Author: Seth Pfaehler

6 Reasons to Celebrate National Homeownership Month

Our homes are so much more than the houses we live in. For many, they’ve also become our workplaces, schools for our children, and safe harbors in which we’ve weathered the toughest moments of a global pandemic. Today, 65.6% of Americans call their homes their own, a rate that has risen to its highest point in 8 years.

As National Homeownership Month kicks off this June, homeowners have every reason to celebrate. A survey by Gallup just ranked real estate as the best investment you can make for the eighth year in a row. However, unlike other investment options, the benefits of owning a home aren’t purely financial. Here are the top ways Americans are winning by owning a home.

Non-Financial Benefits:

1. Civic Participation: Owning a home is owning a part of your neighborhood. Homeowners have a stronger connection to their neighborhoods and are more committed to volunteer work and other ways to get involved.

2. Pride of Ownership: Owning a home is having a space that is uniquely yours. You can customize it to your personal liking and make it reflect your personality and values.

3. A Safe Space: Owning a home gives you a sense of security and privacy – two things that have become even more valuable as we’ve tackled the challenges of the recent health crisis.

Financial Benefits:

1. Forced Savings: Owning a home builds equity. Your equity grows with each payment you make toward your mortgage. This form of forced savings can be used down the road to help you accomplish your biggest financial goals.

2. Appreciation: Owning a home is making an investment that steadily gains value, and experts project home values will continue to rise in the years to come.

3. Stability: Owning a home means having better control over your future housing payments. Over the years, a mortgage stays relatively steady, but rent costs continue to rise.

Bottom Line

If you own your home, take time this June to celebrate the ways homeownership has added value to your life. If you hope to become a homeowner this year, let’s connect today to take the first steps toward achieving your goal.

Congratulations Drew and Sarah!

Congratulations to these buyers on the closing of their first home!

I’m so happy for Sarah, Drew, Livy, and of course, their fur-baby Jeffie! It was a long and challenging journey, filled with highs and lows, but we found the home of their dreams! It took some serious out-of-the-box thinking and a creatively crafted offer to successfully snag this home and make their dream a reality!

Nothing is more satisfying than hearing a client say “You were right, there was another home out there, and we love this one more than all the others we didn’t get! It’s perfect!”

Congratulations to you and enjoy your new home!

Congratulations Juan!

Congratulations Juan on winning this gem on Madison’s North Side! Jaun’s patience was tested throughout the process of bidding on homes in this incredibly challenging market. In the end, it took some creative offer-writing and knowledge of the current market trends, but Juan beat out 11 other offers and is now the proud owner of this beautifully updated home!

Congratulations Juan and I wish you all the best in your new abode!

Homes Across the Country Are Selling Fast [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights

In today’s whirlwind real estate market, houses are selling at astonishing speed – from sea to shining sea.
Four years ago, the average house spent 39 days on the market. Two years ago, homes were on the market for about 24 days. Today, that number has dropped to just 17 short days.
If you’re looking to sell your house quickly and on the best possible terms, today’s market can’t be beat. Let’s connect to discuss how to secure a speedy, top-dollar sale for your house.