Chris Stocker, Realtor

07/03/2021

Today’s sellers’ market provides unique challenges – and benefits – for buyers. However, there are clear reasons for to stick with it, such as the future of mortgage rates and home prices. The long-term benefits outweigh the short-term challenges, so DM me to talk more about the best path to take from here.

07/02/2021

Happy Independence Day!

Wishing you a happy and safe Independence Day.

07/01/2021

Summer Is a Great Time To Upgrade

If you're ready to upgrade your home, summer is a great time to do so. Let's connect to get your house listed so you can find your dream home.

06/30/2021

The average monthly rent rose 5.5% in the last 12 months alone. On the other hand, monthly costs naturally stay relatively steady for homeowners. Purchasing a home helps you secure a consistent monthly payment, free from rent hikes. DM me if you have questions about transitioning from a renter to a homeowner.

06/29/2021

Owning a home has distinct financial benefits over renting. When you rent, you build your landlord’s wealth, and your monthly payments depend on ever-rising rents. When you own, you build your own wealth, and your monthly payment is locked in. DM me so we can get you started on the path to homeownership.

06/28/2021

Tips for Today's Sellers

Even in today's ultimate sellers' market, it's key to have an expert guide when you sell your house. Let's connect to optimize your home sale this summer.

06/27/2021

While home prices are unlikely to drop anytime soon, today’s low mortgage rates are a buyer’s secret weapon to secure affordable housing. DM me for expert advice on navigating today’s market and taking advantage of its opportunities.

06/26/2021

Demand for Vacation Homes Is Still Strong

The pandemic created a tremendous interest in vacation homes across the country. The 2021 Vacation Home Counties Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows that last year’s increase in vacation home sales continues in 2021. The report examines sales in counties where “vacant seasonal, occasional, or recreational use housing account for at least 20% of the housing stock” and compares that data to the overall residential market.

Their findings show:
>>Vacation home sales rose by 16.4% to 310,600 in 2020, outpacing the 5.6% growth in total existing home sales.
>>Vacation home sales are up 57.2% year-over-year during January-April 2021 compared to the 20% year-over-year change in total existing home sales.
>>Home prices rose more in vacation home counties – the median existing price rose by 14.2% in vacation home counties, compared to 10.1% in non-vacation home counties.

As the data above...

The pandemic created a tremendous interest in vacation homes across the country. Throughout the last year, many people purchased second homes as a safe getaway from the challenges of the health crisis. With many professionals working from home and many students taking classes remotely, it made sense...

06/26/2021

Are you aware of the benefits your credit card offers?

Somewhere on your credit card statement—or maybe even on the back of the card—is contact informa...

06/25/2021

Homebuyers: Hang in There [INFOGRAPHIC]

Today’s sellers’ market provides unique challenges—and benefits—for buyers. Current low interest rates won’t last forever, and home prices are forecast to rise. If you’re a homebuyer, hang in there. Homeownership improves your quality of life, and the long-term benefits outweigh the short-term challenges.

Some Highlights Today’s sellers’ market provides unique challenges—and benefits—for buyers. Current low interest rates won’t last forever, and home prices are forecast to rise. If you’re a homebuyer, hang in there. Homeownership improves your quality of life, and the long-term benefits o...

06/24/2021

The newest guides for buyers and sellers are here and full of valuable information on today’s market and the best ways to navigate it. DM me today for your digital copies!

06/23/2021

Homeowner Wealth Increases Through Growing Equity This Year

Home equity – the difference between the value of your home and what you currently owe – isn’t just built through your monthly principal payments. Home price appreciation plays a vital role in growing equity and, ultimately, your wealth.

CoreLogic recently published their latest Homeowner Equity Insights Report, and it shows continued growth in equity amidst record home price appreciation. The report provides several key takeaways, all of which point to rising wealth for homeowners:
>>The average equity gain of mortgaged homes during the past year was $33,400
>>The current average equity of mortgaged homes is greater than $216,000
>>There was a 19.6% increase in total homeowner equity over the past year
>>Total U.S. homeowner equity has reached nearly $1.9 trillion

In addition to being a critical tool in building wealth, a homeowner’s equity also provides significant flexibility. When you...

Building financial wealth and stability remains one of the top reasons Americans choose to own a home, and as a homeowner, your wealth often grows without you even realizing it. In a recent paper published by the Urban Institute, Home Ownership is Affordable Housing, author Mike Loftin illustrates h...