3 Ways Home Equity Can Have a Major Impact on Your Life
Real Estate, Home Ownership, Housing Market Hillary Gurley Real Estate, Home Ownership, Housing Market Hillary Gurley

3 Ways Home Equity Can Have a Major Impact on Your Life

There have been a lot of headlines reporting on how homeowner equity (the difference between the current market value of your home and the amount you owe on your mortgage) has dramatically increased over the past few years. CoreLogic indicated that equity increased for the average homeowner by $17,000 in the last year alone. ATTOM Data Solutions, in their latest U.S. Home Equity Report, revealed that 30.2% of the 59 million mortgaged homes in the United States have at least 50% equity. That doesn’t even include the 38% of homes that are owned free and clear, meaning they don’t have a mortgage at all.

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Millennials: Is It Time to Buy a Bigger Home?
Home Buying, Housing Market, Home Ownership Hillary Gurley Home Buying, Housing Market, Home Ownership Hillary Gurley

Millennials: Is It Time to Buy a Bigger Home?

In today’s housing market, all eyes are on millennials. Not only are millennials the largest generation, but they’re also currently between 25 and 40 years old. These are often considered prime homebuying years when many people begin to form their own households and invest in real estate. If you’re like many millennials who are spending much more time at home these days, you may have a growing need for more space or upgraded features, making moving more desirable than ever.

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3 Ways You’ll Win When You Buy a Home This Year.
Housing Market, Home Ownership, Real Estate Hillary Gurley Housing Market, Home Ownership, Real Estate Hillary Gurley

3 Ways You’ll Win When You Buy a Home This Year.

There are so many great reasons to purchase a home, and over the past year, we’ve realized more of them than we ever thought possible. If you’re a first-time homebuyer, having a home of your own can give you a greater sense of security and accomplishment in a time that’s largely uncertain. If you’re a repeat buyer looking for your dream home, making a move might give you the space or features you need to find greater success and happiness in a new normal way of life. Whatever your motivations are, here are three reasons why becoming a homeowner now may help you win big in the long run.

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The Luxury Market is Attracting Buyers in 2021.
Home Buying, Home Prices, Real Estate Hillary Gurley Home Buying, Home Prices, Real Estate Hillary Gurley

The Luxury Market is Attracting Buyers in 2021.

With more opportunities to work from home and a growing interest in having extra space for things like virtual school, working out, and cooking more meals, the desire to own a home that can meet these needs continues to increase. Additionally, record-low mortgage rates are creating opportunities for homebuyers to stretch their legs into higher price points or even expand their real estate portfolios.

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47% of New Buyers Surprised by How Affordable Homes are Today.

47% of New Buyers Surprised by How Affordable Homes are Today.

Headlines matter. Right now, it’s hard to read about real estate without seeing a headline that suggests homes have become unaffordable for most Americans. In reality, there’s hard evidence that shows how owning a home is more affordable than renting in most parts of the country, as record-low interest rates are keeping monthly mortgage payments about 23% lower than the typical payment of 20 years ago.

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3 Reasons We’re Definitely Not in a Housing Bubble

3 Reasons We’re Definitely Not in a Housing Bubble

Home values appreciated by about ten percent in 2020, and they’re forecast to appreciate by about five percent this year. This has some voicing concern that we may be in another housing bubble like the one we experienced a little over a decade ago. Here are three reasons why this market is totally different.

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6 Foundational Benefits of Homeownership
Home Ownership, Home Buying Hillary Gurley Home Ownership, Home Buying Hillary Gurley

6 Foundational Benefits of Homeownership

As we continue to think about the future, our goals for the year, and what we want to achieve well beyond 2021, it’s a great time to look at the benefits of owning a home. Below are some highlights and quotes on the benefits of homeownership shared by the National Association of Realtors (NAR). From feel-good motivations to economic and social impacts on the local community, these items may give you reason to believe homeownership stretches well beyond your financial investment.

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Turn to an Expert for the Best Advice, Not Perfect Advice
Home Buying, Housing Market, Home Selling Hillary Gurley Home Buying, Housing Market, Home Selling Hillary Gurley

Turn to an Expert for the Best Advice, Not Perfect Advice

An agent can’t give you perfect advice because it’s impossible to know exactly what’s going to happen throughout the transaction – especially in this market. An agent can, however, give you the best advice possible based on the information and situation at hand, guiding you through the process to help you make the necessary adjustments and best decisions along the way.

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Do I Really Need a 20% Down Payment?

Do I Really Need a 20% Down Payment?

Is the idea of saving for a down payment holding you back from buying a home right now? You may be eager to take advantage of today’s low mortgage rates, but the thought of needing a large down payment might make you want to pump the brakes. The reality is, whether you’re looking for your first home or you’ve purchased one before, you most likely don’t need to put 20% down. Here’s why.

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Financial Fundamentals for Homebuyers
Hillary Gurley Hillary Gurley

Financial Fundamentals for Homebuyers

When you’re thinking about buying a home, there are a few key steps to take before you even start to look at houses. From saving for your down payment to getting pre-approved for a mortgage, you’ll want to make sure you keep your financial plan on track from the beginning.

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Want to Build Wealth? Buy a Home this Year.
Home Buying, Investing Hillary Gurley Home Buying, Investing Hillary Gurley

Want to Build Wealth? Buy a Home this Year.

Every year, households across the country make the decision to rent for another year or take the leap into homeownership. They look at their earnings and savings and then decide what makes the most financial sense. That equation will most likely take into consideration monthly housing costs, tax advantages, and other incremental expenses. Using these measurements, recent studies show that it’s still more affordable to own than rent in most of the country.

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Why Owning a Home is a Powerful Financial Decision
Home Buying Hillary Gurley Home Buying Hillary Gurley

Why Owning a Home is a Powerful Financial Decision

In today’s housing market, there are clear financial benefits to owning a home: increasing equity, the chance to build your net worth, and appreciating home values, just to name a few. If you’re a renter, it’s never too early to think about how homeownership can propel you toward a stronger future. Here’s a dive into three often-overlooked financial benefits of homeownership and how preparing for them now can steer you in the direction of greater financial security and savings.

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Should I Wait for Lower Mortgage Interest Rates?
Mortgage Rates Hillary Gurley Mortgage Rates Hillary Gurley

Should I Wait for Lower Mortgage Interest Rates?

Historically low mortgage rates are a big motivator for homebuyers right now. In 2020 alone, rates hit new record-lows 16 times, and the trend continued into the early part of this year. Many hopeful homebuyers are now wondering if they should put their plans on hold and wait for the lowest rates imaginable. However, the reality is, acting sooner rather than later may be the actual win if you’re ready to buy a home.

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How to Make the Dream of Homeownership a Reality This Year
Home Buying Hillary Gurley Home Buying Hillary Gurley

How to Make the Dream of Homeownership a Reality This Year

In 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. inspired a powerful movement with his famous “I Have a Dream” speech. Through his passion and determination, he sparked interest, ambition, and courage in his audience. Today, reflecting on his message encourages many of us to think about our own dreams, goals, beliefs, and aspirations. For many Americans, one of those common goals is owning a home: a piece of land, a roof over our heads, and a place where we can grow and flourish.

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Why Selling Your House in Your Own in 2021 is a Mistake
Hillary Gurley Hillary Gurley

Why Selling Your House in Your Own in 2021 is a Mistake

There are many benefits to working with a real estate professional when selling your house. During challenging times, like what we face today, it becomes even more important to have an expert you trust to help guide you through the process. If you’re considering selling on your own, known in the industry as a For Sale By Owner (FSBO), it’s critical to consider the following items.

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