Americans’ opinion on the value of real estate as an investment is climbing. That’s according to an annual survey from Gallup. Not only is real estate viewed as the best investment for the ninth year in a row, but more Americans selected it than ever before.

Are you thinking about selling your current home? If so, the biggest question on your mind may be: if I sell now, where will I go? If this resonates with you, there’s something you should know.

The US economy is in a strange place–and that means the housing market is too. As rising interest rates do their job to tamp down demand, fears of a coming recession are on the rise. Prospective buyers may be wondering what it all means for their dreams of owning a home.

If you’re planning to buy a home, it’s critical to understand the relationship between mortgage rates and your purchasing power. Purchasing power is the amount of home you can afford to buy that’s within your financial reach. Mortgage rates directly impact the monthly payment you’ll have on the home you purchase.

If you’re following along with the news today, you’ve likely heard about rising inflation. You’re also likely feeling the impact in your day-to-day life as prices go up for gas, groceries, and more. These rising consumer costs can put a pinch on your wallet and make you re-evaluate any big purchases you have planned to ensure they’re still worthwhile.

If you’re planning to sell your home this season, rising prices are great news for you. But it’s important to understand why prices are rising to begin with. One major factor is supply and demand.

Homebuyers in our local market are faced with challenges today; low inventory, multiple bid offers, rising mortgage rates, etc., which can make it hard to know if now is a good time to buy.

Deciding whether to rent or buy can be a difficult decision, but with the right analysis, you can determine which is best for you. Knowing whether it’s the right time to rent or buy depends on your buying power, what you’re looking for in a home, your local market conditions, your plans for you and your household, and the responsibilities you’re prepared to take on at your residence.

With outdoor mask mandates lifted but coronavirus cases ticking up once more, seeing a movie outside is perhaps the least anxiety-inducing way you can take in a movie in person with anyone else this summer.

If you’re in the market to buy a home this season, stick with it. Homebuyers face challenges in any market, and today’s is no exception. But if you persevere, your decision to purchase a home will be worth the effort in the end. In fact, a recent survey from Bankrate shows homeownership is so powerful that:

Selling a home is a complex process that requires patience, knowledge of the market, and a deep understanding of the financial processes. And that’s just the beginning. Accordingly, many homeowners trust in a professional to sell their home by working with a real estate agent.

This time of year, there is much to be done in the garden. Whether you tend to a few veggie plants, have a sprawling urban farm, or tend to a flourishing, flowering sanctuary, spring is a critical time of the year to focus on the health of your garden to keep it fertile heading into summer. Geography and climate play a large role in what a garden needs at different times throughout the year.

If you’re trying to buy a home, one of the biggest hurdles you’ll probably need to clear is financing your purchase. Fortunately, homebuyers have numerous options, including traditional fixed-rate loans and less common adjustable-rate mortgage products.

Yes, prices are up and mortgage rates are rising, but history suggests that waiting probably won't be the right choice.

While no one knows exactly where rates are headed, experts do think they’ll continue to rise in the months ahead. In the meantime, if you’re looking to buy a home, know that rising rates do have an impact. As rates rise, it’ll cost you more when you purchase a house. If you’re ready to buy, it may make sense to do so sooner rather than later.

With today’s real estate market moving as fast as it is, working with a real estate professional is more essential than ever. They have the skills, experience, and expertise it takes to navigate the highly detailed and involved process of selling a home. That may be why the percentage of people who list their houses on their own, known as a FSBO or For Sale By Owner, has reached its lowest point since 1985

It’s been a long two years since the beginning of the pandemic, and after years of remote work, online shopping and at-home entertainment, people are ready to get out again. For downtown Bellevue in particular, the return to the office heralds a fresh start for local retailers, restaurants and arts spaces; now, they just need to figure out where to put everyone.

Funding your home purchase or sale can feel like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Your tax refund can help you reach your goals.

Urban farming can be a fun way to produce your own nutritious and sustainable food supply for your household while learning about self-sufficiency and gardening.

Spring is in the air and homeowners everywhere are preparing for a season of tending to their yards. Whether you’re looking to tackle a complete makeover, boost your home’s curb appeal, or simply make a few DIY upgrades, these ideas will help you make the most of your home’s landscaping.