Willowbrook Real Estate

For twelve years straight, real estate has been voted the best long-term investment in an annual Gallup poll.

So, if you’re debating between renting or buying, remember, that it's more than just a roof over your head. A home is an asset that usually grows in value over time – and that makes it a powerful investment.

You can’t control what happens in the broader economy or how it impacts mortgage rates. But you can control the controllables.

And if you’re looking to buy a home, your credit score is one big area you could focus on.

A good score can help you secure the best rate possible – and that’s especially important today.

With the Presidential election only months away, you may be wondering what impact that’ll have on the housing market.

Fortunately, the impact is usually small and temporary. History shows us the market remains strong during election years.

That's good news for you because it means this year's election shouldn't affect your move. If you want the data, shoot me a message.

Real Estate Is Still the Best Long-Term Investment [INFOGRAPHIC]

According to a recent poll from Gallup, real estate has been voted the best long-term investment for twelve straight years. That’s because a home is so much more just than a roof over your head. It’s also an asset that typically grows in value over time. If you’ve been debating if it makes more sense to rent or buy, DM me to talk about why homeownership can be a better bet in the long run.

Real Estate Is Still the Best Long-Term Investment [INFOGRAPHIC] According to a recent poll from Gallup, real estate has been voted the best long-term investment for twelve straight years.

Homebuilders Aren’t Overbuilding, They’re Catching Up

You may have heard that there are more brand-new homes available right now than the norm. Today, about one in three homes on the market are newly built. And if you’re wondering what that means for the housing market and for your own move, here’s what you need to know.

Why This Isn’t Like 2008

People remember what happened to the housing market back in 2008. And one of the factors that contributed to that crash was that there were too many homes for sale. While only part of the oversupply back then came from builders, the lasting impact is that some people still feel uneasy when they hear new home construction has ramped up.

Even though the supply of new homes has grown this year, the data shows there’s no need to worry. Builders aren’t overbuilding, they’re just catching up.

New Home Construction May Be at Its Peak for the Year...

Homebuilders Aren’t Overbuilding, They’re Catching Up You may have heard that there are more brand-new homes available right now than the norm.

This isn’t like 2008. Builders aren’t overbuilding, they’re just catching up.

This graph shows there’s a gap to make up after over a decade of not building enough homes.

Plus, builders are focusing on completing what’s already started versus breaking ground on a whole lot of new homes. This means they’re being mindful and that’s a good thing.

Have questions? Let’s chat.

Thinking about buying a home? Consider the long-term wealth-building benefits.
Homeownership isn't just about having a place to live—it's a key to building wealth. As you pay off your mortgage, your equity grows, and any increase in your home's value adds to your net worth.
Just check out how home values have grown since 1991.

Your Equity Could Make a Move Possible

Many homeowners looking to sell feel like they’re stuck between a rock and a hard place right now. Today’s mortgage rates are higher than the one they currently have on their home, and that’s making it harder to want to sell and make a move.

What Is Equity?

Think of equity as a simple math equation.
Your equity grows as you pay down your loan over time and as home prices climb. And thanks to the rapid home price appreciation we saw in recent years, you probably have a whole lot more of it than you realize.

The latest from the Census and ATTOM shows more than two out of three homeowners have either completely paid off their mortgages.
That means the majority of homeowners have a game-changing amount of equity right now.

How Your Equity Can Help Fuel Your Move
• Be an all-cash buyer
• Make a larger down payment

The First Step: Determine How Much Equity You...

Your Equity Could Make a Move Possible Many homeowners looking to sell feel like they’re stuck between a rock and a hard place right now.

Considering selling your house on your own?
Here’s why teaming up with an agent can make the process smoother.
An agent knows the local market and how to set a competitive price that draws in buyers.
An agent will handle all the legal documents and ensure accuracy, reducing risks and delays.
Remember, a pro by your side can save you time, stress, and potential pitfalls.

The Wealth-Building Power of Homeownership [INFOGRAPHIC]

If you’re trying to decide if buying a home is worth it, consider the long-term benefits, like building equity as home values grow over time. According to the FHFA, home values have increased by 315.7% since 1991. Home equity is one reason owning your own place can really pay off in the long run. When you're ready, DM me.

The Wealth-Building Power of Homeownership [INFOGRAPHIC] If you’re trying to decide if buying a home is worth it, consider the long-term benefits, like building equity as home values grow over time.

June is a big month for buying and selling homes because a lot of people try to move in between school years.

What does this mean for you?

If you’re a buyer, expect more listings, but also more competition.

If you're selling, know that motivated buyers could mean a faster sale and potentially higher price.

Want more info on what to expect from a June move? DM me.

Thinking of selling but feeling stuck with today’s mortgage rates?

Here’s something to consider: your home equity could be the solution.

So, how can equity help? Depending on how much you have you could:

- Buy your next home in cash.
- Make a larger down payment and finance less.

If you’re curious about finding out about your equity, let’s connect for a free equity assessment.

The Sweet Spot for Buying Luxury Homes

If you’ve been looking for a home at the high end of your market, but haven’t found the right one, you may have put your search on hold. But according to recent data, now may be the time to jump back in. Here’s why.

There Are More Luxury Homes To Choose From

What’s considered the top-end of the market, or a luxury home, will always vary by location. But generally speaking, they’re homes that are valued in the top 5% of any given market. According to a recent report from the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing, the selection of luxury homes is increasing.

There are considerably more single-family luxury homes available now than there were a year ago. In fact, there are even more than there were just a month ago. This means you should have a wider variety of top-of-the-line homes to choose from, each with unique features and styles.

Rising Luxury Home Prices...

The Sweet Spot for Buying Luxury Homes If you’ve been looking for a home at the high-end of your market, but haven’t found the right one, you may have put your search on hold.

Homeownership is more than just a financial decision—it's about satisfaction, stability, community, and finding a space that you can truly make your own.

Ready to experience the pride and fulfillment of owning your own home? Let's chat about your goals.

How VA Loans Can Help You Buy a Home

For over 80 years, Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans have helped millions of veterans buy their own homes. If you or someone you know has served in the military, it's important to learn about this program and its benefits.

Here are some key things to know about VA loans before buying a home.

Top Benefits of VA Home Loans

VA home loans make it easier for veterans to buy a home, and they're a great perk for those who qualify. According to the Department of Veteran Affairs, some benefits include:

• Options for No Down Payment: Qualified borrowers can often purchase a home with no down payment. That’s a huge weight lifted when you’re trying to save for a home. The Associated Press says: “. . . about 90% of VA loans are used to purchase a home with no money down.”

• Don’t Require Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI): Many other loans with down payments under 20% require...

How VA Loans Can Help You Buy a Home For over 80 years, Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans have helped millions of veterans buy their own homes.

Trying to figure out how much house you can afford? Here’s something to remember.

While it can be tempting to stretch your finances a bit further than you’re really comfortable with to try to make sure you get the house, you want to avoid overextending your budget.

Instead, focus on what you can afford monthly and make sure the numbers will really work for you.

Top Reasons To Own a Home [INFOGRAPHIC]

Buying a home has powerful financial and non-financial benefits. It creates more stability, helps grow your net worth, and gives you an undeniable sense of pride. While today’s market can be challenging for buyers, use these reasons to remind you of why homeownership is so worthwhile. When you’re ready to enjoy all the amazing advantages that come with owning a home, let’s get in touch.

Top Reasons To Own a Home [INFOGRAPHIC] Buying a home has powerful financial and non-financial benefits.

How Do Climate Risks Affect Your Next Home?

If you’re planning to move, climate change is something you might want to consider, no matter where you are. So, how can you be sure your investment is safe from the elements?

For starters, work with a local real estate agent to understand the likelihood of your future home being exposed to hazards like wind, floods, and wildfires. Your agent will know the area and be able to tell you about the risks you’ll most likely face.

A Home Built to Last

If you’re planning to be in your home for many years, you want to know it’s going to last. One way to think ahead is to work with your real estate agent to ensure the home you buy can withstand environmental hazards. They’re up to date on the most common building and remodeling techniques—like a secondary water barrier on the roof or noncombustible, fire-resistant exterior walls—used to protect homes from...

How Do Climate Risks Affect Your Next Home? Climate change is impacting where people buy homes.

Ready to sell your house? One of your top priorities may be getting help marketing your home.
Partnering with a great agent can make all the difference.
These are just a few strategies we can use to get your house more visibility.
Ready to maximize your home's exposure and potential? Let's connect.

Climate risks are having an impact on where people buy homes.
And if it’s something that’s on your mind, you want to work with an agent with expertise on the local area, what’s impacting homes near you, and what features you may want your home to have to help safeguard it from the elements.
Want to buy? Together, we’ll find you a home you love that’s built to last.

Veterans, did you know VA home loans can help you buy a home with no down payment, no PMI, and limited closing costs?

Over 24 million service members have become homeowners thanks to this loan option. Learn more and make your American Dream come true.

Questions You May Have About Selling Your House

There’s no denying mortgage rates are having a big impact on today’s housing market. And that may leave you with some questions about whether it still makes sense to sell your house and make a move.

1. Should I Wait To Sell?

If you’re thinking about waiting to sell until after mortgage rates come down, here’s what you need to know. So are a ton of other people.

And while mortgage rates are still forecasted to come down later this year, if you wait for that to happen, you may be dealing with a lot more competition as other buyers and sellers jump back in too.

That means if you wait it out, you’ll have to deal with things like prices rising faster and more multiple-offer scenarios when you buy your next home.

2. Are Buyers Still Out There?

But that doesn’t mean no one is moving right now. While some people are holding off, there are still plenty of buyers...

Questions You May Have About Selling Your House There’s no denying mortgage rates are having a big impact on today’s housing market.

Let’s separate fact from fiction.

Despite some recent buzz, mega investors aren’t buying up all the homes.

They’re only buying less than 1% of the single-family homes. And that’s down from the 2% in 2022.

So, don't believe the hype – and if you have questions, I’m here.

Sellers, are you worried buyers aren’t out there? Just check out the data.

They may not be as active as they were during the ‘unicorn’ years, but buyer traffic is well above what we’d see in a normal market.

This means there are still people out there looking for homes. So, let’s get yours listed and in front of them.

How Many Homes Are Investors Actually Buying?

Are big investors really buying up all the homes today?

If you’re trying to find a house to buy, this may be something you’re wondering about. To clear things up, here's the scoop on what's really happening. A lot of the big investor activity is actually in the rearview mirror already.

The key here is investor activity has slowed significantly, and even during the peak of investor buying, 3 out of every 4 single-family homes purchased were by regular, everyday buyers – not investors. And of the investors who bought over the past few years, most weren’t the big investors you may be hearing about. The vast majority were small mom-and-pop investors – people like your neighbors who own only a couple of homes, maybe even just their main residence and a vacation home.

But let’s focus on the giant, mega-investor firms since that's what is being...

How Many Homes Are Investors Actually Buying? Are big investors really buying up all the homes today?

The Number of Homes for Sale Is Increasing

There’s no denying the last couple of years have been tough for anyone trying to buy a home because there haven’t been enough houses to go around. But things are starting to look up.

There are more homes up for grabs this year.

As Realtor.com explains: “There were 30.4% more homes actively for sale on a typical day in April compared with the same time in 2023, marking the sixth consecutive month of annual inventory growth.”

What Does This Mean for You?

If you’ve been looking to buy but put your plans on hold because you just couldn’t find what you were searching for, you might see more options now than you did over the past few years – but don't expect a huge selection.

To check out your growing options, it's a good idea to work with a local real estate agent you trust. Real estate is all about location. And an agent can help you get the scoop on...

The Number of Homes for Sale Is Increasing There’s no denying the last couple of years have been tough for anyone trying to buy a home because there haven’t been enough houses to go around.