Today, Americans are moving for a variety of different reasons. The current health crisis has truly re-shaped our lifestyles and our needs. Spending extra time where we currently live is enabling many families to re-evaluate what homeownership means and what they find most important in a home.

According to Zillow:

“In 2020, homes went from the place people returned to after work, school, hitting the gym or vacationing, to the place where families do all of the above. For those who now spend the majority of their hours at home, there’s a growing wish list of what they’d change about their homes, if possible.” 

With a new perspective on homeownership, here are some of the top reasons people are reconsidering where they live and making

August is here and we hope you have been enjoying the wonderful weather and some outdoor time at home, on the Cape, or wherever you may be! This month, Nick takes a look at the Boston rental market and the changes being seen over the past few months. He also gives tips on how you can enjoy these wonderful summer days!

Over the past few months, we have seen some shifts in the rental market in and around Boston, can you talk a bit about this? 

The rental market here in Boston has taken a significant hit over the past few months.  As of today (August 17th) we have 4740 units currently on the market vs 1807 at the same time last year (per MLS).  This is an increase of 162.31%!  We now have 6.41 months of supply just sitting there vs 2.33 last

The news these days seems to have a mix of highs and lows. We may hear that an economic recovery is starting, but we’ve also seen some of the worst economic data in the history of our country. The challenge today is to understand exactly what’s going on and what it means relative to the road ahead. We’ve talked before about what experts expect in the second half of this year, and today that progress largely hinges upon the continued course of the virus.

A recent Wall Street Journal survey of economists noted, “A strong economic recovery depends on effective and sustained containment of Covid-19.” Given the uncertainty around the virus, we can also see what economists are forecasting for GDP in the third quarter of this year (see graph below):

Today’s housing market is making a truly impressive turnaround, and it’s also setting up some outstanding opportunities for buyers and sellers. Whether you’re thinking of buying or selling a home this year, there are perks today that are rarely available, and definitely worth looking into. Here are the top two.

The Biggest Perk for Buyers: Low Mortgage Rates

The most impressive buyer incentive today is the average mortgage interest rate. Just last week, mortgage rates hit an all-time low for the eighth time this year. The 30-year fixed-rate is now averaging 2.88%, the lowest rate in the survey’s history, which dates back to 1971 (See graph below):

This is a huge advantage for buyers. To put it in perspective, it means that today you can

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices announces their first network member in Mexico located in the American expatriate and retiree destination of San Miguel de Allende in central Mexico. The brokerage will operate as Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Colonial Homes San Miguel.

Already renowned as the “#1 City in the World” as designated twice each by Condé Nast Traveler and Travel & Leisure magazines, San Miguel de Allende is an ideal expansion for the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brand which has widespread name-recognition among Americans.

“We’ve been eyeing Mexico for some time as part of our global expansion,” said Gino Blefari, chairman of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. “With its strong American and Canadian population, San Miguel de

America has faced its share of challenges in 2020. A once-in-a-lifetime pandemic, a financial crisis leaving millions still unemployed, and an upcoming presidential election that may prove to be one of the most contentious in our nation’s history all continue to test this country in unimaginable ways.

Even with all of that uncertainty, the residential real estate market continues to show great resilience. Here’s a look at what the experts have said about the housing market over the past few weeks.

Ivy Zelman, CEO of Zelman & Associates:

“Whether in terms of pending contract activity or our proprietary buyer demand ratings, the various measures of demand captured in this month’s survey can only be described as shockingly strong, in spite