Author: Henry Chu at Golden Gate Sotheby's International Realty

Eco-Friendly, Energy-Efficient Homes Attract Buyers

For Sellers / Housing Market Updates

Eco-Friendly, Energy-Efficient Homes Attract Buyers

Are you planning to sell your house? If so, you may be surprised to hear just how much buyers value energy efficiency and eco-friendly features today. This is especially true as summer officially kicks off. In fact, the 2023 Realtors and Sustainability Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR)...

Why the Median Home Price Is Meaningless in Today’s Market

For Buyers / For Sellers / Housing Market Updates / Pricing

Why the Median Home Price Is Meaningless in Today’s Market

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) will release its latest Existing Home Sales (EHS) report later this week. This monthly report provides information on the sales volume and price trend for previously owned homes. In the upcoming release, it’ll likely say home prices are down. This may feel a bit...

How Owning a Home Grows Your Wealth with Time [INFOGRAPHIC]

First Time Home Buyers / For Buyers / Infographics / Move-Up Buyers / Pricing

How Owning a Home Grows Your Wealth with Time [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights If you’re thinking of buying a home this year, be sure to factor in the long-term benefits of homeownership. Over time, homeownership allows you to build equity. On average, nationwide home prices appreciated by 290.2% over the last 32 years. That means your net worth can grow significantly...

Why Buying or Selling a Home Helps the Economy and Your Community

For Buyers / For Sellers

Why Buying or Selling a Home Helps the Economy and Your Community

If you’re thinking about buying or selling a house, it’s important to know that it doesn’t just affect your life, but also your community. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) releases a report every year to show how much economic activity is generated by home sales. The chart below illustrates...

A Drop in Equity Doesn’t Mean Low Equity

For Buyers / For Sellers / Housing Market Updates / Move-Up Buyers / Pricing

A Drop in Equity Doesn’t Mean Low Equity

You may see media coverage talking about a drop in homeowner equity. What’s important to understand is that equity is tied closely to home values. So, when home prices appreciate, you can expect equity to grow. And when home prices decline, equity does too. Here’s how this has played out...

Your Needs Matter More Than Today’s Mortgage Rates

For Buyers / For Sellers / Interest Rates / Move-Up Buyers

Your Needs Matter More Than Today’s Mortgage Rates

If you’re thinking about selling your house right now, chances are it’s because something in your life has changed. And, while things like mortgage rates are a key part of your decision on what you’ll buy next, it’s important to not lose sight of the reason you want to make...

Are Home Prices Going Up or Down? That Depends…

First Time Home Buyers / For Buyers / Housing Market Updates / Move-Up Buyers / Pricing

Are Home Prices Going Up or Down? That Depends…

Media coverage about what’s happening with home prices can be confusing. A large part of that is due to the type of data being used and what they’re choosing to draw attention to. For home prices, there are two different methods used to compare home prices over different time periods:...

Why You Can’t Compare Now to the ‘Unicorn’ Years of the Housing Market [INFOGRAPHIC]

For Buyers / For Sellers / Foreclosures / Housing Market Updates / Infographics / Pricing

Why You Can’t Compare Now to the ‘Unicorn’ Years of the Housing Market [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights Comparing housing market metrics from one year to another can be challenging in a normal housing market – and the last few years have been anything but normal. In a way, they were ‘unicorn’ years. Expect unsettling housing market headlines this year, mostly due to unfair comparisons with...