Cathy W's Blog
Buyers & Sellers information and latest news!
The RE/MAX Blog
Cathy's Real Estate News
Are You Thinking About Selling Your House Soon?
You may be wondering if prices are projected to rise or fall…or how much competition you may be facing in your market. My free eGuide will answer many of your questions and likely bring up a few things you haven’t even thought about yet.
DOWNLOAD E-GUIDE!Are You Thinking About Buying a Home?
You may be wondering if now is a good time to buy a home…or if interest rates are projected to rise or fall. mY free eGuide will answer many of your questions and likely bring up a few things you didn’t even know you should consider when buying a home.
DOWNLOAD E-GUIDE!Why It Makes Sense To Move Before Spring
If you’re in a good position to make a move, it may make sense to move before spring. Working with your team of expert real estate advisors is the best way to learn about the current market and what it means for you. Let’s connect today to determine the best plan to achieve your homebuying goals.
READ FULL ARTICLE HEREHome Equity: A Source of Strength for Homeowners Today
If you’re a homeowner facing hardship, let’s connect so you have an expert on your side to explore your options and see if you can sell your house to avoid foreclosure.
READ FULL ARTICLE HERE4 Tips To Prep for Your Home Sale This Fall
To make the most of today’s sellers’ market, avoid the temptation to skip over the essential preparation steps. Let’s connect today to discuss all the ways you can maximize your home sale.
READ FULL ARTICLE HEREBuyers Are Regaining Some of Their Negotiation Power in Today’s Housing Market
Regardless of the extremely competitive housing market of the past several years, today’s data suggests negotiations are starting to come back on the table. This is good news if you’re planning to enter the housing market. To find out how the market is shifting in our area, let’s connect.
READ FULL ARTICLEA Window of Opportunity for Homebuyers
The housing market is undergoing a shift because of higher mortgage rates, but the market is still strong. If you’ve been looking to buy a home over the last couple of years and it felt impossible to do, now may be your opportunity. Buying a home right now isn’t easy, but there is more opportunity for those who are looking.
READ FULL ARTICLE HEREWhat Does an Economic Slowdown Mean for the Housing Market?
Concerns of a recession are rising. As the economy slows down, history tells us this would likely mean lower mortgage rates for those looking to refinance or buy a home. While no one knows exactly what the future holds, you can make the right decision for you by working with a trusted real estate professional to get expert advice on what’s happening in the housing market and what that means for your homeownership goals.
READ FULL ARTICLE HEREWhat You Need To Know if You’re Thinking About Building a Home
When planning your next move, understanding the latest market conditions is key to making the best decision possible. To make sure you have all the information you need, let’s connect. Together we can make sure you know what’s happening in our local market so you can confidently decide what’s right for you, your priorities, and your timeline.
READ FULL ARTICLE HEREBuyers Want To Know: Why Is Housing Supply Still So Low?
If you’re planning to buy this year, the key to success will be patience given today’s low inventory. Let’s connect to discuss what’s happening in our area, what homes are available, and why it’s still worthwhile to prioritize your home search today.
READ FULL ARTICLE HEREOn the Fence of Whether or Not To Move This Spring? Consider This.
If you’re ready to move, you have an incredible opportunity in front of you today. Trust the experts. Let’s connect so you have expertise on your side that can help you win when you sell and when you buy.
READ FULL ARTICLE HEREAvoid the Rental Trap in 2022
If you’re thinking of renting this year, it’s important to keep in mind the true costs you’ll face. Let’s connect so you can see how you can begin your journey to homeownership today.
READ FULL ARTICLE HEREHomebuyers: Be Ready To Act This Winter
If you’re planning on buying a home this winter, more options are welcome news, but it doesn’t mean you should slow down. Let’s connect today so you have an expert on your side to help act as quickly as possible when the right home for you hits the market.
READ FULL ARTICLE HERETips for Single Homebuyers: How To Make Your Dream a Reality
The share of sole-person households is growing. If you’re looking to buy a home on your own, be confident that the dream is achievable. When you’re ready to begin your search, let’s connect so you have expert advice each step of the way.
READ FULL ARTICLE HEREThe Cost of Waiting for Mortgage Rates To Go Down
Each person’s situation is unique. To make the best decision for you, let’s connect to explore your options.
READ FULL ARTICLEThe Big Question: Should You Renovate or Move?
If the past 18 months have refocused your thoughts on what you want from your house, now may be the time to either renovate or make a move to the perfect home.
READ FULL ARTICLE HEREEarly October is the Sweet Spot for Buyers
If you’re in the market for a home, don’t lose steam now. Data shows early October may give you the long-awaited opportunity to find the home of your dreams. Let’s connect so you have a trusted ally and advisor to help keep you motivated so you can find the perfect home for you.
READ FULL ARTICLE HEREUnderstand Your Options To Avoid Foreclosure
If you’re a homeowner facing hardship, let’s connect to explore your options and see if you can sell your house to avoid foreclosure.
READ FULL ARTICLE HEREWhat Buyers and Sellers Need To Know About the Appraisal Gap
In today’s real estate market, it’s important to stay informed on the latest trends. Let’s connect so you have an ally to help you navigate an appraisal gap to get the best possible outcome.
READ FULL ARTICLE HERE4 Reasons Why the End of Forbearance Will Not Lead to a Wave of Foreclosures
As Ivy Zelman, founder of the major housing market analytical firm Zelman & Associates, notes: “The likelihood of us having a foreclosure crisis again is about zero percent.”
READ FULL ARTICLE HEREWhy This Isn’t Your Typical Summer Housing Market
This isn’t a typical summer. Whether you’re buying or selling, let’s connect to talk about how you can capitalize on today’s market conditions to sell your house or find your dream home.
READ FULL ARTICLE HEREThe Truths Young Homebuyers Need to Hear
If you feel overwhelmed by the prospect of starting your home search, you’re not alone. Let’s connect today so we can talk more about the process, what you’ll need to start your search, and what to expect.
READ FULL ARTICLE HEREWhat To Expect as Appraisal Gaps Grow
Whether you’re buying or selling, let’s connect so you have an ally throughout the process to help you navigate the unexpected, including appraisal gaps.
READ FULL ARTICLE HERE5 Things Homebuyers Need To Know When Making an Offer
When it’s time to make an offer, it’s important to consider not just what you need, but what the seller may need too. Let’s connect so you have expert advice on this step in the homebuying process to put your best offer on the table.
READ FULL ARTICLE HEREWhat’s Motivating People To Move Right Now?
If you’re clamoring for more room to accommodate your changing needs, making a move may be your best bet, especially while you can take advantage of today’s low mortgage rates. It’s a great time to get more home for your money, just when you need it most.
READ FULL ARTICLE HEREHope is on the Horizon for Today's Housing Shortage
Although it may be challenging to find a house to buy in today’s market, there is hope on the horizon. Let’s connect to talk about your home search so we can find your dream home this summer.
READ FULL ARTICLE HEREWhy You May Want to Cash in on Your Second Home
If you purchased a larger second home during the pandemic, you were able to make day-to-day life much easier for those important to you. You also made it much safer. However, with those goals already accomplished, you now need to decide whether to continue paying the extra expenses or sell the house and cash in your profit. If you decide selling makes sense, let’s connect today to discuss the value of your second home.
READ FULL ARTICLE HEREHomeownership Is Full of Financial Benefits
The idea of homeownership as a direct way to build your net worth has met the test of time. Let’s connect if you’re ready to take steps toward becoming a homeowner.
READ FULL ARTICLE HERE82,338 Great Reasons to Buy a Home Today
The financial benefits of buying a home as compared to renting one are always up for debate. However, one element of the equation is often ignored – the ability to build wealth as a homeowner. Most experts are calling for home prices to continue appreciating over the next several years.
READ FULL ARTICLE HERE4 Tips to Maximize the Sale of Your House
Homeowners ready to make a move are definitely in a great position to sell today. Housing inventory is incredibly low, driving up buyer competition. This gives homeowners leverage to sell for the best possible terms, and it’s fueling a steady rise in home prices. In such a hot market, houses are selling quickly. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), homes are typically on the market for just 18 short days.
READ FULL ARTICLE HEREWill the Housing Market Bloom This Spring?
Spring is almost here, and many are wondering what it will bring for the housing market. Even though the pandemic continues on, it’s certain to be very different from the spring we experienced at this time last year. Here’s what a few industry experts have to say about the housing market and how it will bloom this season.
READ ARTICLE HERE5 Reasons to Sell Your House This Spring
When selling a house, most homeowners hope for a quick and profitable transaction that puts them in a position to make a great move. If you’re waiting for the best time to win as a seller, the market is calling your name this spring. Here are five reasons why this is the perfect time to sell your house if you’re ready.
READ FULL ARTICLE HEREIs It a Good Time to Sell My House?
Last year, many homeowners thought twice about selling their houses due to the onset of the health crisis. This year, however, homeowners are beginning to regain their confidence when it comes to selling safely. The latest Home Purchase Sentiment Index (HPSI) by Fannie Mae shows that 57% of consumers believe now is a good time to sell.
READ FULL ARTICLE HEREHomebuyer Traffic Is on the Rise
If you’re thinking about selling your house, this may be a great time to get the best price and the most favorable terms.
READ FULL ARTICLE HEREHave You Ever Seen a Housing Market Like This?
With mortgage rates hitting historic lows, home prices appreciating, affordability rising, and the market recovering like no other, 2020 has been quite a year for real estate – perhaps one we’ve never seen before and may never see again.
READ FULL ARTICLE HEREWill Low Mortgage Rates Continue through 2021?
With mortgage interest rates hitting record lows so many times recently, some are wondering if we’ll see low rates continue throughout 2021, or if they’ll start to rise.
READ FULL ARTICLE HERE3 Ways Home Equity Can Have a Major Impact on Your Life
Savings in any form is a good thing. The forced savings you can earn from making a mortgage payment enables you to build wealth through home equity
READ FULL ARTICLE HEREMillennials: Is It Time to Buy a Bigger Home?
If you’re a millennial thinking about moving this year, you’re not alone. Let’s connect to shed light on the equity you have in your current home and the opportunities it can create.
READ FULL ARTICLE HERE3 Ways You’ll Win When You Buy a Home This Year
Buying a home sooner rather than later could lead to substantial savings and long-term financial growth. Let’s connect to determine if homeownership is the right choice for you this year.
READ FULL ARTICLE HEREWhat are Homebuyers Looking For in 2021?
Whether there is still a nip in the air from the winter or the spring is fully upon us, the real estate market is going to be attuned to outdoor features this year. Here Are the Hottest Outdoor Features!
READ FULL ARTICLE HEREWhy Right Now May Be the Time to Sell Your House
The housing market made an incredible recovery in 2020 and is now positioned for an even stronger year in 2021. Record-low mortgage interest rates are a driving factor in this continued momentum, with average rates hovering at historic all-time lows.
READ FULL ARTICLE HEREWhy Pricing Your House Right Is Essential
In today’s real estate market, setting the right price for your house is one of the most valuable things you can do.
READ FULL ARTICLEBuyers Are Finding More Space in the Luxury Home Market
Today, the health crisis has brought to light how valuable more square footage and carefully designed floorplans can be.
READ FULL ARTICLEShould You Buy an Existing Home or New Construction?
Whether you want to buy a newly built home or one that’s already established, both are great options. They each have their pros and cons, and every family will have different circumstances driving their decision.
READ FULL ARTICLE HEREHomebuyer Demand Is Far Above Last Year’s Pace
If your current home doesn’t meet your family’s changing needs, let’s connect to help you sell your house and make the move you’ve been waiting for all year.
READ FULL ARTICLE HERESellers Are Returning to the Housing Market
While we still have a long way to go to catch up with the current demand, inventory is slowly starting to return to the market. If you’re thinking of moving this year, let’s connect today so you’re ready to make your move when the home of your dreams comes up for sale.
READ FULL ARTICLE HEREJust How Strong Is the Housing Recovery?
Both indicators prove the housing market recovered quickly from the early setback caused by the shelter-in-home orders. They also show that Americans have realized the importance of their homes during this time and are buying more houses than they did prior to the pandemic.
READ FULL ARTICLE HEREThree of the Latest Reports Show Housing Market Is Strong
Real estate brokers, home builders, and industry data all agree that the housing market has surged back to pre-COVID levels, showing growth, strength, and incredible resilience.
READ FULL ARTICLE HEREHome Sales Hit a Record-Setting Rebound
Buyers returning to the market is a great sign for the economy, as housing is still leading the way toward a recovery. If you’re ready to buy a home this year, let’s connect to make sure you have the best possible guide with you each step of the way.
READ FULL ARTICLE HERECompetition Is at an All-Time Low
If you’re thinking of selling, don’t be concerned about putting your house on the market right now. There’s no better time to sell an item than when demand for it is high and supply is low. It is exactly at that time when you will negotiate your best possible deal.
READ FULL ARTICLE HERETaking Advantage of Homebuying Affordability in Today’s Market
If you feel ready to buy, purchasing a home this season may save you significantly over time based on historic affordability trends. Let’s connect today to determine if now is the right time for you to make your move.
READ FULL ARTICLE HEREWant to Make a Move? Homeowner Equity is Growing Year-Over-Year
Now is a great time to consider leveraging your equity and making a move, especially while buyer interest is high. Let’s connect to explore your equity position and make your next move a reality
READ FULL ARTICLE HEREThree Reasons Homebuyers Are Ready to Purchase This Year
If you’re ready to buy or sell – or maybe both – let’s connect to put your plans in motion. With low mortgage rates leading the way, it’s a great time to take advantage of your position in today’s market.
READ FULL ARTICLE HEREEconomists Forecast Recovery to Begin in the Second Half of 2020
The vast majority of economists, analysts, and financial institutions are in unison, indicating an economic recovery should begin in the second half of 2020
READ FULL ARTICLE HEREWhy This Summer Is the 2020 Real Estate Season
If you’re thinking of selling, many buyers may be eager to find a home just like yours. Let’s connect today to make sure you can get your house in on the action this summer.
READ FULL ARTICLE HEREWhy the Housing Market Is a Powerful Economic Driver
If you’re in a position to buy a home this year, you can have a significant impact on your local neighborhoods and safely make the move you’ve been waiting for. It’s a win-win.
READ FULL ARTICLE HEREWhy Home Equity Is a Bright Spark in the Housing Market
The fear and uncertainty we feel right now are very real, and this is not going to be easy. We can, however, see strength in our current market through homeowner equity that was not been there in the past. That may be a bright spark to help us make it through.
READ FULL ARTICLE HEREWhy Home Office Space Is More Desirable Than Ever
What seems like a business challenge today may be more of the norm tomorrow. With that in mind, if you have a home office, your house may be more desirable to buyers than you think.
READ FULL ARTICLE HEREHow Technology Is Enabling the Real Estate Process
If you need to move today, technology can help make it happen; there are options available. Let’s touch base today to discuss your situation and our local regulations, so you don’t have to put your real estate plans on hold.
READ FULL ARTICLE HEREWhen a House Becomes a Happy Home
Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a move-up buyer who wants to start a new chapter in your life, now is a great time to reflect on the intangible factors that make a house a happy home.
READ FULL ARTICLE HEREYear-Over-Year Rental Prices on the Rise
With average rents continuing to rise, now may be a great time to stabilize your monthly payment by becoming a homeowner and locking into a low mortgage rate. Let’s get together to discuss how taking advantage of the current market conditions might work for you.
READ FULL ARTICLE HERE2020 Forecast Shows Continued Home Price Appreciation
Experts forecast home price appreciation to continue at a moderate rate as we move through 2020 and beyond. With appreciation growing, let’s get together and plan for your next move.
READ FULL ARTICLE HERE5,300 Reasons to Be Happy You’re a Homeowner
If you’re curious about your home’s equity, let’s get together to do a market analysis on the current value of your house. You may be pleasantly surprised.
READ FULL ARTICLE HERESt. Patrick's Day Fun in Pittsburgh
Patrick's Day is best celebrated in Pittsburgh given that 14% of the population is Irish." Whether you're Irish or not, you'll want to join in the fun!
VIEW ALL EVENTS HERE!How Interest Rates Impact Your Housing Payments
If your financial situation allows, now may be a great time to lock in at a low mortgage rate to benefit greatly over the lifetime of your loan.
READ FULL ARTICLE HEREDoes “Aging in Place” Make the Most Sense?
Before you spend the money to remodel or renovate your current house so you can age in place, let’s get together to determine if it is truly your best option. Making a move to a smaller home in the neighborhood might make the most sense.
READ FULL ARTICLE HEREHow to Avoid a Gender Gap When Investing in the Housing Market
When you have a trusted advisor on your side and you’re confident you know exactly what’s happening in the market, you’ll be in a great position to negotiate effectively. Let’s get together today to make sure you’re ready to win the homebuying deal.
READ FULL ARTICLE HEREHow Much “Housing Wealth” Can You Build in a Decade?
Homeownership has many financial and non-financial benefits. The accumulation of “housing wealth” through increased equity is a major one.
READ FULL ARTICLE HEREThinking of Selling? Now May Be the Time.
The real estate market is entering the year like a lion. There’s no indication it will lose that roar, assuming inventory continues to come to market.
READ FULL ARTICLE HERENew Homes Coming to the Housing Market This Year
If you’re considering selling your house, you’ll want to list sooner rather than later.
READ FULL ARTICLE HEREEquity Gain Growing in Nearly Every State
This may be the year to take advantage of your home equity by applying it forward, either as you downsize or as you move up to a new home.
READ FULL ARTICLE HERE3 Graphs To Show This Isn’t a Housing Bubble
If you’re worried we’re making the same mistakes that led to the housing crash, the graphs above should help alleviate your concerns. Concrete data and expert insights clearly show why this is nothing like the last time.
READ FULL ARTICLE HEREThe Biggest Issue Facing Housing Next Year
The most important thing you can do is understand what is happening in your local market. You may not be able to avoid some of the issues brought on by low inventory, but you can be educated and prepared. Let’s connect and discuss the options that make the most sense for you and your family.
READ FULL ARTICLE HERE3 Mistakes to Avoid When Selling a Home in 2020
Today’s seller’s market might be your best chance to make a move. If you’re considering selling your house, let’s get together to help you navigate through the process while avoiding common seller mistakes.
READ FULL ARTICLE HEREBuyer Stakes Are High Because Inventory Is Low
If you’re thinking of buying a home, make sure you’re taking the right steps at the beginning of the process, so you’re a top contender if you ultimately find yourself in a bidding war. Let’s get together to discuss what you need to do to make your move toward homeownership.
READ FULL ARTICLE HEREHoliday Gifts Are Not the Only Hot Things Right Now
There are first-time, move-up, and move-down buyers actively looking for the home of their dreams this winter. If you’re thinking of selling your house in 2020, you don’t need to wait until the spring to do it. Your potential buyer may be searching for a home in your neighborhood right now.
READ FULL ARTICLE HEREour Mobile App
Finding your dream home just got easier. Our home search app allows you to continue your search for available listings from the convenience of your smartphone or tablet — anytime, anywhere. Save homes you love, request showings with our team, and receive push notifications within minutes of homes hitting the market.
Experts Project Mortgage Rates Will Continue To Rise in 2022
If you’re thinking of buying or selling over the next year, it may be wise to make your move sooner rather than later – before mortgage rates climb higher.
READ FULL ARTICLE HEREThe Average Homeowner Gained $64K in Equity over the Past Year
If you’re planning to make a move, the equity you’ve gained can make a big impact. To find out just how much equity you have in your current home and how you can use it to fuel your next purchase, let’s connect so you can get a professional equity assessment report on your house.
READ FULL ARTICLE HERE
