Posts in category 'News'

If you've been watching the real estate market lately, houses are selling faster than the new PS5 at the holidays, or Cabbage Patch Kids if you're more in line with my generation. The simple laws of economics are wreaking havoc on the market. With money being so cheap to acquire through financing due to all-time low interest rates, the demand for homes is insane. Homes are being listed at 9am and not even making it until lunch time before they are already under contract in some cases. With supply levels not meeting the demands of the market, your home just might be what someone is waiting to purchase. Here are a few things you should expect to expect when listing your home for sale in today's environment with a trusted Realtor®.
PRE-INSPECTIONS RULE
Of course, you think your home is perfect. It is YOUR home! However, as you prepare to list your home, buyers are going to be looking for any excuse to negotiate a strong position by pointing out the blemishes you may not know abo...

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So much for 2020 vision, right? All of the play on words that last year was supposed to be a year of clarity was bull sh…not true. Whether it was a pandemic or social and governmental unrest, last year was anything but a moment of clarity. However, with all of the turmoil and challenges, the economic impact it will have on 2021 is clear, at least it is to Dr. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist of the National Association of Realtors ®. I'm probably not on his Favorites in his iPhone but I was privileged enough to hear him speak, addressing the forecast for this year and how it will impact the purchasing power you have for homes this year.

A NEW APPRECIATION FOR SAVINGS ACCOUNTS
One of the elements Dr. Yun spoke about was the newfound appreciation last year provided us for Savings Accounts. Bank deposits are up more 2 times from this time last year. Given the struggles we all went through last year, a bailout might not always be there for us. While bank deposits are up, acco...

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After the year we have all had, let's be honest, this might be the most anticipated holiday season in 2000+ years. You can see it, feel it and hear it…thanks Mix 98.9 for giving us an extra dose of holiday music this year. From the larger number of homes decorated on your street, to the empty shelves in stores of both presents and holiday wrapping paper, ornaments and other items people are putting up to bring an extra dose of yule tide cheer, the holiday spirit is sweeping the Mahoning Valley. Maybe is because we all need a little cheer in our lives. Maybe it is because we are just excited the end of 2020 is near. Or maybe, it is because we are looking forward to Santa's gifts under the tree.

Whatever the reason, we are looking for joy. If accomplishing a special home remodeling is on your list to Santa this year, the National Association of Realtors® unveiled three projects you should look into that will not just bring you joy this holiday season, but, like Uncle Eddy s...

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This time of year, avoiding potholes is easier than avoiding home delivery trucks on the road.

While the ease and convenience of ordering online and having it dropped off at your doorstep may satisfy your shopping fixes, it is easy to forget how shopping local helps keep our communities going. During a year where all businesses are struggling, it is a good to remember that supporting your local "mom-and-pop" businesses not only gets you what you're looking for, but it also the gift that keeps on giving the whole year.

SPENDING LOCAL MEANS THE MONEY STAYS LOCAL
When you buy your items locally, you're doing more than just support a local business owner: you're supporting the economy and, ultimately, growth of the community. There have been countless number of studies and data analyzing the way money recirculates and they all show that when money is spent in the community, it stays in the community. In fact, according to a Civic Economic Study conducted in 2017 out o...

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I'll admit it, I had an awesome childhood.

I mean, I might have the coolest parents in John and Jackie Burgan. While they made my childhood, and even now into my adult years, fun and rewarding, they were also very committed to "tough love" when needed. Like when I got my first car and my father wouldn't cosign on a loan for me.
"What the hell, JB?" That was pretty much my reaction.
But even at that young age, my father explained to me why he will never cosign with me on anything, especially a house. While I didn't understand it then, I now realize that father really did know best, especially when it comes to cosigning on a home for your child. Cosigning puts more than your child's dreams of owning a home at risk.

RISK TO YOUR CREDIT
You've risked everything for your children: don't risk your credit. When co-signing on a home, you become the person on the hook for the loan. If your child doesn't make his / her payment, the bank is coming after you. As a cosig...

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