Sunday, February 9, 2025 / by Vanessa Saunders
Just when we thought the real estate market couldn’t get any worse—surprise! Turns out rock bottom has a basement. And down in that dark, damp hole? A world where mortgage lenders run wild, credit scores are glitchy fiction, and hidden fees quietly drain bank accounts.
Why? Because the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)—the agency that kept banks, mortgage lenders, credit card companies, and debt collectors somewhat honest—has just been effectively shut down by its acting director.
So now, no oversight, no enforcement, no accountability. Just banks and lenders sharpening their knives while homebuyers, homeowners, and sellers are left to fend for themselves.
Welcome to the New Wild West of Real Estate.
Why This is a Real Estate Disaster Waiting to Happen
Mortgage Lenders Are Now Completely Unchecked
The CFPB used to monitor shady lending practices—forcing lenders to be transparent about fees, rates, and loan terms. Without it? Expect:
Hik ...
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real estate, buying a home, real estate market, finding a home, selling a home, transparency in real estate, cfpb
Friday, February 7, 2025 / by Vanessa Saunders
Cushman & Wakefield’s latest report confirms what we already know—housing affordability is in crisis. But Laconia has a choice: Step up, adapt, and fix this—or get left behind (again).
The Hard Truth in the Numbers
The latest Cushman & Wakefield U.S. Multifamily MarketBeat Report lays it all out: Read the full report here:
https://www.cushmanwakefield.com/en/united-states/insights/us-marketbeats/us-multifamily-marketbeat
Vacancy rates are up slightly, but don’t be fooled—demand for affordable housing is still outpacing supply.
Rents are rising, even as the market shifts.
New construction is slowing due to labor shortages and material costs, making the housing crisis even worse.
First-time buyers & Workforce housing applicants are getting outbid, leaving locals struggling to stay in their own communities.
And here’s where it gets even more frustrating: Zoning restrictions are preventing Laconia from using ; ...
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Monday, January 6, 2025 / by Vanessa Saunders
Stuck at Home (Literally)? Remodeling Might Be the Answer—Or Not
You’re not alone. Many homeowners are feeling stuck these days. Maybe you refinanced during the golden era of low interest rates, and your mortgage payment now feels like a sweet, sweet bargain you’d hate to lose. Or maybe your family has outgrown the house, and the thought of squeezing one more holiday gathering into your cramped living room makes you want to scream.
So, what’s the plan? Remodel, upgrade, or move? Before you make any decisions (or start knocking down walls), let’s talk through it.
When Remodeling Seems Like the Answer
Adding a new bedroom? Finally building that home office or ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit)? These can be great solutions—if they make sense for your long-term plans and your property’s value. But here’s the catch:
Zoning Changes: Dreaming of that ADU? Check your local zoning laws first. Trust me, nothing’s worse than sinking time an ...
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Saturday, December 28, 2024 / by Vanessa Saunders
Welcome to the world of real estate, where everyone thinks we’re psychic and chaos is part of the job description. As a buyer or seller, you’ve probably asked your Realtor one of these questions:
“How long will it take to sell my house?”
“What’s the market going to look like next month?”
“Should I wait for rates to drop before buying?”
Spoiler alert: If we had a crystal ball, we wouldn’t be here answering these questions—we’d be on a beach somewhere, sipping something with a tiny umbrella. Instead, we’re here, navigating Pandora’s Box (yes, we opened it) that is the real estate market.
The Market: A Crystal Ball in a Funhouse Mirror
Predicting how long it’ll take to sell your home or find your dream house is like trying to predict when your toddler will take their first steps—frustrating, full of guesswork, and occasionally a little magical.
In 2024, the housing . ...
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Wednesday, December 18, 2024 / by Vanessa Saunders
A recent CBS Morning segment explored the challenges of today’s housing market, highlighting rising mortgage rates and modest increases in home prices. At first glance, the data might seem concerning:
Mortgage rates have jumped from 3.10% in December 2021 to 6.60% in December 2024.
Median home prices have risen from $395,200 (Q3 2021) to $420,400 (Q3 2024).
This shift in affordability has sparked the question: Is homeownership still the wealth builder it once was?
The Bigger Picture
While the market has changed, real estate remains a long-term investment strategy—one that builds wealth over time. Here’s why:
Equity Growth Over Time: Owning a home means every mortgage payment contributes to equity—essentially forced savings. While prices may rise slower today, equity still grows, and homeownership protects against rising rent costs.
Stability in Uncertain Markets: Real estate has historically performed well as a hedge against inflation. Your mortga. ...
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new hampshire, real estate, new hampshire homes, buying a home, local market expertise, lakes region, real estate market, new hampshire broker, real estate expert, home buying process, buyer agent, home buying journey, finding a home, transparency in real estate, cbs, morning show
