Mortgage rate hikes are making it increasingly difficult for buyers, particularly first-time homebuyers, to enter the real estate market. Consequently, the real estate market is feeling those effects. How so? Falling home prices. In fact, according to Realtor.com, “Home prices posted their first year-over-year price decline in 11 years in April, as higher mortgage rates … Continue reading "A New Kind of Record"

Everyone always talks about taking vacations for the holidays… but you hardly ever hear anyone talk about taking a trip AFTER a holiday. But when you really sit and think about it, maybe that’s the way to do it. Prices typically aren’t gouged, restaurants are less crowded, and the general vibe is generally much quieter … Continue reading "Lakefront Living"

Ask anyone and they’ll tell you the first “rule” of real estate is a 20% down payment when you’re buying a home. But have you ever actually sat back and done the math on those numbers? An all-cash down payment on a $250,000 house is fifty grand… so just imagine what that down payment is … Continue reading "The DL on Down Payments"