With home prices at record highs and mortgage rates hovering near 7%, it’s no wonder that Americans are wary of buying. According to the latest Home Purchase Sentiment Index from Fannie Mae, only 22% of consumers believe it’s a good time to buy a home, while a staggering 77% say it’s a bad time. But real estate expert and Shark Tank star Barbara Corcoran says the story isn’t so one-sided — and...
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For generations, owning a home has been considered a core part of the American Dream. But as prices rise and housing inventory tightens, that dream is starting to feel more like a long shot for many would-be buyers. According to KB Home’s second annual survey for National Homeownership Month, 89% of Americans feel anxious about affording a home. Yet despite their concerns, a striking 83% still say that...
When you're buying, selling, or refinancing a home, one critical step in the process is the home appraisal. This professional evaluation can make or break a transaction, especially if the appraisal value comes in lower than expected. For buyers and refinancers alike, understanding how appraisals work — and what they can mean for your loan — is essential to navigating the real estate journey. A home...
For many homebuyers, the down payment is one of the most significant financial hurdles in the homeownership journey. Along with closing costs, this upfront cash investment can feel intimidating, but it also plays a crucial role in your mortgage approval, monthly payments, and long-term financial health. Understanding how down payments work and how much is required can help you plan more effectively and...
Choosing whether to rent or buy a home is a big life decision that depends on your finances, lifestyle, and long-term plans. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—it really comes down to what fits your needs and goals right now and in the future. While owning a home can offer stability and a chance to build equity, renting is often more affordable upfront and gives you the freedom to...
Spring has always been the busiest season for real estate, and 2025 is no different. Warmer weather makes it easier for people to get out and tour homes, families prefer to move before the next school year begins, and inventory typically spikes—giving buyers more to choose from and sellers more competition. This year’s spring market is already showing signs of momentum. According to Freddie Mac’s...
The spring homebuying season is in full swing, but with rising inflation and mortgage rates holding steady, buyers need to be more strategic than ever. Navigating the current market requires careful financial planning and smart decision-making to avoid costly mistakes. If you are looking to purchase a home in the coming months, consider these key financial steps to ensure you are...
Bucktown, a historic lakeside community on the outskirts of New Orleans, has long been a place of mystery, transformation, and resilience. Nestled along Lake Pontchartrain, this Jefferson Parish enclave evolved from a humble fishing village into a thriving neighborhood with a storied past. For those who grew up there, like Casey Levy and his ten siblings, Bucktown was a world unto...
Existing home sales showed signs of improvement in December, rising 2.2 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.24 million homes sold. This marks the third consecutive year-over-year increase, a notable recovery after a prolonged downturn that began in August 2021. Compared to the previous year, sales were up 9.3 percent, indicating that buyers may be adjusting to higher mortgage rates...
For many homebuyers, appraisals and inspections can feel like confusing and costly steps on the road to closing. While these evaluations serve distinct purposes, they both play critical roles in protecting buyers and ensuring a smooth transaction. Recognizing the importance of consumer education, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) has introduced a series of one-page guides designed to...