The "American Dream" foundation is often, homeownership. It signifies stability, independence, and attainment of a place of ones own. However, for Generation Z, born between 1997 and 2012, there are significant barriers to homeownership in the present market and making this dream a reality can be quite challenging because of higher mortgage rates and higher home prices than previous generations. This should not deter a whole generation from homebuying, because even outside of the "dream" it is a great way to stabilize your finances and build wealth and owning your first home can be attainable with the right strategic planning and resourcefulness.

Down Payment Assistance Programs

While home prices are not on the meteoric rise that they had been…

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There have been some moments this year, that Realtors have not been proud to show. Barbicore is one that is truly an acquired taste, and as we begin to close out 2023, we look forward to new trends that make our jobs, just a bit easier. Here is a pop quiz style list compiled from designer insights and consumer feedback, and what trends will last into 2024 and what trends will stay behind in 2023.

1. All-white Bathrooms, In or out?

Out! According to a survey by Fixr.com, over a quarter of interior designers are ready to bid farewell to all-white bathrooms. A shift is being made towards more vibrant shower tiles and jewel tones.

 

 

2. Patios to the Max, In or out?

In! With contingencies. Homeowners have been maximizing their outdoor…

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If you are putting off moving because you think that home prices will go down, you may want to rethink this strategy. There are a number of factors that have all experts predicting home prices continuing to rise. While the market may cool, and prices will likely not be going up by the soaring amounts that we saw in 2020 and 2021, {locally upwards of 20%}, make no mistake they are continuing to rise. Let's discuss the factors that come into play, latest data, and what strategies we think will be winners in the last quarter of 2023, and into 2024.

But what if prices drop?

If you put off moving because you're worried home prices might drop, you may want to rethink this strategy. Despite a massive increase in prices and the market correction in…

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It might be hard to believe, but we are seeing incredibly high demand for homes. It is not something new and housing experts have predicted that we would be seeing housing constriction for some time, but when homes come to market, they sell quickly, and generally for great terms. More significant than the demand for homes, is the constriction of inventory. For those contemplating the idea of listing their home, this presents a true advantage if your home is priced correctly. Let's dive into the all-important question. Will more homes be coming to market?

Spring, Summer, Fall Trends, in Reverse?

Traditionally, the peak of the housing market occurs is the spring buying season, and sellers in turn prepare homes to sell in the fall or winter months.…

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Renovate, reduce, and receive; renovate your home, reduce your carbon footprint, and receive tax breaks, it is all possible thanks to the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and other related local laws. You may be able to save thousands of dollars annually and according to the IRS, it is estimated that up to nine million people missed out on these benefits in 2021. Let's break down how you can be saving in taxes, in bills, while reducing your carbon footprint. 

Tax Incentive Terms to Know:

One of the reasons people do not take advantage of tax incentives is lack of understanding of the terminology. Here are some terms you need to know.

  • Tax Credit: These are direct reductions in your tax bill.

  • Tax Incentive: These, like other…

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Purchasing a home is one of the most important financial decisions you will ever make. In the current real estate landscape, where we are post pandemic, low inventory, and with fluctuating interest rates, it is imperative that you have an expert guiding your hand in a decision of this magnitude. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned seller, partnering with an expert who has decades of experience analyzing historical data in addition to block on block local knowledge will be essential to making sound decisions and protecting your investments.

Experience is Key

No one is perfect and no Realtor is a mind reader, however, Realtors with more experience have the ability to put mortgage rates, home negotiation and pricing, and discussions…

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Moving signals a time of great change. The process can be exciting and daunting as we let go of things, literally and metaphorically. It can be stressful in the best of circumstances whether you hire a mover or not, so if you have made to hire a mover, you should not skip the step of vetting your mover. Finding a reliable and trustworthy service and exercising caution in packing, is worth much more than your belongings, it is your peace of mind. Here are some resources to help you find great movers, why you should exercise great caution in choosing them, and resources in the event you have fallen victim to a moving scam in the Triangle.

How Common are Moving Scams?

Moving scams are unfortunately more prevalent than one might think. According to…

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Did you know that we have HALF of the available homes for sale compared to 2017-2019? Inventory is extremely limited at the moment, and according to Chief Economist, Lawrence Yun, "There are simply not enough homes for sale. The market can easily absorb a doubling of inventory." It is rare that conditions are this favorable to Triangle area home sellers. If you have even thought about listing in the next six months or six years, let's discuss some of the reasons why it pays to sell now.

Inventory

Inventory is at a record low. What this means is that your home stands a better chance of selling now and generating bidding wars if priced correctly. What this does not mean is that you should artificially inflate the price of your home, thinking…

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The summer has flown by, and so have our listings. We are seeing less than a week on the market in most cases and excellent terms for sellers. One of our most frequently asked questions as listing experts in the Research Triangle Park is how much should we update our home prior to listing? NAR and Fixr.com compiled a comprehensive checklist of repairs and their costs in order of importance to buyers and sellers. These are really high impact, low cost tricks and tips that sellers will realize great returns on. If you are selling your home in 2023, consider these tips a cheat sheet from staging experts.

Professionally Decluttering

Price-conscious home sellers in the RTP should consider investing in professional decluttering services. Realtors here…

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There's no doubt about it that the housing market this year has felt extremely uncertain. From mortgage rates to a slower pace in home sales and fluctuating prices, homeowners, sellers, and buyers have been grappling with a landscape that requires reassurance. The Triangle area is still a great place to buy and definitely it's a great time to sell, if you have the right team and guidance. Don't take our word for it, let's take a look at the current state of the housing market, drawing insights from experts and industry projections, to shed light on what the rest of the year might hold for prospective homeowners, first time home buyers, and investors.

Mortgage Rates and Financing

The year 2022 witnessed a doubling of interest rates, a trend that…

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