Laurie Romeo-Realtor

Discover budget-friendly homebuying options with newly built homes! Lower median prices and attractive builder incentives might make a brand-new home the perfect fit for your needs. Explore your options!

Consider Newly Built Homes: Surprisingly Budget-Friendly Options - Local Social Pro If you’re in the market to buy a home, there’s some exciting news: newly built homes might be more budget-friendly than you think. Many assume these homes are more expensive than existing ones, but current data tells a different story. Here’s why exploring new home construction with your agent...

With rising home prices, you may have more equity than you realize. Ready to cash in on your investment? Connect today and start planning your next move confidently.

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Part of the Sandwich Generation? You might have a unique advantage when buying a home! Sharing expenses and built-in childcare are just a few benefits. Learn how your caregiving situation could help you afford a multi-generational home.

Are You Part of the Sandwich Generation? Here’s How It Can Help You Buy a Home - Local Social Pro Are you a part of the Sandwich Generation? According to Realtor.com, that’s a name for the roughly one in six Americans who take care of their children and their parents or grandparents at the same time. If that sounds familiar to you, juggling all the responsibilities involved certainly must have...

"We will NOT see a surge in foreclosures that would significantly impact house prices for two key reasons: 1) mortgage lending has been solid, and 2) most homeowners have substantial equity in their homes." - Bill McBride

Housing Supply Surge Improves Affordability in Some Markets First American Chief Economist Mark Fleming shares the June 2024 Real House Price Index, explaining how the outlook for house prices varies by geography.

Even in a seller’s market, you can't just choose any price for your home. With rising mortgage rates slowing buyer demand and increasing home supply, setting the right asking price is crucial. Avoid common pitfalls ⬇️

The Importance of Setting the Right Price When Selling Your Home - Local Social Pro If you’re planning to sell your home, here’s a key insight you need: despite being a seller’s market, you can’t just choose any price for your listing. While home prices continue to appreciate in many areas, the pace has slowed due to higher mortgage rates, which are dampening buyer demand. ...

Today's buyers are willing to pay high prices, but only for homes that are move-in ready. Ensure your house stands out by making strategic updates. Partner with an expert to make informed decisions and get the best return on your investment.

Ensure Your Home Is Move-In Ready to Attract Today's Buyers - Local Social Pro If you’re thinking about selling your house, know that buyers are ready and willing to pay today’s high prices—but only for homes that are move-in ready. As Redfin explains: “Buyers are still out there and they’re willing to pay today’s high prices, but only if the house is in really goo...

Waiting for a flawless home? You might delay your homeownership dreams. Perfection in real estate is rare, and holding out can lead you to miss out on great opportunities. Read on below!

Why Waiting for the Perfect Home Could Cost You: Embrace Imperfection in Today's Market - Local Social Pro Embrace Imperfection: Why Holding Out for the Perfect Home Could Cost You In life, patience is often a virtue, but in homebuying, waiting for the perfect house can actually be a mistake. The quest for perfection can delay your homeownership dreams, as Bankrate highlights: “One of the most common f...

Homeowners, your net worth likely saw a significant boost this past year due to rising home prices. This increase has led to substantial equity gains. Here’s a quick look at what’s happening!

Homeownership Gains are still a Win with $28,000 in Equity - Local Social Pro Homeowners, your net worth likely saw a significant boost this past year due to rising home prices. This increase has led to substantial equity gains. Here’s a quick look at what’s happening: What is Equity? Equity is the difference between your home’s current value and what you owe on your mo...

Discover why your home didn't sell and learn the key steps to successfully relist. From setting the right price to making your home accessible for tours, these expert tips will help you attract buyers and close the deal.

What to Do When Your Home Listing Expires - Local Social Pro When your home listing expires without a sale, it’s natural to feel a mix of frustration and disappointment. As you process these emotions, you’re likely wondering what went wrong and what your next steps should be. If you still need to move and want to relist your home, consider the following f...

Learn the importance of home inspections and appraisals in the buying process. Understand how inspections assess safety and condition, while appraisals determine value. Link below!

Understanding Home Inspections and Appraisals: A Guide for First-Time Homebuyers - Local Social Pro When you decide to buy your first home, you’ll encounter various terms and conditions that might be unfamiliar. While you may have a basic understanding of what an inspection involves, you might not know why it’s necessary or how it differs from an appraisal. Here’s a simple explanation of eac...

Exciting times ahead for the housing market! Home sales are stable, however there's potential for positive changes. Buyers are eagerly waiting for inventory and improved affordability. Could falling mortgage rates be the key to a surge in home sales?

Twin Market Dynamics Continue to Stifle Existing-Home Sales First American Deputy Chief Economist Odeta Kushi shares the latest Existing-Homes Sales Outlook Report. Find out what's motivating homeowners to sell and the projected trends for May 2024.

Summer is officially here! Thinking about a vacation home for your perfect getaway? Discover the perks of owning your own slice of paradise, from better weather and rental income to a future retirement spot! ⬇️

Summer is Here: Is a Vacation Home Right for You? - Local Social Pro With summer officially upon us, it’s the ideal time to plan your perfect vacation and unwind. If you’re eager to get away and enjoy some fun in the sun, it might be worth considering whether owning your own vacation home is the right move for you. Why Own a Vacation Home? 1. A Personal Retreat [...

Thinking about selling your house as a FSBO? Consider the extra stress and challenges, especially with pricing and paperwork. A real estate agent, like myself, can help simplify the process by setting the right price and handling complex paperwork.

Sell Smart: The Key Benefits of Using a Real Estate Agent - Local Social Pro Thinking about selling your house as a “For Sale by Owner” (FSBO)? Consider the extra stress and responsibilities involved. Without expertise, mistakes can happen quickly, leading to overwhelm. According to a report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), pricing and paperwork are the t...

For over 80 years, VA home loans have empowered millions of veterans to achieve homeownership. If you or someone you know has served in the military, it’s essential to understand the benefits of this program.

Unlocking Homeownership: The Benefits of VA Loans for Veterans - Local Social Pro For over 80 years, Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans have enabled millions of veterans to become homeowners. If you or someone you know has served in the military, understanding this program and its benefits is crucial. Here are some essential points about VA loans to consider before purchasing a hom...

Ready to elevate your lifestyle? Recent data suggests that now is the time to explore luxury homes! With an increase in inventory and rising prices, there's a wealth of options available for discerning buyers.

Why Now is the Perfect Time to Find Your Dream Luxury Home - Local Social Pro If you’ve been searching for a high-end home but haven’t found the perfect fit, you might have paused your search. However, recent data suggests that now could be an ideal time to dive back in. Here’s why: More Luxury Homes Are Available Luxury homes, typically valued in the top 5% of any mark...

Wondering if big investors are snatching up all the homes, making it harder for you to buy? At their peak, 75% of homes were still bought by regular buyers, and mega investors bought just 2%. Regular buyers still dominate the market!

Are Large Investors Truly Dominating the Housing Market? - Local Social Pro If you’re on the hunt for a house, you might be wondering if big investors are snatching up all the available homes, making it tougher for the average buyer. There’s been a lot of chatter online about this, but much of it is misinformation. Here’s the real story: the surge in investor activity...

Check out our latest blog post on "Navigating Today’s Market: How to Avoid Common Homebuying Mistakes" for expert tips and insights to help you steer clear of pitfalls in today's real estate landscape.

Top Tips for Navigating Today’s Housing Market: Avoid These Common Homebuying Mistakes - Local Social Pro Navigating Today’s Market: How to Avoid Common Homebuying Mistakes Buying a home in today’s market comes with its challenges – higher mortgage rates, rising prices, and limited inventory. Here’s how to avoid some common pitfalls by leveraging the expertise of a real estate agent. 1. Not Gett...

Consider the pros of newly built vs. existing homes. New builds mean fewer repairs and potential warranties, easing maintenance concerns. Existing homes offer charm, mature landscaping, and community vibes.

Weighing the Pros and Cons of Newly Built vs. Existing Homes - Local Social Pro If one of the main reasons you’re hesitant to buy a home is the worry about upkeep, you might find it useful to consider the differences between newly built homes and existing homes (homes previously lived in by another owner). Newly Built Homes Require Less Upfront Maintenance If your budget allo...

Understand the ins and outs of home appraisals to navigate the buying or selling process with confidence. From who pays for the appraisal to what happens if the valuation comes in under contract, empower yourself with essential knowledge for a smooth real estate transaction.

What to Expect from An Appraisal When you’re buying or selling a home, you are likely going to face a home appraisal contingency. It can be anxiety-inducing on either end of the situation. Knowing what to expect can prepare you and reduce a bit of that anxiety. What Is an Appraisal? During an appraisal, someone who is licensed to...

Experts believe stable inflation and wage growth could keep rates in check. And with more homes available, there are plenty of opportunities to find your dream home!

As Mortgage Rates Fall, the Number of Homes for Sale Reaches a 4-Year High Will a rush of homes tempt both buyers and sellers to accept high mortgage rates and dive into into the flush spring housing market? 

The Housing Affordability Debate Takes Center Stage in the 2024 Presidential Race. Dive into the evolving discourse shaping this pivotal election year!

Home Prices Come Into Focus as Key Issue in the 2024 Election With mortgage rates up and home prices out of reach for many first-time buyers, the affordability crisis is in the 2024 election spotlight.

More homes are hitting the market, offering buyers and sellers more choices and driving up market activity. New listings in April jumped 16% from last year!

It's a promising sign of a more dynamic market ahead.

Whether you're buying or selling, this spring season is shaping up to be full of opportunities!

More Homes for Sale Sparks Uptick in Housing Market Activity First American Deputy Chief Economist Odeta Kushi shares the latest Existing-Homes Sales Outlook Report. Find out what's motivating homeowners to sell and the projected trends for April 2024.

Unraveling the latest insights on mortgage rates and housing affordability. Despite a modest increase in rates, buyer optimism remains strong. Let's navigate the market trends together!

An Overvalued Housing Market May Be Returning First American Chief Economist Mark Fleming shares the March 2024 Real House Price Index, explaining how the outlook for house prices varies by geography.

As more Americans face exceeding profit thresholds, understanding IRS rules and maximizing your basis is key. Dive into the details and start saving today!

Your home sale could trigger capital gains taxes - here's how to calculate your bill Home prices are rising and selling your primary home could trigger capital gains taxes. Here's how to calculate your tax bill.

From part-time gigs to occasional windfalls, explore the types of income that won't make the cut when calculating your eligibility for a mortgage. Don't get caught off guard—find out what lenders are looking for to secure your dream home!

Income You Can’t Use to Help Qualify When researching how to qualify for a home loan, there is plenty of information about income that can be used to qualify when calculating debt-to-income ratios. Income from your job certainly qualifies. Part-time income might be used if there’s a two-year history of receiving it and the lender has...

Charting the course of the labor market since April 2020 reveals a journey of resilience and recovery. Despite challenges, job openings soared, reaching unprecedented heights. Now, as we approach a new phase, the landscape is evolving. With a keen eye on data trends, we anticipate a smoother path ahead.

Labor market report is good news for mortgage rates Friday's jobs report came in as a miss of estimates and wage growth came in lower than expected, which is good news for mortgage rates.

Concerned about a foreclosure crisis? Let's debunk the headlines and put your worries to rest. Context is key in understanding today's housing market.

Foreclosure Figures: A Far Cry from the 2008 Housing Crisis - Local Social Pro Recent headlines may have you concerned about a looming foreclosure crisis in today’s housing market. But before you start worrying, let’s dig into the facts and put your mind at ease. Yes, there has been an increase in foreclosure activity, but the context is crucial. Comparing current numbers ...

Thinking of selling your home? Consider this: The latest Home Purchase Sentiment Index reveals growing seller optimism! Despite current mortgage rates, low inventory is empowering sellers. Learn more about why now might be the perfect time to list!

The Current Real Estate Market: An Optimal Time to Sell Your Home - Local Social Pro Contemplating selling your home? Amidst considerations like prevailing mortgage rates and personal circumstances, here’s another factor to ponder. The latest Home Purchase Sentiment Index (HPSI) from Fannie Mae reveals a growing percentage of respondents viewing it as an opportune moment to sell. ...

Searching for your dream home this spring? Newly built homes could be the solution to your affordability woes and inventory struggles!

Unlocking Homeownership: Why Newly Built Homes Might Be Your Spring Solution - Local Social Pro In the quest for a home this spring, you’re likely grappling with the realities of today’s affordability hurdles and the scarcity of homes for sale. But what if there was a remedy that addressed both challenges? Enter newly built homes. If you’re encountering difficulties in finding your dream...

Learn how rates impact your monthly payments and why professional guidance is key. Get ready to navigate the market with confidence!✅

Navigating Mortgage Rates: What Homebuyers Need to Know - Local Social Pro Considering buying a home? Mortgage rates are likely a top concern. Understanding their impact on your monthly payments is crucial for planning your move effectively. However, with the flurry of headlines about rates, deciphering the information can feel daunting. Here’s a simplified guide to help...