Josie Andrade's Blog Posts

There’s a lot of talk lately about how challenging it can be to find a home to buy. While housing inventory is still low, there are a few important things to understand about the supply

If you’re looking to buy or sell a house, chances are you’ve heard talk about today’s rising home prices. And while this increase in home values is great news for sellers, you

Every Thursday, Freddie Mac releases the results of their Primary Mortgage Market Survey which reveals the most recent movement in the 30-year fixed mortgage rate. Last week, the

There’s a common misconception that, as a homebuyer, you need to come up with 20% of the total sale price for your down payment. In fact, a recent survey by Lending Tree asks

In today’s sellers’ market, standing out as a buyer is critical. Multi-offer scenarios and bidding wars are the norm due to the low supply of houses for sale and high buyer;

Even though experts agree there’s no chance of a large-scale foreclosure crisis, there are a number of homeowners who may be coming face-to-face with foreclosure as a possibility.

As summer comes to a close, is it time to think about selling your vacation home? Based on recent data and expert opinions, it’s something you may want to consider. According to research

One of the major questions real estate experts are asking today is whether prospective homebuyers still believe purchasing a home makes sense. Some claim rapidly rising home prices are impacting

In the current sellers’ market, many homeowners wonder what, if anything, needs to be remodeled before they list their house. That’s where a trusted real estate professional comes in.

If you’re a prospective buyer or seller, it’s important to understand the current real estate market conditions and how they affect you. The Counselors of Real Estate (CRE);

While the housing market forecast for the second half of the year remains positive, there may not be a better time to sell than right now. Here are four things to consider if you’re

There’s no denying we’re in a sellers’ market. With low inventory and high buyer demand, homes today are selling above the asking price at a record rate. According to the

Selling a house is a time-consuming process – especially if you decide to do it on your own, known as a For Sale By Owner (FSBO). From conducting market research to reviewing legal

We’re in the ultimate sellers’ market right now. If you’re a homeowner thinking about selling, you have a huge advantage in today’s housing market. High buyer demand paired

June is National Homeownership Month so let us all appreciate the benefits that come with owning a home. The value of owning your own home stretches from a place of privacy to a broader community

This year, Americans are moving for a variety of reasons. The health crisis has truly reshaped our lifestyles and our needs. Spending so much more time in our current homes has driven many people to

Today's housing market is full of unprecedented oppourtunities. High buyer demand paired with record-low housing inventory is creating the ultimate sellers' market, which means it's a fantastic time

The level of equity homeowners have is at an all-time high. According to the U.S. Census, over 38% of owner-occupied homes are owned free and clear, meaning they don’t have a

Sellers Are Ready To Enter the Housing MarketOne of the biggest questions in real estate today is, “When will sellers return to the housing market?” An ongoing shortage of home supply

82,338 Great Reasons to Buy a Home TodayThe financial benefits of buying a home as compared to renting one are always up for debate. However, one element of the equation is often ignored – the

It's been a crazy year, lots of ups and downs, but I love this job and am so grateful that my team and I were able to make things happen for our many clients! Always striving to go the distance and

Latest Jobs Report: What Does It Mean for You & the Housing Market?Last Friday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released a very encouraging jobs report. The economy gained 916,000

Latest Jobs Report: What Does It Mean for You & the Housing Market?Last Friday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released a very encouraging jobs report. The economy gained 916,000

Latest Jobs Report: What Does It Mean for You & the Housing Market?Last Friday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released a very encouraging jobs report. The economy gained 916,000

Latest Jobs Report: What Does It Mean for You & the Housing Market?Last Friday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released a very encouraging jobs report. The economy gained 916,000

Buyer & Seller Perks in Today’s Housing MarketRight now, the housing market is full of outstanding opportunities for both buyers and sellers. Whether you’re thinking of

What Credit Score Do You Need for a Mortgage?According to data from the most recent Origination Insight Report by Ellie Mae, the average FICO® score on closed loans

How to Make a Winning Offer on a HomeToday’s homebuyers are faced with a strong sellers’ market, which means there are a lot of active buyers competing for a relatively

Will Low Mortgage Rates Continue through 2021?With mortgage interest rates hitting record lows so many times recently, some are wondering if we’ll see low rates continue throughout

Will Low Mortgage Rates Continue through 2021?With mortgage interest rates hitting record lows so many times recently, some are wondering if we’ll see low rates continue throughout

Things to Avoid after Applying for a Mortgage [INFOGRAPHIC]Some HighlightsThere are a few key things to make sure you avoid after applying for a mortgage to help make sure you still

4 Reasons People Are Buying Homes in 2021According to many experts, the real estate market is expected to continue growing in 2021, and it’s largely driven by the lasting impact the

Four Expert Views on the 2021 Housing MarketThe housing market was a shining star in 2020, fueling the economic turnaround throughout the country. As we look forward to 2021, can we expect real

Turning a House into a Happy HomeWe talk a lot about why it makes financial sense to buy a home, but more often than not, we’re drawn to the emotional reasons for homeownership.No

Did You Outgrow Your Home in 2020?It may seem hard to imagine that the home you’re in today – whether it’s your starter home or just one you’ve fallen in love with along the

The Do’s and Don’ts after Applying for a MortgageOnce you’ve found the right home and applied for a mortgage, there are some key things to keep in mind before you close. You're

2021 Housing Forecast [INFOGRAPHIC]Some HighlightsExperts project an optimistic year for the 2021 housing market.With mortgage rates forecasted to remain low, high buyer demand is expected to fuel

Homeowner Equity Increases an Astonishing $1 TrillionIn a year that was financially devastating for many Americans, some good news for most homeowners is the dramatic gain in home equity over the

5 Steps to Follow When Applying for ForbearanceIf you’re currently feeling the stress of affording your mortgage payment, or if you know someone who is, there’s still time to get help.

Winning as a Buyer in a Sellers’ Market [INFOGRAPHIC]Some HighlightsBuying a home in today’s sellers’ market doesn’t have to feel like an uphill battle.Here are four ways to

An Honest Look at Unemployment NumbersLast Friday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released the November Jobs Report. It revealed that, though headed in the right direction, the nation

An Honest Look at Unemployment NumbersLast Friday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released the November Jobs Report. It revealed that, though headed in the right direction, the nation

With Home Values Surging, Is it Still Affordable to Buy Right Now?Housing inventory is at an all-time low. Realtor.com just reported that there are 39% fewer homes for sale

Key Terms to Know in the Homebuying Process [INFOGRAPHIC]Some HighlightsBuying a home can be intimidating if you’re not familiar with the terms used throughout the process.To point you in the

5 Tips for Homebuyers Who Want to Make a Competitive OfferToday’s real estate market has high buyer interest and low housing inventory. With so many buyers competing for a

Your House May Be High on the Buyer Wish List This Holiday SeasonAround this time each year, many homeowners decide to wait until after the holidays to sell their houses. Similarly, others who

How Prop 19 Helps Californians Move Anywhere Within the State and Keep Their Low Tax Baseby First Team Real Estate | Nov 18, 2020 | Real Estate News, Selling |;

Why Working from Home May Spark Your Next MoveIf you’ve been working from home this year, chances are you’ve been at it a little longer than you initially expected. Businesses

Tips to Sell Your House Safely Right Now [INFOGRAPHIC]Some HighlightsYour agent now has over 6 months of experience selling houses during the pandemic and can make the process easier and safer for

Real Estate Is a Driving Force in the EconomyAs the economy recovers from this year’s health crisis, the housing market is playing a leading role in the turnaround. It’s safe to say that

Why the 2021 Forecast Doesn’t Call for a Foreclosure CrisisAs the current forbearance mortgage relief options come to an end, many are wondering if we’ll face a foreclosure

4 Reasons Why the Election Won’t Dampen the Housing MarketTomorrow, Americans will decide our President for the next four years. That decision will have a major impact on many aspects of life

Where Are Home Values Headed Over the Next 12 Months?As shelter-in-place orders were implemented earlier this year, many questioned what the shutdown would mean to the real estate market.

Housing Market on Track to Beat Last Year’s SuccessBack in March, as the nation’s economy was shut down because of the coronavirus, many were predicting the real estate market would face

Home Builder Confidence Hits All-Time RecordLast week, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reported their Housing Market Index (HMI) hit an all-time high 

The Cost of a Home Is Far More Important than the PriceHousing inventory is at an all-time low. There are 39% fewer homes for sale today than at this time last year, and buyer demand

Home Improvement Trends During COVID-19by First Team Real Estate | Sep 15, 2020 | Buying | 0 commentsWith homeowners spending more time at home than ever before

Is Now a Good Time to Move?How long have you lived in your current home? If it’s been a while, you may be thinking about moving. According to the latest Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers

Homebuyer Traffic Is on the RiseOne of the biggest surprises of 2020 is the resilience of the residential real estate market. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist of the National Association

The Latest Unemployment Rate Fell to 8.4%Last Friday, the Bureau for Labor Statistics released their Employment Report for August 2020. The big surprise was that the unemployment

Things to Consider When Buying a HomeThe process of buying a home can be overwhelming at times, but you don’t need to go through it alone.You may be wondering if now is a good time to buy a

How Will the Presidential Election Impact Real Estate?The year 2020 will be remembered as one of the most challenging times of our lives. A worldwide pandemic, a recession causing historic

Three Ways to Win in a Bidding WarWith so few houses for sale today and low mortgage rates driving buyer activity, bidding wars are becoming more common. Multiple-offer scenarios are

The Cost of Renting Vs. Buying a Home [INFOGRAPHIC]Some HighlightsThe percentage of income needed to afford a median-priced home today is declining, while that for renting is on the rise

Builders & Realtors Agree: Real Estate Is BackWhen shelter-in-place orders brought the economy to a screeching halt earlier this year, many believed the residential housing market would follow

The Top Reasons People Are Moving This YearToday, Americans are moving for a variety of different reasons. The current health crisis has truly re-shaped our lifestyles and our needs. Spending extra

Forbearance Numbers Are Lower than ExpectedOriginally, some housing industry analysts were concerned that the mortgage forbearance program (which allows families to delay payments to a later date)

Sellers Are Returning to the Housing MarketIn today’s housing market, it can be a big challenge for buyers to find homes to purchase, as the number of houses for sale is far below

The Beginning of an Economic RecoveryThe news these days seems to have a mix of highs and lows. We may hear that an economic recovery is starting, but we’ve also seen some of the worst

Homes Are More Affordable Right Now Than They Have Been in YearsToday, home prices are appreciating. When we hear prices are going up, it’s normal to think a home will cost more as the trend

Why Foreclosures Won’t Crush the Housing Market Next YearWith the strength of the current housing market growing every day and more Americans returning to work, a faster

Lowest Rates In History:Current Buyer & Seller Perks in the Housing MarketToday’s housing market is making a truly impressive turnaround, and it’s also setting up some

How Do You Pick the Best Offer in a Bidding War?Last month we talked about bidding wars and strategies for homebuyers on how to stand out in the crowd. With low inventory in Southern

Why Homeowners Have Great Selling Power TodayWe’re sitting in an optimal moment in time for homeowners who are ready to sell their houses and make a move this year. Today’s homeowners,

Today’s Buyers Are Serious about Purchasing a HomeToday’s homebuyers are not just talking about their plans, they’re actively engaged in the buying process – and they&rsquo

Guidance and Support Are Key When Buying Your First HomeIn June, the number of first-time homebuyers accounted for 35% of the existing homes sold, a trend that’s been building steadily

Three of the Latest Reports Show Housing Market Is StrongThe residential real estate market is remaining resilient as the country still struggles to beat the COVID-19 pandemic. Three separate

I am honored and humbled to be recognized for this prestigious award by First Team Real Estate. Thank you to all of my valued clients who've allowed me the privilege of serving you in 2019 - I'

Buyers: Are You Ready for a Bidding War?With businesses reopening throughout the country and some experts indicating early signs of a much-anticipated economic recovery, more homebuyers are

Not All Agents Are Created EqualIn today’s fast-paced world where answers are just a Google search away, there are some who may question the benefits of hiring a real estate professional when

Taking Advantage of Homebuying Affordability in Today’s MarketEveryone is ready to buy a home at different times in their lives, and despite the health crisis, today is no exception.

Latest Unemployment Report: Great News…for the Most PartThe Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released their latest Employment Situation Summary last Thursday, and it again beat

Is Now the Time To Buy? Homebuyer’s Mortgage Watch – July 5, 2020by First Team Real Estate | Jul 6, 2020 | Buying | 0 commentsTo find out if now is the

The Shocking News in the Unemployment ReportLast Friday, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released their May Employment Situation Summary. Leading up to the release, most

To find out if now is the time to buy, check out this week’s mortgage highlights:Economic data continued to highlight what we already know – the virus and subsequent shutdown have

Home Owners Strategic 30 Minute Session. Hey everyone, I hope everyone is staying strong, healthy and uplifted! ? There's a lot of uncertainty and misinformation out there and the belief

 As a result of everyday life grinding to a halt, demand dropped by 55% in the past month, from 2,398 pending sales to 1,080. These demand levels were last seen in 2007. Since the “stay

Like the rest of “daily life,” the housing market has not been spared from the sweeping effects of sheltering in place. Supply and Demand: A low supply is confronted with low demand.

Is Now the Time To Buy? Homebuyer’s Mortgage Watch – April 19, 2020by First Team Real Estate | Apr 20, 2020 | Buying | 0 commentsTo find out if now is

by Grace Keister | Apr 13, 2020 | Buying | 0 commentsTo find out if now is the time to buy, check out this week’s mortgage highlights:While the road ahead is

Free, Fun Things To Do At Home During Quarantineby Grace Keister | Apr 10, 2020 | Homeowners | 0 commentsWhile California is quarantined at home, there are plenty

by Grace Keister | Apr 6, 2020 | Buying | 0 commentsEvery which way you turn, everyone in every industry has COVID-19 on the brain – and rightfully so.,

Is Now the Time To Buy? Homebuyer’s Mortgage Watch – April 5, 2020by Grace Keister | Apr 6, 2020 | Buying | 0 commentsTo find out if now is the time to

5 Simple Graphs Proving This Is NOT Like the Last TimeWith all of the volatility in the stock market and uncertainty about the Coronavirus (COVID-19), some are concerned we may be headed for another

 To To find out if now is the time to buy, check out thesemortgage highlights:During a week of great economic news, mortgage rates continued to slip on fears of the future impact of the viral

There are several things a buyer can do in a competitive market to stand out from the crowd and sweeten the deal when putting in an offer on a home. What has been gaining popularity is a