Carolynn Starr, Realtor - Starr Residential Group

07/13/2023

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03/04/2023

So what does it take to afford the mortgage on such a costly purchase? Experts suggest an annual salary of $200,000 or more.

The number of homes in the United States valued at $1 million or more is now at a record high. In fact, a recent report from realty company Redfin shows that 8.2% of U.S. properties (some six million homes) fall into that category – a figure that has doubled since the start of the pandemic.

03/02/2023

Here, we're going to look at where the housing market appears to be coming back to Earth and examine why it's happening.

If you've just received a job transfer or must move for some other reason, it may be a wee bit easier to afford a house this year than it was last year. Now, to be clear: Housing prices and interest rates remain challenging in most markets. However, there are signs that both are softening.

03/01/2023

There are signs that the uptick and other positive trends could bolster the housing market if job and population growth continue as anticipated.

With rising mortgage interest rates continuing to batter the Austin-area housing market, median home-sales prices — both in Central Texas and the city of Austin — saw their largest declines on record in 12 years, the Austin Board of Realtors said Thursday.

02/28/2023

Figuring out when to purchase a home can vary significantly from person to person, and from region to region, but seasonality can affect issues like housing inventory and home prices.

Housing prices and mortgage rates have generally been on the rise over the past couple of years. In late 2021, the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage was under 3%, which then peaked above 7% in late 2022. Now, in early 2023, the average remains above 6%, according to Freddie Mac.

02/27/2023

Here are 5 things you can do leading up to your move to make for less stress on moving day.

Move-in day excitement shouldn’t be overshadowed by moving day anxiety. Some smart preparation can go a long way towards making moving a little more uplifting (and a little less heavy lifting). Here are 5 things you can do leading up to your move to make for less stress on moving day.

02/26/2023

Let’s take a look at 16 factors that can impact your appraisal and why they’re important.

Whether you plan to buy, sell, or refinance your home, an appraiser’s opinion holds a lot of weight. So, what hurts a home appraisal and is there anything you can do about it?

02/24/2023

We detail what costs you’re likely to incur and what sellers pay on average.

You’re antsy for new digs, and you just need to sell your current home to snag that dream house. But before you box up your prized LEGO® collection and book a moving truck, you need to answer the nagging question at the back of your mind: What’s it going to cost to sell my house?

02/23/2023

One-third fewer homes were bought nationwide last year vs. 2021. Obviously, less buying meant discounting was in order.

In a homebuying world that's become unaffordable for many Americans — no less most Californians — it's good news for house hunters when home prices decline. Now, most merchants facing sinking demand for their goods would drop prices and brag about the discounts. Curiously, that price-cutting log...

02/22/2023

The uptick followed a series of interest rate cuts in late 2022 and early 2023.

The housing market is coming out of its slumber, at least a little. But plenty of would-be buyers who can afford a home are still opting to hit the snooze button on buying – or skipping the idea for good.

02/21/2023

“We love to incorporate beautiful lighting into wine storage—when entertaining, the light becomes a beacon that draws guests near.”

Uncorking a bottle while cooking is customary for wine lovers. Thus, placing wine storage in or near the heart of the home––rather than in a basement––makes sense, and oenophiles are realizing the advantages.

02/20/2023

It is super important for any real estate investor to be familiar with the process of closing the sale of a property.

Just like in sports, you always want to be on the offense during this process instead of the defense. You need to understand what to expect so you can set yourself up for success and actually get to closing. You’ll also want to know what’s reasonable in terms of a timeline.