Melanie Stanford Professional Realtor with BHG The Good Life Group

10/31/2022

Check out this fantastic listing in Council Bluffs. This home offers a corner lot with a detached garage and a large patio space. Clean and ready to view. Please reach out to Monica Henderson at Better Homes and Gardens The Good Life Group or set up a showing with Showing Time

07/05/2022

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 financial stability. NAR explains, “Homeownership builds financial security. With 65.5% of Americans owning...

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...

07/04/2022

Happy Independence Day

Wishing you a happy Independence Day.

07/01/2022

Buyers and sellers both have opportunities today. For sellers, houses are still selling quickly and prices are climbing – that's why many homeowners are listing their homes. For buyers, those additional options give you more to choose from in your home search. Ready to make a move? Let’s connect to discuss your goals and make them a reality.

06/30/2022

The latest data from NAR shows more than half of the homes sold in May went for above asking price. As a homeowner, that’s a good sign you could get a great price for your home when you list. If you’re planning to sell this summer, DM me today and let’s discuss your options.

06/29/2022

Home Price Appreciation Helps Build Your Wealth

For the next five years, experts say home prices will continue to rise. Let's connect if you're ready to invest in homeownership and grow your wealth.

06/28/2022

A majority of experts don’t believe the housing market is in a bubble. That’s because lending standards and housing inventory are very different today than they were in 2008. DM me so we can discuss the difference and why buying or selling could be a great move for you this summer.

06/27/2022

June is Caribbean American Heritage Month. Let’s honor and celebrate Caribbean American culture and help everyone feel confident on their journey to homeownership.

06/24/2022

A home is lot of things – it’s a roof over your head, a place to call your own, and it’s typically a strong financial investment. That’s why homeownership still ranks as the top accomplishment Americans feel proud of. DM me so you have an expert guide to help you accomplish your dream of .

06/23/2022

Homeownership Is a Great Hedge Against the Impact of Rising Inflation

Buying a home allows you to stabilize what’s typically your biggest monthly expense: your housing cost. When you have a fixed-rate mortgage on your home, you lock in your monthly payment for the duration of your loan, often 15 to 30 years. James Royal, Senior Wealth Management Reporter at Bankrate, says, “A fixed-rate mortgage allows you to maintain the biggest portion of housing expenses at the same payment. Sure, property taxes will rise and other expenses may creep up, but your monthly housing payment remains the same. That’s certainly not the case if you’re renting.”

So even if other prices increase, your housing payment will be a reliable amount that can help keep your budget in check. If you rent, you don’t have that same benefit, and you won’t be protected from rising housing costs.

While it’s true rising home prices and higher mortgage rates mean that buying a...

If you’re following along with the news today, you’ve heard about rising inflation. Today, inflation is at a 40-year high. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB):

06/22/2022

If you’re a buyer who’s been waiting for your dream home to come onto the market, then today’s rising supply of homes for sale could be a dream come true. That’s because the more listings there are, the more options you have to choose from. DM me if you’re ready to start looking for homes in our local area.

06/21/2022

If you’re a homeowner, your net worth has gotten a big boost. That’s because the average homeowner’s equity grew by $64,000 over the last year due to ongoing home price appreciation. DM me to learn how much equity you have in your home and how you can use it to fuel your next move.