2022 Real Estate Market Year In Review & 2023 Outlook

The year 2022 made history in the real estate market in several ways. Unprecedented numbers were seen in home prices, number of sales, and rise in mortgage rates. It’s early 2023, and we are in the midst of a significant market shift where home prices are declining month over month, and mortgage rates are still… Continue Reading

Assumable Mortgage Loans — What You Need to Know

Mortgage rates have gone well over 7% as we move into the last quarter of 2022, hitting a 20-year high. As a result, home buyers are looking for alternatives to get a lower rate and more affordable payments on their home purchases. One of those alternatives gaining popularity is assuming loans that the home seller… Continue Reading

Escrows & Prepaids at Closing — What You Should Know

If you are buying a home or refinancing a mortgage, you should be aware of the two most potentially expensive components of your closing costs: Escrows and Prepaids. What Are Escrows and Prepaids? Escrows are the initial amount you must put aside (i.e., pay) at closing to fund your escrow account with sufficient funds so… Continue Reading

What Happens at a Walk-Through?

After all the stress, the fighting, the planning, the paperwork and the screaming at the Universe to please, please, just don’t throw one more roadblock up, you’ve almost made it to closing. It’s time for your final walk-through. It feels a little like the kind of event you should be dressed up for — I… Continue Reading

What to Do When Your Appraisal Runs Into Problems

Earlier this summer, a friend of mine was looking to buy a house and although their Realtor assured them that it was a slam dunk and everything was fine with their paperwork and they had a legitimately significant down payment, there were complications. In fact, their appraisal came in a little over eight percent short.… Continue Reading

3 Reasons to Buy a Home This Holiday Season

Well, it’s past Thanksgiving and another holiday shopping season is in full swing. I hoped you saved a bundle at the Black Friday sales because you’re going to need those extra nickels and dimes to buy your new home this winter. Wait, what? Did I say you should try to buy a house during the… Continue Reading