Housing Chatter delivers the news you need to know about current events in the housing market in simple terms. We have no political or institutional affiliations so you can be confident that our content and commentary is unbiased. Housing Chatter is brought to you by your professional Realtor®.

Two Truths and a Lie, Real Estate Style

Do people spend more time researching a new car or a new mortgage? If you guessed the former, you’re on to something. Zillow found the average American spends 10 hours researching a car, but only five hours researching their mortgage options. “It’s amazing to think that many Americans spend weeks and months searching for the perfect home, but then devote al ... Read More »

Why Starbucks Is The Best Way To Boost Your Homes Value

We're always hunting for ways to increase the value of our homes -- and interior revamps or full-on remodels may do the trick. Or you could just move near a Starbucks. Homes located near a Starbucks coffee shop appreciate (aka increase in value) at a far faster rate than homes not near a Starbucks, according to experts at real estate database Zillow. Since ... Read More »

Understanding Single-Family Home HOAs

Most people think of homeowners associations (HOAs), legally known as Common Interest Developments, as related to attached housing structures like condominiums or town homes. But this is not always the case. Around the 1980s, developers started building communities of single-family homes that were actually Common Interest Developments. These communities cam ... Read More »

Build a Garage to Add Value to Your Home

Are you thinking of adding a garage to your home? There are a great number of advantages to this idea. You'll be protecting your vehicle -- not only from weather damage due to snow, hail, or strong sunlight, but also from theft. In addition, you stand to gain extra storage, much-needed room to work at crafts or hobbies, perhaps a cozy retreat (man cave, anyo ... Read More »

The Case for Renting: Homeownership Isnt for Everyone

Shirleen Holt’s relief at returning to renting is typical of many former homeowners. No more fixing leaky faucets; no more time-consuming projects. A marketing consultant who recently moved to Ashland, OR, Holt expects to own again, but for now she is thoroughly enjoying the renter’s life. “When something goes wrong, I just call the landlord,” she says. “ ... Read More »

Protecting Your Largest Single Investment

When buying a home, whether you are a first time home-buyer, investor, or seasoned purchaser, one vital necessity remains: obtain an owners title policy. Though it may not be required to buy a policy, it is appropriate to have one to cover your largest single investment. Owning a home is unpredictable and anything can happen to you even if the title se ... Read More »

Five Mistakes to Avoid When Refinancing

When interest rates dwindle like a dominos game, homeowners often jump to refinance their homes without thinking about the immediate outcomes. Refinancing your home is beneficial if you intend on living in your home for a long period of time or if you significantly reduce your current interest rate. However, if you are just refinancing because everyo ... Read More »

Love Is In The Air: 35 Photos That Celebrate Love in All Its Forms

Young guy/girl couple-y love gets all the attention in February. And while we certainly have nothing against that, it's not fair that the month associated with affection be monopolized by one specific type of love. There are many kinds of love: same-sex love, sibling love, the love of a parent for their child, the love of deep friendship, and love deepened ... Read More »

Sarahs Story: College Debt Keeps Affordable Housing Pro From Buying a Home

Sarah Billings did everything right. Unlike her parents and grandparents, she went to college, because that’s the right way to establish yourself professionally. She chose a public school, because she thought that was the way to save on tuition. She worked part-time jobs and even now freelances for extra income. At 27, she’s still living with two roommates ... Read More »

9 Ways to Never Grout Again

Grout’s a high-maintenance, dirt-and-mold catching drag. Here are 9 clever ways to avoid it. Print Email Groutless tile products Why mess with grout if you don't have to? We have nine good-looking ways to go without in the bathroom, kitchen, and beyond. Images: Praxis Design-Build / Stevee Curtis / HandyDeck Systems Inc. 1. Snappy Patio Groutless tile pa ... Read More »

5 Ways to (Really) Save for a Down Payment

Rents are projected to outpace home values by the end of the year, according to Zillow, so it’s a good time to consider buying a home. Fixed mortgage payments and a more stable market are other reasons to make the jump. Zillow projects that by the end of 2015, millennials will become the largest home-buying age group. Whether you fall into that category or ... Read More »

Understanding Electrical Inspection

What is the purpose of a residential electrical inspection? The inspection is designed to verify that your installation meets minimum requirements for electrical safety, according to current codes. In other words, its purpose is to protect you, the homeowner, as well as anyone else who will be occupying the premises from fire or electrocution. When is a bui ... Read More »

Understanding the Different Types of Tenancy

When one or more people own a property, that sole or joint ownership is known as “tenancy.” Tenancy determines how a property is conveyed during a sale, etc, and whether or not future issues could arise based on that tenancy. It does not matter whether you, and feasibly another person, own a condominium, piece of land, or a single family home, how you take ... Read More »