Blog
2020-08-21
Ask a Pro About Buying a HomeSome Highlights According to trending data, searches for key real estate topics are skyrocketing online. Clearly, lots of people have questions about buying a home, and other topics related to the process. Working with a trusted real estate professional will help you create the most personalized and
2020-08-18
The Beginning of an Economic RecoveryThe news these days seems to have a mix of highs and lows. We may hear that an economic recovery is starting, but we’ve also seen some of the worst economic data in the history of our country. The challenge today is to understand exactly what’s going on and what it means relative to the road ahead.
2020-07-30
Guidance and Support Are Key When Buying Your First HomeIn June, the number of first-time homebuyers accounted for 35% of the existing homes sold, a trend that’s been building steadily throughout the year. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR): “The share of first-time buyers increased in March through June—right into the heart of the
2020-07-27
Three of the Latest Reports Show Housing Market Is StrongThe residential real estate market is remaining resilient as the country still struggles to beat the COVID-19 pandemic. Three separate reports recently revealed how the housing market is still showing growth. Here’s a look at each one. 1. Ivy Zelman’s Real Estate Broker Survey The survey explains t
2020-07-15
Mortgage Rates Hit Record Lows for Three Consecutive WeeksOver the past several weeks, Freddie Mac has reported the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate dropping to record lows, all the way down to 3.03%. Last week’s reported rate reached the lowest point in the history of the survey, which dates back to 1971 (See graph below):Mortgage Rates Hit Record Lows
2020-07-09
Best Time to Sell? When Competition Is at an All-Time LowIn a recent survey of home sellers by Qualtrics, 87% of respondents said they were concerned their home won’t sell because of the pandemic and resulting economic recession. Of the respondents, 51% said they are “seriously worried.” That concern seems reasonable considering the current condition of t
2020-07-03
America Is Another Name for Opportunity [INFOGRAPHIC]
2020-06-24
What Are the Experts Saying About Future Home Prices?A worldwide pandemic and an economic recession have had a tremendous effect on the nation. The uncertainty brought about by both has made predicting consumer behavior nearly impossible. For that reason, forecasting home prices has become extremely difficult. Normally, there’s a simple formula to de
2020-06-18
Want to Make a Move? Homeowner Equity is Growing Year-Over-YearOne of the bright spots of the 2020 real estate market is the growth in equity homeowners are experiencing across the country. According to the recently released Homeowner Equity Insights Report from CoreLogic, in nearly every state there was a year-over-year first-quarter equity increase, averaging
2020-06-08
The Shocking News in the Unemployment ReportLast Friday, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released their May Employment Situation Summary. Leading up to the release, most experts predicted the unemployment rate would jump up to approximately 20% from the 14.7% rate announced last month. The experts were shocked. The Wall Street Journal p
2020-06-02
The Benefits of Homeownership May Reach Further Than You ThinkMore than ever, our homes have become an integral part of our lives. Today they are much more than the houses we live in. They’re evolving into our workplaces, schools for our children, and safe havens that provide shelter, stability, and protection for our families through the evolving health crisi
2020-06-01
Q: Should I Buy or Sell Amid COVID-19?Here’s what to know if you’re considering buying or selling amid COVID-19.
2020-05-29
Top Reasons to Own Your Home [INFOGRAPHIC]Some Highlights June is National Homeownership Month, and it’s a great time to consider the benefits of owning your own home. If you’re in a position to buy, homeownership might help you find the stability, community, and comfort you’ve been searching for this year. Let’s connect today to determine
2020-05-27
Why This Summer Is the 2020 Real Estate SeasonWith stay-at-home orders starting to gradually lift throughout parts of the country, data indicates homebuyers are jumping back into the market. After many families put their plans on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic, what we once called the busy spring real estate season is shifting into the summe
2020-05-20
6 Reasons Why Selling Your House on Your Own Is a MistakeThere are many benefits to working with a real estate professional when selling your house. During challenging times like the one we face today, it becomes even more important to have an expert help guide you through the process. If you’re considering selling on your own, known in the industry as a
2020-05-18
#1 Financial Benefit of Homeownership: Family WealthWhile growing up, we were taught by our parents and grandparents that owning a home is a financially savvy move. They explained how a mortgage is like a “forced savings plan.” When you pay rent, that money is lost forever. When you make a mortgage payment, much of that money accumulates as equity in
2020-05-15
2020 Homeowner Wish List [INFOGRAPHIC]Some Highlights In a recent study by realtor.com, homeowners noted some of the main things they would change about their homes to make them more livable. Not surprisingly, more space, an updated kitchen, and a home gym rose to the top of the list. If you’re thinking of selling this year, having thes
2020-05-14
Your Weekly Real Estate Market UpdateYour weekly market update, and a message to those who are struggling.
2020-05-12
Unemployment Report: No Need to Be TerrifiedLast Friday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released its latest jobs report. It revealed that the economic shutdown made necessary by COVID-19 caused the unemployment rate to jump to 14.7%. Many anticipate that next month the percentage could be even higher. These numbers represent the extreme
2020-05-08
Why Home Equity Is a Bright Spark in the Housing MarketGiven how we have seen more unemployment claims than ever before over the past several weeks, fear is spreading widely. Some good news, however, shows that more than 4 million initial unemployment filers have likely already found a new job, especially as industries such as health care, food and groc
2020-05-08
A Day When Americans Can Return to Work [INFOGRAPHIC]A Day When Americans Can Return to Work [INFOGRAPHIC] A Day When Americans Can Return to Work [INFOGRAPHIC] | MyKCM Some Highlights Taking a moment to reflect upon what we’ve heard from historical leaders can teach us a lot about getting through the many challenges we face today. We’re all eager f
2020-05-04
U.S. Homeownership Rate Rises to Highest Point in 8 YearsFor nearly two months, most of us have been following strict stay-at-home orders from our state and local governments. It is a whole new way of life that has put our daily lives on pause. On the other hand, many of us have also found a sense of comfort by slowing down and spending time at home, high
2020-04-27
What Impact Might COVID-19 Have on Home Values?A big challenge facing the housing industry is determining what impact the current pandemic may have on home values. Some buyers are hoping for major price reductions because the health crisis is straining the economy. The price of any item, however, is determined by supply and demand, which is how
2020-04-23
Keys to Selling Your House VirtuallyIn a recent survey by realtor.com, people thinking about selling their homes indicated they’re generally willing to allow their agent and some potential buyers inside if done under the right conditions. They’re less comfortable, however, hosting an open house. This is understandable, given the healt