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Do You Know the Cost of Renting vs. Buying? [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights:Historically, the choice between renting or buying a home has been a close decision.Looking at the percentage of income needed to rent a median priced home today (30%) vs. the percentage needed to buy a median priced home (15%), the cho…

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Appraisers & Homeowners Don’t See Eye-To-Eye on Values

Appraisers & Homeowners Don’t See Eye-To-Eye on Values | Simplifying The MarketIn today’s housing market, where supply is very low and demand is very high, home values are increasing rapidly. Many experts are projecting that home values could appreciate by another 5%+ over the next twelve months. One major challenge in such a market is the bank appraisal.

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The Role Access Plays in Getting Your House SOLD!

The Role Access Plays in Getting Your House SOLD! | Simplifying The MarketSo you’ve decided to sell your house. You’ve hired a real estate professional to help you with the entire process and they have asked you what level of access you want to provide to potential buyers.

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The Past, Present & Future of Home Prices

The Past, Present & Future of Home Prices | Simplifying The MarketCoreLogic released their most current Home Price Index last week. In the report, they revealed home appreciation in three categories: percentage appreciation over the last year, over the last month and projected over the next twelve months.

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3 Questions to Ask Before Buying Your Dream Home

3 Questions to Ask Before Buying Your Dream Home | Simplifying The MarketIf you are debating purchasing a home right now, you are probably getting a lot of advice. Though your friends and family will have your best interest at heart, they may not be fully aware of your needs and what is currently happening in the real estate market.

Ask yourself the following 3 questions to help determine if now is actually a good time for you to buy in today’s market.

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Mortgage Rates by Decade Compared to Today [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights:The interest rate you secure for your mortgage greatly influences your monthly housing costs.In the 1980s, 30-year fixed mortgage rates averaged in the high 12s making the monthly principal and interest payment over $2,000.Interest rate…

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Why We Need More Newly Constructed Homes

Why We Need More Newly Constructed Homes | Simplifying The MarketThe number of new home sales is far off historic norms. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) just reported that the percentage of all house sales that were newly constructed homes has fallen to the lowest numbers in forty years. Here is a graph showing the percentages:

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Home Prices Up 5.61% Across The Country! [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights:

  • The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) recently released their latest Quarterly Home Price Index report.
  • In the report, home prices are compared both regionally and by state.
  • Based on the latest numbers, if you plan on relocating to another state, waiting to move may end up costing you more!
  • Vermont was the only one state where home prices are actually lower than they were last year.
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New Construction Numbers: Now Versus 2005

New Construction Numbers: Now Versus 2005 | Simplifying The MarketThere is some thinking that the pace of the housing recovery is unsustainable and that we may be heading for another housing bubble. However, Jonathan Smoke, the Chief Economist of realtor.com explains the basic difference between 2005 and today:

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