The Great Plains Regional MLS August 2022 real estate report is out and here’s what it says:

“Summer 2022 has been a season of change for the U.S. real estate market. With housing affordability at a 33-year low, existing-home sales have continued to soften nationwide, falling 5.9% month-to-month and 20.9% year-over-year as of last measure, according to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). Pending home sales have also continued to decline, while new listings have steadily increased, with unsold inventory reaching 3.3 months’ supply at the start of August. The pullback in demand has been particularly hard on homebuilders, causing new-home sales and construction to slow.”

“Inflation, higher interest rates, and fears of a potential recession

The Great Plains Regional MLS July 2022 real estate report is out and here’s what it says:

“The U.S. housing market has continued to cool, as rising mortgage rates and record-high sales prices have stifled affordability, weakening demand and pricing out a multitude of buyers. Nationally, median household income has failed to keep pace with increasing mortgage payments, with the costs of buying a home about 80% more expensive now than they were just three summers ago, according to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). As more and more prospective buyers find their home purchase plans delayed, many are turning to the rental market, where competition has intensified due to increased demand.”

“At a time of year when homebuying activity is

Considering moving to Omaha? Whether you’re moving back to the area, relocating for a job, or just looking for a new location, Omaha is the place for you. This guide will help you determine what you can afford, the best plan of attack for packing, and even help you pick a restaurant in your new neighborhood.

Determine What You Can Afford

First things first, you need to ask yourself the important question, “what type of home can I afford?” before even starting your search. Doing this will help you see the big picture of your finances. Organizing your finances when moving seems like a pretty typical thing to do, but some people get in the habit of spending money and it can get out of hand pretty quickly. Paying attention to your budget

The June 2022 real estate report released by the Great Plains Regional MLS is out and here’s what it says:

“Rising inflation, soaring home prices, and increased mortgage interest rates have combined to cause a slowdown in the U.S. housing market. To help quell inflation, which reached 8.6% as of last measure in May, the Federal Reserve raised interest rates by three quarters of a percentage point in June, the largest interest rate hike since 1994. Higher prices, coupled with 30-year fixed mortgage rates approaching 6%, have exacerbated affordability challenges and rapidly cooled demand, with home sales and mortgage applications falling sharply from a year ago.”

“With monthly mortgage payments up more than 50% compared to this time last year, the

After two years of record-setting activity, there are signs the housing market might be cooling. High home prices and a surge in mortgage interest rates are slowing buyer activity, with home sales declining for the third consecutive month under the weight of soaring homeownership costs. The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) reports existing home sales were down 2.4% from the previous month, while pending sales fell 3.9% as of last measure, extending the trend of recent months. Economists predict sales will continue to soften in the near future, which may put downward pressure on home prices.

The slowdown in sales has provided a much-needed lift to housing supply, with inventory up 10.8% from the previous month according to NAR, although supply

The Great Plains Regional MLS released its April 2022 data and here’s what it says:

The average 30-year fixed rate mortgage exceeded 5% in April, the highest level since 2011, according to Freddie Mac. The recent surge in mortgage rates has reduced the pool of eligible buyers and has caused mortgage applications to decline, with a significant impact on refinance applications, which are down more than 70% compared to this time last year. As the rising costs of homeownership force many Americans to adjust their budgets, an increasing number of buyers are hoping to help offset the costs by moving from bigger, more expensive cities to smaller areas that offer a more affordable cost of living.

Affordability challenges are limiting buying activity, and

Nationally, existing home sales recently dropped to a 6-month low, falling 7.2% as buyers struggled to find a home amid rising prices and historic low inventory. Pending sales are also down, declining 4.1% as of last measure, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. Builders are working hard to ramp up production—the U.S. Census Bureau reports housing starts are up 22.3% compared to a year ago—but higher construction costs and increasing sales prices continue to hamper new home sales, despite high demand for additional supply.

Across the country, consumers are feeling the bite of inflation and surging mortgage interest rates, which recently hit 4.6% in March, according to Freddie Mac, rising 1.4 percent since January and the highest rate in

Here's an excerpt from the February 2022 report released by the Great Plains Regional MLS:

The U.S. real estate market remains hot ahead of the spring selling season, with existing home sales up 6.7% as of last measure, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. Experts attribute the growth in sales to an uptick in mortgage interest rates, as buyers rushed to lock down their home purchases before rates move higher. Mortgage rates have increased almost a full percentage point since December, with the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage briefly exceeding 4% in February, the highest level since May 2019.

Inventory was at an all-time low of 860,000 as February began, down 17% from a year ago and equivalent to 1.6 months supply. According to

The 2022 real estate market begins where 2021 left off, in which existing home sales reached their highest level since 2006, with the National Association of REALTORS® reporting sales were up 8.5% compared to the previous year as homebuyers rushed to take advantage of historically low mortgage rates. Home sales would’ve been even greater were it not for soaring sales prices and a shortage of homes for sale in many markets, forcing a multitude of buyers to temporarily put their home purchase plans on hold.

For many buyers, 2022 marks a new opportunity to make their home purchase dreams a reality. But it won’t be without its challenges. Inventory of existing homes was at 910,000 at the start of the new year, the lowest level recorded since 1999,

In an effort to move towards sustainability and to save money, many homeowners have been embracing thrifting for both furniture and décor alike. Not only can thrifted wares be a lovely addition to a home, but they also tend to be more affordable than many new options. The city of Omaha offers plenty in terms of re-purposed decor, furniture, and beyond. Here are some excellent options to inspire a thrifty journey.

Photo by S O C I A L . C U T on Unsplash

Goodwill has multiple area locations, from Papillion to West Omaha to Council Bluffs. In fact, Goodwill has 17 area locations for shopping and donations, making it convenient from anywhere in the metro. While they mostly provide low-cost clothing, Goodwill also stocks area rugs, small appliances,