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Gerry Athas-Vazquez

mail@GerryVaz@aol.com
t: 310.413.4089

Gap Between Homeowners & Appraisers Narrows to Lowest Mark in 2 Years

Gap Between Homeowners & Appraisers Narrows to Lowest Mark in 2 Years | Simplifying The MarketIn today’s housing market, where supply is very low and demand is very high, home values are increasing rapidly. Many experts are projecting that home values could appreciate by another 4% or more over the next twelve months. One major challenge in such a market is the bank appraisal. When prices are surging, it is […]

Why You Need a Professional on Your Team When Buying a Home

Why You Need a Professional on Your Team When Buying a Home | Simplifying The MarketMany people wonder whether they should hire a real estate professional to assist them in buying their dream homes or if they should first try to go through the buying process on their own. In today’s market: you need an experienced professional! You Need an Expert Guide If You Are Traveling a Dangerous Path The […]

Buying A Home Is More Affordable Than Renting In 54% Of US Counties

Buying A Home Is More Affordable Than Renting In 54% Of US Counties | Simplifying The MarketAccording to ATTOM Data Solutions’ 2018 Rental Affordability Report, “buying a median-priced home is more affordable than renting a three-bedroom property in 240 of 447 [or 54% of] U.S. counties analyzed for the report.” For the report, ATTOM Data Solutions compared recently released fair market rent data from the Department of Housing and Urban Development with reported income amounts from the Department […]

Where Did Americans Move in 2017? [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights:

Atlas Van Lines recently released the results of their annual Migration Patterns Survey in which they tracked their customer’s movement from state-to-state over the course of 2017.
Idaho held on to the top spot of ‘high inbound’ sta…

Where Did Americans Move in 2017? [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights:

Atlas Van Lines recently released the results of their annual Migration Patterns Survey in which they tracked their customer’s movement from state-to-state over the course of 2017.
Idaho held on to the top spot of ‘high inbound’ sta…

What Impact Will the New Tax Code Have on Home Values?

Every month, CoreLogic releases its Home Price Insights Report. In that report, they forecast where they believe residential real estate prices will be in twelve months. Below is a map, broken down by state, reflecting how home values are forecasted to change by the end of 2018 using data from the most recent report. As we […]

61% of First-Time Buyers Put Down Less than 6%

61% of First-Time Buyers Put Down Less than 6% | Simplifying The MarketAccording to the National Association of Realtors’ latest Realtors Confidence Index, 61% of first-time homebuyers purchased their homes with down payments below 6% from October 2016 through November 2017. Many potential homebuyers believe that a 20% down payment is necessary to buy a home and have disqualified themselves without even trying. The median down payment […]

Wondering If You Can Buy Your First Home?

There are many people sitting on the sidelines trying to decide if they should purchase a home or sign a rental lease. Some might wonder if it makes sense to purchase a house before they are married and have a family, others might think they are too young, and still, others might think their current […]

Thinking of Selling? Now is the Perfect Time

Thinking of Selling? Now is the Perfect Time | Simplifying The MarketIt is common knowledge that a great number of homes sell during the spring-buying season. For that reason, many homeowners hold off on putting their homes on the market until then. The question is whether or not that will be a good strategy this year. The other listings that do come out in the spring […]

Thinking of Selling? Now is the Perfect Time

Thinking of Selling? Now is the Perfect Time | Simplifying The MarketIt is common knowledge that a great number of homes sell during the spring-buying season. For that reason, many homeowners hold off on putting their homes on the market until then. The question is whether or not that will be a good strategy this year. The other listings that do come out in the spring […]

Thinking of Selling? Now is the Perfect Time

Thinking of Selling? Now is the Perfect Time | Simplifying The MarketIt is common knowledge that a great number of homes sell during the spring-buying season. For that reason, many homeowners hold off on putting their homes on the market until then. The question is whether or not that will be a good strategy this year. The other listings that do come out in the spring […]

The Impact Staging Your Home Has on Sales Price [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights:

The National Association of Realtors surveyed their members & released the findings of their Annual Profile of Home Staging.
50% of staged homes saw a 1-10% increase in dollar value offers from buyers.
77% of buyer’s agents sa…

93% Believe Homeownership Is Important in Attaining the American Dream

93% Believe Homeownership Is Important in Attaining the American Dream | Simplifying The MarketAmericans continue to believe that homeownership is important in achieving the American Dream. A recent survey by NeighborWorks America reported that: “Owning a home remains a core element of the American Dream.” When asked “How important a part of the American dream is owning a home?” 18% of those surveyed said it was the most […]

FICO® Scores on Approved Home Loans Drop Again

FICO® Scores on Approved Home Loans Drop Again | Simplifying The MarketAccording to Ellie Mae’s latest Origination Report, the average FICO® Score on all closed loans dropped to 722 which is its lowest mark since April. The average includes all approved refinance and purchase loans. FHA and VA loans showed the most opportunity for millennials looking to enter the market with low down payments and even […]

The Impact of Tight Inventory on the Housing Market

The Impact of Tight Inventory on the Housing Market | Simplifying The MarketThe housing crisis is finally in the rear-view mirror as the real estate market moves down the road to a complete recovery. Home values are up, home sales are up, and distressed sales (foreclosures and short sales) have fallen to their lowest points in years. It seems that the market will continue to strengthen in […]