Why Your House Will Shine in Today’s Market
Even though there are more homes available for sale than there were at this time last year, there are still more buyers than there are houses to choose from. So, know that if you’ve got moving on your mind, your house can really stand out in today’s market. There are several key reasons why there aren’t enough homes […]
How the Economy Impacts Mortgage Rates
As someone who’s thinking about buying or selling a home, you’re probably paying close attention to mortgage rates – and wondering what’s ahead. One thing that can affect mortgage rates is the Federal Funds Rate, which influences how much it costs banks to borrow money from each other. While the Federal Reserve (the Fed) doesn’t directly control mortgage rates, they do control […]
Single Women Are Embracing Homeownership
In today’s housing market, more and more single women are becoming homeowners. According to data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 19% of all homebuyers are single women, while only 10% are single men. If you’re a single woman trying to buy your first home, this should be encouraging. It means other people are making their dreams a reality – so […]
These Non-Financial Benefits Turn a House into a Happy Home
There’s no denying the long-term financial benefits of owning a happy home, but today’s housing market may have you wondering if now’s still the time to buy. While the financial aspects of homeownership are important, the non-financial and emotional reasons are too. Here’s why. The word home truly means something different to everyone. Whether it’s sharing memories with loved ones around the […]
Life-Changing Events That Move the Housing Market
Life is a journey filled with unexpected twists and turns, like the excitement of welcoming a new addition, retiring and starting a new adventure, or the bittersweet feeling of an empty nest. If something like this is changing in your own life, you may be considering buying or selling a house in the housing market. That’s because through […]
Home Prices Are Rebounding in West Michigan
If you’re following the news today, you may feel a bit unsure about what’s happening with home prices and fear whether or not the worst is yet to come. That’s because today’s headlines are painting an unnecessarily negative picture. If we take a year-over-year view, home prices did drop some, but that’s because we’re comparing to a ‘unicorn’ year when prices peaked well […]
Oops! Home Prices Didn’t Crash After All
During the fourthquarter of last year, many housing experts predicted home prices were going to crash this year. Forecasts of Home Prices Jeremy Siegel, Russell E. Palmer Professor Emeritus of Finance at the Wharton School of Business: “I expect housing prices fall 10% to 15%, and the housing prices are accelerating on the downside.” Mark […]
Equity Gains for Today’s Homeowners
Today’s homeowners are sitting on significant equity, even as home price appreciation has eased recently. If you’re a homeowner, your net worth got a boost over the past few years thanks to rising home prices. Here’s what it means for you, even as the market moderates. How Equity Has Grown in Recent Years Because of the imbalance […]
5 Tips for Buying a Mobile Home
There’s a lot of stigma around buying manufactured homes. However, if you do your research and ask the right questions, you can absolutely find a quality home that will suit your needs. Here are five tips to keep in mind when shopping for a mobile home. 1. Establish Your Budget The first step to take […]
4 Best Things to Do Near Kentwood, Michigan
Kentwood, Michigan, is a great place to live, work, and raise a family. There are plenty of things to do in the area, and the community is very friendly. Here are five of the best things to do in Kentwood, Michigan. 1. Visit the Grand Rapids Art Museum The Grand Rapids Art Museum is one […]
3 Things to Do Before Calling a Real Estate Agent
Working with a real estate agent can be a big help when you’re looking to buy a home. But before you go online searching for real estate agents in your area, here are a few things you should do first. 1. Research the Market By Yourself First Before you start working with an agent, it’s […]
How Credit Repair Works for Real Estate Investors
One of the most critical steps in getting started as a real estate investor is making sure your credit score is up to par. A good credit score makes it easier to get financing, and while most lenders accept anything from 620, you should always aim to keep yours on 670 and above. So here’s […]
Why Grand Rapids Was Named One of the Top 100 Best Places to Live
World Report and US News place Grand Rapids at number 19 out of the best 100 cities to live in. Here are some of the many reasons why Grand Rapids is such a great place to live. Family-Friendly Environment Grand Rapids has many attractions for families to enjoy, such as the John Ball Zoo, the […]
5 Reasons to Buy a Home in Wyoming During Winter
Wyoming may be known for its cold winters, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t a great place to buy a home. People love it here, and the real estate industry is thriving. And if you’re currently shopping for a home in Wyoming, here are five reasons you should buy a home here during winter. 1. […]
Why Hudsonville Is One of the Best Places to Live in Michigan
With a population of 7,366, Hudsonville is a small city that offers a rural mix feel. Hudsonville is a great place to raise a family if you are looking for more space away from the densely packed cities in Michigan. Here are other reasons why Hudsonville is a great place to live. Livability Hudsonville has […]
Here’s Why People Love Living in Grand Rapids
As a place with approximately 200,000 inhabitants, Grand Rapids represents a great location to live in. Situated in Michigan, it offers lovely suburban areas with dozens of restaurants, bars, and parks. Finding the right city or even the right neighborhood to live in is challenging for many people. Every place has its pros and cons […]
The Big Question: Should You Renovate or Move?
The last 18 months changed what many buyers are looking for in a home. Recently, the American Institute of Architects released their AIA Home Design Trends Survey results for Q3 2021. The survey reveals the following: 70% of respondents want more outdoor living space 69% of respondents want a home office (48% wanted multiple offices) 46% of respondents want […]