At Home with Connie Sadowski, Real Estate Expert

Home equity is  a key component of homeownership and can be a powerful asset that helps you build wealth over time.  It’s  the difference between the value of your home and the amount you still owe on your mortgage.   Here are some reasons why buying a home can be a good financial decision: Equity : Home equity can help you build wealth as your home's value increases and you pay down your mortgage.   Stability : Homeownership can increase your financial stability.   Tax benefits : Homeownership may reduce your taxes.   Social ties : Homeownership can increase your social ties.   Rental costs : Rental costs may increase more than a mortgage.   You can use your home equity for various expenses, such as: Home equity loans : You can use a home equity loan to access your equity.   Home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) : You can use a HELOC to access your equity.   Reverse mortgage : If you're 62 or ...

Favorable Inflation Data August 13, 2024 Overview: Over the past week, investors were focused on two key monthly inflation reports. In some good news for mortgage markets, all the data was in line with or below expectations, clearing the path for Federal Reserve rate cuts later this year. As a result, mortgage rates moved lower. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is one of the most widely followed inflation indicators. To reduce short-term volatility and get a better sense of the underlying inflation trend, investors typically look at core CPI, which excludes the food and energy components. In July, core CPI was 3.2% higher than a year ago, which is down from 3.3% last month. It’s the lowest annual rate of increase since April 2021. Although this annual rate has fallen sharply from its peak in September 2022, it is still far above the readings around 2% seen early in 2021, which is the stated target level of the Fed. The primary reason is that shelter (housing) costs remain stubbornly ...

Navigating the Challenges of Moving with a Baby By Black Tie Moving July 18, 2024 Moving with a Baby Moving to a new home is a significant life event that comes with its own set of challenges. When you add a baby to the mix, the process can become even more complex and stressful. From maintaining your baby's routine to ensuring their safety and comfort, there are many factors to consider. Fortunately, Black Tie Moving is here to help make your next local move as smooth and stress-free as possible. In this article, we’ll explore the unique challenges of moving with a baby and how our professional services can assist you every step of the way. The Challenges of Moving with a Baby 1. Maintaining Routine Babies thrive on routine, and any disruption can lead to stress and fussiness. Moving can throw your baby's schedule off balance, affecting feeding times, naps, and bedtime routines. 2. Safety Concerns A move involves packing and transporting heavy furniture and boxes, whic...

If you’re in the market to buy a home, there’s some exciting news for you. Many people assume that newly built homes are more expensive than existing ones (houses that have already been lived in), but that’s not always the case. In fact, exploring newly built homes can sometimes lead to more cost-effective options, especially today. Hard to believe, right? But the data doesn’t lie. CAUTION: Do not go it alone, take me, an experienced real estate expert with you to all appointments or you might not have your own agent and may be forced to have no independent representative. Dont register on a builders website....you might not be allowed to bring me to represent you! Here are two key reasons working with your agent to look into new home construction could help you find a more budget-friendly option. Reason 1: Lower Median Prices for Newly Built Homes The median sales price for newly built homes is lower than the median sales price for existing homes today. This might seem surprising, ...

If you’re trying to decide if you’re ready to buy a home, there’s probably a lot on your mind. You’re thinking about your finances, today’s mortgage rates and home prices, the limited supply of homes for sale, and more. And, you’re juggling how all of those things will impact the choice you’ll make. While housing market conditions are definitely a factor in your decision, your own personal situation and your finances matter too. As an article from NerdWallet says: “Housing market trends give important context. But whether this is a good time to buy a house also depends on your financial situation, life goals and readiness to become a homeowner.” Instead of trying to time the market, focus on what you can control. Here are a few questions that can give you clarity on whether you’re ready to make your move. 1. Do You Have a Stable Job? One thing to consider is how stable you feel your employment is. Buying a home is a big purchase, and you’re going to sign a home loan stating you...

  A showing is an opportunity for a buyer to determine if a home is right for them. Each of the different types of showing plays a valid and necessary role in marketing the home. Some buyers may start by looking at homes online, which can lead them to drive by the home to see if it still meets their interest before they schedule a showing. New Build Model Homes:  Take me with you to your visits and don’t register online when looking at homes. Builders/Sellers require I, your agent represent you on first and substantial visits so it’s imperative that I make first contact!  Open Houses:  Take me with you! Make sure you give agent at open house my name and number, Im a great agent to represent you in selling buying or building your home. Online showing : This is when a buyer looks at a home's listing online, including photos, videos, and a description. This can be a great way for buyers to get a general overview of a home and see if it is worth scheduling a showing. Dri...

  If you're in a financially stable position, now might be the perfect time to embark on your homeownership journey. Buying a home today offers several advantages, including the opportunity to build equity and stabilize your housing costs in the face of rising expenses. Explore the reasons why purchasing a home now can be a wise decision in the current market. By purchasing a home today, you can start building equity, which is an investment in your future. Additionally, opting for a fixed-rate mortgage allows you to stabilize your monthly housing costs for the long term, even as other expenses continue to rise. This stability provides peace of mind in an ever-changing financial landscape. While housing costs experienced significant increases in 2021 due to a combination of factors, such as inflation, high demand, and low supply, the market has since moderated. If you decide to buy now, you can expect relatively stable house prices and potentially face less competition from other bu...

  Homebuyers in the market who are frustrated by the low inventory are finding what they want in new construction.  Among the obvious advantages are that it is fresh and new, has never been lived in, and can be personalized to an individual's taste and needs. New construction homes can be more expensive upfront, but they can save you money in the long run. These homes are built to the latest building codes, which means they are more energy-efficient and require less maintenance. They also come with warranties that can help protect you from unexpected repairs. New construction homes can be a great option for first-time homebuyers. They offer a blank slate that you can customize to your liking, and they don't have the same wear and tear as older homes. Working with a REALTOR®️can help you navigate the process of buying a new construction home. They can help you find the right builder, negotiate a good price, and make sure that the home is built to your specifications. ...