Buying Remains 36% Cheaper than Renting!

In the latest Rent vs. Buy Report from Trulia, they explained that homeownership remains cheaper than renting with a traditional 30-year fixed rate mortgage in the 100 largest metro areas in the United States. The updated numbers actually show that the range is an average of 5% less expensive in Orange County (CA) all the way up to 46% in Houston (TX), and 36% Nationwide! A recent study by GoBankingRates looked at the cost of renting vs. owing a home at the state level and concluded that in 36 states it is actually 'a little' or 'a lot' cheaper to own, represented by the two shades of blue in the map below. One of the main reasons that owning a home has remained significantly cheaper than renting is the fact that interest rates have remained at or near historic lows. Freddie Mac reports that rates fell again last week to 3.43%. Nationally, rates would have to rise to 10.6% for renting to be cheaper than buying - and rates haven't been that high since 1989. Bottom Line Buying a home makes sense socially and financially. If you are one of the many renters who would like to evaluate your ability to buy this year, meet with a local real estate professional who can help you find your dream home.

HOME SALES CLMBING HIGHEST SINCE 2006

New & Existing Home Sales Climb [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights: Both New Home Sales and Existing Home Sales are up month-over-month and year-over-year. Inventory remains low which continues to drive home prices up as demand continues to exceed the 4.7-month inventory. The median price of new homes is up 12% from March 2015, while the median price of existing homes is up 6.3% from April 2015.

TRUST IS NECESSARY

Unparalleled Trust Necessary Before Listing Your House

You and your family have decided to sell your house. It is now time to choose a real estate professional to help with the process. One of the major attributes this agent must possess is trustworthiness. To what degree do you need to trust them? You must have enough trust in them that you feel comfortable they will accomplish all four things below: 1. Sell possibly the largest asset your family owns In many cases, a home is the largest asset a family has. Studies have shown that the equity many families have in their home is the largest percentage of that family's overall wealth. 2. Set the correct market value on that asset Pricing is crucial even in the best of markets. You want to get the best price for your home without putting your house at a value that buyers will have little interest in. 3. Set the time schedule for the liquidation of that asset Your family probably has a certain timetable for the sale of your house and the move into your next home. Coordinating the home selling process to meet certain schedules can be tricky. 4. Set a fair fee for the services required to liquidate that asset You will need to pay a commission to an agent for selling the home and coordinating all elements of the selling transaction, including possible future negotiations (ex. with a home inspector or appraiser). That's a lot of trust. Make sure you pick a true professional to help with the sale of your home.