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Gerry Athas-Vazquez

mail@GerryVaz@aol.com
t: 310.413.4089

Don’t Wait for a Lower Mortgage Rate – It Could Cost You

Don’t Wait for a Lower Mortgage Rate – It Could Cost You | Simplifying The MarketToday’s housing market is truly one for the record books. Over the past year, we’ve seen the lowest mortgage rates in history. And while those rates seemed to bottom out in January of this year, the golden window of opportunity for buyers isn’t over just yet. If you’re one of the buyers who worry they’ve […]

Experts Agree: Homeownership Provides a Path to Long-Term Wealth

Experts Agree: Homeownership Provides a Path to Long-Term Wealth | Simplifying The MarketA recent survey from LendingTree.com found there are multiple reasons why Americans would choose to purchase a home instead of renting. Some of the most popular non-financial reasons given include: The flexibility to make the space your own The pride homeownership offers The sense of stability In the same survey, 41% of respondents say they’d […]

What’s Causing Today’s Competitive Real Estate Market? [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights

Today’s strong sellers’ market is the direct result of high demand and low supply.
Low mortgage rates and generational trends have created an increased demand for homes. Meanwhile, the slower pace of new home construction and homeown…

111,285 Reasons You Should Buy a Home This Year

111,285 Reasons You Should Buy a Home This Year | Simplifying The MarketThe financial benefits of buying a home versus renting one are always up for debate. However, one element of the equation is often ignored – the ability to build wealth as a homeowner. According to the latest research from the National Association of Realtors (NAR): “Homeownership is a key pathway to building wealth and narrowing […]

What Do Supply and Demand Tell Us About Today’s Housing Market?

What Do Supply and Demand Tell Us About Today’s Housing Market? | Simplifying The MarketThere’s a well-known economic theory – the law of supply and demand – that explains what’s happening with prices in the current real estate market. Put simply, when demand for an item is high, prices rise. When the supply of the item increases, prices fall. Of course, when demand is very high and supply is […]

The Main Key To Understanding the Rise in Mortgage Rates

The Main Key To Understanding the Rise in Mortgage Rates | Simplifying The MarketEvery Thursday, Freddie Mac releases the results of their Primary Mortgage Market Survey which reveals the most recent movement in the 30-year fixed mortgage rate. Last week, the rate was announced as 3.01%. It was the first time in three months that the mortgage rate surpassed 3%. In a press release accompanying the survey, Sam […]

4 Tips To Prep for Your Home Sale This Fall

4 Tips To Prep for Your Home Sale This Fall | Simplifying The MarketEven in a hot sellers’ market like today’s in which homes are selling so quickly, it’s still important to make a good first impression on potential buyers. Taking the time upfront to prep your house appropriately can bring in the greatest return on your investment. Here are four simple tips to make sure you maximize […]

Reasons Renters Buy [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights

When deciding whether you should rent or buy, make sure you’re considering these factors.
Buying a home means consistent monthly payments. Homeownership also helps to build your wealth. And owning a home gives you greater flexibility…

As Home Equity Rises, So Does Your Wealth

As Home Equity Rises, So Does Your Wealth | Simplifying The MarketHomeownership is still a crucial part of the American dream. For those people who own a home (and those looking to buy one), it’s clear that being a homeowner has considerable benefits both emotionally and financially. In addition to long-term stability, buying a home is one of the best ways to increase your net worth. […]

Don’t Tackle Selling Your Home on Your Own – an Agent Can Help

v=Don’t Tackle Your Home Sale Alone – an Agent Can Help | Simplifying The MarketIf you’re looking to maximize your sale and minimize your effort, you need to work with a real estate professional. In a sellers’ market like today’s, it can be tempting to list your house on your own – known as For Sale By Owner (FSBO). But the truth is, a real estate professional can save […]

Early October is the Sweet Spot for Buyers

Early October is the Sweet Spot for Buyers | Simplifying The MarketAre 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 […]

If You’re a Buyer, Is Offering Asking Price Enough?

If You’re a Buyer, Is Offering Asking Price Enough? | Simplifying The MarketIn today’s real estate market, buyers shouldn’t shop for a home with the expectation they’ll be able to negotiate a lower sales price. In a typical housing market, buyers try to determine how much less than the asking price they can offer and still get the home. From there, the buyer and seller typically negotiate […]

It’s Still a Sellers’ Market [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights

Due to low supply and high demand, today is one of the strongest sellers’ markets we’ve seen.
Sellers can benefit from more offers to pick from, higher home values, and a faster sales process. That might be why 73% of people believe …

Two Reasons Why Waiting a Year To Buy Could Cost You

Two Reasons Why Waiting a Year To Buy Could Cost You | Simplifying The MarketIf 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 may be hoping that waiting a year might mean better market conditions to purchase a home. To determine if you should buy now or wait, you need to ask yourself […]

Is a 20% Down Payment Really Necessary To Purchase a Home?

Is a 20% Down Payment Really Necessary To Purchase a Home? | Simplifying The MarketThere’s a common misconception that, as a homebuyer, you need to come up with 20% of the total sale price for your down payment. In fact, a recent survey by Lending Tree asks what is keeping consumers from purchasing a home. For over half of those surveyed, the ability to afford a down payment is […]