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®.

6 Things To Look For In Your Next Home

When we baby boomers think about retirement, most of us envision ourselves living in the homes we’ve occupied for most of our adult lives. Who could blame us? We like those old places. They hold our rich family histories. They feel like home. And, let’s be honest. Being able to stay where we’ve always been is an outward sign that nothing has changed — or h ... Read More »

HUD wants to push urban dysfunction into the suburbs

Housing policy should reward homeowners, not punish them Sometime this month the Supreme Court will announce its ruling in Texas Department of Housing v. The Inclusive Communities Project, a lawsuit ostensibly to determine whether the dubious legal doctrine of “disparate impact” should be applied to fair housing laws. I’ve written about this Orwellian soci ... Read More »

My Home Passed Inspection, So It’s Perfect, Right?

Even the most experienced home inspectors can’t always detect problems in these four areas. Home inspectors are skilled at sniffing out wood rot and locating cracks in foundations. But even the most experienced inspectors can’t tell you about problems that lurk behind walls, between floor joists or inside sewer lines. “The purpose of a home inspection is t ... Read More »

When You Need a Home Appraisal…. and Might Not Expect It

Most Americans associate a property appraisal with buying or selling a home. Yet there are a number of other instances outside a typical real estate transaction when consumers may wish to or are required to order a home appraisal, but may not realize it. In these instances, an appraisal can provide critical information that enables consumers to make informed ... Read More »

Working for commission taught me more about money than my 9-5 ever did

There are currently over 15.3 million self-employed people in the United States. I know their trials and tribulations. Getting into real estate from a teaching background has taught me more about budgeting, saving, and being disciplined and resourceful than I could’ve ever imagined. The idea of making your own hours, at first, seems like the ideal work si ... Read More »

Get the Vintage Americana Look for 4th of July and Beyond

Show your patriotic spirit with red, white and blue decor. Few things say classic summer like American-inspired decor. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, a little red, white and blue really brings in the spirit of the season. Instead of just hanging up a flag or two, go full-on Americana for a fresh take on patriotic. This unique mix of finds gives a new spin ... Read More »

Know the Extra Costs of Homeownership Before You Buy a Home

Even though buying a home is cheaper than renting in many cities, it’s still expensive, and there are many expenses that first-time homebuyers might overlook. Zillow and Thumbtack estimate that maintenance and other expenses cost homeowners over $9,000 a year on average. Buying a Home Is 35% Cheaper Than Renting in the Biggest Metro Areas The decision to ... Read More »

Why Fake Pressure Helps You Get More Done

Adding some pressure will help you get things done. Well, not too much pressure. I just asked a friend to stop over and help me test a new rugged laptop. I have quite the plan to test it out. Water spills, drop tests — fun stuff. Strangely, my little “test” isn’t actually that pressing. In fact, it doesn’t make sense to do these tests today. Over the years ... Read More »

This MBA chart shows existing home turnover But, what does it mean?

The latest chart in the Mortgage Bankers Association’sseries puts existing-home sales into historical context. According to the most recent report from the National Association of Realtors, total existing-home sales, which are completed transactions that include single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, rose 5.1% to a seasonally adjusted annu ... Read More »

3 Extreme Home-Buying Tactics to Get the House You Want

What can you do if you fear the seller of your dream house will go with another buyer … or if they already have? Today, in many markets, homes move quickly, often with multiple offers. Some homes, called “pocket listings,” sell before even hitting the market. It can be an all-out war for competitive buyers, and some will go to great lengths to win. Here ar ... Read More »

Misconceptions on Property Value

Are you having a hard time pricing your property or listing it at the right price? Don't roll the dice when pricing your property. Remember the market does not allow a home to sell under the market value and same goes with selling a house over market value. Many factors come into play when deciding an accurate property value. What most sellers seem to beli ... Read More »