Rick Ferguson

The last two years caught many of us off guard—and not just because of the pandemic. They also ushered in the hottest housing market on record, with home prices rising nationally by nearly 19% in 2021, driven primarily by low mortgage rates and a major supply shortage.1 But while some had hoped 2022 would bring a return to … [Read more...] about Higher Rates and Short Supply: The State of Real Estate in 2022

Our nation is in the midst of a serious housing crunch, and Arizona is no exception. Last year, a lack of inventory and soaring prices left many would-be homebuyers feeling pinched. But now, with interest rates climbing, many of them are also feeling desperate to lock in a mortgage—which has only added fuel to the … [Read more...] about 5 Ways to Write a Winning Offer in Today’s Real Estate Market

We’re still in a seller’s market in Arizona, but that doesn’t mean your home is guaranteed to easily sell.1 If you want to maximize your sale price, it’s still important to prepare your home before putting it on the market. Start by connecting with an Arizona real estate agent as soon as possible. Having the eyes and ears of … [Read more...] about Seller’s Checklist: A Timeline to Prep Your Home for Sale

The annual inflation rate in the United States is currently around 7.5%—the highest it has been since 1982.1 It doesn’t matter if you’re a cashier, lawyer, plumber, or retiree; if you spend U.S. dollars, inflation impacts you. Economists expect the effects of inflation, like a higher cost of goods, to continue.2 Luckily, an … [Read more...] about Hedge Against Inflation With These 3 Real Estate Investment Types

There’s a lot to consider when selling your home, from the market and appraisals to where you’ll go next. Don’t forget, however, that design is also a key factor. It’s often one of the first things buyers notice when they walk into a home, and it’s also a detail that you, as a seller, can easily control. According to … [Read more...] about 8 Popular Home Design Features for 2022

Last year was one for the real estate history books. The pandemic helped usher in a buying frenzy that caused home prices to soar nationwide by a record 19.9% between August 2020 and August 2021.1 However, there were signs in the fourth quarter that the red-hot housing market was beginning to simmer down. In the month of … [Read more...] about A Return to Normal? The State of Real Estate in 2022

Every year, it seems the holidays sneak up on us—and every year, that brings with it the dreaded last-minute gift panic. Finding a present that hits all the right notes can be surprisingly stressful, even when it comes to people you’ve known for years. But have no fear! We’ve lined up a list of unique gifts for every “type” … [Read more...] about 20 Unique Home Gifts for Every Person on Your List