Rosalie DiPietro, DiTommaso Real Estate

07/07/2023

The Benefits of Downsizing for Homeowners [INFOGRAPHIC]

Downsizing is a popular choice for homeowners when they retire or when their needs change, but with inflation still high, it’s also a way to reduce costs. Downsizing could help cut down on your expenses and your equity can fuel your move. If you’re thinking about moving to a smaller home, DM me to go over your housing goals and look at your options on our local market.

Downsizing is a popular choice for homeowners when they retire or when their needs change, but with inflation still high, it’s also a way to reduce costs.

07/06/2023

Important Credit Score Information for Homebuyers

To boost your credit score, focus on your payment history, debt amount, and credit applications. Let’s connect if you want more tips to consider when buying a home.

07/05/2023

Two Questions To Ask Yourself if You’re Considering Buying a Home

If you’re thinking of buying a home, chances are you’re paying attention to just about everything you hear about the housing market. To help cut through the noise and give you the information you need most, take a look at what the data says. Here are the top two questions you need to ask yourself about home prices and mortgage rates as you make your decision:

>>Where Do I Think Home Prices Are Heading?

One reliable place you can turn to for that information is the Home Price Expectation Survey from Pulsenomics – a survey of a national panel of over one hundred economists, real estate experts, and investment and market strategists.

According to the latest release, the experts surveyed are projecting slight depreciation this year. But here’s the context you need most. The worst home price declines are already behind us, and prices are actually appreciating again in many markets. Now, l...

If you’re thinking of buying a home, chances are you’re paying attention to just about everything you hear about the housing market.

07/04/2023

Americans Still View Homeownership as the American Dream

Everyone’s interpretation of the American Dream is unique and personal. But, for many people it’s tied to a sense of success, freedom, and prosperity. These are all things that owning a home can help provide.

A recent survey from Bankrate asked respondents which achievements they feel most embody the American Dream. The responses prove owning a home is still important to so many Americans today as homeownership ranks above other significant milestones, including retirement, having a successful career, and earning a college degree.

A recent report from MYND helps shed light on why so many people value homeownership. It finds, “. . . nearly two-thirds of Americans (65%) see homeownership as a means of building intergenerational wealth.”

To further drive home the difference homeownership can make in your life, a report from Fannie Mae says, “Most consumers (87%) believe owning a home is important...

Everyone’s interpretation of the American Dream is unique and personal.

07/03/2023

Evaluating Your Wants and Needs as a Homebuyer Matters More Today

When it comes to buying a home, especially with today’s affordability challenges, you’ll want to be strategic. Mortgage rates impact how much it costs to borrow money for your home loan. And, to help offset the higher borrowing costs today, some homebuyers are taking a close look at their wish list and re-evaluating what features they really need in their next home to avoid overextending.

So, if you’re looking to buy a home, take some time to consider what’s truly essential for you in your next house. Make a list of all the features you’ll want to see, and from there, work to break those features into categories. Here’s a great way to organize your list:

>>Must-Haves – If a house doesn’t have these features, it won’t work for you and your lifestyle (examples: distance from work or loved ones, number of bedrooms/bathrooms, etc.).

>>Nice-To-Haves – These are features you’d love to have...

When it comes to buying a home, especially with today’s affordability challenges, you’ll want to be strategic.

07/03/2023

Key Reasons To Use a Real Estate Agent When You Sell [INFOGRAPHIC]

An agent is a really important part of selling your home because they bring a lot of skill and expertise to the sales process. They’ll explain what’s happening today, what that means for you, and how to price and market your house. They’re also skilled negotiators and well versed at the contracts and disclosures involved. DM me to ensure you have an expert helping you sell your house successfully.

An agent is a really important part of selling your home because they bring a lot of skill and expertise to the sales process.

06/30/2023

Less Equity Doesn’t Mean Low Equity

Less equity doesn’t mean low equity – don’t let the negative headlines hold you back. Let’s connect if you’re looking to make a move.

06/29/2023

Where Will You Go If You Sell? Newly Built Homes Might Be the Answer.

Do you want to sell your house, but hesitate because you’re worried you won’t be able to find your next home in today’s market? You're not alone, but there’s some good news that may ease your worries. New home construction is up and is becoming an increasingly significant part of the housing inventory.

That means when you go to put your house on the market this summer, considering newly built homes is crucial for expanding the options you’ll have for your next move.

Robert Dietz, Chief Economist at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), highlights the importance of newly built homes for those looking to buy in today’s housing market. Dietz states, "With limited available housing inventory, new construction will continue to be a significant part of prospective buyers' search in the quarters ahead."

Don’t overlook this growing market segment and risk missing out on grea...

Do you want to sell your house, but hesitate because you’re worried you won’t be able to find your next home in today’s market?

06/28/2023

Lending Standards Are Not Like They Were Leading Up to the Crash

You might be worried we’re heading for a housing crash, but there are many reasons why this housing market isn’t like the one we saw in 2008. One of which is how lending standards are different today. Here’s a look at the data to help prove it.

Every month, the Mortgage Bankers Association releases the Mortgage Credit Availability Index. According to their website, “The MCAI provides the only standardized quantitative index that is solely focused on mortgage credit. The MCAI is . . . a summary measure which indicates the availability of mortgage credit at a point in time.”

Basically, the index determines how easy it is to get a mortgage. In 2004, the index was around 400. But, by 2006, it had gone up to over 850. Today, the story is quite different. Since the crash, the index went down because lending standards got tighter, so today it’s harder to get a mortgage.

One of the main fact...

You might be worried we’re heading for a housing crash, but there are many reasons why this housing market isn’t like the one we saw in 2008.

06/27/2023

Why Homeownership Wins in the Long Run

Today’s higher mortgage rates, inflationary pressures, and concerns about a potential recession have some people questioning: should I still buy a home this year? While it’s true this year has unique challenges for homebuyers, it’s important to think about the long-term benefits of homeownership when making your decision.

Consider this: if you know people who bought a home 5, 10, or even 30 years ago, you’re probably going to have a hard time finding someone who regrets their decision. Why is that? The reason is tied to how home values grow with time and how, by extension, that grows your own wealth. That may be why, in a recent Fannie Mae survey, 70% of respondents say they believe buying a home is a safe investment.

Here’s a look at how just the home price appreciation piece can really add up over the years.

If you look at the percent change in home prices according to the FHFA, you can see home prices grew...

Today’s higher mortgage rates, inflationary pressures, and concerns about a potential recession have some people questioning: should I still buy a home this year?