Keys to the Market

Unlocking Insights, One Door at a Time

Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Sell Your House During the Winter Sweet Spot

Winter may be the unexpected sweet spot for selling your home. With typically fewer listings during the colder months, your property stands out more to serious buyers active during this season. This strategic timing allows you to tap into the market before the spring surge, potentially leading to a quicker sale.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Should You Sell Your House As-Is or Make Repairs?

Deciding between selling your home as-is or making repairs depends on your circumstances and market conditions. Selling as-is means fewer hassles but potentially lower offers and slower sales. Making repairs can attract more buyers and higher offers. Consult with a real estate agent to evaluate the best strategy for your specific situation and market dynamics.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Investors Are Not Buying Up All the Homes

There’s a misconception Wall Street is buying all the homes on the market. But data proves that isn’t true. Experts agree the share of homes bought by investors is declining – and most are smaller investors, like your neighbor who owns a second home, not Wall Street. No matter what you’ve heard, the majority of homes are still being purchased by everyday homebuyers like you – not big investors. Let’s connect if you have questions.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Make Your House the Top Thing on Every Buyer’s Wish List This Season

Selling your home during the holiday season might be advantageous due to serious buyers actively searching, reduced competition from fewer listings, and the charming appeal of holiday decor. Managing showings around your holiday schedule and capitalizing on the festive ambiance can make your home particularly attractive to potential buyers.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Control the Controllables If You’re Worried About Mortgage Rates

While external economic factors like Federal Reserve decisions and market trends can influence mortgage rates, homebuyers should focus on what they can control. Prioritizing factors such as credit score, loan type, and loan term can position buyers advantageously regardless of rate fluctuations.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

How Co-Buying a Home Helps with Affordability Today

Co-buying a home, where you purchase property with friends or family, can make homeownership more accessible in today's market. It allows for sharing costs, accessing better properties, investment opportunities, and dividing maintenance responsibilities. However, it's crucial to navigate the financial and relational aspects carefully.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Why Today’s Mortgage Debt Isn’t a Sign of a Housing Market Crash

Despite high mortgage debt, the current housing market isn't headed for a crash due to significant homeowner equity and low delinquency rates. Homeowners have triple the equity compared to debt, providing a buffer against foreclosures, even if home values dip. Low unemployment and effective loan assistance programs also contribute to market stability.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

How To Get Your House Ready To Sell in 2025

If you’re planning to list your house in 2025, it’s already time to start working on any repairs. But where do you start? Your local agent will be able to help you prioritize projects that will help you get the best return on your investment and appeal to what today’s buyers really want. If your goal is to sell your house next year, let’s connect so you know what to start working on now.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Don’t Miss Out on the Growing Number of Down Payment Assistance Programs

The number of down payment assistance (DPA) programs has increased, offering more opportunities for homebuyers. With an average benefit of $17,000, these programs help cover significant costs, making homeownership more accessible. Consult real estate professionals to find suitable programs for your needs.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

What’s Behind Today’s Mortgage Rate Volatility?

Today's mortgage rate volatility is influenced by political events, economic indicators, and Federal Reserve policies. Election outcomes and economic data like inflation and employment rates play significant roles in fluctuating rates. Understanding these dynamics can help buyers and sellers make informed decisions in a fluctuating market.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Is Wall Street Really Buying All the Homes?

The belief that Wall Street is buying up all available homes is largely a myth. Most property investors are small, mom-and-pop operations, not large corporations. Recent data shows that five out of every six homes are bought by regular homebuyers, and investor purchases are declining, making room for everyday buyers in the market.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Don’t Let These Two Concerns Hold You Back from Selling Your House

Don't let concerns about high mortgage rates or finding a new home stop you from selling. Leveraging your home equity and the increasing number of homes on the market means now might be the right time to sell and find a home you love. Let’s discuss how you can use these factors to your advantage.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

The Big Difference Between Renter and Homeowner Net Worth

If you’re torn between renting or buying, don’t forget to factor in the wealth-building power of homeownership. Unlike renters, homeowners gain equity as they pay their mortgage and as home values rise. That’s why, on average, a homeowner’s net worth is nearly 40x higher than a renter’s. Let’s connect if you want to learn more about the financial benefits of homeownership or the programs that can help make buying possible.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Should You Sell Your House or Rent It Out?

With a rising trend in homeowners considering renting out their properties, it's crucial to weigh the benefits and challenges. Evaluate factors like property suitability, landlord responsibilities, and financial implications to decide whether selling or renting aligns better with your goals.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

What’s Motivating Homeowners To Move Right Now

Many homeowners are moving due to significant life changes despite higher mortgage rates. Key reasons include job changes, family needs, or lifestyle shifts. Understanding these motivations can clarify whether it's time for you to sell and seize new opportunities.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

The Majority of Veterans Are Unaware of a Key VA Loan Benefit

Many veterans are unaware that VA home loans can offer a zero down payment option, a feature that significantly eases the path to homeownership. This benefit, along with no required private mortgage insurance and limited closing costs, makes it an invaluable resource for eligible veterans aiming to buy homes.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Why You Need an Agent To Set the Right Asking Price

The #1 task sellers struggle with is setting the right asking price for their house. Without an agent’s help, you may set a price that turns away buyers and takes a long time to sell. To make sure your house is priced right, let’s connect. Because, if the price isn’t compelling, it’s not selling.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Renting vs. Buying: The Net Worth Gap You Need To See

The Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances reveals that homeowners' net worth is typically 40 times greater than renters', largely due to equity gains from rising home prices. Despite potential market volatility, buying a home remains a significant wealth-building strategy. Engaging a local real estate agent can provide insights into personal financial strategies and the benefits of homeownership.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

What To Look For From This Week’s Fed Meeting

You may be hearing a lot of talk about the Federal Reserve (the Fed) and how their actions will impact the housing market right now. Here’s why.

The Fed meets again this week to decide the next step with the Federal Funds Rate. That's how much it costs banks to borrow from each other. Now, that’s not the same thing as setting mortgage rates, but mortgage rates can be influenced through this process. And if you’re thinking about buying or selling a home, you may be wondering about the downstream impact and when mortgage rates will come down.

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