It might seem antithetical that high equity would be a problem for homeowners until you dig a bit deeper. For the last several years many potential sellers wanting to sell have not done so because of the "golden handcuffs" of two to three percent interest rates. But due to life circumstances a number of sellers can no longer wait and must now sell. Meanwhile many buyers are stuck on the sidelines by unaffordable home prices, high interest rates, and skyrocketing insurance expenses. This despite recent findings that inventory is at an all time high and the number of sellers has now outnumbered buyers. But there is another set of handcuffs you and your sellers should be aware of and they are far from golden. Here's more on the problem with high equity homeownership: … [Read more...] about The Problem with High Equity Homeownership
7 Timely Home Maintenance Tips for July
Staying on top of home maintenance projects is always a great habit. The best way to prevent "deferred maintenance"--a dreaded term in real estate--is to attend to problems as soon as you notice them. For example, letting those gutters stay plugged will eventually lead to roof and foundation problems, both of which are much more serious and costly than a clogged gutter. As they say, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." So, in the spirit of efficient home maintenance here are 7 timely home maintenance tips for July: … [Read more...] about 7 Timely Home Maintenance Tips for July
10 Fun Facts to Know About Independence Day
The Fourth of July is "proof" that summer is in full swing. However you choose to celebrate The Fourth this year, following are 10 fun facts to know about Independence Day: … [Read more...] about 10 Fun Facts to Know About Independence Day
How to Make Sure Your Deal Survives Homeowner’s Insurance
The real estate industry has seen a freight train of change over the past five years and it doesn't appear to be slowing down anytime soon. Those of you who have survived--and even thrived--deserve every accolade. Reading the tea leaves, one thing continues to loom ever larger on the horizon of the American Dream of home ownership: Insurance. Only a few years ago homeowner's insurance was barely given a second thought. Those halcyon days are long gone with the ever increasing reality of climate change in the form of fire storms, hurricanes, tornados and floods. You and your clients may well weather the storm of limited inventory and higher interest rates only to be leveled by homeowner's insurance. Here's how to make sure your deal survives homeowner's insurance: REASONS FOR THE CURRENT … [Read more...] about How to Make Sure Your Deal Survives Homeowner’s Insurance
How to Talk About ARM Loans with Your Clients
It's no stretch to conclude that Adjustable Rate Mortgages - known as "ARMs" - could be a viable solution for today's housing affordability crisis. In recent history ARMS accounted for only 4-5% of all mortgage applications, but in April 2025 they reached a high of almost 10%. Buyers are increasingly desperate for ways to break into the housing market and realize the American Dream of homeownership. As such, agents would do well to dig in to the mechanics of ARM loans and get comfortable discussing the basic details. Here's how to talk about ARM loans with your clients: … [Read more...] about How to Talk About ARM Loans with Your Clients