Home prices are beginning to moderate, and national wages recently increased, helping to offset rising mortgage rates and buoy housing affordability in the first quarter of 2017, according to the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index.Sixty percent of new and existing homes sold between the beginning of January and the end of March were affordable to families earning the U.S. median income of $68,000, accordin
The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage continues to hover around 4 percent for the fourth consecutive week.“Mixed economic reports over the last week have anchored the 30-year mortgage rate around the 4 percent mark,” says Sean Becketti, Freddie Mac’s chief economist.Freddie Mac reports the following national averages for the week ending May 11: 30-year fixed-rate mortgages: averaged 4.05 percent, with an average 0.5 point, rising from last week
Foreclosure filings—which include default notices, scheduled auctions, and bank repossessions—are down 23 percent from a year ago and have hit their lowest level since November 2005, according to the April 2017 U.S. Foreclosure Market report, released Thursday by ATTOM Data Solutions.“Foreclosure activity continued to search for a new post-recession floor in April thanks in large part to the performance of mortgages originated in the past s
REALTORS® saw their median gross income increase 8 percent in 2016 year-over-year, as the average member also reported closing their highest number of transactions in recent years, according to the National Association of REALTORS® 2017 Member Profile, based on a survey of more than 165,000 members.REALTORS® saw transactions grow to 12 per agent, the highest since 2014. Median incomes rose from $39,200 in 2015 to $42,500 in 2016. The median gr
The social media giant can significantly boost your business if you use it rightKey Takeaways Regularly sharing relevant, honest content is key to becoming a go-to expert. Facebook videos can make you more approachable in the eyes of the public. Getting your content out to targeted audiences can lead to more business.Most people understand the value of Facebook for relationships, but the majority of them are underutilizing the simple features tha
The right photos and networking strategy can sell your listing fasterKey Takeaways Have attractive photos ready and increase the visibility of your listing before it hits the MLS. Leveraging your network and creating buzz makes luxury home marketing easier.There are many unique challenges associated with marketing luxury properties.Selling million-dollar homes requires patience as homes at higher price points tend to spend more days on the market
Key Takeaways A report from Christie's International Real Estate dives into the "most luxurious" and "hottest" luxury real estate markets -- and the trends captivating wealthy buyers.The world’s luxury real estate market is showing an upward correction as global stock markets surged in early 2017 and political uncertainties slowly clarified.Prices of million-dollar-plus homes increased by approximately 2 percent across the globe in 2016, accord
About VickiIt's not just the selling or the buying of real estate for my clients. The process of real estate transactions has much to do with service, respect, and integrity on my part. I have 30 plus years in client service with most of those years training others. I am eager to help make your real estate goals happen. I value your time and would be honored to represent you.Visit her websites at: Website, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIniPro current
The smart home has come a long way in just three years. In 2014, two-thirds of consumers with broadband were not familiar with smart-home services or products or where to buy them, according to a white paper from the Consumer Electronics Association and Park Associates. Now, 86 percent of consumers “are confident they know what it means when someone says they have a smart home,” according to a survey conducted by Finn Futures of about 1,000 U
A vacant home can easily become the target of thieves or vandals, and the damage they leave behind can be big and expensive.Denise Supplee of SnapLandlord.com recalls an incident when she was helping a client sell a vacant home and the property was ransacked by thieves who wanted the copper tubing on the pipes.“They ripped it all out and then there was water damage,” Supplee says. “And because no one really visited that home, the water dam
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