Monthly Archives: July 2016
Home Sales Accelerate During The “Dog Days of Summer” [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some Highlights: Existing home sales have accelerated to the highest pace since February 2007 at an annual pace of 5.57 million. Inventory of homes for sale remains below the historically normal 6-month mark at a 4.6-month supply, down 5.8% year-over-year. Median home sales prices rose to $247,700, 4.8% higher than a year ago and replaced... Read More
Americans Believe Real Estate is Best Long-Term Investment
According to Bankrate’s latest Financial Security Index Poll, Americans who have money to set aside for the next 10 years would rather invest in real estate than any other type of investment. Bankrate asked Americans to answer the following question: “Which would be the best way to invest money you did not need for more... Read More
Rents Skyrocket at Highest Rate in almost a Decade
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) was released by the Labor Department last week. An analysis by Market Watch revealed the cost of rent was 3.8% higher than a year ago for the second straight month in June. That’s the strongest yearly price gain since 2007. This coincides with a report released earlier this month in... Read More
3 Crucial Questions Most Home Buyers Don’t Know the Answer To…DO YOU?
Whether you are considering the purchase of your first home or trading up to the home your family frequently fantasizes about, there are three crucial questions you must know the answer to: What is the minimum down payment required to purchase a home? What is the minimum FICO score required to qualify for a mortgage?... Read More
Would You Qualify for a Mortgage Now?
The widespread myth that perfect credit and large down payments are necessary to buy a home are holding many potential home buyers on the sidelines. According to Ellie Mae’s latest Origination Report, the average FICO score for all closed loans in May was 724, far lower than the 750 or 800 that many buyers believe... Read More
Homeownership Builds Wealth & Offers Stability
The most recent Housing Pulse Survey released by the National Association of Realtorsrevealed that the two major reasons Americans prefer owning their own home instead of renting are: They want the opportunity to build equity. They want a stable and safe environment. Building Equity John Taylor, CEO of the National Community Reinvestment Coalition, explains that those who lack the opportunity to... Read More