Yvette Belisle's Blog Posts

Is the Shifting Market a Challenge or an Opportunity for Homebuyers?If you tried to buy a home during the pandemic, you know the limited supply of homes for sale was a considerable

Buying a home is a major life decision. That’s true whether you’re purchasing for the first time or selling your house to fuel a move. And if you’re planning to buy a home,

Homeownership Could Be in Reach with Down Payment Assistance ProgramsA recent survey from Bankrate asks prospective buyers to identify the biggest obstacles in their homebuying

On the Fence of Whether or Not To Move This Spring? Consider This.If you’re thinking of selling your house, it may be because you’ve heard prices are rising, listings are

Where Are Mortgage Rates Headed?There’s never been a truer statement regarding forecasting mortgage rates than the one offered last year by Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First

Why a Real Estate Professional Is Key When Selling Your HouseWith today’s real estate market moving as fast as it is, working with a real estate professional is more essential than

The Future of Home Price Appreciation and What It Means for YouMany consumers are wondering what will happen with home values over the next few years. Some are concerned that the recent run-up

What You Need To Budget for When Buying a HomeWhen it comes to buying a home, it can feel a bit intimidating to know how much you need to save and where to find that information. But you should

There Are Several Great Reasons To Consider Buying a Condo TodayIf you’re a first-time buyer looking to break into the housing market but struggling to find a home to buy, condominiums (or

What’s Happening with Mortgage Rates, and Where Will They Go from Here?Based on the Primary Mortgage Market Survey from Freddie Mac, the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has

The Best Week To List Your House Is Just Around the CornerAre you thinking about selling your house? If so, you may want to make it a priority to start the process soon. According to 

A Key To Building Wealth Is HomeownershipThe link between financial security and homeownership is especially important today as inflation rises.  But many people may not realize just

What You Can Expect from the Spring Housing MarketAs the spring housing market kicks off, you likely want to know what you can expect this season when it comes to buying or selling

The Many Benefits of HomeownershipThe past two years have taught us the true value of homeownership, especially the stability and the feeling of accomplishment it can provide. But homeownership

Are You Wondering if This Is the Year To Buy a Home?Every year, many renters ask themselves the same question: Should I continue renting, or is it time to buy a home? If you;

This Spring Presents Sellers with a Golden OpportunityIf you’re thinking of selling your house this year, timing is crucial. After all, you’ll want to balance getting the most

How To Navigate a Market Where Multiple Offers Is the New NormalIf you’re thinking of buying a home today, you already know that the number of homes available for sale is low. But

How Global Uncertainty Is Impacting Mortgage RatesIf you’re thinking about buying or selling a home, you’ll want to keep a pulse on what’s happening with

Why It’s Critical To Price Your House RightWhen you make a move, you want to sell your house for the highest price possible. That might be why many homeowners are eager to list in

Supply and Demand in Today’s Market [INFOGRAPHIC]Some HighlightsToday’s housing market is the direct result of low supply and high buyer demand. Here’s

Are Home Prices Continuing To Rise?Many analysts projected home price appreciation would slow dramatically in the fall of 2021 and then continue to soften throughout 2022. So far, that hasn

Down Payment Assistance Programs Can Help You Achieve HomeownershipFor many homebuyers, the thought of saving for a down payment can feel daunting, especially in today’s market. That’s

An Expert Advisor Will Give You the Best Advice in Today’s MarketHaving an experienced guide coaching you through the process of buying or selling a home is important in a normal market ;&

Millennials: Do You Need a Home with More Space?If you’re a millennial, homebuying might be top of mind for you. Your generation is the largest group of homebuyers in the market today and has

The #1 Reason To Sell Your House TodayAlmost every industry is currently struggling with supply chain disruptions. This also applies to the current U.S. housing market, where buyer demand far

The Perks of Owning More Than One HomeMany things have changed over the past couple of years, and real estate is no exception. One impact is an increased desire to own more than one home. According

4 Simple Graphs Showing Why This Is Not a Housing BubbleA recent survey revealed that many consumers believe there’s a housing bubble beginning to form. That feeling is,

More People Are Planning To Buy a Home SoonWhile some homeowners may be tempted to hold off until spring to list their houses, you should know – homebuyers aren’t waiting. Demand is

What Every Seller Needs To Know About Renovating This YearIf you’re planning to sell this year, you’re probably thinking about what you’ll need to do to get your house ready to

Are You Ready To Fall in Love with Homeownership?Financial benefits are always a key aspect of homeownership, but it’s also important to understand that the nonfinancial and personal

Want Top Dollar for Your House? Now’s the Time To List It.When you’re selling any item, you usually want to sell it for the greatest profit possible. That happens when there’s a

Don’t Let Student Loans Delay Your Homeownership DreamsIf you’re looking to buy a home, you may be wondering how your student loan debt could impact those plans. Do you have to wait

Why a Move Could Bring You More Happiness This YearOver the past two years, we’ve lived through one of the most stressful periods in recent history. Because of the health crisis, many of us

Why Right Now Is a Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity for SellersIf you’re thinking about selling your house in 2022, you truly have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity at your fingertips. When

Are You a Homeowner Thinking About Climate Change?Americans are more aware than ever of the effects climate change and natural disasters can have on their homes. According to a report from

The Next Generation of Homebuyers Is HereMany members of Generation Z (Gen Z) are aging into adulthood and deciding whether to rent or buy a home. If you find yourself in this group, it

Why Pre-Approval Is Key for Homebuyers in 2022You may have heard that it’s important to get pre-approved for a mortgage at the beginning of the homebuying process, but what

Buyers Want To Know: Why Is Housing Supply Still So Low?One key question that’s top of mind for homebuyers this year is: why is it so hard to find a house to buy? The truth is, we

Sellers: Don’t Wait Until Spring To Make Your MoveAs you plan out your goals for the year, moving up to your dream home may top the list. But, how do you know when to make your move? You

Achieving the Dream of HomeownershipHomeownership has long been considered the American Dream, and it’s one every American should feel confident and powerful pursuing. But owning a home is

What’s Going To Happen with Home Prices This Year?After almost two years of double-digit increases, many experts thought home price appreciation would decelerate or happen at a slower pace in

Two Ways Homebuyers Can Win in Today’s MarketIf your goal is to purchase a home this year, you might be looking for any advantage you can get in today’s sellers’ market. While

Why Inflation Shouldn’t Stop You from Buying a Home in 2022If you’re following along with the news today, you’re probably hearing a lot about record-breaking home prices, rising

There Won’t Be a Wave of Foreclosures in the Housing MarketWhen mortgage forbearance plans were first announced and the pandemic surged through the country in early 2020, many homeowners were

Avoid the Rental Trap in 2022Are you one of the many renters thinking about where you’ll live the next time your lease is up? Before you decide whether to look for a new house or another

How Much Do You Need for Your Down Payment?As you set out on your homebuying journey, you likely have a plan in place, and you’re working on saving for your purchase. But do you know how much

Expert Insights on the 2022 Housing MarketAs we move into 2022, both buyers and sellers are wondering, what’s next? Will there be more homes available to buy? Will prices

Thank You for All of Your Support ANCHORAGE HOMES FOR SALESEARCH ALL HOMES FOR SALEGET PREQUALIFIEDWHAT IS YOUR HOME WORTH?HOW MUCH HOME CAN YOU AFFORDFREE GUIDE TO BUYING A HOMEFREE GUIDE TO

The Perks of Putting 20% Down on a HomeIf you’re thinking of buying a home, you’re probably wondering what you need to save for your down payment. Is it 20% of the purchase price, or

Advice for First-Generation HomebuyersThe sense of pride you’ll feel when you purchase a home can’t be overstated. For first-generation homebuyers, that feeling of accomplishment is even

If You Think the Housing Market Will Slow This Winter, Think Again.From the opportunity to take advantage of today’s low mortgage rates to changing homeowner needs, Americans

Two Reasons Why Waiting To Buy a Home Will Cost YouIf you’re a homeowner who’s decided your current house no longer fits your needs, or a renter with a strong desire to become a,

Struggling To Find a Home To Buy? New Construction May Be an Option.There’s no question that the financial benefits of selling a house are outstanding today. Now is truly a great

Why It Just Became Much Easier To Buy a HomeSince the pandemic began, Americans have reevaluated the meaning of the word home. That’s led some renters to realize the many benefits of

Win When You Sell (And When You Move)If you’re trying to decide when to sell your house, there may not be a better time than this winter. Selling this season means you can take

A Checklist for Selling Your House This Winter [INFOGRAPHIC]Some HighlightsIf you’re planning to sell your house this winter, you’ll want it to look its best inside and out

Tips for Single Homebuyers: How To Make Your Dream a RealityIf you’re living on your own and looking to buy a home, know that you can make your dream a reality with thoughtful

How To Think Strategically as a Buyer in Today’s MarketThe game of chess can provide incredible lessons to apply to all aspects of life, including the homebuying process. Chess requires you to

Home Is Where the Heart Is More than Ever This YearThere’s no denying the financial benefits of homeownership, but what’s often overlooked are the feelings of gratitude,

Why Now Is a Great Time To Sell Your HouseAs we near the end of the year, more homeowners are realizing the benefits of today’s sellers’ market. Record-breaking home price

How Smart Buyers Are Approaching Rising Mortgage RatesLast week, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate from Freddie Mac inched up to 3.1%, and experts project rates will

4 Ways Homeowners Can Use Their EquityYour equity is a powerful tool that can help you achieve your goals as a homeowner. And chances are, your equity grew substantially over the past.

Home Sales About To Surge? We May See a Winter Like Never Before.Like most industries, residential real estate has a seasonality to it. For example, toy stores sell more toys in October, November,

Selling Your Home? You’ll Likely Get Multiple Strong Offers This SeasonAre you thinking about selling your house right now, but you’re not sure you’ll have the time to do

4 Things Every Renter Needs To ConsiderAs a renter, you’re constantly faced with the same dilemma: keep renting for another year or purchase a home? Your answer depends on your current

VA Loans: Helping Veterans Achieve Their Homeownership DreamsThe purpose of Veterans Affairs (VA) home loans is to provide a pathway to homeownership for those who have sacrificed so much by serving

How Sellers Win When Housing Inventory Is LowIn today’s housing market, the number of homes for sale is much lower than the strong buyer demand. As a result, homeowners ready to sell

Numbers Don’t Lie – It’s Still a Great Time To Sell [INFOGRAPHIC]Some HighlightsHeading into the end of the year, you might wonder if it’s still a good time to sell your.

Why a Wave of Foreclosures Is Not on the WayWith forbearance plans coming to an end, many are concerned the housing market will experience a wave of foreclosures similar to what happened after the

Experts Project Mortgage Rates Will Continue To Rise in 2022Mortgage rates are one of several factors that impact how much you can afford if you’re buying a home. When rates are low, they help

Sellers Have Incredible Leverage in Today’s MarketWith mortgage rates climbing above 3% for the first time in months, serious buyers are more motivated than ever to find a home 

Renters Missed Out on $51,500 This Past YearRents have increased significantly this year. The latest National Rent Report from Apartmentlist.com shows rents are rising at a rate

Does Your House Have What Buyers Want?The rise in remote work is changing what many Americans want in their homes. Many companies are choosing to delay reopening or go remote full-time,

Important Distinction: Homes Are Less Affordable, Not UnaffordableIt’s impossible to research the subject of buying a home without coming across a headline declaring that the fall in home

Looking To Move? It Could Be Time To Build Your Dream Home.While today’s supply of homes for sale is still low, the number of newly built homes is increasing. If you’re

What Does the Future Hold for Home Prices?If you’re looking to buy or sell a house, chances are you’ve heard talk about today’s rising home prices. And while this increase in

Sellers: Your House Could Be an Oasis for Buyers Seeking More OptionsSellers have a great opportunity this season as buyer demand still heavily outweighs the current supply of homes for sale.

What Do Past Years Tell Us About Today’s Real Estate Market?As you follow the news, you’re likely seeing headlines discussing what’s going on in today’s housing market.

The Big Question: Should You Renovate or Move?The last 18 months changed what many buyers are looking for in a home. Recently, the American Institute of Architects released their AIA

Experts Agree: Homeownership Provides a Path to Long-Term WealthA recent survey from LendingTree.com found there are multiple reasons why Americans would choose to purchase a home instead

111,285 Reasons You Should Buy a Home This YearThe financial benefits of buying a home versus renting one are always up for debate. However, one element of the equation is often ignored – the

What Do Supply and Demand Tell Us About Today’s Housing Market?There’s a well-known economic theory – the law of supply and demand – that explains what’s happening with

4 Tips To Prep for Your Home Sale This FallEven in a hot sellers’ market like today’s in which homes are selling so quickly, it’s still important to make a good first

Don’t Tackle Selling Your Home on Your Own – an Agent Can HelpIf you’re looking to maximize your sale and minimize your effort, you need to work with a real estate professional. In

Early October is the Sweet Spot for BuyersAre you looking to buy a home? If so, we’ve got good news for you.While there’s no denying the housing market is having a great year,

If You’re a Buyer, Is Offering Asking Price Enough?In today’s real estate market, buyers shouldn’t shop for a home with the expectation they’ll be able to negotiate a lower

Two Reasons Why Waiting a Year To Buy Could Cost YouIf you’re a renter with a desire to become a homeowner, or a homeowner who’s decided your current house no longer fits your needs, you

Is a 20% Down Payment Really Necessary To Purchase a Home?There’s a common misconception that, as a homebuyer, you need to come up with 20% of the total sale price for your down payment.

Is It Time To Move on to a New Home?If you’ve been in your home for longer than five years, you’re not alone. According to recent data from First American, homeowners are staying

Is the Number of Homes for Sale Finally Growing?An important metric in today’s residential real estate market is the number of homes available for sale. The shortage of available housing

5 Tips for Making Your Best OfferIn today’s sellers’ market, standing out as a buyer is critical. Multi-offer scenarios and bidding wars are the norm due to the low supply of houses

Why It’s Still Safe To Sell Your HomeIf you’re on the fence about whether or not you want to sell your house this year, there’s good news. Real estate professionals are

Home Price Appreciation Is Skyrocketing in 2021. What About 2022?One of the major story lines over the last year is how well the residential real estate market performed. One key metric in the

Understand Your Options To Avoid ForeclosureEven though experts agree there’s no chance of a large-scale foreclosure crisis, there are a number of homeowners who may be coming face-

Reasons You Should Consider Selling This FallIf you're trying to decide when to sell your house, there may not be a better time to list than right now. The ultimate sellers' market we're

Your Agent Is Key When Pricing Your House [INFOGRAPHIC]Some HighlightsPricing your house right takes market experience and expertise.To find the best list price, your agent balances current

The Difference in Net Worth Between Homeowners and Renters Is WideningBecoming financially secure is an important goal for many people today, but some don’t realize just how much 

Why 2021 Is Still the Year To Sell Your HouseIf you’re trying to decide whether or not to sell your house, this is the time to think seriously about making a move. Fannie 

More Young People Are Buying HomesThere’s a common misconception that younger generations aren’t interested in homeownership. Many people point to the fact that millennials put off

Real Estate: It’s Still a Lack of Supply, Not a Lack of DemandOne of the major questions real estate experts are asking today is whether prospective homebuyers still believe purchasing a home

What Does Being in a Sellers’ Market Mean?Whether or not you’ve been following the real estate industry lately, there’s a good chance you’ve heard we’re in a serious

A Look at Home Price Appreciation and What It Means for SellersWhen you hear the phrase home price appreciation, what does it mean to you? Through context clues alone, chances are you know it

The Best Use of Time (and Money) When It Comes to RenovationsIn the current sellers’ market, many homeowners wonder what, if anything, needs to be remodeled before they list their house. That

Are Houses Less Affordable Than They Were in Past Decades?There are many headlines about how housing affordability is declining. The headlines are correct: it’s less affordable to purchase a

Should I Move or Refinance?The level of equity homeowners have is at an all-time high. According to the U.S. Census, over 38% of owner-occupied homes are owned free and clear, meaning

Sellers Are Ready To Enter the Housing MarketOne of the biggest questions in real estate today is, “When will sellers return to the housing market?” An ongoing shortage of home supply

Americans See Real Estate as a Better Investment Than Stocks or GoldLast month, in a post on the Liberty Street Economics blog, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York noted that

Don’t Forget to Budget for Closing CostsWhen buying a home, it’s important to have a budget and make sure you plan ahead for certain homebuying expenses. Saving for a down payment

When It Comes To Selling a House, Your Time Is Money [INFOGRAPHIC]Some HighlightsSelling a house is no small task. If you decide to try to do it on your own, keep in mind you’ll be

It’s Not Too Late To Apply For ForbearanceOver the past year, the pandemic made it challenging for some homeowners to make their mortgage payments. Thankfully, the government initiated a 

3 Graphs Showing Why You Should Sell Your House NowThere’s no doubt that 2021 is the year of the seller when it comes to the housing market. If you’re a homeowner thinking of moving

Are Interest Rates Expected to Rise Over the Next Year?So far this year, mortgage rates continue to hover around 3%, encouraging many hopeful homebuyers to enter the housing market. However, there

4 Big Incentives for Homeowners to Sell NowThe housing market keeps sailing along. The only headwind that could take it off course is the lack of inventory for sale. The National Association of

Should I Buy Now or Wait? [INFOGRAPHIC]Some HighlightsIf you’re thinking that waiting a year or two to purchase a home might mean you’ll save some money, think again.Mortgage interest

Patience Is the Key to Buying a Home This YearThe question many homebuyers are facing this year is, “Why is it so hard to find a house?” We’re in the ultimate sellers

Will the Housing Market Maintain Its Momentum?Last week’s Existing Home Sales Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows sales have dropped by 3.7%

4 Tips to Maximize the Sale of Your HouseHomeowners ready to make a move are definitely in a great position to sell today. Housing inventory is incredibly low, driving up buyer competition. This

This Isn’t a Bubble. It’s Simply Lack of Supply. [INFOGRAPHIC]Some HighlightsIn a recent article, Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for the National Association of

Planning to Move? You Can Still Secure a Low Mortgage Rate on Your Next HomeThis year, mortgage rates have started to slowly climb above recent record-breaking lows. Many homeowners planning to 

82,338 Great Reasons to Buy a Home TodayThe financial benefits of buying a home as compared to renting one are always up for debate. However, one element of the equation is often ignored – the

How Much Time Do You Need To Save for a Down Payment?One of the biggest hurdles homebuyers face is saving for a down payment. As you’re budgeting and planning for your home purchase, you&rsquo

Homeownership Is Full of Financial BenefitsA Fannie Mae survey recently revealed some of the most highly-rated benefits of homeownership, which continue to be key drivers in today

Don’t Sell on Your Own Just Because It’s a Sellers’ MarketIn a sellers’ market, some homeowners might be tempted to try to sell their house on their own (known

Your Tax Refund and Stimulus Savings May Help You Achieve Homeownership This YearIf you’re planning to buy a home this year, saving for a down payment is one of the most important steps in the

Buyer Competition Is Good News for SellersSome HighlightsWith so many buyers looking for homes to purchase and so few houses available today, there’s a substantial increase in bidding wars,

Is Homeownership Still Considered Part of the American Dream?Since the birth of our nation, homeownership has always been considered a major piece of the American Dream. As Frederick Peters 

How a Change in Mortgage Rate Impacts Your Homebuying BudgetMortgage rates are on the rise this year, but they’re still incredibly low compared to the historic average. However,

What It Means To Be in a Sellers’ MarketIf you’ve given even a casual thought to selling your house in the near future, this is the time to really think seriously about making

Buyer & Seller Perks in Today’s Housing MarketRight now, the housing market is full of outstanding opportunities for both buyers and sellers. Whether you’re thinking of

What Credit Score Do You Need for a Mortgage?According to data from the most recent Origination Insight Report by Ellie Mae, the average FICO® score on closed loans

To Renovate or Not To Renovate Before You SellWhen thinking about selling, homeowners often feel they need to get their house ready with some remodeling to make it more appealing to buyers. However,

What Is the Strongest Tailwind to Today’s Recovering Economy?Last year started off with a bang. Unemployment was under 4%, forecasters were giddy with their projections for the economy,

What Is the #1 Financial Benefit of Homeownership?There are many financial and non-financial benefits of homeownership, and the greatest financial one is wealth creation. Homeownership has

How to Make a Winning Offer on a HomeToday’s homebuyers are faced with a strong sellers’ market, which means there are a lot of active buyers competing for a relatively

How Upset Should You Be about 3% Mortgage Rates?Last Thursday, Freddie Mac announced that their 30-year fixed mortgage rate was over 3% (3.02%) for the first time since last July.

5 Reasons to Sell Your House This SpringWhen selling a house, most homeowners hope for a quick and profitable transaction that puts them in a position to make a great move. If you’re waiting

How Smart Is It to Buy a Home Today?Whether you’re buying your first home or selling your current house, if your needs are changing and you think you need to move, the decision can be

Home Prices: What Happened in 2020? What Will Happen This Year?The real estate market was on fire during the second half of 2020. Buyer demand was way up, and the supply of homes available for sale

What Are the Benefits of a 20% Down Payment?If you’re thinking of buying a home this year, you may be wondering how much money you need to come up with for your down payment. Many

Are There Going to Be More Homes to Buy This Year?If you’re looking for a home to purchase right now and having trouble finding one, you’re not alone. At a time like this when there are

Is It a Good Time to Sell My House?Last year, many homeowners thought twice about selling their houses due to the onset of the health crisis. This year, however, homeowners are beginning to regain

How Much Leverage Do Today’s House Sellers Have?The housing market has been scorching hot over the last twelve months. Buyers and their high demand have far outnumbered sellers and a short

The Reason Mortgage Rates Are Projected to Increase and What It Means for YouWe’re currently experiencing historically low mortgage rates. Over the last fifty years, the average on a 

Where Have All the Houses Gone?In today’s housing market, it seems harder than ever to find a home to buy. Before the health crisis hit us a year ago, there was already a shortage of homes for

Will Low Mortgage Rates Continue through 2021?With mortgage interest rates hitting record lows so many times recently, some are wondering if we’ll see low rates continue throughout

3 Ways You’ll Win When You Buy a Home This YearThere are so many great reasons to purchase a home, and over the past year, we’ve realized more of them than we ever thought possible. If

As more people continue to identify their changing needs this year, some are turning to the upscale housing sector for more space or finer features. In their most recent Luxury Market Report,

Home values appreciated by about ten percent in 2020, and they’re forecast to appreciate by about five percent this year. This has some voicing concern that we may be in another housing bubble

 6 Foundational Benefits of Homeownership TodayOver the past year, our homes have become an integral part of our lives more than ever. They’re much more than the houses we live in. They

What’s the Difference between an Appraisal and a Home Inspection?If you’re planning to buy a home, an appraisal is an important step in the process. It’s a

Buying a home is a big commitment—and if you’re currently renting, there are likely some ideas that make you question whether you’re ready or able to buy a home.But the truth is, a

Most people think that renting a home is a more affordable option than buying. But, as it turns out, in the majority of counties across the US, the opposite is actually true.According to

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we live and work—and, in light of the pandemic, many companies have shifted to remote operations, giving their employees the ability to work from home

When you’re selling your home, you’ll typically need to open up your property to real estate agents and potential buyers—but in the midst of COVID, that prospect can be stressful

Because of social distancing, stay-at-home orders, and other COVID-related challenges, buying a home sight unseen has become increasingly common. And when you do it the right way, you can find

When you’re touring a home, it’s important to be on the lookout for any indication that there’s something wrong with the property.But what kind of indicators should you be on the

Fixing up a property can be a fun, fulfilling experience for many homeowners. But fixer-uppers can be challenging in the best of times—and with some of the challenges in today’s market,

There’s no denying that the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way homes are sold.But which of those changes are here to stay?A recent article from realtor.com outlined some of the

The pandemic has presented certain challenges in buying and selling real estate—but those challenges have done nothing to slow home sales.According to data from the National Association of

This year will be remembered for many reasons, and optimism is one thing that’s been in short supply since the spring. We’re experiencing a global pandemic, social unrest, an economic

In a normal year, winter tends to be a buyer-friendly season; because fewer people want to buy in the winter, it can be easier for prospective buyers to find the right property at the right price