Housing Insights Central
Delve into articles on market trends, home improvement, and legal tips that guide you to smarter housing decisions.
How to Prepare Your Home for an Appraisal
When the real estate market is on the rise, so are home appraisals. Home appraisals are a crucial part of home buying and can determine how much money you get for your house. They are based on several factors, including the condit...
What Paperwork Do You Need When Buying a House?
Buying a home is a big deal. It takes a lot of steps, and you'll need to gather a bunch of papers to do it. When you buy a home, especially if you need a loan, there will be a lot of personal and financial documents to show ...
Housing Advice and Programs
This past week, the average 30-year mortgage rate climbed to over 7%. In 2022, mortgage rates more than doubled while housing prices remained high. These trends reflect some of the challenges of finding affordable housing in 2023. The issue of a...
Renting vs. Owning: Making the Right Choice for Your Housing Needs
When it comes to housing, you have two main options: renting or owning. There are advantages and disadvantages to both options. It is important to think through your individual needs and financial situatio...
Tips to Ensure Your Home-Buying Experience is a Positive One
Buying a home can be exciting, but a certain level of trepidation accompanies it. Purchasing a property is one of the most important investments you will make in your life, and it is essential to do thorough r...
The Big Problem with Unfair Evictions in Affordable Homes
In Richmond, people living in cheaper homes are facing a big issue: they're being kicked out over rent payments that the city says they missed. For example, a person we'll call Ms. Jones was shocked when she ...
HUD Takes Action to Support Housing Access for People with Disabilities
In the wake of recent milestones in disability rights, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has introduced new guidelines to improve housing accessibility for individuals with disa...
Michigan Launches a $25,000 Help for First-Time Homebuyers
In Lansing, Michigan, a new offer is out for people buying their first home. Michigan is giving away $25,000 to help with the down payment, which is the money you need to pay upfront when you buy a house. The tea...
A Community in Crisis: Addressing Housing and Workforce Issues in Santa Barbara County
The sky-high cost of housing in Santa Barbara County is pushing many long-time residents to their breaking point. With the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment hovering around $2,0...