by Lum Hugh

Top 3 Myths About Today’s Real Estate Market | Simplifying The MarketThere are many conflicting headlines when it comes to describing today’s real estate market. Some are making comparisons to the market we experienced 10 years ago and are starting to believe that we may be doomed to repeat ourselves. Others are just plain wrong when it comes to what it takes to qualify for a […]

Posted in First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, For Sellers, Housing Market Updates, Move-Up Buyers

by Lum Hugh

Rent or Buy: Either Way You’re Paying A Mortgage! | Simplifying The MarketThere are some people who have not purchased homes because they are uncomfortable taking on the obligation of a mortgage. Everyone should realize, however, that unless you are living with your parents rent-free, you are paying a mortgage – either yours or your landlord’s. As Entrepreneur Magazine, a premier source for small business, explained in […]

Posted in First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Interest Rates, Move-Up Buyers, Rent vs. Buy

by Lum Hugh

Having Trouble Saving Enough for Your Down Payment? Crowdfund It! | Simplifying The MarketYou read that right! First-time buyers across the country are getting creative when it comes to saving the necessary down payment to buy a home. Many couples are asking their wedding guests to contribute to their “Down Payment Fund” rather than fulfilling a traditional registry. This is fueled by the fact that many couples live […]

Posted in Down Payments, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Millennials, Move-Up Buyers

by Lum Hugh

The #1 Reason to Put Your House on The Market TODAY! | Simplifying The MarketThe National Association of Realtors (NAR) released the results of their latest Existing Home Sales Report which revealed that home sales declined 0.6% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.38 million in June from 5.41 million in May, and are 2.2% below a year ago. Some may look at these numbers and think that now is a bad […]

Posted in For Sellers, Housing Market Updates, Move-Up Buyers

by Lum Hugh

Americans Rank Real Estate Best Investment for 5 Years Running! [INFOGRAPHIC] | Simplifying The Market

Some Highlights:

  • Real estate has outranked stocks/mutual funds, gold, savings accounts/CDs, and bonds as the best long-term investment among Americans for the last 5 years!
  • The generations agree! Real estate is the best investment!
  • Generation X leads the way with 37% believing in real estate as the top investment.

Posted in Baby Boomers, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Generation X, Infographics, Millennials, Move-Up Buyers, Rent vs. Buy

by Lum Hugh

4 Reasons Why We Are Not Heading Toward Another Housing Bubble | Simplifying The MarketWith home prices continuing to appreciate above historic levels, some are concerned that we may be heading for another housing ‘boom & bust.’ It is important to remember, however, that today’s market is quite different than the bubble market of twelve years ago. Here are four key metrics that will explain why: Home Prices Mortgage […]

Posted in For Buyers, For Sellers, Housing Market Updates

by Lum Hugh

Lack of Listings Slowing Down the Market | Simplifying The MarketAs the real estate market continues to move down the road to a complete recovery, we see home values and home sales increasing while distressed sales (foreclosures and short sales) continue to fall to their lowest points in years. There is no doubt that the housing market will continue to strengthen throughout 2018. However, there […]

Posted in For Sellers, Housing Market Updates, Move-Up Buyers

by Lum Hugh

What You Need to Know About the Mortgage Process [INFOGRAPHIC] | Simplifying The Market

Some Highlights:

  • Many buyers are purchasing a home with a down payment as little as 3%.
  • You may already qualify for a loan, even if you don’t have perfect credit.
  • Take advantage of the knowledge of your local professionals who are there to help you determine how much you can afford.

Posted in Buying Myths, Down Payments, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Infographics, Move-Up Buyers

by Lum Hugh

Housing Will Not Fall Victim to Next Economic Storm | Simplifying The MarketSome experts are calling for a slowdown in the economy later this year and most economists have predicted that the next recession could only be eighteen months away. The question is, what impact will a recession have on the housing market? Here are the opinions of several experts on the subject: Ivy Zelman in her […]

Posted in For Buyers, For Sellers, Housing Market Updates

by Lum Hugh

Some Highlights:

  • “The majority of millennials said they consider owning a home more sensible than renting for both financial and lifestyle reasons — including control of living space, flexibility in future decisions, privacy and security, and living in a nice home.”
  • The top reason millennials choose to buy is to have control over their living space, at 93%.
  • Many millennials who rent a home or apartment prior to buying their own homes dream of the day when they will be able to paint the walls whatever color they’d like or renovate an outdated part of their living space.

Posted in First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Infographics, Millennials, Rent vs. Buy