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Maria Boynton Realtor, Chesapeake, VA (2026)

07/14/2022

Because knowledge is power.

Housing Experts Say This Isn’t a Bubble

The 2008 housing crash is still fresh in the minds of many homebuyers and sellers. But today’s market is different. Odeta Kushi, Deputy Chief Economist at First American, says, "This is not the same market of 2008. . . . It's no secret the housing market played a central role in the Great Recession, but this market is just fundamentally different in so many ways."

Natalie Campisi, Advisor Staff for Forbes, explains how today’s lending standards are different than those during the lead up to the housing market crash. “Among the differences between today’s housing market and that of the 2008 housing crash is that lending standards are tighter due to lessons learned and new regulations enacted after the last crisis. Essentially, that means those approved for a mortgage nowadays are less likely to default...

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With so much talk about an economic slowdown, some people are asking if the housing market is heading for a crash like the one in 2008. To really understand what's happening with real estate today, it's important to lean on the experts for reliable information.

07/13/2022

Because knowledge is power.

Should I Buy a Home Right Now?

If you’ve been thinking about buying a home, you likely have one question on the top of your mind: should I buy right now, or should I wait? While no one can answer that question for you, here’s some information that could help you make your decision.

The Home Price Expectations Survey projects the rate of price appreciation will moderate over the next few years as the market shifts away from the unsustainable pace it saw during the pandemic. After this year, experts project home price appreciation will continue, but at levels that are more typical for the market. As Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at NAR, says, “People should not anticipate another double-digit price appreciation. Those days are over. . . . We may return to more normal price appreciation of 4%, 5% a year.”

For you, that ongoing appreciation should give...

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If you’ve been thinking about buying a home, you likely have one question on the top of your mind: should I buy right now, or should I wait? While no one can answer that question for you, here’s some information that could help you make your decision.

07/12/2022

Because knowledge is power.

Expert Housing Market Forecasts for the Second Half of the Year

The housing market is at a turning point. That may leave you wondering: is it still a good time to buy a home? Should I make a move this year? Let's turn to the experts for projections on what the second half of the year holds for residential real estate.

>>Where Mortgage Rates Will Go Depends on Inflation
If inflation continues to rise, it’s likely that mortgage rates will respond.

When rates rise, they impact affordability and your purchasing power. That’s why it’s crucial to work with a team of professionals, so you have expert advice to help you make an informed decision about your best move.

>>The Supply of Homes for Sale Projected To Continue Increasing
Recently, realtor.com updated their 2022 inventory forecast. They increased their projections for inventory gains...

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The housing market is at a turning point, and if you’re thinking of buying or selling a home, that may leave you wondering: is it still a good time to buy a home? Should I make a move this year? To help answer those questions, let’s turn to the experts for projections on what the second half of ...

07/11/2022

Because knowledge is power.

The Drop in Mortgage Rates Brings Good News for Homebuyers

Over the past few weeks, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate from Freddie Mac fell by half a percent. The drop happened over concerns about a potential recession. And since mortgage rates have risen dramatically this year, homebuyers across the country should see this decline as welcome news.

Freddie Mac reports that the average 30-year rate was down to 5.30% from 5.81% two weeks prior. But why is this recent dip such good news for homebuyers? As Nadia Evangelou at NAR explains, “According to Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate dropped sharply by 40 basis points to 5.3 percent. . . . As a result, home buying is about 5 percent more affordable than a week ago. This translates to about $100 less every month on a mortgage payment.”

That’s because when rates go up (as they...

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Over the past few weeks, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate from Freddie Mac fell by half a percent. The drop happened over concerns about a potential recession. And since mortgage rates have risen dramatically this year, homebuyers across the country should see this decline as welcome news.

07/08/2022

Because knowledge is power.

Why Growing Home Equity Is Great News if You Plan To Move [INFOGRAPHIC]

According to the latest data from CoreLogic, the average homeowner gained $64,000 in home equity over the past 12 months. That much equity can be a game-changer when you move. When you sell, it could be some (if not all) of what you need for a down payment on your next home. To find out how much equity you have in your home and how you can use it, let’s connect today.

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Some Highlights According to the latest data from CoreLogic, the average homeowner gained $64,000 in home equity over the past 12 months. That much equity can be a game-changer when you move. When you sell, it could be some (if not all) of what you need for a down payment on your next home. To find....

07/07/2022

Because knowledge is power.

What Does an Economic Slowdown Mean for the Housing Market?

According to a recent survey, more and more Americans are concerned about a possible recession. Those concerns were validated when the Federal Reserve met and confirmed they were strongly committed to bringing down inflation. And, in order to do so, they’d use their tools and influence to slow down the economy.

All of this brings up many fears and questions around how it might affect our lives, our jobs, and business overall. And one concern many Americans have is: how will this affect the housing market? We know how economic slowdowns have impacted home prices in the past, but how could this next slowdown affect real estate and the cost of financing a home?

According to Mortgage Specialists, “Throughout history, during a recessionary period, interest rates go up at the beginning of the...

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According to a recent survey, more and more Americans are concerned about a possible recession. Those concerns were validated when the Federal Reserve met and confirmed they were strongly committed to bringing down inflation. And, in order to do so, they’d use their tools and influence to slow dow...

07/06/2022

Because knowledge is power.

How Your Equity Can Grow over Time

Let’s start by establishing how you build equity in your home. While price appreciation is clearly a factor that can help boost your equity, you also build equity over time as you pay down your home loan. NAR explains, “Home equity gains are built up through price appreciation and by paying off the mortgage through principal payments.”

Record levels of home price appreciation have spurred significant equity gains for homeowners over the past few years. As Diana Olick, Real Estate Correspondent at CNBC, says, “The stunning jump in home values over the course of the Covid-19 pandemic has given U.S. homeowners record amounts of housing wealth.”

If you want to find out how much equity you have, partner with a trusted real estate professional for an equity assessment on your home. They can provide an expert...

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It’s true that record levels of home price appreciation have spurred significant equity gains for homeowners over the past few years. As Diana Olick, Real Estate Correspondent at CNBC, says:

07/05/2022

Because knowledge is power.

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.

A recent survey from Bankrate asked respondents to rank achievements as indicators of financial success, and the responses prove that owning a home is still important to so many Americans today, ranking above other significant milestones, including retirement, having a successful career, and earning a college degree.

That could be because owning a home is a significant wealth-building tool and provides meaningful...

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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 hom...

07/01/2022

Because knowledge is power.

Real Estate Consistently Voted Best Investment [INFOGRAPHIC]

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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Some Highlights 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 g...

06/30/2022

Because knowledge is power.

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.

>>A Professional Follows the Latest Market Trends

When conditions change, following the trends and staying on top of new information is crucial when you sell.

>>A Professional Helps Maximize Your Pool of Buyers

Real estate professionals...

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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.

06/29/2022

Because knowledge is power.

Homeownership Could Be in Reach with Down Payment Assistance Programs

There are several misconceptions about down payment assistance programs. For starters, many people believe there’s only assistance available for first-time homebuyers. While first-time buyers have many options to explore, repeat buyers have some, too. According to the latest Homeownership Program Index from downpaymentresource.com, “It is a common misconception that homebuyer assistance is only available to first-time homebuyers, however, 38% of homebuyer assistance programs in Q1 2022 did not have a first-time homebuyer requirement.”

That means repeat buyers could qualify for over one-third of the assistance programs available. And if you’re a repeat buyer, you may still be able to take advantage of some first-time homebuyer programs, depending on your personal situation. That means no...

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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.

06/28/2022

Because knowledge is power.

A Key Opportunity for Homebuyers

As you may have already heard, the number of homes for sale has increased this year, and even more so this spring. Mark Fleming at First American says inventory growth is happening not just because there’s as increase in the number of listings coming onto the market, but also because buyer demand has moderated some in light of higher mortgage rates and other economic factors. “There has been a pickup in the inventory that we've seen recently, but it's not from a big increase in new listings . . . but rather a slowdown in the pace of sales. And remember that months’ supply measures the inventory of sale relative to the pace of sales. Same inventory, fewer sales, means more months’ supply.”

The combination of more homes coming onto the market and a slower pace of home sales means you’ll have more options to choose...

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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...

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