Some Highlights With so few homes on the market right now, widening the scope of your search to include nearby areas could help you find more options in your budget. You can also work with a trusted lender to consider alternative financing options and search for down payment assistance. If you’ve be

  There’s been a lot of focus on higher mortgage rates and how they’re creating affordability challenges for today’s homebuyers. It’s true that rates climbed dramatically since the record-low we saw during the pandemic. But home affordability is based on more than just mortgage rates – it’s determin

  The housing market’s been going through a lot of change lately, and there’s been uncertainty surrounding what will happen this spring. You may be wondering if more homes will go on the market, what’s next with home prices and mortgage rates, or what the best advice is for someone in your position

  If you’re buying a home this spring, today’s housing market can feel like a challenge. With so few homes on the market right now, plus higher mortgage rates, it’s essential to have a firm grasp on your homebuying budget. You’ll also need a sense of determination to find the right house and act qui

Some Highlights Since inflation is increasing the cost of goods and services, it may make sense to look for an energy-efficient home. Energy prices have increased over the last year, so look for energy-efficient features in your home search. If you’re looking to buy a home this year, let’s connect s

  If you’re planning to buy a home, an inspection is an important step in the process. It assesses the condition of the home before you finalize the transaction. It’s also a different step in the process from an appraisal, which is a professional evaluation of the market value of the home you’d like

In the United States, there are over 72 million millennials. If you’re part of that generation and have thought about buying a home, you aren’t alone. According to Zonda, 98% of millennials want to become a homeowner at some point if they aren’t already. But why? There are plenty of reasons you may

  As the housing market continues to change, you may be wondering where it’ll go from here. One factor you’re probably thinking about is home prices, which have come down a bit since they peaked last June. And you’ve likely heard something in the news or on social media about a price crash on the ho

The 30-year fixed mortgage rate has been bouncing between 6% and 7% this year. If you’ve been on the fence about whether to buy a home or not, it’s helpful to know exactly how a 1%, or even a 0.5%, mortgage rate shift affects your purchasing power. The chart below helps show the general relationship

Have you been saving up to buy a home this year? If so, you know there are a variety of expenses involved – from your down payment to closing costs. But there’s good news – your tax refund can help you achieve your goals by paying for some of these expenses. SmartAsset estimates the average American

According to the experts, while we may see slight depreciation this year, home prices are expected to grow over the next five years. If you’re ready to become a homeowner, know that buying today can set you up for long-term success as home values (and your own net worth) are projected to grow. Consi

  Southern Maine is a hotbed for real estate these days, with limited inventory and soaring prices making it tough for many buyers to find a home that fits their budget and their needs. If you're in this situation, it may be worth exploring the option of purchasing a condominium, or condo, instead o

  The topic of home prices has been widely debated over the past year, with some predicting a massive drop in prices similar to the 2008 recession, while others forecast slight appreciation or depreciation depending on the region. As we approach the spring real estate market, experts are continuing

  Are you planning to buy a home in Maine this spring? If so, you're likely to encounter a housing shortage that may impact your search. According to the Monthly Housing Market Trends Report from realtor.com, although there are more homes for sale now than at this time last year, there's still an un

  The real estate market has experienced major changes recently. With a change in market conditions, it becomes even more important to collaborate with an industry professional who can guide you through the process.   A real estate expert applies their expertise on the actual state of home prices, h

It May Be A Tired Argument But... Renting vs. owning is a topic that has been debated for ages. While it may seem like paying rent is simply paying someone else's mortgage, there's actually much more to it than that. As a renter, you are not only paying for your landlord's mortgage, but also for a l

  Are you considering purchasing your Maine home this spring? While the market is more stable than it was during the peak of the pandemic, it remains a sellers' market. To ensure that you make the best offer for the home you desire, remember these four tips. Depend On A Real Estate Professional Rely

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us had redefined what "home" means for ourselves and our loved ones. This can be seen in the growing popularity of multigenerational households, as explained by Jessica Lautz, Deputy Chief Economist and Vice President of Economic Research at the National Associa

You might have come across recent news reports suggesting that renting is a better option than owning a home. However, it's important to understand the basis of these claims before you make any decisions. Many of these reports make assumptions that are unrealistic for the average household. For exam

Mortgage rates have been on the rise in recent weeks after falling over the winter. This has led to concerns among potential homebuyers about affordability, especially as home prices have also been increasing. If you are planning to buy a home this year, you may be wondering if now is the right time