Blog - Susan Berk

Buying, Homeownership

Gen Z Finding Creative Paths to Buy Homes

By Carmen Chai Adults age 23 to 28 are outpacing earlier generations by using incentives, builder deals, family help and affordable markets to purchase homes sooner than expected. NEW YORK – Shaky employment rates, affordability issues, high interest rates — despite these headwinds, Gen Z is quietly rewriting the narrative around homeownership. Born between the […]
Buying

Good vs. Bad Debt: What Buyers Should Know

By Leah Daniels Debt falls on a spectrum. Mortgages and student loans can build long-term value, while high-interest credit cards and payday loans can strain budgets if not repaid quickly. NEW YORK — Debt is often discussed in negative terms, but debt isn’t just good or bad. It falls on a spectrum, and how you […]
Homeownership, Selling

Easy Fixes to Boost a Home’s Curb Appeal

Small, affordable updates, like fresh paint, tidy gardens and lighting, can instantly improve a home’s first impression and strengthen its resale value. NEW YORK — First impressions can shape whether buyers even walk through the front door. Buyers often decide whether to tour a home based on its exterior. Common curb appeal mistakes can easily […]
Buying

Lender Shopping Could Save Up to $44,000

Realtor.com’s analysis of two million loans also shows improving a credit score and boosting the down payment can offset market factors in shaping mortgage costs. AUSTIN, Texas — Mortgage rates may move with the market, but a new Realtor.com analysis of nearly two million mortgage originations shows that borrowers can play a bigger role in […]

Buying Gen Z Finding Creative Paths to Buy Homes By Carmen Chai Adults age 23 to 28 are outpacing earlier generations by using incentives, builder deals, family help and affordable markets to purchase homes sooner than expected. NEW YORK – Shaky employment rates, affordability issues, high interest rates — despite these headwinds, Gen Z is quietly rewriting the narrative around homeownership. Born between the […]

Buying Good vs. Bad Debt: What Buyers Should Know By Leah Daniels Debt falls on a spectrum. Mortgages and student loans can build long-term value, while high-interest credit cards and payday loans can strain budgets if not repaid quickly. NEW YORK — Debt is often discussed in negative terms, but debt isn’t just good or bad. It falls on a spectrum, and how you […]

Homeownership Easy Fixes to Boost a Home’s Curb Appeal Small, affordable updates, like fresh paint, tidy gardens and lighting, can instantly improve a home’s first impression and strengthen its resale value. NEW YORK — First impressions can shape whether buyers even walk through the front door. Buyers often decide whether to tour a home based on its exterior. Common curb appeal mistakes can easily […]

Buying Lender Shopping Could Save Up to $44,000 Realtor.com’s analysis of two million loans also shows improving a credit score and boosting the down payment can offset market factors in shaping mortgage costs. AUSTIN, Texas — Mortgage rates may move with the market, but a new Realtor.com analysis of nearly two million mortgage originations shows that borrowers can play a bigger role in […]

Buying Saving for Short-, Medium- and Long-Term Goals Saving for Short-, Medium- and Long-Term Goals Saving for a home starts with covering basics like emergency funds and debt, then building a down payment fund through budgeting and smart savings tools. NEW YORK — Staying motivated to save for an upcoming vacation with friends or a wedding may be easier than doing so for […]

Homeownership Florida Stands Out For Fun, Recreation The state ranks among the most fun in the nation, leading in restaurants, attractions and festivals, offering residents plenty of activities and recreation options. TAMPA, Fla. — Florida was named the second most fun state in America for 2025, according to WalletHub. Florida led the country in the number of restaurants, amusement parks, arcades, and […]

Homeownership Is Someone Using Your Identity? Identity theft can go unnoticed until it’s too late. Learn how to spot early warning signs, monitor your credit and take steps to protect your identity. NEW YORK — Identity theft can happen quickly and quietly. A stolen Social Security number, a misused credit card, a fake address tied to your name – it’s possible […]

Buying What to Know When Hiring Movers By Tim Siniard Moving can be smooth with the right prep. Book early, hire licensed movers, avoid large deposits, protect your home and keep a detailed packing list. NEW YORK – Summer is peak season for buying and selling homes — and with that, comes the not-so-glamorous reality of packing boxes, hauling furniture and discovering […]

Buying What Mortgage Escrow Really Covers By Deborah Kearns Escrow accounts cover your property taxes and insurance. Most lenders require them, but waivers may be available if you meet lender criteria. NEW YORK – Question: I’m about to buy a new house and would like to know more about escrow accounts. What are they, how do they work and am I required […]

Buying How to Lend Money to Family Members Lending money to adult children for a house can work well if you create a written agreement, charge interest and understand the risks. Gifting is another option. NEW YORK — Question: My son and daughter-in-law would like us to lend them money to make a down payment on a house. How do we do this, and […]

Homeownership Homeowners Turn to Cheaper, Riskier Policies Some Floridians are turning to lower-cost dwelling/fire insurance to save on premiums, but the limited coverage may leave gaps during major claims. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Stressed by rising home insurance prices? Some insurers and agents are offering a way for clients to save substantial amounts of money off their insurance premiums, and data shows more […]

Homeownership Renovating on a Budget The median home renovation spending has gone up 60% since 2020. Find ways to save money by creating and sticking to a budget and balancing DIY with contractors. NEW YORK — Renovations around the house require an investment of time and often considerable amounts of money. Findings from the 2024 U.S. Houzz & Home Study […]

Market Trends Fla.’s Housing: Inventory Up, Median Prices Ease Florida Realtors Chief Economist: Fla.’s single-family inventory is at a 5.3-months’ supply, suggesting it has moved out of a seller’s market into relative balance. ORLANDO, Fla. — In February, Florida’s housing market reported more inventory (active listings) and moderating median sales prices compared to a year ago, according to Florida Realtors®’ latest housing data. “Florida’s single-family […]

Selling Popular Trends in Home Exteriors Popular home exterior trends include natural wood elements, painted brick, hardscaping with outdoor living spaces and ambient outdoor lighting. NEW YORK – Certain homes have an undeniable wow factor. That instant appeal tends to be noticeable the moment visitors pull up to the curb, and it might be a byproduct of homeowners’ willingness to embrace […]

Buying Tips for Locking In Lower Mortgage Rates Tips for Locking In Lower Mortgage Rates With mortgage rates hovering in the 6% to 7% range, many new buyers are looking for creative ways to save money. Temporary buydowns may be the answer. NEW YORK – Mortgage rates may decline when the U.S. Federal Reserve begins reducing benchmark interest rates, but home prices are […]

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