With home prices and rates still relatively high, securing a mortgage can feel daunting—even to the most experienced borrowers. But don't let that deter you: If other homebuyers' experiences are any indication, odds are you'll eventually find a home loan that works well for you.

It's the most wonderful time of the year. But for many families with festive plans and hectic schedules, it's also the most wasteful.

According to one survey, for example, 60% of respondents admitted to throwing away more than usual during the holiday months as they filled up their trash bins with uneaten food, wrapping paper, gift bags, and commercial packaging

As a real estate agent, I spend a lot of time driving around our fine city, and I run across a lot of beautiful spots that inspire and transport me.

If the thought of investing your money into brick and mortar—or perhaps some stylishly-painted siding—excites you, join the club.

Investing in real estate has long been one of Americans' favorite ways to grow their wealth. In fact, over 70% of single-family rental properties are currently owned by individual investors rather than corporations, according to Census data.

Not long ago, home sellers were in their heyday, as historically-low mortgage rates triggered a real estate buying frenzy. However, the Federal Reserve shut down the party when it began raising interest rates last year.

Now, it’s not as simple to sell a home.

Does your current home no longer serve your needs? If so, you may be torn between relocating to a new home or renovating your existing one. This can be a difficult choice, and there’s a lot to consider—including potential costs, long-term financial implications, and quality of life.

So what impact is this reduced demand and low supply environment having on home values? And what can we expect from the real estate market in the coming months and years? Here are several key indicators that help to paint a picture of the current market and where it’s likely headed.

If you are struggling to afford homeownership, here are some workarounds to consider as your plot your first home purchase.

Keeping a clean and orderly home is a challenge for many of us. Between busy work schedules, social obligations, and family commitments, it’s tough to keep up with daily chores - let alone larger seasonal tasks.

It's hard to know what’s going in the real estate market right now. News, both national and local, are reporting a mixed bag. On a local level, since the start of the new year, we're seeing renewed buyer interest with open houses heavily attended. We're also seeing multiple offers on great hom es in key locations. The good I'm seeing is a return to normalcy.

When it comes to listing their home, most home sellers want three things: 1) to make a lot of money, 2) to put in minimal time and effort, and 3) to sell quickly. But the reality is, selling a home is rarely that simple. And homeowners who try to do it themselves—or receive bad advice—can end up stuck (months later) with a property that hasn’t sold.  If that’s you, don’t panic! I've outlined the top five reasons a home doesn’t sell—and action steps you can take to overcome each of these issues. 

I’ve rounded up six trends that I think will influence interior design in 2023, as well as ideas for how you might incorporate them in your own home. Remember, before taking action, it’s always wise to consult with a real estate professional to understand how specific updates and upgrades will affect your property’s value in your local market.  

The reality is, it’s no longer enough to stick a “for sale” sign in the yard and wait for buyers to bang down the door. If you want to net the most money possible for your property in today’s market, you’ll need an effective game plan and a skilled team of professionals to implement it.

The annual inflation rate in the United States is currently around 7.5%—the highest it has been since 1982.1 It doesn’t matter if you’re a cashier, lawyer, plumber, or retiree; if you spend U.S. dollars, inflation impacts you.

Economists expect the effects of inflation, like a higher cost of goods, to continue.2 Luckily, an investment in real estate can ease some of the financial strain.

Here’s what you need to know about inflation, how it impacts you, and how an investment in real estate can help.

Where we are now, and what to expect moving forward.

I hope we’ve all heard the good news by now - the bridge is getting fixed, Projected to open mid-july. Make sure to Check out all the new businesses in our neighborhood before they get too crowded with the influx this summer!

For some buyers, coming up with a down payment and/or funds to close can be challenging. When friends or family members offer to participate, it can be helpful but there are some important do's and don'ts to be aware of:

So what’s ahead for the U.S. housing market in 2022? Here’s where industry experts predict the market is headed in the coming year.

Listen up, all you buyers! I just received a really great email full of important tips from my friends at Chicago Title, and I can’t wait to share it with you. Read on, friends!

Buying a house can be a complicated process. It’s important buyers are aware of these 9 things that could impact the closing of escrow.

Homebuyers today are facing a huge dilemma. There simply aren’t enough homes for sale. Given the limited number of available properties, if you’re a buyer in today’s market, you may need to expand your search to include both new construction and resale homes. But it can feel a little like comparing apples to oranges. Let’s take a closer look at some of the factors you should take into account when choosing between a new build or an existing home.

Selling your home when you still need to shop for a new one can feel daunting to even the most seasoned homeowner––especially when the demand for new homes keeps rising, but the supply feels like it's dwindling. You're not alone either if you're already feeling drained by the complex logistics of trying to sell and buy a new home all at once.

Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, it’s never been more important to understand the appraisal process and how it can be impacted by a quickly appreciating and highly competitive housing market. It’s also crucial to work with a skilled real estate agent who can guide you to a successful closing without overpaying (if you’re a buyer) or overcompensating (if you’re a seller). Find out how appraisals work—and in some cases, don’t work—in today’s unique real estate environment.

For years now, virtual home tours have helped real estate buyers far and wide find the perfect home. From long-distance military personnel being relocated, to investors expanding their portfolio, to homeowners looking for a vacation getaway, this technology makes finding a house that’s a bit out of driving distance much easier. And for real estate agents, virtual tours have been a useful way to help buyers with their home search and to assist sellers in creatively marketing their listings.

Homeownership offers many advantages over renting, including a stable living environment, predictable monthly payments, and the freedom to make modifications. Neighborhoods with high rates of homeownership have less crime and more civic engagement. Additionally, studies show that homeowners are happier and healthier than renters, and their children do better in school.

So how does purchasing a home help you build wealth? And what steps should you take to maximize the potential of your investment? Find out how to harness the power of home equity for a secure financial future.

The start of a new year always compels people to take a fresh look at their goals, from health and career to relationships and finance. But with historically low mortgage rates, increased home sales and price growth, and a tight housing inventory, the time is right to also make some homeownership resolutions for 2021.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, shopping for a new home can feel daunting. In fact, 56% of buyers said that “finding the right property” was the most difficult step in the home buying process

Home equity represents the largest single asset of millions of people, and because it represents so much of an individual’s net worth, it imperative to treat it with respect. Home equity is not a liquid asset until a property is sold, or unless it is borrowed against.

Here are some of the graphs I use to interpret market trends. Check back frequently at the beginning of each month, as they are updated automatically! If you need some customized live market stats, comprised of the best information available, let me know! I am happy to set you up with your own stats page.

In our “bigger is better” culture, there’s an expectation that each home should be larger and grander than the last. But life changes like divorce, kids leaving for college, or even the simple act of growing older can prompt us to find a smaller home that better suits our shifting needs and lifestyle.

Despite the grim economic outlook for some industries, one sector is gaining viability -- real estate.