addition to our team.
Property Management and Investment Expertise
Stephanie’s journey in the real estate industry spans over 15 years of hands-on property management in Queens, NY, coupled with managing Airbnb properties in Westchester, NY. Her deep understanding of property management and her experience with short-term rentals have equipped her with a unique perspective on the industry. Stephanie’s keen interest in the investment aspect of real estate led her to incorporate real estate into her own investment portfolio successfully.
Skilled in Finance and Marketing
With a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance and Marketing, Stephanie brings a solid educational foundation to her real estate career. Prior to joining BHGRE Green Team, she worked in finance for 15 years, specializing in treasury for insurance, private equity, and fund administration companies. Stephanie’s experience in finance and her certified treasury designation enhance her ability to provide clients with valuable insights into the financial aspects of real estate transactions.
Community Involvement and Personal Life
Stephanie is not only dedicated to her professional pursuits but also actively involved in her community. She recently moved from Yonkers, NY, to Warwick, NY, with her husband and their adorable two-year-old son. Stephanie’s commitment to community engagement is evident through her involvement in fundraising events for her son’s Creative Kids preschool and St. Stephens Church. Her passion for building strong relationships extends beyond her professional life, making her an invaluable asset to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Green Team.
Joining the BHGRE Green Team
Stephanie’s decision to join the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Green Team was driven by her desire to be part of a strong, supportive team. She recognizes the importance of collaboration, synergy, and the shared commitment to providing exceptional service to clients. Stephanie’s expertise in property management, finance, and her passion for real estate investment makes her an excellent fit for our team’s values and vision.
Stephanie Landeck’s arrival to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Green Team marks an exciting new chapter for our group. We are confident that Stephanie’s passion for real estate investment and her commitment to helping others navigate the industry will contribute to the continued success of our team. Please join us in warmly welcoming Stephanie to the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Green Team!
Contact Stephanie today to learn how she can help you with all of your real estate needs!
Celebrating BHGRE Green Team’s Goshen Office!
Celebrating the Opening of a New Office in Goshen, NY
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Green Team celebrated the opening of their new office in Goshen, NY on April 26th, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event marked an important milestone for the brokerage, which has been serving the Hudson Valley and Northern NJ areas for the past 18 years.
Continued Growth and Expansion
Founded with a vision to provide exceptional service to their clients, Green Team has grown over the years, with the opening of their first office in Warwick, followed by the Vernon office, their affiliation with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, and now the opening of their third office in Goshen, NY. The success of the brokerage can be attributed to the dedication and hard work of their team, who have built a reputation as a trusted brokerage in the region.
A Hotspot for Productivity and Collaboration
The new office in Goshen is set to be a hotspot for Green Team’s agents, providing a comfortable and functional workspace. The spacious conference room and natural light will undoubtedly create an ideal environment for productive meetings and collaboration. Additionally, the team has access to a kitchenette and a cozy lounge for well-deserved breaks. Located next to an ice cream shop, the new space is the perfect place for the team to thrive and grow.
A Grand Celebration and Inspiring Speeches
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was a grand success, with a fantastic turnout from the team and the community. Attendees enjoyed delicious refreshments and good company while celebrating BHGRE Green Team’s new office.
The brokerage’s President, Vikki Garby, and CEO, Geoff Green, also gave speeches, expressing their excitement about the new office and their vision for the future of the brokerage. According to Vikki,
“We are nine months into our new brand and this is the first of hopefully many new offices to come. Growth is our mission right now and thank you for being a part of it. Thank you for supporting us and thank you for being here to share this celebration with us. We’re excited to be in Goshen, the center of the county, so we can grow our business naturally.”
Geoff also took the opportunity to recount his personal experiences in Goshen and the factors that influenced his decision to expand the brokerage in this vibrant community.
“My father, Joe Green, operated here for many years. In fact, when I first became a Realtor I worked with him out of his office at 255 Greenwich Ave, the old, white, hospital building, which he was there for many years; Krissy (Many) actually worked with my father as well. I started my career in real estate here (in Goshen) in 2005 and then I opened up the Green Team Home Selling System in Warwick New York. I didn’t think it would take me 18 years to get back to Goshen but all good things, in due time and we’re here and we’re very happy to be here.”
Community Support and Congratulations
Additionally, Green Team had many people come out to congratulate them and expressed their gratitude for the brokerage’s contribution to the community. This included Molly O’Donnell, the Mayor of Goshen, George Lyons from the Town of Goshen, as well as the Goshen Chamber of Commerce, and finally Evelyn from the office of Assemblyman Brian Maher.
The new office in Goshen is a testament to BHGRE Green Team’s commitment to providing their clients with the best service possible. With the expanded space and resources, the team will be better equipped to serve their community and continue to build on their success. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Green Team is excited to see what the future holds for their brokerage and is grateful for the continued support of their team and community.
Rick Harrison joins Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Green Team
Rick Harrison brings his Real Estate Experience, Competitiveness, and Humor to BHGRE Green Team
Richard “Rick” Harrison attended the University of Arkansas with a major in Business Administration. For eighteen years, before becoming a real estate agent, Rick was a professional tennis coach.
About Rick
Rick has lived in Vernon since 2003. He spends his weekdays doing real estate, working out, playing golf, and being Adam’s dad; he pretty much spends his weekends doing the same. Rick is a huge sports fan and loves the Razorbacks. An athlete his whole life, Rick still plays golf, tennis, basketball, and baseball; you’ll often see him working out at Minerals or running at Maple Grange Park.
Rick Harrison in Real Estate
Rick decided to pivot his career, four years ago, when he entered into Real Estate. When asked why he decided to switch paths? he said, “I knew I would be good at it and I didn’t want to have a real job anymore.” Joking aside, the real estate world is extremely competitive, yet in the four years he has been in business, Rick’s numbers prove how devoted he is to his clients.
Rick Harrison is happy to help with any of your real estate needs; when it comes to golf, he’s good to have in your foursome and he usually picks up the check.
It is no doubt that a realtor with Rick’s innate competitive sportsmanship and experience will be an unbeatable asset to every client that he meets.
Should I Rent or Should I Buy? [INFOGRAPHIC]
![Should I Rent or Should I Buy? [INFOGRAPHIC] | MyKCM](https://files.mykcm.com/2022/07/14124050/20220715-MEM-1046x2129.png)
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 to save.
- If you want to learn more about the benefits of homeownership, let’s connect today.
Should I Buy a Home Right Now?
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 over 100 economists, real estate experts, and investment and market strategists to compile projections for the future of home price appreciation. The output is the Home Price Expectation Survey. In the latest release, it forecasts home prices will continue appreciating over the next five years (see graph below):
As the graph shows, the rate of appreciation will moderate over the next few years as the market shifts away from the unsustainable pace it saw during the pandemic. After this year, experts project home price appreciation will continue, but at levels that are more typical for the market. As Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), says:
“People should not anticipate another double-digit price appreciation. Those days are over. . . . We may return to more normal price appreciation of 4%, 5% a year.”
For you, that ongoing appreciation should give you peace of mind your investment in homeownership is worthwhile because you’re buying an asset that’s projected to grow in value in the years ahead.
What Does That Mean for You?
To give you an idea of how this could impact your net worth, here’s how a typical home could grow in value over the next few years using the expert price appreciation projections from the Pulsenomics survey mentioned above (see graph below):
As the graph conveys, even at a more typical pace of appreciation, you still stand to make significant equity gains as your home grows in value. That’s what’s at stake if you delay your plans.
Bottom Line
If you’re ready to become a homeowner, know that buying today can set you up for long-term success as your asset’s value (and your own net worth) is projected to grow with the ongoing home price appreciation. Let’s connect to begin your homebuying process today.
Expert Housing Market Forecasts for the Second Half of the Year
The housing market is at a turning point, and if you’re thinking of buying or selling a home, that may leave you wondering: is it still a good time to buy a home? Should I make a move this year? To help answer those questions, let’s turn to the experts for projections on what the second half of the year holds for residential real estate.
Where Mortgage Rates Will Go Depends on Inflation
While one of the big questions on all buyers’ minds is where will mortgage rates go in the months ahead, no one has a crystal ball to know exactly what’ll happen in the future. What housing market experts know for sure is that the record-low mortgage rates during the pandemic were an outlier, not the norm.
This year, rates have climbed over 2% due to the Federal Reserve’s response to rising inflation. If inflation continues to rise, it’s likely that mortgage rates will respond. Greg McBride, Chief Financial Analyst at Bankrate, explains it well:
“Until inflation peaks, mortgage rates won’t either. Without improvement on the inflation front, we don’t know where the interest rate ceiling will be.”
Whether you’re buying your first home or selling your current house to make a move, today’s mortgage rate is an important factor to consider. When rates rise, they impact affordability and your purchasing power. That’s why it’s crucial to work with a team of professionals, so you have expert advice to help you make an informed decision about your best move.
The Supply of Homes for Sale Projected To Continue Increasing
This year, particularly this spring, the number of homes for sale has grown. That’s partly due to more homeowners listing their houses, but also because higher mortgage rates have helped ease the intensity of buyer demand. Moderating buyer demand slows down the pace of home sales, which in turn helps inventory rise.
Experts say that growth will continue. Recently, realtor.com updated their 2022 inventory forecast. In the latest release, they increased their projections for inventory gains dramatically, going from a 0.3% increase at the beginning of the year to a 15.0% jump by the end of 2022 (see graph below):
More homes to choose from is great news if you’re craving more options for your home search – just know that there isn’t a sudden surplus of inventory on the horizon. Housing supply is still low, so you’ll need to partner with an agent to stay on top of what’s available in your market and move fast when you find the one. It’s not going to be easy to find a home, but it certainly won’t be as difficult as it has been over the past two years.
Home Price Forecasts Call for Ongoing Appreciation
Due to the imbalance between the number of homes for sale and the number of buyers looking to make a purchase, the pandemic led to record-breaking increases in home prices. According to CoreLogic, homes appreciated by 15% in 2021, and they’ve continued to rise this year.
Even though housing supply is increasing today, there are still more buyers than there are homes for sale, and that’s maintaining the upward pressure on home prices. That’s why experts are not calling for prices to decline, rather they’re forecasting they’ll continue to climb, just at a more moderate pace this year. On average, homes are projected to appreciate by about 8.5% in 2022 (see graph below):
Selma Hepp, Deputy Chief Economist at CoreLogic, explains why the housing market will see deceleration, but not depreciation, in prices:
“The current home price growth rate is unsustainable, and higher mortgage rates coupled with more inventory will lead to slower home price growth but unlikely declines in home prices.”
For current homeowners looking to sell, know your home’s value isn’t projected to fall, but waiting to make your purchase does mean your next home could cost more as home prices continue to appreciate. That’s why, if you’re thinking about buying your first home or you’re ready to make a move, it may make sense to do so now before prices climb higher. But rest assured, once you buy a home, that price appreciation will help grow the value of your investment.
Bottom Line
Whether you’re a homebuyer or seller, you need to know what’s happening in the housing market, so you can make the most informed decision possible. Let’s connect to discuss your goals and what lies ahead, so you can determine the best plan for your move.
The Drop in Mortgage Rates Brings Good News for Homebuyers
Over the past few weeks, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate from Freddie Mac fell by half a percent. The drop happened over concerns about a potential recession. And since mortgage rates have risen dramatically this year, homebuyers across the country should see this decline as welcome news.
Freddie Mac reports that the average 30-year rate was down to 5.30% from 5.81% two weeks prior (see graph below):
But why is this recent dip such good news for homebuyers? As Nadia Evangelou, Senior Economist and Director of Forecasting at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), explains:
“According to Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate dropped sharply by 40 basis points to 5.3 percent. . . . As a result, home buying is about 5 percent more affordable than a week ago. This translates to about $100 less every month on a mortgage payment.”
That’s because when rates go up (as they have for the majority of this year), they impact how much you’ll pay in your monthly mortgage payment, which directly affects how much you can comfortably afford. The inverse is also true. A decrease in mortgage rates means an increase in your purchasing power.
The chart below shows how a half-point, or even a quarter-point, change in mortgage rates can impact your monthly payment:
Bottom Line
If your home doesn’t meet your needs, this may be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for. Let’s connect to see how you can benefit from the current drop in mortgage rates.
Is Homeownership Still the American Dream?
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, and an achievement to be proud of.
A recent survey from Bankrate asked respondents to rank achievements as indicators of financial success, and the responses prove that owning a home is still important to so many Americans today (see graph below):
As the graph shows, homeownership ranks above other significant milestones, including retirement, having a successful career, and earning a college degree.
That could be because owning a home is a significant wealth-building tool and provides meaningful financial stability. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) explains:
“Homeownership builds financial security. With 65.5% of Americans owning homes, the net worth of a typical homeowner is nearly 40 times the net worth of a non-owner.”
There are other ways your home acts as more than just a roof over your head, too. The Mortgage Reports highlights a few of the many benefits homeowners enjoy, including:
- Your equity (and wealth) grows through home price appreciation.
- Your housing costs are fixed – and that can help combat rising costs from inflation.
- You’ll have greater privacy and the opportunity to customize your living space.
Plus, homeowners tend to be more active in their community. Like NAR says:
“Living in one place for a longer amount of time creates and [sic] obvious sense of community pride, which may lead to more investment in said community.”
What Does That Mean for You?
If your definition of the American Dream involves greater freedom and prosperity, then homeownership could play a major role in helping you achieve that dream. When you set out to buy, know there are incredible benefits waiting for you at the end of your journey. You’ll have a place you can call your own, feel most comfortable, and grow your wealth.
First American puts it best, saying:
“Homeownership remains central to the pursuit of the American Dream. It is a critical driver of economic mobility, delivering financial and social advantages. . . .”
Bottom Line
Buying a home is a powerful decision and a key part of the American Dream. And if homeownership is part of your personal dreams this year, let’s connect and start the process today.
Real Estate Consistently Voted Best Investment [INFOGRAPHIC]
![Real Estate Consistently Voted Best Investment [INFOGRAPHIC] | MyKCM](https://files.mykcm.com/2022/06/30083243/20220701-MEM-1046x2020.png)
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 a home and invest in your future, let’s connect.
