Headlines matter. Right now, it’s hard to read about real estate without seeing a headline that suggests homes have become unaffordable for most Americans. In reality, there’s hard evidence that shows how owning a home is more affordable than renting in most parts of the country, as record-low interest rates are keeping monthly mortgage payments about 23% lower than […]
Let’s compare how the real estate market in Monmouth and Ocean counties performed in January compared to last year. With interest rates still dipping below 3% and half the number of available homes compared to last year, the buying frenzy continues into the new year. Buyers entering the market will have to be patient but […]
Home values appreciated by about ten percent in 2020, and they’re forecast to appreciate by about five percent this year. This has some voicing concern that we may be in another housing bubble like the one we experienced a little over a decade ago. Here are three reasons why this market is totally different. 1. […]
Over the past year, our homes have become an integral part of our lives more than ever. They’re much more than the houses we live in. They’re our workplaces, virtual schools, and safe havens that provide shelter, stability, and protection through the evolving health crisis. Today, 65.8% of Americans are fortunate enough to call their homes their […]
Source: REALTOR.com By: Lauren Sieben Whether you’re buying your first home or your 11th, there’s one thing we all think about when it comes time to negotiate the deal: wiggling that pesky price down as much as possible. Of course, price is important when you’re buying a home. But it’s not the only negotiable part of the […]
I read an article compiled Berman and Pollinger on luxury real estate in the United States. They compiled a list of all the top cities in the country and I filtered out those in New Jersey. I put in bold the towns/cities in Monmouth County. This report chose cities that have an average price of […]
Flooding is the most common and expensive natural disaster in the U.S. It affects homeowners in every state, including properties that aren’t on coastlines or interior waterways. If you’re interested in buying a home or already own one, here are five facts to know regarding flooding. 1. The cost of flood damage can add up quickly. […]
In today’s housing market, there are clear financial benefits to owning a home: increasing equity, the chance to build your net worth, and appreciating home values, just to name a few. If you’re a renter, it’s never too early to think about how homeownership can propel you toward a stronger future. Here’s a dive into three often-overlooked financial benefits […]
Every year, households across the country make the decision to rent for another year or take the leap into homeownership. They look at their earnings and savings and then decide what makes the most financial sense. That equation will most likely take into consideration monthly housing costs, tax advantages, and other incremental expenses. Using these […]
Home buyers better hurry: This month may offer the best time of year to get a mortgage. But February can offer some of the best rates too, according to a new study from Haus, a home-finance startup. The firm studied seasonality, loan size, credit scores, and other factors that play a role in mortgage rates. […]
Earlier this month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released their most recent Jobs Report. The report revealed that the economy lost 140,000 jobs in December. That’s a devastating number and dramatically impacts those households that lost a source of income. However, we need to give it some context. Greg Ip, Chief Economics Commentator at the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), explains: “The economy […]
The housing market made an incredible recovery in 2020 and is now positioned for an even stronger year in 2021. Record-low mortgage interest rates are a driving factor in this continued momentum, with average rates hovering at historic all-time lows. According to the latest Realtors Confidence Index Survey from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), buyer demand across the country is incredibly strong. […]
RE/MAX earns a spot on the prestigious list for the 37th straight year. Once again, RE/MAX is among the top-rated franchise brands, according to Entrepreneur’s 2021 Franchise 500® survey. The growing global franchisor has been recognized on the prestigious list for 37 years. Despite government shutdown measures to stem the coronavirus beginning at the close of […]