With the Federal Reserve taking longer to reduce our mortgage costs than we had all anticipated, many smart homeowners are casting their net to find their best home loan deal. Around 350,000 Americans are coming off their five-year, fixed-rate mortgage deal this year, according to research from Ice Mortgage Technology. So, plenty of lenders are…
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American homeowners continue to see the value of their homes rise as buyers remain poised for the beginning of interest rate reductions by the Federal Reserve. Anticipated falls in mortgage costs have yet to materialize as the Fed remains concerned about the risk of inflation due to the nation’s strong economic performance and buoyant employment…
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Historic homes, even when in disrepair, simply cannot be beaten for their “olde worlde” property charm. Remodeling them, however, can be a challenge for new owners. Any property in an officially designated historic district – either national, state, or local – will be subject to rules and regulations laid down by local planning authorities or…
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It’s no secret that the US rental market is tight. Even though the market has started to cool, rental prices remain 18% higher than pre-pandemic levels. That’s excellent news for property investors, but they must still be careful when choosing tenants. Long tenant queues would make any landlord happy, but the folks lining up might…
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For homebuyers considering a move to the suburbs or the country, here are some statistics to think about. The 1920 US Census was the first time that more than 50% of the population was classified as urban. A century later, 80% of Americans now live in urban areas. While Covid encouraged many folks to escape…
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As the summer sun shines brightly, your outdoor space transforms into an extension of your home – a place to relax, entertain and create lasting memories. Choosing the right patio furniture will enhance your lifestyle and help add value to your property. As an experienced real estate agent in your neighborhood, I know that the…
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As the weather warms, we must all be mindful that the summer heat is a breeding ground for germs around the house. It’s never more important to keep a clean home than during the summer months. Doors and windows are often left open to bring in the cooling breeze, but insects, dust and pollen can…
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It’s no secret some of the nastiest neighbor disputes are due to fence and tree issues. Commonsense and good manners go a long way when neighborly tensions arise. As an experienced local agent, I always counsel homeowners to take a deep breath before filing a lawsuit over a neighbor’s noxious weed tree or collapsing fence.…
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First-home buyers remain the dominant group in the Kiwi real estate market, buying more than 40% of all properties in the first half of this year. With listings up 120% in less than three years, first-home buyers are enjoying a wider choice of properties and a strong negotiating position. They’ll likely receive a further boost…
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If you’re considering putting your property on the market in the next few months to catch the spring selling season, you’ll likely be researching New Zealand’s real estate trends. With house prices still averaging $975,000 and rising nationally by 3.3% year-on-year, you’d be right in thinking we have a solid, if not spectacular, market. Yet,…
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