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    The Latest 2024 Housing Market Forecast

    By Tommy Corbett | November 18, 2023

    The new year is right around the corner, and you might be wondering if 2024 will be the right time to buy or sell a home. If you want to make the most informed decision possible, it’s important to know what the experts have to say about what’s ahead for the housing market. Spoiler alert: media reports are... Read More

    Don’t Believe Everything You Read About Home Prices

    By BJ Brick | November 13, 2023

    According to the latest data from Fannie Mae, 23% of Americans still think home prices will go down over the next twelve months. But why do roughly 1 in 4 people feel that way? It has a lot to do with all the negative talk about home prices over the past year. Since late 2022, the media has... Read More

    How Buying a Multi-Generational Home Helps with Affordability Today

    By Tommy Corbett | November 7, 2023

    In today’s world of rising housing costs, many buyers are looking for ways to still be able to buy a home. Some of them have found a solution in multi-generational living. Multi-generational living is when two or more adult generations live together under one roof. This includes siblings, parents, or even grandparents. Here’s an in-depth look... Read More

    The Perks of Selling Your Home When Inventory Is Low

    By BJ Brick | October 25, 2023

    When it comes to selling your house, you’re probably trying to juggle the current market conditions and your own needs as you plan your move. One thing that may be working in your favor is how few homes there are for sale right now. Here’s what you need to know about the current inventory situation and what it means for... Read More

    A Return of Normal Seasonality for Home Price Appreciation

    By Tommy Corbett | October 6, 2023

    If you’re thinking of making a move, one of the biggest questions you have right now is probably: what’s happening with home prices? Despite what you may be hearing in the news, nationally, home prices aren’t falling. It’s just that price growth is beginning to normalize. Here’s the context you need to really understand that trend. In the housing market, there are... Read More

    3 Big Reasons A House Doesn’t Sell

    By BJ Brick | September 29, 2023

    If your listing expired and your house didn’t sell, you’re likely feeling a little frustrated. Not to mention, you’re also probably wondering what went wrong. Here are three questions to think about as you figure out what to do next. Did You Limit Access to Your House? One of the biggest mistakes you can make when selling... Read More

    Get Ready for Smaller, More Affordable Homes

    By Tommy Corbett | September 19, 2023

    Have you been trying to buy a home, but higher mortgage rates and home prices are limiting your options? If so, here’s some good news – based on what Ali Wolf, Chief Economist at Zonda, has to say – smaller, more affordable homes are on the way: “Buyers should expect that over the next 12 to 24 months there will be a notable increase... Read More

    Why You Need a True Expert in Today’s Housing Market

    By BJ Brick | September 11, 2023

    The housing market continues to shift and change, and in a fast-moving landscape like we’re in right now, it’s more important than ever to have a trusted real estate agent on your side. Whether you’re buying your first home or selling once again, it’s mission critical to work with an expert like us who can guide... Read More

    About 11,000 Houses Will Sell Today

    By Tommy Corbett | August 28, 2023

    Some homeowners have been waiting for months to put their house on the market because they don’t think people are buying homes right now. If that’s you, know that even though the housing market has slowed compared to the frenzy of a couple of years ago, it isn’t at a standstill. Contrary to what you may believe, buyers are still active... Read More

    There’s Only Half the Inventory of a Normal Housing Market Today

    By BJ Brick | August 14, 2023

    Wondering if it still makes sense to sell your house right now? The short answer is, yes. Especially if you consider how few homes there are for sale today. You may have heard inventory is low right now, but you may not fully realize just how low or why that’s a perk when you go to sell your house.... Read More

    Sellers: Don’t Let These Two Things Hold You Back

    By Tommy Corbett | August 3, 2023

    Many homeowners thinking about selling have two key things holding them back. That’s feeling locked in by today’s higher mortgage rates and worrying they won’t be able to find something to buy while supply is so low. Let’s dive into each challenge and give you some helpful advice on how to overcome these obstacles. Challenge #1: The... Read More

    How Remote Work Expands Your Homebuying Horizons

    By BJ Brick | July 24, 2023

    Even as some companies transition back into the office, remote work remains a popular choice for many professionals. So, if you currently enjoy working from home or hope to be able to soon, you’re not alone. According to a recent survey, most working professionals want to work either fully remote or hybrid (see below): This trend... Read More

    Today’s Housing Inventory Is A Sweet Spot for Sellers

    By Tommy Corbett | July 17, 2023

    One of the biggest challenges in the housing market right now is how few homes there are for sale compared to the number of people who want to buy them. To help emphasize just how limited housing inventory still is, let’s take a look at the latest information on active listings, or homes for sale in a... Read More

    Homeownership Helps Protect You From Inflation

    By BJ Brick | July 7, 2023

    Some Highlights • Wondering if it makes sense to buy a home today even when inflation is high? When other costs go up due to inflation, buying a home helps you keep your monthly housing expense steady. • Rents typically increase with inflation. Maybe that’s why, according to a recent survey, 65.1% of landlords say... Read More

    The True Cost of Selling Your House on Your Own

    By Tommy Corbett | June 30, 2023

    Selling your house is no simple task. While some homeowners opt to sell their homes on their own, known as a FSBO (For Sale by Owner), they often encounter various challenges without the guidance of a real estate agent. If you’re currently considering selling your house on your own, here’s what you should know. The... Read More

    Lending Standards Are Not Like They Were Leading Up to the Crash

    By BJ Brick | June 30, 2023

    You might be worried we’re heading for a housing crash, but there are many reasons why this housing market isn’t like the one we saw in 2008. One of which is how lending standards are different today. Here’s a look at the data to help prove it.  Every month, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) releases... Read More

    Keys to Success for First-Time Homebuyers

    By Tommy Corbett | June 19, 2023

    Buying your first home is an exciting decision and a major milestone that has the power to change your life for the better. As a first-time homebuyer, it’s a vision you can bring to life, but, as the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shares, you’ll have to overcome some factors that have made it more... Read More

    Today’s Real Estate Market: The ‘Unicorns’ Have Galloped Off

    By BJ Brick | June 2, 2023

    Comparing real estate metrics from one year to another can be challenging in a normal housing market. That’s due to possible variability in the market making the comparison less meaningful or accurate. Unpredictable events can have a significant impact on the circumstances and outcomes being compared.  This is why comparing this year’s numbers to the... Read More

    Homeowners Have Incredible Equity To Leverage Right Now

    By Tommy Corbett | May 29, 2023

    Even though home prices have moderated over the last year, many homeowners still have an incredible amount of equity. But what is equity? In the simplest terms, equity is the difference between the market value of your home and the amount you owe on your mortgage. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) explains how your... Read More

    Powerful Job Market Fuels Homebuyer Demand

    By BJ Brick | May 22, 2023

    The spring housing market has been surprisingly active this year. Even with affordability challenges and a limited number of homes for sale, buyer demand is strong, and getting stronger. One way we know there are interested buyers right now is because showing traffic is up. Data from the latest ShowingTime Showing Index, which is a... Read More

    What Experts Are Saying About the Spring Housing Market

    By Tommy Corbett | May 11, 2023

    The housing market’s been going through a lot of change lately, and there’s been uncertainty surrounding what will happen this spring. You may be wondering if more homes will go on the market, what’s next with home prices and mortgage rates, or what the best advice is for someone in your position right now. Here’s... Read More

    5 Reasons Millennials Are Buying Homes Right Now

    By BJ Brick | April 24, 2023

    In the United States, there are over 72 million millennials. If you’re part of that generation and have thought about buying a home, you aren’t alone. According to Zonda, 98% of millennials want to become a homeowner at some point if they aren’t already. But why? There are plenty of reasons you may choose to... Read More

    Why Aren’t Home Prices Crashing?

    By Tommy Corbett | April 19, 2023

    There have been a lot of shifts in the housing market recently. Mortgage rates rose dramatically last year, impacting many people’s ability to buy a home. And after several years of rapid price appreciation, home prices finally peaked last summer. These changes led to a rise in headlines saying prices would end up crashing. Even... Read More

    Get Ready: The Best Time To List Your House Is Almost Here

    By Tommy Corbett | April 10, 2023

    If you’re thinking about selling this spring, it’s time to get moving – the best week to list your house is fast approaching. Experts at realtor.com looked at seasonal trends from recent years (excluding 2020 as an uncharacteristic year due to the onset of the pandemic) and determined the ideal week to list a house... Read More

    4 Tips for Making Your Best Offer on a Home

    By BJ Brick | March 28, 2023

    Are you planning to buy a home this spring? Though things are more balanced than they were at the height of the pandemic, it’s still a sellers’ market. So, when you find the home you want to buy, remember these four tips to make your best offer. 1. Lean on a Real Estate Professional Rely... Read More

    Equity Gains for Today’s Homeowners

    By Tommy Corbett | March 16, 2023

    Today’s homeowners are sitting on significant equity, even as home price appreciation has eased recently. If you’re a homeowner, your net worth got a boost over the past few years thanks to rising home prices. Here’s what it means for you, even as the market moderates. How Equity Has Grown in Recent Years  Because of the imbalance... Read More

    Wondering What’s Going on with Home Prices?

    By BJ Brick | March 6, 2023

    The recent changes in home prices are top of mind for many as the housing market begins gearing up for spring. It can be hard to navigate misleading headlines and confusing data, so here’s what you should know about today’s home prices. Local price trends still vary by market. But looking at national data, Nataliya Polkovnichenko, Ph.D.,... Read More

    What You Should Know About Closing Costs

    By Tommy Corbett | February 22, 2023

    Before you buy a home, it’s important to plan ahead. While most buyers consider how much they need to save for a down payment, many are surprised by the closing costs they have to pay. To ensure you aren’t caught off guard when it’s time to close on your home, you need to understand what closing costs are... Read More

    How Experts Can Help Close the Gap in Today’s Homeownership Rate

    By BJ Brick | February 16, 2023

    As we celebrate Black History Month, we reflect on the past and present experiences of Black Americans. This includes the path toward investing in a home of their own. And while equitable access to housing has come a long way, homeownership can be a steeper climb for households of color. It’s an important experience to... Read More

    Wintertime Fun in Northern Michigan

    By Bob Brick | February 10, 2023

    Wintertime in Northern Michigan is a special time of the year. As a Traverse City native working in real estate for nearly 50 years (gasp!), I know the area well, and along with my fellow Brick & Corbett team, we can share some of the best things to do here in the winter months. From... Read More

    Today’s Housing Market Is Nothing Like 15 Years Ago

    By Tommy Corbett | January 31, 2023

    There’s no doubt today’s housing market is very different than the frenzied one from the past couple of years. In the second half of 2022, there was a dramatic shift in real estate, and it caused many people to make comparisons to the 2008 housing crisis. While there may be a few similarities, when looking at key... Read More

    Want To Sell Your House? Price It Right.

    By BJ Brick | January 31, 2023

    Last year, the housing market slowed down in response to higher mortgage rates, and that had an impact on home prices. If you’re thinking of selling your house soon, that means you’ll want to adjust your expectations accordingly. As realtor.com explains: “. . . some of the more prominent pandemic trends have changed, so sellers might wish to adjust accordingly... Read More

    4 Financial Fundamentals for First-Time Homebuyers

    By Bob Brick | January 19, 2023

    Are you prepping to buy your first home? If so, one of the steps you should take early on is making sure you’re financially ready for your purchase. Here are four of the financial fundamentals you’ll need to focus on as you set out to buy a home. 1. Build Your Credit Your credit is one element... Read More

    2022 By The Numbers: A Rollercoaster Year of Real Estate in Northern Michigan

    By Tommy Corbett | January 3, 2023

    If the 2022 housing market could be summed up in a single word, it would be: unpredictable. The heightened momentum of 2021 continued throughout the first half of 2022, and while it is still definitely a sellers’ market, inflation and rising mortgage rates have added some twists and turns during the last half. Here is... Read More

    What To Expect From the Housing Market in 2023

    By BJ Brick | December 27, 2022

    The 2022 housing market has been defined by two key things: inflation and rapidly rising mortgage rates. And in many ways, it’s put the market into a reset position. As the Federal Reserve (the Fed) made moves this year to try to lower inflation, mortgage rates more than doubled – something that’s never happened before in a calendar year. This... Read More

    Planning to Retire? It Could Be Time To Make a Move.

    By Bob Brick | December 20, 2022

    If you’re thinking about retirement or have already retired this year, you may be planning your next steps. One of your goals could be selling your house and finding a home that more closely fits your needs. Fortunately, you may be in a better position to make a move than you realize. Here are a few things to... Read More

    Favorite Listing Features of 2022

    By Tommy Corbett | December 12, 2022

    Another year has nearly come and gone, allowing access to the promise and possibility of a fresh new year. When we reflect on our last 12 months in real estate, we consider our growth, our opportunities to learn, as well as the plethora of exceptional homes we were blessed to list. So, in the spirit... Read More

    Your House Could Be a Homebuyer’s #1 Wish During the Holidays

    By BJ Brick | December 6, 2022

    Each year, homeowners planning to make a move are faced with a decision: sell their house during the holidays or wait. And others who have already listed their homes may think about removing their listings and waiting until the new year to go back on the market. The truth is many buyers want to purchase a home for the... Read More

    More People Are Finding the Benefits of Multigenerational Households Today

    By Bob Brick | November 29, 2022

    If you’re thinking of buying a home and living with siblings, parents, or grandparents, then multigenerational living may be for you. The Pew Research Center defines a multigenerational household as a home with two or more adult generations. And the number of individuals choosing multigenerational living has increased exponentially over the past 50 years. As you consider... Read More

    Mortgage Rates Will Come Down, It’s Just a Matter of Time

    By BJ Brick | November 22, 2022

    This past year, rising mortgage rates have slowed the red-hot housing market. Over the past nine months, we’ve seen fewer homes sold than the previous month as home price growth has slowed. All of this is due to the fact that the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate has doubled this year, severely limiting homebuying power for... Read More

    3 Graphs Showing Why Today’s Housing Market Isn’t Like 2008

    By Tommy Corbett | November 15, 2022

    With all the headlines and talk in the media about the shift in the housing market, you might be thinking this is a housing bubble. It’s only natural for those thoughts to creep in that make you think it could be a repeat of what took place in 2008. But the good news is, there’s concrete data... Read More

    Perspective Matters When Selling Your House Today

    By Bob Brick | November 8, 2022

    Does the latest news about the housing market have you questioning your plans to sell your house? If so, perspective is key. Here are some of the ways a trusted real estate professional (like us!) can explain the shift that’s happening today and why it’s still a sellers’ market even during the cooldown. Fewer Homes for Sale than... Read More

    The Latest on Supply and Demand in Housing

    By BJ Brick | November 1, 2022

    Over the past two years, the substantial imbalance of low housing supply and high buyer demand pushed home sales and buyer competition to new heights. But this year, things are shifting as supply and demand reach an inflection point. The graph below helps tell the story of just how different things are today. This year, buyer... Read More

    Four Things That Help Determine Your Mortgage Rate

    By Tommy Corbett | October 25, 2022

    If you’re looking to buy a home, you probably want to secure the lowest interest rate possible for your home loan. Over the last couple of years, that was easier to do as the housing market saw record-low mortgage rates, but this year rates have risen dramatically. If you’re looking for ways to combat today’s higher rates and lock in... Read More

    Why You Should Consider Condos as Part of Your Home Search

    By Bob Brick | October 18, 2022

    The historically low inventory over the past few years led to challenges for many buyers trying to find a home that met their needs and their budget. If you’re in the same boat, you should know the recent shift in the housing market may have opened up doors for you to restart your search. The... Read More

    Will My House Still Sell in Today’s Market?

    By BJ Brick | October 11, 2022

    If recent headlines about the housing market cooling and buyer demand moderating have you worried that you’ve missed your window for the best chance to sell, here’s what you need to know. Buyer demand hasn’t disappeared, it’s just eased from the peak intensity we’ve had over the past two years. Buyer Demand Then and Now During the... Read More

    Watching the Stock Market? Check the Value of Your Home for Good News.

    By Tommy Corbett | September 27, 2022

    While watching the stock market recently may have started to feel pretty challenging, checking the value of your home should come as welcome relief in this volatile time. If you’re a homeowner, your net worth got a big boost over the past few years thanks to rising home prices. And that increase in your wealth came in... Read More

    Getting Your House Ready To Sell? Work with an Agent for Expert Advice

    By Bob Brick | September 20, 2022

    In a market that’s shifting as fast as it is today, many homeowners wonder what, if anything, needs to be renovated before they sell their house. That’s where a trusted real estate professional, like Brick & Corbett, comes in. We can help you think through today’s market conditions and how they impact what you should – and shouldn’t... Read More

    How Owning a Home Builds Your Net Worth

    By BJ Brick | September 13, 2022

    Owning a home is a major financial milestone and an achievement to take pride in. One major reason: the equity you build as a homeowner gives your net worth a big boost. And with high inflation right now, the link between owning your home and building your wealth is especially important. If you’re looking to increase your financial security, here’s... Read More

    What’s Really Happening With Home Prices Right Now?

    By Bob Brick | September 6, 2022

    One of the biggest questions people are asking right now is: what’s happening with home prices? There are headlines about ongoing price appreciation, but at the same time, some sellers are reducing the price of their homes. That can feel confusing and makes it more difficult to get a clear picture. Part of the challenge is... Read More

    What Every Seller Need To Know in Today’s Housing Market

    By Tommy Corbett | August 30, 2022

    If you’re thinking about selling your house, you may have heard about the housing market slowing down in recent months. While it’s still a sellers’ market, the peak frenzy the market saw over the past two years has cooled some. If you’re asking yourself if you’ve missed your chance to sell your house and make a... Read More

    Is the Shifting Market a Challenge or an Opportunity for Homebuyers?

    By BJ Brick | August 23, 2022

    If you tried to buy a home during the pandemic, you know the limited supply of homes for sale was a considerable challenge. It created intense bidding wars which drove home prices up as buyers competed with one another to be the winning offer. But what was once your greatest challenge may now be your greatest opportunity. Today, data... Read More

    3 Graphs That Show This Isn’t a Housing Bubble

    By Bob Brick | August 16, 2022

    With all the headlines and buzz in the media, some consumers believe the market is in a housing bubble. As the housing market shifts, you may be wondering what’ll happen next. It’s only natural for concerns to creep in that it could be a repeat of what took place in 2008. The good news is, there’s concrete... Read More

    A Real Estate Professional Helps You Separate Fact from Fiction

    By Tommy Corbett | August 9, 2022

    If you’re following the news, chances are you’ve seen or heard some headlines about the housing market that don’t give the full picture. The real estate market is shifting, and when that happens, it can be hard to separate fact from fiction. That’s where a trusted real estate professional comes in. They can help debunk... Read More

    What’s Causing Ongoing Home Price Appreciation?

    By BJ Brick | August 2, 2022

    If you’re thinking about making a move, you probably want to know what’s going to happen to home prices for the rest of the year. While experts say price growth will moderate due to the shifting market, ongoing appreciation is expected. That means home prices won’t fall. Here’s a look at two key reasons experts forecast continued price growth: supply... Read More

    Why Pre-Approval Is a Game Changer for Homebuyers

    By Bob Brick | July 26, 2022

    If you’re planning to buy a home this year, you might have heard that pre-approval is a necessary step to take before starting out on your journey. But why is that? And is it still important in today’s shifting market? The truth is, getting a pre-approval letter from your lender is critical, and when it comes to your... Read More

    Housing Market Forecasts for the Second Half of 2022

    By Tommy Corbett | July 19, 2022

    The housing market is at a turning point, and if you’re thinking of buying or selling a home, that may leave you wondering: is it still a good time to buy a home? Should I make a move this year? To help answer those questions, let’s turn to the experts for projections on what the second half of the... Read More

    How Your Home Equity Can Grow Over Time

    By BJ Brick | July 12, 2022

    It’s true that record levels of home price appreciation have spurred significant equity gains for homeowners over the past few years. As Diana Olick, Real Estate Correspondent at CNBC, says: “The stunning jump in home values over the course of the Covid-19 pandemic has given U.S. homeowners record amounts of housing wealth.” That’s great for your home’s value over the last... Read More

    Luxury Homes Are in Higher Demand

    By Bob Brick | July 5, 2022

    As people realize their needs are changing, some are turning to luxury housing to find their dream home. Investopedia helps define what pushes a home into this category. In a recent article, they point out that a luxury home isn’t only defined by its price. Location is also an important factor. It could be a... Read More

    11 Events B&C is Excited For During The National Cherry Festival  

    By Tommy Corbett | June 28, 2022

    This coming weekend marks the beginning of the 96th annual National Cherry Festival, and like most local Northern Michiganders we could not be more excited to join in the fun. The festival begins Saturday, July 2nd and runs the entirety of the week through Saturday July 9th, with numerous events occurring daily. The majority of... Read More

    Why the Growing Number of Homes for Sale Is Good for Your Move Up

    By BJ Brick | June 21, 2022

    Are you thinking about selling your current home? If so, the biggest question on your mind may be: if I sell now, where will I go? If this resonates with you, there’s something you should know. The number of homes coming onto the market is increasing and that could make it easier for you to move up this summer.... Read More

    The #1 Thing Every Homeowner Needs To Know About a Recession

    By Tommy Corbett | June 14, 2022

    A recession does not equal a housing crisis. That’s the one thing that every homeowner today needs to know. Everywhere you look, experts are warning we could be heading toward a recession, and if true, an economic slowdown doesn’t mean homes will lose value. The National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) defines a recession this way: “A recession is... Read More

    What’s Ahead for the Housing Market for the Rest of This Year?

    By Bob Brick | June 7, 2022

    If you’re thinking of buying or selling a house, you’re at an exciting decision point. And anytime you make a big decision like that, one thing you should always consider is timing. So, what does the rest of the year hold for the housing market? Here’s what experts have to say. The Number of Homes Available for Sale Is... Read More

    GT County Road Construction & Roundabouts 

    By BJ Brick | May 31, 2022

    There is no place more beautiful than our slice of Northern Michigan in the spring and summer months, but with warmer temps and time on the beach comes something else: road construction. If you’ve been out and about in Grand Traverse County recently it’s virtually impossible to avoid road construction, or the various roundabouts that... Read More

    3 Big Traverse City Takeaways from Zillow’s Latest Market Report

    By Bob Brick | May 24, 2022

    The cherry blossoms are on the trees, the Bayshore Marathon route has been marked; it is officially spring in Traverse City. With the change of season usually comes a ramping up of the real estate market. Will that be the case this year? Yes, but likely not in the same way you’d expect. As our... Read More

    Your House Could Be Closer to List-Ready Than You Think

    By Tommy Corbett | May 17, 2022

    One of the biggest concerns for a homeowner looking to sell is the time they’ll have to put in before listing their house. If that’s the case for you, you should know – your home might be closer to list-ready than you think in today’s housing market. A survey of recent sellers from realtor.com finds that many were able to... Read More

    Today’s Home Price Appreciation Is Great News for Existing Homeowners

    By BJ Brick | May 10, 2022

    If you’re planning to sell your home this season, rising prices are great news for you. But it’s important to understand why prices are rising to begin with. One major factor is supply and demand. In any industry, when there are more buyers for an item than there are of that item available, prices naturally... Read More

    What You Can Expect From The Spring Housing Market

    By Bob Brick | May 3, 2022

      As the spring housing market kicks off, you likely want to know what you can expect this season when it comes to buying or selling a house. While there are multiple factors causing some uncertainty, including the conflict overseas, rising inflation, and the first rate increase from the Federal Reserve in over three years... Read More

    5 Reasons Why a Real Estate Professional Is Key When Selling Your House

    By BJ Brick | April 25, 2022

    With today’s real estate market moving as fast as it is, working with a real estate professional is more essential than ever. They have the skills, experience, and expertise it takes to navigate the highly detailed and involved process of selling a home. That may be why the percentage of people who list their houses... Read More

    On The Fence About Whether You Should Move This Spring? Consider This.

    By Tommy Corbett | April 19, 2022

    If you’re thinking of selling your house, it may be because you’ve heard prices are rising, listings are going fast, and sellers are getting multiple offers on their homes. But why are conditions so good for sellers today? And what can you expect when you move? To help answer both of those questions, let’s turn... Read More

    What You Need To Know About Building a Home Right Now

    By Bob Brick | April 12, 2022

    If you’re ready to move up, you may be trying to decide whether you want to buy a home that’s already on the market or build a new one. And since the supply of homes available for sale today is low, you’re willing to consider either avenue. While home builders are doing everything they can... Read More

    The Average Homeowner Gained More Than $55K in Equity Over the Past Year

    By BJ Brick | April 5, 2022

    If you’re a current homeowner, you should know your net worth just got a big boost. It comes in the form of rising home equity. Equity is the current value of your home minus what you owe on the loan. Today, you’re building that equity far faster than you may expect – and this gain... Read More

    7 Expert Tips For Decluttering Your Home

    By Tommy Corbett | March 29, 2022

    If there is one thing that all homeowners have dealt with at some point, regardless of their home’s size or location, it’s clutter. Depending on how you tackle it, decluttering and organizing can easily become a frustrating and exasperating chore. This is especially true if there is added pressure to ready your home for listing... Read More

    Why It’s Vital To Price Your House Right

    By Bob Brick | March 16, 2022

    When 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 today’s sellers market. After all, with record-low inventory and high buyer demand, many homes are selling for more than asking price. Data from the National Association of Realtors... Read More

    The #1 Reason To Sell Your House Today

    By Tommy Corbett | March 9, 2022

    Almost every industry is currently struggling with supply chain disruptions. This also applies to the current U.S. housing market, where buyer demand far exceeds housing supply. Purchaser demand is very strong right now. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) just released their latest Existing Home Sales Report which reveals that sales surged in January. Existing home sales rose to... Read More

    The 5 Perks of Owning a Second Home

    By BJ Brick | March 1, 2022

    Many 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 to the recent Luxury Market Report from Luxury Home Marketing: “As trends such as remote working and flexi-hours took hold in 2021, so too did the... Read More

    What Sellers Need To Know About Renovating This Year

    By Bob Brick | February 22, 2022

    If you’re planning to sell this year, you’re probably thinking about what you’ll need to do to get your house ready to appeal to the most buyers. It’s crucial to work with a trusted real estate professional who knows your local market to get your home ready to sell. But there are a few things... Read More

    5 Reasons Why Waiting to Sell Your House Could Cost You

    By Tommy Corbett | February 15, 2022

      Many homeowners who plan to sell in 2022 may think the wise thing to do is to wait for the spring buying market, since historically about 40 percent of home sales occur between April and July. However, this year is expected to be much different than the norm. Here are five reasons to list... Read More

    The Next Generation of Home Ownership Is Right Now

    By BJ Brick | February 8, 2022

    There’s a common misconception that younger generations aren’t interested in homeownership. Many people point to the fact that initially, millennials put off purchasing their first home as a reason for this belief. However, the last  U.S. Census revealed a significant increase in homeownership rates for millennials and other young homebuyers. To glean even more insight... Read More

    B&C’s Top 15 Places To Have Wintertime Fun In Northern Michigan

    By Bob Brick | January 26, 2022

    Everyone knows that Northern Michigan is a flurry of festivities and fun in the warmer months, but how can you stay active and entertained in our area during the wintertime? We asked our team what their favorite local winter activities were, aside from helping their clients buy and sell their dream homes, of course, and... Read More

    Expert Predictions for the 2022 Housing Market

    By BJ Brick | January 17, 2022

    As we move into 2022, both buyers and sellers are wondering, what’s next? Will there be more homes available to buy? Will home prices keep climbing? How high will mortgage rates go? For the answer to those questions and more, we turn to the experts. Here’s a look at what they say we can expect... Read More

    2021 By The Numbers: Another Wild Year of Real Estate in Northern Michigan

    By Tommy Corbett | December 30, 2021

    A new year is like a rebirth; brimming with optimistic potential for fresh beginnings. At times it seems like we just rang in 2021, and at other times, with the pandemic still loitering near America’s doorsteps, it can feel as though we have been in the longest 24-month year of our lives. Anyone working in... Read More

    Brick & Corbett’s Year Of Listings

    By Tommy Corbett | December 17, 2021

    As the dawn of a new year approaches, we cannot help but reflect upon this unprecedented year in real estate. When we think about the past 12 months, we consider our milestones gained, our opportunities given to learn, as well as the multitude of exceptional homes we were fortunate enough to list. And, while we... Read More

    Why Right Now Is Actually a Great Time To Sell Your House

    By Bob Brick | December 7, 2021

    As we near the end of the year, more homeowners are realizing the benefits of today’s sellers’ market. Record-breaking home price appreciation, growing equity, low inventory, and competitive mortgage rates are motivating homeowners to make a move that addresses their changing lifestyles. In fact, recent data from realtor.com shows a historically larger share of homeowners... Read More

    9 Reasons You Should NOT FSBO

    By BJ Brick | November 22, 2021

    Rising home prices coupled with a lack of inventory in today’s market may cause some homeowners to consider selling their home on their own (known in the industry as a For Sale By Owner). However, a FSBO might not be a good idea for the vast majority of sellers. Our top 9 reasons are listed... Read More

    Why You Shouldn’t Be Upset About 3% Mortgage Rates

    By Tommy Corbett | November 16, 2021

    With the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate from Freddie Mac climbing above 3%, rising rates are one of the topics dominating the discussion in the housing market today. And since experts project rates will rise further in the coming months, that conversation isn’t going away any time soon. But as a homebuyer, what do rates... Read More

    Sellers Have Incredible Leverage in Today’s Market

    By BJ Brick | November 8, 2021

    With mortgage rates climbing above 3% for the first time in months, serious buyers are more motivated than ever to find a home before the end of the year. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for the National Association of Realtors (NAR), puts it best, saying: “Housing demand remains strong as buyers likely want to secure a... Read More

    Early October is the Sweet Spot for Buyers

    By Bob Brick | October 4, 2021

    Are 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, many of the headlines are focused on the perks for sellers. But what about buyers today? As a buyer, you’re likely braving bidding wars and weighing low mortgage... Read More

    The Truth About Today’s Buyer Demand

    By Tommy Corbett | September 27, 2021

    When it comes to the latest news in real estate, there are a lot of sensational headlines in the media. In times like this, when it can be hard to know what to believe, put your trust in the experts. Those of us in the housing market respect that buying or selling a home is... Read More

    Reasons You Should Consider Selling This Fall

    By BJ Brick | September 16, 2021

    If 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 in today won’t last forever. If you’re thinking of making a move, here are four reasons to put your house up for sale sooner rather than later. 1.... Read More

    Brick & Corbett’s 10 Favorite Listing Photos of 2021 (so far)

    By Bob Brick | September 3, 2021

    2021 has been a lot of things to a lot of people. It’s been a year of hope and optimism for many, a year of uncertainty for others. When it comes to real estate, specifically the homes our team has listed for sale, it’s been a year of breathtaking listing photography. We have had the... Read More

    5 Home Renovation Projects That Will Add Value When It’s Time To Sell

    By Tommy Corbett | August 20, 2021

    If you’re a homeowner in Northern Michigan, you’ve at least thought about selling your home in the last 24 months. With real estate prices at historic highs, just about everyone has thought, “maybe this is the right time to sell!”. But, after digging into the numbers, many of us find that, while we’d love to... Read More

    Homeowners Are in a Sweet Spot in Today’s Housing Market for These 5 Reasons

    By BJ Brick | August 16, 2021

    The housing market continues to be red hot here in Northern Michigan, and according to a recent report in Bloomberg, housing prices rose again at record levels in the month of July with no indication that we’ll see a slow down any time soon. This seems all well and good, but what are the actual... Read More

    What You Should Do Before Interest Rates Rise

    By Bob Brick | July 30, 2021

    In today’s real estate market, mortgage interest rates are near record lows. Northern Michigan banks have been offering mortgages, refinancing options, and new construction loans at eye-popping rates reaching below 3% for some borrowers. Though none of us have a crystal ball, it’s safe to say that these rates won’t remain this low forever.  Whether... Read More

    What Are Housing Market Forecasters Predicting for the 2nd Half of 2021?

    By Tommy Corbett | July 19, 2021

    It’s hard to believe, but we are solidly in the 2nd half of the year. School in Northern Michigan will be starting again in 50-some days, and we are barely more than six months away from Christmas. We know what the calendar has in store for us in this second half of 2021, but what... Read More

    7 Things B&C is Excited For During Cherry Festival 2021

    By BJ Brick | July 2, 2021

    The National Cherry Festival is a marquee for Northern Michiganders and people from across the midwest, the country, and especially in the last 10 years, across the world. Visitors come from all corners of the globe to celebrate all things cherries, to swim in Lake Michigan (and the dozens of other inland lakes within cherry... Read More

    Why Are Home Prices So High Right Now?

    By Bob Brick | June 29, 2021

    OK, we’ll admit it; here at Brick & Corbett, we’re kinda nerds when it comes to numbers, market statistics, and trying to parse out the specifics of not just what the housing market is doing, but why it’s doing it. It’s easy to get into the weeds on this and it’s also easy to forget... Read More

    Why Your Home’s Value is More Like Your Waistline Than Your Shoe Size

    By Tommy Corbett | June 18, 2021

    I was at Running Fit in downtown Traverse City last week checking out a new pair of running shoes, and when the sales associate helping me asked what size my foot was, I responded, almost instinctively with “11.5”, the same size my foot has been since I was a teenager.  However, when I wandered into... Read More

    The Homeowner’s Dilemma: Should I Move or Refinance?

    By BJ Brick | June 9, 2021

    The level of equity homeowners in Northern Michigan have is at an all-time high. According to the U.S. Census, over 38% of owner-occupied homes nationwide are owned free and clear, meaning they don’t have a mortgage. Those with a mortgage are seeing their equity skyrocket too. Though we don’t have an exact figure for these... Read More

    What Boosts Your Home’s Value? 7 Factors You Can (and Can’t) Control

    By Bob Brick | June 1, 2021

    If you’ve been thinking that right now is the time to at least find out what your home is worth on today’s market, you’re making a good decision. Even if you decide right now isn’t the time to sell, there’s still a lot you can do with your home once you know exactly how much... Read More

    4 Powerful Things You Can Do With a Home Valuation

    By Tommy Corbett | May 21, 2021

    Real estate prices have literally never been higher than they are right now. According to the Wall Street Journal, home prices nationwide are climbing to new heights thanks to some serious buyer demand and record-low inventory levels. This means that, for the average homeowner, your property is probably worth more than you think it is... Read More

    Appraisal Gaps: What Are They and Why They Could Put The Brakes on The Northern Michigan Real Estate Market

    By BJ Brick | May 10, 2021

    If you’ve picked up any sort of newspaper, listened to the radio, or have simply been awake at all in the last year or so, you’ve heard all about the real estate market in Northern Michigan. It is HOT. Seriously, homes are selling for record prices, there are a major inventory shortage, and buyers are... Read More

    Are Home Prices in Northern Michigan Accelerating Again?

    By Bob Brick | April 30, 2021

    At the beginning of the year, national industry forecasts called for home price appreciation to slow to about half of the double-digit increase we saw last year. The thinking was that inventory would increase from record-low levels and put an end to the bidding wars that have driven home prices up over the past twelve... Read More

    Market Snapshot: High-End Condos Are Definitely A Thing in Traverse City

    By Tommy Corbett | April 23, 2021

    Whether you’re a person who loves to see all the new multi-family developments around town or loath the high(er) rise construction and miss “the way things used to be”, condo development in and around Traverse City is here to stay, and in today’s increasingly competitive seller’s market, the prices are going up, up, up.  In... Read More

    Hidden Fees Most First-Time Homebuyers Aren’t Aware of When Purchasing a Home

    By BJ Brick | April 12, 2021

    Purchasing a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you will make in your lifetime. Most first-time buyers know that they will need to save for some form of down payment, but aren’t aware of the other out-of-pocket expenses they’ll face when purchasing real estate.  The Brick & Corbett Group has helped first-time buyers... Read More

    Market Snapshot: OMP Waterfront East vs West

    By Bob Brick | March 26, 2021

    There are a handful of age-old Traverse City debates that have kept people arguing for a long time. Dairy Lodge vs Bardon’s? Trojans vs Titans? Crusted Creations vs Peegeo’s? It’s time to add another topic to the debate slate; Old Mission Peninsula waterfront – East Bay vs West Bay. In this month’s market snapshot, we’ll... Read More

    How You Can Take Steps Today To Protect Your Legacy Property For Future Generations

    By Tommy Corbett | March 15, 2021

    Brick & Corbett consult and expert to provide the proactive resources and necessary tools to empower homeowners in protecting the future of their home or cottage property for generations to come. Read More