Check out this blog by Keeping Matters Current. We talk a lot about why it makes financial sense to buy a home, but more often than not, we’re drawn to the emotional reasons for homeownership. No matter the living space, the feeling of a home means different things to different people. Whether it’s a certain scent or a favorite chair, the feel-good connections to our own homes are typically more important to us than the financial ones. Here are some of the reasons why. 1. Owning your home is an accomplishment worth celebrating You’ve likely worked very hard to achieve this dream, and whether it’s your first home or your fifth, congratulations are in order for this milestone. You’ve earned it. 2. There’s no place like home Owning your own home offers not only safety and security but also a comfortable place where you can simply relax and kick-back after a long day. Sometimes, that’s just what we need to feel recharged and truly content. 3. You can find more space to meet your needs Whether you want more room in your home for your changing lifestyle (think: working from home, virtual school, or a personal gym), or you simply prefer to have a large backyard for socially-distant entertaining, you can invest in a location that truly works for your evolving needs. 4. You have control over renovations, updates, and your style Looking to try one of those complicated wall treatments you saw on Pinterest? Tired of paying an additional pet deposit for your apartment building? Maybe you want to finally adopt that fur-baby puppy or kitten you’ve been hoping for. You can do all of these things in your own home. Bottom Line Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a move-up buyer who wants to start a new chapter in your life, now is a great time to reflect on the intangible factors that turn a house into a happy home. The post Turning a House into a Happy Home appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

EXIT Realty Corp. International is on the cutting edge of all things real estate. Please enjoy these blogs available exclusively from EXIT Realty Corp. International. Robert Martin, Broker of Record, and a team from EXIT Realty Home Team of Deland, Florida, were spurred to action by Robyn Young, Sales Representative, […] The post EXIT Realty Home Team and the Spirit of EXIT are Over the Edge for Easterseals appeared first on Real Estate Industry Leaders.

Check out this blog by Keeping Matters Current. It may seem hard to imagine that the home you’re in today – whether it’s your starter home or just one you’ve fallen in love with along the way – might not be your forever home. Many needs have changed in 2020, and it’s okay to admit if your house no longer fits your lifestyle. If you’re now working remotely, facilitating virtual school, trying to exercise at home, or simply just spending more time in your own four walls, you may be bursting at the seams in your current house. According to the latest Home Price Insights from CoreLogic, prices have appreciated 7.3% year-over-year. At the same time, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reports that inventory has dropped 22% from one year ago.These two statistics are directly related to one another. As inventory has decreased and demand has increased, prices have been driven up. This is great news if you own a home and you’re thinking about selling. The equity in your house has likely risen as prices have increased. Even better is the fact that there’s a large pool of buyers out there searching for the American dream, and your home may be high on their wish list. Bottom Line If you think you’ve outgrown your current home, reach out to a real estate professional to discuss local market conditions and determine if now is the best time for you to sell. The post Did You Outgrow Your Home in 2020? appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

EXIT Realty Corp. International is on the cutting edge of all things real estate. Please enjoy these blogs available exclusively from EXIT Realty Corp. International. Pagosa Springs, CO (Grassroots Newswire) — Very seldom are young students taught how to manage money. Brittany Hathorn, Associate Broker with EXIT Realty Home & Ranch in Pagosa […] The post EXIT’s Brittany Hathorn Sponsors Financial Education Course for Kids appeared first on Real Estate Industry Leaders.

Check out this blog by Keeping Matters Current. Over the past year, mortgage rates have fallen more than a full percentage point, hitting a new historic low 15 times. This is a great driver for homeownership, as today’s low rates provide consumers with some significant benefits. Here’s a look at three of them. 1. Move-up or Downsize: One option is to consider moving into a new home, putting the equity you’ve likely gained in your current house toward a down payment on a new one that better meets your needs – something that’s truly a perfect fit, especially if your lifestyle has changed this year. 2. Become a First-Time Homebuyer: There are many financial and non-financial benefits to owning a home, and the most important thing is to first decide when the time is right for you. You have to determine that on your own, but know that now is a great time to buy if you’re considering it. Just take a look at the cost of renting vs. buying. 3. Refinance: If you already own a home, you may decide you’re going to refinance. It’s one way to lock in a lower monthly payment and save more over time. However, it also means paying upfront closing costs, too. If you want to take this route, you have to answer the question: Should I refinance my home? Why 2020 Was a Great Year for Homeownership Last year, the average mortgage rate was 3.93% (substantially higher than it is today). If you waited for a better time to make a move, market conditions have improved significantly. Today’s low mortgage rates are a huge perk for buyers, so it’s a great time to get more for your money and consider a new home. The chart below shows how much you would save per month based on today’s rates compared to what you would have paid if you purchased a home exactly one year ago, depending on how much you finance: Bottom Line If you’ve been waiting since last year to make your move into homeownership or to find a house that better meets your needs, today’s low mortgage rates may be just what you need to get the process going. Reach out to a local real estate professional to discuss how you may benefit from the current rates. The post The Difference a Year Makes for Homeownership appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

Check out this blog by 719Lending One of the most festive aspects of the holiday season happens to be perfect for social distancing: enjoying holiday light displays throughout your neighborhood and community. Here are a few fun statistics on holiday light displays through the years. The first holiday tree lights were actually candles and were only lit for a few minutes for the family to enjoy. Why? Because candles were expensive and open flames on a tree became a big fire hazard. The first strands of electric Christmas lights were used in 1882 and sold for the equivalent of $80 by today’s standards. They were not widely used due to the high cost and general mistrust of electricity in those early days. The first Christmas lights, invented by Edward Johnson, one of Edison’s colleagues. According to the Smithsonian, the first bulbs were described by reporter W.A. Croffut as “lights all encased in these dainty glass eggs.” Christmas light bulbs have come in many shapes, including cones, domes, and novelty shapes such as snowflakes or ornaments. The most popular style and size today are mini bulbs and C7 bulbs. Many retailers recommend using 100 mini lights per foot on your Christmas tree. This means that a 10-foot tree looks nice with 1,000 twinkling lights on it. For a thinner tree or a bigger bulb, you can cut that amount in half. Christmas lights account for 6% of the electricity used in the United States each December. An estimated 80 million homes use holiday lights inside, outside, or both. If you choose to incorporate lights in your holiday decorations this year, you are joining a long line of tradition and merrymaking. Enjoying the twinkle of everything from neighborhood light displays to elaborate drive-thru productions is a great way to enjoy the holiday spirit. The post Holiday Lights through the Years appeared first on 719 Lending.

EXIT Realty Corp. International is on the cutting edge of all things real estate. Please enjoy these blogs available exclusively from EXIT Realty Corp. International. Boo Reitz, sales representative with EXIT Realty Elite in Frisco, TX was born with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) and fights the battle every day to beat […] The post Boo Reitz and the Spirit of EXIT Help Those Living with Cystic Fibrosis appeared first on Real Estate Industry Leaders.

Check out this blog by Keeping Matters Current. Once you’ve found the right home and applied for a mortgage, there are some key things to keep in mind before you close. You’re undoubtedly excited about the opportunity to decorate your new place, but before you make any large purchases, move your money around, or make any major life changes, consult your lender – someone who is qualified to tell you how your financial decisions may impact your home loan. Below is a list of things you shouldn’t do after applying for a mortgage. They’re all important to know – or simply just good reminders – for the process. 1. Don’t Deposit Cash into Your Bank Accounts Before Speaking with Your Bank or Lender. Lenders need to source your money, and cash is not easily traceable. Before you deposit any amount of cash into your accounts, discuss the proper way to document your transactions with your loan officer. 2. Don’t Make Any Large Purchases Like a New Car or Furniture for Your New Home. New debt comes with new monthly obligations. New obligations create new qualifications. People with new debt have higher debt-to-income ratios. Higher ratios make for riskier loans, and then sometimes qualified borrowers no longer qualify. 3. Don’t Co-Sign Other Loans for Anyone. When you co-sign, you’re obligated. With that obligation comes higher ratios as well. Even if you promise you won’t be the one making the payments, your lender will have to count the payments against you. 4. Don’t Change Bank Accounts. Remember, lenders need to source and track your assets. That task is significantly easier when there’s consistency among your accounts. Before you transfer any money, speak with your loan officer. 5. Don’t Apply for New Credit. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a new credit card or a new car. When you have your credit report run by organizations in multiple financial channels (mortgage, credit card, auto, etc.), your FICO® score will be impacted. Lower credit scores can determine your interest rate and maybe even your eligibility for approval. 6. Don’t Close Any Credit Accounts. Many buyers believe having less available credit makes them less risky and more likely to be approved. Wrong. A major component of your score is your length and depth of credit history (as opposed to just your payment history) and your total usage of credit as a percentage of available credit. Closing accounts has a negative impact on both of those determinants of your score. Bottom Line Any blip in income, assets, or credit should be reviewed and executed in a way that ensures your home loan can still be approved. If your job or employment status has changed recently, share that with your lender as well. The best plan is to fully disclose and discuss your intentions with your loan officer before you do anything financial in nature. The post The Do’s and Don’ts after Applying for a Mortgage appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

Check out this blog by Keeping Matters Current. Some Highlights Experts project an optimistic year for the 2021 housing market. With mortgage rates forecasted to remain low, high buyer demand is expected to fuel more home sales and continue to increase home prices. Reach out to a local real estate professional today to determine how to make your best move in the new year. The post 2021 Housing Forecast [INFOGRAPHIC] appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

Check out this blog by 719Lending Today I’m reviewing what a loan-to-value ratio is and how you can figure out yours. Need a home loan? Apply Today Have a real estate or mortgage question? Contact Us   LTV or loan-to-value is a key part of your home loan, but it’s also a fairly simple thing to understand. LTV is the ratio between what your home is worth and how much your loan is. For example, if you buy a house for $300,000 and your mortgage is $150,000, that’s a 50% LTV. Another example: If you buy a property for $100,000 and put 20% down so you have an $80,000 mortgage, that’s an 80% LTV. Knowing your LTV can help you understand how risky buying a particular home is. If you’re considering refinancing or just wondering what your LTV is, contact your real estate agent, and ask them to do a quick analysis of your home to find out what it’s worth. Then look at your mortgage statement to see how much you owe. Divide that payment by how much your house is worth, and that number is what your LTV is. This is also a great way to figure out how much equity you have in your home. If you have any questions about LTVs or lending matters, please give us a call or send an email. We would love to help you. The post VIDEO: What is LTV? appeared first on 719 Lending.

Check out this blog by Keeping Matters Current. In a year that was financially devastating for many Americans, some good news for most homeowners is the dramatic gain in home equity over the last twelve months. Last week, CoreLogic released its 2020 3rd Quarter Homeowner Equity Insights report, which reveals four major findings: U.S. homeowners with mortgages have seen their equity increase by a total of $1 trillion since the third quarter of 2019. The average homeowner gained approximately $17,000 in equity over the past year. This is a 10.8% increase in equity over last year. The average household with a mortgage now has $194,000 in home equity. This has given many homeowners the ability to redesign their homes to meet their changing needs. Frank Martell, President and CEO of CoreLogic, explains in the report: “The housing market has remained a strong pillar in an otherwise tumultuous economic year. A sharp rise in demand, spurred by record-low interest rates, continues to bolster homeowner equity. And with many people now spending more time than ever before at home, some homeowners have tapped into their strengthening equity to fund renovations.” This build-up in equity also gives more options to homeowners who have been financially impacted by the pandemic. Today, homeowners with substantial equity are in a much better position to work out a deal with their lender if they cannot pay their mortgage. Alternatively, they also have the power to sell and walk away with their equity in the form of cash or as a down payment toward a more affordable house. Frank Nothaft, Chief Economist for CoreLogic, addresses the issue in the report: “Over the past year, strong home price growth has created a record level of home equity for homeowners…This provides an important buffer to protect families if they experience financial difficulties and is one reason for the generational-low in foreclosure rates reported.” Here’s a map showing equity gains by state:This gain in home equity is a blessing for homeowners in these trying times, and it seems that the next two years will continue to reward those who own a home. Last week, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) held their 2020 Real Estate Forecast Summit. At the summit, they shared the results of a recent survey of 23 economic and housing market experts. The median forecast among the experts called for home values to increase further by 8% in 2021 and 5.5% in 2022. Bottom Line In a year that has many of us reevaluating what “home” really means, those who own their homes have been rewarded with a financial windfall that averages $17,000 individually and totals $1 trillion nationally. The post Homeowner Equity Increases an Astonishing $1 Trillion appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

EXIT Realty Corp. International is on the cutting edge of all things real estate. Please enjoy these blogs available exclusively from EXIT Realty Corp. International. by Tami Bonnell, CEO, EXIT Realty Corp. International One of my favorite things my Dad used to say was, “You’re a reflection of who you […] The post Align your business with your authentic self appeared first on Real Estate Industry Leaders.

Check out this blog by Keeping Matters Current. This year will be remembered for many reasons, and optimism is one thing that’s been in short supply since the spring. We’re experiencing a global pandemic, social unrest, an economic downturn, and natural disasters, just to name a few. The challenges brought on by the health crisis have also forced many homeowners to reevaluate their space and what they need in a home going into 2021. So, experts are forecasting that next year is one in which we can be optimistic about real estate for three key reasons. 1. The Economy Is Expected to Continue Improving Tim Duy from the University of Oregon puts it this way: “There is nothing fundamentally ‘broken’ in the economy that needs to heal…there was no obvious financial bubble driving excessive activity in any one economic sector when the pandemic hit…With Covid-19 cases surging again, it is understandably hard to look optimistically to the other side of this winter…Don’t let the near-term challenges distract from the economic stage being set for next four years.” 2. Interest Rates Are Projected to Stay Low In the latest projections from Freddie Mac, interest rates for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage are expected to remain at or near 3% next year. These low rates will continue to make homes more affordable, driving demand for housing in 2021. 3. Future Home Sales Are Forecasted to Grow While the economy improves and interest rates remain low, homes are also expected to continue appreciating as more people buy in the coming year. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at realtor.com, says: “We expect home sales in 2021 to come in 7.0% above 2020 levels, following a more normal seasonal trend and building momentum through the spring and sustaining the pace in the second half of the year.” Bottom Line Experts forecast that buyers and sellers are going to be active in 2021. If you’ve thought about buying or selling your home this year but have held off, now may be the time to take advantage of this market. Reach out to a local real estate expert to take the first step toward your new home today.     Agents: Check out our LIVE webinar on the 2021 Market Forecast: What You Need to Plan for Success to learn about the real market insights that can help you crush your goals next year. The post 3 Reasons to Be Optimistic about Real Estate in 2021 appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

Check out this blog by Keeping Matters Current. Black Friday and Cyber Monday are behind us, yet finding the perfect holiday gifts for friends and family is certainly still top of mind for many right now. This year, there’s another type of buyer that’s very active this holiday season – the homebuyer. Each month, ShowingTime releases their Showing Index which tracks the average number of appointments received on active U.S. house listings. The most recent index notes: “The Showing Index reported a 60.9 percent jump in nationwide showing traffic year over year in October, the sixth consecutive month to see an increase over last year.” Here’s the breakdown of the latest activity by region of the country compared to this time last year: The Northeast increased by 65.5% The West increased by 64.7% The Midwest increased by 55.7% The South increased by 54.7% Why is the traffic so active? The health crisis definitely put homebuying plans on pause for many earlier this year. Buyers, however, are in the market and making moves well past the typical busy homebuying seasons of spring and summer. One of the main reasons buyer traffic has continued to soar in the second half of 2020 is how dramatically mortgage rates have fallen. According to Freddie Mac, the average mortgage rate last December was 3.72%. Today, the rate is a full percentage point lower. Bottom Line There are first-time, move-up, and move-down buyers actively looking for the home of their dreams this winter. If you’re thinking of selling your house in 2021, you don’t need to wait until the spring to do it. Your potential buyer is very likely searching for a home in your neighborhood right now. The post The Holidays Aren’t Stopping Homebuyers This Year appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

Check out this blog by 719Lending Home trends in Colorado Springs evolve as home buyers value different features over time. With so many people staying home, luxury pantries are becoming more and more valuable and in-demand in the housing market. Realtor Magazine recently reported that “more than 85% of homes larger than 3,500 square feet feature a walk-in pantry.” The most elaborate pantries come with the own cabinets and storage, plumbing, and even a prep island. Homeowners in Colorado Springs looking for a luxury pantry are often interested in the aesthetics of their storage as much as the practicality. They want this pantry to serve as inspiration and blend into their home’s overall look, rather than just a space to store extra food and appliances. Many pantries use similar materials to the main kitchen, including granite and other high-end countertops, luxury custom cabinets, and additional storage for food. Some even include extra refrigerators and freezers for storage and beverages. In the past, homeowners who planned to entertain a lot were interested in large pantries. Today, homeowners who spend a lot of time at home are increasingly interested in the look and feel of their pantry, as well as the additional storage space and organization that a walk-in, luxury pantry can offer. Large pantries are still considered a luxury amenity in most homes, but more and more are including this feature over other similar options, such as walk-in closets, large patios or deck, and pools. Social media also plays a role in the rise of luxury walk-in pantries. Realtor Magazine says that hashtags like “#pantryinspo and #pantrygoals “have become popular as homeowners look for inspiration for sprucing up their pantries.” This applies to first-time home buyers making a list of features they’d like to see in their new home and homeowners looking to remodel or redo the space they already have. The post Realtor Magazine Reports Luxury Pantries Are In-Demand in Today’s Homes – Including Colorado Springs appeared first on 719 Lending.

EXIT Realty Corp. International is on the cutting edge of all things real estate. Please enjoy these blogs available exclusively from EXIT Realty Corp. International. by Tami Bonnell, CEO, EXIT Realty Corp. International I am an information junkie and one of the many newsletters I receive is from The Motley […] The post Heart and Soul appeared first on Real Estate Industry Leaders.

Check out this blog by Keeping Matters Current. If you’re currently feeling the stress of affording your mortgage payment, or if you know someone who is, there’s still time to get help. For homeowners experiencing financial hardship this year, the CARES Act provides mortgage payment deferral options, creating much-needed relief in these challenging times. It’s important, however, to understand how forbearance works. It’s not automatic. You need to take action now and apply for the program before these options expire. A study by the Urban Institute determined: “Approximately 400,000 homeowners who became delinquent after the pandemic began have forgone forbearance and become delinquent. These borrowers may not know they are eligible for forbearance.” Thankfully, there’s still time to apply for forbearance, even if you’re just learning about it now. Doing so may be the game-changer you need to stay in your home, just when you need it most. Mike Fratantoni, Senior Vice President and Chief Economist at the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), explained: “The increase in new forbearance requests may be the result of additional outreach to homeowners who had previously not taken advantage of forbearance opportunities.” If you need to apply for forbearance but aren’t sure how to begin the process, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) published 5 steps to follow when requesting mortgage forbearance: 1. Find the contact information for your servicer Look at your mortgage statement to find the phone number for your servicer (the company you send your mortgage payment to every month). The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau encourages you to use the number on your statement to avoid scams. 2. Call your servicer Explain your situation so your servicer can determine your best course of action. Be sure to ask any questions you have about the process. 3. Ask if you’re eligible for protection under the CARES Act The CARES Act protects homeowners with federally backed loans (FHA, VA, USDA, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac). In addition, some private servicers are also providing forbearance programs. 4. Ask what happens when your forbearance period ends Depending on the plan available to you, there are different options you may be able to consider. Your servicer will help you get a better understanding of what’s available. The CFPB also recommends asking questions like: What happens to the payments I miss? What are my repayment options? When will repayment be due? Are there any fees? 5. Ask your servicer to provide the agreement in writing A written agreement allows you to see exactly what type of program you’re agreeing to. It also helps you make sure it matches what you discuss with your provider over the phone. Bottom Line Help is out there for homeowners in need, but it’s important to apply now while this benefit is still available. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau says: don’t wait, forbearance is not automatic. It must be requested. Reach out to your mortgage provider today so you can get the assistance you need to protect the hard-earned investment you’ve made in your home. The post 5 Steps to Follow When Applying for Forbearance appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

Check out this blog by Keeping Matters Current. The post 2021 Market Forecast: What You Need to Plan for Success [LIVE WEBINAR] appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.

EXIT Realty Corp. International is on the cutting edge of all things real estate. Please enjoy these blogs available exclusively from EXIT Realty Corp. International. A commentary by Susan Hamblen, Broker/Owner, EXIT Realty Achieve, NY Ladders come in all shapes and sizes. Last week a box truck arrived in our […] The post Holding Ladders appeared first on Real Estate Industry Leaders.

Check out this blog by Keeping Matters Current. Some Highlights Buying a home in today’s sellers’ market doesn’t have to feel like an uphill battle. Here are four ways to make sure you’re positioned for success when making a home purchase, even when the scale tips toward sellers. Reach out to a local real estate professional to make sure you’re armed for victory in the housing market this season. The post Winning as a Buyer in a Sellers’ Market [INFOGRAPHIC] appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.