A recent survey from LendingTree.com found there are multiple reasons why Americans would choose to purchase a home instead of renting. Some of the most popular non-financial reasons given include: The flexibility to make the space your own The pride homeownership offers The sense of stability In the same survey, 41% of respondents say they’d rather own a home than rent because of the unique way homeownership builds wealth over time. And experts agree – the home... read more

Ah, fall: The nip of the first chill in the air. The colorful foliage. The pumpkin spice lattes. The pumpkin spice everything. Oh yeah, and the long list of home maintenance tasks awaiting you at the start of the season. We hate to intrude on your fall bliss, but the post summer months are a critical time for knocking out routine home maintenance to keep your household running smoothly into winter. Luckily, many of these tasks are easy DIY projects, with options to call in the pros if you prefer. 1. Check wind... read more

Two of the biggest buzz topics in the TriCities these days are entrepreneurship and Millennials.  Both have significant and lasting implications.   Entrepreneurship is a hot topic because of its job creation potential in the evolution of local economies.  It has gained new emphasis because it’s the cornerstone for jobs created by those who are self-employed.  In numbers that breaks down to 3 out of every 10 jobs.   At the same time just about everyone is trying to get a handle o... read more

It’s prime time now, because it will take a couple of months to get everything into place. Being a serious buyer simply means you’ve done your homework, aligned your credit affairs and aren’t just a casual observer when you go to an open house or showing.   The first step is knowing what you can afford, getting your credit in order.    How much house you can afford isn’t as simple as comparing a mortgage payment with the rent. Factor in things like property taxes, insurance ... read more

The housing market was a shining star in 2020, fueling the economic turnaround throughout the country. As we look forward to 2021, can we expect real estate to continue showing such promise? Here’s what four experts have to say about the year ahead. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist, National Association of Realtors (NAR) “In 2021, I think rates will be similar or modestly higher, maybe 3%…So, mortgage rates will continue to be historically favorable.” Danielle Hale, ... read more