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

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...

Real Estate Is Still Considered the Best Long-Term Investment

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

Real Estate Is Still Considered the Best Long-Term Investment

With all the headlines circulating about home prices and rising mortgage rates, you may wonder if it still makes sense to invest in homeownership right now. A recent poll from Gallup shows the answer is yes. In fact, real estate was voted the best long-term investment for the 11th consecutive...