CoreLogic’s latest Equity Report revealed that 91.1 percent of all mortgaged properties are now in a positive equity situation, while 75.9 percent now have significant equity (defined as more than 20 percent)! The report also revealed that 548,000 households regained equity in the second quarter of 2016 and are no longer under water. Price Appreciation = Good News for Homeowners Frank Nothaft, CoreLogic’s Chief Economist, explains: “Home-value gains have played a … [Read more...]
U.S. Vacation Homes Sales Remain at High Level
Baby Boomers propel demand for vacation homes. In 2015, total annual U.S. vacation home sales reached the second highest level since 2006, according to the National Association of Realtors® 2015 Investment and Vacation Home Buyers Survey. “Baby boomers at or near retirement continue to propel the demand for second homes”, says Lawrence Yun, NAR’s Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of Research. “The expanding pool of buyers amidst a dwindling number of bargain-priced properties led … [Read more...]
Kitchen Trends – Countertop Selections
New Favorites in Countertop Selection Is it true? Could granite’s 30-year reign be coming to an end? We can’t say for sure. In fact, we think granite remains a solid choice. After all, it’s both durable and attractive — and it’s become increasingly affordable too. But there’s just no denying granite’s seeming decline. As homeowners opt for more modern kitchen designs, they’re also opting for more understated countertop alternatives. Engineered Quartz: Perhaps granite’s top competitor, … [Read more...]
Rising Home Prices Lift US Wealth Even As Stocks Fall
Federal Reserve reports 1 percent increase in household net worth in first quarter of 2016 Rising Home Prices - Americans’ household wealth rose in the first three months of this year as home values increased, offsetting a drop in stock prices. The Federal Reserve said Thursday that U.S. household net worth increased 1 percent to $88.1 trillion in the first quarter. Americans’ stock and mutual fund portfolios shrank $160 billion, while home values jumped $498 billion. Savings in certificates … [Read more...]
Budget-Minded Upgrades That Give You the Most Bang for Your Buck
Smart Home Upgrades Even if you aren’t ready to list your home, a few smart changes can make a big difference in adding to your home’s value and maybe lift your spirits as well. If you want to increase the appeal and profit potential, strategic and budget-friendly home improvement ideas in these six categories will offer the biggest return on your investment. A budget-friendly kitchen remodel Real estate agents will tell you time and again: Kitchens and baths sell houses. Dated … [Read more...]
Who Pays the Highest Property Taxes?
Property Taxes - the Cost of Owning The average median property tax rate across the nation is 1.31 percent. That means a home owner with a home valued at $200,000, on average, pays an annual amount of $2,620 in property taxes, according to an analysis by CoreLogic’s data team. Illinois has the highest median property tax rate at 2.67 percent. Hawaii, on the other hand, has the lowest at 0.31 percent. “While higher median tax rates are seen primarily among states in the northeast, a … [Read more...]
The Useppa People Join Keller Williams
We are delighted to announce “The Useppa People” have made a change and will be affiliated with the largest real estate franchise organization in the world, Keller Williams Realty. Specifically, we will be members of the Keller Williams Luxury Homes International Group, known to do it “the best” in the industry and will office out of their 2014-launched Fort Myers location and continue to solely focus on Useppa Island. This association brings a new and greatly expanded level of exposure…. … [Read more...]
Play Chess… Not Checkers – Second Home on Useppa Island
Checkers is a simple game with a simple objective; eliminate the other player’s pieces. Even the process of doing so is simple, jump the other player’s pieces and start a collection. There is very little thought as to a defensive strategy and it is often more reactive than strategic. Even though the objective of Chess is simply laid out — obtain the other player’s King — the process in which to obtain this goal is much more strategic. Chess requires a greater understanding of the ability of … [Read more...]