For Buyers Archives - Page 3 of 9 - J.P. Cook

Forbes.com recently released the latest results of their American Dream Index, in which they measure “the prosperity of the middle class, and…examine which states best support the American Dream.” The monthly index measures several different economic factors, including goods-producing employment, personal and commercial bankruptcies, building permits, startup activity, unemployment insurance claims, labor force participation, and layoffs. The national

Mortgage Interest Rates Reverse Course in 2017

June 8, 2017

First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, For Sellers, Interest Rates, Move-Up Buyers

0 Comments

To start the year, housing experts all agreed on one thing: 2017 was going to be the year we would see mortgage interest rates begin to rise. After years of historically low rates, and an improving economy, the question wasn’t if they would increase but instead how much they would increase. Some thought we could

5 Reasons to Hire a Real Estate Professional When Buying or Selling!

June 7, 2017

First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, For Sellers, Move-Up Buyers

0 Comments

Whether you are buying or selling a home it can be quite an adventurous journey, which is why you need an experienced real estate professional to guide you on the path to your ultimate goal. In this world of instant gratification and internet searches, many sellers think that they can For Sale by Owner or

3 Reasons the Housing Market is NOT in a Bubble

June 6, 2017

First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, For Sellers, Housing Market Updates, Move-Up Buyers

0 Comments

With housing prices appreciating at levels that far exceed historical norms, some are fearful that the market is heading for another bubble. To alleviate that fear, we just need to look back at the reasons that caused the bubble ten years ago. Last decade, demand for housing was artificially propped up because mortgage lending standards

Why Do Americans Consider Moving to Another State?

May 23, 2017

For Buyers, For Sellers

0 Comments

Some Highlights: In a recent Harris Poll, Americans listed “change in climate/weather” as their top reason for wanting to relocate. 41% would move for a “better job opportunity.” Being closer to loved ones filled out 3 of the top 6 reasons why Americans move. The Phoenix area is known for having an average of 296 days a year with sun!

Get All the Facts about PMI

May 22, 2017

First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Move-Up Buyers

0 Comments

When it comes to buying a home, whether it is your first time or your fifth, it is always important to know all the facts. With the large number of mortgage programs available that allow buyers to purchase a home with a down payment below 20%, you can never have too much information about Private Mortgage Insurance

Do You Know the Cost of NOT Owning Your Home?

May 15, 2017

First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Move-Up Buyers

0 Comments

Owning a home has great financial benefits, yet many continue renting! Today, let’s look at the financial reasons why owning a home of your own has been a part of the American Dream for as long as America has existed. Zillow recently reported that: “With Rents continuing to climb and interest rates staying low, many

Is the Current Pace of Home Sales Maintainable?

May 13, 2017

First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, For Sellers, Housing Market Updates, Move-Up Buyers

0 Comments

There are some experts questioning whether the current pace of residential home sales is maintainable. Are too many people buying homes like in 2004-2006? Are we headed for another housing crisis? Actually, if we look closely at the numbers, we can see that we are looking at a very healthy real estate market. Why the

Gallup: Real Estate is Best Long-Term Investment 4 Years Running

May 10, 2017

First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers, Investment Properties, Move-Up Buyers

0 Comments

Every year, Gallup surveys Americans to determine their choice for the best long-term investment. Respondents are given a choice between real estate, stocks/mutual funds, gold, savings accounts/CDs, or bonds. For the fourth year in a row, Real Estate has come out on top as the best long-term investment! This year’s results showed that 34% of

Your Tax Return: Bring it Home

May 8, 2017

Down Payments, First Time Home Buyers, For Buyers

0 Comments

This time of year, many people eagerly check their mailboxes looking for their tax return check from the IRS. But, what do most people plan to do with the money? GO Banking Rates recently surveyed Americans and asked the question – “What do you plan on doing with your tax refund?” The results of the