Marv Nicholson Group

Hey friends, Check out my latest post.

What To Expect if You Buy or Sell a Home This June

June is a busy month in the housing market because a lot of people buy and sell this time of year. So, if you’ve got a move on your mind and you’re looking to make it happen this month, here’s a snapshot of what you need to know to make sure you’re ready.

If You’re Buying This June

A lot of homebuyers with children like to move after one school year ends and before the next one begins. That’s one reason why late spring into summer is a popular time for homes to change hands. And whether that’s a motivator for you or not, it’s important to realize more buyers are going to be looking right now – and that means you’ll want to be ready for a bit more competition. But there is a silver lining to a move this time of year. This is also when more sellers will list – so you should find you have more options.

During this busy season...

What To Expect if You Buy or Sell a Home This June June is a busy month in the housing market because a lot of people buy and sell this time of year.

Hey friends, Check out my latest post.

More Than a House: The Emotional Benefits of Homeownership

With all the headlines and talk about housing affordability, it can be tempting to get lost in the financial side of buying a home. That’s only natural as you think about the dollars and cents of it all.

And while you ultimately need to be able to afford a home you buy, don’t lose sight of why homeownership was so important to you in the first place. That’s because buying a home is so much more than just a financial transaction.

Here’s a look at just a few of those more emotional or lifestyle perks, to help anchor you to why homeownership is one of your goals.

A Sense of Satisfaction

Owning a home is often associated with better mental health and well-being. T

More Stability for Your Family

Another thing that may make homeowners feel more satisfied is that they’re finally able to put down roots.

A Stronger Feeling...

More Than a House: The Emotional Benefits of Homeownership With all the headlines and talk about housing affordability, it can be tempting to get lost in the financial side of buying a home.

Hey friends, Check out my latest post.

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.

Hey friends, Check out my latest post.

The Biggest Mistakes Buyers Are Making Today

Buyers face challenges in any market – and today’s is no different. With higher mortgage rates and rising prices, plus the limited supply of homes for sale, there’s a lot to consider.

Putting Off Pre-approval

As part of the homebuying process, a lender will look at your finances to figure out what they’re willing to loan you for your mortgage. This gives you a good idea of what you can borrow so you can really wrap your head around the financial side of things before you start looking at homes. Make sure you get your pre-approval first.

Holding Out for Perfection

While you may have a long list of must-haves and nice-to-haves, you need to be realistic about your home search. Even though your ideal state is you find a home that checks every box, you may need to be willing to compromise – especially since inventory is still low.

Buying...

The Biggest Mistakes Buyers Are Making Today Buyers face challenges in any market – and today’s is no different.

Hey friends, Check out my latest post.

How an Agent Helps Market Your House

You’re ready to sell your house. But what do you need most from your real estate agent? Well, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) asked that very question to recent sellers and found one of the top things they were looking for is help marketing their house to potential buyers. Maybe that’s what you need the most help with too.

You expect your real estate agent to write a great description of your house for the listing and pair it with some high-quality photos. But that’s not all you’re going to get when you partner with a great agent:

• Listing on the MLS – By listing your house on the MLS, it will get more visibility from other real estate agents and buyers.

• Using a Yard Sign – A yard sign catches the eye of people driving or walking by.

• Having an Open House – When your agent advertises and hosts your open house, buyers see...

How an Agent Helps Market Your House You’re ready to sell your house. But what do you need most from your real estate agent?

Hey friends, Check out my latest post.

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...

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

Hey friends, Check out my latest post.

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...

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.

Hey friends, Check out my latest post.

Your Agent Is the Key To Pricing Your House Right [INFOGRAPHIC]

The asking price for your house can impact your bottom line and how quickly it sells. Both under- and overpricing have drawbacks. So to find the right price for your house, lean on your agent for their expertise. Don’t pick just any price for your listing. Trust your real estate professional to help you find the perfect price for your house.

Your Agent Is the Key To Pricing Your House Right [INFOGRAPHIC] The asking price for your house can impact your bottom line and how quickly it sells.

Hey friends, Check out my latest post.

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...

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

Hey friends, Check out my latest post.

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...

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

Hey friends, Check out my latest post.

Worried About Home Maintenance Costs? Consider This

If one of the main reasons you’re hesitant to buy a home is because you’re worried about the upkeep, here’s some information you may find interesting on both new home construction and existing homes (a home that’s been lived in by a previous owner).

Newly Built Homes Need Less Upfront Maintenance

If you can afford it, you may find a newly built home could help ease your worries about maintenance costs. Think about it, if everything in the house is brand new, it won’t have the wear and tear you may see in an existing home – and that means it’s less likely to need repairs. Plus, many builders also have warranties on their homes that would cover some of the more major expenses that could pop up.

Existing Homes Can Still Have Great Perks

But it’s worth mentioning, that it’s not just newly built homes that can have warranties. It’s an...

Worried About Home Maintenance Costs? Consider This If one of the main reasons you’re hesitant to buy a home is because you’re worried about the upkeep, here’s some information you may find interesting on both new home construction and existing homes.

Hey friends, Check out my latest post.

What’s Next for Home Prices and Mortgage Rates?

If you’re thinking of making a move this year, there are two housing market factors that are probably on your mind: home prices and mortgage rates.

1. What’s Next for Home Prices?

One reliable place you can turn to for information on home price forecasts is the Home Price Expectations Survey from Fannie Mae – a survey of over one hundred economists, real estate experts, and investment and market strategists.

According to the most recent release, experts are projecting home prices will continue to rise at least through 2028.

While the percent of appreciation varies year-to-year, this survey says we’ll see prices rise (not fall) for at least the next 5 years, and at a much more normal pace.

2. When Will Mortgage Rates Come Down?

This is the million-dollar question in the industry. And there’s no easy way to answer it. That’s...

What’s Next for Home Prices and Mortgage Rates? If you’re thinking of making a move this year, there are two housing market factors that are probably on your mind: home prices and mortgage rates.

Hey friends, Check out my latest post.

Should I Rent or Buy a Home? [INFOGRAPHIC]

While renting may be less expensive in some areas right now, there are two big benefits homeownership provides that renting can’t. Owning a home means you get to say goodbye to rising rents and hello to stability. It also gives you the chance to gain equity as home values rise over time. If you’re ready to learn more about the perks of owning a home, let’s chat.

Should I Rent or Buy a Home? [INFOGRAPHIC] While renting may be less expensive in some areas right now, there are two big benefits homeownership provides that renting can’t. 

Hey friends, Check out my latest post.

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 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.

Hey friends, Check out my latest post.

Why a Condo May Be a Great Option for Your First Home

Having a hard time finding a first home that's right for you and your wallet? Well, here's a tip – think about condominiums, or condos for short.

They're usually smaller than single-family homes, but that's exactly why they can be easier on your budget.

So, if you're comfortable with a smaller space and want to buy your first home this year, adding condos to your search might be easier on your wallet.

Besides giving you more options for your home search and maybe fitting your budget better, living in a condo has a bunch of other perks, too. According to Rocket Mortgage: “From community living to walkable urban areas, condos are great options for first-time home buyers and people looking to enjoy homeownership without extensive upkeep.”

Let’s dive into a few of the draws of condos for first-time buyers from...

Why a Condo May Be a Great Option for Your First Home Having a hard time finding a first home that's right for you and your wallet?

Hey friends, Check out my latest post.

Thinking of Selling? You Want an Agent with These Skills

Selling your house is a big decision. That’s where a good listing agent, also known as a seller's agent, comes in. Here are just a few skills you’ll want your agent to have.

The Ability To Turn Something Complex into Something Simple

Some agents are going to use big, fancy real estate terms to try and impress you. But you shouldn’t have to know all the industry jargon in order to understand what they’re saying. If anything, it's an agent’s job to keep it simple, so you don’t get overwhelmed or confused.

A great agent is going to be someone who is very good at explaining what’s happening in the housing market in a way that’s easy to understand.

A Data-Based Approach on How To Price Your House

While it may be tempting to pick the agent who suggests the highest asking price for your house, that strategy may cost you. It’s easy...

Thinking of Selling? You Want an Agent with These Skills Selling your house is a big decision.

Hey friends, Check out my latest post.

Home Prices Are Climbing in These Top Cities

Thinking about buying a home or selling your current one to find a better fit? If so, you might be wondering what's going on with home prices these days. Here's the scoop.

Home prices were rising for most of 2023. But over the course of December and January, they were virtually flat – which is pretty normal for that time of year.

But here's what you need to know now. As of February, when the spring market kicked off, prices were on the rise again.

Home Prices Are Going Up in Most of America's Top Cities

After seeing a jump in home prices nationally in February, you might be wondering if they’re going up in your area, too. While it depends on where you live, prices are rising in 18 of the top 20 cities Case-Shiller reports on in the monthly price index.

Most experts also think home prices will keep rising and end the year on a high note...

Home Prices Are Climbing in These Top Cities Thinking about buying a home or selling your current one to find a better fit?

Hey friends, Check out my latest post.

The Sun Is Shining on Sellers This Summer [INFOGRAPHIC]

If your needs have changed, now’s a great time to sell and get the features you want most. Many buyers are eager to move between the school years, so you may see a faster sale, multiple offers, a higher final sales price, and more. If you want to get your house ready for a summer listing, let’s connect.

The Sun Is Shining on Sellers This Summer [INFOGRAPHIC] If your needs have changed, now’s a great time to sell and get the features you want most.

Hey friends, Check out my latest post.

The Top 2 Reasons To Consider a Newly Built Home

When you’re planning a move, it’s normal to wonder where you’ll end up and what your future home is going to look like. But unless you came into this process knowing you want to buy a newly built home, you may not have pictured new home construction.

1. Adding Newly Built Homes Could Give You More Options

There are two types of homes on the market: new and existing. A newly built home refers to a house that was just built or is under construction. An existing home is one a previous homeowner has already lived in. Right now, the inventory of existing homes is tight. But there may be options for you on the new home side of things.

2. Newly Built Homes May Be More Affordable Than You’d Think

You may still be wondering if a new build could really be an option for you. If you’ve previously written them off because you thought...

The Top 2 Reasons To Consider a Newly Built Home When you’re planning a move, it’s normal to wonder where you’ll end up and what your future home is going to look like.

Hey friends, Check out my latest post.

How Buying or Selling a Home Benefits Your Community

If you're thinking of buying or selling a house, it's important to know it doesn't just impact you—it helps out the local economy and your community, too.

When a house is sold, it really boosts the local economy. That’s because of all the people needed to build, fix up, and sell homes. Robert Dietz, Chief Economist at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), explains how the housing industry adds jobs to a community: “. . . housing is a significant job creator. In fact, for every single-family home built, enough economic activity is generated to sustain three full-time jobs for a year . . .”

It makes sense that housing creates a lot of jobs because so many different kinds of work are involved in the industry.

Think about all the people involved with selling a house—city officials, contractors, lawyers, real estate agents...

How Buying or Selling a Home Benefits Your Community If you're thinking of buying or selling a house, it's important to know it doesn't just impact you—it helps out the local economy and your community, too.

Hey friends, Check out my latest post.

Tips for Younger Homebuyers: How To Make Your Dream a Reality

If you’re a member of a younger generation, like Gen Z, you may be asking the question: will I ever be able to buy a home? Here are some helpful tips you may get from a pro.

1. Explore Your Options for a Down Payment

If a down payment is your #1 hurdle, you may have options to give your savings a boost. There are over 2,000 down payment assistance programs designed to make homeownership more achievable. And chances are you won’t need to put 20% down (unless specified by your loan type or lender).

2. Live with Loved Ones To Boost Your Savings

Another thing a number of Gen Z buyers are doing is ditching their rental and moving back in with friends or family. This can help cut down your housing costs so you can build your savings a whole lot faster.

3. Cast a Broad Net for Your Search

When you’ve saved up enough...

Tips for Younger Homebuyers: How To Make Your Dream a Reality If you’re a member of a younger generation, like Gen Z, you may be asking the question: will I ever be able to buy a home?

Hey friends, Check out my latest post.

What's Motivating Your Move?

Thinking about selling your house? As you make your decision, consider what's pushing you to think about moving. A recent survey from Realtor.com looked into why people want to sell their homes this year. Here are the top two reasons.

1. To Make a Profit

If you’re thinking about selling your house, you probably have a lot of questions on your mind. Well, here's some good news – the latest data shows most sellers get a great return on their investment when they sell.

That’s significant. And here’s one contributing factor. During the pandemic, home prices skyrocketed. There was way more buyer demand than homes available for sale and that combination pushed prices up.

Now, home prices are still rising, just not as fast. That ongoing appreciation is good news for your bottom line. Any profit you make can help offset some of today’s affordability...

What's Motivating Your Move? Thinking about selling your house?

Hey friends, Check out my latest post.

Builders Are Building Smaller Homes [INFOGRAPHIC]

Having a hard time finding a home in your budget? Builders may have a solution that can help. Builders are shifting their attention to what buyers want most right now – smaller, more affordable homes. If you want to see what’s available locally and in other areas nearby, let’s connect and explore your options together.

Builders Are Building Smaller Homes [INFOGRAPHIC] Having a hard time finding a home in your budget? Builders may have a solution that can help.

Hey friends, Check out my latest post.

What Is Going on with Mortgage Rates?

You may have heard mortgage rates are going to stay a bit higher for longer than originally expected. And if you’re wondering why, the answer lies in the latest economic data.

Economic Factors That Impact Mortgage Rates

When it comes to mortgage rates, things like the job market, the pace of inflation, consumer spending, geopolitical uncertainty, and more all have an impact. Another factor at play is the Federal Reserve (the Fed) and its decisions on monetary policy. And that’s what you may be hearing a lot about right now.

Basically, long story short, inflation and its impact on the broader economy are going to be key moving forward. As Greg McBride, Chief Financial Analyst at Bankrate, says: “It’s the longer-term outlook for economic growth and inflation that have the greatest bearing on the level and direction of mortgage rates. Inflation...

What Is Going on with Mortgage Rates? You may have heard mortgage rates are going to stay a bit higher for longer than originally expected.

Hey friends, Check out my latest post.

The Perks of Buying over Renting

Thinking about buying a home? While today’s mortgage rates might seem a bit intimidating, here are two solid reasons why, if you’re ready and able, it could still be a smart move to get your own place.

1. Home Values Typically Go Up Over Time

There’s been some confusion over the past year or so about which way home prices are headed. Make no mistake, nationally they’re still going up. In fact, over the long-term, home prices almost always go up.

This is a big reason why buying a home can be better than renting. As prices go up and you pay down your mortgage, you build equity. Over time, this growing equity can really increase your net worth. The Urban Institute says: “Homeownership is critical for wealth building and financial stability.”

2. Rent Keeps Rising in the Long Run

Rent just keeps going up over the years. Sure, it might be cheaper...

The Perks of Buying over Renting Thinking about buying a home?

Hey friends, Check out my latest post.

What More Listings Mean When You Sell Your House

The number of homes for sale is playing a big role in today’s housing market. And, if you’re considering whether or not to list your house, today’s limited supply is one of the biggest advantages you have right now. That’s because your house stands out more when the inventory is low, especially if it’s priced right.

But the supply of homes for sale is growing. As Realtor.com says: “. . . sellers turned out in higher numbers this March as newly listed homes were 15.5% above last year’s levels. This marked the fifth month of increasing listing activity after a 17-month streak of decline.”

What This Means for You

If you’ve been putting off selling your house, maybe it’s time to start thinking about it again – before your neighbors do. While we’re not going to suddenly have a surplus of homes for sale, each house that pops on the market in...

What More Listings Mean When You Sell Your House The number of homes for sale is playing a big role in today’s housing market.

Hey friends, Check out my latest post.

Now’s a Great Time To Sell Your House

Thinking about selling your house? If you are, you might be weighing factors like today’s mortgage rates and your own changing needs to figure out your next move.

Here’s something else to consider. According to the latest Home Purchase Sentiment Index (HPSI) from Fannie Mae, the percent of respondents who say it’s a good time to sell is on the rise.

Why Are Sellers Feeling so Optimistic?

One reason why is because right now is traditionally the best time of year to sell a house.
These are the seasons when most people move. That means buyer demand grows. And because there still aren’t enough homes for sale to meet that demand, sellers see some serious perks. According to Rocket Mortgage: “Homes that are listed at the end of spring and the beginning of summer typically sell faster at a higher sales price.”

What Does This Mean for You?

More...

Now’s a Great Time To Sell Your House Thinking about selling your house?

Hey friends, Check out my latest post.

Equity Can Make Your Move Possible When Affordability Is Tight [INFOGRAPHIC]

Did you know the equity you have in your current house can help make your move possible? Once you sell, you can use it for a larger down payment on your next home, so you’re borrowing less. Or, you may even have enough to be an all-cash buyer. The typical homeowner has $298,000 in equity. If you want to find out how much you have, let’s connect for a Professional Equity Assessment Report.

Equity Can Make Your Move Possible When Affordability Is Tight [INFOGRAPHIC] Did you know the equity you have in your current house can help make your move possible?

Hey friends, Check out my latest post.

Is a Multi-Generational Home Right for You?

Ever thought about living in the same house with your grandparents, parents, or other loved ones? You're not alone. A lot of people are choosing to buy multi-generational homes where everyone can live together. Let's check out why they think it’s a good idea to see if it might be a good fit for you, too.

Why People Are Choosing Multi-Generational Living

Sharing costs like the mortgage and utilities can make owning a home more affordable. This is especially helpful for first-time homebuyers who might find it challenging to buy a place on their own in today's market.

As Axios explains: “Financial concerns and caregiving needs are two of the major reasons people live with their parents (and parents’ parents).”

How an Agent Is Key in Finding the Right Home for You

Looking for the perfect multi-generational home is a bit trickier than finding a...

Is a Multi-Generational Home Right for You? Ever thought about living in the same house with your grandparents, parents, or other loved ones?

Hey friends, Check out my latest post.

Foreclosure Numbers Are Nothing Like the 2008 Crash

If you’ve been keeping up with the news lately, you’ve probably come across some articles saying the number of foreclosures in today’s housing market is going up.

The reality is, while increasing, the data shows a foreclosure crisis is not where the market is headed.

The Headlines Make the Increase Sound Dramatic – But It’s Not

The increase the media is calling attention to is a little bit misleading. That’s because it’s comparing the most recent numbers to a time when foreclosures were at historic lows. And that lopsided comparison is making it sound like a much bigger deal than it actually is.

Back in 2020 and 2021, there was a moratorium and forbearance program that helped millions of homeowners avoid foreclosure during challenging times. That’s why numbers for just a few years ago were so low.

Now that the...

Foreclosure Numbers Are Nothing Like the 2008 Crash If you’ve been keeping up with the news lately, you’ve probably come across some articles saying the number of foreclosures in today’s housing market is going up.