The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is now passing the 8% interest rate mark, the highest rate in 23 years.In less than two years, the average monthly mortgage payment on a $300,000 loan has increased over $1,100 per month. However, homeownership remains the primary cornerstone of building financial stability. And, with expectations of potentially lower rates by […]
All posts by The Alfriend Group
Attention House Hackers: Check out the Amazing New Guidelines from Fannie Mae!
House hacking is a great way to start investing in real estate by buying a multifamily and staying in one unit while renting the others. And here is some great news! Fannie Mae just released amazingly aggressive new guidelines for primary residences. Fannie Mae has reduced the down payment requirements on 2-unit properties from a […]
Don’t Scare Your Buyers: Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Your Home
The real estate market is still strong. But selling your home can be a daunting process. To achieve the best possible outcome and attract the right buyers, it’s essential to understand their concerns and avoid common mistakes that could deter them. Even in today’s hot real estate market, scaring away potential buyers can cost you […]
Top Searches in a Home
Here are the top trending features buyer are seeking in the next home. How does your home stack up? A Basement Refinish As prices of homes continue to increase, buyers are looking for the best use of all spaces. Basements are being refinished to create home theaters, game rooms, and exercise room. The search term […]
Easy Ways to Increase Rents and Add Value to your Real Estate Investment
Real estate investing is a very profitable game. But, for most strategies, it is a long game. Therefore, small incremental increases can add up to big returns. Here are 13 easy ways to increase your return on investment. First Impressions Enhance curb appeal with simple aesthetic improvements to make a positive initial impression. Most people make up their mind […]
Columbus / Central Ohio Real Estate Market: Prices, Trends, & Forecast of 2023
Stabilizing mortgage rates have been a key factor in Central Ohio continuing its consistent growth. The inventory numbers are improving, but high demand continues to outpace the supply. As a result, we hit a new high in the median sales price of $320,000. This surge represents a 6.1% growth, surpassing theprevious highest monthly median sales […]
ARMs On the Rise!
Mortgage rates were back on the rise this week. For the average home buyer, the rate jump translates to an average monthly payment of $2,126, an increase of more than $280. With these rate increases, more and more buyers are looking into ARM’s (Adjustable-Rate Mortgages) to purchase their homes. Should You Consider an ARM? What […]
7 Smart Ways to Update Your Kitchen Without Remodeling
The kitchen is the heart of any home. It is where we prepare our meals, entertain guests, and spend quality time with our loved ones. However, remodeling a kitchen can be a time-consuming and costly endeavor. Fortunately, there are several ways to update your kitchen without remodeling. In this article, we will discuss seven smart […]
Real Estate Values Have Increased 41% in the Last Six Years
Franklin County is going through a Mass Reappraisal Process, required every 6 years. Are Real Estate taxes going up? What is the Mass Reappraisal Process? Ohio county auditors are required by state law to update property values every six years. Franklin County, among other counties, are currently going through their mass reappraisal, with new values […]
Have You Considered Buying a Second Home?
Buying a second home can be a significant financial commitment, but it can also bring variousbenefits. Whether you’re considering real estate investing or simply looking for a getaway, it’simportant to carefully assess the financial aspects and conduct thorough research before deciding.Here’s a summary of the key points to consider when buying a second home: 1. […]