Keys to the Market

Unlocking Insights, One Door at a Time

Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

How Your Equity Can Grow over Time

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) has done a study to calculate the typical equity gains over longer spans of time. The data they compiled could be enough to motivate you to move. Just remember, to find out how much equity you have in your specific home, you’ll want to get a professional equity assessment from a trusted real estate advisor.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Is Homeownership Still the American Dream?

Defining the American dream is personal, and no one individual will have the same definition as another. But the feelings it brings about – success, freedom, and a sense of prosperity – are universal. That’s why, for many people, homeownership remains a key part of the American dream. Your home is your stake in the community, a strong financial investment, and an achievement to be proud of.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Real Estate Consistently Voted Best Investment

Based on a recent Gallup poll, real estate has been rated the best long-term investment for nine years in a row.

Owning real estate is more than just a place to call home. It’s also an investment in your future. That’s because it’s typically a stable and secure asset that can grow in value over time.

If you’re ready to buy a home and invest in your future, let’s connect.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

If You’re Selling Your House This Summer, Hiring a Pro Is Critical

It can be tempting, especially with how hot the housing market has been over the past two years, to consider selling your home on your own. But today’s market is at a turning point, making it more essential than ever to work with a real estate professional.

Not only will a trusted real estate advisor keep you updated and help you make the best decisions based on current market trends, but they’re also experts in managing the many aspects of selling your house.

Here are five key reasons why working with a real estate professional makes sense today.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Homeownership Could Be in Reach with Down Payment Assistance Programs

A recent survey from Bankrate asks prospective buyers to identify the biggest obstacles in their homebuying journey. It found that 36% of those polled said saving for a down payment is one of their primary hurdles to buying a home.

If you feel the same way, the good news is there are many down payment assistance programs available that can help you achieve your homeownership goals. The key is understanding where to look and learning what options are available. Here’s some information that can help you.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

A Key Opportunity for Homebuyers

There’s no denying the housing market has delivered a fair share of challenges to homebuyers over the past two years. Two of the biggest hurdles homebuyers faced during the pandemic were the limited number of homes for sale and the intensity and frequency of bidding wars. But those two things have reached a turning point.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Two Reasons Why Today’s Housing Market Isn’t a Bubble

You may be reading headlines and hearing talk about a potential housing bubble or a crash, but it’s important to understand that the data and expert opinions tell a different story. A recent survey from Pulsenomics asked over one hundred housing market experts and real estate economists if they believe the housing market is in a bubble. The results indicate most experts don’t think that’s the case

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Why an Agent Is Essential When Pricing Your House

When it comes to pricing your house, there’s a lot to consider. The only way to ensure you price it right is by partnering with a local real estate professional.

To find the best price, your agent balances current market demand, the values of homes in your neighborhood, where prices are headed, and your home’s condition.

Don’t pick just any price for your house. If you’re ready to sell, let’s connect to find the perfect price for your house.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Homeownership Is a Great Hedge Against the Impact of Rising Inflation

With inflation rising, you’re likely feeling it impact your day-to-day life as prices go up for gas, groceries, and more. These climbing consumer costs can put a pinch on your wallet and make you re-evaluate any big purchases you have planned to ensure they’re still worthwhile.

If you’ve been thinking about purchasing a home this year, you’re probably wondering if you should continue down that path or if it makes more sense to wait. While the answer depends on your situation, here’s how homeownership can help you combat the rising costs that come with inflation.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Things To Avoid After Applying for a Home Loan

Once you’ve applied for a mortgage to buy a home, there are some key things to keep in mind. While it’s exciting to start thinking about moving in and decorating, be careful when it comes to making any big purchases. Here are a few things you may not realize you need to avoid after applying for your home loan.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

The Average Homeowner Gained $64K in Equity over the Past Year

If you own a home, your net worth likely just got a big boost thanks to rising home equity. Equity is the current value of your home minus what you owe on the loan. And today, based on recent home price appreciation, you’re building that equity far faster than you may expect – here’s how it works.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

More Listings Are Coming onto the Market

Worried you won’t be able to find your next home after you sell? You should know data from realtor.com shows more listings are coming onto the market each month this year.

Having additional options can make the search for your next home. But inventory is still low overall, which means your house should still stand out when you sell.

If your biggest question is where you’ll go if you sell, take this as encouraging news. Let’s connect to start the process today.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Home Price Deceleration Doesn’t Mean Home Price Depreciation

Experts in the real estate industry use a number of terms when they talk about what’s happening with home prices. And some of those words sound a bit similar but mean very different things. To help clarify what’s happening with home prices and where experts say they’re going, here’s a look at a few terms you may hear:

- Appreciation is when home prices increase.

- Depreciation is when home prices decrease.

- Deceleration is when home prices continue to appreciate, but at a slower pace.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

A Majority of Consumers Say It’s a Good Time To Sell Your House

If you’re a homeowner thinking about selling your house, you’re probably looking for the best time to make your move. That means you’re likely balancing a number of factors, like your changing needs, where you’ll go when you sell, and today’s mortgage rates in order to time it just right.

According to recent data, that sweet spot could already be here. The latest Home Purchase Sentiment Index (HPSI) by Fannie Mae finds that 76% of consumers believe now is a good time to sell.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Is the Housing Market Correcting?

If you're following the news, all of the headlines about conditions in the current housing market may leave you with more questions than answers. Is the boom over? Is the market crashing or correcting? Here’s what you need to know.

The housing market is moderating compared to the last two years, but what everyone needs to remember is that the past two years were record-breaking in nearly every way. Record-low mortgage rates and millennials reaching peak homebuying years led to an influx of buyer demand. At the same time, there weren’t enough homes available to purchase thanks to many years of underbuilding and sellers who held off on listing their homes due to the health crisis.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

The Top Reasons To Own Your Home

June is National Homeownership Month, and it’s a great time to consider the benefits of owning your own home.

If you’re considering homeownership, know that it can give you privacy, comfort, and a place to express yourself. It can also provide financial stability and help you grow your net worth.

Are you ready to experience all the great benefits that come from purchasing a home? Let’s connect to begin the process today.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Luxury Homes Are in High Demand

As people realize their needs are changing, some are turning to luxury housing to find their dream home. Investopedia helps define what pushes a home into this category. In a recent article, they point out that a luxury home isn’t only defined by its price. Location is also an important factor. It could be a condo at a desirable city address, a spacious home on the water, or one with access to luxury activities like arts and entertainment, high-end shopping and dining, and more. The home itself will also boast some of the finest features available.

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