Team Fosgate
Trusted News From The Experts

Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Things To Avoid After You Apply for a Mortgage

Once a lender has reviewed your finances as part of the homebuying process, you want to be as consistent as possible. Don’t make any big changes that could affect your mortgage application. Here are a few tips. Don’t change bank accounts or apply for new credit. And this one may surprise you, don’t buy appliances or furniture for your next home yet either. The best tip of all? Before you do anything financial in nature, talk to your lender first.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

The #1 Thing Sellers Need To Know About Their Asking Price

Sellers need to know that overpricing can backfire in today's market. With inventory growing, price cuts are high. Pricing right from the start, guided by an agent's market analysis, avoids lower offers later. Overpricing might deter buyers, prolong listing time, and result in lower sale prices, as data shows homes sell for less after 4 weeks on market.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Townhomes: A Smart Solution for Today’s First-Time Buyers

Townhomes offer first-time buyers affordability over space due to lower costs. Builders are increasing townhome options in response to demand, providing more affordable choices. Townhomes mean less maintenance and community living, appealing for those avoiding detached home upkeep. Consider noise from shared walls. If budget matters, townhomes can help with homeownership.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Here’s What a Recession Could Mean for the Housing Market

A recession doesn't guarantee falling home prices; in four of the last six recessions, prices rose. Mortgage rates typically decrease during recessions, aiding affordability. Historically, home prices continue on their current path during downturns.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

National Housing Trends To Watch

Nationally, the housing market has seen changes: more listings, slower price growth, and longer selling times. How does this compare locally? Let's connect to discuss the implications for your situation.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Buyers Have More Negotiation Power – Here’s How To Use It

With more homes on the market, buyers are gaining negotiation power. An agent is crucial for negotiating terms like sale price, closing costs, home warranties, repairs, fixtures, and closing dates. They help determine what's feasible, ensuring you get favorable terms without risking the deal. Having an agent is key to leveraging this situation.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Why Pre-Approval Is More Important Than Ever This Spring

Pre-approval is crucial this spring due to high competition in real estate. It helps buyers understand their budget, ensuring they don't overcommit, and makes their offers stand out to sellers by proving financial readiness. Start with pre-approval to be fully prepared for buying in this busy market.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

The Best Week To List Your House Is Almost Here – Are You Ready?

Realtor dot com suggests April 13-19 as the optimal time to list your house in 2025 for peak buyer interest, faster sales, and potentially $4,800 more than listing later. Start prepping now with quick, impactful updates to maximize appeal. If not ready, there's still opportunity in the season, but preparation is key.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

4 Things To Expect from the Spring Housing Market

More homes for sale this spring, up 27.5% from last year. Home price growth is moderating, stabilizing mortgage rates are encouraging buyers, and more buyers are returning, increasing competition. This could impact buying or selling decisions, offering value growth for buyers and pricing leverage for sellers.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Your Roadmap to Homeownership

Buying a home isn’t just a transaction – it’s a journey. And like any great adventure, having a solid roadmap makes all the difference. From building your dream team to getting pre-approved, house hunting, and signing the papers on closing day – each milestone is an achievement. Your journey starts here. Let’s connect so you have help every step along the way.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

How Buying or Selling a Home Helps Your Local Economy

Buying or selling a home significantly boosts the local economy by sparking job creation and generating substantial economic activity. Purchasing a previously owned home adds over $60K to the economy, while buying a new build contributes over $125K. This economic impact is driven by the wide array of professionals involved in each transaction, from contractors to real estate agents, enriching the community and supporting local businesses.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

What You Need To Know About Homeowner’s Insurance

Homeowner’s insurance is essential for protecting your home from damage, covering personal belongings, and providing liability coverage. Premiums are rising due to increased weather events, insurer exits from high-risk areas, and higher repair costs. To manage costs, compare quotes, look for discounts, and consider bundling policies.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Is It Time To Put Your House Back on the Market?

A record high of nearly 73,000 homes were removed from the market in December 2024, the highest for any December since 2017, according to CoreLogic and WSJ data. This trend highlights a significant shift in homeowner behavior amidst changing market conditions.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Rising Inventory Means This Spring Could Be Your Moment

This spring could be ideal for homebuyers due to rising inventory, providing more options and greater negotiating power. With an increase in homes for sale, buyers benefit from lower asking prices and more flexibility, while more listings with price cuts suggest sellers are open to negotiation.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

What You Need To Know About Pre-Approval

Before you even start looking at homes, there’s something you should do first – and that’s get pre-approved for your mortgage. Pre-approval is when a lender checks your finances and decides how much you’re qualified to borrow for your home loan. This helps you determine your budget and makes your offer stand out for sellers. Connect with a trusted lender to get the process started.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Is the Housing Market Starting To Balance Out?

As housing inventory increases, the market is shifting, offering more leverage to buyers in certain areas. Understanding the local market dynamics, whether it's a buyer's or seller's market, is crucial. Engaging a knowledgeable real estate agent can help you navigate these changes effectively, whether you're buying or selling.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Buying Your First Home? It’s Okay To Feel Nervous

Feeling anxious about buying your first home is common. By focusing on manageable elements like mortgage specifics and considering a home warranty for unexpected repairs, you can alleviate some concerns. Remember, initial financial stretches are normal and usually improve over time as your circumstances evolve.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Mortgage Rates Hit Lowest Point So Far This Year

Mortgage rates have reached the lowest point this year, encouraging potential buyers to reconsider entering the market. With a significant decline over seven weeks, now may be an optimal time to capitalize on lower rates, enhancing affordability and buying power as rates could fluctuate further.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Should I Buy a Home Right Now? Experts Say Prices Are Only Going Up

Despite high mortgage rates and rising prices, delaying a home purchase may cost more as prices are projected to keep rising by 3-4% annually. Buying now allows for immediate equity building, with experts advising against trying to time the market. Understanding local trends and exploring options can help make a timely, strategic investment.

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