fbpx

smithrealestateservices

Real Estate

How to Become a Homeowner on a First-Time Buyer’s Budget

It’s not easy being a first-time homebuyer right now. At the end of last year, housing affordability hit an all-time low.1 Additionally, mortgage rates have risen significantly since 2021, while inventory remains tight for many property categories, but especially for starter homes. Even lower-priced condos are harder to snag these days, as investors and downsizers …

How to Become a Homeowner on a First-Time Buyer’s Budget Read More »

Stress-Free Home Cleaning: 27 Practical Tactics for Busy Households

Keeping a clean and orderly home is a challenge for many of us. Between busy work schedules, social obligations, and family commitments, it’s tough to keep up with daily chores—let alone larger seasonal tasks. The effort is worthwhile, however. A sanitary environment can keep you and your family healthier by minimizing your exposure to germs …

Stress-Free Home Cleaning: 27 Practical Tactics for Busy Households Read More »

2023 Real Estate Market Outlook (And What It Means for You)

Last year, one factor drove the real estate market more than any other: rising mortgage rates.  In March 2022, the Federal Reserve began a series of interest rate hikes in an effort to pump the brakes on inflation.1 And while some market sectors have been slow to respond, the housing market has reacted accordingly. Both …

2023 Real Estate Market Outlook (And What It Means for You) Read More »

Home for the Holidays: How To Stretch Your Budget in a Season of Inflation

You don’t have to break the bank to celebrate the holidays in style—even in this season of inflation. Prices may be higher on everything from food to gifts to decorations, but there are still plenty of opportunities to eke out extra savings.  For example, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), you can save …

Home for the Holidays: How To Stretch Your Budget in a Season of Inflation Read More »

Buy Now or Rent Longer? 5 Questions to Answer Before Purchasing Your First Home

Deciding whether to jump into the housing market or rent instead is rarely an easy decision – especially if you’re a first-time homebuyer. But in today’s whirlwind market, you may find it particularly challenging to pinpoint the best time to start exploring homeownership. A real estate boom during the pandemic pushed home prices to an …

Buy Now or Rent Longer? 5 Questions to Answer Before Purchasing Your First Home Read More »

Higher Rates and Short Supply: The State of Real Estate in 2022

The last two years caught many of us off guard—and not just because of the pandemic. They also ushered in the hottest housing market on record, with home prices rising nationally by nearly 19% in 2021, driven primarily by low mortgage rates and a major supply shortage.1 But while some had hoped 2022 would bring …

Higher Rates and Short Supply: The State of Real Estate in 2022 Read More »