As we move into the second half of 2024, here’s what experts say you should expect for home prices, mortgage rates, and home sales.Home Prices Are Expected To Climb ModeratelyHome prices are forecasted to rise at a more normal pace. The graph below shows the latest forecasts from seven of the most t

Some HighlightsConsidering selling your house without an agent? You should know there are some serious downsides to handling it on your own.You’ll be missing out on marketing tools that draw in more buyers, pricing and market expertise, essential negotiation skills, in-depth knowledge of the fine pr

Summer is officially here and that means it’s the perfect time to start planning where you want to vacation and unwind this season. If you’re excited about getting away and having some fun in the sun, it might make sense to consider if owning your own vacation home is right for you.An Ameriprise Fin

There's no denying it's gotten more challenging to buy a home, especially with today's mortgage rates and home price appreciation. And that may be one of the big reasons you’re eager to look into grants and assistance programs to see if there’s anything you qualify for that can help. But unfortunate

Chances are you’re hearing a lot about mortgage rates right now. You may even see some headlines talking about last week’s Federal Reserve (the Fed) meeting and what it means for rates. But the Fed doesn’t determine mortgage rates, even if the headlines make it sound like they do.The truth is, mortg

The 2024 Presidential election is just months away. As someone who’s thinking about potentially buying or selling a home, you’re probably curious about what effect, if any, elections have on the housing market.It’s a great question because buying or selling a home is a major decision, and it’s natur

Some HighlightsAccording to a recent poll from Gallup, real estate has been voted the best long-term investment for twelve straight years.That’s because a home is so much more just than a roof over your head. It’s also an asset that typically grows in value over time. If you’ve been debating if it m

You may have heard that there are more brand-new homes available right now than the norm. Today, about one in three homes on the market are newly built. And if you’re wondering what that means for the housing market and for your own move, here’s what you need to know.Why This Isn’t Like 2008People r

If you’ve seen the news lately about home sellers slashing prices, it’s a great example of how headlines do more to terrify than clarify. Here’s what’s really happening with prices.The bottom line is home prices are higher than they were a year ago at this time, and they’re expected to keep rising,

If homeownership is on your goal sheet for your future, you’re probably working on your savings. And a big priority is making sure you’ve got a plan in place for things like your closing costs, down payment, and more. Here are a few strategies that can help speed up that process. Budget and Track Yo

If you’re considering selling your house on your own as a “For Sale by Owner” (FSBO), you want to think about if it’s really worth the extra stress. Going this route means shouldering a lot of responsibilities by yourself – and, if you’re not an expert, that opens the door for mistakes to happen and

Some HighlightsIf you’re trying to decide if buying a home is worth it, consider the long-term benefits, like building equity as home values grow over time.According to the FHFA, home values have increased by 315.7% since 1991.Home equity is one reason owning your own place can really pay off in the

Many homeowners looking to sell feel like they’re stuck between a rock and a hard place right now. Today’s mortgage rates are higher than the one they currently have on their home, and that’s making it harder to want to sell and make a move. Maybe you’re in the same boat.But what if there was a way

If you’ve been looking for a home at the high end of your market, but haven’t found the right one, you may have put your search on hold. But according to recent data, now may be the time to jump back in. Here’s why. There Are More Luxury Homes To Choose FromWhat’s considered the top-end of the marke

June is a busy month in the housing market because a lot of people buy and sell this time of year. So, if you’ve got a move on your mind and you’re looking to make it happen this month, here’s a snapshot of what you need to know to make sure you’re ready.If You’re Buying This JuneA lot of homebuyers

With all the headlines and talk about housing affordability, it can be tempting to get lost in the financial side of buying a home. That’s only natural as you think about the dollars and cents of it all.And while you ultimately need to be able to afford a home you buy, don’t lose sight of why homeow

Some HighlightsBuying a home has powerful financial and non-financial benefits. It creates more stability, helps grow your net worth, and gives you an undeniable sense of pride.While today’s market can be challenging for buyers, use these reasons to remind you of why homeownership is so worthwhile. 

Buyers face challenges in any market – and today’s is no different. With higher mortgage rates and rising prices, plus the limited supply of homes for sale, there’s a lot to consider.But, there's one way to avoid getting tripped up – and that’s leaning on a real estate agent for the best possible ad

You’re ready to sell your house. But what do you need most from your real estate agent? Well, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) asked that very question to recent sellers and found one of the top things they were looking for is help marketing their house to potential buyers. Maybe that’s wh

Climate change is impacting where people buy homes. As the experts at the National Association of Realtors (NAR) explain:“Sixty-three percent of people who have moved since the pandemic began say they believe climate change is—or will be—an issue in the place they currently live.”If you’re planning