• Owning a Home Helps Protect Against Inflation,Jay Herring

    Owning a Home Helps Protect Against Inflation

    You’re probably feeling the impact of high inflation every day as prices have gone up on groceries, gas, and more. If you’re a renter, you’re likely experiencing it a lot as your rent continues to rise. Between all of those elevated costs and uncertainty about a potential recession, you may be wondering if it still makes sense to buy a home today. The short answer is – it does. Here’s why.Homeownership actually shields you from the rising costs inflation brings.Freddie Mac explains how: “Not only will buying today help you begin to build equity, a fixed-rate mortgage can stabilize your monthly housing costs for the long-term even while other life expenses continue to rise  – as has been the case the past few years.” Unlike rents, which tend to rise with time, a fixed-rate mortgage payment is predictable over the life of the mortgage (typically 15 to 30 years). And, when the cost of most everything else is rising, keeping your housing payment stable is especially important.The alternative to homeownership is renting – and rents tend to move alongside inflation. That means as inflation goes up, your monthly rent payments tend to go up, too (see graph below):A fixed-rate mortgage allows you to protect yourself from future rent hikes. With inflation still high, when your rental agreement comes up for renewal, your property manager may decide to increase your payments to offset the impact of inflation. Maybe that’s why, according to a recent survey, 73% of property managers plan to raise rents over the next two years. Having your largest monthly expense remain stable in a time of economic uncertainty is a major perk of homeownership. If you continue to rent, you don’t have that same benefit and aren’t as protected from rising costs. Check out our FREE Market Evaluation Report and find out your home is worth!  Let’s connect today to discuss the options that are best for you.Watermark Real Estate Group: 843-989-0065 Bottom Line A stable housing payment is especially important in times of high inflation. Let’s connect so you can learn more and start your journey to homeownership today. Let's Connect Today!   Radha Herring, Broker | 843-424-8811 rherring@watermarkagents.comWatermark Real Estate GroupBig Corporate Experience | Small Business Heart            

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  • Why Buying a Vacation Home Beats Renting One This Summer,Jay Herring

    Why Buying a Vacation Home Beats Renting One This Summer

    For many of us, visiting the same vacation spot every year is a summer tradition that’s fun, relaxing, and restful. If that sounds like you, now’s the time to think about your plans and determine if buying a vacation home this year makes more sense than renting one again. According to Forbes:  “. . . if the idea of vacationing at the same place every year makes you feel instantaneously relaxed, buying a vacation home might be a wise move .”   To help you decide if making a move like this is right for you, let’s explore why you may want to consider purchasing a vacation home today.    Benefits of Owning Your Vacation Home You don’t have to worry about finding a place to stay. It can be a challenge to find a rental where you want, when you want. Some summer vacation destinations are more popular than others, meaning your favorite place may be booked up in advance. Bankrate  explains why owning your vacation home means you don’t have to worry about that sort of inconvenience:  “. . . a second home can offer a place to have quality time with your family and ensures that you always have a vacation destination .”   It’s an investment. Home values typically appreciate over the long haul. That holds true for your vacation home as well, especially if it’s in an area with growing market demand. This can help grow your net worth with time.  Vacation homes may provide tax benefits. If you own a vacation home, you may be eligible for tax deductions based on where it is. However, before buying, you’ll want to consult with a tax professional to discuss first as taxes can vary by location.It could potentially turn into a retirement location. If you love the location of your vacation home, you could potentially sell your primary residence and retire there in the future. How a Pro Can Help You Find Your Perfect Match As you’re preparing for summer vacation, remember, you could potentially visit your second home instead of another rental unit or hotel. If that sounds appealing to you, alocal real estate agent is your best resource. They have the knowledge and resources to help you understand the area and what vacation homes are available in your budget. Plus, these agents can explain the perks of how owning a second home can benefit you. Check out our FREE Market Evaluation Report and find out your home is worth!  Let’s connect today to discuss the options that are best for you.Watermark Real Estate Group: 843-989-0065 Bottom Line If any of these reasons for owning a vacation home resonate with you, let’s connect. You still have time to enjoy spending the summer in your vacation home. Let's Connect Today!   Radha Herring, Broker | 843-424-8811 rherring@watermarkagents.comWatermark Real Estate GroupBig Corporate Experience | Small Business Heart            

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