2020 Forecast Continues To Show Good Appreciation

We are going to answer the questions that continue to rise around where home prices will head in 2020. The latest forecast from CoreLogic shows continued appreciation at 5.4% over the next year:

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2020 Pantone Color of the Year – Classic Blue

Drum roll please – Pantone has chosen Classic Blue as their color of the year. What do you think?

Over the past couple of years, bold and bright colors as wall decors or even as throw pillows have been all over designer magazines and new homes style. This year, Pantone has chosen a fresh Classic Blue to inspire homeowners and designers in 2020.

Classic Blue has this timeless and cool elegance vibe into it. Think of your favorite sneaker or school binder and you’ll be right on track. Described as a calming, familiar azure, Classic Blue is an uncomplicated, straightforward tone intended to provide a “neutral” backdrop for modern color palates and urban chic styling.

This Classic Blue paired...

Year-Over-Year Rental Prices on the Rise

It has been reported that 2020 is projected to be a strong year for homeownership due to rental prices going up next year according to the Freddie Mac Forecast,

“We expect rates to remain low, falling to a yearly average of 3.8% in 2020.”

If you’re currently renting, 2020 is definitely a great time to think about making a jump into homeownership while mortgage rates are going to be low.

As noted...

Buying A Bigger House: Is It Within Your Budget?

At this time of year, many people come together to celebrate the season. It’s also the time when many homeowners realize their homes are not big enough to host all of their guests and loved ones. 

You may have enough equity in your current home to move up.

According to the Q3 2019 U.S. Home Equity & Underwater Report by ATTOM Data Solutions,

“14.4 million residential properties in the United States were considered equity rich,...

How To Pay Off Your Loan Faster

Getting a loan is part of the process for many home buyers. But, that's only the beginning of your homeownership journey. For generations, homeowners would buy a home for life. Working over the years to make the payments and celebrating the end of the 30-year mortgage were great milestones.

Today, few homebuyers expect to be in their home for longer than 7 - 10 years. Paying off a 30-year mortgage seems like an impossible task. Fortunately, there are great ways to pay off your loan which do not involve time. Here are some home loan strategies to help you pay off your mortgage loan faster.

How To Pay off Your Mortgage Faster

• Biweekly Payments – Work with your lender to determine how they handle biweekly payments. If processed...

A 365 Day Difference in Homeownership

Over the past year, there have been promising results regarding the mortgage rates that have fallen more than a full percentage point. This shows a great opportunity for homeownership this 2020 as today’s low rates provide consumers with some significant benefits. Here’s a look at three of them:

1. Refinance

   
   If you already own a home, you may want to decide if you’re going to refinance. It’s one way to lock in a lower monthly payment and save substantially over time, but it also means paying upfront closing costs too. You have to answer the question: Should I refinance my home?

2. Move-up or Downsize

   
   Another option is to consider moving into a new home, putting the ...

The True Cost Of Not Owning Your Home

There are great advantages to owning a home, yet many people continue to rent. The financial benefits are just some of the reasons why homeownership has been a part of the long-standing American dream.

Realtor.com reported that:

“Buying remains the more attractive option in the long term – that remains the American dream, and it’s true in many markets where renting has become really the shortsighted option…as people get more savings in their pockets, buying becomes the better option.”

Why is owning a home financially better than renting?

Here are the top 5 financial benefits of homeownership:...

Buyers Are Looking Now. Are You Ready to List Your Home?

Inventory on the market today is low, especially among existing homes in the entry and middle-level tiers of the market. It is hovering well below the 6-month supply typically found in a more normal market, as shown in the graph below:...

International Buyers and the Impact on Florida

Global Changes and Real Estate

International buyers sales declined during the past year due to a strong dollar, concern over the global economic outlook and certainly the rising prices. International buyers declined by 30% in Florida. The strength of the US dollar has made the price to purchase a home in the US out of reach for many international buyers.

Even with the decline, Florida real estate is still doing well as US purchaaes increased due to the move from so many in the Northeast. 

Even with the decline, Florida still is a top destination for international buyers. South Florida attracted 53% of the international buyers in 2018-2019. 9% of all Florida purchases included an international buyer. 

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