As rent prices continue to soar, many renters want to know what they can do to get ready to buy their first home. According to recent data from ApartmentList.com:“The first half of 2021 has seen the fastest growth in rent prices since the start of our estimates in 2017. Our national rent index has increased by 11.4 percent since January . . . .”Those rising rental costs may make it seem impossible to prepare for homeownership if you’re a renter. But the truth is, there are ways you can – and should – prepare to purchase your first home. Here’s some expert advice on what to do if you’re ready to learn more about how to escape rising rents.Start Saving – Even Small Amounts – NowExperts agree, setting aside what you can – even smaller amounts of money – into a dedicated savings account is a great starting point when it comes to saving for a down payment. As Cindy Zuniga-Sanchez, Founder of Zero-Based Budget Coaching LLC, says:“I recommend saving for a home in a ‘sinking fund’ . . . . This is a savings account separate from your emergency fund that you use to save for a short or mid-term expense.”Zuniga-Sanchez adds saving in smaller increments can help make a large goal – such as saving for a down payment –achievable:“Breaking up your goals into smaller bite-sized pieces by saving incrementally can make a large daunting number more manageable.”Assess Your Finances and Work on Your CreditAnother tip experts recommend: take a look at your overall finances and credit score and find ways to reduce your debt. According to the HUD, the average credit score of first-time homebuyers is 716. If you’re not sure what your credit score is, there are numerous online tools that can help you check. If your score is below that average, don’t fret. Remember that an average means there are homeowners with credit scores both above and below that threshold.If you find out your score is below the average, there are several ways to improve your credit before you apply for a loan. HUD recommends reducing your debt as much as you can, paying your bills on time, and using your credit card responsibly.Start the Conversation with Your Advisor TodayFinally, it’s important to talk to someone who understands the market and what it takes to become a first-time homebuyer. That’s where we come in. A trusted advisor can help you navigate your specific market and talk you through all the available options. Having the right network of real estate and lending professionals in your corner can help you plan for the homebuying process as well as determine what you can afford and how you can get pre-approved when you’re ready.Most importantly, we can help you understand how homeownership is achievable. As Lauren Bringle, Accredited Financial Advisor with Self Financial, says:“Don’t write home ownership off just because you have a low income . . . . With the right tools, resources and assistance, you could still achieve your dream.”Bottom LineIf you’re planning to be a homeowner one day, the best thing you can do is start preparing now. Even if you don’t think you’ll purchase for a few years, let’s connect today to discuss the process and to set you up for success on your journey to homeownership.

It’s economy 101 – when supply is low and demand is high, prices naturally rise. That’s what’s happening in today’s housing market. Home prices are appreciating at near-historic rates, and that’s creating some challenges when it comes to home appraisals.In recent months, it’s become increasingly common for an appraisal to come in below the contract price on the house. Shawn Telford, Chief Appraiser for CoreLogic, explains it like this:“Recently, we observed buyers paying prices above listing price and higher than the market data available to appraisers can support. This difference is known as ‘the appraisal gap . . . .’”Why does an appraisal gap happen?Basically, with the heightened buyer demand, purchasers are often willing to pay over asking to secure the home of their dreams. If you’ve ever toured a house you’ve fallen in love with, you understand. Once you start to picture yourself and your furniture in the rooms, you want to do everything you can to land the property, including putting in a high offer to try to beat out other would-be buyers.When the appraiser comes in, they look at things a bit more objectively. Their job is to assess the inherent value of the home, so they’re going to study the facts. Dustin Harris, Appraiser Coach, drives this point home:“It’s important for everyone to understand that the appraiser’s job in the end is to remain that unbiased third party, to truly tell the client what that home is worth in the current market, regardless of what decisions have been made on the price side of things.”In simple terms, while homebuyers may be willing to pay more, appraisers are there to assess the market value of the home. Their goal is to make sure the lender isn’t loaning more money than the home is worth. It’s objective, rather than emotional.In a highly competitive market like today’s, having a discrepancy between the two numbers isn’t unusual. Here’s a look at the increasing rate of appraisal gaps, according to data from  CoreLogic (see graph below):What does this mean for you?Ultimately, knowledge is power. The best thing you can do is understand an appraisal gap may impact your transaction if you’re buying or selling. If you do encounter an appraisal below your contract price, know that in today’s sellers’ market, the most common approach is for the seller to ask the buyer to make up the difference in price. Buyers, be prepared to bring extra money to the table if you really want the home.Above all else, lean on your real estate agent. Whether you’re a buyer or seller, your trusted advisor is your ally if you come up against an appraisal gap. We’ll help you understand your options and handle any additional negotiations that need to happen.Bottom LineIn today’s real estate market, it’s important to stay informed on the latest trends. Let’s connect so you have an ally to help you navigate an appraisal gap to get the best possible outcome.

Check out this awesome investment opportunity!  This home has a new roof, new windows, and new siding.  It's very spacious and can be finished as a 2 story 2 unit duplex or as a 5 bedroom 2 bathroom home.  The detached 2 car garage is in great condition as well.  The inside of this home is gutted and ready for you to add your personal style as you finish it off.  Contact us today!   Freedom Team Realtors, Real Broker LLC Appleton, Oshkosh, Neenah, Menasha, Winnebago County, Outagamie County, Wisconsin, WI Kyle Meyer, Valerie Cohn-Gehrke, Lauren Nobbe For all of your Wisconsin real estate needs!

Location, location, location! Over 2 acres of commercial property including a 7,000 sq ft facility with great visibility from Hwy 41 and Hwy 45. Newer parking lot and air-conditioned office space. Currently used as an automotive shop with a spacious semi-accessible overhead door and 3 additional stalls.   Click Here for Details   Freedom Team Realtors, Real Broker LLC Appleton, Oshkosh, Neenah, Menasha, Winnebago County, Outagamie County, Wisconsin, WI Kyle Meyer, Valerie Cohn-Gehrke, Lauren Nobbe For all of your Wisconsin real estate needs!

Check out this new listing by the Freedom Team Realtors, Appleton, WI.   This spacious duplex would be great for owner occupancy or as an investment property! Each unit mirrors the other and has a spacious living room, kitchen and a half bath on the main floor. The upper level of each unit has 2 large bedrooms, an additional smaller 3rd bedroom, and a full bath. Each unit also has its own large basement, one car garage and fenced in backyard. 116 has had several updates. 118 is in good condition but has not had as many updates.   Click Here for Details   Freedom Team Realtors, Real Broker LLC Appleton, Oshkosh, Neenah, Menasha, Winnebago County, Outagamie County, Wisconsin, WI Kyle Meyer, Valerie Cohn-Gehrke, Lauren Nobbe For all of your Wisconsin real estate needs!

Join us for an Open House this Saturday!  9:30am-10:30am 1829 E Newberry St, Appleton, WI 54915   Tour this spacious 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom, with a master suite, hot tub room and 4 car garage!     Freedom Team Realtors, Real Broker LLC Appleton, Oshkosh, Neenah, Menasha, Winnebago County, Outagamie County, Wisconsin, WI Kyle Meyer, Valerie Cohn-Gehrke, Lauren Nobbe For all of your Wisconsin real estate needs!

Check out our latest listing on Newberry Street, Appleton, WI.  This beautiful Cape Cod has 4 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, with beautiful architecture throughout.  A few bonus items are the private master suite with walk-in closet and beautiful hot tub room with tons of natural light - SO relaxing!  The home also has a rare 4 car garage with a nice back yard close to Telulah Park.  Call us today for a private showing! Freedom Team Realtors, Real Broker LLC Appleton, Oshkosh, Neenah, Menasha, Winnebago County, Outagamie County, Wisconsin, WI Kyle Meyer, Valerie Cohn-Gehrke, Lauren Nobbe For all of your Wisconsin real estate needs!  

NEW YORK and TORONTO, June 15, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Real Brokerage Inc. ("Real" or the "Company") (TSXV: REAX) (OTCQX: REAXF) (NASDAQ: REAX), a national, technology powered real estate brokerage in the United States, announces that its common shares (the "Common Shares") will commence trading on The Nasdaq Capital Market ( "Nasdaq") under the symbol "REAX" at the opening of the market today. Real provides state-of-the-art technology that improves the homebuying experience for buyers, sellers and agents. Agents have the ability to advance all tasks and processes related to the transaction through Real's platform, which makes for a better, quicker, and smoother experience for all parties involved. The company has generated impressive traction, seeing a 90 percent increase in agents signing on year-over-year, with a total number now topping 2,300. The Common Shares will continue trading on the TSX Venture Exchange under the same symbol, "REAX". About Real Real (www.joinreal.com) is a technology-powered real estate brokerage operating in 31 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. Real is building the future, together with agents and their clients. Real creates financial opportunities for agents through better commission splits, best-in-class technology, revenue sharing and equity incentives.   #joinfreedomteam  #joinreal  #workhardbekind   For all of your Appleton, Oshkosh, Neenah, Menasha, Fond du Lac, Winnebago, Outagamie, Calumet County, Wisconsin Real Estate Needs.  Contact Lauren Nobbe, Valerie Cohn-Gehrke, Kyle Meyer of the Freedom Team Realtors today!