Buying a Home May Make More Sense Than Renting 




Some Highlights

  • If you’re trying to decide whether to rent or buy a home, there are a few things you should consider.
  • Homeownership can help you escape the cycle of rising rents, builds your wealth, and serves as a hedge against inflation.
  • If you’re ready to take advantage of the benefits of homeownership, let’s connect to explore your options.

THINKING OF SELLING AND/OR MOVING TO BROOKINGS, VOLGA, OR ANY SURROUNDING AREAS? GOT QUESTIONS? I’M HERE TO HELP! VISIT BROOKINGSHOMETEAM.COM FOR MORE DETAILS!

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4 Tips for Making Your Best Offer on a Home




Are you planning to buy a home this spring? Though things are more balanced than they were at the height of the pandemic, it’s still a sellers’ market. So, when you find the home you want to buy, remember these four tips to make your best offer.

1. Lean on a Real Estate Professional

Rely on an agent who can support your goals. As Bankrate notes:

“. . . select the best real estate agent for your needs. They will be a critical part of your home buying process.”

Agents are local market experts. They know what’s worked for other buyers in your area and what sellers may be looking for in an offer. It may seem simple, but catering to what a seller needs can help your offer stand out.

2. Know Your…

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2 Things Sellers Need To Know This Spring




A lot has changed over the past year, and you might be wondering what’s in store for the spring housing market. If you’re planning to sell your house this season, here’s what real estate experts are saying you should keep in mind.

1. Houses That Are Priced Right Are Still Selling

Houses that are updated and priced at their current market value are still selling. Jeff Tucker, Senior Economist at Zillow, says:

“. . . sellers who price and market their home competitively shouldn’t have a problem finding a buyer.”

The need to price your house right is so important today because the market has changed so much over the past year. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at realtor.com, explains:

“With a…

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During the pandemic, many of us reexamined the meaning of home for ourselves and our loved ones. Today, that can be seen in the recent rise in multigenerational households. According to Jessica Lautz, Deputy Chief Economist and Vice President of Economic Research at the National Association of Realtors (NAR):

“Multi-generational buying may be a home where families live in the same home with elderly parents, children who have boomeranged back home, or other extended family members. While this is not a new concept of living, it is one which has gained recent popularity.”

And citing data from Pew Research Center, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) says:

“. . . multigenerational living has made a comeback in recent years, particularly after the…

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You may have seen reports in the news recently saying it’s better to rent right now than it is to own your home. But before you let that impact your decisions, you should understand what these claims are based on.


A lot of the time, these reports are assuming things that aren’t realistic for the average household. For example, the methodology behind one of those reports says that renting is the smarter financial option because of the opportunity to invest money elsewhere. It assumes renters take the money they’d spend on costs tied to buying a home and put it in an investment portfolio.


But here’s the thing – most people who rent aren’t making those investments. Ken Johnson, Co-Author of the BH&J National Price-to-Rent Index, explains:

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Where Will You Go After You Sell Your House? 





Some Highlights


  • If you’re thinking of selling your house, be sure to explore all the options you have for your next home.
  • Both newly built homes and existing homes offer plenty of unique benefits.
  • If you have questions about the options in our area, let’s discuss what’s available and what’s right for you.

THINKING OF SELLING AND/OR MOVING TO BROOKINGS, VOLGA, OR ANY SURROUNDING AREAS? GOT QUESTIONS? I’M HERE TO HELP! VISIT BROOKINGSHOMETEAM.COM FOR MORE DETAILS!

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Equity Gains for Today’s Homeowners




Today’s homeowners are sitting on significant equity, even as home price appreciation has eased recently. If you’re a homeowner, your net worth got a boost over the past few years thanks to rising home prices. Here’s what it means for you, even as the market moderates.


How Equity Has Grown in Recent Years 


Because of the imbalance between how many homes were for sale and the number of homebuyers in the market over the past few years, home prices appreciated substantially.


And while price appreciation has slowed this year, that doesn’t mean you’ve lost all the equity in your home. In fact, the latest Homeowner Equity Insights report from CoreLogic finds the average homeowner’s equity has grown by…

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An Expert Makes All the Difference When You Sell Your House




If you’re thinking of selling your house, it’s important to work with someone who understands how the market is changing and what it means for you. Here are five reasons working with a professional can ensure you’ll get the most out of your sale.


1. They’re Experts on Market Trends


With today’s housing market defined by change, it’s critical to work with someone who knows the latest information and how it impacts your goals. An expert real estate advisor knows about national trends and your local area too. More importantly, they’ll give insight to what all of this means for you, so they’ll be able to help you make a decision based on trustworthy, data-bound information.


2. A…

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What You Should Know About Rising Mortgage Rates




After steadily falling over the winter, mortgage rates have started to rise in recent weeks. This is concerning to some potential homebuyers as the combination of higher mortgage rates and higher prices have made homes less affordable. So, if you’re planning to purchase a home this year, you too may be wondering if now’s the right time to buy or if you should hold off on your search until rates come back down.


The recent uptick in rates has been driven by what’s happening with inflation. Joel Kan, Vice President and Deputy Chief Economist at the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), explains:


“Mortgage rates increased across the board last week, pushed higher by market expectations…

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One Major Benefit of Investing in a Home




One of the many reasons to buy a home is that it’s a major way to build wealth and gain financial stability. According to Freddie Mac:


“Building equity through your monthly principal payments and appreciation is a critical part of homeownership that can help you create financial stability.”

With spring approaching, now’s a great time to consider if buying a home makes sense for you. The best way to figure that out is to talk with a trusted real estate professional.


The Largest Part of Most Homeowners’ Net Worth Is Their Equity


You may be surprised to learn just how much of a homeowner’s net worth actually comes from owning their home. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) shares:


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