The government shutdown of 2018/2019 has been, as of this writing, an unprecedented 35-day hardship for approximately 800,000 federal employees. The shutdown began on December 21st; on December 26th Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issued a stop-work order to all contractors, and on December 28th the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ran out of funds and... Continue Reading →
In 2008 the housing bubble popped, triggering a financial crisis that has not faded from the memories of homeowners and potential homebuyers. As agents we still see "bubble houses", homes that are available currently at a price less than the current owner paid. Because the history of the home is readily available to consumers, these... Continue Reading →
Most homebuyers participate in obtaining a mortgage in order to purchase their homes, whether it's a first home, an upgrade or part of their down-sizing process. Part of that process is rate-shopping to ensure the mortgage the buyer secures is most beneficial to their personal finances. But what about homeowners who are several years into... Continue Reading →
Lisa Coutts, Realtor 