Why Homeownership Wins in the Long Run




Today’s higher mortgage rates, inflationary pressures, and concerns about a potential recession have some people questioning: should I still buy a home this year? While it’s true this year has unique challenges for homebuyers, it’s important to think about the long-term benefits of homeownership when making your decision.

Consider this: if you know people who bought a home 5, 10, or even 30 years ago, you’re probably going to have a hard time finding someone who regrets their decision. Why is that? The reason is tied to how home values grow with time and how, by extension, that grows your own wealth. That may be why, in a recent Fannie Mae survey, 70% of respondents say they believe buying a home is a safe…

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The True Cost of Selling Your House on Your Own




Selling 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 encounter various challenges without the guidance of a real estate agent. If you’re currently considering selling your house on your own, here’s what you should know.

The most recent Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) surveyed homeowners who’d recently sold their own homes and asked what difficulties they faced. Those sellers say some of the greatest challenges were prepping their home for sale, pricing it right, and properly managing the required paperwork, just to name a few.

When it comes to selling…

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What Homebuyers Need To Know About Credit Scores




If 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 a home loan. Lenders review your credit to assess your ability to make payments on time, to pay back debts, and more. It’s also a factor that helps determine your mortgage rate. An article from Bankrate explains:

 “Your credit score is one of the most important factors lenders consider when you apply for a mortgage. Not just to qualify for the loan itself, but for the conditions: Typically, the higher your score, the lower the interest rates and better terms you’ll qualify for.”

This means your credit score may feel even more important to your homebuying…

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Eco-Friendly, Energy-Efficient Homes Attract Buyers




Are you planning to sell your house? If so, you may be surprised to hear just how much buyers value energy efficiency and eco-friendly features today. This is especially true as summer officially kicks off.

In fact, the 2023 Realtors and Sustainability Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows 48% of agents or brokers have noticed consumers are interested in sustainability.

 So, if you’re considering selling your house, why does this matter to you? It helps you know what you can do to make your house even more appealing to today’s buyers. According to Jessica Lautz, Deputy Chief Economist and VP of Research at NAR: 

"Buyers often seek homes that either lessen their…

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




The National Association of Realtors (NAR) will release its latest Existing Home Sales (EHS) report later this week. This monthly report provides information on the sales volume and price trend for previously owned homes. In the upcoming release, it’ll likely say home prices are down. This may feel a bit confusing, especially if you’ve been following along and seeing the blogs saying that home prices have bottomed out and turned a corner.

So, why will this likely say home prices are falling when so many other price reports say they’re going back up? It all depends on the methodology of each report. NAR reports on the median sales price, while some other sources use repeat sales prices.…

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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 of the expenses that may be at the top of your mind is your down payment. If you’re intimidated by how much you need to save for that, it may be because you believe you must put 20% down. That doesn’t necessarily have to be the case. As the National Association of Realtors (NAR) notes:

“One of the biggest misconceptions among housing consumers is what the typical down payment is and what amount is needed to enter homeownership.”

And a recent Freddie Mac survey finds:

“. . . nearly a third of prospective homebuyers think they need a down payment of…

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Why Buying or Selling a Home Helps the Economy and Your Community




If you're thinking about buying or selling a house, it's important to know that it doesn't just affect your life, but also your community.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) releases a report every year to show how much economic activity is generated by home sales. The chart below illustrates that impact:

As the visual shows, when a house is sold, it can make a big difference in the local economy. The impact comes largely from the workers required to build, update, and buy and sell homes. Robert Dietz, Chief Economist at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), explains how the housing industry adds jobs to a community:

“The economic impact means housing…

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Charter One Realty Agents Lead the Way in Real Estate Achievement


We are delighted to share with you some truly remarkable achievements of our outstanding agents at Charter One Realty. It is with profound gratitude that we announce the extraordinary success they have attained, positioning them as industry leaders and setting new standards of excellence in real estate.

We are humbled and thrilled to inform you that seven of our esteemed agents have been ranked among the top 25 realtors in the MLS. This exceptional recognition is a testament to their unwavering commitment, expertise, and unwavering dedication to serving our valued clients.

In addition to this remarkable accomplishment, we are thrilled to share that Charter One Realty agents have…

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Traveling this Summer? Tips to Ensure Your Luggage Arrives First at Baggage Claim

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When it comes to collecting your luggage promptly at baggage claim, time is of the essence. While many travelers prefer the convenience of traveling with carry-on bags, there are situations where checking in a bag becomes necessary. However, the downside is the potential wait time at the baggage claim area. Although there's no guaranteed method to ensure your bag arrives first, implementing a few strategies can increase your chances significantly.

One method that's known to expedite baggage retrieval, particularly with certain airlines, is utilizing priority baggage services. These services are offered to frequent flyers with elite status tiers, as well as…

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Charter One Realty is Proud to be a Sponsor of the 2023 Beaufort Water Festival.

Welcome to the Beaufort Water Festival, an annual celebration that transforms Beaufort's sea island into a vibrant hub of excitement. This highly anticipated event offers a plethora of activities and entertainment, making it the perfect destination for locals and visitors alike. Join us as we explore the diverse schedule of events that will captivate your senses and create unforgettable memories against the picturesque backdrop of Beaufort's waterfront.

Schedule of Events:

Friday, July 14:

  • Festival Arts & Crafts Market Location: Promenade at Waterfront Park Event Details: 2 pm – 7 pm

  • Opening Ceremony Sponsored by: Devil Dog Headquarters…

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