Real Estate Articles

Rent or Buy? Zillow’s New Metric Can Help In Decision-Making

Deciding whether to buy or rent can be challenging, especially in a tough economy and fluctuating housing market. Historically, this decision-making relied primarily on the mere difference between rent and mortgage payments, combined with how long one expected to live … Read more >

Lower Interest Rates Spur Interest in Refinancing; HARP May Help

It didn’t seem possible, but mortgage interest rates have been hitting record lows again in the past few weeks. Experts credit these lower interest rates, combined with the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP), with spurring on another wave of refinancing … Read more >

Rochester Minnesota Housing Market Monthly Update – May 2012

The Rochester, Minnesota real estate market had a good start to the year with one of the most active spring markets we’ve seen in a while. Year to date, signed contracts and closings are both up compared to last year … Read more >

Minnesota Ranks Right In the Middle for Senior Affordability

Between the housing bubble burst, the economic collapse, and the increased costs of everything from food to fuel, it’s no surprise that older Americans are facing an increased gap between their annual income and expenses. According to a recently released … Read more >

System Fixes: Foreclosure Reforms and Settlement

From questionable lending decisions to shady foreclosure practices, the mortgage industry has been under something of a cloud for the last several years. A recent settlement between the state attorneys general and the five leading bank mortgage servicers, along with … Read more >

Rochester Minnesota Real Estate Market Update – March 2012

Last month the Rochester, Minnesota residential real estate market saw its strongest February in years. Showings were up 24% year over year for the month of February as buyer interest begins to grow. Both signed contracts and home closings reached … Read more >

Record-Breaking Lows: Mortgage Rates Charting New Territory

Mortgage interest rates have remained steady at lows not seen in 40 years, with 30-year fixed rate average 3.87%. The 15-year fixed rate, while moving slightly higher last week, remained close to the record-breaking 3.14% set at the beginning of … Read more >

How Low Can You Go: Is the Buyer’s Market Finally Over?

Between economic woes and the housing bubble burst, home buyers have appeared to have the upper hand in the real estate market for several years now. With fewer active buyers, more homes for sale, tighter lending restrictions, and falling home … Read more >

Rochester Minnesota Housing Market Update – January 2012

The Rochester, Minnesota housing market may have slowed way down in December, 2011, but overall the market improved over 2010. There were 9.9% more signed contracts and 6.5% more closings in 2011, an impressive sign given the absence of the … Read more >

Minnesota Housing Outlook – Looking Back and Looking Ahead

From home ownership trends to predictions regarding future home prices, Rochester, Minnesota appears to be holding its own.

The 2010 Census information is beginning to be released and, according to 24/7 Wall Street’s analysis of the data, Minnesota has the … Read more >