Keys to the Market

Unlocking Insights, One Door at a Time

Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Housing Market Forecast for the 2nd Half of 2024

Wondering what the second half of the year holds for the housing market? Here’s what expert forecasts say. Home prices are expected to climb moderately. Mortgage rates are forecast to come down slightly. And, home sales are projected to hold steady. If you have questions about what to expect for the rest of the year, DM me so we can have a conversation about what it means for you and your plans.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

The Difference Between an Inspection and an Appraisal

When you decide to buy your first home, you may come across a number of terms and conditions you’re not familiar with. While you may have a general idea of what an inspection is, maybe you’re not sure why you need one or how it’s different from an appraisal. To keep it simple, here’s an explainer of each one and what they mean for you as a homebuyer.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Focus on Time in the Market, Not Timing the Market

Should you buy a home now or should you wait? That’s a big question on many people’s minds today. And while what timing is right for you will depend on a lot of other personal factors, here’s something you may not have considered.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

How Long Will It Take To Sell My House?

You want your house to sell fast. And you may be wondering how long the whole process is going to take. One way to get your answer? Work with a local real estate agent.

They have the expertise to tell you how quickly homes are selling in your area and what’s impacting timelines for other sellers. That way you have realistic expectations and can work together to come up with a plan that’s based on today’s market.

Here’s a high-level overview of just one of the factors a great agent will walk you through – the supply of homes for sale and how that impacts your process.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

The Downsides of Selling Your House Without an Agent

Considering selling your house without an agent? You should know there are some serious downsides to handling it on your own.

You’ll be missing out on marketing tools that draw in more buyers, pricing and market expertise, essential negotiation skills, in-depth knowledge of the fine print in contracts, and so much more.

Don’t take all of this responsibility on. Instead, let’s connect so you have someone with the knowledge and experience you’ll need on your side.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Why a Vacation Home Is the Ultimate Summer Upgrade

Explore the advantages of purchasing a vacation home this summer, from securing a personal retreat to potentially earning rental income. Learn practical tips for making vacation homeownership more accessible, such as buying with friends or setting up a savings plan. Understand how partnering with a real estate agent can guide you in selecting the perfect getaway that aligns with your lifestyle and future plans.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

What You Need To Know About Today’s Down Payment Programs

There's no denying it's gotten more challenging to buy a home, especially with today's mortgage rates and home price appreciation. And that may be one of the big reasons you’re eager to look into grants and assistance programs to see if there’s anything you qualify for that can help. But unfortunately, many homebuyers feel like they don’t know where to start. 

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Worried About Mortgage Rates? Control the Controllables

Chances are you’re hearing a lot about mortgage rates right now. You may even see some headlines talking about last week’s Federal Reserve (the Fed) meeting and what it means for rates. But the Fed doesn’t determine mortgage rates, even if the headlines make it sound like they do.

The truth is, mortgage rates are impacted by a lot of factors: geo-political uncertainty, inflation and the economy, and more. And trying to pin down when all those factors will line up enough for rates to come down is tricky.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Do Elections Impact the Housing Market?

Explore the historical impacts of Presidential elections on the housing market. Understand how election years typically affect home sales, prices, and mortgage rates, and why these changes are usually minor and temporary. Gain insight into why the housing market remains resilient during election cycles, helping you make informed decisions whether buying or selling a home.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Real Estate Is Still the Best Long-Term Investment

According to a recent poll from Gallup, real estate has been voted the best long-term investment for twelve straight years. That’s because a home is so much more just than a roof over your head. It’s also an asset that typically grows in value over time. If you’ve been debating if it makes more sense to rent or buy, DM me to talk about why homeownership can be a better bet in the long run.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Homebuilders Aren’t Overbuilding, They’re Catching Up

You may have heard that there are more brand-new homes available right now than the norm. Today, about one in three homes on the market are newly built. And if you’re wondering what that means for the housing market and for your own move, here’s what you need to know.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Home Prices Aren’t Declining, But Headlines Might Make You Think They Are

If you’ve seen the news lately about home sellers slashing prices, it’s a great example of how headlines do more to terrify than clarify. Here’s what’s really happening with prices.

The bottom line is home prices are higher than they were a year ago at this time, and they’re expected to keep rising, just at a slower pace.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Savings Strategies Every First-Time Homebuyer Needs To Know

If homeownership is on your goal sheet for your future, you’re probably working on your savings. And a big priority is making sure you’ve got a plan in place for things like your closing costs, down payment, and more.

Here are a few strategies that can help speed up that process.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Selling Smart: Why a Real Estate Agent Makes All the Difference

Discover why partnering with a real estate agent is crucial when selling your home. Learn how agents help in accurately pricing your property and managing complex paperwork, reducing the risks of costly errors and legal issues. Gain insight into how an agent's expertise can simplify the selling process and enhance your chances of a successful sale.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

The Wealth-Building Power of Homeownership

If you’re trying to decide if buying a home is worth it, consider the long-term benefits, like building equity as home values grow over time. According to the FHFA, home values have increased by 315.7% since 1991. Home equity is one reason owning your own place can really pay off in the long run.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

Your Equity Could Make a Move Possible

Many homeowners looking to sell feel like they’re stuck between a rock and a hard place right now. Today’s mortgage rates are higher than the one they currently have on their home, and that’s making it harder to want to sell and make a move. Maybe you’re in the same boat.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

The Sweet Spot for Buying Luxury Homes

If you’ve been looking for a home at the high end of your market, but haven’t found the right one, you may have put your search on hold. But according to recent data, now may be the time to jump back in. Here’s why.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

What To Expect if You Buy or Sell a Home This June

June is a busy month in the housing market because a lot of people buy and sell this time of year. So, if you’ve got a move on your mind and you’re looking to make it happen this month, here’s a snapshot of what you need to know to make sure you’re ready.

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Chris Fosgate Chris Fosgate

More Than a House: The Emotional Benefits of Homeownership

With all the headlines and talk about housing affordability, it can be tempting to get lost in the financial side of buying a home. That’s only natural as you think about the dollars and cents of it all.

And while you ultimately need to be able to afford a home you buy, don’t lose sight of why homeownership was so important to you in the first place. That’s because buying a home is so much more than just a financial transaction.

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