There’s no denying mortgage rates and home prices are higher now than they were last year and that’s impacting what you can afford. At the same time, there are still fewer homes available for sale than the norm. These are two of the biggest hurdles buyers are facing today. But there are ways to overcome these things and still make your dream of homeownership a reality.

As you set out to make a purchase this season, you’ll want to be strategic. This includes taking a close look at your wish list and considering what features you really need in your next home versus which ones are nice-to-have. This will help you avoid overextending your budget or limiting your pool of options too much because you’re searching for that perfect home.

Danielle Hale,…

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Embarking on the journey to homeownership is an exciting and significant step, especially for first-time homebuyers. As a real estate agent, I understand that the process can be overwhelming. To help ease your transition into this new chapter of life, here's a comprehensive guide outlining the essential steps you should take before starting the home purchase process.

Assess Your Financial Health

Before diving into the real estate market, take a close look at your financial situation. Evaluate your credit score, monthly income, and existing debts. Understanding your financial health is crucial for determining your budget and securing favorable mortgage terms.

Set a Realistic Budget

Based on your financial assessment, establish a realistic…

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Communication is key when it comes to negotiating a rent agreement, but advocating for yourself is even more important. Especially before you sign on the dotted line.

“I think it would be great if people would speak up before they sign something,” Jordana Roubicek Greenman, a Boston-area lawyer, said.

Prospective tenants should know how to spot something illegal on a lease document, so we turned to Greenman, as well as Doug Quattrochi of the MassLandlords advocacy group, for more information.

Here are five things that shouldn’t be in your lease agreement:

1. A demand that tenants waive their right to a jury trial

According to Massachusetts law, tenants have the right to a jury trial when it comes to any issue related to real estate.

“Any…

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Becoming a homeowner is a significant milestone, a dream realized for many. However, amidst the excitement of house hunting and envisioning your dream home, it's crucial to be aware of the hidden costs that come with homeownership. Beyond the mortgage payments, there are various expenses that can catch new homeowners off guard. In this blog post, we'll delve into these hidden costs and provide valuable insights to help you navigate the financial landscape of homeownership.

Property Taxes: The Silent Contributor

Property taxes are a substantial and often overlooked expense for new homeowners. These taxes vary based on your home's assessed value and can fluctuate over time. It's essential to research the property tax rates in your area and budget…

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Even with so much data showing home prices are actually rising in most of the country, there are still a lot of people who worry there will be another price crash in the immediate future. In fact, a recent survey from Fannie Mae shows that 23% of consumers think prices will fall over the next 12 months. That’s nearly one in four people who are dealing with that fear – maybe you’re one of them.

To help ease that concern, here’s what the experts say will happen with home prices not just next year, but over the next five years.

Experts Project Ongoing Appreciation

While seeing a small handful of expert opinions may not be enough to change your mind, hopefully, a larger group of experts will reassure you. Here’s that larger group.

The Home…

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The Sun Belt is poised for the strongest residential real estate growth in the United States according to the 2024 Emerging Trends in Real Estate report, released jointly by PwC and the Urban Land Institute every year.

Based on thousands of surveys and hundreds of personal interviews, the annual report provides an in-depth real estate outlook for the U.S. and Canada. And this year, several cities stuck out as hotbeds for development.

Citing their demonstrated interest in urban growth, the report named 10 top markets to watch as we enter 2024:

1. Nashville
2. Phoenix
3. Dallas/Fort Worth
4. Atlanta
5. Austin
6. San Diego
7. Boston
8. San Antonio
9. Raleigh/Durham
10. Seattle

“It’s clear that the real estate industry is entering a new era of thinking,…

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If you’re worried about a coming recession, you’re not alone. Over the past couple of years, there’s been a lot of recession talk. And many people worry, if we do have one, it would cause the unemployment rate to skyrocket. Some even fear that a spike in unemployment would lead to a rash of foreclosures similar to what happened 15 years ago.

However, the latest Economic Forecasting Survey from the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reveals that, for the first time in over a year, less than half (48%) of economists believe a recession will actually occur within the next year:

“Economists are turning optimistic on the U.S. economy . . . economists lowered the probability of a recession within the next year, from 54% on average in July to a more optimistic…

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When it comes to what’s happening in the housing market, there’s a lot of confusion going around right now. You may hear one thing in conversation with your friends, see something totally different on the news, and read something on social media that contradicts both of those thoughts. And, if you’re thinking about making a move, that can leave you with a lot of lingering questions. That’s where a trusted local real estate agent comes in.

Here are the top 3 questions people are asking about today’s housing market, and the data to help answer them.

1. What’s Next for Mortgage Rates?

Mortgage rates are higher than they’ve been in recent years. And, if you’re looking to buy a home, that impacts how much you can afford. That’s why so…

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If you’re thinking about buying a home, you may find yourself interested in the latest real estate headlines so you can have a pulse on all of the things that could impact your decision. If that’s the case, you’ve probably heard mention of investors, and wondered how they’re impacting the housing market right now. That could leave you asking yourself questions like:

  • How many homes do investors own?
  • Are institutional investors, like large Wall Street Firms, really buying up so many homes that the average person can’t find one?

To answer those questions, here’s the real story of what’s happening based on the data.  

Let’s start with establishing how many single-family homes (SFHs) there are and what portion of those are rentals owned by…

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Buying or selling a home is a significant decision, often accompanied by a myriad of emotions and uncertainties. In the complex world of real estate, one key player stands out to guide you through the process - the real estate agent. But what exactly do they do, and how can they add value to your home journey? Let's demystify the role of real estate agents and highlight the invaluable services they provide to their clients.

1. Navigating the Real Estate Landscape:

Real estate transactions involve a maze of paperwork, legalities, and intricacies. A real estate agent acts as your seasoned navigator, helping you understand the complexities of the market and guiding you through the entire process.

2. Market Expertise:

Real estate agents are…

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