The Downing Group Blog

Exploring interest rates, housing prices, and market opportunities.   In this special episode, we are excited to have Mark Smith, our trusted preferred lender from Network Funding, join us to discuss the prevailing trends in the real estate industry. As the market landscape continues to evolve, we address the factors affecting interest rates, housing prices,… Read more »

Let’s put aside the alarmist news and ground our perspectives in reality. Are you apprehensive about an impending wave of foreclosures that might devastate the housing market? It’s time to put those worries to rest. With compelling data at hand, we can paint a much clearer picture of what lies ahead. Brace yourself for some… Read more »

What the experts say about home prices and which direction they’ll go.   Are you holding off on buying a home because you’re worried about what’s going to happen to home prices over the next few years? If so, I can help with that. What if I told you I have insight into what over… Read more »

Exploring both the pros and cons of renting vs. selling your property.   In recent years, short-term rentals have seen a surge in popularity as more homeowners explore the idea of converting their properties into rental spaces rather than selling them. While the prospect of earning passive income may be alluring, becoming a landlord comes… Read more »

Sharing an interview with home foundations expert John Knight. All homeowners need to know what to look for so they can take care of their homes, and one area that is often overlooked is the foundation of a home. However, this is a crucial area, so we’re here today to keep you informed. We’re sharing… Read more »

Here’s what you need to know about putting 20% down for a home purchase.   If you’re in the process of saving up for your first home, you’ve likely heard the rule that you should have a 20% down payment. However, that’s not always the case unless specifically required by your lender. Contrary to popular… Read more »

Explaining the importance of prequalification in the homebuying process.   Today, I’m diving deep into the topic of prequalifications. What is a prequalification letter and what are the steps you need to take to get one? I’m here to explain the instrument and the process in detail. What does a prequalification do for you and… Read more »

Explaining the truth behind the rise of foreclosure activity.   Have you seen the headlines about foreclosures rising? While they’re technically true, they don’t give you the full picture. Let me share with you the reality. In the video above, there’s a graph that shows even though foreclosure activity has grown, it’s still below pre-pandemic… Read more »

The latest statistics you need to know about our local housing market.   What’s happening in our housing market? Today, I’m here to share the latest statistics from our market. First, prices are increasing, which is great if you’re a homeowner but not so favorable if you’re a buyer. The median home sales price at… Read more »

Here are two main reasons why sellers today are listing their homes. Is it time to finally sell your house? To help you decide, think about what’s motivating other sellers and see if those reasons resonate with you.  According to a recent survey, most sellers are listing their homes right now because they want to… Read more »