Ken Fox's Blog Posts

Lending Standards Are Not Like They Were Leading Up to the Crash

Lending Standards Are Not Like They Were Leading Up to the CrashYou might be worried we’re heading for a housing crash, but there are many reasons why this housing market isn’t like

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The True Cost of Selling Your House on Your Own

The True Cost of Selling Your House on Your OwnSelling your house is no simple task. While some homeowners opt to sell their homes on their own, known as a FSBO (For Sale by Owner), they often

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Homeownership Helps Protect You from Inflation

Homeownership Helps Protect You from Inflation Some HighlightsWondering if it makes sense to buy a home today even when inflation is high? When other costs go up due to inflation,

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What Homebuyers Need To Know About Credit Scores

What Homebuyers Need To Know About Credit ScoresIf you’re thinking about buying a home, you should know your credit score’s a critical piece of the puzzle when it comes to qualifying for

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Eco-Friendly, Energy-Efficient Homes Attract Buyers

Eco-Friendly, Energy-Efficient Homes Attract BuyersAre you planning to sell your house? If so, you may be surprised to hear just how much buyers value energy efficiency and eco-friendly

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Why the Median Home Price Is Meaningless in Today’s Market

Why the Median Home Price Is Meaningless in Today’s MarketThe National Association of Realtors (NAR) will release its latest Existing Home Sales (EHS) report later this.

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Saving for a Down Payment? Here’s What You Need To Know.

Saving for a Down Payment? Here’s What You Need To Know.If you're planning to buy your first home, then you're probably focused on saving for all the costs involved in such a big purchase. One

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How Owning a Home Grows Your Wealth with Time

How Owning a Home Grows Your Wealth with Time Some HighlightsIf you’re thinking of buying a home this year, be sure to factor in the long-term benefits of homeownership

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Your Needs Matter More Than Today’s Mortgage Rates

Your Needs Matter More Than Today’s Mortgage RatesIf you’re thinking about selling your house right now, chances are it’s because something in your life has changed. And, while

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Are Home Prices Going Up or Down? That Depends…

Are Home Prices Going Up or Down? That Depends…Media coverage about what’s happening with home prices can be confusing. A large part of that is due to the type of data being used and

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Why You Can’t Compare Now to the ‘Unicorn’ Years of the Housing Market

Why You Can’t Compare Now to the ‘Unicorn’ Years of the Housing Market Some HighlightsComparing housing market metrics from one year to another can be challenging in a

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This Real Estate Market Is the Strongest of Our Lifetime

This Real Estate Market Is the Strongest of Our LifetimeWhen you look at the numbers today, the one thing that stands out is the strength of this housing market. We can see this is one of the most

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The Main Reason Mortgage Rates Are So High

The Main Reason Mortgage Rates Are So HighToday’s mortgage rates are top-of-mind for many homebuyers right now. As a result, if you’re thinking about buying for the first time or

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Real Estate Is Still Considered the Best Long-Term Investment

Real Estate Is Still Considered the Best Long-Term InvestmentWith all the headlines circulating about home prices and rising mortgage rates, you may wonder if it still makes sense to invest in

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Reasons To Own Your Home

Reasons To Own Your Home Some HighlightsJune is National Homeownership Month, and it’s a perfect time to think about all the benefits that come with owning your home.Owning a home

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The True Value of Homeownership

The True Value of HomeownershipBuying and owning your home can make a big difference in your life by bringing you joy and a sense of belonging. And with June being National Homeownership Month, it

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Keys to Success for First-Time Homebuyers

Keys to Success for First-Time HomebuyersBuying your first home is an exciting decision and a major milestone that has the power to change your life for the better. As a first-time homebuyer,&

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Today’s Real Estate Market: The ‘Unicorns’ Have Galloped Off

Today’s Real Estate Market: The ‘Unicorns’ Have Galloped OffComparing real estate metrics from one year to another can be challenging in a normal housing market. That’s due

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Moving Now Can Give Your House Its Day in the Sun

Moving Now Can Give Your House Its Day in the Sun Some HighlightsIf you want to sell your house, consider doing it this summer. The days are longer, the weather is warmer, and it’s a

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Owning a Home Helps Protect Against Inflation

Owning a Home Helps Protect Against InflationYou’re probably feeling the impact of high inflation every day as prices have gone up on groceries, gas, and more. If you’re a renter, you

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Homeowners Have Incredible Equity To Leverage Right Now

Homeowners Have Incredible Equity To Leverage Right NowEven though home prices have moderated over the last year, many homeowners still have an incredible amount of equity. But what is equity?

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The Impact of Changing Mortgage Rates

The Impact of Changing Mortgage Rates Some HighlightsIf you’re looking to buy a home, you should know even a small change in mortgage rates has an impact on your purchasing.

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Why Buyers Need an Expert Agent by Their Side

Why Buyers Need an Expert Agent by Their SideThe process of buying a home can feel a bit intimidating, even under normal circumstances. But today's market is still anything but normal. There

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Why Buying a Vacation Home Beats Renting One This Summer

Why Buying a Vacation Home Beats Renting One This SummerFor many of us, visiting the same vacation spot every year is a summer tradition that’s fun, relaxing, and restful. If that sounds like

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The Impact of Inflation on Mortgage Rates

The Impact of Inflation on Mortgage RatesIf you’re reading headlines about inflation or mortgage rates, you may see something about the recent decision from the Federal Reserve (the

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Why Today’s Housing Market Is Not About To Crash

Why Today’s Housing Market Is Not About To CrashThere’s been some concern lately that the housing market is headed for a crash. And given some of the affordibility challenges in the

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It May Be Time To Consider a Newly Built Home

It May Be Time To Consider a Newly Built HomeIf you’re looking to buy a house, you may find today’s limited supply of homes available for sale challenging. When housing inventory is as

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Reasons To Sell Your House Today

Reasons To Sell Your House Today Some HighlightsNot sure if selling your house is the right move today? You should know there are a number of reasons it still makes sense to sell now.Your house

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How Homeowners Win When They Downsize

How Homeowners Win When They DownsizeDownsizing has long been a popular option when homeowners reach retirement age. But there are plenty of other life changes that could make downsizing

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Buyer Activity Is Up Despite Higher Mortgage Rates

Buyer Activity Is Up Despite Higher Mortgage RatesIf you’re a homeowner thinking about making a move, you may wonder if it’s still a good time to sell your house. Here’s the good

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A Recession Doesn’t Equal a Housing Crisis

A Recession Doesn’t Equal a Housing CrisisEverywhere you look, people are talking about a potential recession. And if you’re planning to buy or sell a house, this may leave you wondering

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Homeownership Allows You To Start Building Equity

Why Buying a Home Makes More Sense Than Renting TodayWondering if you should continue renting or if you should buy a home this year? If so, consider this. Rental affordability is still a

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Ways To Overcome Affordability Challenges in Today’s Housing Market

Ways To Overcome Affordability Challenges in Today’s Housing Market Some HighlightsWith so few homes on the market right now, widening the scope of your search to include nearby areas

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The Best Time To Sell Your House Is When Others Aren’t Selling

The Best Time To Sell Your House Is When Others Aren’t SellingIf you’re thinking about selling your house, you should know the number of homes for sale right now is low. That

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Agent of the Month for May 2023 - Patricia L. Williams

Congratulations to Patricia L. Williams in making her monthly goal and securing the Agent of the Month designation for May 2023!;

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Why Today's Foreclosure Numbers Are Nothing Like 2008

Why Today's Foreclosure Numbers Are Nothing Like 2008You’ve likely seen headlines about the number of foreclosures climbing in today’s housing market. That may leave you with a few

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The Three Factors Affecting Home Affordability Today

The Three Factors Affecting Home Affordability TodayThere’s been a lot of focus on higher mortgage rates and how they’re creating affordability challenges for today’s homebuyers.&

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What Are the Experts Saying About the Spring Housing Market?

What Are the Experts Saying About the Spring Housing Market?The housing market’s been going through a lot of change lately, and there’s been uncertainty surrounding what will happen this

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Why You May Want an Energy-Efficient Home

Why You May Want an Energy-Efficient Home Some HighlightsSince inflation is increasing the cost of goods and services, it may make sense to look for an energy-efficient home.Energy prices

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What’s the Difference Between a Home Inspection and an Appraisal?

What’s the Difference Between a Home Inspection and an Appraisal?If you’re planning to buy a home, an inspection is an important step in the process. It assesses the condition of the

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Falling out of Love with Your House? It May Be Time To Move.

Falling out of Love with Your House? It May Be Time To Move.Owning a home means having a place that’s solely your own and provides the space, features, and location you and your loved ones.

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5 Reasons Millennials Are Buying Homes

5 Reasons Millennials Are Buying HomesIn the United States, there are over 72 million millennials. If you’re part of that generation and have thought about buying a home, you aren

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Think Twice Before Waiting for Lower Home Prices

Think Twice Before Waiting for Lower Home PricesAs the housing market continues to change, you may be wondering where it’ll go from here. One factor you’re probably thinking about is

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Home Inspections for Sellers: What You Need To Know

Home Inspections for Sellers: What You Need To Know Some HighlightsThe inspection is a major part of the home selling process.Many buyers used to waive inspections to be more competitive

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Your Tax Refund Can Help You Achieve Your Homebuying Goals

Your Tax Refund Can Help You Achieve Your Homebuying GoalsHave you been saving up to buy a home this year? If so, you know there are a variety of expenses involved – from your down payment to

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The Power of Pre-Approval

The Power of Pre-ApprovalIf you’re buying a home this spring, today’s housing market can feel like a challenge. With so few homes on the market right now, plus higher mortgage rates, it

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The Big Advantage If You Sell This Spring

The Big Advantage If You Sell This SpringThinking about selling your house? If you’ve been waiting for the right time, it could be now while the supply of homes for sale is so low. 

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Trying To Buy a Home? Hang in There.

Trying To Buy a Home? Hang in There.We’re still in a sellers’ market. And if you’re looking to buy a home, that means you’re likely facing some unique challenges, like

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Homebuyer Activity Shows Signs of Warming Up for Spring

Homebuyer Activity Shows Signs of Warming Up for SpringThe spring season appears to be warming up in housing as more and more buyers enter the market. And after rising mortgage rates sidelined so

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The Key Advantage of Investing in a Home

The Key Advantage of Investing in a HomeSome HighlightsBuying a home is a major way to build wealth and gain financial stability.That’s why, across different income levels, the

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Why Aren’t Home Prices Crashing?

Why Aren’t Home Prices Crashing?There have been a lot of shifts in the housing market recently. Mortgage rates rose dramatically last year, impacting many people’s ability to buy a home.

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4 Key Tips for Selling Your House This Spring

4 Key Tips for Selling Your House This SpringSpring has arrived, and that means more and more people are getting their homes ready to sell. But with recent shifts in real estate, this year’s

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Where Will You Go After You Sell Your House?

Where Will You Go After You Sell Your House? Some HighlightsIf you’re thinking of selling your house, be sure to explore all the options you have for your next home.Both 

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Equity Gains for Today’s Homeowners

Equity Gains for Today’s HomeownersToday’s homeowners are sitting on significant equity, even as home price appreciation has eased recently. If you’re a homeowner, your net worth

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An Expert Makes All the Difference When You Sell Your House

An Expert Makes All the Difference When You Sell Your HouseIf you’re thinking of selling your house, it’s important to work with someone who understands how the market is changing and

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Checklist for Selling Your House This Spring

Checklist for Selling Your House This Spring Some HighlightsAs you get ready to sell your house, there are specific things you can add to your to-do list.These include decluttering, taking down

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The Two Big Issues the Housing Market’s Facing Right Now

The Two Big Issues the Housing Market’s Facing Right NowThe biggest challenge the housing market’s facing is how few homes there are for sale. Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First

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What You Should Know About Closing Costs

What You Should Know About Closing CostsBefore you buy a home, it’s important to plan ahead. While most buyers consider how much they need to save for a down payment, many are

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How Experts Can Help Close the Gap in Today’s Homeownership Rate

How Experts Can Help Close the Gap in Today’s Homeownership RateAs we celebrate Black History Month, we reflect on the past and present experiences of Black Americans. This includes the path

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You May Not Need as Much as You Think for Your Down Payment

You May Not Need as Much as You Think for Your Down Payment Some HighlightsMany people believe you need to put down 20% of the purchase price when you buy a home. But recent

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Experts Forecast a Turnaround in the Housing Market in 2023

Experts Forecast a Turnaround in the Housing Market in 2023The housing market has gone through a lot of change recently, and much of that was a result of how quickly mortgage rates rose

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Lower Mortgage Rates Are Bringing Buyers Back to the Market

Lower Mortgage Rates Are Bringing Buyers Back to the MarketAs mortgage rates rose last year, activity in the housing market slowed down. And as a result, homes started seeing fewer offers and stayed

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Celebrating Black History Month!

“The more you know of your history, the more liberated you are.” — Maya

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Avoid the Rental Trap in 2023

Avoid the Rental Trap in 2023If you’re a renter, you likely face an important decision every year: renew your current lease, start a new one, or buy a home. This year is no different. But

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Why It Makes Sense To Move Before Spring!

Why It Makes Sense To Move Before SpringSpring is usually the busiest season in the housing market. Many buyers wait until then to make their move, believing it’s the best time to find a home.

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Why You Shouldn’t Fear Today’s Foreclosure Headlines

Why You Shouldn’t Fear Today’s Foreclosure HeadlinesIf you’ve seen recent headlines about foreclosures surging in the housing market, you’re certainly not alone. There&rsquo

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Key Terms To Know When Buying a Home

Key Terms To Know When Buying a Home [INFOGRAPHIC]Some HighlightsBuying a home is a major transaction that can seem even more complex when you don’t understand the terms used

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Pre-Approval in 2023: What You Need To Know

One of the first steps in your homebuying journey is getting pre-approved. To understand why it’s such an important step, you need to understand what pre-approval is and

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2023 Austin Events & Things to Do

Austin Events & Things to Do Each year local company Big Weekend Calendars releases a wall calendar with all the major events/festivals in Austin, TX.  Make sure to order a copy in the

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Want To Sell Your House? Price It Right.

Want To Sell Your House? Price It Right.Last year, the housing market slowed down in response to higher mortgage rates, and that had an impact on home prices. If you’re thinking of &

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What’s Really Happening with Home Prices?

What’s Really Happening with Home Prices? Some HighlightsIf you’re thinking about selling your house, recent headlines about home prices falling month-over-month may have

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Have Home Values Hit Bottom?

Have Home Values Hit Bottom?Whether you’re already a homeowner or you’re looking to become one, the recent headlines about home prices may leave you with more questions than

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Think Twice Before Waiting for 3% Mortgage Rates

Think Twice Before Waiting for 3% Mortgage RatesLast year, the Federal Reserve took action to try to bring down inflation. In response to those efforts, mortgage rates jumped up

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3 Best Practices for Selling Your House This Year

3 Best Practices for Selling Your House This YearA new year brings with it the opportunity for new experiences. If that resonates with you because you’re considering making a move, you

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Tips To Reach Your Homebuying Goals in 2023

Tips To Reach Your Homebuying Goals in 2023 Some HighlightsIf you’re planning to buy a home in 2023, here are a few things to focus on.Work on your credit and save for

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Planning To Sell Your House? It’s Critical To Hire a Pro.

Planning To Sell Your House? It’s Critical To Hire a Pro.With higher mortgage rates and moderating buyer demand, conditions in the housing market are different today. And if you’re

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What Experts Are Saying About the 2023 Housing Market

What Experts Are Saying About the 2023 Housing MarketIf you’re thinking about buying or selling a home soon, you probably want to know what you can expect from the housing&

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Patricia L. Williams named Agent of the Year 2022 @ NextHome Modern

I am more than honored to announce NextHome Modern’s first ever Agent of the Year -  Patricia L. Williams.  Patricia joined us at the beginning of 2022 and learned of a serious

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