Stuart Clamp

With higher mortgage rates and shifting consumer priorities, home improvement activity is changing, creating new opportunities for both clients and industry professionals. As major retailers focus on essential repairs and professional services, clients may be weighing renovation versus purchase options.

How are you helping clients navigate these choices in today’s market?

Home Depot and Lowe’s try to defrost the ‘frozen’ housing market “Frozen housing market conditions” is how a Home Depot executive described the landscape as the retailer released its second-quarter numbers this week, a re...

Debt can be a lifelong burden, but its impact can severely increase in retirement.

Explore the pitfalls of entering retirement in debt and learn actionable steps to mitigate the risk in this article: https://bit.ly/4j928ET

The documents you need to secure a home loan add up fast. I can make sure you have your mortgage application submission in order. Reach out today.

Mortgage rates have climbed to their highest level in over a year, making it more important than ever for our clients to stay informed and plan ahead. Shifts like these can impact everything from monthly payments to overall home-buying budgets.

How are rising rates influencing your plans or questions about home financing?

Mortgage rates jump to highest level in over a year The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage rose this week to 6.71%, according to the latest Freddie Mac data released Thursday. That is up from last week's reading of 6.66%.

Trying to calculate an affordable monthly mortgage? Start with the 28% rule. This guideline suggests keeping your total housing payment at or below 28% of your gross monthly income.

Take a closer look at how this monthly payment might break down: https://bit.ly/4iQNaDm

As one spouse retires before the other, it's easy for couples to overlook important expenses in their financial planning. From updated healthcare needs to shifts in day-to-day budgets, these changes can have a significant impact on retirement security.

How are you preparing your household finances for the transition to single-income living?

7 Expenses Couples Forget to Recalculate When One Spouse Retires First When one spouse retires first, these 7 retirement expenses can change dramatically and may require couples to rethink their household budget.

Trying to figure out how much mortgage you can afford with a $75,000 salary? $100,000 salary? $150,000 salary? The key in understanding isn't just about what you earn, it's about what you owe and what you've saved.

Check out this article on First Horizon's website that breaks down what you may afford based on different salary levels: https://bit.ly/4hhwiTQ

The housing market is seeing a widening gap, with luxury homes selling quickly while starter homes remain out of reach for many clients. Economic challenges and rising costs are reshaping how clients think about homeownership.

How can the real estate industry create more opportunities for all clients?

K-shaped economy shows up in housing: Luxury sales rise as starter-home buyers struggle Even as luxury homes fly off the market, sales of starter homes are down despite growing inventory and more price cuts, research shows.

A seemingly small change in the interest rate can have a significant impact on your homebuying budget.

According to the 1% Rule, a 1% interest rate increase reduces your purchasing power by about 10%.

Knowing how interest rates affect affordability can help you plan strategically instead of reacting emotionally.

Learn more about the 1% Rule: https://bit.ly/4iYNK1S

Need help understanding the current interest rate environment and navigating the homebuying process?

Message me today.

The New York Fed reports that fewer renters expect to move, reflecting shifts in the housing market and personal financial planning. This trend could have important implications for future economic activity.

What do you think is influencing renters’ decisions to stay in place?

Why Do Fewer Renters Expect to Move? - Liberty Street Economics A look at how Americans’ declining moving rates hold for homeowners and renters alike using data from the New York Fed’s annual SCE Housing Survey.