In recent years, especially in Atlanta and to the interest of millennials, there has been a shift in what many consider the ideal residence.
Tag: From the Desk of J.D. Crowe
Posted inHome Mortgages, Thought Leader, Thought Leadership
What Brokers and Agents Want From Lenders
Inman and 1000 watt conducted a study to uncover what real estate brokers and agents are looking for in lenders – the findings will come as a sigh of relief.
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The Age Old Debate: Rent vs. Buy
Homeownership is almost always the clear winner, but in this economy, you can’t afford not to invest in a home.
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Homeowners Associations in Georgia
Though homeowners associations often have a reputation for having strict rules, HOAs can add significant property value and curb appeal to a neighborhood.
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The Truth Behind The Signs
You’ve probably noticed those signs that read “We’ll Buy Your Home Fast!” So who is behind these vague signs? Real estate investors looking to buy your home quickly, for cash. The rapidly changing housing industry has given rise to these types of real estate investors. They approach home sellers looking to buy their properties. The […]
Posted inHome Mortgages, Thought Leader
Still a Better Option to Buy Than Rent in 2013
One year ago, we delved into an age-old debate: is it better to buy or rent when looking for a new place to call home? In fall 2012, Atlanta had a low median home sale price compared to the rest of the U.S. and national mortgage rates were at historic lows. It was concluded that […]
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Fall Still Good Time to Buy But Don’t Expect Lower Prices
Fall is still a good time to buy a home but pattern for home prices is different in 2013.
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5 Tips to Sell Your Home to Generation Y
As millennials are beginning to enter the housing market, we discuss what renovations are needed to market your home to Generation Y.
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Top Myths About Mortgages
There are many types of mortgages available, which is good for the consumer, but also leads to a lot of confusion. Here are some of the top myths about mortgages we encounter.
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Home Advice for Homebuyers
As a thought leader in the mortgage industry, I was recently asked to comment on what the increase in mortgage rates means for homebuyers right now. A reporter from Fox 5 came to the Southeast Mortgage offices to interview me on the topic and the segment appeared on “Good Day Atlanta,” in a report by […]
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Invest in Maintenance and the Right Renovations for Resale
Spending money to maintain your home isn’t as much fun as renovating it. But maintaining your home is critical to keeping its value and knowing which renovations add value is important before you undertake that expense.
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Interest Rates Inch Up
They say what goes up must come down. The reverse is true of mortgage rates. We’ve been enjoying historically low rates but it seems that they are on the rise.
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Housing Market Turnaround Takes Time
The lack of construction right now could be in part due to the need for the employment rate to go up – and whether or not the growing workforce will move at the same pace of needed construction.
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Realtors Confidence Index Supports Optimism in Industry
According to the Realtors Confidence Index produced by the National Association of Realtors, Realtors’ confidence in the market stems from strong buyer demand and a tight inventory.
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The New York Times Agrees: Now Is the Time to Buy
Mortgage rates are expected to rise slightly over the year and home prices are expected to rise rapidly. Many homebuyers may be wondering, “Is now the time to pull the trigger?”
Posted inHome Mortgages, Thought Leader
Housing Takes the Lead in Economic Recovery
Housing is leading the way in the economic recovery because of the ripple effect it’s creating for corporations. The Wall Street Journal reported the phenomenon and explained how many corporations have reported increased sales and earnings as an effect of the housing market picking back up. “While the incoming data continue to be mixed, evidence […]
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MLOs Will Become More Professional in 2013
If you want someone to renovate your house, you don’t just hire a neighborhood kid with a decent set of tools. You get references from your neighbors and hire a professional who is experienced at home renovation. So why should applying for a mortgage be any different? As we’ve written in a past Thought Leadership […]
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Mortgage Interest Tax Deduction Survives Fiscal Cliff
The fiscal cliff has been avoided and a deal has been made. Some components of the deal related to the housing industry were extended for 2013 and will operate as they have prior to their expiration. In addressing the survival of the mortgage insurance deduction for certain tax brackets, Isaac Boltansky, a Washington analyst with […]
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New Year’s Goals Should Be Long-Term And Sustainable
The holidays have passed and our focus is now on the year ahead. At this time, many people begin hitting the gym more, eating healthier, or making other lifestyle changes — a result of New Year’s resolutions. Studies show that on average, nearly 80 percent of those who set a New Year’s resolution fail. A […]
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Increase in Construction Good for Housing, Economy
As the year winds down, the housing market is revving up. In recent reports, we have seen an increase in buyers, home values and construction starts. A recent article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution stated housing starts in metro Atlanta increased 50.3 percent in the third quarter compared to the same period a year ago. The […]
