The housing affordability index is a useful tool for anyone who has questions about home prices and housing affordability. Here’s how it works, what it does, and what it means for you. What is the housing affordability index? The housing affordability index is the measure of whether or not the avera

With inflation and the housing market dominating economic headlines, it’s important to understand how they go hand-in-hand. When the rate of inflation is too high, the Federal Reserve takes action by raising the key interest rate. As a result, borrowing money becomes more expensive—and interest rate

News about the economy and real estate market can be stressful. Inflation, interest rates, the housing crisis… yikes. If you’re trying to buy or sell a home, all this negative, rapid-fire information can feel overwhelming—and it’s easy to feel like you shouldn’t get into the market at all. But if yo

Last week, the Fed announced that it would lift its pause on interest rate hikes, raising rates by 25 basis points (0.25%). The current rate is the highest it’s been since March 2001. This move is a further attempt at directing the economy toward a “soft landing,” or a gradual slowdown that curbs in

Luxury homes are the epitome of class, style, and opulence. Offering the best of the best in architecture and design, these homes incorporate premium building materials, breathtaking aesthetics, deluxe finishes, and so much more. Expansive spaces in the best locations and cutting edge smart tech ens

If you want to move this summer, but you haven’t been able to so far, it’s not too late. Take advantage of the summer sun and quick home sales to get into a new home before the season is out. Here’s how to start. 1. Get preapproved. Whether you’re currently renting or you already own a home, getting

It’s common wisdom that well-designed landscaping improves curb appeal and increases your home’s value. But many people aren’t sure where to start, and if gardening isn’t your passion, the sheer amount of work can seem daunting. Here are six ways to reduce the effort it takes to get stunning and val

A foreclosed home is a home that has gone through foreclosure. Foreclosure is the legal process in which a lender repossesses a property from someone who has defaulted on their loan, usually by failing to make their mortgage payments. You can then buy the foreclosed property from the lender—sometime

Selling your home this summer? An open house is a great way to generate excitement and get buyers interested. No matter what the market conditions are, an open house will help you sell faster and for more money. How much more? Research shows that sellers who host an open house sell their homes for a

A new construction home is a property that is under construction or recently completed, and it’s waiting for its very first owner. If you purchase a new construction property, you’ll be the first person to live there, and that comes with some pros and cons. An existing home is a home that the previo

What is smart home technology? Smart technology refers to electronic devices that have smart capabilities including networking, communication, interactivity, and in some cases, AI and machine learning integrations. Smart home technology is a set of these devices that are designed specifically for ho

Buying a home is a major milestone and life goal for many people. The common sentiment is that rent is throwing money down the drain, while buying a home is an investment that builds equity—but the truth is more complex. Personal finances, lifestyle, goals, location, and the economy all play a role

Real estate terminology can be confusing—but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re selling your home soon, here are the top ten terms you should know to feel confident during the process. 1. Buyer’s agent vs. listing agent Let’s start with an easy one! Typically, buyers and sellers have different real es

Housing affordability is a huge problem for many people, and it can’t be solved with a quick tip or a magic-bullet answer. According to Redfin research, just 21% of listed homes in the U.S. are affordable for the average household—“affordable” meaning that the monthly mortgage payment would consume

Hiring a real estate agent is a smart move for anyone buying or selling a home—but especially when market conditions are challenging. Real estate agents have the necessary experience and expert knowledge of negotiation, complex real estate processes, and the local area where you’re doing business. T

Not sure how to get started buying your first investment property? Check out the 10 tips below. Tip #1: Make sure you want to be a landlord. Owning a rental property means becoming a landlord, and that comes with a variety of benefits. You’ll have a steady, passive income stream and more flexibility

2020 through 2022 were exceptional years for the housing market. Demand was so high, and inventory was so low, that seasonality didn’t play as large a role as it normally does. We’re still experiencing some of those conditions—but higher mortgage rates and other factors have brought some normalcy ba

Buying a home for the first time? Use this list of dos and don’ts as your guide. Don’t: Rush. Your first home purchase is an exciting moment, but it’s important to not rush any part of the process. Taking your time has numerous benefits and can prevent costly mistakes.  Shopping around for lenders i

What is home staging? Home staging is the process of preparing your property for visits from home shoppers. It “sets the stage” for potential buyers to visualize your home as their own, helping them connect with it emotionally so they’re more likely to fall in love and make an offer. A major goal of

A home inspection is a critical part of any real estate transaction. Here are the details: What is a home inspection? A home inspection is an examination of a home’s condition performed by a certified inspector. It’s usually done as part of the home purchase process and is oftentimes the dependee of