APM BLOG

The holiday season is jam-packed with parties, shopping, cooking, gift-giving and obligations. With all this going on, you might assume that the festive season is the worst time to buy or sell a home.

The housing market isn’t what it was a year ago—and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Yes, interest rates are higher year over year, but in many markets, prices are decreasing or, at the very least, not increasing at the breakneck pace we’ve seen.

What's Going On With the Economy?

Elliot Eisenberg is back with information on where we are, what's coming and why rates are on the move.

It’s the dog days of summer—and we’d better take advantage of them while they’re here! Soon enough, it’ll be back to the grind. Let’s forget about that now, though. You’ve got sunshine to enjoy and water to splash in!

In honor of National Homeownership Month, we wanted to explore the ins and outs of house rules. Do you have house rules? Are they followed? Wondering what the most common rules are—or the biggest faux pas you can commit as a guest in someone else’s home?

Economic Update with APM Consulting Economist Elliot Eisenberg

This month, Elliot talks about housing inventory trends historically, and how that is affecting our current inventory crunch. He also addresses the fears many have about a recession - or even a repeat of the events of 2006-2008 (hint: this is NOT a repeat!). His perspective on the coming months and years includes discussion on rates, rents, and the impending influx of buyers.

The clock is ticking, but we still have a little time before 2022 is upon us. This year, no one could blame you for simply surviving the challenges that 2021 brought, but for those who want to thrive in the new year, setting a few effective resolutions can be your key to success.

The holidays are HERE! And what better way to celebrate than curled up with a few yummy dishes and the ones you love? Our APM family once again came through—sharing all their favorite holiday appetizers and sides with us. 

Passing recipes down from generation to generation—or coming up with new recipes that beget new memories and traditions—is one of the best things about the holidays. Regardless of what holidays you celebrate, the food, love, and family and friend time are what it’s all about. 

So we’re sharing a little food, love, and family with you, our extended APM family. We hope you enjoy the recipes—and the holiday season!

Giving and showing thanks benefits more than just the recipient; it does great things for the giver as well. And this isn’t new-age mumbo jumbo. It’s backed by science. 

Fall is a fun season to be enjoyed regardless of where you reside in the country. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to trek to New England or upstate New York to get a look at the beautiful fall foliage. There are opportunities all over the country—many likely within a day’s drive from you. 

Though plenty of leaf-peeping can be done outside of these regions, here are a few major players to get you started. 

You’ve just bought a home. Congrats! Now, you may wake up every morning feeling exactly as you did when you were renting. After all, aside from a new home and possibly a new neighborhood, not much has changed in your day-to-day life. 

While this may be true of your daily routine, your first year as a homeowner comes with some subtle differences compared to renting. For one, you’ve locked in your housing costs—and your residence—for as long as you want. There is also the peace of mind that comes with knowing that this property is yours. 

July 4—also known as Independence Day in the U.S.—celebrates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.  

You may have known that much, but there is so much more behind this beloved summer holiday, so let’s dive right in!

Believe it or not, there are many, many people who want to see you in the home of your dreams. We know that dream doesn’t always seem attainable. Money can be tight, and a down payment is just one more thing you have to save for.

Interest rates are still attractive, and inventory is creeping up, which means now is a great time to jump into the housing market! Here’s the thing, though. While “Zillowing” has become one of America’s favorite pastimes, actually buying a home isn’t as simple as jumping into the market. Unless you’re a cash buyer. In which case, bravo to you! 

The flowers are popping, the rabbits are hopping, and that dark winter sky is in the rearview mirror. That can only mean one thing: spring is finally here!

Your kids may feel more cooped up than usual this year thanks to the pandemic, homeschooling, and a series of winter storms throughout much of the U.S. So dust off your outdoor clothes and head into the sunshine—we’re about to make up for that lost time.

We’ve all been spending a lot of time at home, but what happens when the home you love no longer meets all your needs? You may feel trapped in the home you have, but that’s not really the case. You do have a few options to consider.

An accessory dwelling unit, or “ADU,” is a fancy phrase for a smaller stand-alone space on your property. They’re oftentimes referred to as guest houses, granny flats, or even pool houses. These modest spaces are functional, livable, and super convenient if you need more room but don’t feel like packing up and moving into a new home entirely.

The reasons to build an accessory dwelling unit are almost as diverse as the units themselves. Maybe your home feels cramped now that you’re trying to work from home while your kids are homeschooling. Maybe you have parents or in-laws who are at that stage where they need a little help but aren’t ready (or you’re not ready) for an assisted facility. The same can be true of college students or adult children who need to save money or perhaps have encountered some career or financial obstacles.

Everyone under one roof. The notion is becoming more and more common nowadays, especially during the pandemic. You have college students who no longer need to live on campus due to remote learning, adult children who are trying to save money, and aging parents who may need assistance but are not comfortable in a nursing home environment right now.

There are many benefits of living in a multigenerational home, not the least of which is the quality time you have with family members that you would otherwise miss out on. This has become particularly relevant during the pandemic, as social distancing and restrictions often prevent loved ones from not only gathering on a regular basis but also on family-focused holidays. This scenario is even more heartbreaking for elderly relatives, especially those in nursing homes whose compromised immune systems mean visitors are often not allowed.