Pony 4 Precious: Where Compassion Meets Connection for a Life-Changing Experience

  In the realm of current news, one may experience a certain degree of uncertainty regarding the trajectory of home prices, harboring apprehension as to whether the worst is yet to befall us. This sense of unease arises from the overly pessimistic narrative depicted in today's headlines. However, in direct contradiction to those sensationalized headlines, home prices are not plummeting into an abyss. On the contrary, the latest data presents a strikingly distinct and considerably more optimistic tale. While local trends in home prices still exhibit variability across different markets, let us delve into what the national data reveals. Taking a comprehensive year-over-year perspective, it becomes evident that home prices maintained a positive trajectory; albeit, they appreciated at a more subdued pace compared to the peak observed during the pandemic. To obtain a more intricate understanding of the market's dynamics, we must scrutinize the monthly data. The narrative revealed th...

 The equity you build up over the years can be used to your advantage when you sell your current house and buy your next home. If you no longer have the space you need, it might be time to move into a larger home. Or it’s possible you have too much space and need something smaller. No matter the situation, your equity can be a powerful tool you can use to help you make a move in today’s market. That’s because it may be some (if not all) of what you need for your down payment on your next home. And how much equity you have may surprise you. A recent survey finds many homeowners today estimate they’ve built up a significant amount of equity: The latest data from CoreLogic helps solidify why homeowners are feeling so good about the equity they’ve likely gained over time. As Selma Hepp, Chief Economist for CoreLogic, says: “While equity gains contracted in late 2022 due to home price declines in some regions, U.S. homeowners on average still have about $270,000 in equity, nearly $90,00...

  If you're a homeowner or looking to buy a home, you may be wondering about the recent decision from the Federal Reserve (the Fed) regarding inflation and its impact on mortgage rates. In this article, we’ll explore what inflation is, how it affects the housing market, and what you can expect for mortgage rates in the future. Understanding Inflation Inflation is the rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services is rising. When inflation is high, the purchasing power of a currency decreases, and the cost of living goes up. The Fed closely monitors inflation and takes action to keep it at a stable rate of around 2%. The Fed's Role in Inflation and Mortgage Rates The Fed’s primary tool for controlling inflation is through the Federal Funds Rate. When the Fed raises the Federal Funds Rate, it makes it more expensive for banks to borrow money. This, in turn, slows down the economy and helps to control inflation. However, the Fed's decisions regarding the Fede...

  Everywhere you look, people are talking about a potential recession. And if you’re planning to buy or sell a house, this may leave you wondering if your plans are still a wise move. To help ease your mind, experts are saying that if we do officially enter a recession, it’ll be mild and short. As the Federal Reserve explained in their March meeting: “. . . the staff’s projection at the time of the March meeting included a mild recession starting later this year, with a recovery over the subsequent two years.” While a recession may be on the horizon, it won’t be one for the housing market record books like the crash in 2008. What we have to remember is that a recession doesn’t always lead to a housing crisis. To prove it, let’s look at the historical data of what happened in real estate during previous recessions. That way you know why you shouldn’t be afraid of what a recession could mean for the housing market today. 1. A Recession Doesn’t Mean Falling Home Prices To show that ho...

  As the cost of living continues to rise, many homeowners are looking for ways to save money. One option that has gained popularity in recent years is downsizing. While it used to be a popular choice mainly among retirees, now more and more people are considering downsizing for a variety of reasons. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of downsizing and why it could be a smart choice for you. What is Downsizing? Before we delve into the benefits of downsizing, let's first define what it means. Downsizing simply means moving to a smaller home, typically with fewer rooms and less square footage than your current home. This could mean moving from a large single-family home to a smaller condo or townhome or even renting a smaller apartment. The Benefits of Downsizing So why should you consider downsizing? Here are some of the biggest benefits: Save Money on Housing Expenses One of the most significant benefits of downsizing is that it can help you save money on housing expe...

  As a homeowner, you may be wondering if now is a good time to sell your house, especially with higher mortgage rates. However, despite the increase in rates, buyer activity is actually picking up speed. In this article, we'll explore recent data and trends in the housing market that show why now may be a good time to sell. The Latest Data on Buyer Activity According to the latest ShowingTime Showing Index, which measures the number of buyers actively touring homes, there has been a significant increase in buyer traffic in the first two months of 2023. This is likely due to the limited number of homes for sale, which has kept buyers searching for homes even during colder months. Comparing the foot traffic in February 2023 with each February for the last six years, the data shows that this year marks a clear rise in buyer activity, despite the increase in mortgage rates. Although 2021 and 2022 saw the most February buyer traffic, those years were highly unusual for the housing mark...

  Are you wondering whether you should continue renting or buy a home this year? With rental affordability being a challenge for years, owning a home might be a better option, especially if the long-term trend of rents increasing each year continues. In this article, we'll discuss the reasons why buying a home makes more sense than renting today. The Rental Market Data from the Census shows that rents have been climbing pretty steadily since 1988. Even though the rental market experienced single-digit growth in March 2023, according to the latest rental report from Realtor.com, rents continue to grow today. The median asking rent was $1,732, up by $15 from last month, but it's still $354 (25.7%) higher than the same time in 2019 (pre-pandemic). With rents much higher now than they were in more normal, pre-pandemic years, owning your home may be a better option. Owning a Home vs. Renting In contrast to renters who face rent hikes every year, homeowners with a fixed-rate mortgage...

   When it comes to buying a home, affordability is always a major concern. While many people tend to focus on mortgage rates and how they affect home affordability, there are actually three main factors that come into play. These factors include mortgage rates, home prices, and wages. By understanding how each of these factors influences affordability, you can make better-informed decisions when it comes to buying a home. In this article, we’ll explore each of these factors in more detail and explain how they impact home affordability. Understanding Mortgage Rates Mortgage rates are one of the most important factors that affect home affordability. When mortgage rates rise, your purchasing power decreases, and you may not be able to afford the home you want. While mortgage rates have been higher than they were a year ago, they’ve remained relatively stable over the past few months, hovering between 6% and 7% While there has been some volatility in mortgage rates, it’s importan...