The Key to Your Home Blog

5 Questions to Answer Before Purchasing Your First Home Deciding whether to jump into the housing market or rent instead … » Learn More about Buy Now or Rent Longer?

When you start your home search, one of the first questions agents will ask you is, “Have you been pre-approved … » Learn More about 5 Reasons You Need Lender Pre-Approval

This year, mortgage rates have been on a roller coaster ride, rising and falling amid inflationary pressures and economic uncertainty. … » Learn More about 8 Strategies to Secure a Lower Mortgage Rate

Consider this if rising home prices leave you wondering if it makes more sense to rent or buy a home in today’s … » Learn More about Buying a Home May Make More Financial Sense Than Renting

Mortgage rates are much higher today than they were at the beginning of the year, and that’s had a clear … » Learn More about A Window of Opportunity for Homebuyers

The process of buying a new home can be both exhilarating and exhausting. But the journey doesn’t stop when you … » Learn More about 10 Pro Tips for a Smooth Home Move

Defining the American dream is personal, and no individual will have the exact definition as another.  But the feelings it … » Learn More about Is Homeownership Still the American Dream?

According to a recent survey, more and more Americans are concerned about a possible recession.  Those concerns were validated when the … » Learn More about What Does an Economic Slowdown Mean for the Housing Market?

A recession does not equal a housing crisis. That’s the one thing that every homeowner today needs to know. Everywhere … » Learn More about The One Thing Every Homeowner Needs to Know About a Recession

It can be tempting to consider selling your home on your own, especially with how hot the housing market has … » Learn More about If You’re Selling Your House This Summer, Hiring a Professional is Critical

No matter what’s going on in the housing market, selling a home can be challenging. Some sellers have a hard … » Learn More about 7 Costly Mistakes Home Sellers Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Experts in the real estate industry use a number of terms when they talk about what’s happening with home prices.  … » Learn More about Home Price Deceleration Doesn’t Mean Home Price Depreciation

Homeownership has become a significant element in achieving the American Dream. A recent National Association of Realtors (NAR) report finds that … » Learn More about Why This Housing Market Is Not a Bubble Ready to Pop

If you’re thinking of buying or selling a home, chances are you’re focusing on the many extraordinary ways it’ll change your life. But do … » Learn More about How Buying or Selling a Home Benefits the Economy and Your Community

If you’re considering buying or selling a house, you’re at an exciting decision. And anytime you make a big decision like that, one thing … » Learn More about What Does the Rest of the Year Hold for the Housing Market?

Higher Rates and Short Supply The last two years caught many of us off guard—not just because of the pandemic. … » Learn More about The State of Real Estate in 2022

In the last few weeks, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate from Freddie Mac inched up past 5%. While that news may … » Learn More about How to Approach Rising Mortgage Rates

Purchasing your first home is a major decision and an exciting milestone.  Even though it can feel daunting at times, … » Learn More about Three Tips for First-Time Homebuyers

It can feel intimidating to know how much you need to budget and where to find that information when it … » Learn More about What You Need to Budget for When Buying a Home

Every year, many renters ask themselves the same question: Should I continue renting, or is it time to buy a home?  If you’re … » Learn More about Are You Wondering if This is the Year to Buy a Home?

Our nation is in the midst of a severe housing crunch. Last year, a lack of inventory and soaring prices … » Learn More about 5 Ways to Write a Winning Offer in Today’s Real Estate Market

As the spring housing market kicks off, you likely want to know what you can expect this season when it … » Learn More about What You Can Expect from the Spring Housing Market

If you’re thinking of selling your house this year, timing is crucial. After all, you’ll want to balance getting the most out … » Learn More about This Spring Presents Sellers with a Golden Opportunity

Are you thinking about selling your house? If so, you may want to make it a priority to start the process soon.  … » Learn More about The Best Week To List Your House Is Around the Corner

We’re still in a seller’s market, but that doesn’t mean your home is guaranteed to sell quickly.1 If you want … » Learn More about Seller’s Checklist: A Timeline to Prep Your Home for Sale

If you were thinking about buying a home this year, but pressed pause on your plans due to rising home prices and … » Learn More about Owning is More Affordable Than Renting in the Majority of the Country

Americans chose real estate as the best long-term investment in an annual Gallup poll. And it’s not the first time … » Learn More about Real Estate Voted the Best Investment Eight Years in a Row

The annual inflation rate in the United States is currently around 7.5%—the highest it has been since 1982.1 It doesn’t … » Learn More about Hedge Against Inflation With These 3 Real Estate Investment Types

Almost every industry is currently struggling with supply chain disruptions. This also applies to the current U.S. housing market, where … » Learn More about The #1 Reason To Sell Your House Today

While some homeowners may be tempted to hold off until spring to list their houses, you should know–homebuyers aren’t waiting. … » Learn More about More People Are Planning To Buy a Home Soon

If you’re planning to sell this year, you’re probably thinking about what renovations to do to get your house ready … » Learn More about Renovating: What Every Seller Needs To Know

Millennials and Gen Zers are more likely than any other generation to be self-employed in some capacity. Your grandparents may … » Learn More about Self-Employed? Here’s How to Qualify for a Mortgage

There’s a lot to consider when selling your home, from the market and appraisals to where you’ll go next. However, … » Learn More about 8 Popular Home Design Features for 2022

Once you’ve found your dream home and applied for a mortgage, there are some key things to keep in mind … » Learn More about Key Things To Avoid After Applying for a Mortgage

The past year and a half brought about significant life changes for many of us. For some, it meant entering … » Learn More about Retirement May Be Changing What You Need in a Home

How To Make Your Dream a Reality If you’re living on your own and looking to buy a home, know that you … » Learn More about Tips for Single Homebuyers

The sense of pride you’ll feel when you purchase a home can’t be overstated. For first-generation homebuyers, that feeling of … » Learn More about Advice for First-Generation Homebuyers

If you’re thinking of buying a home in today’s housing market, you may be wondering how strong your investment will … » Learn More about What Everyone Wants To Know: Will Home Prices Decline in 2022?

As a renter, you’re constantly faced with the same dilemma: keep renting for another year or purchase a home? Your … » Learn More about 4 Things Every Renter Needs To Consider

Low rates and different needs = motivation to move! From the opportunity to take advantage of today’s low mortgage rates to changing homeowner … » Learn More about Think the Market Will Slow This Winter?

Mortgage rates are one of several factors that impact how much you can afford if you’re buying a home. When … » Learn More about Experts Project Mortgage Rates Will Continue To Rise in 2022

Rents have increased significantly this year. The latest National Rent Report from Apartmentlist.com shows rental rates rising at a pace much faster than the … » Learn More about Renters Missed Out on $51,500 This Past Year

If you’re looking to buy or sell a house, chances are you’ve heard talk about today’s rising home prices. And while … » Learn More about What Does the Future Hold for Home Prices?

Buyers in today’s market often have questions about the importance of getting a home appraisal and an inspection. That’s because … » Learn More about Knowledge Is Power When It Comes to Appraisal and Inspection Contingencies

A recent survey from LendingTree.com found multiple reasons Americans would choose homeownership over renting. Some of the most popular non-financial reasons homeownership is preferred include: … » Learn More about Homeownership Provides a Path to Long-Term Wealth

What About 2022? One of the major storylines over the last year is how well the residential real estate market … » Learn More about Home Price Appreciation Is Skyrocketing in 2021.

You made an offer and it was accepted. Your next task is to have the home inspected prior to closing. … » Learn More about What to Expect from Your Home Inspection

As you follow the news, you’re likely seeing headlines discussing what’s going on in today’s housing market. Chances are high … » Learn More about What Do Past Years Tell Us About Today’s Real Estate Market?

The last 18 months changed what many buyers are looking for in a home. Recently, the American Institute of Architects released their AIA … » Learn More about The Big Question: Should You Renovate Your Home or Move?

One of the major questions real estate experts are asking today is whether prospective homebuyers still believe purchasing a home … » Learn More about It’s Still a Lack of Supply, Not a Lack of Demand

If you’re trying to decide when to sell your house, there may not be a better time to list than … » Learn More about Four Reasons You Should Still Consider Selling This Fall

In today’s sellers’ market, standing out as a buyer is critical. Multi-offer scenarios and bidding wars are the norm due to … » Learn More about 5 Tips for Making Your Best Offer

One of the hottest topics of conversation in today’s real estate market is the shortage of available housing.  Simply put, there … » Learn More about A Look at Housing Supply and What It Means for Sellers

It’s economy 101 – when supply is low and demand is high, prices naturally rise. That’s what’s happening in today’s … » Learn More about What Buyers and Sellers Need To Know About the Appraisal Gap

Becoming financially secure is an important goal for many people today, but some don’t realize how much homeownership can help them achieve … » Learn More about The Financial Divide Between Homeowners and Renters Is Widening

If you’re a prospective buyer or seller, it’s essential to understand the current real estate market conditions and how they … » Learn More about 3 Hot Topics in the Housing Market Right Now

Last week, Fannie Mae released their Home Purchase Sentiment Index (HPSI). The survey showed 77% of respondents believe it’s a “good time to sell.” … » Learn More about Diving Deep into Today’s Biggest Buyer Concerns

An important factor in today’s market is the number of homes for sale. While inventory levels continue to sit near … » Learn More about What Does the Rising Housing Supply Mean for You?

In real estate, it’s normal to see ebbs and flows in the market. Typically, the summer months are slower-paced than … » Learn More about Why This Isn’t Your Typical Summer Real Estate Market

Home prices have increased significantly over the last year, which has grown the net worth of homeowners. Appreciation and home … » Learn More about A Look at Home Price Appreciation Through 2025

If you’re a first-time homebuyer or even a repeat buyer, you realize real estate has a language all its own. … » Learn More about Say What? Home-Buying Lingo You Should Know

If you’ve been searching for a home, you’ve seen the term “move-in ready.” This description sounds very appealing. But, understanding … » Learn More about What Does “Move-in Ready” Really Mean?

Building your ideal home on vacant land can be a dream come true. The idea of designing the perfect property … » Learn More about Top Tips When Buying Vacant Land

Should you consider a professional stager for your home before you list it for sale? Most of us have wandered … » Learn More about The Cost of Home Staging

For generations, homeowners would buy a home for life. Working over the years to make the payments and celebrating the … » Learn More about Tips to Pay off Your Loan Faster

Summer has traditionally been the best time to sell a home. Many people take advantage of moving during the summer … » Learn More about 4 Tips for Selling in Summer

June is National Homeownership Month! Our homes are so much more than the houses we live in. For many, they’ve … » Learn More about 6 Reasons to Celebrate National Homeownership Month

Many people are sitting on the fence trying to decide if now’s the time to buy a home. Some renters have … » Learn More about Why Waiting to Buy a Home Could Cost You a Small Fortune

Homeowners ready to make a move are definitely in a great position to sell today. Housing inventory is incredibly low, … » Learn More about 4 Tips to Maximize the Sale of Your House

The housing market has been scorching hot over the last twelve months. Buyers and their high demand have far outnumbered … » Learn More about How Much Leverage Do Today’s Home Sellers Have?

If you’re looking for a house to buy right now and are having trouble finding one, you’re not alone. At … » Learn More about Are There Going to Be More Homes to Buy This Year?

If you’re thinking of buying a home this year, you may be wondering how much money you need to come up with … » Learn More about What Are the Benefits of a 20% Down Payment?

As you’re probably aware, we’re currently experiencing historically low mortgage rates. Over the last fifty years, the average on a Freddie … » Learn More about The Reason Mortgage Rates Are Projected to Increase and What It Means for You

In today’s housing market, it seems harder than ever to find a home to buy. Before the health crisis hit … » Learn More about Where Have All the Houses Gone?

In today’s housing market, all eyes are on millennials. Not only are millennials the largest generation, but they’re also currently … » Learn More about Millennials: Is It Time to Buy a Bigger Home?

Over the past year, our homes have become an integral part of our lives more than ever. They’re much more … » Learn More about 6 Foundational Benefits of Homeownership Today

Putting just a few of these tips into action could save you money every month! #1 Switch Your Light Bulbs … » Learn More about 25 Money-Saving Tips for Homeowners

In today’s housing market, there are clear financial benefits to owning a home: increasing equity, the chance to build your net worth, … » Learn More about Why Owning a Home Is a Powerful Financial Decision

Both residential real estate investment strategies have advantages and disadvantages. Choosing one approach over the other should be part of … » Learn More about Should You Flip or Rent Your Real Estate Investments?

If you’re planning to buy a home, an appraisal is an important step in the process. It’s a professional evaluation of the market value … » Learn More about What’s the Difference between an Appraisal and a Home Inspection?

A renovation project is a great way to give your home a fresh look. But when planning renovations, there’s a … » Learn More about Top 7 Home Renovation Mistakes to Avoid

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, median rent continues to rise. With today’s low mortgage rates, there’s great opportunity for current renters to make a … » Learn More about Rent vs. Buy: How to Decide What’s Best for You

The housing market was a shining star in 2020, fueling the economic turnaround throughout the country. As we look forward … » Learn More about Four Expert Views on the 2021 Housing Market

Among the multitude of changes we experienced in 2020, the way buyers search for homes changed drastically. Some of these … » Learn More about 7 Tips for Selling Your Home During a Pandemic

If you’re feeling stressed about affording your mortgage payment, or if you know someone who is, there’s still time to … » Learn More about 5 Steps to Follow When Applying for Forbearance

Talk of a housing bubble is beginning to crop up as home prices have appreciated at a rapid pace this … » Learn More about Are Home Prices Headed Toward Bubble Territory?

A Detail of Costs Involved in Buying a Home in Contra Costa County, California The down payment is often the … » Learn More about FIRST TIME BUYERS SERIES: What Are Closing Costs and How Much Are They?

Touring homes is one of the most exciting steps in the homebuying process. During this time, buyers are usually focused … » Learn More about Keep Your Eyes Peeled for These 7 Red Flags When Buying a House

You may have heard that pre-approval is a great first step in the home buying process. But why is it … » Learn More about Think You Can Skip Pre-Approval? Think Again!

Unless you’re lucky enough to be able to pay for a home entirely in cash, you’ll need a mortgage to … » Learn More about Which Mortgage is Right for You?

Many people are eager to buy a home right now while affordability continues to be a highlight of the current housing market. … » Learn More about FIRST TIME BUYER SERIES: How to Buy a Home with Down Payment Assistance

The national forbearance rate has decreased to 5.6%. The mortgage forbearance program allows households financially impacted by COVID to delay … » Learn More about Why Today’s Forbearance Options Won’t Cause Foreclosures

One of the biggest misconceptions for first-time homebuyers is how much you’ll need to save for a down payment. Contrary … » Learn More about Do You Have Enough Money Saved for a Down Payment?

As shelter-in-place orders were implemented earlier this year, many questioned what the shutdown would mean to the real estate market. … » Learn More about Where Are Home Values Headed Over the Next 12 Months?

If you’re thinking about moving, selling your house this fall might be the way to go. Here are four highlights … » Learn More about Why Selling this Fall May Be Your Best Move

An Overview of the Steps to Become a Homeowner With all the changes in the world, becoming a homeowner may … » Learn More about FIRST TIME BUYER SERIES: How to Become a Homeowner in 8 Easy Steps

The year 2020 will be remembered as one of the most challenging times of our lives. A worldwide pandemic, a … » Learn More about How Will the Presidential Election Impact Real Estate?

When most of us begin searching for a home, we naturally start by looking at the price. It’s important, however, … » Learn More about It’s Not Just About the Price of the Home

In a recent survey of home sellers by Qualtrics, 87% of respondents said they were concerned their home won’t sell because of the … » Learn More about Best Time to Sell? When Competition Is at an All-Time Low

Everyone is ready to buy a home at different times in their lives, and despite the health crisis, today is … » Learn More about Taking Advantage of Homebuying Affordability in Today’s Market