Lesli's Blog

Guidance and Support Are Key When Buying Your First Home In June, the number of first-time homebuyers accounted for 35% of the existing homes sold, a trend that’s been building steadily throughout the year. According to the  National Association of Realtors  ( NAR ): “The share of first-time buyers increased in March through June—right into the heart of the pandemic period and the surge in unemployment—and is now trending higher than the 29% to 32% average in past years since 2012.” (See graph below): Why the rise in first-time homebuying? NAR continues to say: “The major factor is, arguably,  low mortgage rates . As of the week ended July 16, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate dropped to 2.98%. With rates so low that are locked in under a 30-year mortgage,  the typical mortgage payment, estimated at $1,036, has fallen below the median rent, at $1,045.  For potential home buyers who were thinking of purchasing a home anyway before the pandemic outbreak and who are likely to remain employe

    Add Value To Your Home With These 9 DIY Improvements   Whether you’re prepping your house to go on the market or looking for ways to maximize its long-term appreciation, these nine home improvement projects are great ways to add function, beauty, and real value to your home.   The best part is, once you’ve secured the materials, most of these renovations can be completed over the course of a weekend. And they don’t require a lot of specialized skills or experience. So grab your toolbox, then get ready to boost your home’s appeal AND investment potential!     1. Spruce Up Your Landscaping   Landscaping improvements can increase a home’s value by 10-12%. 1 But which outdoor features do buyers care about most? According to a survey of Realtors, a healthy lawn is at the top of their list. If your lawn is lacking, overseeding or laying new sod can be a worthwhile investment—with an expected return of 417% and 143% respectively. 1   Planting flowers is another great way to enhance your